His to Claim

Mafia Kingpins #5

by Ava Gray

One forbidden night. One deadly kidnapping. One virgin who doesn't realize she's already been marked as his.

ARCHER

I've spilled blood for money and buried my conscience alongside the bodies of my enemies.

When a mysterious beauty in a lace mask slides her tongue against mine at a masquerade ball, something primal awakens inside me—a possessive hunger I thought I'd killed years ago.

Then she's snatched by thugs right in front of me, and I discover she's Carlotta Rossi—virgin sister to the most ruthless mafia family in New York. The same family that's paying me to keep them alive.

Now she's under my protection in my remote cabin, sleeping in my bed, her tempting curves just inches away. I should keep my hands to myself. I've been hired to guard her body, not claim it.

But the moment she trembles beneath my touch, I know the truth—she was mine from our first kiss. And I'll burn down the world before I let anyone take what's mine.

Even if claiming her means signing my own death warrant.

CARLOTTA

I'm tired of being the sheltered Rossi princess, the virgin sister everyone underestimates.

When a dangerously seductive stranger pins me against the wall at a masquerade ball, his talented mouth making promises his body is desperate to keep, I feel truly seen for the first time.

Instead, I end up kidnapped by my family's worst enemy, a man who wants to hang me as bait to destroy everyone I love.

My mysterious masked lover turns out to be Archer—the deadly, brooding mercenary my brothers trust to save me. Now I'm trapped alone with him in his cabin, and the way he looks at me makes my body burn hotter than sin.

He warns me to stay away. Says my brothers would kill him. Says he's too damaged, too dangerous.

But I see the way his eyes follow me—possessive, hungry, determined. Like I already belong to him.

And the terrifying truth? I want nothing more than to be his to claim.

His to Claim is book five of the Mafia Kingpins series. This scorching-hot standalone possessive alpha, virgin heroine, forced proximity, only one bed, brother's friend, surprise pregnancy, and enough heat to make a confession booth burst into flames!

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2025

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

His to Claim is the fifth and final installment in the Mafia Kingpins Series. A scorching hot standalone full-length novel with no cheating and ends on a happily-ever-after. A beautifully crafted story with complex individuals and a fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you transfixed and turning the pages with it's pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane action and non-stop twists and turns and suspense. Wow is all that I can say about this series. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with tension, cravings and heart-stirring emotions and follow along as these two rival fall in love. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes that will have you sweating and gasping for more. A fast paced, dark and thrilling story. This is Carlotta and Archer story which is told from a dual point of view.
Carlotta Rossi is a Twenty-five year old sheltered and virgin mafia princess. She's the youngest Rossi, the only girl and the last single Rossi in the family. Her brother, Miceli Rossi is the Don of the powerfel Rossi family. For years Carlotta has watched all her brother's find the love of their lives and happy and yearn to find the same happiness as each of them. At times she feels let out and a little jealous because her older brothers and significant others are all gloriously, sickeningly happy and head over heels in love. She sometimes wonders why she can't find love like her brothers and often wonder if she was ugly. But maybe it lies in her attitude. Her brother's always tells her that she was too sassy, fiesty and a fire-cracker so maybe that was the reason. She wants to get married and have kids wile she was young with energy and wanted them to grow up with their cousins. Carlotta went to a masquerade charity ball hoping to find her person. She wore a lace mask, it was there that she meets a mask man wearing a skeleton mask that pulls her to him. The two was drawn together and spent the night getting to know each other.
Archer Damon is a broken, damaged and torture soul. He was a mercenary for the mob and on the pay roll for Rossi family, New York City most ruthless and powerful mafia family. He's also the best friend of Miceli Rossi and her brother's best friend. He's well connected in the underworld mafia ties to the five mafia families. He's a former military man, ruthless, calculating, brooding and flawed who have given up on the heart of the matter years ago. He was at the ball doing recon on certain people. Archer has spilled blood for money and buried his conscience alongside the bodies of his enemies. He was enamored by the woman wearing the queen of hearts mask with lace. The two danced and spend some time getting to know each other. Archer was shocked when the beauty in the mask lace slides her tongue into his at the masquerade ball, and instantly something primal awakens inside of him. A possessive hunger he thought he'd killed years ago.
However, not long after all hell broke lose when her family's long time enemy Carmine Gallo shows up at the ball and snatched her away right in front of him and it was then that he found out that she was Carlotta Rossi. He was asked by her brother to protect her. He got her back and now she's under his protection in his remote cabin off the grid. As the two spends more time together their attraction grew. He knows that he should keep his hands to himself given the fact that her family was paying him to keep her safe. But they succumb to their desires and act on their feelings. From the moment he touches her he knows that she was his. And he'll burn down the world before he let anyone take what's his. Carlotta makes him wants things that he had long denied himself and she wants things that he doesn't think he's capable of giving her because of his past. She tries to help him understand that the things that happened in his past he's not responsible for.
She will not settle for nothing less than what her siblings has with their wives and fights for it with Archer. Carmine wants to kill the entire Rossi family one at a time starting with Carlotta. When Archer brings her back to the family Carmine somehow gets his hands on her again. All her brother's have underestimated her time and time again but Carlotta would show everyone that she was just as strong as them and that she was a force to be reckon with. Archer and her brother's will scorch the earth for her. This is where things heats up as the Rossi and Archer tries to race against time to save her before it's too late. It was filled with revenge, retaliation, resilience, danger, violence, hatred, love, bloodshed, attacks, love, darkness, madness, twists and turns, threats, murder, kidnapping, survival, possessiveness, spice, power struggle, power play, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission and more. These are some of the things that you can expect in His to Claim:
✔️Only One Bed
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Best Friend's Sister
✔️Off-Limits Romance
🤰Surprised Pregnancy 🤰
✔️Virgin Heroine Romance
✔️Possessive Alpha Hero Romance
✔️Billionaire Romance
💀☠️Organize Crime Story
✔️Forbidden Romance
✔️Contemporary Romance
✔️Dark Mafia Romance

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One forbidden night. One deadly kidnapping. One virgin who doesn't realize she's already been marked as his.



ARCHER

I've spilled blood for money and buried my conscience alongside the bodies of my enemies.



When a mysterious beauty in a lace mask slides her tongue against mine at a masquerade ball, something primal awakens inside me—a possessive hunger I thought I'd killed years ago.



Then she's snatched by thugs right in front of me, and I discover she's Carlotta Rossi—virgin sister to the most ruthless mafia family in New York. The same family that's paying me to keep them alive.



Now she's under my protection in my remote cabin, sleeping in my bed, her tempting curves just inches away. I should keep my hands to myself. I've been hired to guard her body, not claim it.



But the moment she trembles beneath my touch, I know the truth—she was mine from our first kiss. And I'll burn down the world before I let anyone take what's mine.



Even if claiming her means signing my own death warrant.



CARLOTTA

I'm tired of being the sheltered Rossi princess, the virgin sister everyone underestimates.



When a dangerously seductive stranger pins me against the wall at a masquerade ball, his talented mouth making promises his body is desperate to keep, I feel truly seen for the first time.



Instead, I end up kidnapped by my family's worst enemy, a man who wants to hang me as bait to destroy everyone I love.



My mysterious masked lover turns out to be Archer—the deadly, brooding mercenary my brothers trust to save me. Now I'm trapped alone with him in his cabin, and the way he looks at me makes my body burn hotter than sin.



He warns me to stay away. Says my brothers would kill him. Says he's too damaged, too dangerous.



But I see the way his eyes follow me—possessive, hungry, determined. Like I already belong to him.



And the terrifying truth? I want nothing more than to be his to claim.


This contemporary dark mafia kingpin brother's best friend off-limits romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, violence, danger, and grit, and characters that are alpha, exuding power and wealth, ruthless, dangerous, violent, brooding, captivating, possessive, obsessive, a virgin heroine, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with his to claim, one forbidden night, one deadly kidnapping, a virgin who doesn't realize she's already been marked as his, forced proximity that leads to explicit romance with that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, a surprise pregnancy, enough heat to make a confession booth burst into flames, Archer and Carlotta's story, Carlotta, the sheltered Rossi princess, the virgin sister everyone underestimates, Archer has spilled blood for money and buried his conscience alongside the bodies of his enemies, a man who wants to hang me as bait to destroy everyone I love, that will have readers on the edge of their seats, end up kidnapped by my family's worst enemy, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with his to claim and an explicit dark mafia romance that is sure to transport readers into a world where danger and lust collide in this intriguing and unforgettable journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Carlotta is sweet the youngest Rossi daughter talked into attending a masquerade ball for charity in hopes of finding a love connection, but thing don’t go as planned when a group attempts to kidnap her and the one, she was there to meet heard her scream came to rescue. Archer sexy as all get out walks, lives in the shadows for the most parts knows secrets about most isn’t a man you want on your radar, can be ruthless, dangerous on a good day, deadly every day when it comes to those he cares for so when he saves the youngest Rossi and her older brother asks him to keep her safe. So, taking her off the grid to his cabin where they make a connection one where she lets him know he is enough, but when Gallo comes for her again will he succeed or will Archer stop him, will her brother’s stop him, will the secrets he know put a stop to it all, will it help her family win this war they have going with Gallo, and is it her turn to find happiness and maybe just a little peace?.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last story in the Mafia Kingpins Series where Carmine Gallo finds himself in a world of trouble. Carlotta the last Rossi single sibling attends a charity masquerade hoping to meet a man. Archer is a man who’s lived a dark loveless life who earns a living gathering secrets and Carlotta doesn’t want to be alone anymore. Archer gives Carlotta an evening to remember until danger finds her. When Carmine makes his move by kidnapping Carlotta, Archers able to rescue her and then asked to go off grid by her oldest brother. While staying at Archer’s remote cabin they find themselves acting on their attraction knowing it’ll end. Carlotta is feisty woman and speaks her mind trying to get Archer to see his is not responsible for his past and fighting for a chance at something special between them. When they enter her world he shuts off and danger is back with Archer and her brother’s fighting against time with Gallo’s promise to take down the Rossi family one sibling at a time. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lottie is the youngest sibling of the Rossi family. She is twenty-five years old, a virgin and feels she will never find love. Her sisters-in- law encourage her to attend a masquerade charity event where she connects with sexy man. She agrees to meet him outside the venue, but she is kidnapped. Archer hears her scream when she is battling with the abductors and gives chase.
He is able to rescue her, but her abductor escapes. Her brothers feel she needs to be protected by Archer at his remote cabin.
They can't resist each other and give in to their attraction.
Archer feels he is not enough for Lottie, she does not agree.
She is kidnapped again by Gallo. He is obsessed with eliminating the Rossi family.
She is rescued, by Archer, who realizes he loves her.
There is a HEA ending which I won't spoil.
This was a fast paced well developed plot with believable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very suspenseful story. It was very well written.

Lottie (Carlotta) is the last person in her family to be single. She is feeling lonely and wants to find someone. She attends a masquerade ball with her family. There she meets Archer, a man who interests her. They agree to meet but Lottie is kidnapped. Archer hears what is going on and chases after the assailants. He rescues her. What Lottie doesn't know is that Archer knows her brothers. Archer tells Lottie's brothers about the almost kidnapping. They decide to have Archer take her away so that she will be safe. Archer takes her to his cabin for safety.

I loved the chemistry between these two characters. Archer doesn't want to get involved with Lottie but the pull between them is too much. What happens when her brothers find out? You have to read this one if you love suspense romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finally meet the elusive Archer in this book and he is not at all ready of Carlotta Rossi to shake up his world. When Carlotta is kidnapped after they share a passionate kiss at a masquerade ball and agree to meet up later in the evening, Archer stop at nothing to get her back and keep her safe. While hiding at a safe house they explore their attraction. Archer isn’t cut out to be in a relationship and Carlotta won’t stand for less than everything from the man she has quickly fallen for.

I was excited to read Carlotta and Archer’s story and it did not disappoint. The elusive and mysterious Archer is just what Carlotta needs and probably the only man int he world who would be good enough in the eye of her brothers. What’s great about this book is that Carlotta isn’t afraid to push Archer right out of his comfort zone and doesn’t take no for an answer when he tries to push her away. This book is a fitting end to a fun series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlotta longs for what her friends have in their relationships. One night during a masked party she meets a man that draws her interest which makes her night change for the better. Archer sees a beautiful woman even with her mask on. They are supposed to meet again but things get crazy when Carlotta is almost taken by some men. Archer rescues her and learns that she is the daughter of a mafia family he works for occasionally. Carlotta sees Archer trying to pull away from her and it cuts her because she really thought he wanted her. Her brother approves of Archer's plan to protect her but its not long before Carlotta gets what she wants...Archer. Can he keep her safe? Will they be able to be together?

This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter on. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is the youngest sibling of one of the five New York mafia families. He is an associate of her brother. Sparks fly when they meet at a masquerade party, only for things to take a drastic turn when she is kidnapped by a man desperate for a seat at the table with said families. Archer now becomes her protector and things really heat up. Can he let go of his past and move forward? Will her family approve of her choice? This was so intense I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Such an emotional steamy romance. I have not read the other books in this series but now am going to have to go back and read them to fill in any of the missing pieces I may have missed. Although so much was explained in this book that I feel it is ok to be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer makes his money gathering information, the solitary life is it for him. One night at a masked event and he finds a girl that peaks his interest but when she is kidnapped, he finds out she is Carlotta Rossi, mafia princess.

Carlotta is tired of being the shelter princess and after her last disastrous relationship, she thinks she in undesirable. Until she goes the charity function and locks eyes with a man across the room.

When she is kidnapped, Archer is the one to rescue her and spirit her away to a safehouse. They agree to one night and nothing else, who knew she would catch feelings? When she is abducted again, it will be up to Archer and her brothers to find her before it is too late.

This is great addition to the Mafia Kingpins, I loved their story, Archer is just the man for Lottie.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series and one man has been causing trouble from book one, Carmine Gallo, who now has a kill order put on him.
Now he has set his sights on Carlotta the youngest sister to get his revenge on the Rossi family.
He finds a way at a masquerade charity event he kidnaps her.
What he hadn't counted on was Archer a good friend of the Rossi family was following and manages to rescue her this time.
She's taken it a safe house with Archer as her guardian as per her brothers instruction.
Archer knew he couldn't have feelings for Carlotta but when she starts to seduce him he's a goner.
Gallo his obsessed by killing the Rossi family and will not give up trying.

[Patricia Ausmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer is a ex military guy who now works for whoever needs his help and can afford him but after losing a girlfriend he stays strictly with one night stands.
Carlotta is the baby sister of the head of one of the 5 families in New York but she has been completely out of the family business.
They meet at a fund raiser attended by all of her brother's and their wives. But when she goes out to meet him at the fountain she gets kidnapped by a man who is out to ruin her family. But Archer gets there in time to see her get taken and follows. He gets her out but now he has to keep her safe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

His to Claim

Archer/Damon and Carlotta

The fifth book is Carlotta Rossi's story. Feeling that she will never find anyone to love her, she is talked into attending a masquerade ball where she meets a handsome stranger, Archer. Archer is incapable of love (or so he thinks) but, there is something about Carlotta that has his attention. Kidnappings; death threats; daring rescues; and of course unexpected intense feelings are just some of the emotions that makes this book stand out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer doesn't feel, he lost that along the way to becoming the man he is. Carlotta is fed up of being the sheltered mafia princess and one kiss at a masquerade ball ignites everything. Only he's tasked to protect her and when she's taken from the ball by the family enemy and he will get her back and keep her safe, in his cabin but those sparks still remain and mean they both could lose everything l! Well written steamy engaging, desires, captive romance and more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

His To Claim is book 5 in the Mafia Kingpins series and is Archer and Carlotta's story. Carlotta is the youngest in the Rossi family and thinks she's destined to be alone forever. Archer doesn't think he's capable of love. A masquerade ball and one kiss sets things in motion for them both that will change the course of their lives forever. This story is a great, fast-paced, exciting read packed tight with danger, chaos and drama. You'll be glued to the pages from beginning to end with this one!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

His to Claim by Ava Gray is the story of Archer and Carlotta. Someone wants her gone…permanently. She needs help. She needs protection. Her brother asks his friend, Archer to help. But, there are things neither of them is aware of…things that could change the trajectory of everything!!

Freaking LOVED Archer!!! He was everything you’d want in a man!! Carlotta is no weakling... she has gumption and grit. But, sometimes that isn’t enough…freaking loved this read!!! Lots of action, edge-of-your-seat situations…and so much romance!!

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Carlotta and Archer keeps your attention from the beginning. Carlotta has a hard time because there is someone who has it in for her and does everything to make her disappear. Because Carlotta's brother wants to protect his sister he sees only one way out and that is to ask his best friend Archer and from that moment their journey together begins where secrets reign and sometimes everything is what it seems. I enjoyed their story and it is definitely worth it.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masquerade

His to Claim is the fifth book in the Mafia Kingpins series. This story is about Carlotta "Lottie" Rossi, a Mafia Princess, and Archer, a Mercenary who has a firm grip on his world. They meet at a masquerade ball in NYC and there is an instant spark and attraction. With one kiss it all erupts and then some.
This is a book that takes you on a journey with a lot of heart-pounding action, suspense, danger, mystery and then passion. It is a great addition to this series.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a chance encounter and instant connection at a masquerade event, Archer and Carlotta discover that there's a deeper connection between the two especially after he rescues her and ends up protecting her as a favor to her brother. This was a bit of instant love, force proximity, one bed, with low drama story. It was a quick and fun read. I think the Rossi series is complete with this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer does not want to go to the ball, however he knows that he has to meet his new client. What he does not count on is seeing Carlotta Rossi the mafia princess at the ball, or even getting to kiss her. When she is kidnapped right in front of him he knows that he has to get her back, and keep her safe. What he does not plan on is falling for her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kayla Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in a day. Super quick fast paced read. I normally don’t enjoy that but I think I needed it because I’ve read too many slow paced here recently lol. The only thing I don’t like is how the epilogue played out, she time jumped a lot and idk it was weird to me the way it was set up🤷‍♀️ was not what I’m used to. Also was kind of expecting more Mafia related stuff but since this was a fast paced book I guess I expected it not to

[Stacy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to “assume” this is the final Rossi mafia romance and what a romance it is. Danger x2, denial, instant love, delusions, near death, passion, chemistry, abduction and redemption. This is a lot for the “innocent” baby sister. Enjoy the roller coaster ride of your life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful well written believable story of love, danger and two people who don’t realize their own worth. He believes his past make him unworthy, she doesn’t think she’s attractive enough. The danger and healing is beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story with a thrilling plot and compelling characters that had me all caught up in the action and in the corners of the characters. They made this story believable as I connected with them all throughout it. Will they get their chance for happiness in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy Pitre Reavis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The potential was there.

This book would have benefitted from some heavy editing and some coaching. The main part of the book relied heavily on boring and repetitive narration. The epilog was so much better action and dialog moved the epilog along. It almost seems like the epilog was written by a different person.

[Hope Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlotta has watched her brothers all find happiness and is feeling lonely waiting for hers. What starts as a dance at a ball, turns into kidnap, rescue and so much more. Will she and Archer have a happy ending!? You won't be able to put this down waiting to find out.

I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and Undeniable

Wow, what a great read! This was suspenseful, action-packed, and full of spicy moments. I could not get enough of Carlotta and Archer as the chemistry between them was undeniable. It was an entertaining and enjoyable read, and I kept wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

unexpected finding

Wow! This is the last book in the series and it was so good! Your heart breaks for both of them and just want them to fall in love. Well a few nights in a cabin will do that! The ending was a good recap of all the brothers and where they are at. Couldn’t get enough!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this mafia romance book right here by Ava is not only AMAZING but WONDERFUL as well to read. It has a whirlwind storyline that keeps you hooked with the characters Archer and Carlotta beginning with chapter 1 and WOW what an ending this book has as well.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing best-friend's-sister/mafia romance.. I liked it very much.. It is intense and exciting, with lots of forbidden relationship chemistry..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.