Corrupting Lily

by Eloise Benjamin

Lily
You know how the saying out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Just when I escaped one dangerous man, I catch the eye of another.
Except this one makes me feel more than fear.
With a bounty on my head for a secret someone is willing to kill me for, no one can keep me safe. No one but the angel of death himself. A nickname not bestowed lightly and one the Mafia Don who has taken an interest in me wears with the confidence of one who has earned it.
With each heated glance and words that heal me instead of tear me down, there is no escaping his corruption. And when the time comes, do I really want to?

Dominico
She is everything I am not. And everything I crave.
Her innocence begs me to corrupt it. When a bounty threatens to take her from me, the only way to keep her safe is by making her mine.
I set out to corrupt her, but who knew little flowers could bloom in the dark?
Now there is no way I am giving her up.
She is mine.

Corrupting Lily is a standalone dark mafia romance featuring a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and some dark themes. If you enjoy touch-her-and-die, only-sweet-for-her, possessive alpha males, this book is for you.

Genres: Dark Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2025

About the author

UK-based indie author writing emotionally intense romance across dark, mafia, shifter/paranormal, and sci-fi fantasy worlds.

Expect morally grey characters, high emotional stakes, fated connections, and stories that don’t shy away from obsession, power, or passion.

📚 Romance with depth, tension, and bite
🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/eloisebenjamin

Reviews

[Violleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

#părerea_Violetei
#recomandare_de_lectura

🌸Corrupting Lily, Eloise Benjamin
314 pagini

🌸Posibile spoilere!
🌸Lily Valentine este o fată care nu a primit nimic bun de la viața, care a suferit fizic și mai ales psihic, care nu a auzit o vorbă bună sau o apreciere, mai întâi de la cei cei care i-au fost părinți și apoi de la cel care ar fi trebuit să o protejeze dar care s-a dovedit a fi un monstru. După multă suferință, care a durat 4 ani, Lily reușește să scape din mâinile torționarului său și este salvată de două persoane - Basilio și Francesca - care o iau sub aripa lor.
🌸Lily ajunge să lucreze în clubul celor doi, iar vreme de 6 luni reușește să stea ascunsă și să își camufleze existența, dar totul se schimbă când în club apare cel mai puternic om al mafiei - Dominico Sante. Dominico este fascinat de Lily, este impresionat de puterea ei și de modul în care nu se teme de, mai ales de modul în care îi ține piept dar cel mai mult este uimit de faptul ca nu știe cine este el și ce putere deține.
🌸După prima întâlnire cu Lily, Dominico hotărăște ca o vrea în viața lui și sub pretextul unui loc de muncă o aduce să locuiască în casa lui. Aici Lily este tratată așa cum nu a fost vreodată, este ascultată, este apreciată, dar mai ales începe să simtă iubire pentru întunecatul bărbat care nu face decât să îi ofere locul pe care îl merită.
🌸Printr-un șiretlic Dominico o face pe Lily să accepte să îi fie soție, iar pe când credeau ca totul se va așeza în viața lor și în sfârșit vor fii fericiți - asta atât cat se poate pentru că în lumea condusă de Dominico acest lucru nu prea este posibil - o răpire și o tentativă de omor schimbă totul.
🌸Cine pe cine răpește și de ce? Cine îl vrea dat la o parte pe Dominico din funcția de Don și de ce? Ce ascunde trecutul lui Lily și ce informații importate deține ea despre cel care a torturat-o ani la rând? De unde vine trădarea? Dar ajutorul nesperat? Va reuși Lily să demonstreze ca este o adevărat regină, demnă de capul mafiei? Răspunsurile le veți afla voi.
🌸Sunt la prima întâlnire cu autoarea și am fost surprinsă tare plăcut de povestea scrisă, dar și mai surprinsă am fost să aflu ca este prima carte de genul acesta pe care a publicat-o, și sper să nu se oprească aici pentru ca o face foarte bine. Nu e ceva ce nu am mai citit, dar a avut acel ceva care mă trage, a avut personaje, a avut poveste, a avut acțiune și a știut să mă facă să dau pagină după pagină. Lily și Dominico sunt perfecți împreună, sunt exact cuplul care trebuie și nu ai cum să nu îi placi. Lily are o putere interioară cum rar întâlnești, nu se dă bătută și luptă indiferent de situație. Dominico vine și el cu multe traume, vine dintr-o lume întunecată pe care o conduce, este dus si nemilos, dupa cum ii spune și titulatura de Îngerul morții, așa cum este cunoscut în mafie. Dar este și un bărbat drept, care a știut să ii țină aproape pe cei care merită, iar apariția lui Lily în viața lui aduce lumină în sufletul său întunecat. Mi-a plăcut prietenia cu Dante și Nero, mi-a plăcut tot ce a făcut pentru “il mio fiorellino”.
Dacă recomand?
Sigur ca da, mai ales dacă adorați mafioții și personajele morally grey.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems I’m on a mafia mojo atm, suppose that’s the luck of the draw 🤭

Our FMC manages to escape an abusive relationship, I use that term loosely, it’s worse than you think. The MC a mafia Don is drawn to her, he explains it as they are kindred spirits, he sees the darkness lying dormant behind her eyes. She in turn feels the same way but is cautious of letting herself go for fear she will be in a similar situation to one she has escaped from. Eloise takes us through their building relationship, interspersed with his business and figuring out how they can seek her revenge. There is more…but spoilers ya know 🤣

It was one of those stories you don’t want to put down until you’ve reached the finale. It was well written and flowed brilliantly, I do need me a Dominico now though, any idea where I can purchase one? 🫦

[Xandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devored

I devoured this book. I absolutely love mafia dark romances and this book hit that spot. Lily had a rough childhood and it followed her. She was finally able to escape with the help of two friends that she made. She was saving to run and move on without having to look over her shoulder. She changed her name and appearance so she wouldn't get recognized. Until one night Dominico found interest in her. Lily's whole life changed when Dom came into her life. Lily is a strong FMC and she does take a lot. She fights with her trauma throughout the story. Dominico wow!!!! I absolutely love him. He is the perfect bad dangerous MMC. He is obsessive and loyal. He is a touch her 💀 kind of man. He is also the Don of the Mafia family where could you go wrong with him. If you love Mafia Romance this is a good book to read. It was written beautifully and the pot was amazing. Check triggers. The spice was of course a 5. I hope to see more especially with Nero and Dante.

[Steffi De Ceuster ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually really pleasantly surprised by this book and author.

I did enjoy it very much and the start was immediately very compelling so I bought it immediately.

I loved how sweet and I would say innocent Lily was, but she was so damn strong! What she went through and stayed so strong is admiring.

I was actually curious to see Holly and Nero, but for me this one made that a bit complete. That I don't really need their complete story.

I would love to see more of this author.

[Annie Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW! I cannot believe this is Eloise Benjamin's first mafia romance. Girlypop, you're sitting on a gold mine.

The world-building was top tier. The storytelling was rich, layered, and unapologetically dark. This isn't mafia-adjacent, it IS Mafia with a capital M.

Lily...also known as Daisy or "Little Flower" (Dominico's nickname for her) is an absolute force. She's coming out of a horrific situation with abusive parents and then an abusive/fiance (who... I can't even. No words that won't get my review flagged). She's on the run, broken but not defeated, and ends up being taken in by two "kind" strangers who help her get back on her feet.

Enter Dominico. The Don. All alpha. All control. All hers. Once he sets his sights on Lily, he doesn't just want to possess her, he wants to tend to her. Nurture her. See her bloom under his protection and his touch. And let me tell you...the way he shows up has got "who hurt you, let me fix it" written all over it.

Their story is brutal, tender, raw, and intense. And the side characters...OH no, they're not in the background anymore, they've moved into my head rent-free, and I need their books. Immediately.

There are graphic and violent scenes that may not be for everyone, I'm honestly not sure where to start with this one, other than please check the CW/TW because this book is heavy. But whew but if you can handle it, read this book. It's dark romance done right. I was enthralled.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily is amazing…

I’m not going to talk about the plot, which I loved. No spoilers! But I do want to talk about the characters. I adore Lily’s character and how strong she turns out to be. We don’t see that strength in the beginning of the book, but as the story develops we learn a lot about her and what she’s endured. Dominico is just the right amount of arrogance and gentleness combined. He may be the Don, but he loves his little flower.

Lily and Dominico are a wonderful couple and I enjoyed their relationship journey. I hope that Holly and Violet get their own stories too. They had to discover their own strengths so they can deal with their own situations.

[Lauren Curley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level

Lily was found bleeding out as she was on the run from her violent fiancée. She's found, kept hidden, and working for cash under table at a local strip club. This is where Dominico, Head Don of Cosa Nostra, finds her. He notices enough with only a handful of interactions to note that he wants her and to help rid her of her demons. Almost a like meets like for similar traumas they've experienced and he senses this.

The story moves along at a steady pace, and it's everything you want in a dark mafia romance. As the leader of Cosa Nostra, Dominico is a hard man, but for Lily, he's got a soft touch. He's even letting her set the pace of intimacy, but he does have to protect her. He's the angel of death, and he absolutely slays her demons as they go along. I'm not typically a lover of slow burn, but there's just enough touches, caresses, temptation moments, and hot moments to make it worth it. Dominico shows Lily how to embrace life again, including getting her own power back, like his Mafia Queen should.

Elosie, you did it again! Dark romance looks good on you. I can't wait for the other books for this series. Totally underhyped author, in my opinion.

⚠️ As always, check the trigger and content warnings ⚠️

[Denise Fooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This book was fantastic. Twist turns in the book. A wonderful love story. Once I started reading the book I didn’t put it down until I fished it. You need to read this book.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me in my currently favorite reading genre dark mafia romance.

It’s not perfect but I loved the story of the H and h how they fell both at first sight and grow together in their relationship.
There’s no way giving less then five stars 🤩 because for once we have a Hero who is a mafia don older and dangerous BUT so so cute to our heroine never mean or abusive and he fells for her so hard.
The heroine is not a kid but a 29 year old grown woman who’s gone through a lot of trauma and I am glad this author gives her a life and love and happiness like some other writers would put their heroines through more abuse by the hands of the supposed Hero’s.

So thanks for this beautiful book

[BookADayKindOfGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved every bit of this book! I wonder is there doing to be books for Dante and Nero! I sure hope there will be

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

Here we go again another addicting book by one of my favorite authors ! If you want a story that has a strong FMC with a touch her and die mafia boss this one is for you! This book is so satisfying with a HEA and no cliffhanger you will not be able to put this book down once you start reading it.

[Debby The Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorching Sienna brought me here, and I must say, as a Mafia romance buff and ghostwriter, that I'm even more impressed with the author's storytelling and how the plot was woven perfectly with just enough suspense, intrigue, heat, betrayal, information, power, drama, and love, to portray the perfect Mafia romance.

[Felicia Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!! Just can’t put it down!🙌🏽

Truly an amazing author it’s amazing to read a book and not feel like I’m reading the same book over and over again just with different names, but different author’s.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice surprise

This was quite the nice little surprise. There was the
right amount of romance to not make it to mushy. More very detailed sex than needed and, just the right a ount of action to keep it from being boring. It was a very good read.

[Mannel Rkd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story was amazing. You had a nice plot, but my only regret for this book and why I took one star is the fact that Lily someone who was abused her whole life seemed to normal. I mean she should be traumatised, but she wasn’t, and then she went through something similar again in the book, but it’s still overlooked and I just don’t see how that’s any sort of realistic. I know it’s a book but still she went through so much for her to be completely normal not even PTSD or anything.

[Bam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this read, a dark spicy mafia always works for me 🤭 👻

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Mafia book. I've always shied away from them because I thought they would be too much.

That couldn't have been further from the truth. OMG, this book was incredible. I started it and couldn't put it down until I finished it at 7 am. YES, I read it straight through the night. You can't finish one chapter and not have the need to start the next. AMAZING. Then amount of strength Lily had was extraordinary. Dominico was strong and tender all at the same time when it came to Lily. He seemed to know what she needed. He gave her time to figure things out on her own with a small amount of nudging. The characters were introduced and described in such a way that I could see them visually. I can't wait to see if Nero and Holly, Violet and Dante, and the Mancuso brothers get their own books.

[Sammi-Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed!!!

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – Intense, Emotional, and Unputdownable!

Corrupting Lily by Eloise Benjamin was such a great surprise — this was my first time reading this author, and I’m definitely coming back for more!

Lily and Domenico stole the show for me. Both scarred and broken in their own ways, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved how Domenico called her “il mio fiorellino” (my little flower) — such a tender contrast to his dark world. And the nickname “Ange de la Mort” (angel of death) was perfect.

The writing flowed so well that I was hooked from start to finish. The emotional depth, the passion, and the tension kept me turning pages late into the night. I also really enjoyed getting glimpses of other characters and can’t wait to read their stories too.

Highly recommend if you’re into dark romance with powerful, broken characters and sizzling chemistry.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Really enjoyed this! First time reading Eloise Benjamin and I loved her writing—it flowed so well. Lily and Domenico were great, and the family dynamics made it even better. Left me with that warm, fuzzy feeling.

Hoping we get Dante & Violet or Nero & Holly next!

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like the mmc at the beginning, he did grow on me eventually, the plots were a bit silly at times, and every man that sees Lily wants her. 😂

It could have been so much better but sadly the plots were all over the place and didn’t make sense. Lily was homeless from the age of 16 then she lives with her boyfriend for a while who is really controlling. So when did she get her degree in bookkeeping and how did she manage it financially? I hated Dominico at first as he’s so cold and horrible to everyone. He wanted Lily to fear him, so he puts his hands around her throat, but for some bizarre reason Lily liked it, and was turned on. Bizarre. 🙄🙈 Eventually he starts being really sweet with Lily but it took a while. The middle of the book really drags, there’s a tiny bit of danger at the end which was too rushed, and the ending was terrible.

The book starts with Lily who is in an abusive relationship escaping from her boyfriend. It fasts forward six months and she’s now working in a strippers club. Again this is really bizarre as Lily is really traumatised by her ex and finds it difficult looking at men, never mind talking to them. When the owners cousin comes into the club she’s terrified by him and his ten guards. As he’s the don of all the families. As I said above ⬆️ their first meeting is terrible as as Dominico just wants to dominate her and her to be scared of him. 😡 I hate that. Dominco is fascinated by Lily and moves her into his house. WHY??? It’s never explained why he does. Dominco already has one woman living in his house, again I’ve no clue why as he says he’s never had sex with her. So why is she living there??? It doesn’t make any sense!

When Dominico realises how badly Lily has been treat all her life, his whole attitude changes and he’s really sweet with her. Especially after he throws the other woman out of his house. I was really disappointed that the danger Lily was in from her ex never really came to anything. He made a lot of noise about wanting her back but that was it till nearly the end, then it gets good for a bit. Dominico has someone trying to kill him and take his place but he has no idea who, I knew straight away who it was as it’s obvious. So he’s in a lot of a danger and he never goes anywhere without all his guards. So why does he take Lily to an island he owns without ANY guards??? Then later in the book he leaves his guards and is on his own in a very dangerous situation. That doesn’t make any sense.

There are really enjoyable parts in this book, but there are parts that really drag on and on, till the ending which is really rushed. One last thing. Lily calls him Daddydon and I found that really weird as they don’t have that kind of a relationship at all!

[Valox Keltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say… Dominico….. 🤤🤤🤤

I immediately fell in love with this book. I wish I could read it for the first time over and over again. One of my favorite tropes is strong, hot, cold men suddenly kneeling and worshipping their love interest. Dominico, '“The Angel of Death” is immediately drawn to Lily, who works at his cousins strip club. Lily, an escaped victim of DV, now has a bounty on her head. I cherish Lily’s character development throughout the book. I think her name is very fitting, as she blooms beautifully. Despite appearing to be opposites, a powerful mafia don, and a girl in hiding, these characters are similar on so many deep levels that I find enticing. The author does a really good job of making us invested in the side characters as well. I love their bodyguards and famiglia. This book does a very good job of centering the business side of his mafia, while also focusing on their love story. I truly cannot comprehend how this is the author's first plunge into mafia romance with how spectacularly this is written. Genuinely this might be my favorite book right now. Did I get only four hours of sleep because of this book? Yes. Yes I did. Do I regret it? No.Honestly, it’s rare I have absolutely no complaints about a book.



Ratings:

✨ Overall: 5/5

🔥Spice: 5/5



Tags:🤤Pleasure Dom😈Mafia❤️HEA

🔥Touch her and die 🥵 Daddy Dom

[Katlyn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it was a decent read. I really liked Dominico and Lily—their connection had depth, and their dynamic kept me engaged. That said, the book definitely could (and should IMO) have been shorter. Some sections dragged, and trimming them would have made the story tighter and more impactful.
One thing that threw me off was the use of multiple duplicate names for different characters. For example, there was Elio—first introduced as Doms’ nephew, and then later another Elio from a rival family. Similarly, Senator John Underwood, the senator who abused Lily, was followed by another abuser named Senator Johnathan Williams. It made things a bit confusing at times and pulled me out of the story while I tried to keep the characters straight.
Still, the emotional moments hit well, and the romance between the leads was compelling enough to carry it through

[Jenny Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading my way through all of Eloise Benjamin’s books and I am usually not a fan of the mafia trope. However, each of her books is genre-crossing which I find refreshing in her writing style. This was a little bit less engaging than the others, I found myself stopped from immersion by some of the language used. I also think the dichotomy of previous victimization with the level of dominance physically felt a little… quick. Enjoyable read but not completely believable from a trauma-informed perspective. I know we love an HEA, but with this subject matter, and the high prevalence of violence against women in real-world, it felt a little too close to cyclical abuse continuation.

Also Daddy-Dom was cringe.

[Simona Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book. We have Lily, a young woman with a lot of past trauma and running away from an abusive fiancé. Her path intersects with Dominico, the head of Cosa Nostra (also with many past traumas) and from there begins a beautiful story that has all the ingredients. 😊

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

an ok read