Deciding to come back to find my brother’s murderer?
Easy.
Staying away from the one who could get me killed?
Not so easy.
Eden
Nine years ago, I ran from this city. Now, I’ve returned to find my brother’s murderer.
To do that, I take his place as Gilly’s owner-operator – the one place in San Francisco’s criminal underworld where it’s a neutral zone, and there’s a clear you-shall-not-cross line drawn between me and the criminals.
That is, until Vito Santoro…
To him, I’m his Garden of Eden, and he was made to sin with me.
Vito
I’m the protector of my mafia family, and they come first. And that’s fine because I’m a one-and-done man and no woman has captured my interest for more.
But when I lay eyes on Gilly’s new owner-operator–the forbidden fruit that could result in my death–I can’t stay away. I promise myself one bite. Then two.
And when those who killed her brother target her… Well, then, my unhinged beast comes out to play.
Because Eden is mine. My forbidden fruit. My one-and-forever. My undoing. And I’ll paint the world red for her.
--
Dive into Vito, the captivating 2nd book in the mafia romance Santoro Mafia series, which features Vito and Eden’s story. It includes an MMC with possessive, “touch her and I’ll unalive you” vibes. There’s no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a HEA is guaranteed. This is a standalone book; however, for the best reading experience, it’s suggested to read the books in order.
Things to know about Vito:
Italian mafiaIt is MFForbidden and off-limits love (not taboo)Alpha, slightly unhinged male main character (MMC)Tough and feisty female main character (FMC)Possessive and protective MMCTouch her and d!ePast trauma for the FMCDual POVReaders are strongly advised to check the content warning inside.
Lora Nox delivers another intense and gripping mafia romance in Vito (Santoro Mafia: Book 2), immersing readers in a world of power, loyalty, and forbidden passion. This second installment in the Santoro Mafia series focuses on Vito, a ruthless yet complex enforcer for the Santoro family, and his unlikely connection with a woman who challenges everything he stands for.
Nox masterfully blends action, suspense, and steamy romance, creating a narrative that keeps readers on edge. Vito is portrayed as a hardened man shaped by violence, yet beneath his lethal exterior lies a sense of protectiveness and vulnerability that makes him an intriguing and layered protagonist. His relationship with the heroine is intense and emotionally charged, filled with tension, push-and-pull dynamics, and undeniable chemistry.
The novel’s pacing is well-executed, balancing high-stakes mafia conflicts with deeply personal moments that allow for character development. Nox’s writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and dialogue that bring the world of the Santoro Mafia to life. Fans of dark romance and mafia fiction will appreciate the authenticity of the criminal underworld and the moral dilemmas the characters face.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eden is chosen as successor of a neutral bar where criminals hang out. Think The Continental Hotel from John Wick. She has to be neutral, no killing, fighting, etc. But, her brother was killed there as he was the keeper before her, and she's mainly there to find his killer. Vito was the last person her brother called before he died.
This is a forbidden romance with good plot development and well written mostly. The reason for a lower rating is mostly my irritation. She kept calling him a cunt. By the word count, it was 42 times.
**Safety**There's also a scene where he's drunk and passed out at his dad's funeral, and ex-fwb starts giving him a bj. It was non consensual, and he was mad. The fmc saw. (they weren't together yet). He hadn't tried to be with anyone since he saw the fmc. I think the scene was added as a shock factor because his cousin brought the girl. Who brings a girl to give a bj at a funeral at their family home.
Thank you so much @loranoxauthor for sending me this arc! The storyline of the book is very interesting and slightly addicting, making it hard to put down. Truth be told, I found myself liking Massimo more than Vito, and I can't wait to delve into his story. I absolutely cannot wait for history story @loranoxauthor !! Even, the female main character-Eden, was a strong and relatable figure who knew when to act tough and when to hold back, embodying what a real strong woman is like. However, I did notice a lot of repetition in the narrative, particularly with Vito's language and the constant sexual innuendos, which became somewhat annoying. Additionally, I found the names and various crime factions a bit confusing at times.
Overall, though, it was a good read that kept me engaged.
Tropes- 📖 Mafia Romance 📖 Forbidden Romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
I rate this book a 3.5 personally but a 4 for what I think dark reader lovers will rate it.
It was good, a little slow at first but it picks up like around the 30-40% mark. This is the second book in the series, I did not read the first but I was able to comprehend this story just fine. I normally don’t mind when a man falls first and hard but it was a little off that he does that only off of a brief like 30 second phone call, he’s obsessed with her just from that, kinda hard to believe. Kinda through me off. However I like his attraction to Eden throughout the book. For those wanting to read, the story is they cannot be together but they want to be, so it’s a lot of push and pull and will they won’t they. I appreciate that Eden is curvy, they deserve more representation in books. The use of the C word, I felt was overused. The author does a great job with mafia stuff info haha like betrayals, competitors, torture, talking business, etc, you get it. There’s a lot of characters and groups that are mentioned which makes it hard to keep up and remember at times but I appreciate the intricacies of the story. It does have a happy ending. The sexy parts are feral, enjoy! Lol
Vito is the unhinged protector of the Santoro family. He gets a mysterious call from Aiken, the proprietor of Gilly's, that turns his life on its ear by: Vito call Ed. Ed turns out to be his obsession that he can't knock. Danger lurks around every corner with the need to keep secrets and hidden. This is a must-read. Can't wait for book 3.
The world building is great. It sets itself up for interconnected series very well. You get introduced to several new side characters and some you met before have been fleshed out.
Unlike the first in the series. Vito and Eden didn’t become secondary characters in their own book. However, I do feel like unimportant information was fleshed out and the real action was shoved into the end act and rushed.
It feels like the author wants us to be be integrated into the world, which I love, but then she realizes the book is too long and has to rush the ending.
There were some things, like Eden’s parents,that didn’t get the conclusion they deserved. I fully expected not only them, but the cult they had supposedly joined, to play a bigger part of the story. Instead, they were set up to be bad guys and basically ignored until a couple of sentences at the end. I don’t feel like Eden was given the closure she was due.
When so much was expounded on and drawn out,their future was a bit ambiguous. Sure, they’re together, but what now? What role does Vito have? What is Eden doing for work? Is she working? It’s a bit unclear to me. She’s helping Sophie, but in what capacity?
Overall, I enjoyed this book more than the first. They’re both good, but there is room for improvement. This series would have been best as a spin off series to an existing one. It felt like it was set up as such. Yes, everyone introduced was fully explained, but it could have been done better. While I appreciate knowing how someone is related to someone else in the mafia, I maybe didn’t need to have it mentioned more than once.
This felt like the main series was about the Havoc Guardians, and this was a mafia spin off of that. At least, that is the vibe I got. Same world. Interconnected characters.
Maybe I’ll re-read this series once all the other series are out and completed. It’s a decent book by itself. It would be better with the rest
Mafia enforcer Vito is called by a dying bar owner with a cyptic message. After the man's sister is named the business successor, Vito realizes the message is to protect her. Eden hates that she's been brought back to her despised home town following her brother's unaliving, but she can't leave until she gets closure for them both. The bar she now owns is neutral ground for all criminal activity in the city, and she finds herself as the most neutral person there is. Unless you count the fire she feels when Vito's eyes are on her. Just one-and-done to get it out of their systems turns to months of secret hookups and emotional connections. Just as Vito is prepared to forsake his birthright and run with Eden, they discover vital clues about her brother. As she finds herself facing down a second unaliving attempt, armed only with her connections and determination, Vito is racing against time to find the woman he loves, consequences be damned.
If I had the space to list all the reasons why this is one of my top mafia series, we'd be here all day. The Santoro boys are quickly rising to my top ranks for book boyfriends. Somehow, Vito surpassed his brother, Creed, and I have high hopes for their remaining brother, whose book is coming next. Vito flips the switch from cold-blooded enforcer to tender supportive partner instantly when it comes to Eden. His steadfast determination to protect her, even from his own family, was the epitome of his love. Eden has spent a lifetime building walls around herself, and somehow Vito tears them down instantly. She doesn't know what to do with him at first; but that quickly turns to a fiery affection that they can't seem to control. I loved their tooth-and-nail fight for their love.
Second books in the Santoro Mafia series. Vito Santoro is the second son in the Santoro family and he is the protector. One night he received a call from Aiken Fallen, the owner of Gilly’s the only bar neutral in the underworld, about to die and only says to him : Vito… Call Ed. He finally gets the number and found out Ed is a woman. Eden Fallen left the city at 15 years old for good. But when she got the call from Vito, she comes back to be the successor of Gilly’s to find who killed her brother. The only thing is that she might had fall for Vito but by the rules, it’s a big no no the date a member of any clan family bc she needs to stay neutral. The chase is on for Vito and it will be a long and slow road….
Once again, Lora Nox wrote an amazing story! Vito is the kind of men I really love to read in this genre and she didn’t disappoint! Vito is the protector. He will do anything for his family and the woman he falls in love with. Eden is a strong, fierce and won’t take anything from anyone. She stood up to men and won’t let them pushing her. She’s a force to not reckon with. And the back story is the backbone for the rest of the series. I am still amazed by Lora Nox on how she wrote her main characters and second ones. They complement each other. Again, I highly recommend this book and series. 5 ⭐️
I genuinely don't even know how to express my thoughts on how good this book was, but I'm sure as hell going to try. I'm not going to get into what the book is about as you can read that yourself.
Vito and Eden (Ed) were literally made for each other. Their chemistry is undeniable and when they finally came together, my kindle was burning hot. I love their banter and how they just get on, he’s so supportive and the fact that Vito will burn the entire world down for Ed is just everything. Then when Ed's life is in danger, we see more of Vito's unhinged side come out, and boy is it pretty.
Vito was my favourite brother by the time I finished reading Creed, but Massimo is going to give Vito a run for his money. Massimo & Nova’s book can’t come soon enough.
Umm hello?? How about that epilogue 🙊 Ash & Dom marrying sisters, Army & Bane are also married and Raf & Pix seem to be into each other. Oh the Havoc Guardians MC books are going to be so much fun. Does this mean we’ll get a book for Dom and the Saints? Here’s me hoping so ☺️
Lora Nox has proven that she's going to be a force to be reckoned with in this genre and is fast becoming one of my favourites. This is only her second book, and I certainly can't wait for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Love! Love! Love! OMG, “Vito” was such a thrilling ride! Lora Nox has outdone herself with this one! From the very first page, I was hooked by the chemistry between Eden and Vito. Their connection is just electric! You can feel the tension between them, and when they finally come together, it’s pure fireworks!
Sure, the book started off a bit slow, but trust me, once it picks up, you won’t want to put it down. I loved seeing Eden's journey and how she navigates through her complexities with such strength. Vito is everything you want in a protector—fierce, loyal, and just the right amount of unhinged!
The mafia elements are done so well, weaving in the necessary drama and family dynamics that keep you on your toes. The representation of Eden as a curvy heroine was fantastic; we definitely need more of that! And the steamy scenes? Let’s just say they’re fire!
Overall, I adored “Vito.” It’s a compelling blend of romance and suspense with a satisfying conclusion. I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book in the series! If you’re into mafia romance, you need to pick this up. Lora Nox is quickly becoming one of my favorites in the genre!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vito isn’t just a love story—it’s survival wrapped in blood, betrayal, and a brutal kind of devotion. Vito is a man forged in violence, raised by monsters, and taught that love is weakness. Yet somehow, in the middle of all his rage and ruin, he loves—with a loyalty so fierce it’s terrifying.
He doesn’t fall gently. He shatters for her. Their love isn’t soft. It’s jagged, painful, raw. Every word drips with heartbreak, every touch feels like a battle cry.
Lora Nox ripped open every emotion in this book—rage, grief, hope, and a love so intense it feels like it could burn the world down. Vito will break your heart… and then make you beg for more.
If you want a hero who bleeds for love and a story that leaves scars on your soul, Vito is a masterpiece you’ll never forget.
Lora does it even better this time! The second book in the Santoro mafia series does not disappoint! If you like mafia romance with the can’t have them, can’t live without them vibe, put this one at the top of your TBR. Eden is my new favorite character, strong and cocky yet vulnerable, with her own gripping backstory. Vito is intense, sexy, and perfect for Eden. The chemistry between them is electric. Vito and Eden can’t get enough of each other, and I couldn’t get enough of them. That said, you could take the spice out and still have a great story, a must-have for 5 stars in my opinion. The story immerses us even further into the Santaro world and family. It was a little complex, but in a very good way, and just as engaging as the amazing spice, adding to the delicious intensity. The Santoro brothers are the stuff of dreams! Love Creed, love, love, love Vito, and I cant wait for Massimo!!
I thoroughly enjoyed Vito, I found the concept unique and interesting while it mixed in all the aspects of a mafia romance I love.
Forbidden Love (seriously forbidden) ✅ Touch her and be not alive MMC ✅ Sassy and strong FMC ✅ Found family dynamics ✅ F*** it moment ✅
I loved Vito and Eden's relationship, I wish we got to see more of it! More of them falling for each other. There were a few time jumps and I wish we could have seen a bit more of their relationship building during those times. I also would have loved to see the characters interact with their family both of blood and found more(found family is one of my fave tropes). There were a few plot points that I wish we had explored more including Eden coming to terms with her past which is something that is hinted at but feels skimmed over in the end. The spice was spicing though, the sass, and devotion to each other on point. Vito and Eden are both everything I love in main characters and their love language together? Perfect.
Thank you BookSirens and Lora Nox for a copy of Vito
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was absolutely astounded reading this book it had me Hooked from the start, the story was written well and the characters were captivating. Eden had left home at fifteen years old after she was traumatised by her parents. Now she received a phone call that ended her back in her home town grieving and promised to avenge her brothers (Aiken,) death. Eden inherited her brothers home, Gilly's Bar and all his money and possessions. Vito received a call by a man dying Aiken, with a message to protect Ed, he was killed in his establishment, Gilly's, it’s a neutral place Aiken had to remain neutral when it comes to the criminal factions in the city. The chemistry between them was explosive, electric, forbidden love, there was also so much action, drama, suspense, Italian Mafia, Mafia Families, betrayal, secrets, lies, possessive, obsessive, anger, hate, passion, pain, pleasure, and maybe even love.
This forbidden romance truly tugged at my heartstrings. The depiction of Eden's grief was beautifully written, and her growth through the trauma she endured made me connect with her immediately. Vito is just as unhinged as he is portrayed, embodying a rugged and fierce MMC. His love and devotion to his family are evident throughout the book.
I loved the perfect blend of lust and plot. The family-driven dynamics of the Santoro clan stood out, and the bond and trust between the brothers were impressive. I felt the story was more plot-driven than the romance aspect. I loved the inner turmoil and lust they had for each other but had to keep it hidden. When they eventually got together, it was pure fireworks.
I adored this book and can't wait for Santoro Mafia Book 3! I highly recommend it.
This is the first book I've read from Lora Nox and it certainly will not be my last. Vito and Eden's story sucked me in from the first few pages. I couldn't put it down. I loved their character development throughout the story. Even though it is a slow burn, it was totally worth the wait. I love the forbidden love aspect of the story as well as the mafia suspense throughout. They definitely had to deal with many issues throughout their story but it made everything that much better. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nox's writing is engaging and kept me at the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next. I'm definitely going to go back and read Creed before book 3 comes out. Can't wait for the next book and to continue seeing how this world develops. A definite must read for everyone.
Well fuck me sideways and call me a bitch!! This book was a fucking fantastic read! Book 1 and 2 have blown me the fuck away!! I'm seriously hooked on series......
Once I started I could not put it down, I was hooked from the start, it's a crazy rollercoaster ride with twists and turns. It had me on the edge of my seat.
I instantly fell for Vito and eden. They are so meant to be, but others say otherwise. But they can't deny what the heart wants. That instant attraction and that magnetic pull. It's packed with action, spice, drama, suspense, mystery, forbidden love, lust, obsession and so much more.
The characters, storyline and plot where wonderfully written as always. Such a gripping, interesting, intriguing and explosive story.
I can't wait to read more this author! If you haven't read these books, I highly suggest and recommend you do.
Ahhhhh Vito is my man !! I did really like this book, thank you for my ARC 😈
🦴 unhinged crazy MMC 🦴 Touch her and 💀 🦴 FMC has a traumatic past but is a STRONG woman !! 🫶🏼 🦴 forbidden 😈 🦴 Felt kinda Dark Rom Com tbh
Spice was SPICING, we loved it. The plot was good, the book length was good. I absolutely loved Eden and her independent character. I loved the character development for her too, I felt she really grew by the end. He chose her over everything and I liked that. She really went through a crazy past and disowned her parents for what they did. which, what the hell. That was awful.
I loved kinda how whodunit it was trying to figure out who killed the brother and how it connected to the family.
I am IMPATIENTLY WAITING FOR MASSIMO’s book 📖 we got a little glimpse at what it will be and ITS MY FAVORITE KINDA TROPE 🤪🤪🤪
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this book as an eARC and my review is completely voluntary.
Book 2 continues to build on what we were introduced to in Book 1 with the Santoro family. Forbidden love, blending the lines between personal desires and family, and ones duty to family (found or blood) are the main forces for this story. Personally, I enjoyed being able to connect with an older FMC and how she navigates returning back home and her family relationships. The spiciness and banter are there and serving. As Vito is a bit different and more involved than Creed (Book 1), we get a different perspective into the Santoro family and the mafia life in general, which can be appreciated.
it does make one question the lengths they are willing to go for their own happiness versus the happiness that comes with the duty to family.
Vito’s story was perfect. The twists and turns in the plot are so captivating and very well written. The tension between Vito and Eden was palpable from the moment the spoke and just kept ramping up from there. I loved the forbidden nature of their relationship and once they finally gave in to their feelings it was explosive! The Santoro men cannot be beat! This was book two and can be read as a standalone but there are plot ties to Creed’s book that carry over. The family dynamic between the brothers and the mothers the consider family is best understood from reading both books. Vito had the perfect amount of engaging plot and spice! Cannot wait to read Massimo’s story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lemme begin by dedicating a song that I personally think fits our MMC Vito Santoro 🎶 ‘Be My Queen’ by Seafret.
From very first line I knew it’s gonna be 5 ⭐️ read for me damnnnn ��� The plot, the tension, the mystery, the thrill, the twist… every single thing, and not to mention the chemistry between the main characters were literally top notch 💯 The book got me hooked till the very end until I’m here screaming my house down around 1 in the morning 😩 and yes Vito is my now officially my book boyfriend 💘 the lengths he’d go for his girl is just >>>>>>> See? That’s why I prefer fictional men over real life ones 😭
And don’t ask me about how good Lora writes 🤯 cuz GIRL ARE YOU KIDDING ME SHE’S AN INDIE AUTHOR WTFFFF?! BRO THIS SHOULD BE A LEGIT BESTSELLER!!!!!
This was the second book and it was just as good as the first one. This one was about Vito he was the second Santoro son and he was the muscle and thus did all the dirty work. One day he gets a call from Aiken who was the owner at Gilly’s. Gilly’s was a neutral zone for all of the different groups running things in California. When he called Vito he said Vito call Ed and then he was gone. Vito followed his wishes and called Ed. They didn’t know who Ed was. When the call connected they were shocked Ed was a woman. She turned out to be Aiken’s estranged sister. She ran away when she was 15 because of what her parents did to her and for what happened to her sister. Aiken also disowned their parents once he found out what they did. A lot happened in the book and it is a must read.
The first half of the book was slow and mildly entertaining. It was really repetitive with the story, lines, and words. More than enough for the readers to understand. But once it got to the halfway point, it was addictive. I love the storyline, plot, Eden and Vito's forbidden relationship, and even the world-building of the criminal world. It was very in-depth and believable. Eden has to be my favorite FMC because she's a tough bad-ass but isn't stubborn or frustrating. She also has an unhinged side that I love and only comes out when it needs to. Even Vito is the unstable book boyfriend we all love and want and he's not over the top or a red flag. I love all of Lora Nox's characters because they're everything we want a book boyfriend to be without the realistic red flags.
This one was spectacular. So much angst Vito who has never been able to connect with a woman on a
meaningful level meets his destiny when meets Ed. Ed is only looking for those who killed her brother and finding justice. After meeting Vito she struggles with the feelings that are developing for him. For Vito who’s entire life has only been about protecting his family, meeting Ed starts a monumental shift in his way of thinking suddenly he finds thoughts of Eden intruding at the most inopportune times. Both of them struggle to find a way to meet not only their familial obligations but also maybe the possibility of a chance for a life together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I don’t even have words. Vito was everything I didn’t know I needed. Lora really outdid herself on this 2nd book of the Santoro Mafia series.
This book follows Vito and Eden. Their relationship is forbidden and creates the best tension and slow burn. Vito is in the mafia while Eden is the owner of the local bar where different crime groups hangout. Their relationship is forbidden but that doesn’t stop these two. The mural pinning for one another was perfection and once they finally got together……WOW.
While this book is spicier than Creed, it still has so much plot. The twist and turns really kept me engaged. I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait to read the finally book in the series.
I seriously just love this series! This one starts out quickly with the murder of the owner of Gilly’s…the bar in town that’s remained neutral ground for all the gang/mafia around. Strict rules are in ace to make sure that’s the case so it’s a big deal this happened. The successor is Eden, who hasn’t talked to her brother much over the years and has her own trauma.
Vito is the Sontoro brother at the center of this book who OF COURSE falls for Eden, which is definitely NOT allowed per the arrangement with the neutrality of the owner-operator of Gilly’s. They just can’t help themselves…🤣
Drama, bad guys, history from book 1 returns. Family is huge. Love it all! ❤️
I SIMPLY CANNOT 🫠 The way I absolutely devoured this book!! Anything for my man Vito 😍
Vito - forever the protector. Fierce, loyal and very unhinged when he gets to play 😏
Eden - just a tortured soul looking for closure after losing her brother. Strong, cunning and willing to put a target on her back for some “god like” d*ck 💁🏼♀️
The drama continues in the world of the Santoro family, Vito breaking crime underworld laws just to be with the girl loves, adorable nicknames, unhinged ass whoopings, secret rendezvous, and a whole lot of LOVIN’ 🙌🏻
Vito ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Lora Nox Vito the family protector who’s a “one-and-done” kind of guy when it comes to women. Eden becomes the owner of Gilly’s who is previously owned and operated by her brother, who was murdered. Her and her brother were estranged because she ran away. Eden and Vito took one look at each other and there was an instant connection. This book can be read as a standalone, even though it is a book 2 and dives into mafia, forbidden romance and touch her and die. Will Vito and Eden live happily ever after or will they ultimately stay apart, due to family and business limitation? You’re just gonna have to read and find out and check it out for yourself.