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Run, Darling: A Low-Spice Mafia Romance
A LOW-SPICE MAFIA ROMANCE
Gloria Jackson must keep her family safe, no matter the cost. Trapped in the crossfire of a brutal mafia war, she agrees to a peace forged in marriage to Caolan O'Rourke, the cold heir of a rival empire, and the younger brother of the man who murdered her sister.
She doesn't know this man. She doesn't trust this man. But this contract will save her family.
Now, her wedding day looms, but Gloria isn’t ready. Only God can protect her, except ... her newfound faith is dwindling, and so is her resolve. Caolan may not be Prince Charming, but he isn’t such a terrible man after all, and that’s what terrifies her. Falling for her husband means staying in a world of darkness and blood. The same world that took her sister. Gloria won't let it take her.
She must run and she must do it now. But Caolan will find her wherever she goes.
Run, Darling is a low-spice mafia romance written for Christian women. It does not contain erotic love scenes or foul language. It was, however, written for an adult audience. Reader discretion is advised.
Gloria Jackson must keep her family safe, no matter the cost. Trapped in the crossfire of a brutal mafia war, she agrees to a peace forged in marriage to Caolan O'Rourke, the cold heir of a rival empire, and the younger brother of the man who murdered her sister.
She doesn't know this man. She doesn't trust this man. But this contract will save her family.
Now, her wedding day looms, but Gloria isn’t ready. Only God can protect her, except ... her newfound faith is dwindling, and so is her resolve. Caolan may not be Prince Charming, but he isn’t such a terrible man after all, and that’s what terrifies her. Falling for her husband means staying in a world of darkness and blood. The same world that took her sister. Gloria won't let it take her.
She must run and she must do it now. But Caolan will find her wherever she goes.
Run, Darling is a low-spice mafia romance written for Christian women. It does not contain erotic love scenes or foul language. It was, however, written for an adult audience. Reader discretion is advised.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
179 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Valicity Elaine
36 books637 followersI love fantasy and magic and quirky high school stories. Writing is my passion, Jesus is my life.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 18, 2025
Perfectly imperfect.
Don’t ask me anything about the plot—I was so emotionally involved with these characters. I couldn’t wait for the chapter where they could have some peace. By peace I mean Jesus— These characters were dodging bullets left and right. The world they lived in held no joy and it was only after they found their faith I feel like they could breathe—they were still fighting for their lives but with Jesus.
I really like Caolán’s character design. He’s really cool in my opinion.
I would’ve loved to see more on Caolán faith though. Poor guy spent his whole life without an ounce of love and that truly broke my heart.
I fear I will need a few days to get over these characters and what they went through. Especially Caolán.
Random thought: I think he’d like the story of the prodigal son.
Shoutout my girl Serena for making it in here!
Tadhg can die. Aifric too.
Don’t ask me anything about the plot—I was so emotionally involved with these characters. I couldn’t wait for the chapter where they could have some peace. By peace I mean Jesus— These characters were dodging bullets left and right. The world they lived in held no joy and it was only after they found their faith I feel like they could breathe—they were still fighting for their lives but with Jesus.
I really like Caolán’s character design. He’s really cool in my opinion.
I would’ve loved to see more on Caolán faith though. Poor guy spent his whole life without an ounce of love and that truly broke my heart.
I fear I will need a few days to get over these characters and what they went through. Especially Caolán.
Random thought: I think he’d like the story of the prodigal son.
Shoutout my girl Serena for making it in here!
Tadhg can die. Aifric too.
November 22, 2025
I am honestly surprised at the content in this book I do not recommend it and I warn every single Christian to stay away from this author!!
I am not someone who usually shames an author for their content but this author is mind-boggling what she has added into her book. ⚠️content warning ⚠️ *** if you are sensitive to topics of s*x, torture and fornication please skip over this review.***
so let's get into the actual review.
what kind of content was actually in this book?
1. Fornication- Full description of the MMC being aroused ( 🤢), Suggestive content of sexual interactions between a married man and a woman who wasn't his wife. ( I won't go into detail because it was awful) ( open door scene between a married couple) Witnesses of the consummation of marriage also 🤢
2. violence- Man biting another man's throat out with his teeth. ( reading this made me so sick to my stomach) heavy torture, mentions of the MMC being a serial killer, the action was not condemned. Description of some of the torture)
3. hypocrisy. The MMC and FMC did things that were not Christian yet they talked about God like they were faithful followers. YOU CANNOT RIDE THE FENCE OF CHRISTIANITY. YOURE EITHER A CHRISTIAN OR YOURE NOT!!
4. drug use and alcohol use
5. child marriage.
this book was once again labeled as a Christian fiction novel. I messaged the author and honestly told her how disappointing I was that she would write something like this. I of course got blocked 😆. she made several posts making excuses on why spice should be okay in Christian fiction. * eye roll* and what's even worse is she tried to use the Bible, to excuse it. I have a huge issue with people using the song of Solomon as an excuse to read p*rn.
I'm not trying to be rude in any way but I am just sick of people making excuses. the Bible is straightforward and there's no going around the scripture or God's laws! if you're truly a child of God and you're born again you are not going to want to do these things or read about them or even write about them.
I usually don't go after an author like this but I truly believe that people like this are either truly deceived or they're wolves in sheep's clothing. one of the biggest things in America right now is smut and spice. and it's killing our next generations innocent minds. and I'm just sick of seeing this everywhere.
I am not someone who usually shames an author for their content but this author is mind-boggling what she has added into her book. ⚠️content warning ⚠️ *** if you are sensitive to topics of s*x, torture and fornication please skip over this review.***
so let's get into the actual review.
what kind of content was actually in this book?
1. Fornication- Full description of the MMC being aroused ( 🤢), Suggestive content of sexual interactions between a married man and a woman who wasn't his wife. ( I won't go into detail because it was awful) ( open door scene between a married couple) Witnesses of the consummation of marriage also 🤢
2. violence- Man biting another man's throat out with his teeth. ( reading this made me so sick to my stomach) heavy torture, mentions of the MMC being a serial killer, the action was not condemned. Description of some of the torture)
3. hypocrisy. The MMC and FMC did things that were not Christian yet they talked about God like they were faithful followers. YOU CANNOT RIDE THE FENCE OF CHRISTIANITY. YOURE EITHER A CHRISTIAN OR YOURE NOT!!
4. drug use and alcohol use
5. child marriage.
this book was once again labeled as a Christian fiction novel. I messaged the author and honestly told her how disappointing I was that she would write something like this. I of course got blocked 😆. she made several posts making excuses on why spice should be okay in Christian fiction. * eye roll* and what's even worse is she tried to use the Bible, to excuse it. I have a huge issue with people using the song of Solomon as an excuse to read p*rn.
I'm not trying to be rude in any way but I am just sick of people making excuses. the Bible is straightforward and there's no going around the scripture or God's laws! if you're truly a child of God and you're born again you are not going to want to do these things or read about them or even write about them.
I usually don't go after an author like this but I truly believe that people like this are either truly deceived or they're wolves in sheep's clothing. one of the biggest things in America right now is smut and spice. and it's killing our next generations innocent minds. and I'm just sick of seeing this everywhere.
September 6, 2025
Good book....BUT ..... If you are a baby christian or new to the christian faith i don't necessarily suggest this read as it can be misleading in the sense of someone not understanding what lukewarm christianity looks like, although the FMC is very new to Christianity, She does make mistakes and decisions that align with lukewarm Christianity, as I believe many of us did in the beginning of our walk with Christ. Aside from this I thoroughly enjoyed this read.I had to remember a couple times it is a DARK romance read so some of the themes are a bit intense at times but still good if you are into dark romance. All in all im not mad at it.
October 12, 2025
Calling this a clean Christian novel is highly misleading. There is descriptive sex, many bluntly told immoral sexual relationships and situations, overt violence, and plenty of swearing. I don't know how this was added to the genre of Christian romance.
A lot of the biblical based content had a very strange, kind of fundamental leaning to it that could be very misleading and confusing to anyone who isn't already familiar with the Christian faith and beliefs and has their own convictions; the paragraphs about tattoos and the way she took communion after her husband was shot are pretty offensive.
Not at all impressed to see it was recommended as a clean book...it definitely isn't.
And, after all that, by halfway through neither the story or characters made sense anymore, nor was there any kind of closure to make up for the shortfalls. I'm also pretending the epilogue didn't exist, because why on earth would you add an extra 3 pages to an already 400+ page story, that only serves to undermine the entire ending and point of any character development?
A lot of the biblical based content had a very strange, kind of fundamental leaning to it that could be very misleading and confusing to anyone who isn't already familiar with the Christian faith and beliefs and has their own convictions; the paragraphs about tattoos and the way she took communion after her husband was shot are pretty offensive.
Not at all impressed to see it was recommended as a clean book...it definitely isn't.
And, after all that, by halfway through neither the story or characters made sense anymore, nor was there any kind of closure to make up for the shortfalls. I'm also pretending the epilogue didn't exist, because why on earth would you add an extra 3 pages to an already 400+ page story, that only serves to undermine the entire ending and point of any character development?
July 25, 2025
Honest Review
This is my first time reading a dark romance, there is a chance that I’m never gonna read another because I can tell it’s not really my type of romance. However, I have read many books, including romances, and in my honest opinion, I believe the author did an outstanding job. The characters are beautifully developed. The writing is consistent and intriguing and captures the attention. The amount of research that the author did to stay true to the plot of the story is impressive. So while I can honestly say that, I can’t get past the dark part of this Romance. For those who enjoy this type of genre. I think you will really love the book.
This is my first time reading a dark romance, there is a chance that I’m never gonna read another because I can tell it’s not really my type of romance. However, I have read many books, including romances, and in my honest opinion, I believe the author did an outstanding job. The characters are beautifully developed. The writing is consistent and intriguing and captures the attention. The amount of research that the author did to stay true to the plot of the story is impressive. So while I can honestly say that, I can’t get past the dark part of this Romance. For those who enjoy this type of genre. I think you will really love the book.
July 28, 2025
Christian Mafia Romance
Very refreshing and uplifting romance. I liked that this was clean but still carry the grittiness of a mafia romance. I don’t know much about the mafia, so I can’t confirm, but it felt like a good amount of research was put into it making the story not feel too far fetched or unrealistic. Ria and Caolan’s road to love, redemption and happiness was hard fought. There were times they made me shake my head and I was seriously disturbed by chapter One but I eventually found myself rooting for them and their friends. Had my heart broken towards the end, but is it a good book if you don’t shed a tear or two? Kudos to the author for a job well done. Will definitely read more of her work.
Very refreshing and uplifting romance. I liked that this was clean but still carry the grittiness of a mafia romance. I don’t know much about the mafia, so I can’t confirm, but it felt like a good amount of research was put into it making the story not feel too far fetched or unrealistic. Ria and Caolan’s road to love, redemption and happiness was hard fought. There were times they made me shake my head and I was seriously disturbed by chapter One but I eventually found myself rooting for them and their friends. Had my heart broken towards the end, but is it a good book if you don’t shed a tear or two? Kudos to the author for a job well done. Will definitely read more of her work.
July 12, 2025
Couldn’t Put it Down
The story pulled me in despite my hesitation- the elements of Ruth and Esther are definitely appropriate to the storyline. The author was wise to emphasize the mafia’s continual manipulative hold over its people. The entire system would collapse if every participant weren’t bribed, coerced, or blackmailed into participation. Lack of choice means lack of power (to change circumstances), and being at the mercy of others (when they expect payment for mercy) means continual counting the cost of any decision.
One would have to be willing to die to escape - or have nothing to lose. In that, it’s not much different from a cult, especially because the Irish and Italian mafias include some level of religious participation.
Why don’t humans run when they are told? (And where would they run?) That’s the burning question.
The story pulled me in despite my hesitation- the elements of Ruth and Esther are definitely appropriate to the storyline. The author was wise to emphasize the mafia’s continual manipulative hold over its people. The entire system would collapse if every participant weren’t bribed, coerced, or blackmailed into participation. Lack of choice means lack of power (to change circumstances), and being at the mercy of others (when they expect payment for mercy) means continual counting the cost of any decision.
One would have to be willing to die to escape - or have nothing to lose. In that, it’s not much different from a cult, especially because the Irish and Italian mafias include some level of religious participation.
Why don’t humans run when they are told? (And where would they run?) That’s the burning question.
June 30, 2025
This book had some dark themes but was overall alright. A very interesting plot and a different genre than I’m used to. Some spice was more descriptive than I cared for. I did appreciate the Christian values and faith based beliefs integrated in the book.
May 18, 2025
This is the first Christian mafia book I’ve read and it had me hooked from the first chapter. I needed to know what happened next. I didn’t want to put it down.
Her warnings at the beginning about it being a dark romance due to violence are accurate but overall it is a clean romance book.
Some of the scripture and monologues about faith made it sound so easy to believe and got a bit long-winded for me towards the end, but it is a great depiction of how someone can find their faith.
Even though I wish I knew this wasn’t a completely standalone book before I started it, I’m intrigued and can’t wait to read the next one.
Her warnings at the beginning about it being a dark romance due to violence are accurate but overall it is a clean romance book.
Some of the scripture and monologues about faith made it sound so easy to believe and got a bit long-winded for me towards the end, but it is a great depiction of how someone can find their faith.
Even though I wish I knew this wasn’t a completely standalone book before I started it, I’m intrigued and can’t wait to read the next one.
September 12, 2025
Well, I finished this book in less than 12 hours, and when I say I could barely put it down, I mean that quite literally. Even when I absolutely had to put it down to make dinner or tuck my children into bed, I was still thinking about this book, the characters, and wondering what would happen next!
From the very first chapter, I was completely sucked in. I emotionally connected to characters I didn't think I would connect to. Elaine's writing is just full of emotion and suspense, and I can't get enough of it! You're perfectly able to see and understand all the characters and why they make certain choices, even if you wish they would choose differently.
This mafia run, alternative modern day world that Elaine has created is dark, gritty, dangerous, and very broken. She shows all of that darkness without glorifying or romanticizing it. She shows how being kind, honest and vulnerable can change people. She shows that there is light, even in the darkest places.
I am generally not a fan of Christian fiction, especially when involving conversion. But the Christian and conversion themes in this book are both believable and compelling! You see how sometimes, when the world is dark, clinging to God's word can give you hope and courage to keep going.
This book is absolutely fantastic, and I look forward to reading more of Elaine's works.
From the very first chapter, I was completely sucked in. I emotionally connected to characters I didn't think I would connect to. Elaine's writing is just full of emotion and suspense, and I can't get enough of it! You're perfectly able to see and understand all the characters and why they make certain choices, even if you wish they would choose differently.
This mafia run, alternative modern day world that Elaine has created is dark, gritty, dangerous, and very broken. She shows all of that darkness without glorifying or romanticizing it. She shows how being kind, honest and vulnerable can change people. She shows that there is light, even in the darkest places.
I am generally not a fan of Christian fiction, especially when involving conversion. But the Christian and conversion themes in this book are both believable and compelling! You see how sometimes, when the world is dark, clinging to God's word can give you hope and courage to keep going.
This book is absolutely fantastic, and I look forward to reading more of Elaine's works.
June 10, 2025
Currently still reading - will update when I’m done but I’m really enjoying this so far. - plz ignore typos I am using my cell phone.
Random thoughts while reading - this is a chunky book and despite being an audiobook girly lately I am at page 157- I read slow, but eventually will finish it. Despite it being a longer read the character development is really well done and it keeps me going. There have been a few twists you don’t expect in the story - the romance hasn’t blossomed yet but there are hints of it. It will be a slow burn. I have been reading so much fantasy I half expect this to turn into a vampire novel or something because it easily could lol. I know this is a faith based novel and inam curious to how that will play out as the story progresses.
I also want to note I have never read a mafia romance before but I see the appeal. It has some of the tropes of historical romance or fantasy romance that you don’t really see in contemporary romance, but places in a contemporary setting with morally grey characters.
Random thoughts while reading - this is a chunky book and despite being an audiobook girly lately I am at page 157- I read slow, but eventually will finish it. Despite it being a longer read the character development is really well done and it keeps me going. There have been a few twists you don’t expect in the story - the romance hasn’t blossomed yet but there are hints of it. It will be a slow burn. I have been reading so much fantasy I half expect this to turn into a vampire novel or something because it easily could lol. I know this is a faith based novel and inam curious to how that will play out as the story progresses.
I also want to note I have never read a mafia romance before but I see the appeal. It has some of the tropes of historical romance or fantasy romance that you don’t really see in contemporary romance, but places in a contemporary setting with morally grey characters.
May 18, 2025
What I love about Valicity Elaine’s writing is that she’s not afraid to take the road less traveled. She writes about the hopeless and the light that only God Himself could bring into the darkest of lives. Isn’t that where Jesus went? If you’re in a dark place and wonder how that light could help you, Run, Darling will encourage you. Run, Darling is a low-spice mafia romance written for Christian adults. There are no erotic love scenes or foul language, but reader discretion is advised. I was given a free copy of this book. However the opinion expressed here is completely my own. If you haven’t read anything by Valicity Elaine, this is a great opportunity! I read the entire book in less than 36 hours!
May 17, 2025
Such an amazing book truly! The imagery was so vivid, I could literally feel the war going on. I especially loved how both characters went on their own spiritual journeys. Gloria, in particular, was struggling with her walk with God in the beginning, but by the end, not only was she redeemed, she helped lead her husband to redemption too. It was beautiful. I was so drawn in the whole time. I love when I’m working out and people start looking at me crazy because of the faces I make every time I read a Valicity Elaine book, that’s exactly what happens!
August 18, 2025
This was my first time reading a clean mafia romance, and I definitely have some thoughts:
• Unlike many other mafia romances, Elaine doesn’t romanticize the mafia. She presents it realistically without sugarcoating, which really took me by surprise. I fully expected to fall head over heels for the main character and start daydreaming about finding my own mafia boss—but that didn’t happen.
• At first, I was disappointed that the mafia wasn’t romanticized, but honestly, I was even more disappointed in myself for wanting it to be (lol).
• I also had to adjust my expectations of the male lead. In most mafia romances, the hero is portrayed as intensely and almost obsessively devoted to his love interest. Here, that wasn’t the case, which left me feeling let down at first. But then again, Elaine is clearly going for a more realistic take on both the mafia and on romance.
• I am excited to read the next book to see if the characters actually manage to escape the mafia, since that has always been their goal.
• Since this was my first clean mafia romance, the shift was difficult for me. I struggled with moving away from the truly dark mafia romances I’m used to and into this “clean dark” style. Because of that, I don’t think I was fully able to appreciate the book yet. Still, I’m looking forward to the sequel and plan to read at least one more of Elaine’s books so I can form a more complete opinion of her writing.
• Unlike many other mafia romances, Elaine doesn’t romanticize the mafia. She presents it realistically without sugarcoating, which really took me by surprise. I fully expected to fall head over heels for the main character and start daydreaming about finding my own mafia boss—but that didn’t happen.
• At first, I was disappointed that the mafia wasn’t romanticized, but honestly, I was even more disappointed in myself for wanting it to be (lol).
• I also had to adjust my expectations of the male lead. In most mafia romances, the hero is portrayed as intensely and almost obsessively devoted to his love interest. Here, that wasn’t the case, which left me feeling let down at first. But then again, Elaine is clearly going for a more realistic take on both the mafia and on romance.
• I am excited to read the next book to see if the characters actually manage to escape the mafia, since that has always been their goal.
• Since this was my first clean mafia romance, the shift was difficult for me. I struggled with moving away from the truly dark mafia romances I’m used to and into this “clean dark” style. Because of that, I don’t think I was fully able to appreciate the book yet. Still, I’m looking forward to the sequel and plan to read at least one more of Elaine’s books so I can form a more complete opinion of her writing.
May 21, 2025
I don’t know what to say other than Velicity Elaine has done it again. Another 5✨ read! Her Christian mafia universe that she’s written truly is one of my favorite universes I’ve EVER read. If you’re looking for an Irish Mafia, Christian, No erotic love scenes, no cursing, forced/arranged marriage, found faith, I HIGHLY recommend. This book is NOT intended for ages below 18!!!!!!!!! Mature content is in here still!
July 10, 2025
This was my first Christian dark romance and absolutely loved this book! The twists in every chapter kept me hooked. Caolan’s journey to faith was powerful, and Gloria taking the Lord’s Supper for him while he was unconscious was such a moving moment — it gave me chills. I really hope there’s a sequel about their daughter at the “University of Mafia”!
December 10, 2025
I loved this book! Mrs. Elaine, does a great job at writing in Christian values into real life faith struggling scenarios. the dark elements are there and the spicy is clean, if you can imagine that and I love it. I want to read a story not a p**n So I'm so very happy I have found a writer that can deliver a great story with just the right amount of spice! Definitely recommend!!
August 23, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book. I chose to review it and this in no way impacts my opinion of it.
As a brand new, baby Christian, I am trying to find more books for me to enjoy that involve God and also are low/no-spice. When I saw Valicity offering out ARCs for her new novel, I jumped on the chance to read it.
As a lover of horror and romance, I thought I would love this. I did really enjoy the dark, gritty, hopelessness the characters feel as they are trapped in the mafia lifestyle and I really enjoyed getting to bear witness as they came to Christ.
I also enjoyed the character growth and the suspense at the beginning of the novel, but I felt the resolution was glazed over. We don't get to see it unfold and I felt that made it feel rushed to me.
But I enjoyed the faith aspect and I'm excited to read some of the authors other books in my journey to read more novels with Christian values.
As a brand new, baby Christian, I am trying to find more books for me to enjoy that involve God and also are low/no-spice. When I saw Valicity offering out ARCs for her new novel, I jumped on the chance to read it.
As a lover of horror and romance, I thought I would love this. I did really enjoy the dark, gritty, hopelessness the characters feel as they are trapped in the mafia lifestyle and I really enjoyed getting to bear witness as they came to Christ.
I also enjoyed the character growth and the suspense at the beginning of the novel, but I felt the resolution was glazed over. We don't get to see it unfold and I felt that made it feel rushed to me.
But I enjoyed the faith aspect and I'm excited to read some of the authors other books in my journey to read more novels with Christian values.
June 18, 2025
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 28, 2025
Woah
Definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but it is a book that I didn't want to put down. I really enjoyed how the author put scripture and made it centered around Christ.
Definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but it is a book that I didn't want to put down. I really enjoyed how the author put scripture and made it centered around Christ.
July 22, 2025
Wow speechless
Second book I have read of her in dark Christian romance and I am blown away and she replied to my tik tok this morning
Second book I have read of her in dark Christian romance and I am blown away and she replied to my tik tok this morning
July 31, 2025
The book was written really well and in the characters were great.
August 14, 2025
soo good !
Loved the story telling kept me engaged from start to finish ! It’s a lengthy book I’m so surprised I finished it …. But it was just that good ! Read it ❤️
Loved the story telling kept me engaged from start to finish ! It’s a lengthy book I’m so surprised I finished it …. But it was just that good ! Read it ❤️
October 19, 2025
Can someone explain how can I get to reed this book, is it from this app? Or should I find it somewhere else
October 23, 2025
Amazing!!
For girls who are finding faith in Jesus but still want to enjoy reading these books are perfectly suited for you
For girls who are finding faith in Jesus but still want to enjoy reading these books are perfectly suited for you
August 29, 2025
Out of Valicity’s mafia romances this wasn’t my favourite. Still a good story but I just didn’t love the MMC & FMC like I did with the Withered Rose series. As always she tells good mafia stories with Christian elements and a lot of drama. Hopefully the spin off with the children comes around soon, would like to see how that plays out.
July 23, 2025
I loved this book so much. Seeing the connections between this, the Withered Rose series and Beautiful Lies makes me so excited for when Heights and Shadows comes out!! I can’t wait to read it when it comes out!!
July 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I was so invested in this story! I think it is one of my favorites by Valiciy. I love her writing. The characters were so good!
A nod to Withered Rose series & Beautiful Lies book
🫶🏼 Closed door but written so well 💋
I was so invested in this story! I think it is one of my favorites by Valiciy. I love her writing. The characters were so good!
A nod to Withered Rose series & Beautiful Lies book
🫶🏼 Closed door but written so well 💋
November 13, 2025
I really did enjoy this book. I have read some of Valicity's other books and she does a great job at creating a clean dark romance. It was a very easy read and kept me engaged.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews