Mob's Seduction

by Alyson Root, Tara Sullivan (Editor), Cath Grace (Cover Art)

Mob’s Seduction is a steamy sapphic romance, packed with thrilling twists and just the right amount of laughs to balance the heat. This unforgettable story will leave you whoever said good girls never get to have any fun?
Bookworm Bonnie Moorside is content with her predictable life—her biggest thrill being a new shipment of books at Wood’s Writing Emporium. Her small world is simple and steady, just the way she likes it. There’s Kelley, her equally home-bodied best friend; Pete, their party-loving third bestie; and doting dads Phillip and Mark, who provide all the love and support a girl could ask for. But when mafia enforcer Allegra Malgeri crashes into Bonnie’s life like a Mediterranean tidal wave, everything changes.
Bonnie soon finds herself living a real-life sapphic mafia novel as she is thrust into the shadowy world of Don Lorenzo Ferrante. As she navigates the constant threats and the twisted family she’s pulled into, something even more unexpected happens. Bonnie’s growing attraction to Allegra—who she finds both dangerous and delicious in equal measure—is as unsettling as it is undeniable.
But Allegra is bound to the Mafiosi, and the two women couldn’t be more different. As their connection deepens, Bonnie begins to Can people truly change?

Genres: Lesbian, Audiobook, Queer, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

353 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2025

About the author

Alyson was born and raised in the heart of England. She moved to Paris in 2015 when she met her wife. Together they moved to the west of France where they now live with their two dogs and pet bird. Alyson spends her time running a small campsite and holiday home. During her off time, she loves to read lesbian romance books, write and Scuba Dive.

Reviews

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture it. Sicily…
A sapphic mafia romance about Bonnie, a woman whose life gets turned upside down after a mafia enforcer, Allegra, walks into her bookstore. Bonnie and Allegra were a perfect example of opposites attracting, and I loved that. The romance was well-paced, and the feelings just developed naturally. Don’t get me wrong though, because they definitely clashed before they got there. I enjoy mafia romances from time to time, and I'm glad I picked this one up. So, are you looking for a sapphic mafia romance that has enough steam to fog up a mirror? I recommend giving this one a read.

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wished your favorite dark romance trope came with more sapphics, sharper suits, and steam hot enough to fog up your e-reader, Mob’s Seduction delivers in spades. Alyson Root weaves a delightful, high-stakes love story between small-town bookworm Bonnie and icy mafia enforcer Allegra that is as hilarious as it is heart-racing.

Bonnie’s world of cozy bookstores and bestie hangouts is a comforting one, so when Allegra Malgeri storms into her life with guns, grudges, and an Italian accent that could ruin your life in the best way, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the chaos. Their chemistry is electric from the jump—equal parts banter and brooding glares—and watching Allegra’s slow thaw is one of the book’s most satisfying arcs.

One of the things that truly elevated the experience of this story for me was the thoughtful and tactful representation of mental health. Root doesn’t shy away from exploring what it means to cope with trauma, grief, and anxiety in real and accessible ways. It’s woven into the fabric of the story so naturally, giving us these beautiful gems of emotional intelligence right alongside all the high stakes and heat. The characters not only grow individually but also build a relationship founded on honesty, support, and—bless!—actual good communication. I live for romance where people talk through things and care for each other emotionally as much as physically.

The family dynamics are genuinely touching, especially Bonnie’s two dads who provide steady warmth against the cold violence of the mafia world. Root’s ability to blend genuine humor with tension keeps the pages turning, and yes, the steamy scenes are absolutely chef’s kiss—tastefully intense and brimming with emotion.

Fans of ice queens with a soft underbelly, forced proximity, and stories where good girls get very, very bad—Mob’s Seduction is your next obsession. Sapphic mafia romance lovers, this one’s a must-read.

Thank you to Alyson Root for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Meet Bonnie: She works at a bookstore, loves her best friends, her microwaved meals and frumpy wool clothing. She may not live an exciting life but she’s content with it and getting to read all the new releases. Then one day a “crazy blonde lady” enters her bookstore and turns her life upside down.
Meet Allegra aka “sexy Allegra”. She’s angry she’s been sent to retrieve Bonnie. She thinks it’s beneath her. After all, it’s her that runs the biggest mob family in Sicily. So why was she sent? Who is Bonnie Moorside?
Let me tell you…no, you have to read the book. But let me tell you I really enjoyed it. The banter between the two MCs is on point. This book is funny! There are so many laugh out loud lines, which I absolutely loved. And of course, let’s not forget, the book is sexy and spicy and just wow.

🥰

[The Wild Weary Cow Reads Sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Coming Soon ✨

Alyson Root brings us two new fabulous MCs to love!

Bonnie, is just getting on with her life in the UK .. working in the bookstore she loves, quiet nights in, reading with her BFF Kelley, enjoying microwave meals and living a peaceful IF slightly boring life... Well, boring according to her other best mate Pete!.

One morning, whilst at work, in walks not one but THREE massive blokes dressed in black and wearing 🕶️.....

Followed shortly after by a woman....also dressed in black with platinum blonde slicked back hair in a seriously tight bun!!

“Bonnie Moorside?”
“That’s me,”
“I’ve been looking for you.” 😱

We're then DROPPED into a world of mobsters....

I don't want to give too much away 🤫
So I will say.... It's an Alyson Root book so you'll get plenty of humour, some angst, touching moments, banter between the two MCs 😂 , seriously hot spice ❤️‍🔥, some fun side characters, protective dads, Wool wear 😂 AND it's all set in Italy!. 🇮🇹

I loved Bonnie and "Sexy Allegra"!!.. 💜
But it's Alyson Root so what's not to love??

[Chelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mob's Seduction

Ok, this is every book lover's dream - to be thrown smack-dab in the middle of your mafia romance novel. Also, Bonnie is a bookstore manager and Allegra is a mafia queen baddie. Yes, there's action... there's spice... there's humor - kidnapping, fires, guns. It has it all!

I've read five Alyson Root books so far, and she has definitely become a favorite author. I look forward to more.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was my first mafia book and I really liked it. It was so much fun to read. I loved the character development, and the plot was interesting. The lovely writing style and the way it captured my interest from the very first pages made me finish it quickly.

I did love Alyson’s Loch & Key series which is mentioned in this book by the way ;). I will definitely read more of her works.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

bonnie’s inner monologue reads like a teenage girl on steroids

[Jes · Rating 2 out of 5]

what was probably meant to be funny and quirky just made me cringe most of the time

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mafia book is always enjoyable, and this book is proving that point. The story and the fun bantering in the book is really dragging me in so I highly recommend this book. The chemistry between Bonnie and Allegra is hot and the interactions with Bonnie’s friends and dads are amazing.

Boring and reliable Bonnie is running a book shop when a Mafia Queen suddenly shows up. Allegra, or as Bonnie call her the crazy blonde lady, kidnaps her and her best friend Kelley. Allegra has been told by the Don of the Ferrante family to get Bonnie to him but no clue why. Initially Boonie thinks all is a big joke, her friend Pete thinks she is boring and want a laugh out of her, but she is so wrong it is all real. Bonnie is never afraid though but really gives Allegra a good fight.

Bonnie does not understand why she, the most boring person on the planet is abducted. She finds out that the Don Lorenzo Ferrante is her biological father and has ordered her to be taken to safety since there is a threat against her to get back at him. Bonnie was adopted by two wonderful dads as a baby and Lorenzo thought he never would see her but now he must act and interfere in her life.

They all go to Sicily and the Ferrante family home. Bonnie soon realizes that more to sexy Allegra than being this dangerous mob boss. Deep down she is way softer and caring than anyone can imagine, and they fall hard for each other. They cannot though, this is just a temporary thing, Bonnie must go back to her normal life and Allegra take care of the Ferrante business or can things change?

I received a free ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read and one of my favorites so far this year. When bookish Bonnie meets mob enforcer Allegra, her life starts to resemble the plot of the newly released book, Mob's Seduction, she'd been looking forward to reading. Bonnie finds herself on an adventure she never dreamed she'd be on, along with her two best friends. She tries so hard to avoid the fate of her mob stories' characters and it was fun to see her try. There are some laugh out loud moments in this story along with a budding romance. It's well written with a unique mafia plot and fully developed characters. If you like thrilling sapphic romances with ice queen, opposites attract, enemies to lovers tropes, you're sure to like this one.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start. Root's trademark humour. (British spelling, as there is throughout the book!)
I was gripped! This is not a documentary but a light hearted romance with a very satisfying ending. Amusing secondary characters and Roots humour and heart throughout. 4.5.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done sapphic mafia romance. I love how most of the book took place in Sicily! The more we learn about Allegra, the more I love her! She’s had to be the ice queen to survive and flourish in her role as heir to the Ferrante family. However, there is a vulnerability to her from the beginning that we get see through her pov. Bonnie is sweet and friendly and enjoys the quiet ‘boring’ life of her job and her books. She will find out that she’s much stronger and braver than she ever thought. When these two meet, it’s explosive lol. Their banter is biting and hot. This is a must read for sapphic romance lovers!

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian FMCs, Gay SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Danger/In Peril, Femme/Femme, Enemies to Lovers, Ice Queen, Humor, Opposites Attract, Family Secrets, Easter Eggs!

Another truly delightful story from Alyson Root! Mob’s Seduction is a mafia romance of a different caliber. First of all, it’s sapphic AF which just makes everything better in my book! 😉Second, a lot of mafia romances tend to be dark romances, and while this story does have darker elements and violence at times it’s a more light-hearted, low angst take on mafia romance.

Bonnie Moorside is content as can be managing a bookstore and spending her free time curled up with a good book. She has two supportive dads and two best friends and wants for nothing. Then suddenly she finds herself thrust into what feels like the plot of her latest read. Mafia “queen” Allegra Malgeri enters into Bonnie’s life like a wrecking ball and both women have everything they thought they knew flipped upside down.

Bonnie and Allegra do not get along. Allegra is used to everyone following her orders. Bonnie is a spitfire who will not go silently and demands answers. But underneath all the animosity, there is strong force pulling them toward each other. When they finally find a way to set aside those differences and lean in to what they are feeling - be prepared to feel the heat! ❤️‍🔥The sexual chemistry between these two is absolutely delicious! Allegra is a boss in the streets and the sheets!

Everything about their situation tells them pursuing anything other than a one-time thing is fruitless. They live completely different lives, in different countries. But the pull is so strong they can’t keep themselves apart. As the stakes rise and the danger presses in, putting everything on the line, both women have to answer for themselves what they truly want in life and how far they are willing to go to get it.

Alyson writes these beautifully real characters who have complex pasts and emotions that are an integral part of their story. These characters have depth to them. They have struggles they face and process right on the page. It makes it so easy to feel connected to and invested in these characters and their lives. This story is filled with heart and humor and plenty of spice. It will have you laughing out loud one moment, needing a cold shower another, and then on the edge of your seat fraught with emotion the next. If you love a sexy sapphic romance with a dash of darkness and a side of humor, look no further!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

⚠️TW/CW: sexual content, guns/gun violence, injury, blood, vomit, kidnapping, violence, alcohol use, mention of parental death, mention of child abuse, minor homophobia/misogyny

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a cold-blooded mafiosi is overwhelmed with feelings by an inconspicuous woman dressed in wool who steals her heart and is also her next assignment.
This super sweet and instantly gripping romance is funny and exciting, but not just in the classic bloody Mafia style.
Although this is about the classic Mafia family from Sicily who suddenly appears in the life of bookworm Bonnie.
Something she doesn't expect at all.
At least, it's the last thing she expects in her life: to meet real Mafiosi in Twyford, Winchester in the "Woods Writing Emporium", where she works and leads a very quiet and, in her opinion, happy, and probably a little boring, but safe life. Wrong! Very wrong!
Because just as she is making fun of a certain book and its crazy title, one of the most beautiful and dangerous-looking women she has ever seen walks into the shop and she wants her! From then on, everything Bonnie knows is turned upside down and she hates the blonde bitch who is ruining the peace in her quiet life and kidnapping her.
If only this blonde devil didn't look and, above all, sound so seductive.
It's turbulent and to some extent, the Ice Queen melts because of the bookworm.
Enemies-to-lovers, for sure. Funny supporting characters, extremely hot scenes, and the beautiful landscape of Sicily makes everything complete.
Thanks so much to Alyson Root for this brilliant, heated and sexy love story and the ARC!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS SO PERFECT!!! I think it counts as the first proper mafia book I have read, and I loved it so so much!! All of the characters were amazing and all of the story was amazing!!
As usual I loved the friendship group of Bonnie, Kelley and Pete, I love strong friendship groups in books, and since 2/3 of this friendship group love sapphic books I loved this friendship group even more! Bonnie and Kelley are both so relatable, I love them so much, and Pete is their protector which is so sweet, even if he does get it wrong sometimes. I never thought I’d say this about a male character, but I wish we got more from Pete, especially towards the end, I loved his growth and would have loved to see more of it, maybe Kelley gets her own book and we can see more of everyone!!
This book was so amazing, I seriously did love it so much, it surprised me how quickly I warmed to Allegra, she’s so hard and tough and strong on the outside but she is just soft and loving on the inside, she’s so sweet and caring and just wants to protect her family.
I literally also love Bonnie so so much, she is so funny and her thought process is so real, it’s so funny how she was actually living the life of the book she was reading like two minutes before everything kicked off.
Also I loved the reference to a certain other book towards the end!! I actually audibly gasped, the way it’s my favorite too??!!
I am so grateful for this book! Thank you so much!

[Abi Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong, there were some really good moments within this book (and the spicy scenes, all be it slightly tame, were very well written), but I struggled to feel any empathy for Bonnie and honestly just found her quite childish, and a bit of a walking stereotype. I enjoyed Allegra’s character slightly more, and she did have some decent character development and backstory, but overall I just found the book very surface level.

It was an easy read, and would be perfect for someone looking for some mild spicy scenes tied together by a linear plot, but I just felt the book lacked a lot of world building and character development. I don’t feel like I actually understood any of the characters beyond their initial appearance, aside from perhaps Allegra, but even she lacked any deeper character building aside from the expected badass mafia queen to boring bookish housewife. I felt like she lost most of the things that made her interesting by the end of the book.

TL;DR: this book wasn’t bad, and I didn’t move it to my DNF pile, but it lacked originality and basic world building. Some would love it, but I just hoped for more depth.

[Shula McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first mafia romance story outside of fanfiction. And honestly I didn’t expect it to be so delightfully funny. Seriously, like laugh out loud funny at times. It definitely had sexy moments as well later on in the book, but from the very beginning there were lines of dialogue (even action) that made me laugh (although I probably shouldn’t have laughed when Allegra shot Kelly to prove a point).

I liked the banter between Allegra and Bonnie. How they both wound each other up like nobody else. The little verbal jabs and hooks that often landed, making the other person hit back.

The story itself was good, and I liked the continual joke about the title Mob’s Seduction of the book within the book. The side characters were interesting, although I found Pete about as annoying as Allegra did. And the ending was *chefs kiss *

This was my first book by this author, and I’m looking forward to reading the other books I have of theirs already. I would definitely recommend this book if you want a funny, and entertaining romance story.

[Hope Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sapphic Mafia romance which has its tongue very firmly in its cheek. We have the tough and gorgeous would-be Mafia boss Allegra who, after a rocky beginning, finds herself completely undone by bookish (but also gorgeous) Bonnie. Their worlds are wildly different so how can they ever be together for more than a brief romance?
The author takes numerous jab’s at the book’s title (which Allegra thinks is terrible!) and generally has a lot of fun. There’s some violence (but not a huge amount) and some threat (but you just know that Allegra is going to save the day) but mostly it’s focused on the building of multiple relationships in summery Sicily. It was all very enjoyable and ended as you would want too! If you fancy a Mafia story that doesn’t take itself too seriously (unlike, for instance, the Cain Casey series by Ali Vali) try this!

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookstore manager Bonnie is minding her shop when the gorgeous Allegra strides in. Who promptly kidnaps her, and takes her friend Kelly as leverage. But WHY?

Bonnie, it turns out, is the Don's biological daughter, whom he put up for adoption for her own safety. But now a rival family knows about her, and they want to kill her to get to him.

Allegra is stuck guarding Bonnie, and they hate each other's guts. But Bonnie is punky, tough and takes no shit, so Allegra starts to like her.

Really fun book. If you read stuff like Persephone Black or Killing Eve, but with humor, this book is it...

[Robin Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one fun read! I never invisioned a mob book would be happy.

Alyson Root simply has a way with words. She has taken a book nerd, literally from the bookstore in England by force, to Sicily to protect her from the mafia! Our nerd, Bonnie has company in the kidnapping, her best friend and co-worker Kelly. The Kidnapper is the Donna Allegra Malgeri, the initial meeting of the two women is a bit rough but the attraction is instant. The plot thickens and there are several twists but in the end all goes well. The story is sweet, the hot encounters are that for sure. A sweet read cover to cover.

[Cristina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of Root's writing I must say that this is a departure from what I usually expect from her books but it was in such an excellent way. This spin on a mob romance was done to perfection! The banter between all the characters was great but it was exceptional between the two main characters specifically. The barbs that they throw back and forth were hilarious and the progression of the relationship was outstanding. As someone who isn't quite a fan of most mobster books I can say that this one is worth the read and done much better than most. 10/10

[sapphicliteratureirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've (somehow) only read one, maybe two, sapphic mafia novels before, and this one struck an interesting balance - it felt serious, yet still managed to be light and humorous in its approach to the genre.

We follow the dual perspectives of Bonnie and Allegra, who couldn’t seem more opposite… at first. Bonnie runs a cosy local bookshop and enjoys a peaceful life filled with tea, novels, and quiet nights in. Everyone around her wants her to ‘live a little’ - and she certainly does - going from unboxing the latest sapphic mafia release in her shop… to starring in one 💥 I do love a bit of metafiction.

Allegra, meanwhile, is your classic ice queen - dressed in sharp Italian suits and armed with an even sharper aim 🔫 As the leader of the Ferrante mafia family, she’s dangerous, commanding, and wastes no time showing just how ruthless she can be. As Bonnie puts it: “Everything about her is both impressive, and fear-inducing.”

The two women find themselves caught in a morally grey situation that forces them into close proximity, setting the stage for a delicious enemies-to-lovers arc 💥

I appreciated that the author explored the more complex aspects of the mafia genre - particularly the mental health impacts that are often sidelined in favour of pure lust. That said, there’s plenty of heat here too, and it’s 🔥🌶! Both Bonnie and Allegra undergo real growth, and we’re taken from tense action sequences to a satisfying HEA ❤️

[Sha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light-hearted take on the mafia queen trope.
Great story with intriguing relatable characters. Lots of self-deprecating humor, witty banter and self-aware satire of the whole mafiosi setting.
Opposites attract, secret family, forced proximity, mafia queen, and redemption are just some of the tropes in this book. All of them are well executed and create an accumulated effect of an easily read, enjoyable, and entertaining book.
Highly recommended!
Rating: 4.5 stars

[Rtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Mob, Romantic Comedy! It's cleverly written and plays like a movie in your head. It made me laugh out loud.

The main character is very relatable... She would rather curl up wit a book on a Friday night. (Yup that's me)

The main characters have an instant like and dislike with each other. It was fun to see them fight against their attraction.

This book has some sexy steamy love scenes, a little dose of action and an interesting storyline.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tongue in cheek Mob’s Seduction Roasts Mob Romance

This was great fun to read. The continual references between Mob Romance novels and “MCs’ real life” were a hoot. Luv the humour. Luv the poking fun at the book title. Must admit the title was a little strange when I read it. So I sort of agree with the MCs. Haha.
I’m looking for more from this author to give me more chuckles.

[Zureena · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍 this book.

Spicy, rollercoaster emotions with some dramatic action to teach a lesson, has some dire consequences. Old rivals and lost love, our FMC's has past and present trauma that escalate into the woman they become. Sassy with intense 🔥 moments, with some angs, a 5🌟 for a brilliant book.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

read me

I wasn’t sure about this one when I read the blurb, but believe me, the blurb doesn’t do the book justice.
Such a great story with amazing characters. The story draws you in instantly, while the whole mob boss and family connections keep you turning the pages.
A superbly written book which hold your attention from the first chapter to the last.

[Ian Sellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the characters. the story is very self aware and I enjoyed that. the spice was spicing in a big way. my major complaint is the multiple in universe plugs for some of Alyson's other books. it took me straight out of the story. not a fan of that level of meta

[Cally Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute sapphic romance! Love her books always make me giggle

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Mob story

This was a quick and fun read. Interesting meeting but definitely not a meet cute. Definitely recommend if you’ve enjoyed previous work from this author.