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The Princess and The Don
When Sage Lee discovers her father is passing his criminal empire to her male cousin instead of her, she decides to burn the whole kingdom down. And who better to help strike the match than the devastatingly dangerous Don Gabriel Costa, her family's sworn enemy?
Sage offers Gabriel everything he's ever dreamed of - inside intelligence that could destroy all her family’s built. But she never expected the young Don to set her blood on fire with just one smoldering look.
Gabriel Costa didn't become the most feared man in the underground by being reckless. When Sage saunters into his life with a vengeance in her eyes and sin on her lips, every instinct screams trap. Yet the allure of destroying the Lee Empire, and claiming its rebellious princess as his own, proves impossible to resist.
Sage offers Gabriel everything he's ever dreamed of - inside intelligence that could destroy all her family’s built. But she never expected the young Don to set her blood on fire with just one smoldering look.
Gabriel Costa didn't become the most feared man in the underground by being reckless. When Sage saunters into his life with a vengeance in her eyes and sin on her lips, every instinct screams trap. Yet the allure of destroying the Lee Empire, and claiming its rebellious princess as his own, proves impossible to resist.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2025
11 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Stacy-Deanne
169 books327 followersStacy-Deanne (pronounced Dee-Anne) is an award-winning and bestselling novelist of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction novels.
Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.
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Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.
Join mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/dFGzTL
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 13, 2025
3.5 stars
The Princess and The Don by Stacy-Deanne is another BWWM spicy tale from Stacy-Deanne. The story is fast paced, full of suspense, intrigue, thrills, chaos, crazy and a little dark. Things were a little predictable, but it was an interesting read to pass some time.
She is on a mission to take down what should have been hers now vengeance is the devil, and the enemy shows up like a gorgeous knight in dark armour.
He’s no saint, he may be young, but he is the most feared man. He is dangerous. He owns the underbelly of the town for he is The Don. He’s a guy who always gets what he wants, and he wants her. He is an obsessed man who wants to take down his enemy and now she has handed it to him on a silver platter.
The Princess and The Don by Stacy-Deanne is another BWWM spicy tale from Stacy-Deanne. The story is fast paced, full of suspense, intrigue, thrills, chaos, crazy and a little dark. Things were a little predictable, but it was an interesting read to pass some time.
She is on a mission to take down what should have been hers now vengeance is the devil, and the enemy shows up like a gorgeous knight in dark armour.
He’s no saint, he may be young, but he is the most feared man. He is dangerous. He owns the underbelly of the town for he is The Don. He’s a guy who always gets what he wants, and he wants her. He is an obsessed man who wants to take down his enemy and now she has handed it to him on a silver platter.
December 24, 2025
I went into The Princess and The Don wanting exactly what the title promised—spicy mafia romance with big “enemy families” energy—and it delivered a bingeable, high-drama ride. From the start, I was hooked by Sage. As a reader, I loved that she isn’t meek or easily intimidated; she’s furious, strategic, and ready to blow up her family’s world when she realizes she’s being pushed aside. That alone made the story feel satisfying, because it’s not just romance—it’s a power grab. And when Gabriel enters the picture, the tension shifts into that delicious “this is a terrible idea…but I’m still turning the page” zone. Every scene between them felt like a negotiation: who’s in control, who’s using who, and who’s going to crack first.
If you’re in the mood for a mafia romance that runs on revenge, betrayal, and scorching chemistry, The Princess and The Don is a fun, fast-paced bite of danger and desire. What made the book work for me was the chemistry, which is immediate and bold, and the spice doesn’t hide in the background—it’s part of the plot’s momentum. I also liked that the romance is intertwined with revenge, loyalty, and betrayal, as it keeps the stakes high even when things get steamy. If you’re a reader who wants a grounded, realistic mafia story, this might feel a little larger-than-life, but I wasn’t looking for realism—I wanted escapist drama, a strong heroine, and a don who knows exactly what he wants. By the end, I felt entertained, a little breathless, and honestly kind of proud of Sage for choosing herself and her power, even if her choices were risky.
If you’re in the mood for a mafia romance that runs on revenge, betrayal, and scorching chemistry, The Princess and The Don is a fun, fast-paced bite of danger and desire. What made the book work for me was the chemistry, which is immediate and bold, and the spice doesn’t hide in the background—it’s part of the plot’s momentum. I also liked that the romance is intertwined with revenge, loyalty, and betrayal, as it keeps the stakes high even when things get steamy. If you’re a reader who wants a grounded, realistic mafia story, this might feel a little larger-than-life, but I wasn’t looking for realism—I wanted escapist drama, a strong heroine, and a don who knows exactly what he wants. By the end, I felt entertained, a little breathless, and honestly kind of proud of Sage for choosing herself and her power, even if her choices were risky.
December 12, 2025
This book is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. One of the things I enjoy about this author is their use of creative details to make the story pop. I also enjoy their ability to pull me into the story from the start and keep me turning pages to the end. I found this story to be well written and engaging. A story about Gabriel and Sage. Sage has just found out that her father left his empire to her cousin and she is raging mad. But who better to help her bring down this empire than an enemy, Gabriel. What neither one had expected was to feel heat and attraction. What happens in this story is something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed all the characters in this story but Gabriel and Sage are my favorite. They are connectable, relatable characters that are strong and just heat up the pages together. I also enjoyed how supportive all the characters were of each other. There is great growth of both the characters and the plot throughout which makes it easy to read and entertainment as well. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I really enjoyed reading. I highly recommend this story.
December 19, 2025
The Princess and The Don: Spicy BWWM Mafia Romance by Stacy-Deanne. I love this author and I love spicy Mafia stories so this was amazing. It's the story of Sage who discovers her father is passing the family crime business torch to her cousin. After this Discovery, Sage is livid and is going to make her father pay. She decides that she is going to give all her father's secrets to his sworn enemy, Gabriel. This information could burn all her father's built to the ground. Gabriel is a little thrown off by Sage offering all this information so at first he wonders if its a set up. Once Gabriel figures out she is ready to burn her father in more ways than one and its not a set up he is all for it. On top of getting all the information he needs to bring his sworn enemy down but he finds Sage beautiful and he can barely contain himself. Sage didn't expect to be attracted to Gabriel but, man oh man, is she. He is gorgeous and before she can turn around he has claimed her as his and the spice is on. I loved this book and I read it in almost one sitting!
December 17, 2025
I thought this was a very good book. Sage is the daughter of King Lee who runs one of the biggest organizations in Ivory Haven, Illinois. When Sage finds out her father changes his will and leaves her cousin Javon to run the empire, she loses her
Ins and goes into enemy territory. She decides to go to Costas Lounge where she runs into Gabriel Costa. Who flat out tells her he wants her. Sage is only looking for a business deal. Sage decides to sabotage Javon and her dad by giving Gabriel inside information, times they will be at the weakest all so he can mess things up for her dad and Javon.
Of course Gabriel uses it to his advantage but also, starts sneaking around with Sage and forms a relationship. Javon is on to her and has her followed. He knows everything…Sage is the rat, Sage is literally sleeping with the enemy.
What will happen when Daddy realizes he made a mistake leaving his empire to Javon instead of Sage?
Thought this was a really
Good book.
Ins and goes into enemy territory. She decides to go to Costas Lounge where she runs into Gabriel Costa. Who flat out tells her he wants her. Sage is only looking for a business deal. Sage decides to sabotage Javon and her dad by giving Gabriel inside information, times they will be at the weakest all so he can mess things up for her dad and Javon.
Of course Gabriel uses it to his advantage but also, starts sneaking around with Sage and forms a relationship. Javon is on to her and has her followed. He knows everything…Sage is the rat, Sage is literally sleeping with the enemy.
What will happen when Daddy realizes he made a mistake leaving his empire to Javon instead of Sage?
Thought this was a really
Good book.
December 18, 2025
This is an enjoyable and spicy BWWM mafia romance which kept me happily turning the pages! Sage Lee discovers that her father is passing his criminal empire to her male cousin, so decides to burn his kingdom down. Sage offers her family’s sworn enemy, Don Gabriel Costa, inside intelligence that could destroy all her family’s built. All Gabriel Costa wants is to destroy the Lee Empire, but when their rebellious Princess offers him what he wants, his instincts tell him it might be a trap. Sage didn’t expect to be attracted to the dangerous young Don but can’t seem to resist his smouldering looks. Once Gabriel realises Sage wants vengeance and unable to resist their chemistry, he decides to claim her for himself. This is a fairly quick read but it is a real page turner full of drama, suspense and of course forbidden romance. The chemistry between Sage and Gabriel sizzles off the page and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.
December 24, 2025
I completely swallowed up The Princess and the Don; I kept race breathing from the very first chapter. There is sizzling chemistry between Sage Lee and Don Gabriel. The way Stacy-Deanne mixes together danger, passion, and emotional depth made this story more than a romance; it felt like a rollercoaster I couldn't stop for breath. I loved it when sparks flew between Sages' grit and Gabriel's intensity, being present in every scene we got to share. I was holding my breath waiting for things to get better for them even when it felt like the stars would never align, as their families were at odds with each other and their own wants. There were many characters and rich worlds of intrigue within the writing that pulled one in so that every twist felt earned and exciting. It is one of those books that go happily by me in terms of recommendations to bold, steamy romantic suspense fans that know how to bring heart along with heat.
December 13, 2025
3 - 3.5 Stars
The Princess and the Don is an intriguing romantic suspense that blends danger, passion, and betrayal. Stacy-Deanne crafts a short, yet tense story where loyalty is tested and love blooms in the unlikeliest of places.
We follow Sage, a determined and fearless FMC with vengeance in her heart, and Gabriel Costa, the enigmatic and dangerous Don whose power commands both fear and respect. Their chemistry is electric, and the push-and-pull between trust and deception is cannily handled, making their interactions feel like a game of emotional chess.
If you enjoy stories where love and danger collide, with morally complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, the ‘The Princess and the Don’ is probably one you will ant to dive into. It’s intense, seductive, and definitely a little intense at times.
Happy Reading…
The Princess and the Don is an intriguing romantic suspense that blends danger, passion, and betrayal. Stacy-Deanne crafts a short, yet tense story where loyalty is tested and love blooms in the unlikeliest of places.
We follow Sage, a determined and fearless FMC with vengeance in her heart, and Gabriel Costa, the enigmatic and dangerous Don whose power commands both fear and respect. Their chemistry is electric, and the push-and-pull between trust and deception is cannily handled, making their interactions feel like a game of emotional chess.
If you enjoy stories where love and danger collide, with morally complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, the ‘The Princess and the Don’ is probably one you will ant to dive into. It’s intense, seductive, and definitely a little intense at times.
Happy Reading…
December 27, 2025
Sage Lee is a prima-donna Mafia princess with a capital M, who has prepared her whole life to take over her father’s criminal empire – only to discover that due to “outdated, misogynous ideals” her father is bypassing her for her male cousin! Well…they do say that “Hell hath no fury like a woman………”
Don Gabriel Costa is the leader of her family's enemy, and Sage offers Gabriel a deal that’s too good to refuse – inside information to take down the opposition, with the added bonus that Gabriel sets her blood on fire with just one smoldering look .The allure of destroying the Lee Empire, and the attraction of its fearless princess, proves impossible for Gabriel to resist.
Trust, danger and deception keep you guessing throughout – The Princess & the Don is an intense rollercoaster of the heart that keeps you hooked until the last page.
Don Gabriel Costa is the leader of her family's enemy, and Sage offers Gabriel a deal that’s too good to refuse – inside information to take down the opposition, with the added bonus that Gabriel sets her blood on fire with just one smoldering look .The allure of destroying the Lee Empire, and the attraction of its fearless princess, proves impossible for Gabriel to resist.
Trust, danger and deception keep you guessing throughout – The Princess & the Don is an intense rollercoaster of the heart that keeps you hooked until the last page.
December 15, 2025
I have read a lot of books by this author but I think this one has to be my favourite one so far. I loved the premise of this book. This is the first mafia book that I have read in this style and I think more should definitely follow. I found the characters to be absolutely fascinating. The chemistry between them was undeniable, despite everything going on. I quickly became invested in their story and wanted to know more about them.
This book is exactly what I have come to expect from this author and I found it to be just as engaging. I was pulled in with ease and loved getting lost in the story. This author really knows how to draw you in with their writing and keep you with them until the end. This was another great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book is exactly what I have come to expect from this author and I found it to be just as engaging. I was pulled in with ease and loved getting lost in the story. This author really knows how to draw you in with their writing and keep you with them until the end. This was another great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
December 18, 2025
The Princess and The Don delivers exactly what it promises—a high-heat BWWM mafia romance with strong chemistry and compelling characters. Stacy-Deanne knows how to pull you into a dangerous, glamorous world and keep you there.
The connection between the main characters is intense and believable, with plenty of tension and emotional depth alongside the spice. I appreciated that the characters felt layered rather than one-dimensional, and the power dynamics added to the intrigue instead of overwhelming the story.
The pacing is fast, the drama keeps you turning pages, and the romance feels earned. If you enjoy spicy interracial romance with a mafia edge, this book is definitely worth reading.
The connection between the main characters is intense and believable, with plenty of tension and emotional depth alongside the spice. I appreciated that the characters felt layered rather than one-dimensional, and the power dynamics added to the intrigue instead of overwhelming the story.
The pacing is fast, the drama keeps you turning pages, and the romance feels earned. If you enjoy spicy interracial romance with a mafia edge, this book is definitely worth reading.
December 25, 2025
This book was very captivating from the very beginning! Talk about having the reader hooked from the first page. Sage thought she knew how her life would go but nothing prepared her for the news from her dad that would alter her future. With the decision her father made left Sage feeling betrayed more than she thought she ever could feel. In her lowest moments she turns to the one person she shouldn’t trust. As they form an alliance the course of things change so fast and the contract her and Gabriel signed, lines start to blur but they can never be together, not when their families are enemies. But of course nothing ever goes as planned and a lot truths start to unravel, Sage and Gabriel lean on each other more than ever, but can they have their happily ever after?
December 23, 2025
The Princess and the Don is a solid 4-star read that totally delivers on drama, tension, and attitude. Sage Lee is a fierce, take-no-prisoners heroine, and her decision to burn down her family’s empire makes for a super satisfying setup, especially when it throws her straight into the path of the dangerous and calculating Gabriel Costa. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic crackles with intensity, and every scene they share feels sharp and addictive without dragging. The plot moves fast, the stakes stay high, and the mix of power plays and simmering attraction keeps you turning pages. Overall, it’s a fun, addictive story that hits all the right notes for a dark, romantic crime tale.
December 25, 2025
Sage Lee was set to take over the family business, or so she thought. She found out she is being passed over in favor of her male cousin and all hell is about to break loose. She includes the family's sworn enemy, Don Gabriel Costa. Sage gives him all the intel he could only ever dream of having and more. Gabriel is the most feared man in the underground and he didn't get there by accident. Sage has given him the gift of a lifetime and destroying the Lee Empire will have its benefits. Claiming Sage as his own will be a bonus. I have read a few other books by this author and this one was quite different. It's only about 14 chapters long but they pack a punch.
December 24, 2025
This was a quick read with so much drama and spice! I've honestly never read the mafia romance books bc I didn't see the hype... This book changed that for me. The princess of a Mafia family and the Don of another powerful family ending up together...? Perfect for me. And Gabriel is just mmm so yummy. This book had me laughing, shocked, sad, happy, all the feels. Def read this book! I hope there will be / is a sequel so I can find out more about Sage and Gabriel!
December 25, 2025
Super easy read! Enemies to lovers!
Sage is the Heir of Mafia’s boss King Lee, but he ends up changing his will to give it to Sage’s cousin Javon and all Javon cares is about money and party not the actual company. So sage after the disappointment ends up making a deal with Gabriel Costas de rival mafia family 🤌🏼this is such a short read I read it all in one day because it stays interesting and is a short story book!
Sage is the Heir of Mafia’s boss King Lee, but he ends up changing his will to give it to Sage’s cousin Javon and all Javon cares is about money and party not the actual company. So sage after the disappointment ends up making a deal with Gabriel Costas de rival mafia family 🤌🏼this is such a short read I read it all in one day because it stays interesting and is a short story book!
December 13, 2025
Sage and Gabriel are that, simply Fire! Sage's revenge is so so sweet and brutal, involving the enemy just makes it even more so! Very Spicy, be mindful of where you are reading this book! So so much chaos ensues, schemes, drama, suspense, spicy romance, it is an whirlwind of a story making your head turn over and over. Great story, highly recommend!
December 25, 2025
The Princess and The Don by Stacy-Deanne is exactly what I have been looking for! Ive always loved a good spicy maria story, and this one absolutely delivered! While its a quick read, its completely filled to brim with drama, suspense, and of course, spice! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, but thoroughly addictive read!
December 18, 2025
The Princess and the Don is a sizzling, high‑stakes mafia romance that blends betrayal, passion, and power. From the very first page to the last, it keeps you hooked—and yes, there’s plenty of spice thrown in to turn up the heat.
December 18, 2025
Simple...
Straight forward typical just what you want need look for in a mafia romance novel...with enemies becoming one through love unexpectedly!!! Not bad from an authority took a chance on...the question is will I continue....
Straight forward typical just what you want need look for in a mafia romance novel...with enemies becoming one through love unexpectedly!!! Not bad from an authority took a chance on...the question is will I continue....
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews