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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
41 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Lexie A. Lynn
3 books22 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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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 💍
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.
December 23, 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 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 19, 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
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 24, 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!
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
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.
November 3, 2025
Hooked
Great first book! Thankfully book 2 is out soon! Super spicy and a little side of danger thrown in! Try it and you’ll be hooked too!
Great first book! Thankfully book 2 is out soon! Super spicy and a little side of danger thrown in! Try it and you’ll be hooked too!
September 15, 2025
While reading I was throughly entertained and immersed in the world. It wasn’t until after that I realized I didn’t gain any more information than I was given at the beginning of the story. I wish we were given a few more bits of information regarding the few mysteries or at least seen some character growth. I am curious how everything will work out in the end and look forward to the second book.
September 28, 2025
AHH! So good!
I cannot believe this ended on a cliffhanger!!!! I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
I cannot believe this ended on a cliffhanger!!!! I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
December 31, 2025
STARS 6 stars!
SPICE Hot - lots of graphic spice
CHEMISTRY Excellent
ANGST High
SLOW BURN No (physically no/emotionally yes)
CLIFFHANGER YES!
CHARACTERS Zarina and Tamayo
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
"My duty to my family does not require the violation of my body." - Zarina
"Ask the question...And make sure it is done properly." - Tamayo
"If Zarina Gallo wants me on my knees, she must learn, like everyone else, that I don't bend first." - Tamayo
"Do you know how I know that?....Because I pay attention." Tamayo
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
I am completely obsessed with this book. The moment I started reading, I knew I was in trouble. I could NOT put it down. Every chapter dragged my emotions in a different direction.
And Tamayo… I think I might actually be in love. The way this character is written made my heart ache, blush, and overflow all at once.
What blows my mind the most is that this is the author’s debut. It doesn’t read like a first book at all. It feels like the work of a seasoned writer who understands exactly how to pull readers in and not let them go. I am counting the days until Sapphires and Snakes releases.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
Tamayo is honestly one of the hottest characters I’ve ever read. There’s so much confidence in her, and it feels even more powerful knowing she’s rising from the ashes. What really got me were the small, quiet choices she made; little things that showed her intentions. The protectiveness didn’t come out in a loud roar, it came out in a whisper…which somehow made it even more intense. The intimacy? Absolute perfection. I also loved how fiercely loyal she was to her people she’s holding so much weight, and you can feel every ounce of it.
Zarina is such an amazing contrast. I loved how calculating she is, always keeping herself one step ahead and trying not to lose control. You can feel the cracks starting to show though, and that vulnerability made her even more compelling. What really stood out was how her dynamic shifted in the private moments. She’s such a take-charge character, but behind closed doors there’s this resistance that slowly melts away. By the end, it genuinely feels like she wants to let go.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
It felt like the author strapped me into a seat, hit the gas, and never once eased up. There wasn’t a single lull in this book. Every page had momentum and emotion, and I never got a chance to catch my breath and I didn't want to.
MY FAVORITE PART
Dare I say the spicy scenes in this book were the absolute best. The dynamic of the power and control they are both fighting for..loved it.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing I loved everything about this book. Even the cliffhanger. I just wished I could read the next book right now!
SIDE NOTE
The side characters were also compelling. None of them felt like background fillers or accessories. I found myself fully invested in their stories too. Pat, Zarina’s best friend and bodyguard, uses they/them pronouns and would quite literally go anywhere and do anything for her. That loyalty and quiet care absolutely melted me.
Tamayo also has a whole circle of people who care deeply for her, but her closest companion is Darius, her bodyguard. His relationship with her added so much depth, especially once when we see the heartbreak he carries.
TROPES
Mafia, sapphic, arranged marriage, fake relationship,
********************************************************************************
SPICE Hot - lots of graphic spice
CHEMISTRY Excellent
ANGST High
SLOW BURN No (physically no/emotionally yes)
CLIFFHANGER YES!
CHARACTERS Zarina and Tamayo
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
"My duty to my family does not require the violation of my body." - Zarina
"Ask the question...And make sure it is done properly." - Tamayo
"If Zarina Gallo wants me on my knees, she must learn, like everyone else, that I don't bend first." - Tamayo
"Do you know how I know that?....Because I pay attention." Tamayo
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
I am completely obsessed with this book. The moment I started reading, I knew I was in trouble. I could NOT put it down. Every chapter dragged my emotions in a different direction.
And Tamayo… I think I might actually be in love. The way this character is written made my heart ache, blush, and overflow all at once.
What blows my mind the most is that this is the author’s debut. It doesn’t read like a first book at all. It feels like the work of a seasoned writer who understands exactly how to pull readers in and not let them go. I am counting the days until Sapphires and Snakes releases.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
Tamayo is honestly one of the hottest characters I’ve ever read. There’s so much confidence in her, and it feels even more powerful knowing she’s rising from the ashes. What really got me were the small, quiet choices she made; little things that showed her intentions. The protectiveness didn’t come out in a loud roar, it came out in a whisper…which somehow made it even more intense. The intimacy? Absolute perfection. I also loved how fiercely loyal she was to her people she’s holding so much weight, and you can feel every ounce of it.
Zarina is such an amazing contrast. I loved how calculating she is, always keeping herself one step ahead and trying not to lose control. You can feel the cracks starting to show though, and that vulnerability made her even more compelling. What really stood out was how her dynamic shifted in the private moments. She’s such a take-charge character, but behind closed doors there’s this resistance that slowly melts away. By the end, it genuinely feels like she wants to let go.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
It felt like the author strapped me into a seat, hit the gas, and never once eased up. There wasn’t a single lull in this book. Every page had momentum and emotion, and I never got a chance to catch my breath and I didn't want to.
MY FAVORITE PART
Dare I say the spicy scenes in this book were the absolute best. The dynamic of the power and control they are both fighting for..loved it.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing I loved everything about this book. Even the cliffhanger. I just wished I could read the next book right now!
SIDE NOTE
The side characters were also compelling. None of them felt like background fillers or accessories. I found myself fully invested in their stories too. Pat, Zarina’s best friend and bodyguard, uses they/them pronouns and would quite literally go anywhere and do anything for her. That loyalty and quiet care absolutely melted me.
Tamayo also has a whole circle of people who care deeply for her, but her closest companion is Darius, her bodyguard. His relationship with her added so much depth, especially once when we see the heartbreak he carries.
TROPES
Mafia, sapphic, arranged marriage, fake relationship,
********************************************************************************
December 14, 2025
3.5/5
The plot itself was quite fun! I enjoyed it a lot. I felt like the world building could use more work though.
The chemistry between Zarina and Tamayo was very nice. They were both trying to act like they didn't care about each other but they certainly did in their own way. I loved those moments they were very tender to the other person and I look forward to seeing more of those.
The secondary characters were interesting as well. They were a nice touch. But I felt like sometimes when the plot touched on topics like supporting the queer community etc was too heavy-handed. It's too much telling instead of showing. Of course we need to pay more attention and shine more light toward that but I think they could be a way to make it blend into the story rather than seemed like a lecture.
I knew there would be a cliffhanger and I still read it and I am hating myself because I really need the next book! This book might not be perfect but it was really fun to read so give it a try!
The plot itself was quite fun! I enjoyed it a lot. I felt like the world building could use more work though.
The chemistry between Zarina and Tamayo was very nice. They were both trying to act like they didn't care about each other but they certainly did in their own way. I loved those moments they were very tender to the other person and I look forward to seeing more of those.
The secondary characters were interesting as well. They were a nice touch. But I felt like sometimes when the plot touched on topics like supporting the queer community etc was too heavy-handed. It's too much telling instead of showing. Of course we need to pay more attention and shine more light toward that but I think they could be a way to make it blend into the story rather than seemed like a lecture.
I knew there would be a cliffhanger and I still read it and I am hating myself because I really need the next book! This book might not be perfect but it was really fun to read so give it a try!
December 16, 2025
Loved it! A wonderful story with some awesome FMC's that know how to take care of business. Andrea wants what she feels is owed and Zarina doesn't like how she's left out of what's going on. So who's the villain and the good guy? So many questions not yet answered that will have to wait on book 2. Hopefully we'll get answers. That ending, uh oh.
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