Where Reckless Hearts Whisper

Dark Hearts #4

by Victoria Holliday

Being the youngest of four sisters, I’m the one who remembers our beautiful Mama the least. And the only one who has to face every day the painful reality that Papa has moved on. I’m also the only sister who has to share a roof with the devastatingly handsome but chillingly arrogant capo, Nicolò Di Santo—my new stepbrother.

While I can’t help but watch every enchanting move he makes, he doesn’t even know I exist. In another life, he’d be the man of my dreams, but in this one, he’s rude, dismissive and bitterly cold.

He's far from sub-zero in my fantasies though. The heat he brings to my dreams in the dead of night makes the pages of my diary smoulder. The leather-bound book is my darkest indulgence and most delicious secret.

But on my eighteenth birthday, I discover Nicolò Di Santo has read every page.

And now he’s the one watching me.

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TROPES: Mafia ~ Forbidden romance ~ Stepbrother ~ Look at her and d^e ~ Forced proximity

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Meagan Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️

My thoughts: What an amazing end to this series. Bambi and Nicolo were everything I was hoping for and so much more. The yearning between these two was delicious and made the slow burn even more intense. I kept wanting to scream at them to just kiss already but the tension made it all the better and worth the wait for when they finally came together. I am so sad it's all over and will miss these characters so much.

What I loved: I enjoyed how the books sole focus wasn't on just the romance aspect. We get a fuller picture into the mafia world, and all the things Nicolo was doing behind the scenes and how he was protecting Bambi without her knowing it. He wanted her to see his softer side and not how deeply he was in to being a made man and the crimes he committed in her name.

If you haven't read this series, then you are truly missing out on a fantastic world to fall into. I have been lucky enough to be here from start to finish as an ARC reader and I'm extremely grateful. Thank you so much Victoria for taking us on this journey with you. I have questions about that ending though!! Is there a spin off coming? I need to know!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last in the Dark Hearts series, is about the youngest Castellano sisters, Bambalina.
This a a mafia slow burn forbidden age gap romance.
Nicolò is the sister’s new stepbrother. He is cold, moody & aloof and one of Christiano’s Capo’s.
Bambi has a crush on Nicolò & is convinced that because of her age & him being her stepbrother it is one sided. She writes a diary of her feelings & forbidden wishes but calls herself Ava & Nico Brodie.
Nicolò finds the diary that has been accidentally left out & picks it up & works out the truth
Their feelings become real but they have to hide them from everyone else & see each other in secret.
And then with problems looming with the Bratva in NY, Christiano gives Bambi as a bride to the Don of their rival family to secure an alliance against the Bratva.
Nicolò will tear down the world to stop the marriage & go to any length ….❤️‍🔥 but at what cost.
This is a great & quick read & I loved it.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The h is 17 when the interest begins. She’s very naive and it shows in her POV. The H is 28 but sounds way younger… neither of them were interesting enough.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is a slow burn, emotionally charged forbidden romance that leans heavily into longing, secrecy, and unspoken desire. Victoria Holliday weaves tension beautifully, creating a story where what’s not said often feels louder than what is.

Lina, the youngest of four sisters, has grown up sheltered and protected, still grieving the loss of a mother she barely remembers while struggling to accept her father’s new marriage. Enter Nicolo Di Santo, her new stepbrother, he is cold, controlled, and deeply entrenched in the mafia world. Thrown together under one roof, the two circle each other cautiously, each convinced their feelings are not only unreturned but completely forbidden.

What makes this story compelling is the contrast between who Nicolo is and who Lina is allowed to be. He’s a powerful, dangerous capo bound by loyalty and violence; she’s innocent, observant, and quietly yearning. Holliday does an excellent job capturing Lina’s inner world, especially through her secret diary, which becomes a symbol of everything she can’t say out loud. When that diary is discovered, the power dynamic shifts in a way that’s both thrilling and unsettling, raising the emotional stakes significantly.

The chemistry is intense but restrained, relying more on stolen glances, internal conflict, and simmering tension than outright action. The forbidden step sibling trope is handled with care, focusing on emotional connection rather than shock value, while the mafia backdrop adds a layer of danger and inevitability to their relationship.

Overall, Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is a moody, addictive read perfect for fans of forbidden romance, protective anti-heroes, and stories that thrive on emotional tension.

[Louise Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taboo mafia read filled with yearning, young love, navigating family expectations and violence. The push and pull of the main two characters was good and intense. Loved reading about the different families and enjoyed the ending 😍Will be interesting to see what the author writes next 🧐I would be really thrilled to see it linked to the Bratva but who knows, one can hope 🤩

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Hearts Series is just awesome. All stand alone interconnected series. Absolutely loved this book. Could not get enough of Lina and Nicolo. Their chemistry was just so freaking hot. Hooked beginning to end. Mafia forbidden romance with lots of twist and turns.

Victoria Holliday is an amazing writer. I absolutely love this series. So excited for the next book!!!!

[mybookishtravels · Rating 5 out of 5]

As sad as I am that this is the final book for this series, I am SO satisfied with this finale and this book. I could not put it down as I just wanted to know what happened next. Each twist and turn of the story that developed left me wanting more...which the author gave and then some! *squeal*

If you asked me which was my favorite sister in the series, I couldn't choose because each one brings a unique flare and I loved every part of their stories. This one though, it definitely gave it's own kind of 'Bam' (pun fully intended) which I loved seeing unfold. The writing, the romance, and the storyline never left me feeling disappointed but this one just hit perfect on all levels for me!!!

Thank you Victoria Holliday for an e-ARC and all the above thoughts, ratings, and feelings are my own.

[Sian R Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning, emotional forbidden romance!!

I can’t help but watch him, he makes the pages of my diary smoulder.
Now, he’s read every page and watches me.

I’ve been waiting in anticipation for Bambalina’s story, the last sister, the youngest but certainly not the most innocent one.

I loved Bambalina, she may only be 18 and has been sheltered her whole life but she is far from innocent, her fantasies and the pages of her diary are sordid yet delicious!

Nicolò De Santo, the Capo, a ruthless man and whilst he may come across standoffish with his new little step-sister he can’t run away from his feelings for her.

I really enjoyed the slow-burn of their relationship, the stolen glances, brush of a touch, inner turmoil and tension are intense but beautifully written.

The end will have you on the edge of your seat but my god it was stunning!

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolo Di Santos… HOLY. MAFIA. 🖤
The alphaness of this man is absolutely intoxicating and will leave you OB-FRIGGIN-SESSED 🥵

I honestly devoured Where Reckless Hearts Whisper amd let me you...Lina and Nicolo will drag you under with their chemistry, forbidden attraction, and aching desire. The tension? JAW DROPPING and offthefriggincharts. This book was highly addicting!

And can we talk about how brilliantly the other couples were woven in?! 😍 The sneak peeks into their relationship growth had me kicking my feet because I am obsessed and friggin loving reading those elements too!

Victoria Holliday has such a stunning gift for connecting readers to her characters—delivering a beautifully emotional romance that instantly pulls you into the world of the Castellano sisters and the mafia. Once you’re in… there’s no escaping the mafia!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Bambalina and Nicolo. Their forbidden relationship, complicated by family ties and an age gap, creates strong emotional conflict.

Lina’s strength and resilience stand out, and the story is fast-paced, emotional, and full of heart. 

When Nicolo reads Bambalina’s diary !!!

You need to read this incredable book!

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe that Dark Hearts series ends with Where Reckless Hearts Whisper because I loved all the Castellano sisters. And because after that sneak peak I was so ready for Bambalina and Nicolo. All the angst , mutual pinning, sneaking around and reading her journal, the sizzling hot attraction and that tension were top tier. But the forbidden romance with a step sibling set in the mafia world. Chef's kiss. Bambalina was the overlooked younger sister, hence the nickname Bambi . And they all missed that she had to grow fast around her sisters and change fast and become her own person. And that person had the need for a new name so she became Lina , the girl behind the camera who writes in her journal that very spicy stories. Nicolo was the one that started using her new name and catching up on all the changes in her . He's a little obsessed with her and it doesn't help that he's pushed into her orbit. I loved all the angst and mutual pinning and all the forbidden feelings and wanted to see how it'll unfold. Didn't expected that plot twist but it was the catalyst for their relationship. Was disappointed a little bit with Christiano but he managed to redeem himself. And all the glimpses of the other couples were so good. The Castellano sisters were quite the unusual bunch and their men had to be a little unhinged to survive and succeed in their world. Loved it how everything unfolded at the end and I loved that epilogues but the bonus definitely was a bonus. Victoria Holliday outdid herself with this deliciously dark mafia series and I can't wait to see what comes next.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ 5 brat stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
3🌶

[Mrs Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is the fourth book in a fantastic series, Victoria has never failed to disappoint 😍

Lina & Nico, the hidden affection, the forbidden desire & the chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥
Lina is the youngest of the Castellano sisters, not happy that her father has remarried and she has gained a step brother.  Thay always say there is a fine line between love and hate and OMG you feel it in this book. 
This book is a slow burn, but when it gets going you are gripped and can not put it down, you just want to be a character in this book to be part of the story. 
You will not be disappointed, I am so ready for the next read Victoria Holliday brings out 😍

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Victoria Holliday for the ARC of Where Reckless Hearts Whisper!

I've been a fan of this author since the first book in the Dark Hearts series and I've loved getting all these books! This one is no different especially with it being the last Castellano book. Who doesn't like a good mafia and step sibling romance? Especially one where she falls first!

Bambalina (Lina) and Nicolo find themselves in new roles- ones of step siblings after their parents find themselves married. Nicolo doesn't think Lina likes him- but what he doesn't know is she likes him a little too much. She's been attracted to him from the beginning but nothing happens between the two of them as Lina is 17 at the start of this novel. And the fact that they are This doesn't stop her from writing her dirtiest fantasies involving her new stepbrother in her diary.

Throughout this novel the two of them slowly start to open up to each other, making for the most delicious slow burn. He starts to notice things about her that intrigue him, and once that's started he's all in. And a sneak peak into her diary may help things along a little. He becomes obsessive, possessive and protective in the most delicious ways.

Lina might seem sweet and innocent, but she's got fire and not afraid to show it. Due to the label of step siblings they try to fight it until they're unable to fight it anymore.

I absolutely could not get enough of this book and am sad that it's the end of the Castellano books but super excited for what comes next!

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story! Lina and Nicolo are absolute perfection! I loved their chemistry, tension and the care they shared for eachother.
I adore this world that @victoriahollidaywrites has created. And im always left wanted more from this group!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolò and Bambi...

I love this series and wish it would never end!!! I think this is my favorite of the series. When Nicolò and Bambi act out her diary stories, it is so hot. I hope there is going to be another book.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been so excited for the book and just knew it would be as good as the others in this series!! I love that all the characters are woven in this book and not forgotten about. What a ride this series has been, Victoria Holliday has out done herself!! Really excited to see what she writes next🤩

[BookmarkedByJenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Dark Hearts series did NOT disappoint. This story delivered tension, secrecy, forbidden want, action, and just the right amount of delicious spice. It felt like the perfect way to close out this mafia series.

Bambolina (aka Lina) is the youngest of the Castellano sisters and she feels left behind. Her sisters have all found their happily ever afters, her father has remarried and is happier than ever, and Lina is struggling to find where she fits. What no one knows is that she is harboring a dangerous secret. She’s completely obsessed with her new stepbrother, Nicolo. He lives rent free in her thoughts and fantasies, and Lina starts writing those thoughts down in her diary. After all, she is the only one who will ever read it…

Nicolo is dark, brooding, and rough around the edges. He has spent most of his life as a made man, carrying responsibility and living for the work, until Lina starts to test his control. When the tension between them finally snaps, there is no turning back. Their need for each other is intense, but the knowledge that they aren’t allowed to be together only makes everything feel more dangerous. Stolen looks, hidden moments, and the constant risk of being discovered by both their family and their mafia world keep the stakes high.

I loved watching Lina come out of her shell and grow into the woman she always wanted to be. Throughout the series she seemed timid and naive, but this book proves she is anything but, which is something I always love in an FMC. Nicolo is more than willing to indulge her desires and fantasies, delivering that perfect mix of romance and dirty talk we all crave. These two are a volcano waiting to erupt and they made for a powerful, satisfying ending to an already fantastic series.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice: 3.5/5🌶️
Dual POV

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is the final book in the Dark Heart Series, and it delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect from Victoria Holliday — a slow-burn, forbidden romance with fantastic writing that’s easy, smooth-flowing, and completely addictive.

While I really enjoyed this book, it isn’t my favourite in the series. The main characters, Bambi and Nikolo, are step-siblings with a 10-year age gap, and I personally would have preferred Bambi to be a few years older. That said, I genuinely loved their story. Their chemistry is undeniable, built through stolen glances, quiet tension, and the delicious frustration of two people who don’t realise they’re both secretly craving each other. There’s a lot of mixed emotions on the surface, but underneath it’s clear the attraction is mutual and intense.

Nikolo is incredibly stoic, showing little to no emotion about anything — until Bambi. I loved how she makes him feel again, drawing out his over-the-top jealousy and fierce protectiveness. Watching his walls slowly crack was one of my favourite parts of the book.

As with the rest of the series, the family dynamic was a standout and something I’ve loved from start to finish. It really ties everything together and gives the story emotional depth.

Overall, a very good read and a solid conclusion to the series.

Thank you for the ARC 💚

[Carina Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is a slow burn, emotionally intense romance that delivers longing, tension, and undeniable chemistry. Bambalina “Lina” and Nicolò, forced together as step siblings, are bound by years of stolen glances, misunderstandings, and unspoken desire. Lina’s secret journal adds a delicious layer to the story, and once Nicolò discovers it, everything changes especially his growing protectiveness toward her.
The pacing is excellent, allowing the emotional connection to build before the romance turns fiery. When the spice finally hits, it doesn’t let up 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. The payoff comes from watching both characters finally open up, recognize their shared feelings, and embrace the passion between them.

A satisfying conclusion, Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is a compelling blend of forbidden romance, emotional growth, and undeniable chemistry. Fans of slow burn romances with high tension, strong character development, and escalating heat will find this final installment deeply satisfying. Victoria Holliday closes the Dark Hearts series with a story that lingers long after the final page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is a dark, forbidden stepsibling romance set in a mafia world. Even though it’s part of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone — I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Bambalina and Nicolo completely stole my heart. Their chemistry was off the charts, and while the romance is a slow burn, once it ignites it is pure fire 🔥. The tension, the longing, and the emotional pull between them kept me hooked from start to finish.

This book pulled me straight into its morally grey, dangerous world, and I’ll definitely be stepping into the rest of the series. I’m excited to read more from Victoria Holliday.

Tropes:
⭐️ Mafia Romance
⭐️ Forbidden Romance
⭐️ Stepsibling / Stepbrother Romance
⭐️ Morally Grey MMC
⭐️ Romantic Suspense
⭐️ Romantic Thriller
⭐️ Dark Romance
⭐️ Billionaire Romance
⭐️ Found Family

⚠️ Check trigger warnings before reading.

[Eri_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finally get to Bambi's story, and what a story it is.

I adored coming back into the world of the Castellano girls and their mafia men. It waa great to see how the girls were getting on further down the line and watching Lina go from child to woman. Not much is ever said about the sudden change where you feel grown, but those around you still treat you like a child, Lina expresses it all.

The forbidden romance, the secrets, the sacrifices. My heart was in a vice. Lina and Nicolò are full on secret ride or die, and I am here for it.

I am hoping we see more of the Bellucci's, Fiero has a story waiting to happen written all over him.

[Leonie Myint]

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is the fourth book in the Dark Hearts series by Victoria Holliday, and I have been a big fan of her work.

This one is no different from the rest of the Dark Hearts series, though it’s a pity it will be the last Castellano book. Who doesn’t love a good mafia and step-sibling romance—especially one where she falls first?

Where Reckless Hearts Whisper is a slow-burn, emotionally charged, forbidden romance that leans heavily into longing, secrecy, and unspoken desire.

Thank you to Victoria Holliday for the ARC—I’m so happy I got the chance to read it.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in a series I absolutely loved. While I didn’t love this installment quite as much as the others, it was still a strong and emotional conclusion.

I’m usually okay with age gaps and younger FMCs, but this one felt different for me because Bambi has been present throughout the entire series as a baby. Watching her grow up and then become the romantic lead made me a little uncomfortable at times.

That said, Victoria Holliday’s writing is still beautiful, and I continue to adore the world and characters she’s created across the series. The cast that has emerged in these later books is especially compelling, and I would love to see a spin-off series focused on them.

I’m really looking forward to whatever Victoria writes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Victoria Holliday and she has definitely intrigued me enough to go back and read the whole series. I enjoyed the angst, the detail she put into immersing you into her world and picturing yourself there making it hotter. This book is definitely swoon worthy. The characters are completely lovable. It’s more about the romance than the actual mafia part of it, but was enough plot to keep into thinking.

[Astraycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was a long read, I liked how they develop their relationship, and how they turn it from indifference to love. Got emotional when h had to accept the family's decision. Fortunately, H has never given up, and everything solved.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers the last story of the Castellano sisters, Bambi.

It’s high stakes, slow burning, forbidden, dangerous and captivating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie Carrizales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and it did not disappoint. It grabbed my attention from the beginning. I love a good stepbrother trope so this was right up my alley. I enjoyed seeing Laina come into herself in the beginning. She is shy she wants that love and then you see her become the best version of herself throughout the book by the end I did enjoy it. I may have to go back and read the other ones just so I know their stories as well.

[HeartOut]

Gonna read it as soon as it is out!!! Absolutely loved this series!!!!

[HeyyyVelvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I let her foot rub up against my dick. I let my stepsister rub her foot against my dick.”
In order to tell you about “Where Reckless Hearts Whisper” I need to briefly tell you more about the series to date. And you do need to read the previous books to appreciate this last installment.

Series Summary: A dark mafia romance series centered around a barely-in-the-mafia family who becomes a centerpiece in the organization when the oldest daughter is betrothed to the next-in-line don. Her father runs the docks and the new don wants it. She dallies with her bodyguard, who is her fiance’s brother, and [some spoiler stuff] happens. This high profile marriage arrangement elevates the family in name and participation, exposing all the daughters (there are 4) to new members of ‘the family’ and business associates. Each daughter has a book. You need to read the previous books to appreciate this one final one.

—

“He reaches a hand between us and paws at my clit.”
“Where Reckless Hearts Whisper” Overall Rec: ⭐ 3.5 Liked it. A good finale to the series.

Tropes: Close Sister Bond, Arranged Marriage, Organized Crime, Gang Wars, Taboo Relationship, Forbidden Love Interest, Opposites Attract, Age Gap, Protective MMC, FMC is a Smut Writer, Family Business, Virgin FMC, Playboy MMC, HEA

FMC: Bambalina—youngest daughter, baby of the family, 18 years old, goes by “Bambi” in books 1-3, wants an identity upgrade to be age appropriate, asks to go by “Lina”

MMC: Nicolo—a made man, cousin to the new don, nearly 30 years old, and Lina’s new stepbrother.

The Review:

It’s lighter, smuttier, and more frivolous than the previous books. There’s angst, but not despair or self harm like we saw in book #1 and book #3, respectively.

Less tragic, more everyday inner turmoil compared to the other books. Lina is the youngest - the death of her mother wasn’t a turning point for her in the same way it was for her sisters. Instead her hangups center around the loss of her father to another marriage.

The taboo relationship with her stepbrother is less taboo than was intended. It’s not like they took baths together. Or grew up through puberty and “the change” together. They knew the other’s name. And ran in the same crime circles.

Lina wasn’t as dynamic as the other sisters. Everyone had a role to play in the family: She was the spoiled brat. And she played it well. But she was about as deep as a rain gauge.

Lina was desperate to grow up, but she seemed so directionless in how to make it happen. I think that’s why she was so agreeable to the arranged marriage. She finally saw a path to how she could contribute to her family in a tangible way. This was her line in the sand and I respected her for it. But it came so late in the book that I’d already written her off. I’m sorry, Lina.

She’s a classically delusional 18-year-old with a touch of narcissism. She would manifest her forbidden pining for Nicolo into smut featuring him, but it wasn’t hot no matter how dedicated she was or how much she touched herself to the memories. When pen met paper, it was a recitation of events with less affect than you’d expect. “Ava’s father had just announced he’d re-married. Her heart was broken.” Nothing figurative or fancy. Just saying it like it is. Great for medical records. Not for a love story. But Nicolo ate it up when he discovered her diary, acting like it was brilliant prose. It reminded me of Hans when he ate the awful zucchini cookies. He hated them, but because she made them he ate the whole batch.

Nicolo was a fierce protector. LOVED him. This is a man who has seen some shit, knows some shit, created some shit. And we’re lucky his diabolical mind was working for us, not against us.

It ends with an HEA, but needs another Epilogue.

Final Thoughts: It’s a quick read (about 400 pages but it’s easy to get into), it answers all of the questions posed in the series, it ties up loose ends, and it doesn’t taint your love of the other characters or books. It does open a question in the Epilogue that isn’t resolved, but you won’t lose sleep over it. Read it. Read the whole series.

**I received an advance reader copy of this book, but this review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion. Receiving an ARC did not influence my rating or review in any way.