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Married to the Mafia
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Expected 21 Apr 26From bestselling author Lucy Smoke comes a new dark mafia romcom full of high heat, hilarious banter, and a marriage-of-convenience love story, perfect for fans of Butcher & Blackbird and Rook & Rebel.
Daisy Turner is a broke, single recent college graduate who would say yes to just about anything if it helps her climb out of the pile of debt she’s in. Which is why she agrees to fill in for her roommate as a waitress catering a high-end private wedding. Her expectations are low—at most she’ll get a small stack of cash and a free meal, right? Wrong. Bad luck has a way of finding her, and so it’s no surprise that she would become an accomplice to a murder. Okay, not an accomplice but definitely a witness.
Turns out the wedding is an arranged marriage between two rival crime families, and the woman who died was supposed to be the bride. As the sole witness and the only living, breathing woman within feet of the angry and ruggedly handsome soon-to-be husband, Daisy knows she has to do something. Unfortunately offering to bake him a sympathy casserole isn’t what he was looking for. Sorry for your loss, also not good enough. She's sure he’ll kill her on the spot but instead he shakes his head and gives an ultimatum.
Death or marriage.
Of course Daisy chooses to marry the man. Marriages can be annulled, but there’s no coming back from death...
Daisy Turner is a broke, single recent college graduate who would say yes to just about anything if it helps her climb out of the pile of debt she’s in. Which is why she agrees to fill in for her roommate as a waitress catering a high-end private wedding. Her expectations are low—at most she’ll get a small stack of cash and a free meal, right? Wrong. Bad luck has a way of finding her, and so it’s no surprise that she would become an accomplice to a murder. Okay, not an accomplice but definitely a witness.
Turns out the wedding is an arranged marriage between two rival crime families, and the woman who died was supposed to be the bride. As the sole witness and the only living, breathing woman within feet of the angry and ruggedly handsome soon-to-be husband, Daisy knows she has to do something. Unfortunately offering to bake him a sympathy casserole isn’t what he was looking for. Sorry for your loss, also not good enough. She's sure he’ll kill her on the spot but instead he shakes his head and gives an ultimatum.
Death or marriage.
Of course Daisy chooses to marry the man. Marriages can be annulled, but there’s no coming back from death...
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
11 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Smoke
81 books2,864 followersLucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
did-not-finish
November 29, 2025DNF @11%
the heroine was giving a rehash of the 50 Shades of Grey "inner goddess" interior monologue and i could not, would not force myself to go through that again
the heroine was giving a rehash of the 50 Shades of Grey "inner goddess" interior monologue and i could not, would not force myself to go through that again
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Married to the Mafia by Lucy Smoke is everything I love about accidental marriage, mafia tension, and chaotic, lovable heroines wrapped into one addictive package.
Daisy Turner is instantly relatable, a broke, freshly graduated, drowning-in-debt heroine who says yes to a catering job expecting easy cash, and instead witnesses a murder at a high-stakes arranged mafia wedding. Because of course she does. Her luck is catastrophically bad in the most entertaining way possible.
What follows is a delicious spiral into danger when the bride-to-be ends up dead and Daisy, being the only available woman within arm’s reach of the furious, dangerously handsome groom, gets handed the most unhinged ultimatum ever:
Death or marriage.
And honestly? The fact that Daisy’s brain goes straight to “marriages can be annulled” tells you everything you need to know about her. She’s scrappy, practical, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. I adored her.
Giulio is peak mafia romance perfection: cold, commanding, and morally gray. The dynamic between him and Daisy is electric, forced proximity, reluctant partnership, simmering tension, and that slow shift from “forced arrangement” to something much deeper. The chemistry absolutely crackles.
Lucy Smoke balances danger and romance beautifully. The mafia world feels sharp and high-stakes, but the story never loses its emotional core. There’s humor woven through the tension, and the banter keeps things from getting too heavy. I flew through this book.
If you love:
Accidental/forced marriage tropes
Mafia romance with real stakes
Broke but brilliant heroines
Dangerous heroes who fall hard
“This is forced” turning into “I’d burn the world for you”
Then Married to the Mafia needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Daisy Turner is instantly relatable, a broke, freshly graduated, drowning-in-debt heroine who says yes to a catering job expecting easy cash, and instead witnesses a murder at a high-stakes arranged mafia wedding. Because of course she does. Her luck is catastrophically bad in the most entertaining way possible.
What follows is a delicious spiral into danger when the bride-to-be ends up dead and Daisy, being the only available woman within arm’s reach of the furious, dangerously handsome groom, gets handed the most unhinged ultimatum ever:
Death or marriage.
And honestly? The fact that Daisy’s brain goes straight to “marriages can be annulled” tells you everything you need to know about her. She’s scrappy, practical, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. I adored her.
Giulio is peak mafia romance perfection: cold, commanding, and morally gray. The dynamic between him and Daisy is electric, forced proximity, reluctant partnership, simmering tension, and that slow shift from “forced arrangement” to something much deeper. The chemistry absolutely crackles.
Lucy Smoke balances danger and romance beautifully. The mafia world feels sharp and high-stakes, but the story never loses its emotional core. There’s humor woven through the tension, and the banter keeps things from getting too heavy. I flew through this book.
If you love:
Accidental/forced marriage tropes
Mafia romance with real stakes
Broke but brilliant heroines
Dangerous heroes who fall hard
“This is forced” turning into “I’d burn the world for you”
Then Married to the Mafia needs to be on your TBR immediately.
January 2, 2026
I am a sucker for a good mafia romance and this definitely hit the spot! It has some darkness to it with it being a mafia romance but the rom-com to it made it such a good read. Daisy is HILARIOUS and had me laughing from the very first chapter. The spice in this was so good. My first read by this author but I now need to find more. GREAT READ!
January 3, 2026
“Adulthood is literally the worst neighborhood you could ever live in. Zero stars. Do not recommend.” 😂😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This was a fun, dark mafia romcom with a solid build-up and an engaging plot. The pacing worked well, the banter was cute, and the marriage-of-convenience trope kept things entertaining. The FMC was a standout for me—her low-key unhinged, slightly psycho tendencies added humor and personality that made her feel refreshing rather than generic.
That said, I did find myself wanting more—more tension, more depth, and a bit more payoff once everything came together. Still, it’s a great story overall with a strong premise and enjoyable execution. A good read if you’re in the mood for something dark but playful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This was a fun, dark mafia romcom with a solid build-up and an engaging plot. The pacing worked well, the banter was cute, and the marriage-of-convenience trope kept things entertaining. The FMC was a standout for me—her low-key unhinged, slightly psycho tendencies added humor and personality that made her feel refreshing rather than generic.
That said, I did find myself wanting more—more tension, more depth, and a bit more payoff once everything came together. Still, it’s a great story overall with a strong premise and enjoyable execution. A good read if you’re in the mood for something dark but playful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Obviously, there were a lot of things about this book that didn't appeal to me. I want to make it clear that I went into this expecting to enjoy it. It's my first mafia book, but I'm a fan of rom-coms. My thanks to the author for the descriptive trigger warnings; I would have never guessed the epilogue would take a turn for torture. There's violence in the main part of
the novel, but nothing unexpected considering one-half of the couple is a crime boss. I loved how unhinged the chapter subtitles were.
Daisy Turner is twenty-three, fresh out of college and trying to break into the publishing industry in NYC. I wanted to see her love for books instead of being repeatedly told she's a romance book collector. Then there's "Mean Daisy." Her alter-ego? Trauma response from being a foster kid? Product of a mental illness? It's not clear what Mean Daisy was supposed to be, but she was too much.
Giulio La Rosa: what a name! He loses his arranged betrothed and picks Daisy in a five minute span to replace her. I got the feeling anyone would do, which is insane considering the man doesn't believe in divorce. The plot was done a disservice by not featuring his pov more. I wanted to see a mafiaso—ahem, I mean business man—in his natural habitat. He's supposed to be investigating his ex-fiancée's murder, finding the mole, and figuring out who put a hit out on Daisy. I wanted to see more of his skills being put to use.
The whodunnit was a big red flag that shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone, but they needed to be masked better in order for the end to work. Daisy ended up looking like a big 'ol fool and ruined all the tension.
Side characters were a plus. I imagine we'll be seeing Dante, Giulio's brother, and Michelle, Daisy's bestfriend, next.
Obviously, there were a lot of things about this book that didn't appeal to me. I want to make it clear that I went into this expecting to enjoy it. It's my first mafia book, but I'm a fan of rom-coms. My thanks to the author for the descriptive trigger warnings; I would have never guessed the epilogue would take a turn for torture. There's violence in the main part of
the novel, but nothing unexpected considering one-half of the couple is a crime boss. I loved how unhinged the chapter subtitles were.
Daisy Turner is twenty-three, fresh out of college and trying to break into the publishing industry in NYC. I wanted to see her love for books instead of being repeatedly told she's a romance book collector. Then there's "Mean Daisy." Her alter-ego? Trauma response from being a foster kid? Product of a mental illness? It's not clear what Mean Daisy was supposed to be, but she was too much.
Giulio La Rosa: what a name! He loses his arranged betrothed and picks Daisy in a five minute span to replace her. I got the feeling anyone would do, which is insane considering the man doesn't believe in divorce. The plot was done a disservice by not featuring his pov more. I wanted to see a mafiaso—ahem, I mean business man—in his natural habitat. He's supposed to be investigating his ex-fiancée's murder, finding the mole, and figuring out who put a hit out on Daisy. I wanted to see more of his skills being put to use.
The whodunnit was a big red flag that shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone, but they needed to be masked better in order for the end to work. Daisy ended up looking like a big 'ol fool and ruined all the tension.
Side characters were a plus. I imagine we'll be seeing Dante, Giulio's brother, and Michelle, Daisy's bestfriend, next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC book from NetGalley.
OMG!! I laughed so hard reading this book! The inner monologue this FMC has is hilarious! She walks in at the most inappropriate time and ends up walking down the aisle to the second in command. Her new husband starts to notice how attractive she is but the FMC is in her head fighting with her mean self. She doesn't understand that she is now married and must live with her husband so she doesn't like leaving her roommate/bestfriend alone to pay the rent in her crappy apartment but her husband pays the rent for a full year so her bestfriend doesn't have to worry about it. When she meets up with her best friend a week after moving out and not having communication with her, she is followed by the adversary. When they threaten her best friend and draw blood the FMCs internal mean person comes out and ends up killing the adversary. She calls her new husband and both the MMC and his brother are in awe of the fact the FMC isn't freaking out but is rather calm. The opposing mafia family wants to call a truce and let the MMCs family know who their internal mole is. When they find out who it was thought the MMC and his brother have an inkling who it might be they dispose of him. Both the FMC and the MMC have so much in common as far as their upbringing they are foster kids but the FMCs foster families weren't good to her. The MMC went from foster family to foster family but his one constant was his best friend whom his dad ended up adopting the MMC and he had a family where as the FMCs only true family was her best friend/roommate. I enjoyed reading this book. It was hilarious, it has spice and had mafia families! Grumpy MMC and sunshine FMC.
OMG!! I laughed so hard reading this book! The inner monologue this FMC has is hilarious! She walks in at the most inappropriate time and ends up walking down the aisle to the second in command. Her new husband starts to notice how attractive she is but the FMC is in her head fighting with her mean self. She doesn't understand that she is now married and must live with her husband so she doesn't like leaving her roommate/bestfriend alone to pay the rent in her crappy apartment but her husband pays the rent for a full year so her bestfriend doesn't have to worry about it. When she meets up with her best friend a week after moving out and not having communication with her, she is followed by the adversary. When they threaten her best friend and draw blood the FMCs internal mean person comes out and ends up killing the adversary. She calls her new husband and both the MMC and his brother are in awe of the fact the FMC isn't freaking out but is rather calm. The opposing mafia family wants to call a truce and let the MMCs family know who their internal mole is. When they find out who it was thought the MMC and his brother have an inkling who it might be they dispose of him. Both the FMC and the MMC have so much in common as far as their upbringing they are foster kids but the FMCs foster families weren't good to her. The MMC went from foster family to foster family but his one constant was his best friend whom his dad ended up adopting the MMC and he had a family where as the FMCs only true family was her best friend/roommate. I enjoyed reading this book. It was hilarious, it has spice and had mafia families! Grumpy MMC and sunshine FMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book has a delicious recipe for excellence. The FMC (Daisy) is a ball of energy that frequently battles with her internal chaos demon (which, she calls Crazy Daisy). The MMC (Giulio) is a gorgeous man of action in the mafia. Happenstance lumps them together, as married strangers. Both are very different people on the outside with many similarities in their backstory. Together, they make a formidable couple that doesn't communicate well, which leads to further hilarity.
I really enjoyed this book; however, I felt that Daisy's constant internal (and sometimes lengthy) monologues sometimes distracted me from the story and caused the scene to lose momentum. That aside, her internal battles are crazy funny and, oftentimes, says what we all wish we could say in a moment. Once Daisy and Giulio start working together as equal partners and communicate, we really see rubber hitting the road. Sadly, we don't see this until the Epilogue. I would have loved for them to reach that point earlier in the story, so we could enjoy more of what they could accomplish together.
Overall, this was a super fun read that I have already encouraged my book club to look up upon release.
This book has a delicious recipe for excellence. The FMC (Daisy) is a ball of energy that frequently battles with her internal chaos demon (which, she calls Crazy Daisy). The MMC (Giulio) is a gorgeous man of action in the mafia. Happenstance lumps them together, as married strangers. Both are very different people on the outside with many similarities in their backstory. Together, they make a formidable couple that doesn't communicate well, which leads to further hilarity.
I really enjoyed this book; however, I felt that Daisy's constant internal (and sometimes lengthy) monologues sometimes distracted me from the story and caused the scene to lose momentum. That aside, her internal battles are crazy funny and, oftentimes, says what we all wish we could say in a moment. Once Daisy and Giulio start working together as equal partners and communicate, we really see rubber hitting the road. Sadly, we don't see this until the Epilogue. I would have loved for them to reach that point earlier in the story, so we could enjoy more of what they could accomplish together.
Overall, this was a super fun read that I have already encouraged my book club to look up upon release.
March 10, 2026
As a true crime girlie, nothing keeps me entertained more than murder and mayhem.
Lucky for us, Married to the Mafia has both, and boatloads of it. I am truly obsessed with dark romcoms, nothing gives me more joy than a dark FMC and MMC, especially when they have that sexy murder banter (if you’ve read butcher & blackbird or lights out, you know what I mean).
What happens when as a server you accidentally find the bride dead at the wedding you’re working. Then groom? A mafioso of epic proportions. Well he still needs a bride and your choice is either marry him or die, did I mention he’s hot as sin? The answer is easy.
The found family that both Giulio and Daisy stumbled into was really sweet. Their respective adoptive siblings and how they would do literally anything for them gave me life. I especially love Dante (giulio’s brother) relationship with Daisy. He could just see the writing on the wall and knew that Daisy was his sister and he treated her as such from the get go.
I laughed so much, Daisy’s inner dialogue just sat with my adhd brain. Every-time bad Daisy came out, I have never related to anything more.
If you are in the market for a marriage of INCONVENIENCE, a Mmc and an FMC who will kill for each other and the most delicious murder banter- you need this book.
Lucky for us, Married to the Mafia has both, and boatloads of it. I am truly obsessed with dark romcoms, nothing gives me more joy than a dark FMC and MMC, especially when they have that sexy murder banter (if you’ve read butcher & blackbird or lights out, you know what I mean).
What happens when as a server you accidentally find the bride dead at the wedding you’re working. Then groom? A mafioso of epic proportions. Well he still needs a bride and your choice is either marry him or die, did I mention he’s hot as sin? The answer is easy.
The found family that both Giulio and Daisy stumbled into was really sweet. Their respective adoptive siblings and how they would do literally anything for them gave me life. I especially love Dante (giulio’s brother) relationship with Daisy. He could just see the writing on the wall and knew that Daisy was his sister and he treated her as such from the get go.
I laughed so much, Daisy’s inner dialogue just sat with my adhd brain. Every-time bad Daisy came out, I have never related to anything more.
If you are in the market for a marriage of INCONVENIENCE, a Mmc and an FMC who will kill for each other and the most delicious murder banter- you need this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved this read! I've been in a bit of a slump lately where I've only been able to finish audiobooks, but this book hooked me quickly and kept my attention throughout. I may have ignored a responsibility or two and lost a few hours of sleep so I could devour it ASAP.
This book follows Daisy, who struggles with ADHD. She's struggling to break into her dream career that she went to NYC to chase. Her temp waitressing gig lands her in an interesting situation, where she takes the place of a bride in an arranged marriage to a high-ranking Italian mobster. Daisy's inner (and outer) musings are comical. They left me giggling and always wondering just what she'd do next. While this story focuses mostly on the blooming romance of this unexpected marriage, there are some outside plot factors that contribute to the story as well, which I really liked!
Quick Content Peek:
- Standalone
- Mafia romance
- M/F romance
- Dark rom com
- Plot-focused, but spicy
- ADHD rep
- Age gap
- Morally gray / unhinged characters
- Poor FMC / Rich MMC
- Protective MMC
- FMC with a ride or die bestie
This book follows Daisy, who struggles with ADHD. She's struggling to break into her dream career that she went to NYC to chase. Her temp waitressing gig lands her in an interesting situation, where she takes the place of a bride in an arranged marriage to a high-ranking Italian mobster. Daisy's inner (and outer) musings are comical. They left me giggling and always wondering just what she'd do next. While this story focuses mostly on the blooming romance of this unexpected marriage, there are some outside plot factors that contribute to the story as well, which I really liked!
Quick Content Peek:
- Standalone
- Mafia romance
- M/F romance
- Dark rom com
- Plot-focused, but spicy
- ADHD rep
- Age gap
- Morally gray / unhinged characters
- Poor FMC / Rich MMC
- Protective MMC
- FMC with a ride or die bestie
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was *really* excited to get my hands on **Married to the Mafia**, and once again Lucy Smoke did not disappoint. Her dark romances are already a favorite of mine, but a **dark romcom**? Turns out that was *exactly* what I needed.
This book perfectly balances a dark undertone with light, laugh-out-loud moments, and I honestly don’t know how she pulled it off—but she absolutely did. The humor never takes away from the darkness; instead, it enhances it.
Daisy was such a relatable FMC. I loved that she genuinely didn’t see how incredible she was, even when everyone else did. Her inner psycho had me smiling the whole time—quietly helping her along while she tried her hardest to ignore it. Giulio’s similar background made their connection feel natural and fast, and their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. Watching him slowly (and not so subtly) try to make her fall in love while she completely misses what’s happening was equal parts sweet and hilarious.
Dark, funny, and unexpectedly charming, **Married to the Mafia** is another win for Lucy Smoke and a must-read for fans of dark romance with a twist. 🖤📚
This book perfectly balances a dark undertone with light, laugh-out-loud moments, and I honestly don’t know how she pulled it off—but she absolutely did. The humor never takes away from the darkness; instead, it enhances it.
Daisy was such a relatable FMC. I loved that she genuinely didn’t see how incredible she was, even when everyone else did. Her inner psycho had me smiling the whole time—quietly helping her along while she tried her hardest to ignore it. Giulio’s similar background made their connection feel natural and fast, and their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. Watching him slowly (and not so subtly) try to make her fall in love while she completely misses what’s happening was equal parts sweet and hilarious.
Dark, funny, and unexpectedly charming, **Married to the Mafia** is another win for Lucy Smoke and a must-read for fans of dark romance with a twist. 🖤📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2/5. DNF at 10%. And unlike most other of my DNFs, I didn’t even bother flipping through the rest of the book, cause I really couldn’t is it anymore.
This book is what you’d get if you turned that “omg I’m sooooo quirky and unique” girl into a novel. Like no, you’re just annoying. The FMC’s inner monologue made it so hard to get into the book, cause I had to stop every 5 words to roll my eyes.
Imagine my horror when I got the MMC’s POV and realized he was the exact same. And yes, I mean the exact same. There was literally no difference between the FMC and MMC. If the author hadn’t labeled whose POV each section was, it might’ve been the same person speaking.
The writing. I don’t know how to describe it. But it reads like the kind of fanfic my friends would write in middle school.
If you’re still in your wattpad phase, go for it I guess. But frankly, I’ve read better books there, so maybe make it a last ditch effort…
1 extra star cause the plot was fun. But tbf, like I said, I dropped it at 10%, who knows what it’s actually like? There was a lot of potential though.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC.
This book is what you’d get if you turned that “omg I’m sooooo quirky and unique” girl into a novel. Like no, you’re just annoying. The FMC’s inner monologue made it so hard to get into the book, cause I had to stop every 5 words to roll my eyes.
Imagine my horror when I got the MMC’s POV and realized he was the exact same. And yes, I mean the exact same. There was literally no difference between the FMC and MMC. If the author hadn’t labeled whose POV each section was, it might’ve been the same person speaking.
The writing. I don’t know how to describe it. But it reads like the kind of fanfic my friends would write in middle school.
If you’re still in your wattpad phase, go for it I guess. But frankly, I’ve read better books there, so maybe make it a last ditch effort…
1 extra star cause the plot was fun. But tbf, like I said, I dropped it at 10%, who knows what it’s actually like? There was a lot of potential though.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don't usually read dark romance, but the blurb for MARRIED TO THE MAFIA hooked me with its romcom vibe and I'm so glad it did. I came for the laughs and stayed for the gore.
Daisy Turner takes a catering job and accidentally crashes a mafia wedding. When the bride ends up dead, Daisy becomes the only witness and the only woman left standing in front of the stupidly hot mafia groom. His solution? Marry her or die. Daisy is no idiot, she picks life.
What I loved most was how Lucy balances humor and darkness. Daisy's inner monologues are hilarious, somewhat awkward, totally off the wall and full of bad decisions that absolutely endeared her to me. The chemistry between Daisy and Giulio is electric. Their banter sharp, their tension constant, and watching them clash and connect was stupid hot and surprisingly sweet.
MARRIED TO THE MAFIA is chaotic, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. It's the perfect mix of absurd romcom energy and dark, dangerous romance. I didn't expect to love it but I absolutely did! I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Daisy Turner takes a catering job and accidentally crashes a mafia wedding. When the bride ends up dead, Daisy becomes the only witness and the only woman left standing in front of the stupidly hot mafia groom. His solution? Marry her or die. Daisy is no idiot, she picks life.
What I loved most was how Lucy balances humor and darkness. Daisy's inner monologues are hilarious, somewhat awkward, totally off the wall and full of bad decisions that absolutely endeared her to me. The chemistry between Daisy and Giulio is electric. Their banter sharp, their tension constant, and watching them clash and connect was stupid hot and surprisingly sweet.
MARRIED TO THE MAFIA is chaotic, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. It's the perfect mix of absurd romcom energy and dark, dangerous romance. I didn't expect to love it but I absolutely did! I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mmmm this one wasn’t for me. I liked how funny it was, but that’s really all I liked of the story. I found the main character to be very annoying. It felt like she was trying too hard to be quirky and likeable, and it really just made me not like her.
On the cover, the main character also literally has blood on her dress, but I also didn’t expect this to be as gory as it was. I was grossed out sometimes, so much to the point that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading.
Ultimately, I am glad I stuck with it because of how entertaining it was. The story felt like a mix of Lights Out and Rook & Rebel, but with a splash of horror mixed in.
Will I read other books by this author? Maybe. I’m honestly not sure. I think I would have to find just the right story. I liked the writing style, but the characters weren’t it for me, so I’m not sure if I’d check out other books by them.
Thank you so much to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
On the cover, the main character also literally has blood on her dress, but I also didn’t expect this to be as gory as it was. I was grossed out sometimes, so much to the point that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading.
Ultimately, I am glad I stuck with it because of how entertaining it was. The story felt like a mix of Lights Out and Rook & Rebel, but with a splash of horror mixed in.
Will I read other books by this author? Maybe. I’m honestly not sure. I think I would have to find just the right story. I liked the writing style, but the characters weren’t it for me, so I’m not sure if I’d check out other books by them.
Thank you so much to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve read a different dark romance series by Lucy Smoke (which I love), so I went in expecting something similar. This was a lot lighter, not quite a dark romance, very toned down Mafia in comparison to what I normally read. Looking back now the cover is starting to make more sense…
While the writing and quick moving plot held my attention that I finished the whole book in one day, I struggled a bit with the chemistry between Daisy and Giulio — their emotional shift felt sudden, and I wanted more development (and honestly more spice). I did enjoy the strong back stories the characters were given!
However - I actually found myself more invested in the mafia dynamics and side character relationships, than the main romance. Dante was the real leading man, I need his book and Emilio’s! At times Daisy’s inner monologue blurred between quirky to intrusive thoughts that could be confusing to follow. I just wasn’t a total Daisy fan and I needed more from Giulio.
Overall, 3.75/5 - rounded up to a 4
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my review!
While the writing and quick moving plot held my attention that I finished the whole book in one day, I struggled a bit with the chemistry between Daisy and Giulio — their emotional shift felt sudden, and I wanted more development (and honestly more spice). I did enjoy the strong back stories the characters were given!
However - I actually found myself more invested in the mafia dynamics and side character relationships, than the main romance. Dante was the real leading man, I need his book and Emilio’s! At times Daisy’s inner monologue blurred between quirky to intrusive thoughts that could be confusing to follow. I just wasn’t a total Daisy fan and I needed more from Giulio.
Overall, 3.75/5 - rounded up to a 4
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All Daisy wanted after moving to New York with her best friend was to find a job in the publishing world and pay off her debts while living her life. Her plans take a sharp turn into the unknown when she stumbles into a situation which leaves her as the new bride to Giulio. Giulio just needs a bride in order to fulfill the request of his adopted father, who also happens to be the head of their "family".
This was a dark rom-com that was had me shaking my head at Daisy's inner monologue. Although it's labeled as dark due to the nature of Giulio's role in the mob, it overall was a fun read. Both Daisy and Giulio had similar childhoods before Giulio was adopted by his best friends family. I enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and figuring how to make this unconvetional relationship work while trying to figure out who was trying to undermine Giulio's place in the mob.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced readers copy.
This was a dark rom-com that was had me shaking my head at Daisy's inner monologue. Although it's labeled as dark due to the nature of Giulio's role in the mob, it overall was a fun read. Both Daisy and Giulio had similar childhoods before Giulio was adopted by his best friends family. I enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and figuring how to make this unconvetional relationship work while trying to figure out who was trying to undermine Giulio's place in the mob.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced readers copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The book title alone is enough to indicate the humour and action the story will tell. I was fortunately to receive an ARC copy from NetGalley. The description of the story is what sold me. From the beginning, I was drawn into a world of humour, witty banter and a FMC who is spunky and daring in the face of danger.
There was character development between the main characters and I found myself empathizing with them. As well, the side characters also delivered on being memorable, heartfelt and a comedic bunch.
The plot focuses on the dynamic between the FMC and the MMC. I was waiting for the action to pick up since the pacing does start a little slower in terms of the characters' interaction with the world but as I dover deeper between the pages, the action began making itself known.
If you do enjoy mafia romances with romantic comedy humour, and underlying action-packed scenes, then you will have to add Married to the Mafia to your TBR list.
There was character development between the main characters and I found myself empathizing with them. As well, the side characters also delivered on being memorable, heartfelt and a comedic bunch.
The plot focuses on the dynamic between the FMC and the MMC. I was waiting for the action to pick up since the pacing does start a little slower in terms of the characters' interaction with the world but as I dover deeper between the pages, the action began making itself known.
If you do enjoy mafia romances with romantic comedy humour, and underlying action-packed scenes, then you will have to add Married to the Mafia to your TBR list.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. The story starts off with Daisy helping out her friend, Michelle, by taking a job she had at a wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding can't happen as planned as the bride is murdered. Daisy learns this is a mafia wedding and that a new bride is needed. Giulio, the groom, needs to get married to show his priorities and loyalty to his family. This wedding starts off as a convenient farce and becomes so much more. As Daisy and Giulio get to know each, we learn more about their past, see them get to know each other, and eventually fall in love. I really enjoyed Daisy and Giulio's banter, their devotion to loyal friends, and embrace their dark sides. This was a fun popcorn read as it was a fast paced, fun, and good time. I think if you like mafia books with a dark sense of humor, this is the perfect book for you. :)
March 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This book was so much fun! Daisy (and Mean Daisy) is such a fresh FMC and I really enjoyed her character. She's not like other girls... literally. She's a magnet for trouble, accident prone and slightly unstable. But she's also loyal, compassionate and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her inner monologues also had me cackling through out the entire book.
Guilio comes from the mafia world and ends up dragging Daisy into his life. He doesn't think that she is capable of handling all the dangers that come with the mafia life, but he quickly learns that there's more to Daisy than he initially thought. She is exactly the kind of woman he needs by his side.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to see these characters again!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC!!
This book was so much fun! Daisy (and Mean Daisy) is such a fresh FMC and I really enjoyed her character. She's not like other girls... literally. She's a magnet for trouble, accident prone and slightly unstable. But she's also loyal, compassionate and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her inner monologues also had me cackling through out the entire book.
Guilio comes from the mafia world and ends up dragging Daisy into his life. He doesn't think that she is capable of handling all the dangers that come with the mafia life, but he quickly learns that there's more to Daisy than he initially thought. She is exactly the kind of woman he needs by his side.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to see these characters again!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC!!
January 8, 2026
Hands down this was the best book I’ve read so far this year! Dark romance with comedy? Sign me up!
Ever hear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Well that’s just what happens to Daisy, but will this end up being a good thing? When she is working what should be a normal temp job turns into her walking into something she shouldn’t have seen well this is where things get interesting. In order to stay alive she must marry the man whose original fiancé is now dead. They think she’s just some weak and fragile civilian, but “mean daisy” may just come out to play.
This starts off as a simple arranged marriage where they both know nothing about each other. As the story goes on, will romance bloom or is that smell in the air just blood?
Ever hear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Well that’s just what happens to Daisy, but will this end up being a good thing? When she is working what should be a normal temp job turns into her walking into something she shouldn’t have seen well this is where things get interesting. In order to stay alive she must marry the man whose original fiancé is now dead. They think she’s just some weak and fragile civilian, but “mean daisy” may just come out to play.
This starts off as a simple arranged marriage where they both know nothing about each other. As the story goes on, will romance bloom or is that smell in the air just blood?
March 9, 2026
This was a cute quick read. Perfect for those who are just trying mafia romance for the first time.
It was advertised as a romcom with hilarious banter and I don’t think it was that. It just seemed like a light mafia romance, which is fine. I wouldn’t call it dark.
We didn’t spend a lot of time with the MMC, but he seemed like a typical mafia guy. No complaints. The FMC, I liked but I did not like how she kept referring to her “darker thoughts” as Dark Daisy. Annoyed me every time.
I actually liked the FMC‘s best friend and would love her story. I’m hoping she does get her own book because I think her version of the events and love story would be pretty good.
Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
It was advertised as a romcom with hilarious banter and I don’t think it was that. It just seemed like a light mafia romance, which is fine. I wouldn’t call it dark.
We didn’t spend a lot of time with the MMC, but he seemed like a typical mafia guy. No complaints. The FMC, I liked but I did not like how she kept referring to her “darker thoughts” as Dark Daisy. Annoyed me every time.
I actually liked the FMC‘s best friend and would love her story. I’m hoping she does get her own book because I think her version of the events and love story would be pretty good.
Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2026
I adored this book. I’m so biased because I haven’t read anything by Lucy I didn’t love. However, this is out of the normal for her. We know and love her for her dark romance and dark romantasy. This is her first trad published AND DARK ROM COM. I find rom coms not written by navessa allen and or Brynne weaver as cringey. This is now one of my top ones I’ve read. Lucy can literally write her grocery list and I’d buy it.
Mafia? I’m in. But dark rom com mafia? Even better. We have forced marriage which is one of my favorites to. He falls first. She doesn’t know she’s pretty. She’s quirky and so relatable to myself. Absolutely lots of love for daisy and this book.
Great job Lucy 🫶🏼
Mafia? I’m in. But dark rom com mafia? Even better. We have forced marriage which is one of my favorites to. He falls first. She doesn’t know she’s pretty. She’s quirky and so relatable to myself. Absolutely lots of love for daisy and this book.
Great job Lucy 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐rounded to 4
Married to the Mafia was a cute dark rom com that I enjoyed enough to read in one sitting. Our FMC, Daisy, is a bit of a quirky and unhinged character although I could have done without such a heavy presence of her "Mean Daisy" inner monologue. It was giving dissociative identity disorder. Guilio and Daisy were cute together and had some hot moments. The ending was a little chaotic.
Loved Daisy's relationship with her BFF, Michelle and Guilio's relationship with his brother, Dante. Am I the only one that is shipping Michelle and Dante?
Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for a copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Married to the Mafia was a cute dark rom com that I enjoyed enough to read in one sitting. Our FMC, Daisy, is a bit of a quirky and unhinged character although I could have done without such a heavy presence of her "Mean Daisy" inner monologue. It was giving dissociative identity disorder. Guilio and Daisy were cute together and had some hot moments. The ending was a little chaotic.
Loved Daisy's relationship with her BFF, Michelle and Guilio's relationship with his brother, Dante. Am I the only one that is shipping Michelle and Dante?
Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for a copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first book by this talented author and I don’t know how that’s possible because this book was charming, hilarious and the perfect mix of manic love.
From start to finish the interactions between Giulio and Daisy were full of heart and laughter! Daisy inner thoughts were the best. I laughed so hard at her many sides and love the kick butt heroine she turned out to be. She was fierce and wouldn’t let anyone underestimate her not even herself. The respect and heat that grew between her and her mafia husband was perfect and delicious. Love how everything worked out because the surprises made this book consuming and so much fun.
From start to finish the interactions between Giulio and Daisy were full of heart and laughter! Daisy inner thoughts were the best. I laughed so hard at her many sides and love the kick butt heroine she turned out to be. She was fierce and wouldn’t let anyone underestimate her not even herself. The respect and heat that grew between her and her mafia husband was perfect and delicious. Love how everything worked out because the surprises made this book consuming and so much fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 🌟. I love Lucy smoke but unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. The inner monologue the FMC has was distracting and sort of took me ‘out of the moment’ a lot in the story. There were funny moments and decent tension but I wish the entire book had the style and writing of the epilogue. Personal opinions aside, If you want a quirky light-hearted dark romance that serves as a quick read you should still check this out because you may love it. Thank you so much to netgalley and forever publishing for allowing me to read this in advance!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚📚 ARC Review 📚📚
Once again, I am pleasantly surprised that mafia, dark romance, and rom-com can all go together in one book.
The dialogue and banter between Daisy and Guilio had me laughing hysterically in some places. The quotes for chapter headings just added more personality to the characters.
I love Daisy’s sass and fierceness when it comes to her love for her bestie Michelle and her (unknowing) love for Guilio. Sometimes her internal dialogue on the page got a little silly but it still added to the story in its own way.
Once again, I am pleasantly surprised that mafia, dark romance, and rom-com can all go together in one book.
The dialogue and banter between Daisy and Guilio had me laughing hysterically in some places. The quotes for chapter headings just added more personality to the characters.
I love Daisy’s sass and fierceness when it comes to her love for her bestie Michelle and her (unknowing) love for Guilio. Sometimes her internal dialogue on the page got a little silly but it still added to the story in its own way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Married to the Mafia ⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to grand central publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What do you get when you mix a clueless waitress, a dead bride, and half of the FBI’s most wanted? Pure chaos.
This dark romantic comedy was messy, dramatic, and surprisingly funny. The marriage of convenience setup hooked me right away, and the banter definitely carried the story. The hero is full morally gray with strong “touch her and die” energy, which made for some intense (and entertaining) moments.
Thank you to grand central publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What do you get when you mix a clueless waitress, a dead bride, and half of the FBI’s most wanted? Pure chaos.
This dark romantic comedy was messy, dramatic, and surprisingly funny. The marriage of convenience setup hooked me right away, and the banter definitely carried the story. The hero is full morally gray with strong “touch her and die” energy, which made for some intense (and entertaining) moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I should have known when I got to the hilarious, but still very functional, trigger warnings page that this book would have me laughing throughout. Daisy's inner voice is something else. It was like the better part of the book was witty banter between Daisy and well Daisy.
I do hope Married to the Mafia is the start of a series. There is great potential for more fabulous books with some of the characters already introduced.
I do hope Married to the Mafia is the start of a series. There is great potential for more fabulous books with some of the characters already introduced.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
So, this book just wasn't for me. I finished it but it was hard to get to the end...I just didn't care about any of the characters and I really, really disliked the inner monologue that Daisy had. Nothing really kept my attention and the opening of the book had lots of potential but never lived up to it, in my opinion.
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!
January 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this rom-com spin of a mafia romance. Daisy has this inner monologue that despite being comical shines a light on the way a mind can fracture in order to protect ourselves when we needed it the most. Giulio had a similar childhood as Daisy, and they are the perfect pair for each other on so many levels. On the surface the book is pretty comical, but the underlying messages of healing and building the bonds of family is super sweet. I really loved the pacing of this book and in addition to the the fun dynamic between Daisy and Giulio, the side characters are equally as great, id Michelle or Dante happen to get their own books I would not complain.
*I would like to thank NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and author Lucy Smoke for this arc”
*I would like to thank NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and author Lucy Smoke for this arc”
January 17, 2026
I can't even begin to tell you how much I laughed at Daisy! Or highlighted the chapter headers, because her mental monologue and banter with herself is hysterical!!!! Guilio is so much more than book boyfriend material. That man is #booksoulmategoals I could not put it down! Now... the spice!!! Holy HOTNESS!!! My husband loved this book too and he didn't even read it. 🫠
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