Una Sposa in Prestito

Mafia Lords of Sin #5

by Ajme Williams

Ho rubato al criminale più pericoloso di New York.
Non avrei mai dovuto rivederlo…
Finché non ha deciso che sarei diventata sua moglie.
Ora porto in grembo una bambina sua – e i suoi segreti.

La prima Non derubare mai un mafioso.
La Se lo fai, non accettare di sposarlo, anche solo per finta.
La regola d’oro? Non innamorarti dell’uomo che può distruggerti con un solo sguardo.

Perché, quando infrangi ogni regola, ti ritrovi con un cuore spezzato, una figlia da dover tenere nascosta e anni passati a scappare dall’uomo che ti crede morta.

Non ho mai saputo come proteggere me stessa.
Marco Barrone non era una semplice vittima.
Era una sorta di predatore vestito Armani, con uno sguardo di ghiaccio e un sorriso che ti faceva sciogliere.
Letale. Magnetico. Inarrestabile.

Credevo di farla franca, rubandogli il portafoglio in mezzo alla folla di New York.
Non mi sono mai sbagliata così tanto.

Quando la sua mano ha afferrato il mio polso, pensavo che sarebbe stata la fine.
Invece, mi ha dato un anello, un matrimonio finto… e una notte che mi ha lasciato un ricordo indelebile.

Ora ho un segreto che potrebbe distruggerci entrambi – una bambina con i suoi identici occhi e il mio sorriso.
Una figlia che non ha mai conosciuto.

Sei anni dopo, proprio quando pensavo di averla fatta franca…
Due linee rosa mi fanno capire che la storia si sta per ripetere.

Marco sta per diventare padre di nuovo.
E questa volta… saranno dei gemelli!

Genres: Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Dark Romance, Fake Dating, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Second Chance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2025

About the author

Ajme Williams - mother, wife, daughter, dreamer, an avid reader and a writer.
When she's not writing romance, Ajme can be seen sipping coffee, gorging on dark chocolate, exercising, or travelling with family and friends. Cooking is therapeutic for her and she drools over Italian food...and men.
What to expect from her books?
Ajme loves variety, so expect a lot of second chances, secret babies, office romances, big fat fake weddings, curvy heroines and alpha heroes. HEA? Always, baby!
If you're a fan of emotional angsty contemporary romance, then you'll enjoy Ajme Williams.

Reviews

[♡Naz♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

wowowowowowow... This book had me on the edge the whole way through it😭🤪 It made me laugh, fall in love, hate some ppl and cry 😢 😭 it was worth all the time I spent on this.🫶🤌💓♥️

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Street-smart pickpocket Gianna (h) finds her world turned upside down when a wallet heist goes wrong, and she’s caught by Marco (H), a mafia kingpin as ruthless as he is magnetic. Instead of revenge, Marco makes her an offer she can’t refuse to pose as his wife and help him solidify his family’s legacy under his father Dante’s scrutiny. Gianna reluctantly agrees, intending to turn the arrangement to her advantage. As the lines between their fake marriage and real feelings blur, Gianna uncovers dark truths about Marco’s family and her own painful past. Thrown into a world of power, danger, and secrets, Gianna has to navigate a life filled with shadowy alliances and deadly betrayals. Amid the chaos, Gianna learns she is pregnant, a revelation that both strengthens her bond with Marco and heightens her fears about his dangerous lifestyle, leading to a difficult choice. With so many secrets, enemies coming in from every direction, and a spiderweb of relationships and intrigue, Gianna and Marco have to form alliances and take down those who would keep them apart. Hot and steamy mafia romance, exploring love, connection, intrigue, betrayals, unexpected twists, survival, resilience, redemption, trust, family, and an unbreakable bond between two people who dare to defy the odds.

[Tiffany M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the meet cute and I was ready to settle into a good story. But then it started to go downhill. I know that authors have to get created because there is only so many ways to tell the same trope. BUT. Here’s when it started to make me cringe a little.

MFC is homeless and a thief, preferably pickpockets. Is caught by the MMC and forced into a bet. Long story short she looses and now has to pretend to be married. So far so good right? He bought her a dress so they could break the news to dear old dad. They end up having a heavy make out session in the fitting room. Now mind you she had said she’s been in the street and hasn’t had a shower in days 🤢 he takes her home
Meets the dad and then takes her to her room where he proceeds to rail her (SHE STILL HAS NOT SHOWERED)

And this is only the first few chapters. There seems to be a lot of plot holes and just weird writing.

Also I hate how authors seem to be a little too woke and toxic masculinity and brains seem to be a thing of the past. And why must them always write it that the Mafia steps down and starts a new life ????

Needless to say I made it to 90% and I really tried to finish it I just couldn’t too many outrageous silly things and situations that make you want to facepalm 🤦🏼‍♀️ yourself.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I honestly don't know how to rate this because I didn't love it, but I somehow enjoyed it? The plot is messy and very all over the place, but it was fun too(?) Idk.

[Sakshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

if only I could remember what I read😭

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Ajme Williams! The storyline was well thought out and was well-written and smooth-flowing, the pacing was excellent and kept me on tenterhooks wondering who was the "real" bad guy.

Marco and Gianna are interesting characters who are great together and perfect for each other. Their journey to their HEA wasn't an easy one but it was one full of drama and action. No spoilers from me but I definitely recommend downloading and reading this one.

[Summer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Randomly chose this book as a quick and easy read for shits and giggles for a book club. I was left unimpressed with some grammatical/spelling errors and incorrect usage of some words, but it was definitely an easy read.

[Natasha C · Rating 2 out of 5]

the writing leaves a lot to be desired but I mean it satisfied my craving for romance around Valentine's day... Thanks book club

[vitoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book should’ve been a lot bigger, it was too much info and twists for only two hundred and something pages…

[grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this to take me out of a reading slump not too bad

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed Bride is a sizzling dark mafia tgat will set your kindle on fire. A ruthless mafia king. His fake wife dangerous secrets. One night of passion leads to consequences that will shake New York's underworld to it's core creating a war between the Barrone and the Simone family that will last for five years because of her. But she has a secret hidden from him for six and half years. Can their love survive this secret? An exquisitely written story with flawed and broken individuals and a complex and fascinating storyline that captures the audience attention from the beginning and keeps you hooked and turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, gripping and tantalizing story. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing story and follow along as these two characters fall in love. An unputdownable and addicting read. This is Gianna and Marco story which is told from a dual point of view. If you like dark mafia romance then you will like this book:
🖤 Dark mafia romance
👰‍♂️💍 Fake marriage that turns real
👶 🤰Secret daughter/surprise twins
🔥 Forbidden attractions
💀🔫 Dangerous hero
☠️ Hidden identity
An enemies-to-lovers romance, romantic suspense story, women's crime fiction story, crime thriller story, protective alpha hero story, organize crime story, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, aged gap trope story, protector romance, damsel-in-distress story, billionaires & millionaires romance, touch-her-and-die romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, he-falls-first romance, romance-that-started-on-a-deal story with deception, darkness, madness, lies, survival, resilience, passion, enemies, mob war, rivalry, revenge, retaliation, power struggle, danger, revelations, family issues, betrayal, friendship, loyalty, hatred, blackmail, murder, bloodshed, attacks, action packed, violence, attempted assassination, murder, loss, pain and hurt, grief, fear, guilt, plot twist and plot twist, surprising twists and turns, mystery, dark hidden secret, suspense, surprises, tension, heartbreak, angst, anger, emotions, steam, chaos, mayhem, torture, captivity, mention of sexual abuse, strength, suspense, power and control, acceptance, hidden agendas, love, captivity, mention of sex trafficking, family found, forgiveness, submission, consensual intense rough sex, mention of rape, jealousy, obsession, alliance, possessiveness and kidnapping.
Marco Barrone is the mafia Don of the Barrone of familgia. He's handsome, ruthless, brutal, damage and relentless. Marco is focus on overhauling is organization from the old ways of doing business but is father the former Don continues to push him in getting married and making a heir. He was walking in the city with his men and talking on his phone when a lady run into him picking his pocket and stealing his wallet. She thought that she had gotten away because she had made it a block until she felt him grabbed her wrist. Gianna is homeless and living on the street has been picking pockets of men who she thinks deserves it. She uses the money to get a secure a room for the night or two to get out the cold. Gianna has had a rough upbringing riddle with physical and sexual abuse from her father and a mother who doesn't care about her to stop the sexual abuse. Gianna wanted until she was eighteen year old then she run away and started living on the street where she not only pick pockets but finesse men into getting into their bed to stay warm.
Gianna had picked the wrong man pocket because he had something inside it that would make him go to war. Marco tells her that she had two choices pretend to be his fake wife or he was going to kill her she picked the first choice. He took her to a store to get some clothes then he took her home to meet his father and introduce her to him as his new wife. But instead of being happy he was livid and told him that he had spat in the other families faces by marrying a nobody instead of one of their daughters. Although she would be off the street and was offered a lap of luxury for the first time she was plotting her escape. But when they started sleeping together the dynamics changes and they started catching feelings for each other. Gianna old life collided with her new life when things had finally gotten good with her and Marco and she found out that she was pregnant with his heir. Woman from her old crew Cherry who she had sent to prison was out and had beaten her only friend Tara and their was an attempt on Marco's life.
Cherry told her that if she didn't leave that she would kill both of them and that it would be her fault for them losing their lives. Distraught and lonely she left and went back to picking pockets to survive while Marco was falling apart for losing her. She had a beautiful daughter name Freya far away in a small town. But when Fawn Marco's ex-fiancee who he had thought was dead came to the hospital and threatened her she was shocked. Fawn Deleware and Marco was engaged when he was eighteen years old. He tells Gianna that she was the love of his life but she had died by her abusive, as it turns out ex is actually Fawn Simone his biggest rival Leonardo sister. She told her that she was training to be an assassin when she was a teenager at her father's behest and now she's pretty good at it. She was supposed to kill Marco but fell in love with him. She also told her that Marco had sold her into sex slavery as punishment for trying to kill him and that the skin trade was the Barrone main avenue of business. But Gianna doesn't believe it because she cannot rectify the same man who sacrifice everything for his sister Emilia as the same person that Fawn is referring to.
Fawn tells her that she was in danger from Marco's enemies and that if anyone knew that she had have his heir that her daughter would also be in danger. She tells her that she could stay with Leonardo and he would protect her. Leonardo protected her and her daughter for eighteen months then propose to her which nearly kill Marco, he couldn't believe that the woman who he loved was marrying his enemy. Marco went to church to see her but a war broke out between his men and Leonardo so he never even got the chance to know that he was a dad. His dad took her to safe house then she went back to see him where he showed her proved that he wasn't into trafficking but Fawn found him then the church blew up and everyone thought that he had died in the blast but was actually in a coma for eight months. Marco's dad put Gianna and Freya up in a safe house and she thought that he was helping her. But after five years of being locked away she realized that she was in captivity and he wasn't really helping. Fawn fines her yet again and rescue her but this time let her stay with her and her crew. Marco and Leonardo was in a five year long war destroying the city with both of them believing the other killed her because that was what was rumored. But the entire time Marco's dad Dante had a hidden agenda and was the puppet master behind the scenes pulling all of the strings to the discord.
Dante wanted power and wanted Leonardo and Marco to kill each other so that he could bring in one of the smaller family that's not on anyone's radar. Dante had been lying to Marco for five years and caused him all those years that he could've had with his family. Marco had gone through so much and loss countless men to fine Gianna. Dante was a vile, savage, evil and monstrous man. The evil things that he did to his family was inhumane and the things that his wife endure all because she didn't want to marry off her daughter was sad and poor Emilia life was ruin. Dante and former Don Simone was pure evil. There was so much misunderstanding in this story between the Simone's and Marco that was later rectified and the two families got their alliance that Dante wanted but not in his vile way. A great story that was filled with guilt, misconception and pain. It demands to be read.

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

[Cherry R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8⭐️

It was a short and easy read.The plot is really good, and this could have potentially earned a higher star rating if only written more creatively. It's not so bad, though, and I still enjoyed it enough to get me out of the slump that Deep End has put me through.🤣

It's also funny to see my name written in this book as one of the characters. Though it's one of the villains, I'm glad and thankful for the character development and redemption at the end. 🤣🤣🤣

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked the pocket of New York's most dangerous man.
I never planned to see him again...
Until he claimed me as his wife.
Now I'm carrying his child – and his secrets.

Rule number one: Never steal from a mobster.
Rule number two: If you break rule one, don't agree to be his fake wife.
And the golden rule? Don't fall for the ruthless, irresistible mafia king who now calls you his.

Because when you break all these rules, you're left with a shattered heart, a secret child, and years of hiding from the man who thinks you're buried six feet under.

Self-preservation was never my strong suit.
Marco Barrone wasn't just another mark.
He was a predator in Armani, with eyes like winter steel and a smile that promised ruin.
Dangerous. Magnetic. Lethal.

I thought I was smart, lifting his wallet in a sea of New York faces.
I've never been more wrong.

When his hand clamped on my wrist, I expected a bullet.
Instead, I got a ring, a fake marriage, and a night that left me with more than just memories.

Now I'm hiding a secret bigger than both of us – a little girl with his eyes and my smile.
A daughter he doesn't know exists.

Six years later, just when I thought fate was done toying with me...
Two pink lines tell me I'm about to double down on my mistakes.

Marco is about to be a father again.
This time… to twins!

This contemporary billionaire dark mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is in New York and engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are exuding power, ruthless, dark, dangerous, violent, obsessive, possessive, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the borrowed bride, explicit romance that is consumed by sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, a fake marriage, secret babies, secrets, deception, suspense that will leave readers sitting on the edge of their seats, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the borrowed bride and a dark mafia romance that is explicit in every sense and sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly dangerous and unforgettable.

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

[Hayiii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gianna&Marco. 3.5 for the too many plots but round to 4 because it was fast paced and wasn’t boring.

lord idk where to start with the summary.

Gianna: a thief, homeless girl, a street girl.
Marco: son of mafia, a leader
Emilia: Maco’s dead sister, but she’s actually alive and weak, hidden in the mansion.
Leonardo: Marco’s enemy, a Simone leader, Borrone’s enemy
Fawn: Leo’s sister (no one knew), Marco’s ex that died, sent by her father (Simone leader) to kill Marco, but she’s actually alive, was sold by her father, raped by Marco’s dad, and blame everything to Marco. “Do you think I chose a life of prostitution? I was sold into it by Marco Barrone as punishment for being sent to kill him”


“He wants to reveal Emilia and marry her off to a family he thinks will strengthen us, and I refuse to let that happen. So now, we are married, and I will raise our family on our own merit not through an archaic wedding.”

That just doesn’t make sense…he married a nobody, his father would be more set on marry off Emilia to strengthen the family.

,,I’m rambling, scraping together the tail end of unfinished thoughts in a desperate attempt to save this man’s life. It doesn’t even cross my mind to tell Marco the truth because I don’t want him to look at me differently.,,


“When Tara was attacked,” Gianna begins, sitting next to me. “That was when I found out I was pregnant. I was going to tell you once you had gotten your father back but then Cherry appeared and threatened me. Of course, she was working for Fawn, and they were convinced you were a sex trafficker, so they were scaring me to stay away.” I nod slowly. “All I knew was that I had to keep the baby safe from everyone so I just … I left. And I stayed hidden until she was born and Fawn tracked me down. She also wanted to keep Freya safe and it was her idea for me to go to Leo. She told me the truth of who she was, and I would have told you when we met at the safe house but there wasn’t enough time.” Gianna sighs deeply. “Anyway, that’s why I went to him because I didn’t know the truth. I didn’t know anything and all I wanted to do was keep her safe. So that’s what I’ve been doing. Even in that apartment Dante put us in …”

Turns out the bad guy in this story was Dante, Marco’s dad, and Leo’s dad (he’s long dead)

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed Bride by Ajme Williams is a thrilling mix of danger, passion, and a second-chance romance that will leave you breathless. If you love mafia romances with powerful, possessive heroes and heroines who refuse to back down, this one is absolute perfection.

Stealing from a mobster was her first mistake. Letting him claim her as his fake wife? That was her second. But falling for the ruthless, magnetic Marco Barrone? That was the mistake that changed everything. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable—but when their arrangement ends, she disappears, taking with her the biggest secret of all: his daughter.

Fast forward six years, and fate isn’t done with them yet. One unexpected pregnancy test later, and not only is she carrying Marco’s child again, but this time, it’s twins. And when Marco inevitably finds out? Hell hath no fury like a mafia king denied his family.

I loved how Ajme Williams masterfully blends tension, deep emotions, and sizzling romance. Marco is the kind of antihero that makes your heart race—dangerous, dominant, yet fiercely protective. The heroine is strong-willed and resilient, making their push-and-pull dynamic so addictive. And when the truth comes out? Whew, buckle up!

If you’re looking for a mafia romance packed with high stakes, explosive chemistry, and a powerful love story that defies all odds, Borrowed Bride delivers in every way. It’s passionate, intense, and utterly unputdownable!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A heart-pounding, steamy mafia romance with secrets, second chances, and a possessive alpha who will not let go!.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Risk that Gave Her More than She Expected -
Gianna’s only plan was to pickpocket the rich man so she could spend a few night in a warm bed, but fate had other plans in store for her, as it turned out her mark was a Mafia Don and he knew all the tricks used by the pickpockets. Marco couldn’t believe the young girl was brave enough to try to steal from him, but his anger turned into something else when he locked eyes with him and a plan formed in his mind on how to deal with her. Marco was flying by the seat of his pants as he set his plans in motion, but Gianna seemed to catch on quickly and hold up her end of the bargain.

However, what neither Gianna nor Marco realised at the time was that they were about to embarks on a wild adventure filled with steamy moments, lies, drama, uncovering family secrets, violence, kidnappings and a betrayal from the last person they expected, which ultimately united enemies, so they could work together towards a better life for all of them. This is a must read romance story with a mind blowing twist, that had me on the edge of my seat most of the time. I found myself glued to the pages and couldn’t stop reading until I finished, but I can say without a shadow of doubt, that it was totally worth it. Ajme Williams you have outdone yourself again with this book.

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

[Here for the Plot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was a decent story. Typical mafia romance.

Marco, the MMC, was a soft mafia boss, IMO. He didn't really come across as a badass - but I didn't hate that. And the age-gap was lost somewhere. It was mentioned once that he was 40, but I'm still not sure how old the FMC was. I liked Marco overall. He had a good heart.

Gianna, the FMC, was a cool chick. I liked her. A strong female. Both characters were well-written and well-developed.

Gianna lives on the streets and pick-pockets the wrong man...or did she 😉. A fake marriage and lots of roller-coaster drama ensues. There were times I had to step back and put my kindle down to remind myself it was fiction. The back and forth of together then apart then both think the other's dead and the "he's bad news, you need to stay away from him" wore me thin. I breathed a sigh of relief when it all came together.

My biggest issue (and I have this issue with every author who does it) was that the conflict resolution came at about 85-87%. The remaining 10-12% was a fluffed up HEA. A HEA that dragged through buying a house/2nd pregnancy, a wedding, a dinner party after the new babies, and a freaking Mediterranean vacation 5 years later. Come on. Maybe 2 chapters after the conflict resolution and an epilogue for the HEA. A 2nd epilogue if you're building up the family for 2nd gen spin-offs.

Would I recommend this book...maybe.

[Patricia C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception was at the top in this story but it has a beautiful happy ending.

Marco was the Don of the Barrone family. Gianna was a young homeless woman who stole from those she felt had more than what they needed. Marco became a man she thought was arrogant and needed to be brought down, but she under estimated him and he caught her after she lifted his wallet. Marco needed a wife because he was dealing with an arranged marriage. He gave Gianna his American Express Centurion card and if she could find the limit on the card he would spare her life. As she went to the high end clothing stores, hotels and furniture stores, she realized that she was going to find the limit. Marco realized that she was different, she didn’t get stuff for herself but she got rooms for others who needed a place for the night. Marco father Dante was going behind his back creating destruction between Marco a Leo Simone. Marco was rescuing abused women and children while his father was at the head of trafficking. He held Gianna and her daughter Freyar captive until she was rescued by Marco arch enemy. Unbeknownst to everyone that Dante was deceiving all parties. Marco’s daughter was six years old when he finally found out that he was a father. I enjoyed this book and I recommend reading it.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed Bride is definitely suspenseful and a page turning mafia romance. Borrowed Bride is amazingly written, well balanced and perfectly executed by Ajme Williams. Ajme Williams continues to prove what an incredible author, storyteller and writer she is with each book that I have had the pleasure to read by her so far. Borrowed Bride follows the story of Gianna and Marco. I adored getting to know both Gianna and Marco as well as witnessing their story unfolding throughout the book. The chemistry between Gianna and Marco is undeniably irresistible to the point where neither one of them could no longer ignore the feelings they have for one another. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I love that Gianna and Marco have a happily ever after with them being happy together. I can’t wait to read more amazing mafia romances from Ajme Williams in the future. I would definitely recommend Borrowed Bride for anyone who is looking for a mafia romance book to read.

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

[Shelley Drinkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ajme Williams is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and this book just further cements that! I loved it! It was packed with drama and twists and turns throughout, I was on the edge of my seat reading it and trying to work out who was behind the trafficking, multiple times I was convinced I’d worked it out but I was wrong.

Gianna is homeless and survives by pickpocketing in nyc. That is until she chooses the wrong mark one day who turns her world around. Marco is the don of the Barrone family and when he catches gianna stealing his wallet, he comes up with a plan for her to pay him back and get his father off his back - getting married. Marco thinks it’s the perfect ruse to get his father off his back about getting married and producing an heir and thinks that gianna will be easy to control, little does he know she’s a spitfire who knows her own mind. Their story is full of heartache, drama, love and loss, it was a real rollercoaster of emotions!.

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

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard life by MeemsAngel82

Well this one has so many twists! The writing is great and I never knew just what was going to happen between or to these two leads. I was shocked at some of the revelations and didn't see them coming. There are also some very surprising bonds that form in this story.

She was a pick pocket, alone on the streets. This time she went for the wrong mark who turned her whole world upside down.

I was intrigued at their meeting, how exciting. I wasn't a fan of his until later, I felt that he was too disrespectful of her and considering that they had s physical relationship by then I thought he would be even more soft. Eventually he does and as he does so so many people get involved. Past meets present and their lives and people trying to help and harm them interfere. There are so.many surprises and it takes big people to forgive, I'll give them all credit! And the HEA is well deserved!.

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

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears are flowing!

A very beautiful story for mafia story! From the day that Marco became Gianna's hit he was a goner,he didn't know it at the time.Gianna had a hard life and she wasn't set for mafia life but she was set to be with Marco if only if it was fake but to many obstacles were in the way for those too to have a happy life but five years later and giving up on any hope that either one is alive,so many lies are spread about Marco and Gianna.This story made me cry only because Marco went thru so much to fine Gianna only to hear that she died and he almost died two or three times.This story had so many coverups,lies and I'm really glad that Dante got his just dues,for a husband and father to put his late wife threw so much and his daughter suffered so much and even Marco hurt very badly at that time.Dante was a diabolical man,full of jealousy, rage!Marco and Gianna kept clawing and never gave up when it look like their paths would never cross again because of lies,hate and jealousy!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. While the blurb was intriguing, the pacing of the story was way too fast. The relationship between Marco and Giana went from zero to intense in what felt like a matter of pages, leaving little room for genuine emotional development or believable chemistry.

The plot itself was confusing at times, with sudden twists and turns that weren’t well explained or fleshed out. I found myself rereading certain sections just to try to make sense of what was happening, which pulled me out of the story. The lack of depth in both the characters and the world-building made it hard to connect with or care about their journey.

While there were moments of potential glimpses of tension, passion, and intrigue.
Honestly I’m feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. This book had the foundation to be something great, but it needed more time to breathe and grow. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me.

Tropes: Mafia romance, second chance romance, secret baby, fake marriage, opposite attract

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was living on the streets, navigating life as a pickpocket, when she crossed paths with a charming mafia don. In a twist of fate, he offered her a chance to reclaim her life by becoming his pretend wife and possibly having his child. What follows is an incredible journey where they unexpectedly begin to fall for each other! However, things get complicated as he faces off against Leo, who suspects him of trafficking and might be gearing up for a big showdown. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, a massive event shakes everything up—she discovers she’s pregnant and that her don has been killed! This book is a real page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially as you uncover the truth behind his mother’s death. The author’s storytelling is absolutely brilliant!.

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

[Dewey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great beginning and I thought, yay, here is a good story. For the first 50%, it is intense and compelling, good Mafia mystery, great chemistry between these two people as they navigate a fake marriage. Lots of twists and turns as the story flows along. Until at 50%, when it takes a turn into silly melodrama. If you like over the top soap opera, you'll like this one. There's a dramatic return of Gianna's past; gun battles, more dead people; another almost wedding to his enemy; then another kidnapping; all this in year 1 of her 5 year disappearance! There's an explosion and an 8 month coma; the mysterious Fawn, assassin and world class hacker, reappears. In five years, Marco wages war in New York City (really? the police etc let him?) and he still can't seem to kill Leo & Fawn. He also can't seem to figure out who betrayed him. I grew to really dislike this story and put it down in disgust. I tried but at 65% I DNF; just too dumb to keep reading.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gianna is a homeless woman struggling to survive. One night she steals for Marco who is a Don for his family, and he tells her if she finds his credit card limit, she will go free. However, she surprises him with her purchases, and he sees that she isn't like anyone he has ever met. Its not long before things heat up between them and she sees how dangerous his life is. Gianna leaves and now six years later a secret she has been keeping from Marco might end things between them before they get a second chance. Can Marco forgive her for keeping such a big secret from him/ Can they finally be together?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

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

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. At one point in the book I was so annoyed with the FMC. Then there was an event that made me rethink my stance on her. After letting some time pass from reading the story, I can honestly say it was an okay story and I give it 3.5⭐️.

Gianna meets Marco when she picks his pocket. Marco is the leader of a powerful Mafia family. He’s facing pressure from his father to marry so he decides to fake marry Gianna. There’s a lot of violence between the Mafia families which preoccupies Marco and causes the twist in their relationship. There’s years apart from each other, a secret child, several power grabs, several spicy scenes, and several unexpected twists.

There are several books in this series but after reading this one I don’t think I will be reading more. There are just too many books out there to read mediocre stories.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Bride follows Gianna who's homeless and mafia don Marco Barrone. Their relationship starts unconventional to say the least. She survives the streets by pickpocketing unsuspecting marks. She's good at what she does that is until she's stole from the wrong man. Marco catches her red handed and soon her life is turned upside down. He gives her an unconventional consequence to make up for her crime pretend to be his wife.
Their journey is one of danger, suspense, secrets, betrayals, retaliation, twist, turns and an undeniable chemistry pulling them together. Oh lets not forget the drama, secret pregnancy and unexpected friendships/partnerships.
I received a ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed Bride is a steamy OTT, fake marriage, secret baby, dark mafia romance.
OMG. This one is a wild ride, folks. Be sure to read those trigger warnings, too, as there are some dark themes. Gianna is a young and beautiful homeless pickpocket. She ends up stealing from the hunky, broody, ruthless mafia don, Marco. He catches her and proposes a fake marriage to get his father off his back. This one is full of drama, angst, steam, danger, and twists I never saw coming. Their chemistry was pure fire, and our couple ends on a happy note, but it was quite the emotional roller-coaster getting there. I loved it!!.

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

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started off strong and then took a dive off a cliff. There were so many characters introduced, so many connections out of nowhere that I think was meant for shock factor but really was just convoluted.

Marco and Gianna had chemistry in their first few interactions but as the story progressed they seemed to lose it. I will say, it was BookTok that put me onto the story and what was shown on BookTok wasn't quite how it was in the book. No one communicates, people think others are dead when they're alive and well. It was a hot mess in my opinion.

That being said, the beginning parts of Gianna and Marco's relationship building was good. She was a spitfire that kept him on his toes, while charming him and everyone around her. I did like Marco with their little girl.