The One

Mafia Brides #1

by Nikila Rose

Mariella:
Mateo De Marco has it all. Power, wealth, and the kind of looks that make women weak in the knees.
He’s tantalizingly close yet impossibly out of reach—until my wedding day takes an unexpected turn, and his gaze finally lands on me. My world flips upside down, and my heart? It never stood a chance.
But just when I dare to dream of a happily-ever-after, betrayal shatters his family, pulling me into a deadly trap.
Now, I face an impossible choice: let the man I love die or sacrifice myself to save him.

Mateo:
I’ve been waiting for my One my entire life, never realizing she was right in front of me. Now that I see her, I’ll stop at nothing to make her mine. Mariella Accardi is my future. My heart. My everything.
But love always comes at a price.
At the height of my happiness, betrayal forces me to choose—Mariella Accardi, the woman I’ve waited a lifetime for or the code that has made me the most powerful man in Italy. One wrong move could destroy it all.

Ready to dive into a love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Don’t miss out—one click on 'The One' to discover Mariella and Mateo’s unforgettable journey.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Romance

573 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2025

About the author

Nikila Rose is an emerging author of light-hearted, sizzling romance adventures.
In her Escape Series, she delivers steamy scenes in fast moving plots with guaranteed happily ever afters, set in different destinations around the world.

Reviews

[Sarah (eat_sleep_read21)]

Dear Nikila,

This review is to you and for you, my beautiful friend. I was honored to be able to beta-read for you, and I hope to continue doing so for a very long time. Friend, you know many things about me and my long history with The Triple Flame Trilogy. The bittersweet ending came at a rough time, but you understood and were patient. The opportunity to read The One was absolutely fantastic, and it felt like a full-circle moment. It was so special to me, and I enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read more from you... Now, to the actual review!

The One by Nikila Rose was absolutely magnificent and beautifully written. I cried, laughed, and screamed at and for the characters. I might get too attached to people, hence the crying. You were right there for the tears, and I know you got a good laugh at it. You're slightly evil for the things you put me through. Ha, you already knew that, though. Fantastic job on your new release, friend! Xoxo

Mateo and Mariella were freaking great! I couldn't have asked for a better story for those two, and I am so happy that I got to be a part of it in small ways. I think it's time I get a character named after me, Nikila. Lol. Mateo was sweet and charming. I fell in love with him very quickly, and there is evidence. A lot of it, actually. At first, Mariella is innocent and naive, but her character development is magnificent, and she becomes such a baddie. Everything about this book is worth the read. I'm serious; go read it. Go read it right now.

The One by Nikila Rose is now live and available on Kindle Unlimited!

[Stefanie Simeone]

Couldn’t put it down!

By the end of Chapter 1, I was hooked. I wondered if she would go through with the wedding or find a way to escape. I just had to keep reading to find out, and I’m so glad I did. This book is packed with spice and keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense. The ending, while a Happily Ever After, is definitely unexpected and adds a surprising twist to the story.

[Venez Ordoyne]

Mafia princess is being married off to someone she don’t wanna be married to. She gets super nervous and vomits all over priest and embarrassed her future husband and father. Part of the mafia family takes her in and serves as protector. She realizes life can be enjoyed and starts enjoying freedoms with her childhood crush. They fall for each other. He announces his love and when they about to get married his brother was shot and needs lung transplant. His brother dies and she finds out her dad is the one who killed him. She tells Mateo everything expecting him to kill her like tradition states. He don’t kill her but he tortures and kill’s her father. He is now over the Italian mafia and he don’t want it. They plan for their “death” to escape the mafia when everything can be ruined by his half brother showing up. But he offered the crown and still got to live HEA

[Amy Sharpe]

I'd been waiting for Mateo's book since meeting him in the Triple Flame Trilogy, and Nikila Rose didn't disappoint!
Mari and Mateo are perfect for each other. The love that seeps from them even through the danger and heartache is everything.
I love the idea of there being that one person who completes you, gives you peace and is devoted to you. And Mari is that one for Mateo, and I loved everything about it.

[C H]

move on Nikila

I wanted to love this story but since the 5th book for Tiero and Ella, Nikila’s stories just keep going downhill.
Mentions from the MMC how the FMC is sweet, strong blah blah blah literally is a contradiction to what is actually written. One minute Mari wants to act tough saying she’s had enough of her dad’s abuse but then curls up like a scared child.
This story just dragged on to long. Probably could have cut 20% if there wasn’t so much repeat of the same thing.
Nikila please move on to a different storyline. These characters need to be put to rest

[Lost_in_her_book]

The One by Nikila Rose

A mafia romance that ticks all the boxes for fans of dark, intense love stories. With a mix of high-stakes danger, unrelenting passion and complex characters - it offers an unforgettable experience for readers who enjoy emotional depth alongside the thrills of organised crime.

The book features a compelling blend of tropes, including virgin FMC, playboy MMC, an age gap, unrequited love, protection, and plenty of explosive moments.

Nikila’s characters are rich and multi-layered.
Mari starts out innocent, naïve, and vulnerable, but as she is exposed to the brutal realities of the mafia world, she grows stronger, finding her voice and becoming more assertive. Her relationship with the Mateo pushes her to confront not only her own fears but the dangerous world around her.

Mateo a classic playboy, initially coming across as someone who is emotionally distant and uninvested in love.
However, as the story progresses, his character evolves.
His protective nature over Mari, combined with the growing emotional connection between them, shows a softer side to him, making him much more than just the “bad boy” trope. His internal battle with his feelings and his responsibilities within the mafia are central to the tension of the story.

The One by Nikila Rose is a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between Mari and Mateo is palpable, and their journey from a dangerous situation to an all-consuming love story is beautifully done. The blend of mafia intrigue, explosive action, and emotional romance makes it a standout in the genre. Fans of mafia romance will appreciate the suspenseful twists, while readers who enjoy deep emotional connections in their romance novels will find The One satisfying and gripping.

The book’s plot is packed with action, suspense, and emotional highs, including plenty of explosive moments, death, and danger, which keep the story engaging throughout. However, it’s also a love story that’s about redemption, self-discovery, and the emotional transformation of both characters.

[Charlene's Bookish Archives]

The One was exactly the kind of slow burn mafia romance that keeps you turning the pages. Mateo and Mariella’s story is packed with longing, danger, betrayal, and that irresistible feeling that these two were always destined to find each other.

I really enjoyed the way their relationship develops. Mateo has the power and confidence you'd expect from a man at the top of the mafia world, but seeing his softer and more vulnerable side when it comes to Mariella gave his character so much more depth. Mariella also isn't simply a woman waiting to be rescued. When everything she loves is threatened, she’s forced to make an impossible choice, and her strength really shines through.

The betrayal and danger added plenty of tension, especially with Mateo caught between the woman he loves and the code that has shaped his entire life. That conflict kept the stakes high and made the romance feel like it came with a real cost.

And that age gap, forbidden, destined for each other vibe? Yes, please! 😍 The slow burn makes the emotional payoff even more satisfying.

The One is a gripping mafia romance filled with slow burn chemistry, age gap romance, family loyalty, betrayal, danger, and high stakes choices.

Mateo and Mariella's journey had plenty of twists to keep me invested, and I couldn't help but root for them to find their happily ever after.

If you're a fan of mafia romance where love comes with a dangerous price, The One by Nikila Rose is definitely worth picking up. ❤️🔥

[Dnx]

After the "injustice" of having Tiero die in the first series, this definitely soothed everything in me. I loved their slow pace to realise where they were and then rapid pace to start their lives together. Their relationship and story were very well thought and balanced. He respected her from the beginning and always trusted her opinion and support. It restored my belief in real love for a little while.
I loved Mateo. A kind soul in the end compared to other strong mafia characters. I already loved him prior to reading his book, so his character was extremely well thought from the beginning.
And I really loved Mari. She was incredibly strong. Slowly building her confidence and then owning up to it when being the mafia queen. I think this role would have suited her perfectly.
But I loved the end. I loved that they got their happy ending and quiet life. With the bonus chapter, I really closed this chapter of my life very well.
The book was exquisite. It made me keep my breath until the last second. Everything made you believe it was predictable, and then it wasn't what you expected. Kept me on my toes. And anyone who says otherwise clearly doesn't appreciate writing.
The author is definitely amazing, I already said it after reading Tiero's books. Looking forward to more of your work x

[TheheartofBrigid]

The One is the first book in the Mafia Brides Series written by Nikila Rose.

💜 mafia
💜 mysteries
💜 overbearing father
💜 childhood crushes
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice

Mariella can’t believe she’s standing here right now. This man in front of her is not the one she chose for herself. No, her father worked for this match to be done. This man, the one she saw slip into the bathroom with another woman last night at their rehearsal dinner is to be her husband. What is she going to do? Will she be able to go through this? If she somehow stops this, will her father punish her or her mother and sisters? What will she do?

This was such a good start to this new series. I love how this book was also bridged to the last series. While you don’t have to read the other series to understand this one, it does help with the world building. I loved all of the characters and their story that was told in this book. It definitely kept me on my toes and kept pulling me in. I can’t wait to see what other stories will come out in this series.

[Genesis]

So, kind of my bad! I didn’t know this was part of an already established world (I didn’t see any of that on the blurb so I thought that this was an independent series) I found out while I was reading that we had other characters and plot lines established already. I decided to continue reading because the story was good enough and I was happy ignoring the things I didn’t knew or understood hahaha but the writing style is not for me, a lot of things happened off page and that’s a big no no for me. And honestly almost 300 pages (48% of the book) and the villain the side characters and the secondary plots were explained and started being resolved or on their way. And the MCs were still an almost childlike girl and a manwhore who believe in the magic of love they were just not good together this was a teenager with an adult so not my vibe at all. And it sucks because I love an age gap romance, but this was a childish character and I couldn’t!

[Lauren Myers]

Wow. This book had me all over the place, and not in a good way. There were some moments that were fine and, generally speaking, I liked Mari. But Mateo…what the heck, man? The “tiny cut” phobia was weird, his “the One” thing was weird, and I’m not even sure what he actually did for the mafia to begin with. Also everything with Tiero made me feel like you HAD to have read his THREE books (the 3rd of which has horrible reviews), and then there was Sofia. What exactly was the point of her? Also—Tiero (presumably) AND Mateo and their wives get to fake their deaths to escape the mafia and this rando guy claiming to be a sibling just swoops in and is handed the three necklaces to the empire? The necklace thing was also kind of dumb. I was so over the book by the end I totally missed where they even located the 3rd necklace. One good sex scene, which is fine, but it wasn’t a great one. Just one big longgggg “why did I read this?” feeling by the end.

[De Smith]

This book had me absolutely obsessed and completely enthralled by it from start to finish. I fell in love with the characters and was so invested in the storyline. I couldn’t out this book down. I quite literally fell asleep holding it, woke up in the middle of the night, and kept reading for a few hours. It was pure perfection in literary form. Mariella and Mateo were amazing together. I couldn’t get enough of their interactions and banter. The connection was undeniable and their chemistry was a blazing inferno. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time while fanning my face from the blush covering my cheeks. There was just so much going on and it was all so well done. I got drama and suspense and tension and heat and so much more. The way Mateo protects and possesses had me swooning so hard. And Mari is utterly devoted to Mateo. She brings him peace. These two shouldn’t work but they are each other’s perfect complement. They complete each other and it’s beautiful to see.

[Rebmay]

Mateo and Mariella’s (Mari’s) story is dark, delicious and addictive. It includes so many tropes that I enjoy (age gap, mafia boss, he falls hard, to name a few), and characters that are intriguing, flawed and multifaceted. Mateo is older, jaded and not looking for love. Mari changes everything. He feels an intense draw toward her and his possessive and protective side comes out. Mateo falls for Mari, and she for him, but she has little control over her future. Mateo doesn’t let that deter him. Then, a situation with their messy and chaotic families makes a relationship between them seem impossible. Both face difficult choices, choices that could part them permanently. Love transforms them, gives them strength and spurs them to face and deal with any obstacles in their way.

This twisty and powerful story is a riveting read. It has my recommendation.

[Jessica Fahey]

I couldn’t put this book down! From the first chapter, I was hooked! I loved the characters and how the De Marco men protected women and children. Tiero and Mateo believed they would find their one true sole mate one day and that would be the greatest love. Mateo had known Mariella for years but never truly knew the real her until their fate was thrown together after her disaster wedding. Mariella knew she had been in love with Mateo for years but she hen it hit Mateo, watch out for the sparks to fly!

Their story is a great love story with a huge mafia twist. You don’t want to miss this one! Run to grab your copy now! Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Jennifer DuPriest]

I think this wasn’t meant to be a standalone book. I was confused by the massive amount of secondary characters and references. Hated their love story. He didn’t notice her and slept with lots of OW (one literally in the car on the way to meet her). Also super pissed off his first instinct was to go back to that woman when he was upset. He doesn’t sleep with the OW but marries the FMC the next day without telling her. He will definitely cheat on her. It needed better pacing and editing, too long. The last 20% was terrible and cheesy.

[Andrea ( books_fiction_desire )]

I can’t believe I didn’t read this sooner. I read the Triple Flame trilogy and always wondered what would happen with Mateo . From the first chapter this book consumed me . It was a perfect mafia romance book with a hot slow burn and great plot. Loved it!

“No matter what life throws at us, no matter how unpredictable things get, there’s nothing that could ever keep me from you. I love you, Mariella, more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone.”

[The Book Ssirren]

This was such a great mafia romance. This one pulled me in immediately and kept me turning the pages from beginning to end. I loved Mateo and Mari so much. The twists and turns were great. I was definitely invested in these two. That poor priest when Mari threw up lol. But Mateo was the right guy for her. It was great the way these two were working out a plan to get out of the mafia. I thought that was a pretty interesting take and I loved it.

[Allison Comis]

Mateo.

I love a good mafia book and this did not disappoint. Loved all the characters. Mariella had an arranged marriage set up by her father. She was so nervous because she didn’t want to marry him so she was trying to think of a way out and she did in the funniest of ways. The Don told her father that she was going to go with them to keep her safe from everything. He was enraged with her but she was protected by the Demarcos. Definitely a great read.

[Lisa Corrin]

I enjoyed the book for the most part. It was a very quick read even though it was 500-ish pages. The characters were engaging. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because if I want to read an epilogue I need to sign up for a newsletter. I get you want people to engage but I get enough emails. I don’t need more. Because of this reason alone I just don’t see myself finishing the series.

[Ari]

While not a bad story it really felt like the author could not decided where they wanted the damn story to go. One too many “twists” that in the end just took me out of the story, messed with the pacing, and cause you to loose investment. I just kept thinking - pick a lane, commit to the bit. Some might like it, but for me it was given daytime soap.

[Lisa]

This book is a slow burn but well worth a read it had me on a rollercoaster of emotions even woke my husband up when I shouted at the book 😂
You can’t help but to fall in love with Mateo and Mariella how her character become stronger and stronger of course it’s got lots of spice in it really enjoyed this book

[rebecca]

Good story, I enjoyed it. She is very shy and is told she is marry a stranger, things don't work out and she is throw at Mateo who is the brother of the Don. He is a playboy but keeps looking for the one and he hasn't found it yet. Until he finally sees her and he will do everything to keep her. There is trouble brewing need to read to find out.

[Katelyn Richardson]

So many twists and turns up until the very end! Really enjoyed this book!

[Maria Liuzzi-Scalpelli]

Absolutely loved this! So much tension and tenderness!

[Allison Lather]

"Slow burn" is an entirely incorrect term.

[Bookaholic blonde]

couldn't put this down read in one sitting!

[Mandy Desay]

Unfortunately I'm not a Slow Burn Girl, but if you enjoy that it would be a great book

[Janet Hammons]

Good

Drama. Suspense. The one right in front of you. I was a little confused at all of the disappearing family members for the DE Marco clan but it was a great book.

[Janice Maldonado]

Already unbelievable

I’m sorry but you can’t make your heroine a mafia queen and a blooming idiot at the same time. Naivety is one thing, idiocy is quite another.