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The Devil Can Be Kind
Not everything we bury stays dead.
Some secrets cannot be hidden. Some loyalties can never be reclaimed. And some passions are destined to destroy everything in their path...with sometimes irrevocable consequences.
When Adalyn Mannino is abducted by a rival mafia family, she expects her father to pay the ransom and bring her home. But as days turn into weeks, she realizes the devastating truth – her family isn’t coming for her.
Betrayed by her own blood and trapped in an opulent underworld, Adalyn’s life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Mafia Boss, Don Marco La Torre. Known for his ruthless power and formidable temperament, Marco is a man whose heart is hidden beneath layers of darkness.
Until Adalyn.
An unlikely connection ignites between captor and captive - one that neither can resist. But as long-buried secrets resurface, their bond is tested in ways neither anticipated. With danger closing in from all sides, Adalyn and Marco must navigate a treacherous world of loyalty and betrayal – where survival comes at a deadly price.
This is a standalone dark romance novel and is intended for mature readers only (18+). The novel contains numerous trigger/content warnings. Reader discretion is advised.
For a full list of trigger warnings, please visit www.elenalucas.com
Some secrets cannot be hidden. Some loyalties can never be reclaimed. And some passions are destined to destroy everything in their path...with sometimes irrevocable consequences.
When Adalyn Mannino is abducted by a rival mafia family, she expects her father to pay the ransom and bring her home. But as days turn into weeks, she realizes the devastating truth – her family isn’t coming for her.
Betrayed by her own blood and trapped in an opulent underworld, Adalyn’s life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Mafia Boss, Don Marco La Torre. Known for his ruthless power and formidable temperament, Marco is a man whose heart is hidden beneath layers of darkness.
Until Adalyn.
An unlikely connection ignites between captor and captive - one that neither can resist. But as long-buried secrets resurface, their bond is tested in ways neither anticipated. With danger closing in from all sides, Adalyn and Marco must navigate a treacherous world of loyalty and betrayal – where survival comes at a deadly price.
This is a standalone dark romance novel and is intended for mature readers only (18+). The novel contains numerous trigger/content warnings. Reader discretion is advised.
For a full list of trigger warnings, please visit www.elenalucas.com
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
22 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 23, 2025
YESSSSSS!!!! THIS IS WHAT I WANT DAMMIT! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH TAKE THAT SUBMISSION!
Oh where to start indeed. I am floored. To think that this is this author's debut work. OMG. Take my money already! You've bought yourself a fan, Ms Lucas! I'll be watching out for more books from her from now on.
To set the bar low for a second, this is your typical mafia romance book. Yup. Girl got kidnapped by a mafia don, her parents didn't want to pay the ransom, she got stuck in an awkward situation where she had to roommate with her captor. Yup.
However, what sets this book apart from the rest, well at least for me, is the relationship dynamic between our two main leads. My god. The banter? I fucking love good banter between captor and captive (not that she was a captive for long). A mafia leader with a heart of gold? Unrealistic? That's fiction baby! Lovable supporting characters. Annoying side bitches. Closed proximity. Burning tension.
Also I got my bitch slapping scene! YASSSSS! That whole scene is golden! I cackled myself to death.
Sighhh. I need more books like this. Fun book.
Though, side note, TW for rape. It didn't happen in the current timeline.
Anyways, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and that's a rare compliment from me. I feel so good after reading this one. I hope you'll enjoy this one too!
Oh where to start indeed. I am floored. To think that this is this author's debut work. OMG. Take my money already! You've bought yourself a fan, Ms Lucas! I'll be watching out for more books from her from now on.
To set the bar low for a second, this is your typical mafia romance book. Yup. Girl got kidnapped by a mafia don, her parents didn't want to pay the ransom, she got stuck in an awkward situation where she had to roommate with her captor. Yup.
However, what sets this book apart from the rest, well at least for me, is the relationship dynamic between our two main leads. My god. The banter? I fucking love good banter between captor and captive (not that she was a captive for long). A mafia leader with a heart of gold? Unrealistic? That's fiction baby! Lovable supporting characters. Annoying side bitches. Closed proximity. Burning tension.
Also I got my bitch slapping scene! YASSSSS! That whole scene is golden! I cackled myself to death.
Sighhh. I need more books like this. Fun book.
Though, side note, TW for rape. It didn't happen in the current timeline.
Anyways, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and that's a rare compliment from me. I feel so good after reading this one. I hope you'll enjoy this one too!
February 19, 2025
General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ The Devil Can Be Kind be Elena Lucas (@elenucas_author) is a mafia romance and her debut novel ✨✨✨
Dedication:
To all those that feel powerless: You are seen. You are heard. You are loved. And on the days where you feel like the world is against you - find the Adalyn in you. I promise she is in there.
Tropes:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Captive / captor
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Kidnapping
🖤 Antihero
🖤 Lost Family
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Banter
🖤 Strong & Bratty FMC
I can tell you one thing for sure: YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK! This is the best mafia romance I've read in quite a while, and I was completely sucked into it. I was so curious when I saw this ARC, and even more surprised to find out it was a proof copy. Unfortunately, the universe didn't think I should be this lucky. But Elena came through and gave me an eARC 🖤 Thank you 🖤
It is the story of Adalyn, the only child of an undercover Mafia boss, who is not allowed to lead a self-determined life. Her sole purpose is to form an alliance with another Mafia gang in the Cosa Nostra through marriage. After Adalyn is kidnapped by a rival Mafia Don out of revenge, she learns that blood is not always thicker than water. Left to her own devices and still in the hands of Don Marco, one of the most powerful Dons, her world falls apart. However, Don Marco reveals a completely different side to her, contrasting with his ruthless reputation.
This story is filled with emotions such as self-doubt and loneliness, and it sharply criticizes the outdated macho values of the Mafia. Elena manages to captivate us completely, and the constant switch between hot and cold, as well as push and pull, makes it hard to put the book down.
Quotes:
“Something funny?” I demanded, turning my whole body to face him as he turned the key. “Your get-away bag literally has nothing but handbags in it.” He eventually managed to get out. “They are Chanel handbags! What was I supposed to do?” I answered furiously as he started the car.
“You’ll see how special I am when my d!çk is so deep inside you, you can’t fųçking breathe.”
“You’re a pain in the ass you know.” He muttered. “You’re not exactly sunshine and butterflies either.” But you goddamn love it, don’t you Ada? He smirked, looking every bit as charming as the devil himself.
#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #books #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #touchheranddie #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #arc #review #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ The Devil Can Be Kind be Elena Lucas (@elenucas_author) is a mafia romance and her debut novel ✨✨✨
Dedication:
To all those that feel powerless: You are seen. You are heard. You are loved. And on the days where you feel like the world is against you - find the Adalyn in you. I promise she is in there.
Tropes:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Captive / captor
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Kidnapping
🖤 Antihero
🖤 Lost Family
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Banter
🖤 Strong & Bratty FMC
I can tell you one thing for sure: YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK! This is the best mafia romance I've read in quite a while, and I was completely sucked into it. I was so curious when I saw this ARC, and even more surprised to find out it was a proof copy. Unfortunately, the universe didn't think I should be this lucky. But Elena came through and gave me an eARC 🖤 Thank you 🖤
It is the story of Adalyn, the only child of an undercover Mafia boss, who is not allowed to lead a self-determined life. Her sole purpose is to form an alliance with another Mafia gang in the Cosa Nostra through marriage. After Adalyn is kidnapped by a rival Mafia Don out of revenge, she learns that blood is not always thicker than water. Left to her own devices and still in the hands of Don Marco, one of the most powerful Dons, her world falls apart. However, Don Marco reveals a completely different side to her, contrasting with his ruthless reputation.
This story is filled with emotions such as self-doubt and loneliness, and it sharply criticizes the outdated macho values of the Mafia. Elena manages to captivate us completely, and the constant switch between hot and cold, as well as push and pull, makes it hard to put the book down.
Quotes:
“Something funny?” I demanded, turning my whole body to face him as he turned the key. “Your get-away bag literally has nothing but handbags in it.” He eventually managed to get out. “They are Chanel handbags! What was I supposed to do?” I answered furiously as he started the car.
“You’ll see how special I am when my d!çk is so deep inside you, you can’t fųçking breathe.”
“You’re a pain in the ass you know.” He muttered. “You’re not exactly sunshine and butterflies either.” But you goddamn love it, don’t you Ada? He smirked, looking every bit as charming as the devil himself.
#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #books #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #touchheranddie #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #arc #review #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
February 18, 2025
My first physical ARC and boy was it a good one!
I love a good mafia romance, and this ticks the boxes, tick, tick, tick! Slow burn, but oh, so worth it - the edging was REAL 🤣
Adalyn, ever the quiet little mafia princess -pfft, boy u've got that wrong 🤣 she's a total badass - the amount of times I shouted "shut up Ada" 🤣 I lost count! She's full of that bratty temperament we all love, but she does have her demons, and the way the story progressed aligned with what you would expect having faced what she has.
Marco, Elena, will all respect - "What the fxk are you doing?" The man was intense, unpredictable, and utterly divine! Don't be fooled by the Mafia Don. He keeps his cards close to his chest.
Jesse, Jesse, Jesse ... how I loved Jesse, the down-to-earth nature he has, the humour he brings, gosh, I love him! I NEEED MORE OF HIM - can we please have a Jesse book?
After a night out with friends, Ada finds herself in a hostage situation within a rivalry that's lasted many years, but it's okay, her family will pay the ransom and she can return to her quiet little life, hiding in the shadows under the control of men, right?
We will not be discussing the "you better not have!" situation. But also "HeeHaw" 🤣
Mafia, enemies to lovers, tension, angst, twists, laughs, elaborate shopping 🤣. Her story more than his.
Please familiarise yourself with the content before you start.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
I love a good mafia romance, and this ticks the boxes, tick, tick, tick! Slow burn, but oh, so worth it - the edging was REAL 🤣
Adalyn, ever the quiet little mafia princess -pfft, boy u've got that wrong 🤣 she's a total badass - the amount of times I shouted "shut up Ada" 🤣 I lost count! She's full of that bratty temperament we all love, but she does have her demons, and the way the story progressed aligned with what you would expect having faced what she has.
Marco, Elena, will all respect - "What the fxk are you doing?" The man was intense, unpredictable, and utterly divine! Don't be fooled by the Mafia Don. He keeps his cards close to his chest.
Jesse, Jesse, Jesse ... how I loved Jesse, the down-to-earth nature he has, the humour he brings, gosh, I love him! I NEEED MORE OF HIM - can we please have a Jesse book?
After a night out with friends, Ada finds herself in a hostage situation within a rivalry that's lasted many years, but it's okay, her family will pay the ransom and she can return to her quiet little life, hiding in the shadows under the control of men, right?
We will not be discussing the "you better not have!" situation. But also "HeeHaw" 🤣
Mafia, enemies to lovers, tension, angst, twists, laughs, elaborate shopping 🤣. Her story more than his.
Please familiarise yourself with the content before you start.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
March 1, 2025
ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ʙʏ ᴇʟᴇɴᴀ ʟᴜᴄᴀꜱ
I’ve been craving another dark mafia romance read lately and this gave me everything I could have wanted 🙂↕️ Adalyn is taken for ransom by a rival family and her life completely changes once she meets Don Marco La Torre. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that not everyone is as they seem.
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇɴ’ᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅɪᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴇʟꜱᴇ. ᴅᴏɴ ʟᴀ ᴛᴏʀʀᴇ ɪꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀ.”
Marco is as possessive as they come and combine that with Adalyn who is not the slightest bit afraid to talk back to him? I was kicking my feet every time these two got into it 👏🏻 The BANTER between them was literal perfection and made the spice that much better once it hit.
“ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴄᴋ ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɪɴɢ?”
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪꜰɪᴄ.”
“ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴄᴋ ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴘᴇɴᴅ $240,000 ᴏɴ?”
🖤Enemies to lovers
🥀Betrayal & revenge
🖤Touch her & ☠️
🥀Forced proximity
“ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀᴅᴀ. ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ᴅᴏ… ɪ’ʟʟ ꜰᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴠɪᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴍᴏᴜᴛʜ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ.”
There was just enough slow burn to build the tension and I flew through it! I loved getting to see Marco recognize his feelings for Adalyn and attempt to do better for her even if it didn’t come easily. Once the two of them started opening up to each other? I could not get enough!
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ʜᴇʀ - ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ʏᴏᴜ.”
“ʏᴏᴜ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪꜰ ɪ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ɪᴛ ᴏɴᴄᴇ, ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰʀᴇᴇ.”
Also - BEST side characters ever. Jesse had me cracking up and the fact that he would team up with Ada to annoy Marco 😂 LOVE him just as much!
I’ve been craving another dark mafia romance read lately and this gave me everything I could have wanted 🙂↕️ Adalyn is taken for ransom by a rival family and her life completely changes once she meets Don Marco La Torre. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that not everyone is as they seem.
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇɴ’ᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅɪᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴇʟꜱᴇ. ᴅᴏɴ ʟᴀ ᴛᴏʀʀᴇ ɪꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀ.”
Marco is as possessive as they come and combine that with Adalyn who is not the slightest bit afraid to talk back to him? I was kicking my feet every time these two got into it 👏🏻 The BANTER between them was literal perfection and made the spice that much better once it hit.
“ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴄᴋ ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɪɴɢ?”
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪꜰɪᴄ.”
“ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴄᴋ ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴘᴇɴᴅ $240,000 ᴏɴ?”
🖤Enemies to lovers
🥀Betrayal & revenge
🖤Touch her & ☠️
🥀Forced proximity
“ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀᴅᴀ. ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ᴅᴏ… ɪ’ʟʟ ꜰᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴠɪᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴍᴏᴜᴛʜ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ.”
There was just enough slow burn to build the tension and I flew through it! I loved getting to see Marco recognize his feelings for Adalyn and attempt to do better for her even if it didn’t come easily. Once the two of them started opening up to each other? I could not get enough!
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ʜᴇʀ - ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ʏᴏᴜ.”
“ʏᴏᴜ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪꜰ ɪ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ɪᴛ ᴏɴᴄᴇ, ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰʀᴇᴇ.”
Also - BEST side characters ever. Jesse had me cracking up and the fact that he would team up with Ada to annoy Marco 😂 LOVE him just as much!
February 13, 2025
Let’s be real, folks. Mafia romances are a dime a dozen. They’re like the rom-coms of the book world – predictable, often cheesy, but sometimes, just sometimes, you find a diamond in the rough. And let me tell you, this book? Pure diamond. I absolutely devoured it. Like, stayed up way past my bedtime, “just one more chapter” devoured it.
The premise? Adalyn gets kidnapped, her family basically shrugs, and she ends up falling for her captor, the enigmatic Don Marco La Torre. Sounds familiar, right? But author @elenalucas_author takes this trope and injects it with a lethal dose of wit, sizzling chemistry, and genuine emotional depth. Adalyn isn’t some damsel waiting to be rescued. She’s smart, sassy, and gives Marco a run for his money. And Marco? Forget the brooding alpha stereotype. He’s complex, damaged, and surprisingly…vulnerable? Okay, maybe still a little alpha, but in a good way.
The chemistry between Adalyn and Marco is off the charts. It’s the kind of tension that makes you sweat a little, you know?
Look, if you’re looking for a light, fluffy read, this might not be it. It’s got darkness, it’s got danger, and it definitely has consequences. But if you’re craving a mafia romance with substance, a story that will keep you guessing until the very last page, then grab this one. You won’t regret it. Just clear your schedule, because you won’t be able to put it down.
Huge thank you to @elenalucas_author for sending me an amazing PR box along with an E-Arc! Forever grateful for you!
The premise? Adalyn gets kidnapped, her family basically shrugs, and she ends up falling for her captor, the enigmatic Don Marco La Torre. Sounds familiar, right? But author @elenalucas_author takes this trope and injects it with a lethal dose of wit, sizzling chemistry, and genuine emotional depth. Adalyn isn’t some damsel waiting to be rescued. She’s smart, sassy, and gives Marco a run for his money. And Marco? Forget the brooding alpha stereotype. He’s complex, damaged, and surprisingly…vulnerable? Okay, maybe still a little alpha, but in a good way.
The chemistry between Adalyn and Marco is off the charts. It’s the kind of tension that makes you sweat a little, you know?
Look, if you’re looking for a light, fluffy read, this might not be it. It’s got darkness, it’s got danger, and it definitely has consequences. But if you’re craving a mafia romance with substance, a story that will keep you guessing until the very last page, then grab this one. You won’t regret it. Just clear your schedule, because you won’t be able to put it down.
Huge thank you to @elenalucas_author for sending me an amazing PR box along with an E-Arc! Forever grateful for you!
February 25, 2025
Elena Lucas’ The Devil Can Be Kind has all the makings of what I love in a mafia romance—An outspoken, snarky FMC who doesn’t double down, an MMC who is quick to react in an often violent way when it comes to her, great supporting characters, and of course steamy scenes.
I loved Adalyn’s character and the dialogue that was written between her and Marco throughout the story. Marco, the mafia Don, was not a likable character, intentionally so. And the slow burn of Adalyn and Marco’s relationship kept me on edge. Marco had to win me over as well, and he did. There was drama, and lots of it. But I love that in a story. I love OW drama. I love it when things get stirred up. And Elena Lucas brings it. Adalyn is not a weak character, facing all the drama head-on.
The Devil Can Be Kind was an enjoyable mafia romance read, and I hope to read more from Elena Lucas in the future.
Thank you to Author Elena Lucas for the gifted Advance Reader Copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Adalyn’s character and the dialogue that was written between her and Marco throughout the story. Marco, the mafia Don, was not a likable character, intentionally so. And the slow burn of Adalyn and Marco’s relationship kept me on edge. Marco had to win me over as well, and he did. There was drama, and lots of it. But I love that in a story. I love OW drama. I love it when things get stirred up. And Elena Lucas brings it. Adalyn is not a weak character, facing all the drama head-on.
The Devil Can Be Kind was an enjoyable mafia romance read, and I hope to read more from Elena Lucas in the future.
Thank you to Author Elena Lucas for the gifted Advance Reader Copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2025
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 stars!
Book: The Devil Can Be Kind by Elena Lucas
First of all, I want to mention how grateful I am to have received this physical advanced readers copy! Thank you so much for trusting me with your book, I had a great time reading your story!!
"𝘐𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘢 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘢."
The slow burn was burning!! With Adalyn being taken by a rival family, she's trying to make a life for herself while also trying to resist the dark and ruthless Mafia Boss. Don Marco is not willing to give up his Ada that quickly. Also, when given a Mafia Don's credit card, you better spend it on a car or two 😏
"𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦...𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵'𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳: 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
I absolutely enjoyed reading this story about Marco and Adalyn, captor and captive! The banter between these two had me laughing out loud at times and don't even get me started on the side character Jesse! He was such a great addition to this story, loved their friendship!
"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵!"....."𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦."
I want to thank Elena Lucas for sending me a physical ARC to read and review 🖤
Book: The Devil Can Be Kind by Elena Lucas
First of all, I want to mention how grateful I am to have received this physical advanced readers copy! Thank you so much for trusting me with your book, I had a great time reading your story!!
"𝘐𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘢 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘢."
The slow burn was burning!! With Adalyn being taken by a rival family, she's trying to make a life for herself while also trying to resist the dark and ruthless Mafia Boss. Don Marco is not willing to give up his Ada that quickly. Also, when given a Mafia Don's credit card, you better spend it on a car or two 😏
"𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦...𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵'𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳: 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
I absolutely enjoyed reading this story about Marco and Adalyn, captor and captive! The banter between these two had me laughing out loud at times and don't even get me started on the side character Jesse! He was such a great addition to this story, loved their friendship!
"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵!"....."𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦."
I want to thank Elena Lucas for sending me a physical ARC to read and review 🖤
February 12, 2025
This book was phenomenal. It was everything I look for in a dark mafia romance. Mar o was so brooding and fought his feelings, but my girl Ada was always going to win him over with her sass and defiance.
The story was fast-paced and had me hooked from the very first page. It is full of memorable one-liners that either had me cackling or deep in my feels!!
The slow burn of Ada and Marcos relationship is so well written. The angst and the pining were spot on, and when they finally gave in, it was electric.
It is very hard to believe that this is Elenas' debut. The story is so well written, and the world building was superb and leaves room for more books in this world. We got enough from the side characters to have me invested in them, and now I need their stories! Especially Jesse!!
The story was fast-paced and had me hooked from the very first page. It is full of memorable one-liners that either had me cackling or deep in my feels!!
The slow burn of Ada and Marcos relationship is so well written. The angst and the pining were spot on, and when they finally gave in, it was electric.
It is very hard to believe that this is Elenas' debut. The story is so well written, and the world building was superb and leaves room for more books in this world. We got enough from the side characters to have me invested in them, and now I need their stories! Especially Jesse!!
February 27, 2025
for Elena's debut book, she knocked it out of the park. It has been so long that I've read a mafia story that wasn't just rinse and repeat, so I was pleasantly surprised with Elena's take.
The way the FMC's trauma was approached was beautifully done. Elena did a wonderful job with the heavy moments and the funniest scenes that had me giggling at 12am. I could not put the book down, it was definitely a “oh just one more chapter” kind of book.
The gist is, Adalyn gets kidnapped due to her family being a bunch of shit heads and guess what? They continue to be shitheads and say oh well. Don Marco La Torre doesn’t like that so he- oh wait, go read the book to find out what he thinks 😉
Basically, Elena did a knock out job and if you’re looking for a mafia book that will keep you up all night long for all the right reasons, look no further.
Also really REALLY hoping we get a book two with a certain someone 😏
The way the FMC's trauma was approached was beautifully done. Elena did a wonderful job with the heavy moments and the funniest scenes that had me giggling at 12am. I could not put the book down, it was definitely a “oh just one more chapter” kind of book.
The gist is, Adalyn gets kidnapped due to her family being a bunch of shit heads and guess what? They continue to be shitheads and say oh well. Don Marco La Torre doesn’t like that so he- oh wait, go read the book to find out what he thinks 😉
Basically, Elena did a knock out job and if you’re looking for a mafia book that will keep you up all night long for all the right reasons, look no further.
Also really REALLY hoping we get a book two with a certain someone 😏
Read
February 28, 2025ARC Review ~
Overall enjoyed this one! Very fun and crushable read! Ada and Marco are from rival mafia families and after being taken captive by Marco as ransom for revenge, Ada is ultimately betrayed by her family and left to pick up the pieces.
Ada is the epitome of a braaaaattty girl trying to push Marco's buttons 😂 I appreciated her character arc though, showing nice growth as she worked through feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and past trauma. Marco is an absolute cinnamon roll through and through, and I loved him for that 🥰
I personally wouldn't consider this a dark romance. I was hoping for more of a dark romance edge but if you're someone that's wary of daaark DR this is a very tame/safe read! Note that there are still trigger warnings (traumatic backstory).
I had a couple issues with the pacing and the balance of the slow-burn, but the spice was delicious! Mafia romances can be so hit or miss in my experience, but this was better than many Mafia romances I've read by seasoned authors. Congratulations on the debut Elena, can't wait to see what's next! 😁
Overall enjoyed this one! Very fun and crushable read! Ada and Marco are from rival mafia families and after being taken captive by Marco as ransom for revenge, Ada is ultimately betrayed by her family and left to pick up the pieces.
Ada is the epitome of a braaaaattty girl trying to push Marco's buttons 😂 I appreciated her character arc though, showing nice growth as she worked through feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and past trauma. Marco is an absolute cinnamon roll through and through, and I loved him for that 🥰
I personally wouldn't consider this a dark romance. I was hoping for more of a dark romance edge but if you're someone that's wary of daaark DR this is a very tame/safe read! Note that there are still trigger warnings (traumatic backstory).
I had a couple issues with the pacing and the balance of the slow-burn, but the spice was delicious! Mafia romances can be so hit or miss in my experience, but this was better than many Mafia romances I've read by seasoned authors. Congratulations on the debut Elena, can't wait to see what's next! 😁
March 1, 2025
There is no way this is Lucas’ debut novel! The writing, the humour, the emotions, everything about this was top tier!
When Adalyn is kidnapped by Marco as a way to get back at her father for something that happened years ago the sparks between the two are instantaneous. Ada’s backbone and sharp wit draw Marco in and it’s a rollercoaster ride from there.
The spice was great. the emotions you feel while reading the book, even better.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
When Adalyn is kidnapped by Marco as a way to get back at her father for something that happened years ago the sparks between the two are instantaneous. Ada’s backbone and sharp wit draw Marco in and it’s a rollercoaster ride from there.
The spice was great. the emotions you feel while reading the book, even better.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
March 1, 2025
This book had me screamingggg and laughing!! I’ve cried and kicked my feet!! The angst between Marco and Ada! He is fiercely possessive of her and his words literally make you melt!! Ada!!! An FMC that has no filter! She knows she needs to shut her mouth but literally vomit spills every time. You can’t help but fall in love with not just the main characters but the men that work for Marco!! Jesse!! Omg! I loved him! This book was so such a great time!
March 27, 2025
Can someone direct me to where the 5 star version of this story is? Because what I read wasn’t even in the same galaxy.
February 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
“𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓰𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻 - 𝓶𝓮.”
This is a standalone dark, mafia romance. The content, both on and off page, will NOT be suitable for everyone. It covers topics that may be triggering. You MUST proceed with caution; your mental health matters.
Fu€k… what a book.
I absolutely devoured this over the weekend, it would have been drastically shorter had my body not needed sleep.
It’s taken me FOUR days to write this review as I wanted to ensure I gave it the recognition and love that it so rightly deserves.
To say this is a debut novel, it blew me straight out of the water. Elena has a unique writing style that is instantly captivating and had me page turning like a maniac. I couldn’t get enough and I still need more. This is, without a doubt, going to be a re-read.
This had everything to make it stand out from the crowd. It was emotionally immersive; Elena had me falling head first into a world full of secrets, savage betrayal and pure sexual desire. I’m not ashamed to admit I had wet eyes at moments, I belly laughed at Ada’s audacious behaviour alongside Jesse’s banter and Don La Torre had me sweating in places no lady should sweat. It was angsty, it was passionate, it was exhilarating… I couldn’t read it fast enough.
Elena painted a cracking masterpiece with this read. The plot was brilliantly structured and instantly gripping; it had heavy emotional conflict intricately woven throughout the twists and turns I just didn’t see coming. It was also full to the brim of beautifully written characters. The development and growth was brilliant. I adore how Elena gave all her characters, even the side ones, the same level of detail and attention.
Ada is my spirit character, I loved her so much! She was beautiful, intelligent and knew exactly how to get under Marco’s skin and boy did she know how to push boundaries. I love how she gave as good as she got and her relationship with Jesse was heartwarming.
Marco is the definition of a King; he was hot, he was brooding and he was dominating. Everything you’d expect from a mafia Don but he had a kinder side that only came to the surface around Adalyn. His ever present frustration underlined with attraction and Ada’s blatant disrespect made for a passionate clash.
Elena truly captured the essence of enemies to lovers here. The constant back and forth was brilliantly written - it was utter perfection.
🩸Dark Mafia Romance
🩸MF
🩸Dual POV
🩸Enemies to Lovers
🩸Forced Proximity
🩸Secret Identity
🩸Reveng€/Betrayal
🩸Morally Grey
🩸Slow Burn
🩸”Good Girl”
🩸Captor/Captive
🩸Banter for days
🩸Bratty FMC
🩸Possessive/Protective MMC
Would recommend a million times over and then some more 🙌🏼
🌶️🌶️.5/5
“𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓰𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻 - 𝓶𝓮.”
This is a standalone dark, mafia romance. The content, both on and off page, will NOT be suitable for everyone. It covers topics that may be triggering. You MUST proceed with caution; your mental health matters.
Fu€k… what a book.
I absolutely devoured this over the weekend, it would have been drastically shorter had my body not needed sleep.
It’s taken me FOUR days to write this review as I wanted to ensure I gave it the recognition and love that it so rightly deserves.
To say this is a debut novel, it blew me straight out of the water. Elena has a unique writing style that is instantly captivating and had me page turning like a maniac. I couldn’t get enough and I still need more. This is, without a doubt, going to be a re-read.
This had everything to make it stand out from the crowd. It was emotionally immersive; Elena had me falling head first into a world full of secrets, savage betrayal and pure sexual desire. I’m not ashamed to admit I had wet eyes at moments, I belly laughed at Ada’s audacious behaviour alongside Jesse’s banter and Don La Torre had me sweating in places no lady should sweat. It was angsty, it was passionate, it was exhilarating… I couldn’t read it fast enough.
Elena painted a cracking masterpiece with this read. The plot was brilliantly structured and instantly gripping; it had heavy emotional conflict intricately woven throughout the twists and turns I just didn’t see coming. It was also full to the brim of beautifully written characters. The development and growth was brilliant. I adore how Elena gave all her characters, even the side ones, the same level of detail and attention.
Ada is my spirit character, I loved her so much! She was beautiful, intelligent and knew exactly how to get under Marco’s skin and boy did she know how to push boundaries. I love how she gave as good as she got and her relationship with Jesse was heartwarming.
Marco is the definition of a King; he was hot, he was brooding and he was dominating. Everything you’d expect from a mafia Don but he had a kinder side that only came to the surface around Adalyn. His ever present frustration underlined with attraction and Ada’s blatant disrespect made for a passionate clash.
Elena truly captured the essence of enemies to lovers here. The constant back and forth was brilliantly written - it was utter perfection.
🩸Dark Mafia Romance
🩸MF
🩸Dual POV
🩸Enemies to Lovers
🩸Forced Proximity
🩸Secret Identity
🩸Reveng€/Betrayal
🩸Morally Grey
🩸Slow Burn
🩸”Good Girl”
🩸Captor/Captive
🩸Banter for days
🩸Bratty FMC
🩸Possessive/Protective MMC
Would recommend a million times over and then some more 🙌🏼
February 20, 2025
✔️ Mafia romance
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Touch her and die
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Betrayal and revenge
With this checklist aren’t you already convinced to start reading this book? Because I definitely was and let me tell you, you wouldn’t be disappointed with this story. If I hadn’t know before hand that this would be the authors debut novel I wouldn’t have guessed it because this book was absolutely amazing.
Adalyn Mannino is the only child from an undercover Mafia boss in Las Vegas, who is not allowed to live her life the way she wants too. Because her only purpose is to form an alliance with another Mafia family through marriage. After Adalyn is kidnapped by a family rival who is out for revenge, she starts to learn that blood is not always thicker than water. When she finds herself alone in the hands of Don Marco La Torre, one of the most powerful and ruthless Dons, her world falls apart. Yet Don Marco reveals a completely different side to her. A side that not a lot of people ever have had the privilege of to experience.
Adalyn and Marco are everything you want in a FMC and MMC. Their banter, the sarcasm that Adalyn constantly had at Marco had me giggling and kicking my feet. She definitely give him hell. Marco is the intense brooding man of few words but the heat just radiates off him. The tension was there right from the beginning slowly building. There were so many funny moments in the story like when they went to the drive-thru because Adalyn was hungry on their first ride with Adalyn’s new car. Or when Marco went to show Adalyn his driving skills in that empty parking lot.
I loved this book and characters so much and I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Touch her and die
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Betrayal and revenge
With this checklist aren’t you already convinced to start reading this book? Because I definitely was and let me tell you, you wouldn’t be disappointed with this story. If I hadn’t know before hand that this would be the authors debut novel I wouldn’t have guessed it because this book was absolutely amazing.
Adalyn Mannino is the only child from an undercover Mafia boss in Las Vegas, who is not allowed to live her life the way she wants too. Because her only purpose is to form an alliance with another Mafia family through marriage. After Adalyn is kidnapped by a family rival who is out for revenge, she starts to learn that blood is not always thicker than water. When she finds herself alone in the hands of Don Marco La Torre, one of the most powerful and ruthless Dons, her world falls apart. Yet Don Marco reveals a completely different side to her. A side that not a lot of people ever have had the privilege of to experience.
Adalyn and Marco are everything you want in a FMC and MMC. Their banter, the sarcasm that Adalyn constantly had at Marco had me giggling and kicking my feet. She definitely give him hell. Marco is the intense brooding man of few words but the heat just radiates off him. The tension was there right from the beginning slowly building. There were so many funny moments in the story like when they went to the drive-thru because Adalyn was hungry on their first ride with Adalyn’s new car. Or when Marco went to show Adalyn his driving skills in that empty parking lot.
I loved this book and characters so much and I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.
March 7, 2025
Title: The Devil Can Be Kind
Author: Elena Lucas.
Released: February 28th 2025
Elena brings to you her Debut Novel. This is a standalone dark romance novel and is intended for mature readers 18years and older!
The novel contains numerous trigger/content warnings. Reader discretion is advised. For a full list of trigger warnings, please visit authors website!
*With An unlikely connection that ignites between captor and captive. Bringing Danger closing in from all sides and with the survival that comes at a deadly price.*
♥️Mafia romance
♥️ Enernies to lovers
♥️ Forced proximity
♥️ Morally Grey
♥️ Betrayal and revenge
♥️ Touch her and ☠️
♥️ Secret identity
♥️ Crime Syndicates
————
My Review!
I was so excited to read this book, I had counted the days down for its release! I rushed to buy it the morning it dropped.
You bet the day it arrived at my door i was reading it!
“I was the daughter of a sworn enemy, His ward, His Hostage”
Within the first chapter there was action happening! Grabbing your attention.
Adalyn was abducted by a Rival Mafia Family!! This being the result from A deal that went wrong, you wonder, what will the price be that Adalyn has to pay!
“I was standard in enemy territory and there was no longer a way out. My family was not coming!”-Adalyn
I loved these characters, Adalyn she is Fierce, Strong, Determined women! and Marco La Torre, The Don, The Mafia Boss who is Dominant, Protective and Ruthless! Even though he is Ruthless in the book I kept thinking , would she dare disrespect him🫣 As I read on i was taken through their connection of hatred, the slow burning, chemistry and something else!
And can I add that Jesse! He was a character in there that i liked also 👌 Great addition, made me laugh a few times!
I was invested in this story and then the twist, I did not see that coming! The end took me on a bit of a spin! It was gripping, it almost had me in tears i felt them emerge in my eyes. You will need to read it to find out what!
“The fucking bastard took what was mine”
Author: Elena Lucas.
Released: February 28th 2025
Elena brings to you her Debut Novel. This is a standalone dark romance novel and is intended for mature readers 18years and older!
The novel contains numerous trigger/content warnings. Reader discretion is advised. For a full list of trigger warnings, please visit authors website!
*With An unlikely connection that ignites between captor and captive. Bringing Danger closing in from all sides and with the survival that comes at a deadly price.*
♥️Mafia romance
♥️ Enernies to lovers
♥️ Forced proximity
♥️ Morally Grey
♥️ Betrayal and revenge
♥️ Touch her and ☠️
♥️ Secret identity
♥️ Crime Syndicates
————
My Review!
I was so excited to read this book, I had counted the days down for its release! I rushed to buy it the morning it dropped.
You bet the day it arrived at my door i was reading it!
“I was the daughter of a sworn enemy, His ward, His Hostage”
Within the first chapter there was action happening! Grabbing your attention.
Adalyn was abducted by a Rival Mafia Family!! This being the result from A deal that went wrong, you wonder, what will the price be that Adalyn has to pay!
“I was standard in enemy territory and there was no longer a way out. My family was not coming!”-Adalyn
I loved these characters, Adalyn she is Fierce, Strong, Determined women! and Marco La Torre, The Don, The Mafia Boss who is Dominant, Protective and Ruthless! Even though he is Ruthless in the book I kept thinking , would she dare disrespect him🫣 As I read on i was taken through their connection of hatred, the slow burning, chemistry and something else!
And can I add that Jesse! He was a character in there that i liked also 👌 Great addition, made me laugh a few times!
I was invested in this story and then the twist, I did not see that coming! The end took me on a bit of a spin! It was gripping, it almost had me in tears i felt them emerge in my eyes. You will need to read it to find out what!
“The fucking bastard took what was mine”
February 21, 2025
Let’s start out by saying CONGRATS on your debut novel ! It was well written , quick easy read and so bingeable . Thank you so much for sending me the beautiful PR box with the stunning physical arc . I’ll forever be appreciative of your kindness .
Adalyn Mannino - FMC , working at penny loans .. as her father would not allow her to work at one of his many businesses , decides to go to a high end club with her friend . Little did she know her outing would end up getting her kidnapped by a rival family and held hostage at his mansion in Chicago . The only thing she could possibly do knowing she isn’t going back home is to make a life for herself without falling in love with her handsome captor - Marco La Torre.
Don Marco La Torre - MMC , head of the mafia — broody , stubborn and Adalyns captor . Not only was this man infuriating at times , but he had a huge heart when it came to Ada .
The storyline I loved . I absolute adored Adalyns character and her sassy ways . Her strength was admirable . She drove Marco crazy & I was living for every single minute of it . When Marco let down his walls and the tension broke loose - I fell in love with him . He definitely redeemed himself big time . I loved how Elena made him such a realistic character .
Loved the banter , tension and chemistry between these two . The burn was burning slower than a turtle crawling through molasses , but it was SO good . And Jesse !? 🥵 omg that man I loved so much . And I’m praying to god he gets a book . The friendship he developed with Adalyn was incredible .
Adalyn Mannino - FMC , working at penny loans .. as her father would not allow her to work at one of his many businesses , decides to go to a high end club with her friend . Little did she know her outing would end up getting her kidnapped by a rival family and held hostage at his mansion in Chicago . The only thing she could possibly do knowing she isn’t going back home is to make a life for herself without falling in love with her handsome captor - Marco La Torre.
Don Marco La Torre - MMC , head of the mafia — broody , stubborn and Adalyns captor . Not only was this man infuriating at times , but he had a huge heart when it came to Ada .
The storyline I loved . I absolute adored Adalyns character and her sassy ways . Her strength was admirable . She drove Marco crazy & I was living for every single minute of it . When Marco let down his walls and the tension broke loose - I fell in love with him . He definitely redeemed himself big time . I loved how Elena made him such a realistic character .
Loved the banter , tension and chemistry between these two . The burn was burning slower than a turtle crawling through molasses , but it was SO good . And Jesse !? 🥵 omg that man I loved so much . And I’m praying to god he gets a book . The friendship he developed with Adalyn was incredible .
March 3, 2025
"Everyone out...
I need to have a word with my future wife "
I need Marco.. 😍😍
I can't believe that this is a debut book
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
❤️ Strong and Witty FMC
🖤 Mafia and Hot MMC
♥️Enemies to lovers
🖤 Captive/Captor
❤️ Dual POV
🖤 Kidnapping
❤️ Anti Hero
🖤 Lost Family
❤️ Past Trauma
🖤 Banter and Fun Teasing
I'm a sucker for Mafia romance and this book is going to be a new addition on my shelf and I can't wait Jesse book.
Marco... oh god, this man is huge 😏 you know what I mean. This man is everything I need as a Mafia.. He is powerful, ruthless, cold and Yet he gave that boyish smile that could melt mountains.
Adalyn Mannino, a trouble wrapped in sinful body and is here to shake Marco's world in every way possible. She got kidnapped by our Mafiaso and then she unrevelled so many truths and facts but don't think she is weak, she is a tigress to be reckoned with.
Ada and Marco, the couple have a beautiful chemistry laced with banter, sarcasm, teasing and provocation. Marco is man of few words but he won't let you live of you try to cross him and touch what's his.
The bond we thought is based on s*x one day instead of baring their bodies they started to bare their souls. The intensity between them was so good.
Jesse, that man is loyal af and he is sooooo goofy. His and Ada's talks were so fun sometimes.
The end chapters were so heart wrenching and there were so many emotions. The ending had me. I love how fierce they were for each other.
Give me Jesse book❣️
I need to have a word with my future wife "
I need Marco.. 😍😍
I can't believe that this is a debut book
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
❤️ Strong and Witty FMC
🖤 Mafia and Hot MMC
♥️Enemies to lovers
🖤 Captive/Captor
❤️ Dual POV
🖤 Kidnapping
❤️ Anti Hero
🖤 Lost Family
❤️ Past Trauma
🖤 Banter and Fun Teasing
I'm a sucker for Mafia romance and this book is going to be a new addition on my shelf and I can't wait Jesse book.
Marco... oh god, this man is huge 😏 you know what I mean. This man is everything I need as a Mafia.. He is powerful, ruthless, cold and Yet he gave that boyish smile that could melt mountains.
Adalyn Mannino, a trouble wrapped in sinful body and is here to shake Marco's world in every way possible. She got kidnapped by our Mafiaso and then she unrevelled so many truths and facts but don't think she is weak, she is a tigress to be reckoned with.
Ada and Marco, the couple have a beautiful chemistry laced with banter, sarcasm, teasing and provocation. Marco is man of few words but he won't let you live of you try to cross him and touch what's his.
The bond we thought is based on s*x one day instead of baring their bodies they started to bare their souls. The intensity between them was so good.
Jesse, that man is loyal af and he is sooooo goofy. His and Ada's talks were so fun sometimes.
The end chapters were so heart wrenching and there were so many emotions. The ending had me. I love how fierce they were for each other.
Give me Jesse book❣️
March 7, 2025
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓵 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼:
🖤Mafia romance
🔥Forced proximity
🖤Enemies to lovers
🔥Morally grey
🖤Touch her and you d!e
🔥Betrayal & Revenge
🖤Possessive MMC
🔥Dual POV
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I truly loved this. 💞
One of my new favorites of mafia romance books.
This time I think I loved the FMC, Adalyn, the most. Don’t get me wrong I did like Marco too, but he was a bit thick headed at times which annoyed me, but don’t worry it was all part of the plot. And he did earn himself in good graces after. 🤭
I honestly loved all about this book. May I say the cover is also very gorgeous?! I loved the plot, all the characters (except the few chosen ones) and writing. I just kept wishing to keep on reading more. I cannot wait to read more of Elena’s books whenever she will write more.
Speaking of Adalyn, I just loved her character. She is strong yet true to herself. Forced to say less before, but once she gets kidnapped she seems to find her fire, which I loved and apparently someone else loved it too. 👀 Also, her nickname was first Addie which is my nickname! Though later it was Ada. I thought that was a pleasant surprise. 🤭 I just admired her and she was so funny! All the banter in the book was top notch to be honest, with Jesse, Ada and Marco ahahah. Made me laugh so much! She was such a girly girl, she gets a credit card and just spends it all in bunch of girly stuff and cars lol. That was hilarious! 😂
I don’t want to reveal too much, but I adored the end of the book so much. Made me cry my eyes out. All the small real moments between Ada and Marco made me clutch my heart too. 🥹💞
Thank you so much Elena for letting me ARC read this amazing book. I loved it! I cannot wait what else you have in store for the future! 🫶🏼
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 5/5
February 12, 2025
The Devil Can Be Kind is an incredible slow burn mafia romance!!! 🔥🔥
This debut novel hit it out the park for me! Adalyn has been captured and taken into the enemy mafia's territory. Only... Is she actually in anymore danger now than she was before?
Marco La Torre initially comes off as ruthless and lethal, everything else you'd expect from a Don of the Cosa Nostra. And his head of security Jesse? Immediately you can tell that while he takes his job seriously, he's the goof of the group!
The way this slow burn had me YELLING at Marco to get it together! If I had to see Lexi's neon clothing ONE more time! Istg 🤣 and poor Ada has been through so much and questions not only her own decisions, but the ones of others around her too because really, can she trust anyone around her?
But the thing with trauma is, no one can see it and it's something you gotta work through on your own. I absolutely adored seeing her growth to trusting Marco and his willingness to open up to her and show he's worthy of that trust! Their connection and relationship blossomed wonderfully! And once the spice hit? Oh.. it HIT! 🥵🔥
Ada and Jesse's friendship made me so happy! I loved that she had someone to call a friend while she was figuring out how to live in this new territory! I'm so hoping we maybe get a book in the future for Jesse! 🥹👉🏼👈🏼
This debut novel hit it out the park for me! Adalyn has been captured and taken into the enemy mafia's territory. Only... Is she actually in anymore danger now than she was before?
Marco La Torre initially comes off as ruthless and lethal, everything else you'd expect from a Don of the Cosa Nostra. And his head of security Jesse? Immediately you can tell that while he takes his job seriously, he's the goof of the group!
The way this slow burn had me YELLING at Marco to get it together! If I had to see Lexi's neon clothing ONE more time! Istg 🤣 and poor Ada has been through so much and questions not only her own decisions, but the ones of others around her too because really, can she trust anyone around her?
But the thing with trauma is, no one can see it and it's something you gotta work through on your own. I absolutely adored seeing her growth to trusting Marco and his willingness to open up to her and show he's worthy of that trust! Their connection and relationship blossomed wonderfully! And once the spice hit? Oh.. it HIT! 🥵🔥
Ada and Jesse's friendship made me so happy! I loved that she had someone to call a friend while she was figuring out how to live in this new territory! I'm so hoping we maybe get a book in the future for Jesse! 🥹👉🏼👈🏼
February 22, 2025
This book was incredible! Elena you have created an incredible masterpiece of a debut novel. I was hooked to the characters instantly. I was completely invested in the cat and mouse game between Adalyn and Marco.
The slow slow burn and the building tension was excruciating in the best way 🥵🔥!
Adalyn Mannino is the daughter of Mafia Don. When she is kidnapped by a rival family, she realizes how little worth she has to her own blood.
Don Marco La Torre is known for his ruthless power and formidable temperament. He arranges for Adalyn to be kidnapped in a bid for power over a rival family.
I loved watching Adalyn bloom into the self assured, strong and confident woman she was meant to be when not being forced to hide who she really is by her family. The way she stood her ground with Marco, no matter who was around to witness it. There were so many times I couldn’t stop laughing at the lengths she would go to just to get a reaction out of him.
I loved watching as Adalyn slowly broke through the Marco’s formidable walls to who he was before becoming Don La Torre.
I also couldn’t leave a proper review without including Jesse. Seriously, I’d love to see more of Jesse. I absolutely loved the friendship between Adalyn and Jesse.
Overall, I absolutely loved this mafia romance. It’s engaging and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Thank you so much Elena Lucas for the physical arc of this book and the additional goodies. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity ♥️
The slow slow burn and the building tension was excruciating in the best way 🥵🔥!
Adalyn Mannino is the daughter of Mafia Don. When she is kidnapped by a rival family, she realizes how little worth she has to her own blood.
Don Marco La Torre is known for his ruthless power and formidable temperament. He arranges for Adalyn to be kidnapped in a bid for power over a rival family.
I loved watching Adalyn bloom into the self assured, strong and confident woman she was meant to be when not being forced to hide who she really is by her family. The way she stood her ground with Marco, no matter who was around to witness it. There were so many times I couldn’t stop laughing at the lengths she would go to just to get a reaction out of him.
I loved watching as Adalyn slowly broke through the Marco’s formidable walls to who he was before becoming Don La Torre.
I also couldn’t leave a proper review without including Jesse. Seriously, I’d love to see more of Jesse. I absolutely loved the friendship between Adalyn and Jesse.
Overall, I absolutely loved this mafia romance. It’s engaging and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Thank you so much Elena Lucas for the physical arc of this book and the additional goodies. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity ♥️
February 11, 2025
This book was a captivating story from start to finish. About Adalyn - the mafia princess, and Marco - Mafia Boss Don Marco La Torre.
Adalyn was captured from a rivaling family, but little did she know she had been saved from a much more dangerous fate.
This was an amazing debut novel! I shed a lot of tears in the last few chapters. I almost didn’t breathe. I even shed a tear at the acknowledgement 🥹
I connected with these characters so much, and I loved the journey they took me through 🖤
Marco captured my heart. His alpha male and rough personality, but so soft and caring to Adalyn.
Jesse - Macro’s head of security, and soon Adalyn’s best friend. I loved him, so fun and easy going. He just brightened up the whole story, and added so much to it.
It was an emotional roller coaster, but I definitely want that in a book. I want to feel what the characters are feeling and going through. And this book definitely made me do that! And the spice is just a really great bonus. It was slow to mid burn with so much tension and will they, won’t they energy. When they finally got together, it was hot 🥵 and it was so well written. The spark and love between them just grew and got stronger!
I hope we’ll get to see more from all the characters in the future! I highly recommend reading this book, and I look forward to read more from this author in the future 🖤✨
Adalyn was captured from a rivaling family, but little did she know she had been saved from a much more dangerous fate.
This was an amazing debut novel! I shed a lot of tears in the last few chapters. I almost didn’t breathe. I even shed a tear at the acknowledgement 🥹
I connected with these characters so much, and I loved the journey they took me through 🖤
Marco captured my heart. His alpha male and rough personality, but so soft and caring to Adalyn.
Jesse - Macro’s head of security, and soon Adalyn’s best friend. I loved him, so fun and easy going. He just brightened up the whole story, and added so much to it.
It was an emotional roller coaster, but I definitely want that in a book. I want to feel what the characters are feeling and going through. And this book definitely made me do that! And the spice is just a really great bonus. It was slow to mid burn with so much tension and will they, won’t they energy. When they finally got together, it was hot 🥵 and it was so well written. The spark and love between them just grew and got stronger!
I hope we’ll get to see more from all the characters in the future! I highly recommend reading this book, and I look forward to read more from this author in the future 🖤✨
February 20, 2025
• Ate it uppppppppppp. I love me a good Mafia Romance. And this one was absolutely delish.
• Adalyn, such a little spitfire. Born into the life of a Dons princess. She doesn’t hold much power, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a little powerhouse with bite. Let me tell you, she doesn’t hold her tongue and I was here for it. She doesn’t care what position you hold, she will tell you what she’s thinking. She had me cracking up. As Marco says… “She was damn close to perfect, utterly beautiful and all kinds of sexy. Smart-mouthed but intelligent.” The ending had me clapping for her, get it sis. In more than one way.
• Marco, this man 👏 aka Don La Torre. He’s powerful, protecting, dominant as the Don should be, but for her, he’s something else. And that’s what we want in a mafia man, am I right. “It’s just a matter of time...and I’m in no rush. But let’s get something clear: you are 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. Only mine. That has been your fate from the moment I took you.”
• I loved their story, their banter, their progression.
• Honestly, even with the ending I hope there’s going to be more of their story. 😂 because I’m greedy haha
• Do I suggest? Mmmm YES!
• Adalyn, such a little spitfire. Born into the life of a Dons princess. She doesn’t hold much power, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a little powerhouse with bite. Let me tell you, she doesn’t hold her tongue and I was here for it. She doesn’t care what position you hold, she will tell you what she’s thinking. She had me cracking up. As Marco says… “She was damn close to perfect, utterly beautiful and all kinds of sexy. Smart-mouthed but intelligent.” The ending had me clapping for her, get it sis. In more than one way.
• Marco, this man 👏 aka Don La Torre. He’s powerful, protecting, dominant as the Don should be, but for her, he’s something else. And that’s what we want in a mafia man, am I right. “It’s just a matter of time...and I’m in no rush. But let’s get something clear: you are 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. Only mine. That has been your fate from the moment I took you.”
• I loved their story, their banter, their progression.
• Honestly, even with the ending I hope there’s going to be more of their story. 😂 because I’m greedy haha
• Do I suggest? Mmmm YES!
February 26, 2025
Elena Lucas’ debut novel is absolutely addicting! It’s been a while since I’ve dived into a mafia romance, and let me tell you—this slow burn did not disappoint!
Adalyn is abducted from a club by a rival mafia family, expecting her father to pay the ransom immediately. But when he refuses, leaving her abandoned in enemy territory, she’s forced to face the painful truth—she was betrayed by her family.
Don Marco La Torre is ruthless, feared for his temper, but as Ada spends more time with him, she sees another side—a man who is kind, understanding, and fiercely protective. Marco is drawn to Ada in a way he never expected, and despite their family rivalry, she challenges him like no one else ever has.
Ada fights her attraction to Marco, but he continuously proves he’s worth the risk. Yet, when her darkest, most shameful secrets come back to haunt them, will Marco still stand by her side?
The chemistry and banter between Ada and Marco were perfection! I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait to see what Elena Lucas writes next!
Adalyn is abducted from a club by a rival mafia family, expecting her father to pay the ransom immediately. But when he refuses, leaving her abandoned in enemy territory, she’s forced to face the painful truth—she was betrayed by her family.
Don Marco La Torre is ruthless, feared for his temper, but as Ada spends more time with him, she sees another side—a man who is kind, understanding, and fiercely protective. Marco is drawn to Ada in a way he never expected, and despite their family rivalry, she challenges him like no one else ever has.
Ada fights her attraction to Marco, but he continuously proves he’s worth the risk. Yet, when her darkest, most shameful secrets come back to haunt them, will Marco still stand by her side?
The chemistry and banter between Ada and Marco were perfection! I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait to see what Elena Lucas writes next!
February 18, 2025
This was an absolutely amazing Mafia.
Elena delivered, in every aspect. We had angst, depth, plot, suspense, tension. I completely and whole heartedly devoured this book, I was hooked from the first few chapters and just knew this was going to be an amazing read, and an easy 5 star.
Marco & Ada were everything you want in a MMC & FMC. The banter, the sarcasm that Ada constantly chucked at Marco had me giggling. Ada was a force, and she did not go easy on Marco…. She gave him hell. Marco was the intense, brooding man of few words but the heat just radiated off him. 🥵
I really loved Marco’s character progression throughout… Ada was definitely the missing key. Their connected was immediate, and I just love them both.
The tension was there right from the beginning…. Slowly building, the hottest of slow burns. Elena edged us real good with this one.
May have a little soft spot for Jessie, we kind of love him… a bit. 🤏🏻 His nickname for her was hella cute.
I loved this book so so much. If you love Mafia, touch her and 💀, enemies to lovers, forced proximity.. Elena’s got you covered.
Super easy 5 star. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elena delivered, in every aspect. We had angst, depth, plot, suspense, tension. I completely and whole heartedly devoured this book, I was hooked from the first few chapters and just knew this was going to be an amazing read, and an easy 5 star.
Marco & Ada were everything you want in a MMC & FMC. The banter, the sarcasm that Ada constantly chucked at Marco had me giggling. Ada was a force, and she did not go easy on Marco…. She gave him hell. Marco was the intense, brooding man of few words but the heat just radiated off him. 🥵
I really loved Marco’s character progression throughout… Ada was definitely the missing key. Their connected was immediate, and I just love them both.
The tension was there right from the beginning…. Slowly building, the hottest of slow burns. Elena edged us real good with this one.
May have a little soft spot for Jessie, we kind of love him… a bit. 🤏🏻 His nickname for her was hella cute.
I loved this book so so much. If you love Mafia, touch her and 💀, enemies to lovers, forced proximity.. Elena’s got you covered.
Super easy 5 star. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 21, 2025
Sassy FMC? Check. Brooding mafia boss? Check. Phenomenal slow burn? Check.
I enjoyed every word of this book! A strong female character in a mafia romance is hard to come by, and Adalyn was the perfect package of sassy personality and quick witted humor.
Marco was a hidden gem throughout the book. You never really knew what he was thinking which only added to the tension and mystery.
And let’s not forget to talk about Jesse. He was the subtle comic relief, but still swoon worthy when he smiled anytime he saw Adalyn. Completely plantonic but their friendship was #goals. If you ever find yourself in a mafia romance world, ya know.
I enjoyed every word of this book! A strong female character in a mafia romance is hard to come by, and Adalyn was the perfect package of sassy personality and quick witted humor.
Marco was a hidden gem throughout the book. You never really knew what he was thinking which only added to the tension and mystery.
And let’s not forget to talk about Jesse. He was the subtle comic relief, but still swoon worthy when he smiled anytime he saw Adalyn. Completely plantonic but their friendship was #goals. If you ever find yourself in a mafia romance world, ya know.
February 21, 2025
I loved this read! Mafia books always hit the spot but this was incredible. Like a little story make of crack 😆 I don't want to ruin anything for other but her strength and and fight was empowering. Jesse is my new favorite BFF I want a story about him! I loved the development between adalyn and marco. I caught myself grinning so much reading this story. The way I wanted her to just destroy some other characters in the story. Ooohhff I was so mad for her. I loved the slow burn and Enemies to lovers tropes the struggle and growth for both MCs were incredible. Definitely a favorite new read for me
March 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Devil Can Be Kind By @elenalucas_author
Omg this book!!! 😱😱
I absolutely loved it!!!!
This book gripped me from the get go! Omg I couldn't put it down!
I love how the storyline is portrayed and the characters. I felt like I was walking beside them in the book! Loved it!!
The banter between Marco and Adalyn is incredible! They both fit eachother perfectly!
Marco is very possessive but it fits his character perfectly.
Adalyn is a very fiesty woman and makes her character perfect.
The ending!! Omg 🥹🥹🥹🥹.
This is a MUST read!
This is a slow burn Mafia romance but trust me, when the 🥵 hits, it hits! 😮💨😮💨
The Devil Can Be Kind By @elenalucas_author
Omg this book!!! 😱😱
I absolutely loved it!!!!
This book gripped me from the get go! Omg I couldn't put it down!
I love how the storyline is portrayed and the characters. I felt like I was walking beside them in the book! Loved it!!
The banter between Marco and Adalyn is incredible! They both fit eachother perfectly!
Marco is very possessive but it fits his character perfectly.
Adalyn is a very fiesty woman and makes her character perfect.
The ending!! Omg 🥹🥹🥹🥹.
This is a MUST read!
This is a slow burn Mafia romance but trust me, when the 🥵 hits, it hits! 😮💨😮💨
March 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! I loved this book so much 😍 Such a sexy, slow burn mafia romance! I love Adalyn she’s fierce, funny, beautiful & a lil bratty! And Marco, Marco, Marco oh my my my 🤭 The perfect mafia MMC - hot, tattooed and dangerous.
I loved how the dynamic developed between these two! If you like Mafia romance this is a must read! A beautiful debut novel! 💋
Thank you for this ARC opportunity 🫶
✨ Tropes ✨
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Touch her & 💀
🖤Secret identities
🖤Morally grey
🖤Betrayal & revenge
Wow! I loved this book so much 😍 Such a sexy, slow burn mafia romance! I love Adalyn she’s fierce, funny, beautiful & a lil bratty! And Marco, Marco, Marco oh my my my 🤭 The perfect mafia MMC - hot, tattooed and dangerous.
I loved how the dynamic developed between these two! If you like Mafia romance this is a must read! A beautiful debut novel! 💋
Thank you for this ARC opportunity 🫶
✨ Tropes ✨
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Touch her & 💀
🖤Secret identities
🖤Morally grey
🖤Betrayal & revenge
February 18, 2025
I love a good mafia romance and this did not disapoint!! Such an amazing debut novel hy @elenalucas_author !!! (Who also sent me this amazing PR Box I posted about last week)
I felt like Marco and Ada were perfect together. A delicious slow burn between them, angst, tension, good banter, sigh 🥰 I did however get angry at him, a lot 🤣 But when he got it, he got it!
Her friendship with Jesse warmed my heart, I feel like they would be fun to hangout with.
I binged this read in 24 hours, mainly in 1 sitting! So it's dang good y'all!!
I am hoping there is more to come with these characters 🤞🤞🤞
If you like:
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Enemes to lovers
🖤Morally Grey MMC (a little unhinged, how I like em' 😜)
🖤Touch her and literally expire
🖤Slow Burn
Thank you so much again @elenalucas_author for the book and PR box!
Oh and also, make sure you check the trigger warnings my loves🖤
I felt like Marco and Ada were perfect together. A delicious slow burn between them, angst, tension, good banter, sigh 🥰 I did however get angry at him, a lot 🤣 But when he got it, he got it!
Her friendship with Jesse warmed my heart, I feel like they would be fun to hangout with.
I binged this read in 24 hours, mainly in 1 sitting! So it's dang good y'all!!
I am hoping there is more to come with these characters 🤞🤞🤞
If you like:
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Enemes to lovers
🖤Morally Grey MMC (a little unhinged, how I like em' 😜)
🖤Touch her and literally expire
🖤Slow Burn
Thank you so much again @elenalucas_author for the book and PR box!
Oh and also, make sure you check the trigger warnings my loves🖤
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