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Power
Dark Mafia Romance. Forbidden Love.
I came back to burn my enemy’s empire to the ground—but I didn’t plan on craving his wife more than revenge.
In this dark, high-steam mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers tension ignites a slow-burn revenge plot. Forbidden attraction turns into obsession. And a marriage of convenience twists into a deadly game. Expect morally gray characters, brutal choices, and heat so raw, it turns betrayal into foreplay.
Dario Bellini didn’t plan on falling for the one woman he should’ve left untouched. But the night he saves Vittoria Falco—the crown jewel of Enzo Castelli’s empire, his most prized possession—everything shifts. She’s not just collateral. She’s a shot of pure fire wrapped in silk, hiding bruises he’s not supposed to care about.
The deeper he pulls her into his world, the harder it is to let her go.
And when Vittoria starts wanting him back, desire turns lethal.
Because in this game, love isn’t a victory.
It’s the one move that could get them both killed.
I came back to burn my enemy’s empire to the ground—but I didn’t plan on craving his wife more than revenge.
In this dark, high-steam mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers tension ignites a slow-burn revenge plot. Forbidden attraction turns into obsession. And a marriage of convenience twists into a deadly game. Expect morally gray characters, brutal choices, and heat so raw, it turns betrayal into foreplay.
Dario Bellini didn’t plan on falling for the one woman he should’ve left untouched. But the night he saves Vittoria Falco—the crown jewel of Enzo Castelli’s empire, his most prized possession—everything shifts. She’s not just collateral. She’s a shot of pure fire wrapped in silk, hiding bruises he’s not supposed to care about.
The deeper he pulls her into his world, the harder it is to let her go.
And when Vittoria starts wanting him back, desire turns lethal.
Because in this game, love isn’t a victory.
It’s the one move that could get them both killed.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2025
10 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 3, 2025
Okay, Power by Vivian Flame? I went in expecting mafia grit, revenge, and blood-stained romance—but I didn’t expect to fall face-first into one of the most deliciously twisted obsessions I’ve read in a while. And now I’m sitting here, emotionally wrung out and questioning my morals... again.
From page one, this book had its claws in me. The voice, the tension, the shadows—it’s all dark, seductive, and dripping with danger. I felt the weight of that vendetta. Our anti-hero (because let’s be real, he is no white knight) is back in the game with one goal: take down Enzo Castelli. But fate, in her dramatic, chaotic way, throws Vittoria Falco in his path—and suddenly, vengeance isn’t the only thing burning.
Y’all. Vittoria. Is. A. Revelation. She’s fire in a designer dress—elegant, calculating, and hiding all kinds of sharp edges beneath that polished surface. At first I was like, “Noooo, don’t trust her!” But then I started slipping too. Just like our broody, rage-filled narrator, I was tangled in her web—unsure if she was a weapon or a trap, salvation or destruction.
The enemies-to-lovers tension? Off the damn charts. This wasn’t just slow burn, it was scorch and smolder until it hurts. Forbidden attraction, morally gray decisions, the will-they-won’t-they (and should they?)—I ate every toxic morsel of it. I knew they were walking a knife’s edge, but I couldn’t stop rooting for them to fall into it anyway.
And let’s talk steam—Vivian Flame does not pull punches. The chemistry between these two was all-consuming, the kind that threatens to leave ashes in its wake. But what really got me? Underneath all the grit and fury, there’s feeling. Real, soul-baring emotion that crept in quietly while I was distracted by all the beautiful chaos.
By the end, I didn’t know whether I wanted to hug the book or throw it across the room. Power gave me everything I love in a dark romance: revenge, obsession, betrayal, and a love story that’s equal parts poison and cure.
If you like your men dangerous, your women cunning, and your romance wrapped in razor wire—you need to read this. Just don’t expect to come out clean. I sure didn’t.
From page one, this book had its claws in me. The voice, the tension, the shadows—it’s all dark, seductive, and dripping with danger. I felt the weight of that vendetta. Our anti-hero (because let’s be real, he is no white knight) is back in the game with one goal: take down Enzo Castelli. But fate, in her dramatic, chaotic way, throws Vittoria Falco in his path—and suddenly, vengeance isn’t the only thing burning.
Y’all. Vittoria. Is. A. Revelation. She’s fire in a designer dress—elegant, calculating, and hiding all kinds of sharp edges beneath that polished surface. At first I was like, “Noooo, don’t trust her!” But then I started slipping too. Just like our broody, rage-filled narrator, I was tangled in her web—unsure if she was a weapon or a trap, salvation or destruction.
The enemies-to-lovers tension? Off the damn charts. This wasn’t just slow burn, it was scorch and smolder until it hurts. Forbidden attraction, morally gray decisions, the will-they-won’t-they (and should they?)—I ate every toxic morsel of it. I knew they were walking a knife’s edge, but I couldn’t stop rooting for them to fall into it anyway.
And let’s talk steam—Vivian Flame does not pull punches. The chemistry between these two was all-consuming, the kind that threatens to leave ashes in its wake. But what really got me? Underneath all the grit and fury, there’s feeling. Real, soul-baring emotion that crept in quietly while I was distracted by all the beautiful chaos.
By the end, I didn’t know whether I wanted to hug the book or throw it across the room. Power gave me everything I love in a dark romance: revenge, obsession, betrayal, and a love story that’s equal parts poison and cure.
If you like your men dangerous, your women cunning, and your romance wrapped in razor wire—you need to read this. Just don’t expect to come out clean. I sure didn’t.
May 9, 2025
When Dario walks into a bar and starts playing the piano, Vittoria can’t help but follow his sirens call. Dario isn’t just some guy though, he’s her husband’s biggest enemy and out to destroy him and everything he loves, including Vittoria herself. He kidnaps her, holds her captive, and forces her to submit to his will. But their physical attraction to each other is palpable and when feelings get involved, it becomes hard to differentiate intentions from emotions.
This was a quick read and moved fast but the feels ran high and then tensions ran higher. Vittoria and Dario are both firecrackers in their own right and as a couple, it was magic.
“Where have you been all my life, Vit? Why couldn’t I have met you first?”
What I loved about Dario was his soft side. Under the hardened brutality was a hurt man wishing for a different life, a life of music and creativity, and despite the rough exterior, I couldn’t help but fall for this enigmatic man.
The domestic aspect to their relationship was what really brought their chemistry together. You could really sense the comfort level they had around each other despite the captive/captor dynamic, whether it be while in bed, on long drives, or while relishing in their feelings while listening to Dario play piano. I loved both Dario and Vittoria individually but together? They’re meant to be.
“She’s the light in the dark, the very reason my world hasn’t tilted off its axis.”
Power was a nice and easy read, a mafia lite story with all that we love in a dark romance. I do wish that they would have had a nice epilogue or future chapter highlighting their life together because I would have liked to see them get a proper HEA but it definitely wrapped up nicely anyways.
This was a quick read and moved fast but the feels ran high and then tensions ran higher. Vittoria and Dario are both firecrackers in their own right and as a couple, it was magic.
“Where have you been all my life, Vit? Why couldn’t I have met you first?”
What I loved about Dario was his soft side. Under the hardened brutality was a hurt man wishing for a different life, a life of music and creativity, and despite the rough exterior, I couldn’t help but fall for this enigmatic man.
The domestic aspect to their relationship was what really brought their chemistry together. You could really sense the comfort level they had around each other despite the captive/captor dynamic, whether it be while in bed, on long drives, or while relishing in their feelings while listening to Dario play piano. I loved both Dario and Vittoria individually but together? They’re meant to be.
“She’s the light in the dark, the very reason my world hasn’t tilted off its axis.”
Power was a nice and easy read, a mafia lite story with all that we love in a dark romance. I do wish that they would have had a nice epilogue or future chapter highlighting their life together because I would have liked to see them get a proper HEA but it definitely wrapped up nicely anyways.
May 28, 2025
WOW 🤩 This book was so amazingly good . Phew, it certainly has the power as I did devour in,no time at all. It’s sublime,it’s hm heat ,it’s sweet too, believe it or not. There ain’t nothing this book hasn’t got . It’s hot as sin and I’d have him morning noon and night .One hot jewel dark as night is captured by Dario Bellini to set the score right ,but try as he might not to fall for this siren . Enzo Castelli’s woman is hard to resist . Things take a twist a turn when Enzo Castelli’s woman ,Vittoria Falco is open to his charms at last . Wow Dario ,that was fast . She’s barely had chance to gasp as she squeezes your ass …oops I got a bit carried away there, it that what this book does as it’s jam packed full of lust as well as distrust. Heat? Aplenty ,burning ,a yearning so neat. Definitely all the feels and it’s surreal how this Mafioso loves on her so and he vows revenge for every bruise ,every mark . Igniting a spark of passion and more . Oh my goodness. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m spent ,in my element with this blissful ,hot book . Go take a look ,it’s mighty fine and hmm awesome storyline . Look at the cover ain’t it fine ,brilliant by design and it tells a great story. The storyline is absolutely divine! Sublime ! I read with greed . Compelling as all heck ,already looking what comes next ,it’s that compelling a storytelling
May 31, 2025
You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Dario sexy as all get out not a nice man if he doesn’t want to be but sweet when needs to be he is ruthless, dangerous on a good day, deadly every day, and you do not ever want to be on his radar so when he walks into the bar to play the piano he is extremely good but it is to catch his fly. Vittoria is sweet when she wants to, but she belongs to Enzo Castelli no one touches her, or the world thinks apparently, she didn’t get those messages because the moment she meets the enemy she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame the more she tries to pull away the more she realizes she can’t. The darn magnetic pull won’t let the two of them pull away the harder they try the stronger the pull between the grows but will it be enough will he take revenge once he sees the bruises , the marks, will they eventually learn to trust each other, will they see they are stronger together than apart, and can they find happiness somewhere along the way?
May 28, 2025
OMG this was another great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The book cover was beautiful . So guess who walk in it was Dario walks into a bar and starts playing the piano Vittoria can’t help but follow his sirens call. Dario isn’t just some guy though, he’s her husband’s biggest enemy and out to destroy him and everything he loves, including Vittoria herself. He had kidnaps her now she can't escape his holds on her and the captive that could forces her to submit to his will.They can't fight the temptation of their physical attraction between them but she was married but she couldn't even fight these desire of passion and feelings anymore. The danger was so excited and she could not fight the temptation and lust.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
May 21, 2025
Power is a dramatic, intense, fast-paced story. Dario is cold and calculating but after reading about his upbringing it was easy to understand the way he is and it completely tore my heart out. Him coming back home was a power play and he definitely made the most of it.
"It was never about becoming someone else—it was about becoming someone better. Someone who hadn’t lived the life I had."
His love interest, Vittoria, is absolutely perfect for him. She's the wife of his rival so their coming together was unconventional, but it worked for them. She brought a peace to him that he hadn't ever had and brought to her everything she felt lacking. Their journey was chaotic and beautiful, much like them, and was a great, enjoyable read.
"She’s the light in the dark, the very reason my world hasn’t tilted off its axis."
"It was never about becoming someone else—it was about becoming someone better. Someone who hadn’t lived the life I had."
His love interest, Vittoria, is absolutely perfect for him. She's the wife of his rival so their coming together was unconventional, but it worked for them. She brought a peace to him that he hadn't ever had and brought to her everything she felt lacking. Their journey was chaotic and beautiful, much like them, and was a great, enjoyable read.
"She’s the light in the dark, the very reason my world hasn’t tilted off its axis."
May 25, 2025
Dario and Vittoria’s story is one heck of a steamy read. While their relationship starts off rocky, it quickly moves on to … complicated. Vittoria isn’t all she appears to be. Dario, himself, transitions from an uncaring, womanizer to—well, I can’t spill those beans, now can I? This story is a yummy layer cake, full of unexpected twists … and spice!
*** Recommended ***
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Book 2 of Dark Syndicat
Epilogue:
* No
MMC:
* Dario
FMC:
* Vittoria
Tropes:
* Dark Mafia Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Marriage of Convenience
* Dual POV
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
* Death
* Gore
* Kidnapping
* Drugging
* Immuring
* Cheating
Burn Speed:
* Fast
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*** Recommended ***
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Book 2 of Dark Syndicat
Epilogue:
* No
MMC:
* Dario
FMC:
* Vittoria
Tropes:
* Dark Mafia Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Marriage of Convenience
* Dual POV
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
* Death
* Gore
* Kidnapping
* Drugging
* Immuring
* Cheating
Burn Speed:
* Fast
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 13, 2025
This story was really good although I feel like she could have expanded it and made it longer with more depth, more revenge, more mafia magic.
The main characters Dario and Vittoria are in a battle of wills. He wants to break her and she is there to betray him. There’s only one problem, they both have it bad for each other.
This book did have some mafia scenes and the tension between the main characters was hot. There are hints are some stuff so read the trigger warnings but I feel like it was light especially for a dark romance.
I would have liked to see where things headed for them with an epilogue of some sort but over all it was well written and I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The main characters Dario and Vittoria are in a battle of wills. He wants to break her and she is there to betray him. There’s only one problem, they both have it bad for each other.
This book did have some mafia scenes and the tension between the main characters was hot. There are hints are some stuff so read the trigger warnings but I feel like it was light especially for a dark romance.
I would have liked to see where things headed for them with an epilogue of some sort but over all it was well written and I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
Dark Mafia Forbidden Romance
Part of a dark mafia romance series, full of action, drama, forbidden romance, steam, secrets, suspense, violence, danger, enemies to lovers and passion with some good twists.
Dario has returned to his home city after being away for years, though he comes with a new identity and the aim to destroy his enemies and rebuild his empire. But after going to a bar and saving a woman from being attacked he can't stop thinking about her. When he discovers she's the wife of his rival he knows she's his key to getting revenge.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Part of a dark mafia romance series, full of action, drama, forbidden romance, steam, secrets, suspense, violence, danger, enemies to lovers and passion with some good twists.
Dario has returned to his home city after being away for years, though he comes with a new identity and the aim to destroy his enemies and rebuild his empire. But after going to a bar and saving a woman from being attacked he can't stop thinking about her. When he discovers she's the wife of his rival he knows she's his key to getting revenge.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2025
Dario Bellini is making his return to Chicago. He is not the same person that left fifteen years ago. Dario has a plan and he is going to make sure it plays out. Vittoria Falco Castellini is married to Enzo, his enemy. Does his plan involve Vittoria or does her plan involve him?
This is the first book I have read by Vivian Flame. It won't be the last! The book kept me interested throughout and honestly I did not want to put it down. Congratulations Ms. Flame on a great book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read by Vivian Flame. It won't be the last! The book kept me interested throughout and honestly I did not want to put it down. Congratulations Ms. Flame on a great book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
WOW this was good. The spice started almost immediately which is a huge hit for me. Dario is a character we were briefly introduced to in Control but he’s the main character this time around and he’s so deliciously damaged and dangerous. Vittoria is the wife of his rival and her c@pt¡vity has way more to it than you first think. This was high stakes and high spice. It’s a maf¡a romance so be prepared for some gratuitous v¡olence. This was really well done and had an extremely satisfying ending. Looking forward to seeing what’s next in this series.
April 28, 2025
This is a quick dark mafia read.
Vittoria and Dario are a match made for each other.
Getting to read about these two was great!
Dario is in the mafia world and comes from a difficult past.
Vittoria is the wife of a rival mafia boss.
Will her husband come and save her, or will she stay with her kidnapper?
Read this and see for yourself!
Vittoria and Dario are a match made for each other.
Getting to read about these two was great!
Dario is in the mafia world and comes from a difficult past.
Vittoria is the wife of a rival mafia boss.
Will her husband come and save her, or will she stay with her kidnapper?
Read this and see for yourself!
May 26, 2025
I loved this revenge romance. the plot surprised me too.
The characters are great and the relationship between the main characters had great dynamics.
If you love a coarced romance with forced proximity, revenge plot, secrets, trauma past and atraction that fogs the mind with a plot that is easy to follow and yet unexpected, then this is novella for you.
The characters are great and the relationship between the main characters had great dynamics.
If you love a coarced romance with forced proximity, revenge plot, secrets, trauma past and atraction that fogs the mind with a plot that is easy to follow and yet unexpected, then this is novella for you.
May 29, 2025
I loved this book. It took longer than it should have to finish and because I got triggered. There would be a part that had you thinking what the ... I literally had scenarios on what was going on. The twists and turns. Can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
Toxic Past
Dario and Vittoria are instantly attracted to each other, but circumstances keep them from acting on it, at least for a while. This story was highly charged and suspenseful as revenge and betrayal added layers to the plot that kept me in anticipation. It was an entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dario and Vittoria are instantly attracted to each other, but circumstances keep them from acting on it, at least for a while. This story was highly charged and suspenseful as revenge and betrayal added layers to the plot that kept me in anticipation. It was an entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2025
Dario is out for revenge against Enzo but whe he saves Enzos wife Vittoria in an ally she becomes a pawn In his games too, but when feelings start to entwine will she be his end or a new beginning! Well written engaging fast paced, steamy, enemies, captive and more!
May 27, 2025
Is She Only a Pawn?
Dario took Vittoria from her husband in an act of revenge. She’s his to break and destroy. But what happens when Vittoria wants him? Wants to be broken but only by Dario. Will he keep her or send her back?
Dario took Vittoria from her husband in an act of revenge. She’s his to break and destroy. But what happens when Vittoria wants him? Wants to be broken but only by Dario. Will he keep her or send her back?
May 29, 2025
I love a quick dark mafia read.
This book was hot, hot, hot.
I love the banter between Dario and Vittoria.
Dario is at war with Enzo, Vittoria's husband.
Dario saves Vitoria in a dark alley but then turns around and kidnaps her.
Their hate quickly turns into attraction.
Spice, plot, and action.
This book was hot, hot, hot.
I love the banter between Dario and Vittoria.
Dario is at war with Enzo, Vittoria's husband.
Dario saves Vitoria in a dark alley but then turns around and kidnaps her.
Their hate quickly turns into attraction.
Spice, plot, and action.
May 30, 2025
This is the second book in the Dark Syndicate series. The enemies to lovers plot is engaging and interesting. Dario is seeking revenge against Enzo and Vittoria is his pawn. There’s danger, drama, suspense, twists and passion. It’s a short, dark mafia romance. Excellent read
May 28, 2025
Short, standalone, dark mafia read.
Loved the characters. Vivian Flame is a new author to me.
Dario has come back home with a new name and a new identity to rebuild his empire.
Vittoria goes to a bar and spots a pianist and later on he saves her from a guy who attacks her.
The pianist that saves her is non other than Dario. She is the wife of his rival and intends to exploit her.
Dario kidnaps Vittoria to ruin her husband and get revenge after what he did to him when he was younger.
Vittoria’s husband wants Dario gone and he wants her to spy on him but something happens between the couple and she doesn’t want to do anything to destroy Dario.
Loved the characters. Vivian Flame is a new author to me.
Dario has come back home with a new name and a new identity to rebuild his empire.
Vittoria goes to a bar and spots a pianist and later on he saves her from a guy who attacks her.
The pianist that saves her is non other than Dario. She is the wife of his rival and intends to exploit her.
Dario kidnaps Vittoria to ruin her husband and get revenge after what he did to him when he was younger.
Vittoria’s husband wants Dario gone and he wants her to spy on him but something happens between the couple and she doesn’t want to do anything to destroy Dario.
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the raw aspect and the twist of this book. Dario and Vittoria are perfect together. The amount of spice and darkness is spot on! I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting darkness, mafia, spice etc. I honestly couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews