What do you think?
Rate this book
Rubies and Revenge
RUBIES AND REVENGE: Book One in the Cardinal Families Series
Lexie A. Lynn's debut novel, Rubies and Revenge, is a lesbian mafia romance featuring grit and glamour as it subverts the tropes inherent to the genre. Discover the criminal underworld of Louredo, a city full of dirty hands grasping for power, and follow the two lesbian leads and their queer, found family as they carve out a seat at the table and re-draw the map in this four book series featuring different queer pairings in each installment.
ZARINA GALLO
I’ve spent my whole life being a good princess to my mafioso parents, helping them amass more power and money however they ask. But when they ask—no, tell—me to marry Marcus Accardi, I put my foot down.
First of all, he’s a man (ew). Second of all, he’s a brutal, violent man.
I don’t care what kind of trouble we’re in. There must be a way to solve our problems that doesn’t involve sacrificing myself to the altar of familial duty. And I’m going to find it.
Except I need time. So I run to the only queer gangster in town who (probably) won’t surrender me to the Accardi family or my own—Andrea Tamayo—and propose a deal. We claim we’re engaged, she protects me from my parents and the Accardis, and I use the time to figure out how to get me and my family out of this mess. In exchange, she gets more money, more power, more territory.
I expect her to accept. I don’t expect her to force me to my knees. Even more, I don’t expect to like it.
ANDREA TAMAYO
For years, I’ve sought one thing—revenge on the Cardinal Family that betrayed me and left me for dead. Every move I’ve made to build up my family, to expand our territory, to create a reputation, has been in service of that goal. I thought it’d take another decade or more to achieve.
But then their only heir and princess, Zarina Gallo, marches into my club and asks for help.
More like demands. A princess through-and-through. She wants three months of asylum and my family’s safety laid on the line for her freedom from the Accardi prince in exchange for territory and an open-ended favor.
I accept. But not before I make her beg.
And I won’t let her go until I ruin her as well as her family ruined me.
* Rubies & Revenge ends on a cliffhanger. The Cardinal Families Series is meant for adult readers. Find a full list of content warnings at lexiealynnbooks-dot-com.
Lexie A. Lynn's debut novel, Rubies and Revenge, is a lesbian mafia romance featuring grit and glamour as it subverts the tropes inherent to the genre. Discover the criminal underworld of Louredo, a city full of dirty hands grasping for power, and follow the two lesbian leads and their queer, found family as they carve out a seat at the table and re-draw the map in this four book series featuring different queer pairings in each installment.
ZARINA GALLO
I’ve spent my whole life being a good princess to my mafioso parents, helping them amass more power and money however they ask. But when they ask—no, tell—me to marry Marcus Accardi, I put my foot down.
First of all, he’s a man (ew). Second of all, he’s a brutal, violent man.
I don’t care what kind of trouble we’re in. There must be a way to solve our problems that doesn’t involve sacrificing myself to the altar of familial duty. And I’m going to find it.
Except I need time. So I run to the only queer gangster in town who (probably) won’t surrender me to the Accardi family or my own—Andrea Tamayo—and propose a deal. We claim we’re engaged, she protects me from my parents and the Accardis, and I use the time to figure out how to get me and my family out of this mess. In exchange, she gets more money, more power, more territory.
I expect her to accept. I don’t expect her to force me to my knees. Even more, I don’t expect to like it.
ANDREA TAMAYO
For years, I’ve sought one thing—revenge on the Cardinal Family that betrayed me and left me for dead. Every move I’ve made to build up my family, to expand our territory, to create a reputation, has been in service of that goal. I thought it’d take another decade or more to achieve.
But then their only heir and princess, Zarina Gallo, marches into my club and asks for help.
More like demands. A princess through-and-through. She wants three months of asylum and my family’s safety laid on the line for her freedom from the Accardi prince in exchange for territory and an open-ended favor.
I accept. But not before I make her beg.
And I won’t let her go until I ruin her as well as her family ruined me.
* Rubies & Revenge ends on a cliffhanger. The Cardinal Families Series is meant for adult readers. Find a full list of content warnings at lexiealynnbooks-dot-com.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
About the author
Lexie A. Lynn
2 books25 followersLexie A. Lynn grew up in Iowa and traded those cornfields for the historical cobblestones of Europe, for the colorful temples of South Korea, for the moody pines of the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides. Now, she thrives in queer community and attends as many BTS concerts as she can afford. And no matter how many roots she puts down, she’ll never stop chasing new adventures in foreign countries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 27, 2026
“Aw, poor baby.” Zarina pats my cheek in mock comfort. “Being the moon must be so cold and lonely.” I rest my forehead against hers, our eyes so close I can see the gold threading through her irises. “Thankfully, I have my own personal sun to warm me.”
sighs This book was absolute perfection 🥰
I mean, I don't really know where to start, I adored so many aspects of this book, but I will attempt to put into words how good this book was even though it has permenatly altered my brain chemistry.
The world building and the mafia politics were absolutely excellent. It was interesting and electric without ever biting off more than it could chew. The danger felt real, the action was compelling, and the characters didn't feel too much like archetypes. The pacing was never fast but always gripping, making me constantly want to turn the page to find out more about the poltics surrounding these criminals and gangs. Lynn gives the reader context without it ever feeling like over exposition, and the story is just genuinely fun. I think this is one of the few mafia romances where the world building is just as dynamic as the romance.
Tamayo and Zarina are incredible leads to this story. They both carry themselves with so much wit, cunning, and confidence, and the banter, the tension, and the push and pull between them was absolutely thrilling. Watching them circle each other like sharks to simply always just end back into eachothers orbit was so satisfying and incredibly well crafted. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time, watching them pretend that they truly didn't want each other while actively melting for each other.
I mean, what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object?.....they have the hottest, sexiest chemistry of all time 🥵😌
I really enjoyed how the traditional masc/femme dynamics were subverted while also balancing and leaning into the traditional themes in a realistic and engaging way. It added so much to the dynamic between Tamayo and Zarina and was extra the cherry on top of an already great book.
(And the pet names!?!? God the pet names. They stole my heart)
The side charcaters were also such a fun aspect of the story, adding levity that balanced so well with our FMCs and the plot.
Overall, this book is a masterpiece ✨️ It took everything I love about mafia romances and made it ten times better. The banter, the tension, the world building and danger, the character building, the delicious smut. It's very much a work of art and a guaranteed 5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm incredibly excited to watch how this story unfolds in the next book.
sighs This book was absolute perfection 🥰
I mean, I don't really know where to start, I adored so many aspects of this book, but I will attempt to put into words how good this book was even though it has permenatly altered my brain chemistry.
The world building and the mafia politics were absolutely excellent. It was interesting and electric without ever biting off more than it could chew. The danger felt real, the action was compelling, and the characters didn't feel too much like archetypes. The pacing was never fast but always gripping, making me constantly want to turn the page to find out more about the poltics surrounding these criminals and gangs. Lynn gives the reader context without it ever feeling like over exposition, and the story is just genuinely fun. I think this is one of the few mafia romances where the world building is just as dynamic as the romance.
Tamayo and Zarina are incredible leads to this story. They both carry themselves with so much wit, cunning, and confidence, and the banter, the tension, and the push and pull between them was absolutely thrilling. Watching them circle each other like sharks to simply always just end back into eachothers orbit was so satisfying and incredibly well crafted. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time, watching them pretend that they truly didn't want each other while actively melting for each other.
I mean, what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object?.....they have the hottest, sexiest chemistry of all time 🥵😌
I really enjoyed how the traditional masc/femme dynamics were subverted while also balancing and leaning into the traditional themes in a realistic and engaging way. It added so much to the dynamic between Tamayo and Zarina and was extra the cherry on top of an already great book.
(And the pet names!?!? God the pet names. They stole my heart)
The side charcaters were also such a fun aspect of the story, adding levity that balanced so well with our FMCs and the plot.
Overall, this book is a masterpiece ✨️ It took everything I love about mafia romances and made it ten times better. The banter, the tension, the world building and danger, the character building, the delicious smut. It's very much a work of art and a guaranteed 5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm incredibly excited to watch how this story unfolds in the next book.
November 1, 2025
5 - ⭐️ I love a good mafia romance and this might just be the best one I have ever read. I like that “the princess” has claws and isn’t a push over. I like that the “boss” understands her motivations. I can’t wait for them to actually join forces. Reading them truly working together will be so much fun.
Their chemistry is good but someday I would love to read a mafia romance that doesn’t have the whole dom/sub dynamic but I guess it’s expected.
Warning - this one ends in a cliffhanger but book two should be out early Nov2025. I am very much looking forward to it.
Kindle Unlimited
Their chemistry is good but someday I would love to read a mafia romance that doesn’t have the whole dom/sub dynamic but I guess it’s expected.
Warning - this one ends in a cliffhanger but book two should be out early Nov2025. I am very much looking forward to it.
Kindle Unlimited
June 1, 2025
Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for providing me with a copy of Rubies and Revenge! As always, all opinions are my own and this review is being left voluntarily. ✨
4.75 stars rounded up
✨ Sapphic Adult Romance
✨ First Person, Dual POV
✨ 3.5/5 Spice Level
✨ Mafia Romance
✨ Fake Engagement
✨ First in a Series
✨ Rep: Filipino MC, Lesbian MC, Nonbinary SC
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
I have not read a lot of mafia romances and they have historically been a bit of a challenge for me to get into. I think the language can come off corny which is hard for me. That was not the case with Rubies and Revenge. I was hooked so quickly… so many of the tropes were exactly what I am drawn toward. Escaping an arranged marriage via a fake engagement? Sign me up! (Also the micro-tropes for this book are... soooo check those out if you don’t mind s*xy spoilers…)
I really enjoyed the characterization of both main characters, and I especially loved their dynamic. It was so hard to put down… I’m not actually sure I did put it down. The worst part was the cliffhanger at the end… I actually had to drop into the author’s DMs because I was just so devastated. On the bright side? The next book is coming out later this year, so I do not have to wait long. Thank goodness because I 100% need to know what happens next. This might just be the sapphic Mafia romance that gets me into Mafia romances.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Power Dynamics
✨ Teasing
✨ Semi-Public
✨ M*sturbating (on the other side of the door)
✨ “Good girl”
✨ “Use your words.”
✨ Face f*cking
✨ Bondage
✨ Aftercare
✨ Overstimulation
✨ Sp*nking
✨ Topping the Top
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
arranged/forced marriage (lesbian to a man), racism, s*xism, homophobia, s*xual harassment/as*ault, violence, s*xually explicit content, kidnapping
4.75 stars rounded up
✨ Sapphic Adult Romance
✨ First Person, Dual POV
✨ 3.5/5 Spice Level
✨ Mafia Romance
✨ Fake Engagement
✨ First in a Series
✨ Rep: Filipino MC, Lesbian MC, Nonbinary SC
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
I have not read a lot of mafia romances and they have historically been a bit of a challenge for me to get into. I think the language can come off corny which is hard for me. That was not the case with Rubies and Revenge. I was hooked so quickly… so many of the tropes were exactly what I am drawn toward. Escaping an arranged marriage via a fake engagement? Sign me up! (Also the micro-tropes for this book are... soooo check those out if you don’t mind s*xy spoilers…)
I really enjoyed the characterization of both main characters, and I especially loved their dynamic. It was so hard to put down… I’m not actually sure I did put it down. The worst part was the cliffhanger at the end… I actually had to drop into the author’s DMs because I was just so devastated. On the bright side? The next book is coming out later this year, so I do not have to wait long. Thank goodness because I 100% need to know what happens next. This might just be the sapphic Mafia romance that gets me into Mafia romances.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Power Dynamics
✨ Teasing
✨ Semi-Public
✨ M*sturbating (on the other side of the door)
✨ “Good girl”
✨ “Use your words.”
✨ Face f*cking
✨ Bondage
✨ Aftercare
✨ Overstimulation
✨ Sp*nking
✨ Topping the Top
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
arranged/forced marriage (lesbian to a man), racism, s*xism, homophobia, s*xual harassment/as*ault, violence, s*xually explicit content, kidnapping
September 21, 2025
I have read my fair share of mafia romances but this one was a breath of fresh air. No brooding morally gray man, no touch her and die, instead we get 2 independent, strong, badass women. At 262 pages it was a quick read but one I couldn’t put down. I finished it in less than 24 hrs 😮💨
Zarina is a lesbian but that doesn’t stop her family from setting up an arranged marriage to Marcus for her in the name of saving the family name. Zarina needs a way to stop the marriage from happening and buy herself some time to figure out what exactly is happening with her family and Tamayo is just the women for the job. Tamayo has a history with the Gallo family and let’s just say it hasn’t left her with the warm and fuzzies.
There isn’t a lot of spicy scenes but the few there are the spice is spicing and the tension is thick. Zarina and Tamayo have great chemistry but neither will admit how much they care for the other one. This one is a sloooow burn. I really enjoyed Rubies and Revenge and with the cliffhanger at the end I’m dying to read the next book.
Sapphic mafia romance 👩🏼❤️💋👩🏻
Fake engagement 💍
Zarina is a lesbian but that doesn’t stop her family from setting up an arranged marriage to Marcus for her in the name of saving the family name. Zarina needs a way to stop the marriage from happening and buy herself some time to figure out what exactly is happening with her family and Tamayo is just the women for the job. Tamayo has a history with the Gallo family and let’s just say it hasn’t left her with the warm and fuzzies.
There isn’t a lot of spicy scenes but the few there are the spice is spicing and the tension is thick. Zarina and Tamayo have great chemistry but neither will admit how much they care for the other one. This one is a sloooow burn. I really enjoyed Rubies and Revenge and with the cliffhanger at the end I’m dying to read the next book.
Sapphic mafia romance 👩🏼❤️💋👩🏻
Fake engagement 💍
December 19, 2025
part one (and two) of the caridinal families series did NAWT disappoint. i connected with the flow and writing style instantly, the plot, the tension, the yearning, the banter, it was all tewww gooddd. this series crashed my "favorite mafia romance" party and easily became the center of attention, the life of the party, and the guest of honor. the connection between tamayo and the gallo princess was palpable, hot to the touch (of my kindle). the fuckin cliffhanger stressed me so badddd, i want allessandra gallo's and marcus ass-cardi's snake heads on a STICK!!! i sprinted to part two!!
May 28, 2025
First of all, I am very thankful to receive this Arc. This was a very quick read, I breezed through it.
Step by step I came to know the maffia world they are living in and I also steadily got to know the characters. Who they are, what they like, dislike and value in life.
The tension between the main characters was instantly noticeable. I was just waiting for the action to begin and man did the author deliver. Spicy indeed.
I was very happy to see the queer community represented in different ways. It felt really inclusive and diverse.
I was sad to see this story end where it ended. It felt like it ended on a quarter of the story instead of on a cliffhanger at the end of book one. But that also means that I liked the book very much and want to see more of it. I'm curious about how this story will unfold, even though I have a rough idea of how this will end.
Step by step I came to know the maffia world they are living in and I also steadily got to know the characters. Who they are, what they like, dislike and value in life.
The tension between the main characters was instantly noticeable. I was just waiting for the action to begin and man did the author deliver. Spicy indeed.
I was very happy to see the queer community represented in different ways. It felt really inclusive and diverse.
I was sad to see this story end where it ended. It felt like it ended on a quarter of the story instead of on a cliffhanger at the end of book one. But that also means that I liked the book very much and want to see more of it. I'm curious about how this story will unfold, even though I have a rough idea of how this will end.
May 30, 2026
This book exceeded all of my expectations! The writing was impeccable. The story - fantastic! What a cliffhanger!!!! THIS IS HOW YOU DO SAPPHIC MAFIA ROMANCE, PEOPLE! Take notes. I am immediately diving into book 2. Like immediately.
February 3, 2026
4.5 stars. A fun, fast-paced steamy read!
May 5, 2026
Memorable Quotes:
"Power in the wielding, not the taking or having" (Chapter 6, pg. 35).
"At the bottom of the angry black hole inside is the little girl it's protecting, and for half a second, I allow Tamayo to see her. For half a second, I'm as honest with her as I can be without words" (Chapter 6, pg. 36).
"Not all relationships end in heartbreak, Darius" - Tamayo (Chapter 16, pg. 106).
"No one should be punished for who they are" (Chapter 18, pg. 121).
"Nothing makes privileged people more uncomfortable than being faced with the product of their oppression" (Chapter 20, pg. 142).
"No one should be in danger for their indelible identities, whether that is religion, race, gender, or sexuality" (Chapter 24, pg. 165).
Review:
I don't even know what to consider this book other than disappointment. With the first few pages I was really engaged with the narrative with the setup of Zarina's situation and why she got with Tamayo in the first place. But, throughout the entire book it was like there was no progression or development between Zarina and Tamayo at all. Not only that, but the both of them didn't even attract to each other for the reasons that are to be expected. Instead, they were just trying to gain power through one another and the both of them weren't even aware. The communication was completely lacking in naturality and the appeal I was searching for. I'm honestly sad I didn't enjoy this read because I had such high hopes and I really wanted to enjoy it. Overall, this book really lacks in development between the main characters and structure that most books have. However, I see the potential, and I wouldn't consider this the worst book I've read but there is room for improvement.
"Power in the wielding, not the taking or having" (Chapter 6, pg. 35).
"At the bottom of the angry black hole inside is the little girl it's protecting, and for half a second, I allow Tamayo to see her. For half a second, I'm as honest with her as I can be without words" (Chapter 6, pg. 36).
"Not all relationships end in heartbreak, Darius" - Tamayo (Chapter 16, pg. 106).
"No one should be punished for who they are" (Chapter 18, pg. 121).
"Nothing makes privileged people more uncomfortable than being faced with the product of their oppression" (Chapter 20, pg. 142).
"No one should be in danger for their indelible identities, whether that is religion, race, gender, or sexuality" (Chapter 24, pg. 165).
Review:
I don't even know what to consider this book other than disappointment. With the first few pages I was really engaged with the narrative with the setup of Zarina's situation and why she got with Tamayo in the first place. But, throughout the entire book it was like there was no progression or development between Zarina and Tamayo at all. Not only that, but the both of them didn't even attract to each other for the reasons that are to be expected. Instead, they were just trying to gain power through one another and the both of them weren't even aware. The communication was completely lacking in naturality and the appeal I was searching for. I'm honestly sad I didn't enjoy this read because I had such high hopes and I really wanted to enjoy it. Overall, this book really lacks in development between the main characters and structure that most books have. However, I see the potential, and I wouldn't consider this the worst book I've read but there is room for improvement.
May 31, 2025
Queer Mafia Romance with Bite, Power, and Passion
Rubies & Revenge by Lexie A. Lynn is a powerhouse debut that brings heat, heart, and high-stakes drama to the mafia romance genre—all while turning classic tropes on their head. If you’re looking for sapphic tension, morally gray queens, and a twisty power struggle wrapped in glitter and grit, this one delivers.
Zarina Gallo is the mafia princess refusing to play the role written for her. She’s fierce, defiant, and done being used as a pawn—even if it means fake-engaging herself to the one woman ruthless enough to protect her: Andrea Tamayo, a calculated and commanding gang leader with a long memory and even longer list of grudges.
Their fake engagement quickly evolves into something much more complicated. There’s fire, ferocity, and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic that kept me hooked from their first standoff to their final, breathtaking moment. Andrea and Zarina’s chemistry is electric—and the power plays between them? Chef’s kiss.
Beyond the romance, this book shines with inclusive and diverse characters and side characters you’ll root for just as hard as the main couple. Lexie A. Lynn balances emotional depth with sharp-tongued banter and fierce ambition. It’s queer, unapologetic, and deeply refreshing.
And THAT CLIFFHANGER? I gasped. I needed book two in my hands yesterday.
Tropes & Themes:
💍 Fake Engagement
👑 Mafia Royalty
💔 Enemies to Lovers
💎 Queer Found Family
🔥 Power Dynamics
🗺️ High-Stakes Territory Wars
🪩 Dark & Glamorous
Rubies & Revenge by Lexie A. Lynn is a powerhouse debut that brings heat, heart, and high-stakes drama to the mafia romance genre—all while turning classic tropes on their head. If you’re looking for sapphic tension, morally gray queens, and a twisty power struggle wrapped in glitter and grit, this one delivers.
Zarina Gallo is the mafia princess refusing to play the role written for her. She’s fierce, defiant, and done being used as a pawn—even if it means fake-engaging herself to the one woman ruthless enough to protect her: Andrea Tamayo, a calculated and commanding gang leader with a long memory and even longer list of grudges.
Their fake engagement quickly evolves into something much more complicated. There’s fire, ferocity, and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic that kept me hooked from their first standoff to their final, breathtaking moment. Andrea and Zarina’s chemistry is electric—and the power plays between them? Chef’s kiss.
Beyond the romance, this book shines with inclusive and diverse characters and side characters you’ll root for just as hard as the main couple. Lexie A. Lynn balances emotional depth with sharp-tongued banter and fierce ambition. It’s queer, unapologetic, and deeply refreshing.
And THAT CLIFFHANGER? I gasped. I needed book two in my hands yesterday.
Tropes & Themes:
💍 Fake Engagement
👑 Mafia Royalty
💔 Enemies to Lovers
💎 Queer Found Family
🔥 Power Dynamics
🗺️ High-Stakes Territory Wars
🪩 Dark & Glamorous
June 1, 2025
I've read my fair share of mafia romances, but this one was beautifully different. Usually, mafia romances are all hard men 😉 and docile women who may not be quite as docile as they are supposed to be.
Introduce Zarina: she is the 'princess' her mafia parents taught her to be. Helping them gain more power and money while always being mostly respected. Her parents have asked her to let a few nasty comments or actions go from the others in the mafia world. She has always hated it, but her parents have always supported her since she told them she was gay as a teen.
Until her parents voluntold her that she was to marry Marcus Accardi. He may be nice to look at, but he is beyond violent to the women he spends time with, and of course, he is a man!!
She doesn't know what to do but she does know that she needs time so she goes to the one person that would understand. Tamayo. A gangster that has made her name by making all queer people feel loved, safe, and accepted for who they are.
A deal is struck, but will it backfire on this poor princess??
Introduce Zarina: she is the 'princess' her mafia parents taught her to be. Helping them gain more power and money while always being mostly respected. Her parents have asked her to let a few nasty comments or actions go from the others in the mafia world. She has always hated it, but her parents have always supported her since she told them she was gay as a teen.
Until her parents voluntold her that she was to marry Marcus Accardi. He may be nice to look at, but he is beyond violent to the women he spends time with, and of course, he is a man!!
She doesn't know what to do but she does know that she needs time so she goes to the one person that would understand. Tamayo. A gangster that has made her name by making all queer people feel loved, safe, and accepted for who they are.
A deal is struck, but will it backfire on this poor princess??
June 5, 2025
Finally a mafia Sapphic book that understood the assignment!
This book isn't concerned with the ethics of what makes a good mafia person/gangster, instead it focuses on the roles within this world and lets the characters have fun within them. What kind of fun? The sexy and spicy kind.
Both the characters have great chemistry... there's no unnecessary yearning or second guessing feelings. The characters aren't scared to feel attracted to one other giving some great power play when they talk and do other things...🌶️🌶️🌶️
Whilst this doesn't have huge amounts of spice... when there is, it's done properly and considering this book ends on a cliff hanger it makes sense it doesn't show us all it's cards in the first book.
All in all the best lesbian mafia book I've read so far, others don't even come close.
This book isn't concerned with the ethics of what makes a good mafia person/gangster, instead it focuses on the roles within this world and lets the characters have fun within them. What kind of fun? The sexy and spicy kind.
Both the characters have great chemistry... there's no unnecessary yearning or second guessing feelings. The characters aren't scared to feel attracted to one other giving some great power play when they talk and do other things...🌶️🌶️🌶️
Whilst this doesn't have huge amounts of spice... when there is, it's done properly and considering this book ends on a cliff hanger it makes sense it doesn't show us all it's cards in the first book.
All in all the best lesbian mafia book I've read so far, others don't even come close.
September 12, 2025
Lexie A. Lynn's Rubies and Revenge is a thrilling and intense dive into the world of sapphic mafia romance. This book is the first in the "Cardinal Families" series and sets a high-stakes, action-packed tone from the very beginning.
The story follows Zarina Gallo, a "mafia princess" who has been a dutiful daughter her whole life, even as she's secretly navigated her life as a gay woman. Her carefully constructed world shatters when her parents announce an arranged marriage to a brutal mob prince. In a desperate move, Zarina seeks help from the only queer gangster in town, Andrea "Tamayo" Tamayo.
The plot is a masterclass in enemies-to-lovers, but with an added layer of fake engagement and a revenge plot. Tamayo has her own dark history with Zarina's family, and she agrees to the fake engagement with the sole intention of using it to get revenge. The push-and-pull between these two powerful women—one fighting for her freedom and the other for vengeance—is incredibly compelling and full of delicious tension.
Rubies and Revenge is a fast-paced, high-stakes romance that delivers on both plot and passion. It's perfect for readers who love a good mafia setting, complex female characters, and a relationship built on forced proximity and a healthy dose of antagonism that eventually gives way to a fiery connection.
The story follows Zarina Gallo, a "mafia princess" who has been a dutiful daughter her whole life, even as she's secretly navigated her life as a gay woman. Her carefully constructed world shatters when her parents announce an arranged marriage to a brutal mob prince. In a desperate move, Zarina seeks help from the only queer gangster in town, Andrea "Tamayo" Tamayo.
The plot is a masterclass in enemies-to-lovers, but with an added layer of fake engagement and a revenge plot. Tamayo has her own dark history with Zarina's family, and she agrees to the fake engagement with the sole intention of using it to get revenge. The push-and-pull between these two powerful women—one fighting for her freedom and the other for vengeance—is incredibly compelling and full of delicious tension.
Rubies and Revenge is a fast-paced, high-stakes romance that delivers on both plot and passion. It's perfect for readers who love a good mafia setting, complex female characters, and a relationship built on forced proximity and a healthy dose of antagonism that eventually gives way to a fiery connection.
July 22, 2025
honestly the entire book was written so well that i have no words
i loved the premise, the pacing and everything
the characters’ banter, mostly especially the one between zarina and tamayo, was such a delight to read
the worldbuilding has me hooked and im quite curious as to how that evolves in future books
i have no real issue with anything in the book and quite frankly if you’re reading my review and are still debating on whether to read it or not, i would say that you should absolutely read it
the only issue i would have is that its cruel to end with a cliffhanger and to not have the next book readily available to read
i loved the premise, the pacing and everything
the characters’ banter, mostly especially the one between zarina and tamayo, was such a delight to read
the worldbuilding has me hooked and im quite curious as to how that evolves in future books
i have no real issue with anything in the book and quite frankly if you’re reading my review and are still debating on whether to read it or not, i would say that you should absolutely read it
the only issue i would have is that its cruel to end with a cliffhanger and to not have the next book readily available to read
June 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this read it was a quick yet amazing read from this author
her writing was amazing the fact you wrote such a diverse book involving the Mafia and making these two females badass and sophisticated this book is full of passion and of course the power of the Mafia world a fake engagement but then the chemistry between Zarina & Andrea was explicit! would highly recommend if your like
💍 Fake engine
👑 Mafia Royalty
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
👧👧 Queer found family
✨️ power dynamics
🥀 dark & Glamerousc
🤴 high stakes territory wars
her writing was amazing the fact you wrote such a diverse book involving the Mafia and making these two females badass and sophisticated this book is full of passion and of course the power of the Mafia world a fake engagement but then the chemistry between Zarina & Andrea was explicit! would highly recommend if your like
💍 Fake engine
👑 Mafia Royalty
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
👧👧 Queer found family
✨️ power dynamics
🥀 dark & Glamerousc
🤴 high stakes territory wars
June 6, 2026
Mafia Princess
Zarina just wants what is hers to be head of the Gallo family but her parents want to marry her to the worse mafia family to save their family but the problem is she hates men. Tamayo wants to be a don, to help her family. But there is one thing she doesn't like is the Gallo family. When Zarina comes and asked for her to marry her things get crazy and Marcus is not happy because he wants Zarina and will do everything possible to get her. Can't wait to read the next book
Zarina just wants what is hers to be head of the Gallo family but her parents want to marry her to the worse mafia family to save their family but the problem is she hates men. Tamayo wants to be a don, to help her family. But there is one thing she doesn't like is the Gallo family. When Zarina comes and asked for her to marry her things get crazy and Marcus is not happy because he wants Zarina and will do everything possible to get her. Can't wait to read the next book
May 30, 2025
First of all thank you Lexie Lynn for my ARC of Rubies and Revenge! My love for mafia romances is just 🥵 and this one did NOT disappoint! I loved everything going on with Zarina and Tamayo 😍 The tension, banter, just 🥵😏 The spice is spicing and the ladies are total bad asses! Zarina is for sure my spirit animal 🤣 I was so invested in this one and I’m so sad that it left off on a cliffhanger 😩 but I can’t wait for the next book in the series!! I will be impatiently waiting 😏❤️
June 8, 2025
Dying over that ending!! I need book 2 asap!
I’ve never read a sapphic mafia romance before (I don’t read a lot of mafia romance in general lol) but I think I need to find some more now because I loved this 🖤
2 powerful, strong women trying to make a place in a world run by sinister men. Trying to get their power back! I loved it
And the spice 😮💨 excellent!
That ending left me reeling though and I desperately need more 😩
I’ve never read a sapphic mafia romance before (I don’t read a lot of mafia romance in general lol) but I think I need to find some more now because I loved this 🖤
2 powerful, strong women trying to make a place in a world run by sinister men. Trying to get their power back! I loved it
And the spice 😮💨 excellent!
That ending left me reeling though and I desperately need more 😩
September 23, 2025
I have read so many mafia romance books and this one breaks the mold! I loved the dynamic between Zarina and Tamayo, the banter was delightful and the spice was delicious! Both FMC's have their agenda and were willing to do anything to achieve it until they started to have feelings for each other. It leads to some great tension. I really enjoyed this book and I could not put it down. That cliffhanger a the end has me absolutely reeling, I was ready for for book two yesterday! I can't wait for more!
May 24, 2025
ARC REVIEW-
I’ve discovered my love and obsession with Mafia Romances this year and now this book is joining the rest! I loved this book. I loved that it was sapphic! You could feel the tension between Zarina and Tamayo from the beginning. The spice is impeccable! Zarina is such a badass! Also the ending??? I cannot wait to for the series to continue!
I’ve discovered my love and obsession with Mafia Romances this year and now this book is joining the rest! I loved this book. I loved that it was sapphic! You could feel the tension between Zarina and Tamayo from the beginning. The spice is impeccable! Zarina is such a badass! Also the ending??? I cannot wait to for the series to continue!
March 9, 2026
evil
Giovanna is being forced to marry a wicked man. To escape she makes a contract with Andrea to be her wife. This is a story about two families who want to have control with only one can there is much drama and sex in the story has the two women skiing against each other. I recommend this book for all romance readers.
Giovanna is being forced to marry a wicked man. To escape she makes a contract with Andrea to be her wife. This is a story about two families who want to have control with only one can there is much drama and sex in the story has the two women skiing against each other. I recommend this book for all romance readers.
August 25, 2026
3.5 stars
Far from perfect and a bit over the top at times, but hot enough to make up for it. This was a fun read that I enjoyed from start to finish. Fast paced and short enough that the flaws are easy enough to ignore. Ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the story incomplete. Going straight to the sequel.
Far from perfect and a bit over the top at times, but hot enough to make up for it. This was a fun read that I enjoyed from start to finish. Fast paced and short enough that the flaws are easy enough to ignore. Ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the story incomplete. Going straight to the sequel.
June 5, 2025
My new favorite mafia romance! OMFG!!! The tension and spice between Zarina and Tamayo?!?!? AAAHHHHH!!!! And the cliffhanger?!?! WHY???? I’m a very patient person, but I NEED the next book ASAP please and thank you!!!
Thank you Naughty Nook PR and Lexie A. Lynn for the ARC!
Thank you Naughty Nook PR and Lexie A. Lynn for the ARC!
June 9, 2025
Sapphic Mafia Romance
This was an enjoyable quick read. It was well written and diverse in its characters.
A fake engagement between 2 bad@$$ females with tons of chemistry with great spice. Ended on a cliffhanger.
Can’t wait for the 2nd book!
This was an enjoyable quick read. It was well written and diverse in its characters.
A fake engagement between 2 bad@$$ females with tons of chemistry with great spice. Ended on a cliffhanger.
Can’t wait for the 2nd book!
August 18, 2025
Impatiently waiting for the sequel
This book was so good! I dont usually like bratty MCs but Zarina is great. Bummed this ends on a cliff hanger and have to wait a few months for the sequel, but still definitely worth the read.
This book was so good! I dont usually like bratty MCs but Zarina is great. Bummed this ends on a cliff hanger and have to wait a few months for the sequel, but still definitely worth the read.
October 13, 2025
I did not expect this book to go so hard omg, I loved her!!! Okay miss mafia masc!!! Everything was great and the spice was… brilliant. So glad I found this book now and not in June so I don’t have to wait more than a month for the second book because I’m on the edge of my proverbial seat
May 25, 2026
3,5
É legal, em algumas partes fiquei entediada mas nada que atrapalhou.
Passei a gostar de séries de livros, mas ainda acho ruim qd um plot não termina no mesmo livro. Resolve esse problema e nos subsequente apresenta outros, na minha opinião.
É legal, em algumas partes fiquei entediada mas nada que atrapalhou.
Passei a gostar de séries de livros, mas ainda acho ruim qd um plot não termina no mesmo livro. Resolve esse problema e nos subsequente apresenta outros, na minha opinião.
June 1, 2025
My lord! This story was so freaking!
June 13, 2025
Not your standard mafia book
Loved every word. This book drags you into the dark side of this world and leaves you desperately wanting more. Book 2 can't some soon enough!
Loved every word. This book drags you into the dark side of this world and leaves you desperately wanting more. Book 2 can't some soon enough!
June 19, 2025
Loved it
I gave it five stars because I couldn't put it down loved the characters the story and I was up late reading. I can't wait until the fall for the next book.
I gave it five stars because I couldn't put it down loved the characters the story and I was up late reading. I can't wait until the fall for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews