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Feretti Syndicate #1
Ruiniert Durch Rache: Von Feinden Zu Liebenden Mafia Liebesroman (Feretti-Syndikat-Serie 1)
"Ich wurde erzogen, ihn zu hassen. Darauf trainiert, ihn zu vernichten. Und dann wurde ich gezwungen, ihn zu heiraten."Zoe
Damiano Feretti hat meinen Vater ermordet.
Byron Easton, der Mann, der mich aufnahm, lehrte mich, mein Verlangen nach Rache zur Waffe zu machen.
Für nichts anderes zu leben als für die Vergeltung.
Jetzt bin ich vertraglich verpflichtet, die perfekte Verlobte in einer arrangierten Ehe mit diesem rücksichtslosen Monster zu spielen.
Den Mann zu verführen, den ich zu verraten geschworen habe. Ein Lächeln vorzutäuschen, während ich ihn und sein Imperium von innen heraus zerstöre.
Der gefährliche italienische Mafia-Boss entpuppt sich als glühend heiß, jeder Muskel wie aus Marmor gemeißelt.
Mein Körper sehnt sich, wenn er nahekommt. Ein einziger Blick von ihm reicht aus, um mich zu ruinieren.
Aber ich bin durch eine Schuld gebunden. Ich kann meine Mission nicht vergessen. Kann meinen Hass nicht löschen. Kann nicht zulassen, dass mein Körper mich verrät.
Wenn ich überleben will, muss ich diesen tätowierten Rohling im schicken Anzug vernichten. Den kaltblütigen Killer in meinem Schlafzimmer – meinen neuen Ehemann.
Aber während ich in seinem Anwesen lebe, werden Geheimnisse enthüllt, unmögliche Wahrheiten kommen ans Licht. Wie kann ich sicher sein, was real ist?
Ich spiele mit bei den Forderungen des Dämons, aber bin ich diejenige, die gespielt wird, und wenn ja, von wem?
Damiano
Ich traue Byron Easton nicht.
Sein Imperium bröckelt, und sein "Geschenk" — Zoe — ist zu perfekt, um real zu sein.
Aber ein Blick auf sie, und ich wusste, sie würde mich ruinieren.
Klug. Beherrscht. Und etwas versteckend hinter diesen berechnenden Augen.
Diese Verlobung sollte ein taktischer Zug sein.
Aber ich will sie — Körper, Geist, Geheimnisse und alles.
Sie denkt, sie infiltriert meine Welt.
Sie hat keine Ahnung, dass ich bereits in ihre eingetreten bin.
Und ich habe nicht vor wegzugehen.
*Ruiniert Durch Rache ist ein vollständiger dunkler Mafia-Roman über Zwangsheirat und Feinde-zu-Liebhaber, voller Rache, Verrat, Geheimnisse, Lügen und vor allem einer Menge heißer Leidenschaft. Kein Betrug und ein garantiertes Happy End.
Dies ist das erste Buch der Feretti Syndicate Mafia-Serie. Jedes Buch dieser Serie zeigt ein anderes Paar und kann eigenständig gelesen werden, aber für maximalen Genuss folgen Sie the empfohlenen Lesereihenfolge.
Lob für die Feretti Syndicate Serie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ich habe meinen Schlaf verloren! Die Charaktere waren gut geschrieben und die Geschichte hatte einige Wendungen, die sie zu einer interessanten Lektüre machten.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All das gute, harte Mafia-Zeug. Und darunter all die rauchend heiße Sinnlichkeit und schwärmerische Romantik zwischen unseren Hauptcharakteren. Ich kann sagen, dass ich diese Serie LIEBEN werde!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ein emotionaler Pageturner!
Feretti Syndicate Lesereihenfolge & Tropes
Ruiniert Durch Rache (Damiano & Zoe) Arrangierte Ehe, Altersunterschied, Feinde zu Liebhabern, Erzwungene Nähe, Besitzergreifender/Eifersüchtiger Alpha-MannRuiniert Durch Blut (
Damiano Feretti hat meinen Vater ermordet.
Byron Easton, der Mann, der mich aufnahm, lehrte mich, mein Verlangen nach Rache zur Waffe zu machen.
Für nichts anderes zu leben als für die Vergeltung.
Jetzt bin ich vertraglich verpflichtet, die perfekte Verlobte in einer arrangierten Ehe mit diesem rücksichtslosen Monster zu spielen.
Den Mann zu verführen, den ich zu verraten geschworen habe. Ein Lächeln vorzutäuschen, während ich ihn und sein Imperium von innen heraus zerstöre.
Der gefährliche italienische Mafia-Boss entpuppt sich als glühend heiß, jeder Muskel wie aus Marmor gemeißelt.
Mein Körper sehnt sich, wenn er nahekommt. Ein einziger Blick von ihm reicht aus, um mich zu ruinieren.
Aber ich bin durch eine Schuld gebunden. Ich kann meine Mission nicht vergessen. Kann meinen Hass nicht löschen. Kann nicht zulassen, dass mein Körper mich verrät.
Wenn ich überleben will, muss ich diesen tätowierten Rohling im schicken Anzug vernichten. Den kaltblütigen Killer in meinem Schlafzimmer – meinen neuen Ehemann.
Aber während ich in seinem Anwesen lebe, werden Geheimnisse enthüllt, unmögliche Wahrheiten kommen ans Licht. Wie kann ich sicher sein, was real ist?
Ich spiele mit bei den Forderungen des Dämons, aber bin ich diejenige, die gespielt wird, und wenn ja, von wem?
Damiano
Ich traue Byron Easton nicht.
Sein Imperium bröckelt, und sein "Geschenk" — Zoe — ist zu perfekt, um real zu sein.
Aber ein Blick auf sie, und ich wusste, sie würde mich ruinieren.
Klug. Beherrscht. Und etwas versteckend hinter diesen berechnenden Augen.
Diese Verlobung sollte ein taktischer Zug sein.
Aber ich will sie — Körper, Geist, Geheimnisse und alles.
Sie denkt, sie infiltriert meine Welt.
Sie hat keine Ahnung, dass ich bereits in ihre eingetreten bin.
Und ich habe nicht vor wegzugehen.
*Ruiniert Durch Rache ist ein vollständiger dunkler Mafia-Roman über Zwangsheirat und Feinde-zu-Liebhaber, voller Rache, Verrat, Geheimnisse, Lügen und vor allem einer Menge heißer Leidenschaft. Kein Betrug und ein garantiertes Happy End.
Dies ist das erste Buch der Feretti Syndicate Mafia-Serie. Jedes Buch dieser Serie zeigt ein anderes Paar und kann eigenständig gelesen werden, aber für maximalen Genuss folgen Sie the empfohlenen Lesereihenfolge.
Lob für die Feretti Syndicate Serie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ich habe meinen Schlaf verloren! Die Charaktere waren gut geschrieben und die Geschichte hatte einige Wendungen, die sie zu einer interessanten Lektüre machten.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All das gute, harte Mafia-Zeug. Und darunter all die rauchend heiße Sinnlichkeit und schwärmerische Romantik zwischen unseren Hauptcharakteren. Ich kann sagen, dass ich diese Serie LIEBEN werde!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ein emotionaler Pageturner!
Feretti Syndicate Lesereihenfolge & Tropes
Ruiniert Durch Rache (Damiano & Zoe) Arrangierte Ehe, Altersunterschied, Feinde zu Liebhabern, Erzwungene Nähe, Besitzergreifender/Eifersüchtiger Alpha-MannRuiniert Durch Blut (
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
2026 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 11, 2025
The story wasn't bad, but the continuity errors were astounding. Dinner tomorrow, then tonight, then tomorrow. He's naked, now she's watching him undress. The story is in NY, but then they're in Chicago - no mention of a flight - then they're driving home.....? Again, the story was fine, but so many continuity errors was aggravating.
September 7, 2025
This was such a good book. I’m excited to read the next one.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 23, 2025
1.5
I should be packing, bur here I am finishing a book I wanted to DNF after every chapter. The idea wasn't so bad at all. But the execution was terrible. There wasn't a character that didn't irritate me. The author's writing style obviously isn't for me.
I should be packing, bur here I am finishing a book I wanted to DNF after every chapter. The idea wasn't so bad at all. But the execution was terrible. There wasn't a character that didn't irritate me. The author's writing style obviously isn't for me.
Read
December 19, 2025Es muy cliché. Le falta desarrollo.
November 29, 2025
3.75⭐️ 2🌶️ Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage & revenge. Good plot with some spice was a little longer than necessary and no epilogue in the book.
September 2, 2025
Ruined by Revenge
Ruined by Revenge is the first book in the Feretti Syndicate series by Sherry Black. This was a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance that centred around Damiano and Zoe.
Damiano is the Don of the Italian Mafia and has seen his fair share of heartache. The wait of protecting the only family he has left is on his shoulders. Zoe was born and groomed to hate Damiano because she was told he was the one that disappeared her father.
I quickly became engrossed in this story and not able to put it down. While there were some minor grammatical and spelling errors, I did find the writing to be addictive.
When Zoe's legal guardian proposes a marriage between the two of them, she knows this is what she has been trained for. Damiano doesn’t trust easily, so he knows they have to be up to something. These two characters danced around each other, and the chemistry between them was palpable.
While the romance was slow burn, there was plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader interested. The premise of the story was a good one, and the twists were well done. I didn’t quite understand the length of time that Byron waited and the connections to everything were surprising.
The world building and the involvement of the side characters help to set up the rest of the series. There was a significant event that happened toward the end of the story that is worth noting as it could be quite triggering to some. Readers will know when they are approaching this part of the book.
Overall, Ruined by Revenge was a quick read. Fans of mafia romance will enjoy this story.
Ruined by Revenge is the first book in the Feretti Syndicate series by Sherry Black. This was a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance that centred around Damiano and Zoe.
Damiano is the Don of the Italian Mafia and has seen his fair share of heartache. The wait of protecting the only family he has left is on his shoulders. Zoe was born and groomed to hate Damiano because she was told he was the one that disappeared her father.
I quickly became engrossed in this story and not able to put it down. While there were some minor grammatical and spelling errors, I did find the writing to be addictive.
When Zoe's legal guardian proposes a marriage between the two of them, she knows this is what she has been trained for. Damiano doesn’t trust easily, so he knows they have to be up to something. These two characters danced around each other, and the chemistry between them was palpable.
While the romance was slow burn, there was plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader interested. The premise of the story was a good one, and the twists were well done. I didn’t quite understand the length of time that Byron waited and the connections to everything were surprising.
The world building and the involvement of the side characters help to set up the rest of the series. There was a significant event that happened toward the end of the story that is worth noting as it could be quite triggering to some. Readers will know when they are approaching this part of the book.
Overall, Ruined by Revenge was a quick read. Fans of mafia romance will enjoy this story.
June 23, 2025
The cover and blurb drew me in. The setup had all the tropes I love in a mafia romance—enemies to lovers, an arranged marriage, a handsome, dangerous mafia boss, and a beautiful, strong FMC. The book centers on an arranged marriage between the FMC and MMC, where she’s the pseudo-adopted daughter of his enemy and sent to spy on him. He’s hit with insta-lust but is emotionally closed off due to the death of his pregnant fiancée.
They get married and spend a good part of the story dancing around their mutual attraction. When they finally give in, the FMC continues to hold onto her secrets, which leads to misunderstandings and feelings of betrayal. There’s a third-act breakup, but it all wraps up with a HEA. It followed a familiar formula, but something about the execution didn’t fully land for me.
The story started off strong and I was into it, but it lost me in parts. Some scenes dragged, while others felt abrupt. There were also moments where new characters were introduced like we should already know them. And at one point, the MMC mentions that his former fiancée betrayed him, but it’s never brought up again. Little things like that added to the overall inconsistencies.
I probably made it to about 70% before I started skimming. It’s a slow burn, but not the kind that builds that delicious angsty tension. The MMC’s inner thoughts about his attraction to the FMC—what he wanted to do to her, how badly he wanted her—were 🥵, and they had me ready for some seriously steamy scenes. When they finally got there, the scenes were good, just not as intense as I’d expected.
There were also a couple of steamy scenes toward the end that I ended up skimming over—not because they weren’t well-written, but because they followed some heavy news about a side character. I felt bad about what happened, so it was hard to immediately shift gears into spice mode after that.
I didn’t hate it, but the execution just fell short for me.
They get married and spend a good part of the story dancing around their mutual attraction. When they finally give in, the FMC continues to hold onto her secrets, which leads to misunderstandings and feelings of betrayal. There’s a third-act breakup, but it all wraps up with a HEA. It followed a familiar formula, but something about the execution didn’t fully land for me.
The story started off strong and I was into it, but it lost me in parts. Some scenes dragged, while others felt abrupt. There were also moments where new characters were introduced like we should already know them. And at one point, the MMC mentions that his former fiancée betrayed him, but it’s never brought up again. Little things like that added to the overall inconsistencies.
I probably made it to about 70% before I started skimming. It’s a slow burn, but not the kind that builds that delicious angsty tension. The MMC’s inner thoughts about his attraction to the FMC—what he wanted to do to her, how badly he wanted her—were 🥵, and they had me ready for some seriously steamy scenes. When they finally got there, the scenes were good, just not as intense as I’d expected.
There were also a couple of steamy scenes toward the end that I ended up skimming over—not because they weren’t well-written, but because they followed some heavy news about a side character. I felt bad about what happened, so it was hard to immediately shift gears into spice mode after that.
I didn’t hate it, but the execution just fell short for me.
November 11, 2025
Ein Mafia-Boss und eine nach Rache dürstende Tochter eines seiner Opfer – die Geschichte hat großes Potenzial ist aber leider katastrophal geschrieben
Zoe wird ab ihrem 12. Lebensjahr von Byron großgezogen, nachdem ihr alleinerziehender Vater von Damiano Feretti kaltblütig erschossen wurde. Er bildet sie aus, eine Waffe gegen ihn zu sein. Dann ergibt sich die Chance, einen Deal mit Damiano durch eine Heirat zu festigen und Byron schafft es, ihm Zoe als Ehefrau „zu verkaufen“. Sie ist von Hass gegen Damiano zerfressen und soll ihn aber als Ehefrau überzeugen, ihn für Byron ausspionieren, um ihm und seiner Feretti-Familie den Todesstoß zu versetzten. Auch Damiano hat die Ehe mit Zoe nicht angestrebt, hat er doch seit der Ermordung seiner schwangeren Frau der Liebe und einer Beziehung abgeschworen.
Gefallen hat mir, dass Zoe sich von Damiano nicht hat unterbuttern lassen, sondern ihm Paroli bietet. Sie ist tough, kann genauso gut schießen, wie ihre Leibwächter und boxt in ihrem Fitness-Raum. Auch ihr klarer Wertekompass hat mir gefallen.
Die Story hat viel Potenzial, aaaaaber… Das Buch wurde ganz offenbar mit KI übersetzt: Sprichwörter wurden wortwörtlich ins Deutsche übertragen, die Ansprache wechselt bei den gleichen Personen zwischen sie und du oder Informationen werden verschluckt, die später dann plötzlich auftauchen, als wenn man sie hätte wissen müssen. Aber wenn man des Englischen mächtig ist, dann kann man wenigstens halbwegs verstehen was gemeint ist.
Was ich nicht mehr auf die Übersetzung zurückführen kann, sind die vielen Unklarheiten. Die zeitliche Abfolge ist häufig abstrus, es gibt Fehler in der Fortführung, so als wüsste die Autorin nicht mehr, dass sie den Sachverhalt von zwei Seiten komplett anders dargestellt hat oder Szenen sind total unlogisch. Wie soll z.B. ein Armband aufgeschlagene Fingerknöchel verdecken? Oder erst hat Zoe Angst vor der Hochzeitsnacht, weil sie Damiano nicht will, später wird es so dargestellt, als ob sich beide von vornherein einig gewesen seien, das Bett nicht miteinander zu teilen. Eine Szene ist sogar zwei Mal fast direkt hintereinander enthalten, nur in unterschiedliche Kontexte gesetzt. Und mir hat an vielen Stellen die Orientierung gefehlt, was da jetzt gerade passiert.
So kann man die Geschichte leider nicht richtig genießen und sie kann nur wenig Spannung entfalten. Aber auch inhaltlich ergibt Vieles nicht so viel Sinn. So will Zoe Damiano eigentlich verführen, ihm nahekommen, sein Vertrauen gewinnen, um an seine Geheimnisse zu kommen, tut aber genau das Gegenteil, nachdem sie bei ihm eingezogen ist. Oder auch das Motiv von Byron und was er da geplant hat, hat sich mir überhaupt nicht erschlossen. Wenn das, was er am Ende angerichtet hat, das war, was er wollte… das hätte er doch schon viele Jahre früher und viel einfacher haben können…
Wenn du Interesse an der Geschichte hast, versuch’s auf jeden Fall lieber mit dem englischen Original.
________________________________________
Kategorisierung
Achtung: Die folgende Kategorisierung enthält Spoiler!
📚 Romance-Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Dark
👥 Altersgruppe der Hauptfiguren: New Adult
➿ Plot-Trope: Afraid to commit, Bad girl-bad boy, Dude in distress, Emotional scars, Enemies to lovers, Marriage of convenience, Morally grey, Pregnancy, Secret identity, Sworn off a relationship, Widower
🌎 Setting-Trope: MC / Mafia
⚤ Geschlechterkonstellation: Hetero
💞 Beziehungsstruktur: Monogam
🔪 Spannung: Medium
🖤 Darkness: Grau
💓 Emotionalität: Gering
🧠 Psychologische Tiefe: Oberflächlich
🧐 Glaubwürdigkeit: Unglaubwürdig
❤️ Sympathiefaktor der Hauptfiguren: Sympathisch
😆 Humor: Wenig
👫 Klassisches Rollenmodell: Teils teils
💋 Anzahl Spicy Szenen: 6
🔗 Spielart Spicy Szenen: Vanilla
🔥 Explizitheit Spicy Szenen: Medium
🎨 Originalität der Erzählweise: Teils teils
👀 Erzählperspektive: Wechselnde Ich-Erzähler:innen
Filtere dir die für dich passenden Romances zurecht unter: Lustlektüre.de
Zoe wird ab ihrem 12. Lebensjahr von Byron großgezogen, nachdem ihr alleinerziehender Vater von Damiano Feretti kaltblütig erschossen wurde. Er bildet sie aus, eine Waffe gegen ihn zu sein. Dann ergibt sich die Chance, einen Deal mit Damiano durch eine Heirat zu festigen und Byron schafft es, ihm Zoe als Ehefrau „zu verkaufen“. Sie ist von Hass gegen Damiano zerfressen und soll ihn aber als Ehefrau überzeugen, ihn für Byron ausspionieren, um ihm und seiner Feretti-Familie den Todesstoß zu versetzten. Auch Damiano hat die Ehe mit Zoe nicht angestrebt, hat er doch seit der Ermordung seiner schwangeren Frau der Liebe und einer Beziehung abgeschworen.
Gefallen hat mir, dass Zoe sich von Damiano nicht hat unterbuttern lassen, sondern ihm Paroli bietet. Sie ist tough, kann genauso gut schießen, wie ihre Leibwächter und boxt in ihrem Fitness-Raum. Auch ihr klarer Wertekompass hat mir gefallen.
Die Story hat viel Potenzial, aaaaaber… Das Buch wurde ganz offenbar mit KI übersetzt: Sprichwörter wurden wortwörtlich ins Deutsche übertragen, die Ansprache wechselt bei den gleichen Personen zwischen sie und du oder Informationen werden verschluckt, die später dann plötzlich auftauchen, als wenn man sie hätte wissen müssen. Aber wenn man des Englischen mächtig ist, dann kann man wenigstens halbwegs verstehen was gemeint ist.
Was ich nicht mehr auf die Übersetzung zurückführen kann, sind die vielen Unklarheiten. Die zeitliche Abfolge ist häufig abstrus, es gibt Fehler in der Fortführung, so als wüsste die Autorin nicht mehr, dass sie den Sachverhalt von zwei Seiten komplett anders dargestellt hat oder Szenen sind total unlogisch. Wie soll z.B. ein Armband aufgeschlagene Fingerknöchel verdecken? Oder erst hat Zoe Angst vor der Hochzeitsnacht, weil sie Damiano nicht will, später wird es so dargestellt, als ob sich beide von vornherein einig gewesen seien, das Bett nicht miteinander zu teilen. Eine Szene ist sogar zwei Mal fast direkt hintereinander enthalten, nur in unterschiedliche Kontexte gesetzt. Und mir hat an vielen Stellen die Orientierung gefehlt, was da jetzt gerade passiert.
So kann man die Geschichte leider nicht richtig genießen und sie kann nur wenig Spannung entfalten. Aber auch inhaltlich ergibt Vieles nicht so viel Sinn. So will Zoe Damiano eigentlich verführen, ihm nahekommen, sein Vertrauen gewinnen, um an seine Geheimnisse zu kommen, tut aber genau das Gegenteil, nachdem sie bei ihm eingezogen ist. Oder auch das Motiv von Byron und was er da geplant hat, hat sich mir überhaupt nicht erschlossen. Wenn das, was er am Ende angerichtet hat, das war, was er wollte… das hätte er doch schon viele Jahre früher und viel einfacher haben können…
Wenn du Interesse an der Geschichte hast, versuch’s auf jeden Fall lieber mit dem englischen Original.
________________________________________
Kategorisierung
Achtung: Die folgende Kategorisierung enthält Spoiler!
📚 Romance-Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Dark
👥 Altersgruppe der Hauptfiguren: New Adult
➿ Plot-Trope: Afraid to commit, Bad girl-bad boy, Dude in distress, Emotional scars, Enemies to lovers, Marriage of convenience, Morally grey, Pregnancy, Secret identity, Sworn off a relationship, Widower
🌎 Setting-Trope: MC / Mafia
⚤ Geschlechterkonstellation: Hetero
💞 Beziehungsstruktur: Monogam
🔪 Spannung: Medium
🖤 Darkness: Grau
💓 Emotionalität: Gering
🧠 Psychologische Tiefe: Oberflächlich
🧐 Glaubwürdigkeit: Unglaubwürdig
❤️ Sympathiefaktor der Hauptfiguren: Sympathisch
😆 Humor: Wenig
👫 Klassisches Rollenmodell: Teils teils
💋 Anzahl Spicy Szenen: 6
🔗 Spielart Spicy Szenen: Vanilla
🔥 Explizitheit Spicy Szenen: Medium
🎨 Originalität der Erzählweise: Teils teils
👀 Erzählperspektive: Wechselnde Ich-Erzähler:innen
Filtere dir die für dich passenden Romances zurecht unter: Lustlektüre.de
January 23, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Sexual Assault/Rape
🚩Death of Parents
🚩Violence
🚩Implied Torture
Tropes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕Hate/Enemies to Love
💕Arranged Marriage
💕MF Romance
💕Part of a Series
💕HEA
💕Alpha Female
💕Surprise Pregnancy
💕Suspense/Mystery
💕Family Drama
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Quote:
Tomorrow, I'll sit across from my father's murderer and smile. I'll laugh at his jokes, meet his eyes, pretend I don't see blood on his hands. Because that's what Byron wants. That's what I owe him.
Summary:
An event happened many years ago that has affected the lives of the FMC and MMC. FMC has been led to believe that the MMC is the cause of the event. Her adopted father arranges a marriage with the MMC. The FMCs mission is to get close to the MMC and then destroy him and his family from the inside.
But sometimes everything is not what it seems. What happens when feelings start to arise and truths are revealed? HEA
Review:
I have been on a dry spell when it comes to finding a new mafia series/author. I saw this book mentioned in a Facebook group and decided to give it a try. I am glad that I did. Yes, there are some minor plot points that contradict each other. Yes, the book could have used a beta reader. But the meat of a great mafia romance is there.
I enjoyed the author's writing style. I loved that the FMC wasn't helpless and that she had support from her bestie. I loved it when the MMC began to realize how much he felt for the FMC. I really enjoyed it being the FMC who rescued the MMC.
This is the first book in the series. I already purchased the rest of the series and the spin-offs. I will be reviewing them as well. There are certain stories I am especially looking forward to.
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Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Sexual Assault/Rape
🚩Death of Parents
🚩Violence
🚩Implied Torture
Tropes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕Hate/Enemies to Love
💕Arranged Marriage
💕MF Romance
💕Part of a Series
💕HEA
💕Alpha Female
💕Surprise Pregnancy
💕Suspense/Mystery
💕Family Drama
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Quote:
Tomorrow, I'll sit across from my father's murderer and smile. I'll laugh at his jokes, meet his eyes, pretend I don't see blood on his hands. Because that's what Byron wants. That's what I owe him.
Summary:
An event happened many years ago that has affected the lives of the FMC and MMC. FMC has been led to believe that the MMC is the cause of the event. Her adopted father arranges a marriage with the MMC. The FMCs mission is to get close to the MMC and then destroy him and his family from the inside.
But sometimes everything is not what it seems. What happens when feelings start to arise and truths are revealed? HEA
Review:
I have been on a dry spell when it comes to finding a new mafia series/author. I saw this book mentioned in a Facebook group and decided to give it a try. I am glad that I did. Yes, there are some minor plot points that contradict each other. Yes, the book could have used a beta reader. But the meat of a great mafia romance is there.
I enjoyed the author's writing style. I loved that the FMC wasn't helpless and that she had support from her bestie. I loved it when the MMC began to realize how much he felt for the FMC. I really enjoyed it being the FMC who rescued the MMC.
This is the first book in the series. I already purchased the rest of the series and the spin-offs. I will be reviewing them as well. There are certain stories I am especially looking forward to.
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December 2, 2025
Trauma explains behavior — it does not excuse willful blindness.
I get being traumatized at a young age and feeling grateful to the person who took you in. That said, at some point you have to act like the adult you are and recognize the manipulation happening right in front of you.
This book felt unnecessarily long, with very little actually happening to move the story forward. It easily could have been at least 100 pages shorter. The pacing was off, dragging in places where it should have been tighter. There were also clear editing issues — for example, the description refers to Bianca as his wife, when in reality she is his fiancée.
The story flow was especially confusing. Some key scenes where the MCs supposedly get to know each other — scenes important enough to justify them falling in love — happen after the third-act breakup, the resolution, and the mutual confession of feelings. At that point, those conversations felt awkward and oddly placed, as if they belonged to an entirely different draft.
That said… chemistry? Explosive.
When they finally lost control and kissed, it was undeniably HOT. 🔥🔥🔥
Unfortunately, I absolutely despised what happened to Lucrezia. She was hands down the best character in the book — the most mature, emotionally intelligent, and level-headed despite her age. And don’t even get me started on Zoe and Damiano. While Lucrezia is going through a major medical crisis in the hospital, her brother and sister-in-law — who is indirectly responsible for what happened to her — are at home having sex? Deeply inappropriate and incredibly jarring.
There was a good story hiding in here somewhere, but questionable pacing, odd scene placement, and baffling character decisions held it back from being truly satisfying.
I get being traumatized at a young age and feeling grateful to the person who took you in. That said, at some point you have to act like the adult you are and recognize the manipulation happening right in front of you.
This book felt unnecessarily long, with very little actually happening to move the story forward. It easily could have been at least 100 pages shorter. The pacing was off, dragging in places where it should have been tighter. There were also clear editing issues — for example, the description refers to Bianca as his wife, when in reality she is his fiancée.
The story flow was especially confusing. Some key scenes where the MCs supposedly get to know each other — scenes important enough to justify them falling in love — happen after the third-act breakup, the resolution, and the mutual confession of feelings. At that point, those conversations felt awkward and oddly placed, as if they belonged to an entirely different draft.
That said… chemistry? Explosive.
When they finally lost control and kissed, it was undeniably HOT. 🔥🔥🔥
Unfortunately, I absolutely despised what happened to Lucrezia. She was hands down the best character in the book — the most mature, emotionally intelligent, and level-headed despite her age. And don’t even get me started on Zoe and Damiano. While Lucrezia is going through a major medical crisis in the hospital, her brother and sister-in-law — who is indirectly responsible for what happened to her — are at home having sex? Deeply inappropriate and incredibly jarring.
There was a good story hiding in here somewhere, but questionable pacing, odd scene placement, and baffling character decisions held it back from being truly satisfying.
November 26, 2025
Too Much Inconsistency
I love a good mafia romance. The storyline here sounded promising, but this one really threw me off with the timeline inconsistencies as well as the confusion over the characters’ positions in a room.
Didn’t the villains take a sledge hammer to our MMC’s knee and yet he walked out of that warehouse with only a dislocated shoulder? Even in the hospital, no mention of the knee!
Another time he calls his little sister the endearment he uses for the FMC. Weird. Must have been a mistake.
I was intrigued by the FMC being raised to bring down the mafioso. Her training sounded extensive like she was an assassin, but only once did she use a gun to bring down a bad guy. Nothing at all happened to show off her skills. How can you tout your character as badass and never show any badassery? Total tease and not in a good way!
My final complaint was the gratuitous rape (off screen) of one of the side characters! Completely unnecessary. Not only that, but the MMC and FMC had sex the same night of the assault while the side character was in the hospital. Really??!!
The ending dragged on and on. I skimmed it searching for a purpose. The only thing that popped up was a hook for the next book. I won’t be reading that.
I love a good mafia romance. The storyline here sounded promising, but this one really threw me off with the timeline inconsistencies as well as the confusion over the characters’ positions in a room.
Didn’t the villains take a sledge hammer to our MMC’s knee and yet he walked out of that warehouse with only a dislocated shoulder? Even in the hospital, no mention of the knee!
Another time he calls his little sister the endearment he uses for the FMC. Weird. Must have been a mistake.
I was intrigued by the FMC being raised to bring down the mafioso. Her training sounded extensive like she was an assassin, but only once did she use a gun to bring down a bad guy. Nothing at all happened to show off her skills. How can you tout your character as badass and never show any badassery? Total tease and not in a good way!
My final complaint was the gratuitous rape (off screen) of one of the side characters! Completely unnecessary. Not only that, but the MMC and FMC had sex the same night of the assault while the side character was in the hospital. Really??!!
The ending dragged on and on. I skimmed it searching for a purpose. The only thing that popped up was a hook for the next book. I won’t be reading that.
November 16, 2025
This is my first book from this author.
The book started well, and kept me interested.
The middle was a little dull, and I had to push through.
I was starting to feel that it was incredible “soft” for a mafia book.
However at about 75% it picked up and the last quarter was really good.
Here’s my thoughts…
What I liked…
* Lucrezia…I think she was my favourite! And my heart broke for her…I see she gets her own book, but not fur another 5 books!!! We needed her story next.
* I liked the way the “dead fiancé ” situation was handled. A lot of readers hate the dead wife/gf/fiancé trope. However this was handled well. We felt Damianos love for his fiancée, without it detracting from his love for Zoe.
* I became intrigued with the side characters, and I’m looking forward to their books, it’s a shame Scarlet didn’t get a book.
What I didn’t like as much…
* The book quite dull in the middle
I think I will go onto the next book, Enzos story. I just hope each book isn’t a rinse and repeat story.
The book started well, and kept me interested.
The middle was a little dull, and I had to push through.
I was starting to feel that it was incredible “soft” for a mafia book.
However at about 75% it picked up and the last quarter was really good.
Here’s my thoughts…
What I liked…
* Lucrezia…I think she was my favourite! And my heart broke for her…I see she gets her own book, but not fur another 5 books!!! We needed her story next.
* I liked the way the “dead fiancé ” situation was handled. A lot of readers hate the dead wife/gf/fiancé trope. However this was handled well. We felt Damianos love for his fiancée, without it detracting from his love for Zoe.
* I became intrigued with the side characters, and I’m looking forward to their books, it’s a shame Scarlet didn’t get a book.
What I didn’t like as much…
* The book quite dull in the middle
I think I will go onto the next book, Enzos story. I just hope each book isn’t a rinse and repeat story.
April 13, 2025
I was asked if I would like to read the book which is a new author to me and I accepted. I’m really happy that I did. This is a book about the Feretti family and someone trying to take them down. When revenge is all you grew up wanting but find out everything you’ve been told since you were a child are lies, what does a girl do? Well you find within the pages of this book that both Damiono and Zoe are both being used in one way or another. When the truth comes out as to who is really responsible for what these two went through, will they get justice for their loved ones? I don’t like to give away anything about the stories as it’s not fair to the author but you can get an idea from my little snippets what the book will be about. It was a good read with enjoyable characters. This is the first book in this series and it looks like Enzo which is another Feretti brother will be getting his story soon. Enjoy. #badboyupdate.
November 17, 2025
There were parts of this book I loved, and then parts I hated. I am still on the fence with what I thought.
there were some sentences that just felt super weird to me, and at times almost like the author was flat out using the wrong word. But I think overall, I did enjoy the story line. Zoe falls flat to me as a FMC. If I was Scarlet I think I'd stop answering her phone calls, Zoe just complains ignores any advice she gives then hangs up on her.
Also the bugging his office plot line felt completely unnecessary, we don't ever find out much other than one little paragraph of snippets but she makes it seem like that's from a new bug she placed and not from the first one. The author wrote that the office is checked for bugs often and somehow a bookcase filled with hundreds of hiding places wouldn't be a place they would check??
Damiano is also nothing special, he's every Mafia Don ever.
there were some sentences that just felt super weird to me, and at times almost like the author was flat out using the wrong word. But I think overall, I did enjoy the story line. Zoe falls flat to me as a FMC. If I was Scarlet I think I'd stop answering her phone calls, Zoe just complains ignores any advice she gives then hangs up on her.
Also the bugging his office plot line felt completely unnecessary, we don't ever find out much other than one little paragraph of snippets but she makes it seem like that's from a new bug she placed and not from the first one. The author wrote that the office is checked for bugs often and somehow a bookcase filled with hundreds of hiding places wouldn't be a place they would check??
Damiano is also nothing special, he's every Mafia Don ever.
May 8, 2025
Sherry Blake is a new author to me and I'm so glad Bay Boy Updates sent her to me! If you love your Mafia romances with a touch of darkness, you will devour this! What happens when what you have believed and trained for you whole life turns out to be a lie? Zoe thought she had it all figured out, until Damiano. His knows the family need to make a move, and when Zoe is offered to him he can't resist. When their arrangement begins to feel too real, will the truth set them free...or destroy everything they have begun to build? Can't wait for the next one! I received this ARC from Bad boy Updates.
May 10, 2025
Zoe's life hasn't been made of her choices because of Byron. She meets Damiano when she was sent for another man. However, it wasn't long before she reconnects with him, and things get very complicated. It wasn't supposed to be real but soon neither knows where things are going or where they stand with one another. Will he be the one to get her away from Byron for good? Will she have to do as Byron ordered?
This is a great story with many twists and turns. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
This is a great story with many twists and turns. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
May 7, 2025
This is Book 1 in the Feretti Syndicate Series by this author. It is an age gap, enemies to lovers mafia romance between Zoe and Damiano. These flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. What starts out as an arranged marriage turns into something more. It is a captivating love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters. An emotional page turner.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Bad Boy Update and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Bad Boy Update and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 13, 2025
This is such a brilliant mafia family read.
Damiano is the head of the Feretti family and when he first sees Zoe he can't take his eyes off her.
It's not long before they are engaged to be married but not everything is as it seems. Zoe has been told for years that Damiano killed her father and she wants revenge.
They soon get closer but can they work out the lies before someone gets hurt?
So much drama and suspense but also plenty of love and friendship.
A must read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Damiano is the head of the Feretti family and when he first sees Zoe he can't take his eyes off her.
It's not long before they are engaged to be married but not everything is as it seems. Zoe has been told for years that Damiano killed her father and she wants revenge.
They soon get closer but can they work out the lies before someone gets hurt?
So much drama and suspense but also plenty of love and friendship.
A must read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 14, 2025
What a book it contains revenge action and love. Zoe was brought up to believe that Damiano was responsible for her father’s death. She was brought up by Byron given a good education and at the same time trained with his men. Byron sets up a deal with Damiano and part of the deal was he had to marry Zoe. Zoe was supposed to get information on there plans and give them to Byron.
Zoe starts to fall in love with Damiano and ends up not wanting to. This is a must read book I can’t wait to read books 2&3
Zoe starts to fall in love with Damiano and ends up not wanting to. This is a must read book I can’t wait to read books 2&3
June 18, 2025
It was a decent storyline, but there are some major consistency issues. In this book, they mention having dinner plans with someone the following night, but then it switches to that night without explanation, clearly just an error. There is some confusion about where this takes place. They mention Chicago and driving and on Lake Shore Drive, but then the casino is opening in Times Square? And in book 2 suddenly someone is looking for Sienna (book 2) all over Vegas?? There are also some typos and other inconsistencies.
August 8, 2025
I don't why I do this to myself, trying books recommended on KU. The writing was all over the place, inconsistent, continuity errors, disjointed writing, full of cliches and tropes meant to entice the reader or for booktok. Parts made no sense, is this what chat gpt/ai assisted writing looks like? The dead wife trope was nowhere in the summary, I would not have read it at all otherwise, it's a trope I hate and he stills loves her not to mention that he has turned into a manwhore since she was killed. So many things I hate. Bottom line, not worth reading.
January 10, 2026
Great story!!
This is the first book in a new series and what an amazing beginning this story is!
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family dynamics, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, lies, challenges, manipulation, angst, heartbreak, loyalty, humour, revelations, violence, undeniable chemistry, and love which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted,and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is the first book in a new series and what an amazing beginning this story is!
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family dynamics, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, lies, challenges, manipulation, angst, heartbreak, loyalty, humour, revelations, violence, undeniable chemistry, and love which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted,and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
January 27, 2026
Whoa!!! Mafia but with twists!!!
This was definitely different from your normal mafia romance. That plot was plotting!!! I kinda thought and then was like noooo, but then I found out! It was the best Aha moment! I knewwww it!!! Damiano the Don Ferrari and his closed off heart. Zoe the oh so innocent trained killer! Eeek!!! I wish I could read this again for the first time! Fantastically written! Looking forward to Enzo’s book!
"Even when you came to destroy me, you ended up saving me instead."
This was definitely different from your normal mafia romance. That plot was plotting!!! I kinda thought and then was like noooo, but then I found out! It was the best Aha moment! I knewwww it!!! Damiano the Don Ferrari and his closed off heart. Zoe the oh so innocent trained killer! Eeek!!! I wish I could read this again for the first time! Fantastically written! Looking forward to Enzo’s book!
"Even when you came to destroy me, you ended up saving me instead."
May 6, 2025
Their engagement was a prudent move designed to destroy Damiano from within by Zoe but as these two get to know each other Zoe is beginning to think that everything she has been told about the man she is to marry is a lie and when the truth comes out, she has to decide which one will she be loyal to. This thrilling story had me all caught up in it from start to the very end.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
May 6, 2025
Zoe’s father was killed when she was 13 and she was told by Byron Easton her father’s friend that Damiano Feretti was responsible. Zoe is now engaged to marry Damiano and she is suppose to destroy him from the inside. One of the problems is that Damiano and Zoe are getting closer. Will Damiano and Zoe find the real killer of not only Zoe’s father but Damiano’s wife?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Magnificent Feretti Mafia romance!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Magnificent Feretti Mafia romance!
May 7, 2025
This is a strong start to the series, the story has a strong intense plot that's packed with a little of every emotions, Damiano and Zoe were strong characters, nothing about their path was easy. Zoe and Damiano's relationship is intense, it's packed with many ups and downs, the attraction and chemistry was off the charts. This was a great story, I enjoyed it. I'd suggest reading it, the Author did a great job on the story.
Thank you, Sherry Blake. Great work :)
Thank you, Sherry Blake. Great work :)
May 18, 2025
This was a good Mafia book. Zoe has been reared by her adoptive father to wreak revenge on Damiano, whom she believes killed her father. The time has come: she is marrying Damiano so she can get close and personal to obtain info that will lead to his downfall. As time goes by, plot twists and turns lead Zoe more in love and unable to provide any info against Damiano. This story was so good, we are looking forward to the next story in the sequence!!
June 19, 2025
This book had so much promise, but I found it boring? I DNF’d at 57%. I hated the time jumps! It was like we didn’t know what day it was or how long things had been going on and the switch from Damiano’s and Zoe’s relationship just seemed rushed and unbelievable… i also hated that Damiano’s sister was teated like she was a teen when she was actually 23? It just fell flat for me. i found myself skimming or looking at my next read instead. Sorry.
June 29, 2025
I did like reading this book but it wasn’t giving everything I expected from this Mafia Romance (my first Mafia book). It seemed to lack something, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. The slow burn between Zoe and Damiano though 😍
Unfortunately it doesn’t make me want to read the rest of the series but may change my mind in the future. I was intrigued by Scarlett, deffo more to her and I want Damiano’s sister to have the happiness she deserves.
Unfortunately it doesn’t make me want to read the rest of the series but may change my mind in the future. I was intrigued by Scarlett, deffo more to her and I want Damiano’s sister to have the happiness she deserves.
September 14, 2025
The story is a good read, with interesting plots, but unfortunately, some inconsistencies. The main characters slowly find each other, a slow burn, enemies to lovers. There are numerous interesting supporting characters. In my opinion, what happened to the sister was too cruel. Even if it wasn't explicitly described, my imagination suggested the worst. Emotions, suspense, and smut lead to enjoyable reading.
⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶 3/5
⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶 3/5
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