Mine to Love

Blood and Bourbon #3

by Emily A. Myers

"You were his prisoner. You're my princess."

Gio Moretti is the glue that holds the Amato crime family together—the boss when the boss is away, an expert in tactical warfare, a trusted enforcer, the liaison, the negotiator, the mastermind, the chess master. But a life of always putting everyone else first has left him trapped in an inescapable darkness. That is, until Darcy Cunningham and her daughter, Delilah, walk into his life and make him feel alive in a way he never has before.

Gio sees Darcy as an angel, the ray of sunlight needed to chase away his darkness. But Darcy is haunted by a darkness of her own. A single mom on the run from her abusive husband, Darcy finds herself in New Orleans, out of money and with nowhere to stay. She meets Gio at a perfectly imperfect time and takes a job as his live-in maid. Darcy is scared she can’t trust Gio, scared he’ll hurt her. But, while Darcy was her ex-husband’s prisoner, she’ll be Gio’s princess.

Gio and Darcy’s love story is an emotional, romantic slow burn full of tender, heartwarming moments, thigh-shaking spice, and the perfect sprinkle of suspense. Mine to Love is a complete standalone with a happily-ever-after.

Trigger DV, violence, SA, PTSD, kidnapping / This book includes dark themes and is meant for mature audiences.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Mafia Romance

368 pages, Hardcover

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Hi everyone and welcome to my Goodreads page! I am an award-winning romantic suspense author and am most known for my mafia romance series, Blood and Bourbon.

Find me on Instagram and other platforms @emilymyersauthor

Find my books on Amazon.

Reviews

[Ruchita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25 🌟
This was a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that I truly enjoyed. As someone who loves single-parent stories, this one really spoke to me.🥹 Gio was absolutely dreamy—deadly and fierce on the outside, but such a softie for his girls. His calm, compassionate, and respectful nature towards Darcy made him even more lovable. 🤍Their first interaction was incredible, and the way they connected was magical. Darcy herself was an incredible character—strong, resilient, and utterly admirable. I adored how she and Gio complemented each other and grew together throughout the story. 🥹

Delilah, the little girl, was the true light of their lives. Her bright, cheerful energy was infectious, and when she first called Gio "Daddy," I fell head over heels.🥹🤌😩 The family moments between them were simply precious, and they were such a joy to read. Their bond felt real, and watching them build this beautiful, loving family together was truly heartwarming.💗

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review 4.5 stars!

This is the third book in the dark mafia romance series: Blood & Bourbon. It has everything: a brooding yet soft hearted mafia enforcer, a strong single mom on the run, and the kind of slow-burn tension that will make you feral! I can’t get enough of Darcy and Gio!

We follow Darcy, a single mom on the run from her abusive husband. They end up in New Orleans, where the mob boss Gio Moretti resides. They end up bumping into each other in a fortuitous encounter that helps them both out: she needs a job and a place to stay while he is looking for a live-in housekeeper.

Darcy becomes suspicious with his offer and ends up leaving with her daughter. But ends up at the hands of tugs who attempt to r@pe and kill them. And then comes Gio to the rescue 😍 I loved his heroic moment ! He ends up saving them from the tugs, and she ends up accepting his offer to help. I love how she becomes a stronger woman who no longer will suffer quietly any violence in her life. Even though Gio is from the mafia, he’s a man of honour who respects women deeply. I love the mob vibe of the story, it reminds me of the new series Le Chacal : full of action, assassinations, money and wicked plots! Let’s not forget the spicy moments 🔥

Tropes included:
🖤 mafia romance
🖤 he would burn the world for her
🖤 he’s her boss
🖤 protective MMC
🖤 he falls first
🖤 healing journey
🖤 he spoils her 🥹

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-ARC. Opinions are my own.

Mine to Love is a standalone romance within the Blood and Bourbon series. This baby follows Gio Moretti, the enforcer in a New Orleans crime family, and Darcy, a single mother who is on the run from her abusive husband. When her path and Gio's meet, he immediately realizes that Darcy is in trouble and offers her a job and a roof as his in-house maid...

This book took me on ALL the spectrums of human emotion. Darcy's story is so heartbreaking (please check your triggers!), but I am in awe of her strength to reclaim her life for herself and her daughter. The horrors this woman survived just made every interaction with Gio more special. THIS MAN understands the assignment on how to treat a lady. He's respectful, gentle, he unalives several people who hurt her... 😇 OBSESSED.

Something I really appreciated about this book was the slow burn aspect of the romance. Darcy really goes through so much, and I think it was very important that the author gave her time to process her traumas and slowly learn to trust another man. It just made the moment when the romance actually did happen all the more rewarding!

I did, however, feel like the pacing was a bit slow overall. Perhaps this is the reason why I perceived some scenes to be somewhat repetitive. Even so, it didn't affect the overall beauty of the story and I would 100% recommend this book to lovers of the mafia romance genre looking for a great standalone or an addictive series to binge.

Here are some tropes to look forward to:
- MMC is part of a crime family
- plus size FMC
- single mom
- DV survivor
- touch her and 💀
- SLOW burn 🔥
- healing journey

Rating: 3.5 stars

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact I have no kids, one of my favorite tropes is single parent and this book has a single (and very brave) mom whose stories touched my heart deeply.

Mine to Love is a standalone mafia romance part of the Blood and Bourbon series and it follows Gio Moretti, the enforcer of a New Orleans crime family, and Darcy, a mother on the run with her daughter from her abusive husband.

MY HEART! My feelings were all over the place with this book. I was absolutely devastated for Darcy and horrified by the horrors she lived through at the hands of her husband, but I was also deeply awed by her strength. It’s impossible not to root for this woman and her lovely daughter Delilah, and I loved both of their dynamics with Gio. Not only is he exactly the man Darcy needs (complete with unalivements of the people who hurt her), but he is also wonderful with Delilah and the father figure she deserves. These two melt my heart!

Here are some tropes/elements!
🕶️ MMC is part of a crime family
❣️ plus size FMC
💕 single mom
❤️‍🩹 DV survivor
☠️ touch her and 💀
🔥 SLOW burn
❤️‍🩹 healing journey

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Krishika ( Dramatic Booknerd ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me feel a rollercoaster of emotions!! The writing was so good and I didn't want to let go!!!
Darcy deserves the world at her feet. After the shit she's been through, she needs someone who worships her and that's exactly what Gio does!! I'm so happy for them I could cry 😭
Gio is the ultimate gentleman but sooo swoonyy!!
The slow burn,the romance, the understanding, the spice was soo good that I binge read this book. Not only that, the plot was so beautifully built-up, that I was on the edge of my seat!!
Baby Delilah was a sweetheart and I loved her so much!

Always a fan of the author, and this wasn't any different 😍😍
4.5 ⭐

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Myers is a new author to me and I read mine love as a standalone, even though this is an interconnected series! I thought the slow burn was very well written, and keeps the reader entertained throughout!

This book has some darker topic so be aware of that but this mafia romance was very interesting! There’s not as much mafia related stuff as some other mafia romances that I’ve read but I don’t think that really would have affected the story if there was no mafia or more mafia incorporation! Overall, I thought this book was very well written, and I enjoyed the plot and would definitely read more from this author!

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2🌶️🌶️

[Rileyreads11_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily!!

This book was a rollercoast but one of the kinds that you want to read over and over!

Gio and Darcy have my heart! Darcy is one of the strongest FMC I have read in a long time! She has been through so much in her life but still protects her daughter no matter what!!

GIO is the best!! He took Darcy and Delilah in and too such good care of them and protected them with his life!!


5/5✨

There are dark topics so please check triggers!

[Kathleen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved this book so much I didn't know there were two before this so I'll be reading those after this I love that gio is and was always there for Darcy and he just popped up and was helping her love what they have

[Anne M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was a bit conflicted on how to rate this review. It's not because I didn't enjoy the book. And I would be willing to read more from this author as well.

Meeting Darcy and her daughter Delilah when they escaped her husband who abused her for years. Darcy was looking for a job where she met Gio, who instantly fell in love with her.

This book is part of a series, but I read this as a standalone and still was able to follow everything well. It's does leave you wondering about the others' back story. Would definitely like to read Damon's and Anna's story

It is a Mafia romance, but compared to other books I've read, there wasn't much Mafia related plot in the story

This is a romance book with slow burn. There's not much spice until the end. I like the book and would recommend people to read it who is looking for more insta love, protective/possessive MMC, curvy FMC with a daughter.

[Caged Soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is dedicated to all the misters who've never been
appreciated and all the misses who've never been loved
right.
This one is for you.
This one is for us.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶

Tropes

🥀 Single Mom
🥀 Mafia MMC
🥀 DV survivor
🥀 Tortured Hero
🥀 Slow Burn
🥀 Body Confidence
🥀 Healing
🥀 He falls first

Gio Moretti... this man is imperfectly perfect. A man who knows how to make his woman feel safe and appreciated.

"It's a library. He built me a library when my ex wouldn't even buy me a book."

Darcy a curvy FMC who had a 5 year old daughter Dahlia and is married to a monster named Clive. The first one of the book had me agitated that i wanted to rip Clive apart.

This book will swirl out every freaking emotions you have. You'll feel sympathy, empathy, hate and a feeling of protectivness towards Darcy and Dahlia.

"Are we leaving because Daddy is mean?" You can feel that how kids observe everything. People remain stuck in marriage for their kids but sometimes it leads to muting but trauma for them.

Darcy was beautiful but she bear everything for her daughter, she did everything but was never appreciated.

Gio Moretti, a man who can kill anyone in a blink of eye but is now learning to love Darcy. He is a rough edged man with a heart filled with love but his profession didn't have space for feelings. But i loved how his character evolved when he fell for Darcy.

"You are utterly perfect. Darcy, I'm not trying to do anything except telling you the truth."

"You are my light. You are my sunshine the one who chases away the darkness and reminds me I'm more too"

Gio and Darcy healed each other and completed each other. The intensity and the chemistry between them was glowing. I loved how sweet Gio was to Dahlia. Their sweet moments and I love it ❣️

The bar scene. And the way he uses his mouth with Darcy for things other than talking.. ahmm.. he is perfect. I love the ending ❣️

Please read trigger warnings before getting into this book.

Touches.
Kisses.
Loving bites..
I love you Darcy Moretti.

Prefect book and I loved it ❣️

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Freedom...I hope to survive long enough to truly feel what it is to be free. I want a safe place to raise my daughter...Beyond that, I just want my head to not feel so heavy.”

“You’re safe here.”

“You chase away the darkness.” Oh, my sweet angel, I am the darkness."

Contradictions make up the man who is Gio Moretti; but they also define the woman who is Darcy Cunningham. When Gio and Darcy meet those contradictions will strengthen their resolve of who they want to be together. Mine To Love, by the phenomenal fearless empathetic author, Emily A. Myers, is described as a dark Mafia romance but it's much more. It's a tribute to women who think they don't have the will to go on but find their inner heroine, especially to protect their child. It's a thank you to the men who don't just tell them you're safe but prove it every day.

The first line is, "The last time Clive beat me..." What follows isn't for the faint of heart. Gio may be a criminal but Clive is a monster. When Darcy escapes with her adorable 5 year old daughter, Delilah, who asks, “Are we leaving because Daddy is mean?” She realizes when she didn't scream her daughter still heard the truth.

Gio is restless. His role in his Mafia family is changing. He knows violence but it's not enough anymore. With Darcy, he will kill to protect her, but now he needs to learn how to love her.

What follows is violent, intense, sweet, fun, inspiring, romantic, vengeful, scary, steamy, thriller twisty, and heartbreakingly healing, not just for these very human characters, but for us too. Mine To Love is a standalone but it's also part of the Blood and Bourbon Mafia Romance Series. It's worth your romantic heart to read it all.

✨"It’s a library. He built me a library when my ex wouldn’t even buy me a book "✨

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amber C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished this beautifully crafted slow-burn romance that captivated me from the first page. Set against the backdrop of a gritty mafia world, this story is a part of a larger series, but I found it easy to dive right in without needing to re-read the previous installments.

The plot revolves around Darcy, a curvy mother who is trying to escape from her abusive past with her young daughter, Delilah. I felt an immediate connection to Darcy's struggles and resilience as they sought refuge in the vibrant, yet dangerous streets of New Orleans. It was here that they crossed paths with Gio, a rough-around-the-edges mafia boss with a heart of gold. Despite his tough exterior, he quickly emerged as a protective figure, forming an unexpected bond with both Darcy and Delilah.

What struck me the most was the emotional depth of their journey. I found myself rooting for Darcy as she began to heal and rediscover her sense of self. Gio’s transformation as he fell for her was beautifully depicted; their relationship blossomed through trust, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry that kept me turning pages late into the night. The immersive writing drew me into a world where loyalty and love are paramount. I was genuinely invested in how Gio, despite his violent surroundings, transformed into a man willing to sacrifice everything for the family he never knew he wanted.

This book isn’t just a romance for me; it’s a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, love can be a beacon of hope and healing. Sometimes, the most unexpected relationships can turn out to be the most profound and life-changing, and that’s exactly what I experienced while reading this remarkable story.

[Linsy Gusey · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

This book has such a fulfilling story to tell. I'm so appreciative of the way that Emily showed Darcy's character relearning how to not only love others but, more importantly, be loved. She also showed a great balance, with Gio being patient and understanding, never wanting Darcy to even think about her past pain. Found family is one of the best tropes when written well, but I would almost argue that they carved out their own families. Not only these characters, but those in the first 2 books as well. I felt that the internal wars each character had with themselves was straight to the point and didn't lose me as a reader.

This book focuses a lot on how Darcy rebuilds her life after leaving her abusive husband. She needed to protect her daughter at all costs and finally did it, not stopping until they reached New Orleans. She has scars, both physical and mental, that she has to overcome. Darcy spent so much of her life thinking she was worthless and unattractive, lucky that her abusive husband took her in the first place. It takes her a long time before she starts to believe Gio when he compliments her. Gio is a safe space for not only her but her daughter, Delilah. Then there's Gio, who needs those two ladies just as much. He needs their warmth and sunshine to brighten up his days as he contemplates his life in the Mafia, feeling lost after the power had changed and the direction of his life was unclear. He didn't want to think about loving anyone else, but as he said in his own words in the book, he has a soft spot in his heart for strays.

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I hope both you and Delilah can grown to trust me because I’m not going anywhere. And I will never hurt you. These hands are for many things, but never will they work against you.”

This book have you on the edge of your seat from page one. The action starts really quickly pulling you in and then the tension continues to build before the story reaches its conclusion. I loved that this was a mafia romance with some dark aspects but at its core, it is really a story of found family and love.

“You deserve all the beautiful things in this world, Darcy. And I intend to make sure you get them and whatever else your heart desires.”

Darcy is such a strong female character. She escapes her abusive husband in order to protect her daughter and provide her a better life. Delilah is Darcy’s first and only priority. When they end up in New Orleans, they have a chance run in with Gio at a restaurant and a spark instantly ignites. Gio is a lot of things, but when someone mistreats the woman that he is drawn to, he will not stand for it. Gio isn’t in the market for a relationship, but he is in the market for a housekeeper. After a harrowing experience, Darcy, Gio, & Delilah are thrown together and their lives will never be the same. I loved getting to see Darcy & Delilah pull out the emotional side of Gio. The slow burn of Darcy & Gio’s relationship was beautiful. They don’t just jump into it. Instead they work through their past traumas together, and really build their emotional connection.

“And yet, of all the love stories in this room, ours is my favorite.”

This was my first Emily Myers book, but it won’t be my last.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT TO EXPECT:
👩 Single Mom
🔫 Mafia
😈 Morally Grey MMC
❤️‍🩹 DV Survivor
🦸 Tortured Hero
🔥 Slow Burn
🍑 Curvy FMC
😍 Learning Body Confidence
♥️ He Falls First

REVIEW:
This book is incredible. It is a sweet, spicy, empowering, but also emotional story of overcoming unthinkable trauma to find a second chance.

Darcy is on the run from her abusive husband, with her 5 year old daughter, Delilah in tow. After days of crossing the country and covering her tracks, Darcy and Delilah land in New Orleans, desperate and out of resources. But a chance encounter with a mysterious local man lands Darcy with the prospect of a job as a live-in maid. Understandably, Darcy is extremely distrusting and emotionally unavailable, but Gio feels that there is something special about this standoffish woman and her sweet little girl.

This is not quite like any other mafia romance that I have read and I was blown away. There are certainly “who did this to you” and “touch her and unalive” vibes that you might expect from a mafia romance, but the patience and softness that Gio exhibited towards Darcy and Delilah were heart-melting.

The romance / intimacy is a SLOW burn, but makes perfect sense considering the life altering trauma that the FMC experienced. But the missed connections, stolen glances and innocent touches make for amazing tension, for which the culmination is that much more impactful.

Although the build up is slow, the spice in this book ranges from incredibly tender and sweet l0ve-making to panty melting moments.

I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this book, it is part of a series of interconnected standalone and can be read separately. 🚨 Be sure to check the content warnings — always take care of your mental health. 🚨

[Val Ilieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Mine to Love by Emily A.
Myers (ARC review), and WOW!
Coming out February 11th, this book completely took me by surprise.
Rate:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy:🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This was my first read by Emily Myers, and it won't be my last! It made me cry like a baby (mostly happy tears), and it's the book that pulled me out of my reading slump. It's an emotional, easy, and incredibly catchy read that I devoured in one sitting.

Darcy is such a strong woman—I admire how she refused to let her past break her. And Gio...oh my, Gio! He's perfection in all the wrong ways, but his tenderness with Darcy and Delilah had me melting. His protective side, his trust issues, his attempts to be there for Darcy and Delilah despite his dark past...swoon!

Delilah is the cutest little mac-and-cheese queen ever, and her moments with Gio? I sobbed.
Also, the muffin scene, the watch scene, those dreams, and THAT spicy tension?🔥🔥🔥

The shooting scene, the way Gio saved Darcy, and the pure chemistry between them-this book gave me all the feels. And those unforgettable quotes:
✨"You chase away the darkness."
✨"Oh, my sweet angel, I am the darkness."
✨"I see you, Darcy-all of you."

Mine to Love is an emotional rollercoaster. Highly recommend!
But while it's a standalone, characters from previous books do make appearances, so you might want to check those out too!

P.S. @emilymyersauthor ... the muffin and watch scenes towards the end? Sobbed.
And in some parts? I thought you wanted to me.

100% recommending this gem!

[Amanda Price (LifeWithAmandaP) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

-

What to Expect:
🖤Dark Romance
🩸CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!!!
🖤Second Chance at Love
🩸Mafia Romance
🖤Touch Her & 💀
🩸Plus Size/Curvy FMC
🖤Italian/Mexican MMC
🩸Single Mother
🖤He Falls First
🩸Overprotective MMC
🖤Slow Burn
🩸Book 3

-
Just finished Mine to Love by Emily A. Myers, and I’m emotionally wrecked in every good way possible. This book was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed/wanted—intense, suspenseful, heartfelt, and completely addicting. From the very first page, Darcy and Delilah’s story had me so captivated. Watching Darcy fight for a better life for her and her baby was absolutely gut-wrenching, but her resilience was SO INSPIRING. And then there’s Gio… my morally gray, protective KING with a heart of gold. The way he instantly saw and cared for both Darcy and Delilah? I melted for him. Absolute perfection.

The slow burn between Darcy and Gio was so worth it, making it more than just passion; it was about healing, trust, finding a second chance for love, and finding family in the most unexpected places. And don’t even get me started on all the “Special Scenes,” IYKYK, talk about heart swoon!!

If you love protective, possessive MMCs, strong heroines reclaiming their lives, and found family, Mine to Love is a must-read. Emily A. Myers completely shattered and rebuilt my heart with this one. Highly, HIGHLY recommend!

Thank you sooo much Emily Myers and TouchLit Ink for a chance to ARC this beauty!! I'm going back to read books 1 and 2 now!

[CoffeeAndBooksWithSarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5

I loved this slow burn love story!!! I went into this pretty blind other than knowing it was a mafia book and it was such a wonderful surprise.

The story and character development pulled at my heart strings and kept me engaged the whole time. Gio, was the most amazing MMC. He was patient, romantic, kind and fell hard for not only his girl but her daughter too. I sometimes get annoyed with slow burns but this one was so justified and made so much sense. It would have been awkward and so unrealistic if the story had been done differently.

I also loved the FMC in this story. I was rooting for her from the beginning. I wanted to reach in and give her the biggest hug. As I mentioned above it was a slow burn but let me tell you once the spice happened it was SPICING 🔥🔥🔥 Which I absolutely loved! I love an alpha, morally grey man who falls hard for his girl.

I highly recommend this one and I have both the first and second book in this series in my TBR! While this is the third book you can totally read it without the others. I will be looking for more from this author in the future!

Tropes:
Mafia romance
Slow burn
Touch her and die vibes
Trauma / PTSD check your triggers
Single mom
Curvy FMC (which I loved 🙌🙌🙌)

[becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mine to Love by Emily A Myers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯.

thank you so much for the ARC!!
release day is TOMORROW ✨🥳

this one did start out a little slow for me, but it had nothing to do with the storyline and everything to do with my book hangover & being sick 😅

once i got more into the storyline i actually loved it so much! i believe this was the first book i’ve read with the single mom trope & i loved it a lot more than i expected! Darcy is such a strong FMC & everything you could want for an amazingly brave woman who endured DV for years & finally stood up for herself & her daughter, Delilah.
Gio Moretti 🤭 the man that you are.
he gave Darcy all the time she needed to heal and only encouraged and praised her through his words and actions to help her heal. he was all you’d want in a MMC and he stepped up in so many ways to not only provide for Darcy & Delilah but to help them heal their demons 🥹

definitely add this to your TBR! it is the 3rd in an interconnected stand alone series, while i have not read the first 2 i will be adding them to be read in the future!!
happy reading ☀️🍋🪽✨

[Rachelle Heckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily A. Myers delivers a beautifully written, emotionally charged story in Mine to Love—a book that captivated me right from the start. From the first page, I was hooked, eager to see where Darcy and Gio’s journey would lead. The character development throughout the novel was impeccable, making me feel deeply connected to their struggles, growth, and ultimate healing.

The slow-burn romance between Darcy and Gio was executed perfectly. It wasn’t rushed, nor did it feel dragged out—it unfolded naturally, with Gio’s patience and kindness shining through as Darcy worked to move past her painful history. Their dynamic felt real and deeply emotional, adding an extra layer of depth to an already compelling story.

Beyond the romance, Myers’ writing was immersive, pulling me into every moment and making me feel the emotions of the characters. The tension, the healing, and the heartfelt moments were all crafted so well that I couldn’t put the book down.

If you love slow-burn romances with beautifully developed characters and a story that keeps you engaged from start to finish, Mine to Love is an absolute must-read. This book is filled with heart, healing, and the kind of love story that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, this is a mafia romance, so expect violence and some dark elements. ADDITIONAL TW: descriptions of physical/emotional abuse and attempted rape (not between MCs).

I haven’t read the other two books in this series, but even as a standalone I still enjoyed a lot about this story.

Pros: the way Darcy is working through her trauma feels incredibly authentic. She never had a chance to really mature outside of a toxic environment and she’s slowly trying to determine who she is as a person. I also really enjoyed that, while the story has dark elements and violence, a lot of that was happening in the shadows as we watched someone heal from their own darkness

Cons: Darcy’s daughter got lost in a lot of this story. I love seeing family’s building together rather than just the romance between MCs and wish she was a little more involved in their love story. The InstaLove trope also felt like it could have been stretched slightly. Maybe they had met a time or two before and he kept tabs on Darcy. That part of the beginning felt rushed, but everything that followed was paced a lot better.

[Chrystal Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finishes the book and immediately starts packing for a trip to New Orleans....
I love everything about this book. I love Gio I love how amazing and extraordinary he is. I love how well he treats Darcy and her daughter. I love how he falls first. I love his lifestyle and how protective he is. He's everything a woman who has been in survival mode could ever want and more. I love the gifts he gives and how meaningful they are. I have fantasized about him just reading how he pleases Darcy and himself. There was a lot of good spice here the kind that is both kinky and sensual.
Emily has done such an amazing job with all the thropes and details in this book everything has purpose and is perfectly timed out. I loved watching this love story unfold and loved getting to know intimate details about the characters past and present. As someone who was married to an abuser this book gave me chills, hope and a sense of gratitude because like Darcy I now know a love that comes without expectations and a love that has taught me that there are good guys out there. Thank you Emily for writing this book it's definitely one I will enjoy recommending to my book besties.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Myers’ work and I loved it! I’ve read plenty of Mafia books and some can be fairly generic. Although the tropes of this book would lead you to believe that this too would be a generic mafia book, it is not! 👀

I was instantly catapulted into the world (which for me, the world building is really important in any book). I felt as if I wanted to get involved in some scenes, especially regarding her ex 👊🏻

The reason that this a 4.5 and not a 5 is purely because I am a picky reader and found a small segment to be a tinnnyyyy bit generic and because they never talked about condoms or STD’s before doing the deed (which is a pet peeve of mine and drags me away from that reality). I also felt like the gap between the ending and the epilogue felt slightly rushed and left me with questions.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend it!👏🏻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Vanessa Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gio Moretti is the multifaceted but temporary boss holding the Amato family together in New Orleans. He has spent his life putting everyone else first which has lead to a solitary and somber life. That all changes when Darcy Cunningham and her daughter, Delilah, stumble into his life. Darcy is the ray of sunshine that he needs but it is obvious she is dealing with her own darkness. As a single mom on the run from her abusive husband, Darcy struggles to establish herself in New Orleans. Her luck soon changes when Gio offers her a job as his live-in maid.

I think this might be my favorite in the series! Gio's sweet thoughtfulness totally solidified him as my favorite MMC in this series - the man built her a library! The relationship between Gio and Darcy was a super sweet slow burn - and of course I adored his relationship with her daughter, Delilah. This story was action packed and had some tense situations that had me on the edge of my seat. The growth in both characters and their blossoming relationship was top tier. The spicy tension (and those dreams 🥵) made this slow burn romance really stand out.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I’d like to thank Emily and the team at Touch Lit Ink for allowing me to be a part of this ARC team and release. This was my first book by Emily and I have to say I enjoyed her writing, she’s very good with details. I really enjoyed the plot line of this book, Darcy and Delilah’s backstory is heart wrenching and getting to see their life in the beginning of the book really gripped me as the reader. I really liked Gio, he’s sweet and caring while also being possessive and protective. I appreciated how he gave Darcy space and allowed her to heal while still being there for her. I also really enjoyed the underlying plot line that continued through this book from the past two in this series - all three books can be read on their own but the underlying plot does make more sense if you read the other two as well, although it wasn’t hard to follow without reading them! Get your copy of this must read when it releases tomorrow!!

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love! So much that I’m definitely going back to read the two books before this one in the Blood & Bourbon Series.

I don’t know much about the earlier books but this one revolves around Darcy, a mother on the run from her abusive husband, and Gio, The Chess Master and underboss, running the show as Alister Amato (the MC from the first book of the series) goes into hiding.

The two put me through such an emotional roller coaster! I absolutely loved seeing Darcy’s growth and how she gains strength and confidence in herself. And the way Gio supports her through it all!

Gio is not someone who you’d count as a white knight or anything like that but the way he’s only ever soft for Darcy and Delilah is just amazing. Props to Myers for making such a great character!

While I loved the plot and the tropes, I also found myself wishing that we could have seen more one on one time between Delilah and Gio. And while Myers has wonderfully delved into the mental health issues of someone who has faced abuse, I also wished that the writer had explored deeper into it.

Overall, I had a wonderful time reading this! I even finished this in two days time!

Thank you to Torchlitink and Author Emily A. Myers for the ARC ✨🫶

[Nidhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐

I loved "Mine to Love" by Emily Myers! It's the third book in the Blood & Bourbon series, and it's an amazing mafia romance.

Gio the mafia man is just AMAZING!! He's tough but gentle and his slow-burn romance with Darcy, a strong single mom is extremely perfect. I loved how Gio and Darcy helped each other. He made her stronger and she softened his heart. Their bond felt so real and I rooted for them so hard!!! How can I forget the little charm that bought the light in the darkness life. She's the cutest thing ever!!!😭

The mafia parts were exciting and suspenseful. But what made the story special was the emotions. The character development was also pretty good and the quote: "You were his prisoner. You're my princess" sums up their love – beautiful, fierce, and all consuming.✨

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a slow burn that was burning. Gio and Darcy were simply amazing together.

I enjoyed the book so much. Gio and Darcy both learned to love and be vulnerable without it being used against them.

The little moments they had together were great and it left you wanting to see more of them. Gio is a giving man and man does he give *winky face*

The writing was amazing, it captured me and had me staying up at 3am for just one more chapter. The character development that Darcy went through was immaculate and watching her grow to love and appreciate herself was very beautiful.

Thank you @emilyamyers for this opportunity to read and review this ARC

Rating

🌶🌶🌶

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Mine to Love by Emily A. Myers
5/5 ⭐️
3/5🌶
RELEASE DATE: 02/11/2025

Thank you to Emily A. Myers and torchlitlink PR for this ARC and book tour of 'Mine to Love' in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book. Although there are dark elements to this dark mafia romance, the overall feeling of this book was very sweet and cozy. This book depicts Violence and distressing nature of criminals in a mafia as well as the horrific acts of domestic violence towards a spouse and child.

Despite all of these horrible elements, it's the healing and growth of our FMC Darcy, a mother to a 5-year-old girl that I admire the most. She had been in an abusive relationship with the father of her child and finally found the courage to run and leave. She meets a man who is so much bigger than life. Darcy must overcome her fear and traumas to open up her heart again.

Our MMC Gio is a badass mafia boss, and he's has a grumpy, deadly hard exterior that he has honed for years due to his past. He suddenly lays eyes on Darcy, and he instantly falls for her as well as the tiny ray of sunshine, Delilah, Darcy's 5-year-old daughter.🌞

Gio is looking for a live-in maid, and Darcy is running for her life. Together, they are the pinnacle of cute, adorable, slow burn! He takes his time to build trust, and she slowly opens herself to the idea of being loved. There's the "touch her and die" posessive male quality that I love. She is a curvy girl who is learning to love herself for the 1st time. Gio discovers he has more love for both mother and daughter and wants a family! He built her a library!!! He is an absolute Cinnamon Roll for her!

This book had so many great emotional elements that made my heart ache many times, and it had me squealing once the sexy time finally happened! Daddy Gio is dominant and Kinky when he knows that Darcy is ready!

[Manda Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you take single mom and mafia romance, you get this delicious slow burn love story.
I do love a good single mom romance and Emily did not disappoint at all.
This story follows Darcy and her daughter, Deliah. Darcy becomes a maid to Gio and that’s where the story takes off. Did I mention she’s running from her abusive husband?
If you love a good mafia romance I would add this one to your TBR!

4⭐️
🌶️🌶️