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Dark Hearts #3
Where Quiet Hearts Scream
**It is very important you read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book before proceeding. Your mental health matters.**
Watching my sister marry her soulmate should have been the happiest day of my life, but instead, it was the day my life ended.
The handsome hotel guest who caught me from falling, listened to my dreams and spun me into a web with his rough thumb and whispered words, is not the innocent man I thought he was. He is someone else entirely.
And as it turns out, he never wanted me—he wanted Boston. So he and my brother-in-law made a Boston's underworld for my hand in marriage.
Now I'm engaged to a man I don't know, whose icy gaze can freeze the warmest of hearts, and whose roared threats can make the most fearsome bow down. When he finally sees me as more than a piece of collateral, cold screams in the dead of night turn to heated gasps in dark doorways.
But scars run deep beneath the Band-Aid. Will our marriage of convenience remain just that? Or will his persistence peel away my protective layers, allowing me to finally live my truth?
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Mafia romance ~ Arranged marriage ~ Virgin bride ~ Touch her and d^e ~ Innocent FMC ~ Possessive MMC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A note from Where Quiet Hearts Scream can be read as a standalone but the experience will be better if you start with book 1, Where Dark Hearts Devour. Please read the trigger warning.
Watching my sister marry her soulmate should have been the happiest day of my life, but instead, it was the day my life ended.
The handsome hotel guest who caught me from falling, listened to my dreams and spun me into a web with his rough thumb and whispered words, is not the innocent man I thought he was. He is someone else entirely.
And as it turns out, he never wanted me—he wanted Boston. So he and my brother-in-law made a Boston's underworld for my hand in marriage.
Now I'm engaged to a man I don't know, whose icy gaze can freeze the warmest of hearts, and whose roared threats can make the most fearsome bow down. When he finally sees me as more than a piece of collateral, cold screams in the dead of night turn to heated gasps in dark doorways.
But scars run deep beneath the Band-Aid. Will our marriage of convenience remain just that? Or will his persistence peel away my protective layers, allowing me to finally live my truth?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mafia romance ~ Arranged marriage ~ Virgin bride ~ Touch her and d^e ~ Innocent FMC ~ Possessive MMC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A note from Where Quiet Hearts Scream can be read as a standalone but the experience will be better if you start with book 1, Where Dark Hearts Devour. Please read the trigger warning.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
96 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 17, 2025
I was excited to read about Sera and Andreas after the scene where we learn that they knew each other. I couldn't have liked it more.
If you like arranged marriages and slowburn, this is the book for you. It was magnificent.
Sera didn't want to stay in the mafia, nor did she want an arranged marriage, but everything falls apart in an instant and there's nothing she can do about it.
Andreas falls first, so much so that he forces her to marry him and at the same time cares for her unconditionally, helping her to heal from all her traumas. You have to read it.
In this book, the scenes with the most action or violence are left off the page; they happen, but they are not narrated. Instead, it focuses much more on the couple, on their slow evolution, and the narration is exquisite. I missed a little more mafia.
The next book promises an age gap, and I am already looking forward to reading it.
If you like arranged marriages and slowburn, this is the book for you. It was magnificent.
Sera didn't want to stay in the mafia, nor did she want an arranged marriage, but everything falls apart in an instant and there's nothing she can do about it.
Andreas falls first, so much so that he forces her to marry him and at the same time cares for her unconditionally, helping her to heal from all her traumas. You have to read it.
In this book, the scenes with the most action or violence are left off the page; they happen, but they are not narrated. Instead, it focuses much more on the couple, on their slow evolution, and the narration is exquisite. I missed a little more mafia.
The next book promises an age gap, and I am already looking forward to reading it.
August 17, 2025
I want to say a massive thank you to Victoria Holliday for the ARC of Where Quiet Hearts Scream! Since discovering this author I have not been disappointed with her books!
Please read the trigger warnings before continuing on this journey in the Dark Hearts series. Victoria Holliday brings us on a wild and emotional ride with this one. I was sucked in from page one and could not get enough of this story.
The way she is able to create this book about growing, and healing while learning to lover yourself for who you are despite the scars. The connection between the two MCs Sera and Andrew is fast and their chemistry is *chef's kiss*.
Sera is trying extremely hard to forge her own path away from the mafia and Di Santos family. The unfortunate thing is she can never fully escape it. Andrew forces Sera to overcome the secret she has been keeping from her family while opening her up to loving herself and the scars she carries. But he's got a mountain to overcome when she discovers his secret that he's kept while forging and making a name for himself.
The lengths he ends up going through to make Sera his is insane but I wouldn't have it any other way!
I cannot wait to see what comes next from her in the Dark Hearts series especially after the way this book ended!
Please read the trigger warnings before continuing on this journey in the Dark Hearts series. Victoria Holliday brings us on a wild and emotional ride with this one. I was sucked in from page one and could not get enough of this story.
The way she is able to create this book about growing, and healing while learning to lover yourself for who you are despite the scars. The connection between the two MCs Sera and Andrew is fast and their chemistry is *chef's kiss*.
Sera is trying extremely hard to forge her own path away from the mafia and Di Santos family. The unfortunate thing is she can never fully escape it. Andrew forces Sera to overcome the secret she has been keeping from her family while opening her up to loving herself and the scars she carries. But he's got a mountain to overcome when she discovers his secret that he's kept while forging and making a name for himself.
The lengths he ends up going through to make Sera his is insane but I wouldn't have it any other way!
I cannot wait to see what comes next from her in the Dark Hearts series especially after the way this book ended!
August 26, 2025
Where Quiet Hearts Scream
Where Quiet Hearts Scream is a dark, emotional rollercoaster that hooks you from the very first chapter. Victoria Holliday weaves a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is addictive, filled with betrayal, forced ties, and an unexpected slow burn between two broken people.
What I loved most was how raw and layered the characters felt. The heroine isn’t just collateral in someone else’s game, she’s a woman struggling to reclaim her own voice and worth. The hero, though ice cold and ruthless on the surface, has a depth that unravels piece by piece, and watching that transformation was magnetic.
This isn’t a light romance, it’s messy, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable, but that’s exactly what makes it so gripping. This read balances the darker themes of power, loyalty, and survival with stolen moments of tenderness that sneak up on you when you least expect it.
If you love arranged-marriage stories with a dangerous edge, morally grey men, and heroines who refuse to stay silent, this book will absolutely wreck you in the best possible way.
Where Quiet Hearts Scream is a dark, emotional rollercoaster that hooks you from the very first chapter. Victoria Holliday weaves a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is addictive, filled with betrayal, forced ties, and an unexpected slow burn between two broken people.
What I loved most was how raw and layered the characters felt. The heroine isn’t just collateral in someone else’s game, she’s a woman struggling to reclaim her own voice and worth. The hero, though ice cold and ruthless on the surface, has a depth that unravels piece by piece, and watching that transformation was magnetic.
This isn’t a light romance, it’s messy, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable, but that’s exactly what makes it so gripping. This read balances the darker themes of power, loyalty, and survival with stolen moments of tenderness that sneak up on you when you least expect it.
If you love arranged-marriage stories with a dangerous edge, morally grey men, and heroines who refuse to stay silent, this book will absolutely wreck you in the best possible way.
August 19, 2025
Oh my. These two are actually perfect.
Andreas and Sera are end game material. I love being back in this world with these characters.
The way Andreas protected her, cared for her and allowed her to love herself was beautiful to read.
Their chemistry and tension was off the page, hot!
Im excited for the next book in this series
Andreas and Sera are end game material. I love being back in this world with these characters.
The way Andreas protected her, cared for her and allowed her to love herself was beautiful to read.
Their chemistry and tension was off the page, hot!
Im excited for the next book in this series
January 12, 2026
5 Andrew stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶
3🌶
August 23, 2025
Victoria Holliday has done it again! I absolutely love her writing it’s so immersive that you feel every emotion right alongside her characters.
This is the third book in the Castellano sisters’ series, and now it’s Sera’s turn to take the spotlight. From the very beginning, she tugged at my heartstrings. Losing her mother at such a young age, she stepped into the role of family glue as the second oldest strong, loving, and endlessly protective of her sisters. But beneath all that strength lies a deep vulnerability and low self-esteem that she hides too well.
Andreas what can I even say? He’s pure hunk material, a man on a mission who knows he needs to get close to Sera to achieve his goal. He’s aware he needs to make friends with her, to win her trust, but what he isn’t prepared for are the unexpected emotions she stirs in him. He sees her insecurities, but he’s blindsided by how deeply her pain runs and how much her anxieties consume her. What starts as betrayal and a forced marriage slowly transforms into something so much deeper as Andreas begins to fall for her while helping her discover her own worth. Their chemistry is intense, raw, and utterly addictive.
Add in the danger, the Bratva entanglements, and the family loyalty that threads through every Castellano story, and this book is completely unputdownable.
This series has it all, passion, heartbreak, danger, and empowerment and this third installment might just be my favorite yet. I’ll be heartbroken when the Castellano sisters’ journey comes to an end, but for now, this addition is everything I hoped for and more. Another unforgettable read from Victoria Holliday.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Castellano sisters’ series, and now it’s Sera’s turn to take the spotlight. From the very beginning, she tugged at my heartstrings. Losing her mother at such a young age, she stepped into the role of family glue as the second oldest strong, loving, and endlessly protective of her sisters. But beneath all that strength lies a deep vulnerability and low self-esteem that she hides too well.
Andreas what can I even say? He’s pure hunk material, a man on a mission who knows he needs to get close to Sera to achieve his goal. He’s aware he needs to make friends with her, to win her trust, but what he isn’t prepared for are the unexpected emotions she stirs in him. He sees her insecurities, but he’s blindsided by how deeply her pain runs and how much her anxieties consume her. What starts as betrayal and a forced marriage slowly transforms into something so much deeper as Andreas begins to fall for her while helping her discover her own worth. Their chemistry is intense, raw, and utterly addictive.
Add in the danger, the Bratva entanglements, and the family loyalty that threads through every Castellano story, and this book is completely unputdownable.
This series has it all, passion, heartbreak, danger, and empowerment and this third installment might just be my favorite yet. I’ll be heartbroken when the Castellano sisters’ journey comes to an end, but for now, this addition is everything I hoped for and more. Another unforgettable read from Victoria Holliday.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review: Did this author just drag me kicking and screaming through a good portion of this book? Absolutely! I went on such a rollercoaster of emotions with this one compared to the others. I think personally Sera's story impacted me more than I thought it would, and I found myself crying in a couple of spots. As someone who went through something similar my heart broke for her, and I could feel the pain through her words. These are the kinds of books I love when they make you want to feel everything.
This story follows Sera and Andreas which you get a sneak peek of at the end of book 2. Sera is trying to start fresh away from the mafia life to avoid becoming one of their wives. Andreas is looking to reconnect with his brother while also wanting to take over Boston. These two literally crash into each other in the sweetest meet cute ever! It all comes crashing down when Sera finds out that everything had been a lie and that he betrayed her trust.
I cannot recommend this book enough! I need everyone to read this one and fall in love with Sera as much as I have. Please check those TWs before you dive into this one but also make sure you read the first two books in the series. You will not be disappointed. Thank you so much to this author for allowing me to ARC for this fantastic book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review: Did this author just drag me kicking and screaming through a good portion of this book? Absolutely! I went on such a rollercoaster of emotions with this one compared to the others. I think personally Sera's story impacted me more than I thought it would, and I found myself crying in a couple of spots. As someone who went through something similar my heart broke for her, and I could feel the pain through her words. These are the kinds of books I love when they make you want to feel everything.
This story follows Sera and Andreas which you get a sneak peek of at the end of book 2. Sera is trying to start fresh away from the mafia life to avoid becoming one of their wives. Andreas is looking to reconnect with his brother while also wanting to take over Boston. These two literally crash into each other in the sweetest meet cute ever! It all comes crashing down when Sera finds out that everything had been a lie and that he betrayed her trust.
I cannot recommend this book enough! I need everyone to read this one and fall in love with Sera as much as I have. Please check those TWs before you dive into this one but also make sure you read the first two books in the series. You will not be disappointed. Thank you so much to this author for allowing me to ARC for this fantastic book.
August 27, 2025
Emotional, raw, unforgettable!
I absolutely loved this book! This is a beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that instantly pulls the reader into the world of the Castellano sisters.
From the moment they meet, Sera and Andreas have an undeniable chemistry that completely stole my heart. Watching their connection deepen in a way that feels both passionate and genuine made their story impossible to put down.
Sera really broke my heart - strong for her sisters, she hides her vulnerability and insecurities so well. Her struggles with grief, responsibility, and self-worth make her incredibly relatable. Holliday paints her as both tender and resilient, making her journey all the more powerful.
Andreas… oh my, my, my where do I start? At first, he seems stoic and closed off, but once he meets Sera, everything changes. He sees straight through to the real her, recognizes her hidden insecurities, and falls hard. Watching his protective, possessive, yet tender side emerge was perfection. He is absolutely lush!
This story has it all — laughter, heartbreak, vulnerability, and a romance that lingers with you long after you turn the last page. A stunning addition to the Castellano series, and I am eagerly awaiting Bambilina’s story.
Huge thanks for the ARC — this is my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! This is a beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that instantly pulls the reader into the world of the Castellano sisters.
From the moment they meet, Sera and Andreas have an undeniable chemistry that completely stole my heart. Watching their connection deepen in a way that feels both passionate and genuine made their story impossible to put down.
Sera really broke my heart - strong for her sisters, she hides her vulnerability and insecurities so well. Her struggles with grief, responsibility, and self-worth make her incredibly relatable. Holliday paints her as both tender and resilient, making her journey all the more powerful.
Andreas… oh my, my, my where do I start? At first, he seems stoic and closed off, but once he meets Sera, everything changes. He sees straight through to the real her, recognizes her hidden insecurities, and falls hard. Watching his protective, possessive, yet tender side emerge was perfection. He is absolutely lush!
This story has it all — laughter, heartbreak, vulnerability, and a romance that lingers with you long after you turn the last page. A stunning addition to the Castellano series, and I am eagerly awaiting Bambilina’s story.
Huge thanks for the ARC — this is my honest review.
August 31, 2025
Victoria Holliday is killing it in her mafia romance era . And Where Quiet Hearts Scream is deliciously dark and emotional, and the suspense is gonna keep you at the edge of your seat the whole time. Sera and Andreas are dreamy and so strong together. And also are fighting demons from their past. And I was so curious about Sera's mysterious stranger. Their story began so sweet with a meet cute and is full of twists and turns and so many secrets. But when it was needed Andreas took care of Sera and helped her heal . That's couples goals here. And in return Sera tried to understand him and help him in return. But I loved how he made her see her value and start loving herself. Major swoon. And that slow burn was the slowest ever and at the same time the heat was burning hot . This mafia romance has a gripping suspense line, deals with loyalty and morals, survival and healing. Also that tender moments with all the Castelano girls were fun and hilarious. And I loved it that they found their happily ever after after their challenging start. Now I need Bambi and Nicolo's story like yesterday after that sneak peak .
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
August 17, 2025
A fabulously intense read!
Watching my sister marry her soulmate should have been the happiest day of my life, but instead, it was the day my life ended.
Having enjoyed the previous two books in the Dark Hearts series I knew this was going to be good and I’ve been really looking forward to Serafina’s story.
This one though has some really tough scenes in it and reading the trigger warnings is highly advised.
I’ll forever love the ‘touch her you d!e’ trope, it’s a firm favourite of mine and this book delivered! I loved the fast pace of this book and the chemistry between Serafina and Andreas, they were a perfect match.
I really felt for Serafina, she’s had it rough just like her other sisters, but she’s been left to cope with it on her own and is suffering for it. But she was a beautiful character and one that had my jaw hitting the floor towards the end, I mean the woman was fierce!
Andreas, I liked him, hated him and then loved him! Everything he did for Serafina! Loved him!
I loved the storyline and in true Victoria Holliday fashion she knows how to get you gripped and leave just in the tip of a cliffhanger! Looking forward to book 4!
Watching my sister marry her soulmate should have been the happiest day of my life, but instead, it was the day my life ended.
Having enjoyed the previous two books in the Dark Hearts series I knew this was going to be good and I’ve been really looking forward to Serafina’s story.
This one though has some really tough scenes in it and reading the trigger warnings is highly advised.
I’ll forever love the ‘touch her you d!e’ trope, it’s a firm favourite of mine and this book delivered! I loved the fast pace of this book and the chemistry between Serafina and Andreas, they were a perfect match.
I really felt for Serafina, she’s had it rough just like her other sisters, but she’s been left to cope with it on her own and is suffering for it. But she was a beautiful character and one that had my jaw hitting the floor towards the end, I mean the woman was fierce!
Andreas, I liked him, hated him and then loved him! Everything he did for Serafina! Loved him!
I loved the storyline and in true Victoria Holliday fashion she knows how to get you gripped and leave just in the tip of a cliffhanger! Looking forward to book 4!
August 27, 2025
Where Quiet Hearts Scream is the third installment in Victoria Holliday’s Dark Hearts mafia romance series, and while it’s part of the larger world, it can easily be read as a standalone. I’ve been loving this series so far, and I truly didn’t think any couple could top Trilby and Cristiano, but Sara and Andreas might just be my new favorite.
Sara’s journey is all about finding herself and learning how to trust, especially after Andreas begins their relationship with a lie about his identity. Despite this, their chemistry is undeniable. Andreas isn’t looking for love, yet one unexpected encounter pulls him in, and from there, he falls hard and fast. His devotion is intense, and watching him fall first (and fall epicly) is what makes this story so addictive.
This book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I literally could not put it down. Holliday balances raw emotion, danger, and passion in a way that makes this series stand out in the mafia romance genre. A definite 10/10 read, but fair warning: don’t start it late at night unless you’re ready to sacrifice some sleep.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sara’s journey is all about finding herself and learning how to trust, especially after Andreas begins their relationship with a lie about his identity. Despite this, their chemistry is undeniable. Andreas isn’t looking for love, yet one unexpected encounter pulls him in, and from there, he falls hard and fast. His devotion is intense, and watching him fall first (and fall epicly) is what makes this story so addictive.
This book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I literally could not put it down. Holliday balances raw emotion, danger, and passion in a way that makes this series stand out in the mafia romance genre. A definite 10/10 read, but fair warning: don’t start it late at night unless you’re ready to sacrifice some sleep.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2025
I didn't think it was possible for this book series to get better with each love interest but it truly does. Where Quiet Hearts Scream was amazing! You could tell the care that went into the trigger warning and the writing of those moments. Yes, I know that sometimes writing about triggers could be left out as it doesn't always help the story or sometimes it is glorified in such a way that it makes the telling or use of the triggers uncomfortable but...in this case it truly was a part of Sera's story and needed to be told.
I also loved getting to see how this story of broken trust becomes something so much more. The feelings of the characters fell off the page as I read their story and I loved every minute of it. This story was just right and I can't wait to continue with the final sister's story in the next book.
Thank you to Victoria Holliday for providing an ARC of Where Quiet Hearts Scream! These thoughts are my own and I am so excited for others to experience this story now that it has been officially released today!
I also loved getting to see how this story of broken trust becomes something so much more. The feelings of the characters fell off the page as I read their story and I loved every minute of it. This story was just right and I can't wait to continue with the final sister's story in the next book.
Thank you to Victoria Holliday for providing an ARC of Where Quiet Hearts Scream! These thoughts are my own and I am so excited for others to experience this story now that it has been officially released today!
August 27, 2025
Dark mafia romance is my jam lately and I really enjoyed this one. It's my first Victoria Holliday novel and I was impressed with her writing style. The author has a way of gaining your attention with her story and characters. I truly had a difficult time putting this book down, I practically inhaled it. With the exciting romance and suspense as the plot unraveled, I enjoyed this book a lot.
Contains:
Mafia
Body positive
Possessive MMC
Morally-gray
Arranged marriage
Found family
My wife
Virgin
Spicy
Touch her and ☠️
No cheating
No cliffhanger
HEA
Check TW
Dual POV
Serafina and Andrew's (aka Andreas) story took my heart on an emotional roller-coaster ride. I loved their meet-cute and how their relationship developed. Serafina is just such a lovable character and Andreas is a swoon-worthy anti-hero. Together they were unstoppable and I loved how they balanced each other, his dark to her light.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I'm going back to read the first two books because I enjoyed this one so much.
Contains:
Mafia
Body positive
Possessive MMC
Morally-gray
Arranged marriage
Found family
My wife
Virgin
Spicy
Touch her and ☠️
No cheating
No cliffhanger
HEA
Check TW
Dual POV
Serafina and Andrew's (aka Andreas) story took my heart on an emotional roller-coaster ride. I loved their meet-cute and how their relationship developed. Serafina is just such a lovable character and Andreas is a swoon-worthy anti-hero. Together they were unstoppable and I loved how they balanced each other, his dark to her light.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I'm going back to read the first two books because I enjoyed this one so much.
August 28, 2025
He Likes Her Thick
Can be read as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of giving each sister her own personality. It doesn’t feel like the characters are being recycled for the next story within this series.
She has a cute meet with a hottie at the hotel she works at, and her world blows up.
Poor Serafina, all she’s wanted in life was to live by her terms and the family sucked her back in. I’m glad this lady had some fire to her. She’s was shy, had some serious struggles she fought against, relied too much on astrology for the answers she needed to find, but the girl was brave.
Hottie in the hotel was bad news. You know it. But I have to say he’s my favorite baddie so far in the bunch. Like the slow burn this mafia romance is, the MC pulls you into his flame. The couple had obstacles to overcome, and I appreciate that burn not being rushed. There was attraction from the beginning but I’m glad she got more from him and their relationship. Excited for the next book!
Can be read as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of giving each sister her own personality. It doesn’t feel like the characters are being recycled for the next story within this series.
She has a cute meet with a hottie at the hotel she works at, and her world blows up.
Poor Serafina, all she’s wanted in life was to live by her terms and the family sucked her back in. I’m glad this lady had some fire to her. She’s was shy, had some serious struggles she fought against, relied too much on astrology for the answers she needed to find, but the girl was brave.
Hottie in the hotel was bad news. You know it. But I have to say he’s my favorite baddie so far in the bunch. Like the slow burn this mafia romance is, the MC pulls you into his flame. The couple had obstacles to overcome, and I appreciate that burn not being rushed. There was attraction from the beginning but I’m glad she got more from him and their relationship. Excited for the next book!
August 21, 2025
⭐ eARC Review ⭐
Where Quiet Hearts Scream is the third book in the Dark Hearts series by Victoria Holliday.
First of all, let me say that I absolutely loved the first two books, so my expectations were high and this one delivered.
Serafina is strong, carrying scars inside and out. Her journey is raw, painful, but so beautifully written. The way she slowly grows to love and accept herself was incredible to read.
Andreas… my new fictional boyfriend. He’s the perfect mix of dangerous and tender, ruthless to the world, but gentle when it comes to her. His devotion to Serafina made me melt. Their chemistry? Absolute chef’s kiss.
If you love mafia romance with healing journeys, over-the-top possessive MMCs, and heroines who find strength in love, this is for you.
I need Bambi and Nicolo’s story like right now 😭
⚠️ Important note: Please check trigger warnings before diving in, as this story does touch on heavy topics on page.
Where Quiet Hearts Scream is the third book in the Dark Hearts series by Victoria Holliday.
First of all, let me say that I absolutely loved the first two books, so my expectations were high and this one delivered.
Serafina is strong, carrying scars inside and out. Her journey is raw, painful, but so beautifully written. The way she slowly grows to love and accept herself was incredible to read.
Andreas… my new fictional boyfriend. He’s the perfect mix of dangerous and tender, ruthless to the world, but gentle when it comes to her. His devotion to Serafina made me melt. Their chemistry? Absolute chef’s kiss.
If you love mafia romance with healing journeys, over-the-top possessive MMCs, and heroines who find strength in love, this is for you.
I need Bambi and Nicolo’s story like right now 😭
⚠️ Important note: Please check trigger warnings before diving in, as this story does touch on heavy topics on page.
September 15, 2025
Squeals. This was the highly anticipated third book that I needed in this world, and it did not friggin disappoint!! I am OBFRIGGINSESSED with this interconnected world and the drama it brings.
The passion, the intensity, the VIBES, love hate relationship with added danger, and action laced with sassiness, all wrapped up with the thin line of love and hate 😍 BUT what i absolutely LOVE the most is the growth of both characters espeically Sera!❤️
"𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮, 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙."
Victoria Holliday has a beautiful way of connecting the readers to the characters, in a beuatiful emotionally charged romance that instantly pulls the reader into the world of the Castellano sisters and the mafia!
This book is intoxicating from start to finish and covers loss, trauma, haunted pasts but ultimately LOVE. This world is mesmerising and I honestly haven't been this captivated by a book in so long!
The passion, the intensity, the VIBES, love hate relationship with added danger, and action laced with sassiness, all wrapped up with the thin line of love and hate 😍 BUT what i absolutely LOVE the most is the growth of both characters espeically Sera!❤️
"𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮, 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙."
Victoria Holliday has a beautiful way of connecting the readers to the characters, in a beuatiful emotionally charged romance that instantly pulls the reader into the world of the Castellano sisters and the mafia!
This book is intoxicating from start to finish and covers loss, trauma, haunted pasts but ultimately LOVE. This world is mesmerising and I honestly haven't been this captivated by a book in so long!
August 16, 2025
This book is about growing, healing and loving yourself for who you are and I absolutely devoured it.
Serefina’s life hasn’t been easy since her mom died. Both of her sisters are married to mafia men. She had a life of her own and freedom. Then she meets Andrew and thought he was a normal guy who was interested in her but turns out he was lying about who he was and asked for her hand in marriage.
The secrets and the slow unraveling tension and the connection between sera and Andrea definitely drew me in more into the story. Sera doesn’t trust Andrea considering he lied about who he was
Andrew’s character was great. At first I didn’t like how he used Sera to gather information but deeper into the story he was unforgettable. Their relationship wasn’t rushed it grows through quiet moments, stolen glances.
Serefina’s life hasn’t been easy since her mom died. Both of her sisters are married to mafia men. She had a life of her own and freedom. Then she meets Andrew and thought he was a normal guy who was interested in her but turns out he was lying about who he was and asked for her hand in marriage.
The secrets and the slow unraveling tension and the connection between sera and Andrea definitely drew me in more into the story. Sera doesn’t trust Andrea considering he lied about who he was
Andrew’s character was great. At first I didn’t like how he used Sera to gather information but deeper into the story he was unforgettable. Their relationship wasn’t rushed it grows through quiet moments, stolen glances.
August 24, 2025
I love the author’s way with words and descriptions—especially when it comes to capturing Sera’s hurt, betrayal, and confusion. After trying to escape her family’s Mob ties through an amazing internship, she still finds herself pulled back in by Andreas under false pretenses.
This story is as much about healing as it is about romance. Watching both Sera and Andreas learn to trust each other was emotional and heartfelt, and Andreas’s redemption arc was especially sweet to see. The yummy spice throughout their journey made their connection even more powerful. 🌶️❤️
Although this can be read as a standalone, it’s part of the Castellano sisters series, so reading the first two books will make the story flow even better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is as much about healing as it is about romance. Watching both Sera and Andreas learn to trust each other was emotional and heartfelt, and Andreas’s redemption arc was especially sweet to see. The yummy spice throughout their journey made their connection even more powerful. 🌶️❤️
Although this can be read as a standalone, it’s part of the Castellano sisters series, so reading the first two books will make the story flow even better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the 3rd book in the Dark Hearts series and it follows Andreas and Seraphina. Andreas is hiding a secret at the beginning of a book and goes by Andrew until Sera’s sisters wedding where he is revealed to actually be Andreas who is Benito’s brother.
Sera is obviously annoyed that Andreas lied to her as she thought she was falling for Andrew. Andreas takes her from her job in New York and helps her through her mental health issues without her even realising. She’s annoyed at first until she realises that what he was doing was for her best interests. He sees her for who she is and she learns who she really is because of Andreas.
I love watching their relationship grow and Sera and Andreas soften towards each other. I cannot wait for the next instalment with Bambi! I ate up this ARC so quickly!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the 3rd book in the Dark Hearts series and it follows Andreas and Seraphina. Andreas is hiding a secret at the beginning of a book and goes by Andrew until Sera’s sisters wedding where he is revealed to actually be Andreas who is Benito’s brother.
Sera is obviously annoyed that Andreas lied to her as she thought she was falling for Andrew. Andreas takes her from her job in New York and helps her through her mental health issues without her even realising. She’s annoyed at first until she realises that what he was doing was for her best interests. He sees her for who she is and she learns who she really is because of Andreas.
I love watching their relationship grow and Sera and Andreas soften towards each other. I cannot wait for the next instalment with Bambi! I ate up this ARC so quickly!
September 21, 2025
The third book in the dark hearts series & probably my favourite so far.
This is a dark mafia romance, an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers story.
This story is about the third Castellano sister, Serafina & Andreas. Sera has been in both previous books. She is working as an intern at an upmarket hotel in The Hampton’s & meets Andrew Stone, a rich & charming business man staying in the top suite for 2 weeks. She quickly becomes fixated on him by the time he leaves having completely charmed her but all was not what it seemed when they suddenly meet again at her sister’s wedding.
Sera’s whole life is suddenly upturned & her future plans cancelled.
I read this in a day & loved it! ❤️🔥
Do read the triggers warnings beforehand
This is a dark mafia romance, an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers story.
This story is about the third Castellano sister, Serafina & Andreas. Sera has been in both previous books. She is working as an intern at an upmarket hotel in The Hampton’s & meets Andrew Stone, a rich & charming business man staying in the top suite for 2 weeks. She quickly becomes fixated on him by the time he leaves having completely charmed her but all was not what it seemed when they suddenly meet again at her sister’s wedding.
Sera’s whole life is suddenly upturned & her future plans cancelled.
I read this in a day & loved it! ❤️🔥
Do read the triggers warnings beforehand
August 29, 2025
This is one of the best series that I have ever read, and I would definitely read it again!!! I didn't think it could get any better after reading Where Wild Hearts Dance, but boy, was I wrong. What starts out as a way for Andrew (Andreas) to gather information about the Di Santo family becomes an obsession with Sera. Sera doesn't handle chaos very well and cuts herself and has been since her mother died, but when Andreas finds out, he sets out to get her the help that she needs. In my book, that makes him the perfect book husband, because to him, she is more important than anything.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 17, 2025
This is a dark mafia romance with a morally gray MMC with touch her and d!e vibes. This is Sera and Andrew's story. When Sera meets Andrew she thinks she's found her prince charming. Sera enters into an arranged marriage with him and finds out he has many secrets and he's not the man she thought he was. What starts as a relationship with ulterior motives soon becomes real to Andrew. So he does have redeeming qualities. Sera is a strong but conflicted woman who has tough decisions to make. I enjoyed this story with its twists and turns that kept me turning pages.
August 28, 2025
Sera and Andreas are interested in one another. They originally meet when Andreas is spending two weeks at the hotel Sera works in. Sera begins to care for Andreas and trust him. Then a few weeks later all hell breaks loose and she realized their whole meeting was a lie. Besides that, she is blindsided with an arranged marriage that is the last thing she wants. Somehow after all the manipulating Sera learns to trust Andreas again. That's when things really take off!
August 29, 2025
Sera and Andreas are awesome. I just love how Andreas is there for Sera and brings her out of her shell. Sera is a sweet quiet woman trying to live a life away from her mafia family. Andreas is very protective of Sera. Their chemistry is freaking off the charts. Definitely hooked beginning to end. Can’t wait for the next book by Victoria Halliday!!!
September 1, 2025
Great reading!
Gripping story, wonderful characters. The self-harm is treated with sensitivity and grace. Somewhere in there, a real love story emerges. I enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to the next!
Gripping story, wonderful characters. The self-harm is treated with sensitivity and grace. Somewhere in there, a real love story emerges. I enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to the next!
August 27, 2025
How are we already at book 3 of this series? My mind is blown because it seems like just yesterday I was reading Where Dark Hearts Devour. Yet here we are and it's time for Sera's story.
When the book first began I instantly fell for the love story between Sera and Andrew. Even though I knew he was hiding something, and he was connected to the organized crime "community". Andrew came across as likable, and I could see why Sera was drawn to him. Fast forward to the reveal, and the official meeting of Andreas, I understood the heart break that Sera was dealing with. I understood everything she was feeling. That being said getting to watch them truly fall for each other, work side by side in stressful situations, and get their happily ever after was enjoyable. Yes it was intense at times, but it all worked out, as it should.
The set up for Bambi's story was so good, and I look forward to reading that one as soon as it is released.
When the book first began I instantly fell for the love story between Sera and Andrew. Even though I knew he was hiding something, and he was connected to the organized crime "community". Andrew came across as likable, and I could see why Sera was drawn to him. Fast forward to the reveal, and the official meeting of Andreas, I understood the heart break that Sera was dealing with. I understood everything she was feeling. That being said getting to watch them truly fall for each other, work side by side in stressful situations, and get their happily ever after was enjoyable. Yes it was intense at times, but it all worked out, as it should.
The set up for Bambi's story was so good, and I look forward to reading that one as soon as it is released.
August 31, 2025
Loved it!
There's definitely some heavy material in this book, so please read the trigger warnings.
This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The romance between the two main characters was wonderful! Chemistry was absolutely palpable and the love? Intense and I loved it!
There's a good amount of character growth as well. It all takes place over maybe almost a year so it's not unbelievable either. The author does a good job of showing the movement of time.
Definitely dark, but full of love. Great read and I couldn't put it down!
There's definitely some heavy material in this book, so please read the trigger warnings.
This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The romance between the two main characters was wonderful! Chemistry was absolutely palpable and the love? Intense and I loved it!
There's a good amount of character growth as well. It all takes place over maybe almost a year so it's not unbelievable either. The author does a good job of showing the movement of time.
Definitely dark, but full of love. Great read and I couldn't put it down!
August 29, 2025
This was book three in this series and as I really liked the first two, I had high hopes for this one. And it delivered!
Sera was determined to not be in a relationship/married to someone from the mafia,like her sisters. But of course, life throws curveballs, and Antonio always gets what he wants.
I did think it was sweet that he knew when he first met her that she was the one that he wanted.
I liked that the books run on the same timeline, so we got to see the wedding from book two but from a different perspective.
I'm not sure if there's more to come in this series but I'd love to read more!
Sera was determined to not be in a relationship/married to someone from the mafia,like her sisters. But of course, life throws curveballs, and Antonio always gets what he wants.
I did think it was sweet that he knew when he first met her that she was the one that he wanted.
I liked that the books run on the same timeline, so we got to see the wedding from book two but from a different perspective.
I'm not sure if there's more to come in this series but I'd love to read more!
September 2, 2025
I expected more but it was just too slow and too surface level until around 60% when it got good but it was too little too late by then. My issues with the first 60% - he finds out she’s cutting and basically leaves her as soon as he finds out saying it’s in her best interest to have space. The issue with that though is he doesn’t know her at all. And instead of trying to, he just becomes an absent yet controlling husband. She had a mental breakdown and took to cutting again because of him being controlling in the first place! He controls her food, her exercise, her therapy sessions - and has the housekeeper spying on her for him. He even goes as far as to get status updates from the therapist on what she’s thinking and feeling - all while basically abandoning her. He should have been there and tried to learn this from her himself - not through the hired help! That didn’t sit right even though he was trying to do what he thought was in her best interest. What changed though was when the author wrote the governor scene - but here too, while the heroines pov is written well, I feel like the author should have shown how absolutely broken the hero was by having his wife think that of him. Alas, nothing like that was shown - he kills the governor and she’s now in love with him so they’re playing house now. Missed opportunity really. It was an okay read. Really needs tighter scripting though and a rewrite of the first 50-60%. Also, the climax is a bit extra - she went from 0 to a 100 with being a ride or die and saying really crazy things. It also was one of the worst climaxes written. She’s in the house and knows how many snipers are outside - she counts 12. She tells him and he, a Boston don, walks in unarmed to walk to the door. He doesn’t try to use the element of surprise or use his unit, nothing! Then he gets shot - in the chest mind you - during his plotless brainless stroll and she, someone who has never shot a gun, takes a machine gun and kills everyone. What??? Surely!! Surely one of the beta readers or editors or friends could have told the author that it made no sense at all?! Anyways, overall 3.5 only for 60%-90%
January 9, 2026
What a fab third instalment in the series. I loved how the couple met ‘naturally’ … then it hit the fan. It felt honest to read about how grief and not processing emotions impact on mental health which felt important to not overlook someone’s suffering. It was good to read about a MFC more on the curvier size as opposed to some models we can read in some mafia books. The relationship with Antonio and Sera was smoking when things kicked off 🔥Victoria Holliday knows how to get a good balance of drama, violence, angst, spice and the feels 🥰 looking forward to reading the next book thanks!
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