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Painted in Sin
She’s the key to his revenge. He’s the ruin of her reputation.
One stolen masterpiece. Two enemies bound by secrets.
And a love that could set the Roman underworld on fire.
Victor Costa was born to take over the most feared mafia dynasty in Rome.
To do that, he needs a priceless painting—and the diamonds hidden behind its frame.
The problem?
Only one woman in the world can authenticate it.
Isabella De Luca.
Renowned curator.
Flawless reputation.
The woman whose past is tied to the betrayal that nearly destroyed Victor’s family.
He blackmails her into cooperation.
She swears she’ll never bend.
But in a world where power seduces and secrets kill, desire is the most dangerous weapon of all.
She was supposed to be his pawn.
He was supposed to be her captor.
So why does it feel like they’re both losing control?
Because the closer they get,
the harder it becomes to tell who’s using who—
and who’ll be the first to betray everything for love.
The Costa family has one protect the bloodline.
But Victor is about to break it...
for the one woman he was never meant to touch.
Painted in Sin is a steamy dark mafia romance filled with obsession, betrayal, and heart-pounding chemistry. If you love possessive antiheroes, high-stakes danger, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers tension, welcome to the Costa family.
No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed!
One stolen masterpiece. Two enemies bound by secrets.
And a love that could set the Roman underworld on fire.
Victor Costa was born to take over the most feared mafia dynasty in Rome.
To do that, he needs a priceless painting—and the diamonds hidden behind its frame.
The problem?
Only one woman in the world can authenticate it.
Isabella De Luca.
Renowned curator.
Flawless reputation.
The woman whose past is tied to the betrayal that nearly destroyed Victor’s family.
He blackmails her into cooperation.
She swears she’ll never bend.
But in a world where power seduces and secrets kill, desire is the most dangerous weapon of all.
She was supposed to be his pawn.
He was supposed to be her captor.
So why does it feel like they’re both losing control?
Because the closer they get,
the harder it becomes to tell who’s using who—
and who’ll be the first to betray everything for love.
The Costa family has one protect the bloodline.
But Victor is about to break it...
for the one woman he was never meant to touch.
Painted in Sin is a steamy dark mafia romance filled with obsession, betrayal, and heart-pounding chemistry. If you love possessive antiheroes, high-stakes danger, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers tension, welcome to the Costa family.
No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed!
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
390 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 15, 2025
Painted in Sin is a steamy dark mafia romance filled with obsession, betrayal, and heart-pounding chemistry. If you love possessive antiheroes, high-stakes danger, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers tension, welcome to the Costa family.
No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed
The art world could be dangerous but falling for a man in the Costa family should be more?
We follow Victor and Isabella through an eventful path as the fall in hand with two art pieces that everyone is after. Victor is trying to protect Isabella but she is kidnapped and victors watch and threaten since getting involved with the art heist and forgery. But as always there is always a happy ending, through Isabella put up quite a fight to trust and fall in love with Victor.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed
The art world could be dangerous but falling for a man in the Costa family should be more?
We follow Victor and Isabella through an eventful path as the fall in hand with two art pieces that everyone is after. Victor is trying to protect Isabella but she is kidnapped and victors watch and threaten since getting involved with the art heist and forgery. But as always there is always a happy ending, through Isabella put up quite a fight to trust and fall in love with Victor.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an amazing book to read and one hot one that I couldn't put down, the story was exhilarating and the characters were captivating. This story was about two people Victor Costa, and Isabella De Luca, Isabella is a curator she was dragged into doing something she didn't want to do, kept dragging her in. Victor Costa, is a dark ruthless, dangerous, and a corrupt mafia man that will do anything to corrupt the curator. She has been threatened by a dirty agent that broke into her home and threatened her for her painting, Victor, takes her home so he can protect her. Now Victor, wants to know what she knows about the paintings, their chemistry is getting hot and hotter to a sweaty bodies clapping together.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an amazing book to read and one hot one that I couldn't put down, the story was exhilarating and the characters were captivating. This story was about two people Victor Costa, and Isabella De Luca, Isabella is a curator she was dragged into doing something she didn't want to do, kept dragging her in. Victor Costa, is a dark ruthless, dangerous, and a corrupt mafia man that will do anything to corrupt the curator. She has been threatened by a dirty agent that broke into her home and threatened her for her painting, Victor, takes her home so he can protect her. Now Victor, wants to know what she knows about the paintings, their chemistry is getting hot and hotter to a sweaty bodies clapping together.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2025
This suspenseful story brings the reader on an adventure through the art world, involving authentication, history and thievery. Isabella has an impeccable talent of recreating famous artworks but also has a history of being an accomplice in switching her art for the real thing. Victor is trying to clear his family history by connecting hidden clues through works of art. They suddenly find their lives connected through art and lust. Can they work together? Will she ever stop baiting and switching? You have to read this story. I am so impressed with how easily the story flows, as it leads the reader along to try to figure out who is really behind the inquisition.
Well done Leona White!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well done Leona White!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2025
This is the 1st story in The Roma Syndicate Series where the Costa family is working on restoring their family name with the retrieval of their famous painting by having it authenticated. Victor is given the task to have Isabella on board as she has the talent to accomplish that so the art world will recognize the painting. Isabella knows Victor comes from a dangerous world but can’t get over the attraction she has towards him. When thieves try to steal the painting both Victor and Isabella are put into one dangerous situation after another. This high-stake art world drama will have you on the edge of your seat with Victor and Isabella discovering who they are and what’s most important! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2025
This story takes you along on the journey into the art world where Victor is trying to restore the family's name. To do that he needs the help of Victoria who is an art curator to authenticate stolen artwork. It was supposed to be a partnership of working together but turns into an explosive romance with sparks that could light up the sky and if that wasn't enough, she has secrets that could get them both in trouble. Has their relationship run its course. This story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2025
The Costa family wants to clear their name by having a famous painting be authenticated. Victor is to have Isabella perform the authentication since she has the knowledge to perform said job. They need the art world to recognize the painting. Isabella is aware that Victor is a part of a dangerous world. She should stay away but the attraction simmering between them is real. When thieves attempt to steal the painting, Victor and Isabella are stuck in dangerous situations. Will Victor and Isabella discover who is behind the theft? Will they finally see each other and have a HEA?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2025
Isabella and Victor are not two people who should enter into a relationship. He needs her to help his plan and she just wants to stay alive and out of prison. When they get together the passion strikes and all bets are off. But the bad guys get close and there is the violence expected, but there is still a HEA.
I enjoyed the strength of both characters, and the fact that even though Victor is a mafia man, he has redeeming traits and is still loveable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the strength of both characters, and the fact that even though Victor is a mafia man, he has redeeming traits and is still loveable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2026
You Can Never Judge Art By It's Paint Strokes
What started out as a story about two people and their shared love of art turned into a journey of them changing their paths towards a better future.
This is a beautiful story with a very descriptive view into the world of priceless art and how two people struggled to change their past reputations into something they could be proud of.
What they didn't expect is that their love of art would flow over into a passionate connection that would ignite them both into what they crave most .... a legacy.
What started out as a story about two people and their shared love of art turned into a journey of them changing their paths towards a better future.
This is a beautiful story with a very descriptive view into the world of priceless art and how two people struggled to change their past reputations into something they could be proud of.
What they didn't expect is that their love of art would flow over into a passionate connection that would ignite them both into what they crave most .... a legacy.
April 19, 2025
This was a fun story to read and start a mafia series. This is the story of what happens when Victor and Isabella meet at the beginning and quickly turns into a dark romance with a grey mafia man and the curator/artist and a lot of drama. A bit of mafia romance, thriller, and intrigue with art woven into the story. I enjoyed the characters, situations and story. Some twists and surprises kept things interesting.
September 10, 2025
Less than satisfied with the story
I am still confused over the supposed mystery of the art frames and what they represented. Also The reason why a mysterious person wants Emilio and Victor under their thumb. The author has not made it completely clear and I finished the story unsatisfied.
The relationships between the main characters were not romantic at all and I still cannot see how Isabella put up with him. A less than satisfactory story.
I am still confused over the supposed mystery of the art frames and what they represented. Also The reason why a mysterious person wants Emilio and Victor under their thumb. The author has not made it completely clear and I finished the story unsatisfied.
The relationships between the main characters were not romantic at all and I still cannot see how Isabella put up with him. A less than satisfactory story.
April 19, 2025
Story of art theft, with love in the background
This is not a conventional love story, although Victor and Isabella have a turbulent love story woven in the background. It is a story of art theft, forgeries, violence, and deceit, at times very violent.
Good story that I recommend
This is not a conventional love story, although Victor and Isabella have a turbulent love story woven in the background. It is a story of art theft, forgeries, violence, and deceit, at times very violent.
Good story that I recommend
April 21, 2025
This is an exciting and dangerous adventure the two main characters Victor and Isabella find themselves on. These two are amazing and the chemistry is intense. The story has suspense, danger, violence, betrayal which keeps the reader wanting to see what happens on the next page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2025
Art of Secrets
The world of art gets complicated when Victor is in need of assistance from the one woman he needs to keep at a distance. The chemistry between them was palpable and could not be denied. It was a suspenseful read that had a lot of passion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world of art gets complicated when Victor is in need of assistance from the one woman he needs to keep at a distance. The chemistry between them was palpable and could not be denied. It was a suspenseful read that had a lot of passion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2025
Art exhibition takes an unexpected turn.
Victor and Bella's dark, intense love story is suspenseful, passionate and violent. Get ready for clashing schemes, forgeries, multiple villains, scandals, secrets, deceit, danger, family history, art thieves, a treasure hunt and new beginnings.
Victor and Bella's dark, intense love story is suspenseful, passionate and violent. Get ready for clashing schemes, forgeries, multiple villains, scandals, secrets, deceit, danger, family history, art thieves, a treasure hunt and new beginnings.
April 18, 2025
Victor is a sexy mafia man, and Isabella is a beautiful smart curator. They are amazing together. The chemistry is out of this world. They have some many dangerous things happening to them while dealing with art. It’s like a movie in your read because this book is so well written. I truly loved it.
April 20, 2025
Painted in Sin (The Roma Syndicate Book 1) By: Leona White. In this story no one is to be trusted everyone has an agenda for a masterpiece. Victor Costa will lie and cheat and threaten the one person he shouldn’t Isabella De Luca. There is so much drama, action in this story. Great read..
May 24, 2025
For me, I feel like the book dragged way too long. The storyline wasn't executed the best. The main characters did have chemistry but also lacked it at times. Good spice, and good possessive alphahole moments. I just needed more from the story even though it was convoluted as shit already.
September 6, 2025
Interesting and original story. So many tentacles coming at Bella from so many shadows, who knows who to trust and especially can she trust her heart?
Loved my first time with this author. Will definitely read others in the series.
Loved my first time with this author. Will definitely read others in the series.
April 18, 2025
This was a great book and an intriguing start for this new series. An enticing blend of thrills, danger, suspense and emotion held my attention well as Victor and Isabella's story played out.
May 6, 2025
it’s okay
The plot is decent but the book seemed rushed and not well written. Could have built it out way better.
The plot is decent but the book seemed rushed and not well written. Could have built it out way better.
May 18, 2025
don't really have anything good to say at all
August 21, 2025
Painted in Sin
Painted in Sin by Leona White is the first book in The Roma Syndicate.
This book was a new story plot. I enjoyed it.
I look forward to the rest of her series.,
Painted in Sin by Leona White is the first book in The Roma Syndicate.
This book was a new story plot. I enjoyed it.
I look forward to the rest of her series.,
October 19, 2025
Didn’t flow well. Too descriptive for my liking.
June 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Although better than most mafia books I've read, it felt like it had much more potential.
The book has too many mistakes in writing straight in the beginning. It did become better in later chapters.
We were at least spared other woman drama (except for that scene in the club, totally unnecessary). Also it could have less inner monologue, it became too repetative the same thoughts being repeated multiple times in the same chapter and in multiple chapters.
Why would the writer use similar names for different characters. It was confusing and annoying! Her boss’s name is Nico and sometimes she also refers to him as Mr. Giani. Please choose one name to refer to someone. Especially since her ex is called Nicola.
Isabelle: jumps Victor's bones right away in chapter one. Two chapters later she is jumping his bones in the car while drunk. The only thing she knows about him is his name and that he is a criminal. Two chapters later, she is scared and Victor takes her to his home, where they bang again. Miss dumbass doesn’t want to stay with a criminal and decides that it’s safer in a hotel and leaves without showering in her dirty clothes and as dirty as she is. Gross. This girl is crazy.
Victor: he manipulates her while she is drunk into banging him in the car. Wtf was that?! Especially since it was right after he was bitching to his friend about banging sluts that will purposely impregnate themselves to carry a mafia heir. A moment later his banging Isabelle in the car without protection. Some chapters later she The timing of the smut is so off.
There are too many plot holes and loose ends.
Although better than most mafia books I've read, it felt like it had much more potential.
The book has too many mistakes in writing straight in the beginning. It did become better in later chapters.
We were at least spared other woman drama (except for that scene in the club, totally unnecessary). Also it could have less inner monologue, it became too repetative the same thoughts being repeated multiple times in the same chapter and in multiple chapters.
Why would the writer use similar names for different characters. It was confusing and annoying! Her boss’s name is Nico and sometimes she also refers to him as Mr. Giani. Please choose one name to refer to someone. Especially since her ex is called Nicola.
Isabelle: jumps Victor's bones right away in chapter one. Two chapters later she is jumping his bones in the car while drunk. The only thing she knows about him is his name and that he is a criminal. Two chapters later, she is scared and Victor takes her to his home, where they bang again. Miss dumbass doesn’t want to stay with a criminal and decides that it’s safer in a hotel and leaves without showering in her dirty clothes and as dirty as she is. Gross. This girl is crazy.
Victor: he manipulates her while she is drunk into banging him in the car. Wtf was that?! Especially since it was right after he was bitching to his friend about banging sluts that will purposely impregnate themselves to carry a mafia heir. A moment later his banging Isabelle in the car without protection. Some chapters later she The timing of the smut is so off.
There are too many plot holes and loose ends.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews