Fallen

by Ashley Warren

When Zara Kavanagh and Enzo Marchetti shared one reckless, unforgettable night two years ago, they never imagined it would become the spark that ignited a war between two rival crime families. Now, they’ve been pushed into a strategic marriage built on power instead of trust, and Zara finds herself torn between the life she escaped and the man she never truly forgot.

Enzo is cold, calculating, and unapologetically ruthless. But the more time they spend together, the more Zara begins to see past the armor he wears for the world. With her father’s betrayal still casting long shadows and old enemies beginning to resurface, their unlikely partnership starts to look a lot like something real. And with a chemistry that burns hotter than either of them expected, giving in to desire might be the easy part. Especially when the truth they uncover could change everything.

An obsessive antihero, a forced marriage, and the second chance neither of them saw coming—Fallen is a dark, steamy mafia romance where betrayal, obsession, and forbidden love collide.

Genres: Dark Romance, Found Family, Second Chance, Dark, Forced Proximity, Romance, He Falls First

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

“You want me?” I growl against her lips, my voice nothing but gravel and heat. “Baby, you’ve got me. You’ve had me since the second you sat down at my side.”

First Impressions
Fallen is the first book in a newest series by this author "The Marchetti Dynasty" and this features a mafia based series. I recently discovered this series last year with her westerns and I was beyond intrigued to see how she would handle a mafia romance and it was simply delightful in every way. It was a bit different than I was expecting from her but it won me over from beginning to end and I didn't want to put this one down once I was swept away by the story. It was so captivating in the romance, the chemistry that builds and the mafia world that she created she flawlessly. If you want a book that will deliver all the spice but make you feel deeply all at once, then this book is a must read for you.

First Line
The priest clears his throat.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Enzo Marchetti
The Heroine: Zara Kavanaugh

Together, we watch the room empty. Watch plans unfurl into motion. Watch the machine we built begin to turn with new direction. The empire’s moving. And this time, it’s moving for her.

Summary
Zara Kavanaugh was raised in a dark crime ridden world and when her mother was taken from her and she was made into a pawn by her own father. With the help of her brother, she went on the run to escape a forced marriage to a monster. Where she runs into a man that will be her future ....Enzo Marchetti. Enzo is part of the same world that she seeked to escape. But when her brother is mortally injured she goes back to chicago and she is thrust into the same world but this time it won't be so easy to escape it. But her avenging angel will be the man she had a breathtaking night with and has craved him ever since. When Enzo learns that the woman he has been searching for over 2 years is the daughter of his sworn enemy and about to go into a forced marriage, he will do anything to protect her even if that means forcing a marriage between them. But keeping her safe and content becomes his fighting breath and he will prove to her his love for her is for eternity...

“I’ve waited two years for the chance to put you where you belong,” I continue, “not as some pawn between men. Not as a prize for your father or Falco to wave around. But by my side, as mine. My wife. My queen.”

What I Loved
Fallen is the first mafia book that I have read from this author and I deeply loved it from beginning to end. I was curious to see how this would differ from her westerns and I loved it just as much although they were a bit different but unique and matching her writing style. Fallen is a story that takes a twist on forced marriage and dealings with the mafia. It might start out with feeling the heroine is in need of protection but we see only the beginnings of her character. While she easily shows vulnerabilities with the hero and a bit of feminine softness from time to time, we also see a strong core of strength, of how well matched she is to be a mafia queen. I admired her desire for family and children. There are some kinks in here, that might not be for everyone since we don't see them often, but I actually loved them even if I wasn't sure at first it would be for me (even if I am very pro children and family) It takes a lot for me to love a more kick ass/stronger heroine as I prefer a softer FMC but she brings such balance to her heroines and I fell hard for Zara just as hard as I did Enzo!!!!! Her character development is pure magic.

The hero is everything that you desire in a mafia hero. He is perfection for a man who is involved in the crime world, but the one thing that is sacred is family and he will do anything to protect his people. I admired his devotion and commitment, his charm and protective alpha nature and how he is willing to look past misconceptions about his enemies and allow the love he has for someone to be more powerful. I guarantee that he will have you swooning. We also see how he is consistently lifting up his woman to be in her own power and the support he is to her in all that she does or dreams of no matter what that is.

The actual romance that develops between these two was so poignant and SEXY! I loved how well balanced this author develops her romantic relationships. Its not about the spice but about intimacy and connection and even when its hot and heavy you can feel the emotional intimacy that just brightens up every scene into tenderness and deep layers of connection. Your whole body and heart will curl with every moment that you see these two together and how they fight for each other so beautifully. Every time I read this author I fall in love with captivating talent and she has shown me changing genres is something she is a master at and I can't wait to see how she develops this series.

I want everything with you, Enzo. I want messy, I want a family, I want the risk.” His thumb strokes across my cheekbone, reverent. “Then it’s yours,” he says, voice low but unshakable. “All of it. All of me.”

What I Struggled With
This will contain spoilers---(this is NOT an attack on the author or her writing, just constructive criticism of the plot aspects of the story)

So there were some plot aspects of the story that I did struggle with. The heroine is very close to her brother, he protects her all of his life and is killed by her father. But once she is rescued by Enzo, he is hardly ever mentioned and we don't see her grieve for him at all. We see her mourning still her mother but not the brother that protected her? We also see the end of her father but not the fiancee she ran to escape? I am hoping that justice will be in future books but I was surprised that we didn't see this unless its a serial plot aspect which I do hope we get. I have so much love for this author, so I am sure she will deliver. Now these plot elements that I felt were missing didn't take too much away from the story but is what is having it a 5 star read instead of a 6 star read but this book was still phenomenal and the actual romance was perfection!!!

Overall View
Fallen is a mafia romance that delivers from the small intricate details to the major romantic developments that will dig deep on emotion, on point with the spice and keep you on edge with her masterful storytelling! A TRUE DARK ROMANCE GEM that balances out the light with the dark!

You’ve taught me that love isn’t just something you accidentally fall into—it’s something you choose, over and over, even when it’s hard. I choose you today, tomorrow, always. And I will love you until the last beat of my heart.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Morally Grey, Strong FMC
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Leading Lady, Forced Marriage
Tropes: Mistaken Identity

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Meghan March
Cora Reilly
Michelle Heard

Song This Book Inspires
Pointless by Lewis Capaldi

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of the best and most incredibly unique Mafia Romances I have ever read !!! <3

This is only my second book by Ashley Warren and I am actually speechless. I loved Whispers of Helena, but dare I say I loved this one even more!!! There is just such an ease to Ashley' writing which captures the reader's attention immediately, with shocking and sexy twists and turns that will leave you with your jaw on the floor!

Zara and Enzo were everything!!! They are an insane, sexy and incredible strong dynamic duo! Zara just exudes woman power, and her strength is incredibly admirable. Enzo is possessive, smart, hot as sin and low-key a stalker but in the best damn way possible!!!

This book took me through a damn thrill ride and had me on my toes and panting for various of reasons lol The spice is so goddamn hot, I swear I thought my kindle would combust!! I love this book so much and I can't wait for the rest of the series <3

Thank you Luna and Ashley for this incredible ARC <3

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED THIS BOOK! Wow! I love a good mafia read and this was so good! It had everything I wanted , a possessive MMC, a vengeful FMC, and such well written spice. The entire read was so well written and I can’t wait to see what Ashley releases next!

🖤mafia romance
🍷one night stand
🖤hidden identities
🍷forced marriage
🖤possessive MMC
🍷not-so-accidental-pregnancy
🖤baby making kīnk

Storyline:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Song: TiO- ZAYN

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love a great mafia romance and Zara and Enzo were so good! She's tough and independent, she's been through it takes nothing from anyone. He's possessive and obsessed, just how we like them. Their chemistry and magnetism was so good.

[Natasha &#x1f5a4;&#x1f352;&#x1f3b2; · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this, I love a protective mafia man and Enzo ticks all the boxes. Zara’s strong personality and stubborn attitude is brilliantly portrayed here, they make an excellent duo, I was so sad this ended and I’m itching for book 2 already

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

BETA/ARC reread

Ashley has entered her mafia era and I am here for it!!!

Zara is a queen!!! She knows how to get it on her own and has a fire in her!!!!

And Enzo met his match!!! But his possessive dirty mouth, confidence, and aura was able to handle her!

The plot, spice, characters all were in perfect balance!
i am here for the found family aspect with all the side characters!!!

Lars is mine!!!! Period point blank. He was mine from the first scene he was in!

What to expect
Mafia
One night stand
Secret identities
Forced Marriage
Breeding k!nk
Not so unexpected pregnancy

Thank you Ashley for allowing me to be apart of your journey as a beta reader and thank you Luna for the ARC💛

[Allison Hannah | allisonisalwaysreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read this if you want to feel like a phoenix rising to claim all the love and power and safety you'll ever need.

Zara is hiding in plain sight. She's running from a life that gave her no other option. A father who sees her as a commodity in his ruthless world. In the midst of her undercover life she meets a man who rearranges her DNA & her insides. One night that never left her, a man who stayed in the quiet of her heart. Eventually Zara's false sense of safety comes crashing down around her. Her world bottoms out and her most feared reality comes to be.

Enzo is a Don in every phase of his life. In control, calculating, confident, strategic and loyal. He's not a man to cross. His family legacy means everything to him and he'll do anything to keep it revered. He works hard. He leaves room to play but nothing that brings permanence or closeness. That is until one night and a woman who changes everything. It turns out she's a ghost who can't be found. And believe me this man searched.

When two people are meant for one another, nothing will keep them apart. Enzo & Zara prove this in spades. Once he lays eyes on her again, it's game over. Enzo will stop at nothing to claim Zara. But Zara is still guarded and hiding. She's not sure what to make of their reunion. Before they can see what they really want to be to one another Zara disappears. This time Enzo stops at nothing to find her. Desperate times call for desperate actions and all that. Truths come to light. Bonds are created. A love for the ages is grown. A family is knitted together.

An existence worth every battle is forged.

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


Thank you, Ashley and Luna literary for providing this arc.

When a Don falls for his enemy’s daughter !

A one night stand turned into obsession, because Enzo didn’t stop looking for the woman that stole his heart.

2 years later, she is working at his Club, he couldn’t let her slip away again.

But her past comes for her, when she is taken by her own father to be forced into marriage to the very man that made her ran away 8 years ago.

Enzo stops at nothing once he finds out who she truly is. He still went and got her back.

This time Zara is forced into another marriage, but to the man she cannot stop thinking about, the man that actually saved her.

The spice in this book had me praying the lord for forgiveness, the breeding kink and all the acrobatics Enzo had Zara folded in all kind of shapes… I mean 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

Ashley did such an amazing job, bringing the found family trope so beautifully into this book. The way Zara was welcomed and loved by Enzo’s family there is banter, jokes, hot men everywhere, flying bullets, and a very strong and lovable matriarch Violette !

Also, the way we’re coming back for more just by meeting new characters. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, The mafia trop is so easy to pick up but it’s had to find one that is worth reading and not cringy.

When I tell you I will rave about fallen forever I so mean it because phewwww, THIS THIS IS THE MAFIA BOOK YOU WANT TO PICK UP AT THE MOMENT.

You get a BADA$$ FMC (Zara) who take NOT SH!T from anyone but also needs TLC no again and who better to give it to her than her fathers enemy. Because nothing screams I’ll burn the world for you than an unhinged BADA$$ MMC (Enzo).
He would literally do EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO GET HER. No one is safe.

Gah I just love it, the writing was great, I wasn’t cringing especially with then breeding kink like, okay yes I’m into this all of a sudden. So damn good.
And then give us the side characters. The mother in law (Violette) was my favorite she was qual parts with vibes that fit I’m tender and take no sh!t im the best.

100% yes to this book, because you won’t regret it

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️

I loved this book! If you are a fan of mafia romance, enemies daughter, revenge, he'll burn the world down- you will eat this one up.

I loved the relationship between Enzo and Zara (our MMC and FMC). He was super possessive over her, but not in the annoying way like a lot of books are written, his was more safety since, you know, they're in the mafia. He was possessive, yes, but brought her into his world and treated her like an equal when it comes to making decisions that affected her and encouraged her to be fierce. My favorite scene was when she commanded his room of men and made the plan of what they were going to take next - it was total bad bitch energy.

Also, this is very plot heavy, but has a lot of spice too, it's a great balanced mix!

I had the pleasure of reading this one early as an ARC, thank you Luna Literary Management and Ashley Warren for the early copy!

[cad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Okay so Ashley Warren really said "let me ruin your sleep schedule" and delivered something that hits DIFFERENT. One reckless night two years ago sparked a war between rival mafia families, and now Zara and Enzo are forced into a strategic marriage neither wanted—but the chemistry they've been fighting might burn them both alive.

Zara Kavanagh is giving major Beth Dutton vibes—that perfect combo of tough-as-nails with just enough vulnerability to wreck you emotionally. She's reclaiming her power after years under her father's control, and I'm absolutely here for it.

Enzo is obsessed in all the right ways—protective without being controlling, literally her biggest hype man while running a mafia empire.

Warren threw THREE mafia families into the mix and suddenly we've got betrayals and power plays that kept me completely hooked. The pregnancy kink caught me off guard but it worked perfectly. And Violette the MIL is stealing every scene—she needs her own book immediately.

The forced marriage to real feelings is done SO well. The chemistry is fire, and that ending has me desperate for book two. Lars better be next.

Vibes we are Tracking:
👠 Beth Dutton energy
🔥 Three-family mafia chaos
💍 Forced marriage done right
🤰 Pregnancy kink unlocked
👑 Scene-stealing MIL
🖤 Obsessed MMC who respects his FMC

If you want badass heroine + devoted MMC + actual plot—grab this.

Thanks to Luna Literary for the ARC!* 📚✨

[Erica Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great intro to Ashley’s mafia series and I am absolutely invested in this world!

Enzo and Zara’s first meeting was 🔥🔥🔥 and I absolutely wanted more of where that came from! I love the hidden identities trope and how they’re connected in ways they don’t even realize. Enzo is a mafia boss but so soft for his girl (eventually) and Zara is a complete bad ass, who has been used by her father and always looking over her shoulder for trouble. I loved their love - it was a beautiful story and the plot always had me wanting to know what comes next.

Thanks Ashley, for the early copy. I’m looking forward to the next book because Lars was a character that intrigued me immediately!

[Dawn Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book of Ashley’s and I loved it!

The writing style of this book was so good - the flow of the story, the dual POV and character development was top notch!

Things I loved:
- Enzo giving Zara her voice and power back after years of suppression from her father
- The family connections and love between them
- Zara being a genuine badass
- Enzo’s ability to protect without being overbearing
- Obsessed mafia MMC - sign me up!!!
- The mafia plot was great!

I hope we’re getting a book 2 for Lars - the right hand man deserves his story to be told 💕

Thanks Luna Literary for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tanika Millington · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like
- Mafia romance
- unhinged possessive and obsessed mmc
- strong fmc
- a little enemies to lovers
Then you will love this book

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, fast paced with some twists you Don’t see coming.
I loved Enzo, his character being so dominate yet so soft for Zara. Giving her a life she deserved.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC

[Keneisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read:
Let’s just say… I devoured this book.

What was supposed to be a no-strings-attached one-night stand turns into fate playing the long game. Enzo and Zara meet two years earlier, unaware of who the other truly is, both convinced it’s just one unforgettable night. Fast forward two years and they collide again and Enzo knows instantly she’s his. This man fully believes in fate and will stop at nothing to claim his Queen.

Too bad their families are longtime rivals and Zara is already promised to another man. Not that it matters because Enzo shuts that down immediately. With a little wedding crashing and a forced marriage (at least in the beginning), Enzo and Zara carve out their own version of a happy mafia marriage built on love, respect, and protection.

Equal parts spice and plot, this story keeps you on your toes, your heart racing, and the pages turning nonstop. If you love passion, drama, and a man who knows exactly what he wants, this one is chef’s kiss.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ashley Warren and it definitely will NOT be my last!! I loved all of the vibes this book had to offer! Enzo definitely met his match with Zara🔥 The back and forth at the tension that arises was so good!! If you are looking for a Mafia book, run to this one 🖤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️. 5
-Mafia
-ONS
-Forced Marriage
-Secret Identities

[Britt; footnotes+whimsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETA/ARC REVIEW. Ashley’s entering her mafia era + I 👏🏻 am 👏🏻 here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 This is book one in the Marchetti Dynasty and to say I was hooked from the very first page to the very last is the understatement of the year.

Zara is the type of FMC I love reading about. She's resilient, strong, and has a backbone of her own. Enzo is they type of MMC I love reading about. He's a Mafia Don, possessive, and just a touch psychotic (in the BEST way!).

When these two find each other at the same bar in a strange city on Zara's 30th birthday, they don't let the night go to waste. The connection between them was palpable, but both were hiding their true selves and when morning came Zara found the strength to leave because the risk of staying was too much to bear.

Two years later and things haven't changed much, however, when Zara gets an ominous call from home she decides to risk it because she's loyal to a fault. Little did she know what she'd be walking into when returning to Chicago and that the man she spent a crazy night with two years prior had been looking for her ever since. And boy when he finds her this time, things escalate quickly, which I was here for every step of the way. If you're a mafia lover, PLEASE read these two!!

Tropes:
Mafia
One night stand
Secret identities
Forced marriage
Possessive MMC
Breeding shmink
Third act pregnancy

[Xeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallen by Ashley Warren was my first book by this author, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it. The plot was engaging from the start and kept me entertained, constantly pulling me forward and making me excited for what’s to come in the next books. Enzo and Zara were absolutely meant to be! You can’t help but fall in love with them right away. Ashley did an excellent job setting the stage for the series, and I absolutely loved Violette and Lars.

[Amber Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this!! Mafia tropes are my cup of tea and this one did NOT disappoint! It had everything I could've asked for and more.

Zara and Enzo were a perfect combo of a bold, badass FMC and a possessive MMC that will do everything he can to protect what's his. I loved the cat and mouse games that they played at the beginning and how it evolved into something so much more. Their personalities complimented each othef PERFECTLY!!!

I was hooked onto every single word while reading. The plot was great and I loved how I felt roped in immediately during the prologue. More often than not, I felt frantic trying to find out what happens and I felt like I struggled to control my excitement.

This was the first book I have read from Ashely and let me tell you, it WON'T be the last!

I am very grateful to have recieved this early as an ARC from Luna Literary Management and Ashley Warren ❤️❤️

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara and Enzo were amazing in this mafia romance. This book roped you in and kept you turning the pages until there was nothing left of the book or yourself. Truly amazing. Spicy, chaotic, just completely engrossing. I loved the two of them together and I can’t wait to read more from this author

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Fallen By Ashley Warren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love mafia romance, enemies-daughter tension, revenge plots, and a hero who would burn the world down for his woman… add Fallen to your TBR immediately. I absolutely devoured this book.
Zara escaped her ruthless father years ago and rebuilt her life in hiding as a dancer, stripping to survive and stay off the grid. On her 30th birthday, she finally lets her hair down and has some freedom sharing one unforgettable night with a stranger named Enzo. What she doesn’t know is that he’s her father’s greatest enemy. After their scorching night together, she disappears… until two years later when she steps onto the stage at his club.
Now that her father has found her again, Enzo refuses to lose her a second time.
Zara is such a strong, resilient heroine fierce, stubborn, and determined to take her life back. Enzo is the cold, lethal mafia leader… except where she’s concerned. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is addictive, and their reunion is pure intensity. Watching her reclaim her power and watching him protect her without question was everything.
The story hooks you from page one and does not let go. Their forced, strategic marriage born from power, and dangerous alliances quickly becomes something real, something raw, and something they never expected. The betrayals, secrets, tension, and emotional depth kept me glued. Enzo has officially become one of my favourite mafia men. His protectiveness His devotion Off. The. Charts.
And the spice Whew. Absolutely next-level.
🪽 Dual POV
🪽 Vengeful FMC
🪽 Possessive MMC
🪽 One Night Stand → Reunion
🪽 Mafia Romance
🪽 Forced Marriage
🪽 Rival’s Daughter
🪽 Dancer / Club Owner
🪽 Breeding Kink
🪽 HEA

If you’re into mafia romance, hidden identities, obsessed/possessive MMCs, enemies-daughter tension, and a hint of breeding kink… this book delivers all of that and more. I cannot wait for book two.
🖤

[Alodia B Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

ASHLEY WARREN, THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE!

Receiving this ARC feeds onto my excitement because I've fallen (HA!) for her eversince Whispers of Helena. Fallen is such a delightful reading. A page-turner romance with dual-POV with many tropes that readers will enjoy: a night's fling that turns into years of infatuation, captive mafia romance, forced marriage, hidden identities, this very strong and soft FMC. I'd like to think that there's an essence of found family in the story too which I'll elaborate later down below.

Do you know what warms me the most in this book? The domesticity. I loove a good contrast and here you have Enzo serving you just that. With his precise and steady leadership, he commands like it's a trait he was born with. BUT he yearns like old time lover. And when he has Zara in his arms, he provides such sweet and natural domesticity. The little things always matter but he goes full length too! All of his gestures and words are so good. He protects yet also empowers Zara which, for me, a damn good combo in an MMC. And Zara is blossoming because of them. She's already a strong character to begin with but her confidence is getting bolder and she has no problem to finally let her armors down.

The whole Marchetti clan is perfect. Violette and Lars take the cake. I pray for everyone to have a MIL like Violette. Oh to have a matriarch written like that is pure heaven. The whole dynamic with these people allows me to feel like it's a found family for Zara. It's normalcy for Enzo because he's blood but for Zara who's been in such tense relationship with her father, the Marchettis heal the wound that's created from it. She deserves it.

So uhm.. Lars book when? 😗

[Lovelettelore · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 Sometimes one night is enough to change your fate… especially when it belongs to the man your father fears most.

📖 Fallen by Ashley Warren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Mafia Romance — Book 1 (to be continued)

Tropes:
🔫 Mafia romance
⚔️ Vengeful FMC
👑 Possessive MMC
🍷 One night stand
💍 Forced marriage
🎭 Rival’s daughter
💃 Dancer / club owner
🍼 Breeding kink
🤰 Not-so-accidental pregnancy
🎉 HEA for the couple

Zara escaped her father years ago and rebuilt her life in hiding as a dancer, stripping to survive and stay off the grid. On her 30th birthday, she lets herself breathe for one night—meeting Enzo in a hotel bar, not knowing he’s her father’s greatest enemy. After their scorching night together, she disappears for two years… until she steps onto the stage of his gentleman’s club. Now that her father knows where she is, Enzo refuses to lose her again—no matter the cost.

This book is pure passion and obsession. Zara is fierce and resilient, even while constantly on the run. Watching her evolve from a woman hiding in fear to someone who can command killers with her voice is magnetic. She’s strong, sharp, and impossible not to root for.

And Enzo? He’s obsession personified—in the best fictional-MMC way. Intense, devoted, and absolutely feral for her. He loves Zara with a kind of ruthless tenderness that makes him unforgettable.

Their chemistry is powerful, though occasionally uneven, but the spice absolutely sizzles. One thing I loved is how openly they communicate—no needless miscommunication, just raw honesty and scorching tension.

The to-be-continued ending wrecked me, but it fits the story perfectly. And yes… I need the next book yesterday.

Thank you so much Ashley Warren for this ARC — I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Tracy Redden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe Ashley Warren has officially converted me to mafia romance. Fallen is packed with adrenaline, gripping tension, and that irresistible need to know what happens next. The fast pace, raw fierceness, and undeniable connection between the characters pulled me in from the very first pages.

What begins as a chance encounter and a memorable one-night stand turns into a two-year search, with Enzo relentlessly hunting for the mysterious woman who stole his heart. When he finally finds her, he will stop at nothing to protect her and claim what’s already his—first her safety, then her heart.

My thoughts🪽:
Zara is everything I love in a FMC—tenacious, cunning, and just as stubborn as Enzo. When a female lead stands her ground and demands to be seen rather than saved, it instantly makes the story more engaging and captivating.
That constant push and pull - the power struggle is electric, messy and addictive ✨
Their chemistry is explosive, fueled by challenge, resistance, and a magnetic connection neither of them can escape❤️‍🔥
Zara is a force of nature. Her resilience is one of the most powerful aspects of this story for me—watching her fight to reclaim everything she lost while fiercely protecting the family and friends she’s built along the way was deeply moving

Fallen is dark, emotional, and unapologetically intense. It’s a story about loss and resilience, obsession and devotion, and a woman strong enough to demand more than just survival—she demands love, loyalty, and respect. And a man willing to destroy anything that threatens her and will fight for her heart with the same ferocity he rules his world🖤🖤

Thank you to the author and Luna Literary PR for the opportunity to read and review this amazing e-arc 🪽 I am definitely a devoted fan and can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Bina_and_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤ARC REVIEW🖤

4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“ she was a flame i should have extinguished but instead let consume me. And i have been burning for her ever since.”

“She looks like sin disguised as salvation.”

Mafia is not a new to me genere i have loved it since for ever and when its done right with spice, i am all yours ❤️‍🔥

This was my first book by this author and it was amazing, fast paced i didnteven feel the time

Our main characters Zara and Enzo meet in a bar and have a blazing one night stand chapter 9-13 🌶️ you can thank me later😉 i was sweating 🥵

From there they go their separate ways, she is running from her past something happens she has to go back, Enzo is already obsessed with her he has been looking for her for 2 years non stop and when she pops up at his dance club to work as a dancer he is never letting go. Zara is fiesty and strong, speaks her mind she is Enzo’s Queen 👑in every sense.

This was a roller coaster of War, passion,yearning and love, Enzo is so inlove you can feel it coming off the pages he is so passionate about protecting and loveing her the way she deserves to be love, Zara has been through a lot and enzo falls into her life to make up for all the hardships and the agony she has been through indeed its fallen and i have fell with them ❤️❤️❤️.

Thank you so much to @ashleywarren.author for the ARC and the opportunity love🩷🩷 i cant wait for Lars’s story and heart ache 💔

❤️Trops:
-Dual POV
-Mafia romance
-Forced marriage
-Hidden identity
-One night stand
-Bre33ding Kink
-pregnancy

[Molly Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallen ARC Review

4.5 stars

this one is for all the mafia, rival families, revenge focused, he will burn it all down to get to you lovers. i absolutely could not put it down, i devoured it in one day!

Zara has spent years running and hiding from her cold and ruthless father, working as an adult dancer to make ends meet and stay off the grid. but everything changes the night of her 30th birthday, when she shares a scorchingly hot unforgettable night of passion with a stranger. they have to go their separate ways but never forget their night together…so it’s a shock when they see each other again two years later when Zara is dancing at a new club....owned by Enzo...head of a Chicago mafia family and her father’s greatest enemy. when she ends up as a pawn in her father’s game for power again, Enzo knows he has to get to her and make her his.

Enzo is obsessed, possessed, and devoted. he’s as ruthless in business as he is in making sure Zara feels loved, cared for, and adored. and Zara, oh wow does this woman have a backbone of steel even when faced with the horrifying reality of life in a cruel marriage arranged by her father. but a marriage to Enzo…well that’s a real power move.

the banter and chemistry were just off the freaking charts here! and their physical compatibility and emotional pull to one another was electric.

-possessive MMC
-one night stand
-mafia romance
-forced marriage
-rival’s daughter
-breeding shmink
-he’s pierced

thank you Luna Literary and Ashley Warren for the arc! i am very impatiently awaiting book two now!

[Robert Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara Kavanagh is running, constantly looking over her shoulder as she tries to establish a new life for herself. When she encounters Enzo Marchetti and shares one reckless, unforgettable night, Zara doesn't expect to see him again. Two years later, they meet again but didn't imagine their spark would ignite a war between two rival crime families.

I've been a fan of Ashley Warren since her Ladies of Back Bay series and her first mafia romance was everything I expected along with a few surprises along the way. The development of Zara and Enzo as separate characters was beautiful to witness as I continued to read. Zara is such an independent woman who knows what she wants in her life and getting it on her own. She doesn't want to be defined by her family legacy due to her last name. Enzo is smart, possessive with a little taste of stalker-like tendency. However, he wants to be more than the head of a mafia family and he shows that growth after he meets Zara. Together, Zara and Enzo are meant for each other. They are intense and sexy with strong chemistry and magnetism that you want to cheer for their happily ever after.

There is such an ease to reading Ashley's writing that captures the reader's attention immediately and doesn't let go, keeping some twists in the words that you don't expect until they arrive. The spice is very hot and the plot is so well written that I didn't want to stop reading, even though seeds were planted for book 2. If you are a fan of Ashley Warren or want to get into her books, this should definitely be on your TBR list! I can't wait for what's to come next from Ashley!

Thank you for Luna Literary Management and Ashley Warren for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel!

[Mala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallen left me completely obsessed. It’s the first book I’ve ever read by Ashley Warren, and now I know I’m going to read everything she writes, because the story of Enzo and Zara was perfect for me.

Zara is a strong, resilient heroine, running from a cruel father and rebuilding her life however she can. Enzo is the cold, lethal mafia leader… except when it comes to her. Their one-night encounter marks them both forever, and when their paths cross again years later, the tension and intensity explode from page one.

The best part is that Enzo is possessive in the best way: protective, devoted, completely obsessed with Zara, yet always treating her as an equal. He pushes her, empowers her, and together they’re an explosive pair. The scene where she takes command in a room full of armed men was epic—pure bad-bitch energy.

The book strikes the perfect balance between heavy plot and plenty of spice. And there are also moments of domesticity that melt you, because despite Enzo’s hardness, he’s tender and devoted to Zara in a way that’s unforgettable.

The Marchetti family is another highlight: Violette and Lars stole my heart and bring that wonderful “found family” feeling that Zara has always deserved.

The chemistry between Enzo and Zara is intense, their communication is open and honest, and the “to be continued” ending left me needing the next book right now.

In short: pure passion, obsession, power, vulnerability, and an addictive story from beginning to end.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

When I heard that Ashley Warren was releasing a mafia romance, I was intrigued. Everything I've read by her so far has been so unique, and I wondered how she'd make the switch from more Gothic romances to mafia. And wow did she ever do a great job! I loved Zara's inner strength, the way she grew in this novel and sought vengeance, and how she was unapolegetically herself. She was kind, courageous, and perfect for Enzo. For his part, Enzo was protective, loving, and definitely a great leader. Watching these two go from one-night stands with hidden identities, to Enzo meeting Zara again at his club and then doing his best to save her from the awful marriage her father had planned for her was intense. And then seeing the love between them...it was amazing. I loved Enzo's mother and Lars, his brother in everything but blood. They were the perfect family Zara needed after her childhood with her dad. The only reasons this is not a five star read is because there's a loose end with her fiancee that I really would've liked to see tied up in here, and a couple of times the name of the character whose point of view the chapter was in was wrong. For example, two or three times it said Enzo was the narrator when it was really Zara, so that was jarring. Still, I devoured this book. It was steamy, Zara was fierce and lovable, Enzo was protective, loving, and devoted. I definitely recommend it for mafia romance lovers.

[Shere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 20/10 for me, my goodness Ashley what did you put in this book? It is all consuming, addicting and I couldn’t put it down. Sleep never heard of her.

I almost don’t know where to start because I have so many things to say. Zara is a confident strong woman, I love a MFC who doesn’t need a man. She’s got this. The woman takes vengeance like it’s owed to her and doesn’t ask questions.

Enzo wins, he is what every mafia book boyfriend will be compared to from here on out. The man can do no wrong, he is obsessive, adoring, and so sexy. The things that came out of his mouth, good lord. He would make a woman blush. He is Zara’s biggest hype man and I think that’s what makes him next level.


Their chemistry * chefs kiss * it is so so delicious. The way that Ashley writes a specific kink just blew my mind. Like squeal inducing, chanting yes on repeat. I loved the level she took it too. *rhymes with heeding*

I need to take a minute to talk about Violette she is “Matriarch, martini enthusiast, chaos curator” of the Marchetti Family. She had me cackling all the while through. Her not so subtle hints are fantastic.

The ending left some things unsaid so this is me preying, begging ( I am not too proud) for book two.


So yes I think everyone needs to read this book. If you ask me for a book recommendation for the next year this will be on the list 👌