What do you think?
Rate this book
This Thing of Ours
This Thing of Ours is a steamy Italian mafia romance with a curvy heroine who wanders into the dangerous world of a possessive mafia heir.
A one-night stand lands her in the middle of a mafia war.
Rachael’s brand of innocence is as refreshing as it is alluring. Rarely do I meet someone who doesn’t know the Moran name.
I’d love to keep her in the dark, but unfortunately my enemies have other plans.
Let my little rabbit run. There’s nowhere she can go that I won’t follow, and not even a bullet is going to stop me.
She’s mine to claim, mine to own, and mine to protect.
A sexy stranger, one night of passion, no complications. That’s all Vonni was ever supposed to be. Now there’s no avoiding him, not even in my new boss’s office.
What’s worse? Her telling me to stay away from him and his family.
It’s too late for that now. I’ve already gone down this rabbit hole and there’s no way out. But that won’t keep me from trying.
Only with every step I take, my grandmother’s vision haunts me.
There’s only one thing I can do in the end. Hope I’m not too late.
This is a full-length standalone dark mafia romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
A one-night stand lands her in the middle of a mafia war.
Rachael’s brand of innocence is as refreshing as it is alluring. Rarely do I meet someone who doesn’t know the Moran name.
I’d love to keep her in the dark, but unfortunately my enemies have other plans.
Let my little rabbit run. There’s nowhere she can go that I won’t follow, and not even a bullet is going to stop me.
She’s mine to claim, mine to own, and mine to protect.
A sexy stranger, one night of passion, no complications. That’s all Vonni was ever supposed to be. Now there’s no avoiding him, not even in my new boss’s office.
What’s worse? Her telling me to stay away from him and his family.
It’s too late for that now. I’ve already gone down this rabbit hole and there’s no way out. But that won’t keep me from trying.
Only with every step I take, my grandmother’s vision haunts me.
There’s only one thing I can do in the end. Hope I’m not too late.
This is a full-length standalone dark mafia romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
Unknown Binding
First published March 17, 2021
63 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Gladys Cross
14 books148 followersGladys Cross writes steamy and morally gray contemporary romances.
Her heroes are damaged, heartbroken, sometimes not all the way sane, and heart-stoppingly drool worthy.
She’s not afraid to tackle the mafia, bikers, your common criminal, vampires, werewolves, or even the devil himself.
When she isn’t dipping her toe into the darker side of love, she converts into mom mode. She’s not above instigating water gun fights, but her favorite pastime is beating her daughter and husband in a game of cards.
Visit her website for more info: gladysafterdark.com.
Her heroes are damaged, heartbroken, sometimes not all the way sane, and heart-stoppingly drool worthy.
She’s not afraid to tackle the mafia, bikers, your common criminal, vampires, werewolves, or even the devil himself.
When she isn’t dipping her toe into the darker side of love, she converts into mom mode. She’s not above instigating water gun fights, but her favorite pastime is beating her daughter and husband in a game of cards.
Visit her website for more info: gladysafterdark.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Want to read
June 8, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2021)! 🎁
December 8, 2021
I could not put it down!
This is the first time I have read from this author and it was a good read!
I liked Vonnie and Rachel both of them are made for each other and are such an amazing couple!
This is the first time I have read from this author and it was a good read!
I liked Vonnie and Rachel both of them are made for each other and are such an amazing couple!
February 6, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
But here's why...
This mafia romance has a great new way of looking at things. With a native American connection. I look forward to reading more books by this author.🥰
But here's why...
This mafia romance has a great new way of looking at things. With a native American connection. I look forward to reading more books by this author.🥰
January 7, 2023
Mafia romance
I truly enjoyed this book! Plot twisting and steamy scenes.
Enjoyable relationships within the family
I truly enjoyed this book! Ploy twisting and steamy
I truly enjoyed this book! Plot twisting and steamy scenes.
Enjoyable relationships within the family
I truly enjoyed this book! Ploy twisting and steamy
September 30, 2021
This was a fast-paced, steamy mafia romance and I am here for it! I loved the interplay between the main characters and the spice was off the charts. A great read when you just want a steamy story that's a bit dark but with a HEA!
August 26, 2021
My first Gladys Cross book and was completely blown away. Love a Mafia Romance done right. Yeah!
May 15, 2025
This Thing of Ours
I love me some Mafia Romance, so I’ve read a good amount of it. THIS THING OF OURS is superior Mafia Romance. It’s better written than 90% of the Mafia/Bratva/Irish Mob romances out there.
I loved the characters. The main characters are both likable and a very good match. The secondary characters are varied and distinctive. A particular gem is Chantal, whose larger-than- life persona goes hand in hand with a fierce heart and infinite capacity for caring. Chantal can make an entire room full of people feel seen.
I love the intensity of the Instalove and I actually found it believable. The whole book is very much believable and doesn’t fall into the Over the Top trap. Everything that happens is plausible within the world of the book, and that’s world is not like watching old episodes of Dynasty, nor is it like watching an old Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. The good guys are not bulletproof. The characters don’t live in endless opulence. Wealth, yes, but not excess.
I did not find the plot to be formulaic in any way and it was not easily predictable. Yes, I knew there would be an HEA, but I think the path that they took to get there was not contrived and was very organic, seeing as how it was Instalove. I enjoyed the romance plot, but I also enjoyed the Mafia plot, and they blended really well together.
All of the elements of this book complemented each other and I enjoyed every word. This was an excellent book and I am dying to read this author’s next work as well as their MC Romance because that’s my favorite sub genre.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Vonni and Rachael
Heat- open door, explicit.
Series? Lordy I hope so.
Safety? Y
Triggers- graphic violence, language, free-flowing alcohol.
Tropes- Instalove, One Night Stand, Multicultural, Family, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso.
I love me some Mafia Romance, so I’ve read a good amount of it. THIS THING OF OURS is superior Mafia Romance. It’s better written than 90% of the Mafia/Bratva/Irish Mob romances out there.
I loved the characters. The main characters are both likable and a very good match. The secondary characters are varied and distinctive. A particular gem is Chantal, whose larger-than- life persona goes hand in hand with a fierce heart and infinite capacity for caring. Chantal can make an entire room full of people feel seen.
I love the intensity of the Instalove and I actually found it believable. The whole book is very much believable and doesn’t fall into the Over the Top trap. Everything that happens is plausible within the world of the book, and that’s world is not like watching old episodes of Dynasty, nor is it like watching an old Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. The good guys are not bulletproof. The characters don’t live in endless opulence. Wealth, yes, but not excess.
I did not find the plot to be formulaic in any way and it was not easily predictable. Yes, I knew there would be an HEA, but I think the path that they took to get there was not contrived and was very organic, seeing as how it was Instalove. I enjoyed the romance plot, but I also enjoyed the Mafia plot, and they blended really well together.
All of the elements of this book complemented each other and I enjoyed every word. This was an excellent book and I am dying to read this author’s next work as well as their MC Romance because that’s my favorite sub genre.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Vonni and Rachael
Heat- open door, explicit.
Series? Lordy I hope so.
Safety? Y
Triggers- graphic violence, language, free-flowing alcohol.
Tropes- Instalove, One Night Stand, Multicultural, Family, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso.
May 15, 2025
Gladys cross is one woman I will never say no to reading her books. They are always a brilliant read, that is dark, raw, real, and so delicious, maybe a little unhinged aswell. And I'm here for it all. This book had it's hooks in me from the start to the end. Not once did i put it down , I ate this baby up. It's such a wild rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, that will have you on the edge of your seat. The characters, storyline and plot where wonderfully written as always. It's filled with spice, action, drama, violence, loyalty, suspense, humour and loads more. I just couldn't get enough of Rachel and Von, their chemistry is of the charts hot and undeniable. The are so perfect for each other.
If you haven't read any of the authors books I suggest you do, your missing out. Highly recommend!!
"She’s mine to claim, mine to own, and mine to protect."
If you haven't read any of the authors books I suggest you do, your missing out. Highly recommend!!
"She’s mine to claim, mine to own, and mine to protect."
May 14, 2021
I liked the story
Firstly I give this a 3.5 but seen as though Amazon doesn't allow the half mark I've rounded up to a 4.
The story itself is a solid premise. Mafia guy meets sweet girl. This has the makings of a great book. The romance is nice and the sexy chapters are steamy. For me, this book was totally overwhelmed with characters. I couldn't keep up and I know... Big Italian family equals lots of people but the names all seemed to blur into one after a while. I also don't want to spoil it but it felt unfinished too. Like the ending was an afterthought. I did enjoy reading it though and I would read this author again without a doubt. Just a few niggly things that took this from amazing to ok.
Firstly I give this a 3.5 but seen as though Amazon doesn't allow the half mark I've rounded up to a 4.
The story itself is a solid premise. Mafia guy meets sweet girl. This has the makings of a great book. The romance is nice and the sexy chapters are steamy. For me, this book was totally overwhelmed with characters. I couldn't keep up and I know... Big Italian family equals lots of people but the names all seemed to blur into one after a while. I also don't want to spoil it but it felt unfinished too. Like the ending was an afterthought. I did enjoy reading it though and I would read this author again without a doubt. Just a few niggly things that took this from amazing to ok.
May 6, 2025
This Thing of Ours ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gladys Cross
Vonni and Rachael
Rachael being new to the city goes to a diner, where she meets Vonni. Little does she know that he is part of a prominent family known for organized crime. Vonni couldn’t believe she didn’t know who he was. Attraction was clearly there on both sides, all he knew what he was not giving her up as she was his. This book goes over the trials and tribulations of building a relationship as well as dealing with outside problems trying to constantly break you up. Will his family business keep her away from him to realize it’s not what she wants or will love conquer all? Gladys did an amazing job with this book and can’t wait to see what other book she has out and what’s to come in the future.
Gladys Cross
Vonni and Rachael
Rachael being new to the city goes to a diner, where she meets Vonni. Little does she know that he is part of a prominent family known for organized crime. Vonni couldn’t believe she didn’t know who he was. Attraction was clearly there on both sides, all he knew what he was not giving her up as she was his. This book goes over the trials and tribulations of building a relationship as well as dealing with outside problems trying to constantly break you up. Will his family business keep her away from him to realize it’s not what she wants or will love conquer all? Gladys did an amazing job with this book and can’t wait to see what other book she has out and what’s to come in the future.
June 23, 2025
10 stars
Y'all, if you are new to Gladys, hop on it. If you are a returning Gladys vet but are leery of going from MC to Mafia... don't be. This was hands down her best book to date! It had all the mafia things, the best world and character building. The spice, the love, the drama. When I say you root for all the characters, I mean all the characters. You start out thinking one thing and end up saying oooppp, she's way stronger than you think. She can handle all this and more. Chantal, omg, I need a bestie like him. The whole family. I JUST NEED MORE!
Y'all, if you are new to Gladys, hop on it. If you are a returning Gladys vet but are leery of going from MC to Mafia... don't be. This was hands down her best book to date! It had all the mafia things, the best world and character building. The spice, the love, the drama. When I say you root for all the characters, I mean all the characters. You start out thinking one thing and end up saying oooppp, she's way stronger than you think. She can handle all this and more. Chantal, omg, I need a bestie like him. The whole family. I JUST NEED MORE!
April 19, 2021
I read this with kindle unlimited. This was just wow! Romance novels are something I did not read much of. But this one was worth the time, and I loved reading this all the way until the end. Rachel was such an interesting character, and I did not want to put it down. All she was wanting to do through the book was protect her heart and her man. Vonni always being on her mind. If your readers love romances, then I highly recommend this one! A woman wanting to protect her man no matter what.
October 13, 2021
This is a mafia romance with some spice in it. It has an interesting storyline following Vonni and Rachael from when they meet to their engagement. Rachael has just moved to town when she notices the attractive man in the diner. Little does she know, that man is a member of one of the families that rules the city.
Definitely fast paced book. I enjoyed the different points of view (as I always seem to)!
Definitely fast paced book. I enjoyed the different points of view (as I always seem to)!
May 1, 2025
This Thing Of Ours is a dark mafia romance.
Vonni and Rachel kind of start off on the wrong foot together. She is new in town and doesn't know anything about his family. He really tries hard to make sure she doesn't find out, but secrets have a habit of revealing themselves. The spice is good between these two. I liked the fact that we got to see someone with a different heritage represented on the page and accepted. Good read.
Vonni and Rachel kind of start off on the wrong foot together. She is new in town and doesn't know anything about his family. He really tries hard to make sure she doesn't find out, but secrets have a habit of revealing themselves. The spice is good between these two. I liked the fact that we got to see someone with a different heritage represented on the page and accepted. Good read.
May 25, 2025
I love everything I have read by Gladys Cross, and This Thing of Ours is no exception. This book will have you turning the pages so fast you won’t even know it is over. Then you will want more. I loved the storyline and the characters. I loved following Rachel’s and Von’s Journey. Bring on the next book by Gladys please!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
June 4, 2025
I've read all of Gladys Cross' MC Romances, so when I heard she had a mafia romance it was a no brainer, I had to read it.
It did not disappoint one little bit!
Vonni is possessive and oh so wonderful. Rachael is a divorcee who is looking to find herself again. The two together make for a very engaging story. Plus the side characters were phenomenal.
The build up to the ending was very nice and obviously, I want more of their world one day.
It did not disappoint one little bit!
Vonni is possessive and oh so wonderful. Rachael is a divorcee who is looking to find herself again. The two together make for a very engaging story. Plus the side characters were phenomenal.
The build up to the ending was very nice and obviously, I want more of their world one day.
June 22, 2025
I Need More of this World!!!
Holy hot mafia series! I loved every minute of this book. The characters were perfect and I need the stories of all of the minor characters we got to meet.
This book has a great storyline, has depth, has chemistry and I can’t say enough about it! If you are looking for your next great read, grab this one! I’m sure you will love it too!
Holy hot mafia series! I loved every minute of this book. The characters were perfect and I need the stories of all of the minor characters we got to meet.
This book has a great storyline, has depth, has chemistry and I can’t say enough about it! If you are looking for your next great read, grab this one! I’m sure you will love it too!
January 12, 2026
This Thing of Ours was an intense and emotional read from start to finish. Rachael’s vulnerability after her divorce felt real, and her chemistry with Vonni was immediate and powerful. The mafia tension, danger, and possessive romance were well balanced without overshadowing the love story. A satisfying standalone with a strong HEA.
April 25, 2025
I love this authors style of writing you always know your going to enjoy her books
This book was brilliant full spicy scenes violence, honesty, and loyalty as a true family should be
I really hope there’s going to be more for this family
This book was brilliant full spicy scenes violence, honesty, and loyalty as a true family should be
I really hope there’s going to be more for this family
June 22, 2025
i love me some mafia romance! you can tell Vonnie and Rachael were definitely written for each other, the chemistry is unmatched and i think they complement each other well. the ending had me reallly hooked!
April 11, 2021
Loved this Mafia Romance! Vonni has all the bad-ass heat and Rachel will surprise you with her willingness to protect her man. Very well written, looking forward to reading more from Gladys Cross
January 18, 2023
2.5⭐️ the writing was very basic and was a struggle to finish. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters. The H was OTT/JP but it fell flat. Had potential.
May 13, 2025
what a wild ride! innocent Rachel ends up in the heart of a Mafia family and she manages to fit in perfectly. Loved her and vonnis relationship
Read
July 30, 2025Mafioso fantasies, oh yeah. Strong and silent type, killing it. Bouts of random humor, why not. Suspense, drama, steamy sex, oh no they didn’t moments, the cherry on top.
https://amzn.to/3yJ0z6e
Backstage pass secrets for the book:
1) My mother and I discussed at length what a gangster might do on a Saturday morning.
2) When I was writing the book I watched more mafia documentaries and movies than any one person should probably ever see.
3) The book started out as a dream of the first chapter and the idea grew from there.
4) My favorite part of the book will always be the fire poker.
Please feel free to share the book with your friends and I love reviews. Another backstage pass secret…I read them all and sometimes feature them in my social media.
https://amzn.to/3yJ0z6e
Backstage pass secrets for the book:
1) My mother and I discussed at length what a gangster might do on a Saturday morning.
2) When I was writing the book I watched more mafia documentaries and movies than any one person should probably ever see.
3) The book started out as a dream of the first chapter and the idea grew from there.
4) My favorite part of the book will always be the fire poker.
Please feel free to share the book with your friends and I love reviews. Another backstage pass secret…I read them all and sometimes feature them in my social media.
December 27, 2021
this was a good mafia romance... very light and fluffy
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews