How It's Going: A Calaveras Mafia Romance

by LG MILTON

How It’s Going
This is the mafia. Power isn’t given—it’s taken.
Her father built an empire on blood, his reputation monstrous. Kalina will burn it to the ground and claim what’s hers.
She’s done pretending. Done being dead to the world.
The man who raised her is a monster, and she’s finally ready to put him in the grave. But when Luka, the man she loves, is kidnapped by the GRU—the very force he’s spent years hiding from—her war takes a deadly turn.
Then there’s Ash—a trained assassin who wants out but refuses to kneel. His defiance makes him a target, and now, his own boss wants him dead.
Kalina has had enough of people trying to take what’s hers.
They call men like Dima monsters. But Kalina? She’s the nightmare monster's fear.
And she’s ready to take it all.
This is the second book in the series and may contain spoilers for the first book. If you haven't read the first book yet, I recommend starting there to fully enjoy the story. Proceed at your own risk!

571 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2025

Reviews

[mia lingxia · Rating 3 out of 5]

How It'a Going is a reverse harem mafia romance following Kalina, York, Ettienne, Luka, and Ash.

This book was a bit slow for me for the first 35%, then it picked up. I enjoyed the intense settings that this book provided. It had dark themes, complex characters, and drama within the mafia world.

Kalina was a badass woman who took no shit, but it made it more realistic when her vulnerable side was shown. She has intense loyalty, and she was so powerful, but she would go to the ends of the earth to protect her men.

I read this book on a kindle and a minor issue I had is that the author had their logo in the backgroud which made it hard to see the words but as stated, a minor issue.

While I did enjoy this book, I felt that there wasn't enough suspense and the climactic scenes didn't have me on the edge of my seat which I would have liked.

However, it was a good book overall and readers who are looking for a spicy, reverse harem, mafia romance should definitely give this a read!

I received this book as an ARC and am willingly leaving a review

[Anamval · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Mafia romance
• Revenge
• Female rage
• Why choose
• MMMMF/ MM
• Violence
• Found Family
CHECK TW

This is Kali´s book and what can I say.. another great book and perfect continuation of the series, this is more slow burn kinda (at least for me, since there’s more plot involved) but OMAYYYYYY when the spice is spicing haha is just perfect!! And the MM content damn Eti and York and Ash 🥵

So, if in Reya´s book you think the girls have male energy the way that Kali protect her guys it’s just wow she’s so fierce and she’s not afraid to let everyone knows that she will protect her found family at any cost, I loved the story, the plot twist how similar yet different the Heiresses story are and their friendship just 👌

-I’ve found a little bit weird with Henris relationship since he’s involved with Luka but interested in Lucia but I guess will know more soon

-The entire book I was like where is the guy from the family meeting Ahhahahaah that was so funny

-This question is for LG Milton, if you’re not her keep scrolling
Are we ever going to meet Matt ?? I’m intrigued haha

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 4 out of 5]

How It’s Going hits like a loaded gun — brutal, fast, and impossible to look away from. L.G. Milton drags you straight back into the blood-soaked world of the Calaveras Mafia, and this time, it’s even deadlier. Kalina’s transformation from mafia daughter to ruthless power player is electric. She’s savage when she needs to be, vulnerable when it matters, and absolutely unstoppable when the stakes turn personal.

The emotional tension in this book is palpable. Every chapter teeters on a knife’s edge — love, loyalty, betrayal, violence — it’s all there, raw and unflinching.

Milton delivers so many brilliant one-liners and unforgettable moments. The introduction of Mila and what she did had me raging. As always, it’s the unbreakable bond between Kalina, Reya, and Lucia that gets them through the darkest moments. Even the tangled relationships — and the heartbreaks — will leave you gutted in the best way.

Dark, savage, and completely addictive, How It’s Going is a hell of a ride from start to finish.

[Chantell Bearham · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

~ My new life only came with one condition that I was happy to comply with… KEEP HER SAFE AT ALL COST! ~

How it’s going starts off hot & spicy and that connection between Kalina & Lucia? 😮‍💨🔥 and those connections only get hotter as the book goes on! (IYKYK 😉 )

This book has it ALL! Love, loyalty, betrayal, violence and everything in between!!

I absolutely love living in the world of calaveras maifa & can not wait to see what else is in store of this world!


🖤 Found family
🩶 Touch them & 💀
🖤 MFMMM/MM
🩶 Trigger Warnings galore
🖤 FMC who shøts first, asks questions later
🩶 Sibling hopping
🖤 Why choose
🩶 Bit of torture here & there

Warning: This is the second book in the series and may contain spoilers for Book One. If you haven’t read the first book yet, I recommend starting there to fully enjoy the story. Proceed at your own risk!

[Holly Zegalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Milton’s writing style with How It Starts, book one. When given the chance to read How It’s Going, I jumped for it.

I love the idea of a mafia family being taken over by the unassuming female. Milton shows that not only can women handle business but they can do it while being gorgeous and having all the fun both out of the bedroom and in. This is a reverse harem story and there is a high spice level.

The characters show emotional growth as they proceed through the trials of their he mafia. Etienne is the book boyfriend we all want. He has a hidden room, is gentle and caring.

Tropes:
Found family
Reverse harem
High spice
Characters moving between siblings but no incest
Why Choose


As this is the second book in the series, it does contain spoilers for How It Starts! I strongly advise starting with book one.

[Shannon Nilest · Rating 3 out of 5]

How It’s Going delivers a mix of emotion, tension, and character development that continues the energy of How It Starts. L.G. Milton’s writing remains engaging, with strong moments of chemistry and introspection that highlight the characters’ growth.

While some pacing and plot transitions felt uneven, the story still offers heartfelt moments and glimpses of deeper connection that fans of the series will appreciate. A worthwhile read for those who enjoy stories with erotica style romance with layers of loyalty, love, and personal evolution.

[Aliza Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional tension pulses through every page like the beat of a blood-rushing, frantic heart—an all-consuming force that teeters perilously on the edge of devastation. Love, loyalty, betrayal, violence—each one a thunderclap crashing through the silence, raw and unfiltered, tearing at the very fabric of your soul. This book is an emotional hurricane—unstoppable, raw, and blazing with passion so intense, it’s impossible to look away!

[justscarlettedaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is A LOT!

It is action packed and filled with MMMMF spice!

The story moves fast and there appears to be several plot lines all converging at once.

I would recommend reading the first book “How It Starts” before picking this one up because it starts fast and it’s easy to get lost in the sauce with how fast the things are moving.

Overall the book is enjoyable and there’s spice at every turn. You’re in for a whirlwind if you pick this one up. READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!

[AmesChicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milton does it again! I waited long for this second novel and was not disappointed! Kali is a badass the guys just worship her, as they should. She has been through a torturous arranged marriage and we get to see her growth as she prepares to take over the Russian mafia. This has the perfect amount of action, banter, humor and spice. And the epilogue! 🥵
I hope we don’t have to wait long for the next one!

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s an intensity between Kalina & Lucia that defies the odds.

Every chapter seems to have action and the story flows, just like the first book in this series.

🔥 Favorite character: Ash
🔥 Favorite quote: “I want you. I don’t want to think. I just want to feel.” -Kali

I’m ready for the next one.

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right off the bat, LG Milton gives us hot and spicy. This book had it all! Love, spice, loyalty, betrayal, and violence. This story moved fast, with multiple plots all within one. With a perfect blend of action, banter, humor, and spice this easily became a five-star read for me. And the epilogue left me craving more... I can't wait to read the next of this series.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the recipes that is a cute touch

How It'a Going is a reverse harem mafia romance with dark themes, complex characters, action, drama, family secrets and more

Revenge is a dish best served cold
And Kalina was a badass woman who serves it up like second on Christmas Day.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

wowwwie this book has it all. you need a badaace fmc this us it, need a why choose this is it, need a mafia this is it. The love you feel between these characters is palpable. Etienne that's the one every one needs a bit of, thanks for the newest book boyfriends ;)

[Megan Key-Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. While it is interconnected with the first book, you can easily read this one without being lost in the plot. Kalina and her merry band of men are great together. I loved seeing each one’s personality shine. They all had just the right amount of crazy in them.

[Monica Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

A RH Spicy Mafia romance, with a badass FMC who will brun the world for what is hers.
A little slow to start, but so worth it in the end.
MUST read the trigger warnings.

I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sylena Douville · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

HOLY MOTHER TRUCKING HOTNESS I think I’m legit in love with kalisa now …. What a freaking bad ass 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ five chili spice rating this is a wonderful read !

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first couldn't put it down this author is becoming my favourite ❤️

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the reverse harem. love the story. it is very well written. I'm excited to read more from this author.

[Amanda McShan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am soooo glad I read all three of these books at one time because the way I was addicted I would’ve been hurting until the 3rd one came out!! So good I am absolutely obsessed!!!

[Frankie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Smokes!! This book!! Talk about hook line and sinker!!! A must read!!!!

[Megan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If 'How It Starts' was the spark, then "How It’s Going" is like a steady, beautiful flame that continues to warm your heart. L.G. Milton has truly outdone herself, crafting a sequel that feels even more personal and nuanced than the first.

The banter between characters is sharper, the emotional moments are heavier, and the Smut scenes are written with such care that you can almost hear the characters breathing.

L.G. Milton is a favorite author of mine, and I always look forward to her new books. This one is a must-read for anyone who believes that the journey is just as important as the destination, and who loves a story that pulls them in from start to finish.