Give It a Day: An arranged marriage mafia romance novella

by Cate Roi

“I’ll find a way out of this wedding, Damon.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Kayla.”

Kayla never wanted a ring on her finger. Especially not from Damon, a ruthless, filthy rich investor who always gets what he wants. But this marriage is a deal she can’t refuse.

Damon sees Kayla as a high-stakes investment he won’t lose. He’s never taken no for an answer, and he’s not about to start now.

Their wedding isn’t a union. It’s a war. Every glance is a challenge. Every touch, a threat. Every kiss, a conquest. Kayla thinks she can escape. But she can’t resist him. And Damon is obsessed with making sure she knows exactly who she belongs to.

Give It a Day is an enemies-to-lovers dark romance with an arranged marriage, forced proximity, and a filthy-mouthed mafiosa who meets her match in a dominant, possessive anti-hero.

Will he change her mind on their wedding day?

Bonus in Kindle Unlimited, eBook and paperback on Amazon! Includes an illustration of the steamy couple in case the words alone don’t make you blush.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Cate Roi writes dark romance with a body count and a sense of humor. Born Chinese-Filipino and raised between the U.S. and Canada, she grew up learning the power of diversity (and dramatic family dinners). Outside of writing, she keeps a low profile and leads a quiet life in research, but the details of that are strictly classified. These days, she conjures up morally messy love stories while enjoying the company of her partner-in-crime and their furbabies, who unlike her characters, are pure and innocent. Probably.

Find her at cateroi.com, or say hi on Instagram and TikTok @authorcateroi.

Reviews

[Laura Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for the second book in the series, Kill for a Kiss. I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this shorter read. I normally have a hard time connecting to characters in shorter stories. This book did leave a lot of questions, like why Kayla's parents weren't at the wedding, despite it being an arranged marriage between both families.

Kayla and Damon's story is interesting and intense. Both had less than 24 hours to get used to the idea of their pairing. Their chemistry is undeniable.

Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TEXT….WE'RE GOING TO CHURCH….WTH

Damon and Kayla. He always gets what he wants. He wants her. She has a reputation. Shes lowkey as not to standout like her family. She holds her secrets close to her heart. A text. Going to church. Miles and miles, hours and hours away. The man standing at the alter isnt bad. All the pawns seem to be in place but it cant be, theres no priest. Still no answer as to why we are here. Then she sees him. The priest. Love the way he convenciences her to marry.

Well written thats dark, with an arranged marriage. For an alliance. And their chemistry… well lets say, hotter than flowing lava. Put that with the banter and WOW just WOW. We have two very strong willed charecters here. Couldnt put it down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Coull1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one as it was the first one in a series I was given an ARC for the second book . Quick little novella with insta love and spice . Was a fun romp with definitely a promise for more in the upcoming books ! Looking forward to them !

[Charlys Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, filthy, tension-filled novella that packs a lot of fire for its length.
From the first page, Kayla and Damon’s dynamic is pure chaos in the best way, an arranged marriage that feels more like a battlefield than a honeymoon.
Damon is the kind of possessive, dominant anti-hero who never plays fair, and Kayla gives just as hard as she gets.

Cate Roi does such a great job blending dark tension, power play, and genuine chemistry that you’ll fly through this in one sitting.
It’s unapologetically steamy, just the right amount of unhinged, and a perfect setup for what’s coming in Kill for a Kiss.

[Mia Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to thank booksiren and Cate for the opportunity was this beautiful masterpiece it was quick read like this was the best arranged marriage mafia romance book I have read this year.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨

✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Aug 26, 2025

✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• arranged marriage
• hot hero
• insta-attraction
• novella
• fast romance
• sassy heroine
• protective mmc

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This book was such a fun and quick read. It’s a novella, but the story felt full and satisfying. The arranged marriage angle came out of nowhere, and I absolutely loved that twist. It added excitement and drama right from the start. Damon was seriously hot, bold, and had that intense energy. He wasn’t the shy type he knew what he wanted and made it known. Kayla was strong and sassy, and her bold attitude made her stand out. She gave just the right amount of attitude with confidence, and I adored that.
I thought this would be a slow burn, but it was surprisingly fast-paced in the best way. The chemistry between them was instant but still felt real. Their moments together were cute, flirty, and had a little spice too. It wrapped up nicely, though I wouldn’t mind a few more scenes or a bit more depth at the end. Still, I had a great time reading it and didn’t feel like anything was missing.
Huge thanks to the author & booksirens for this lovely ARC. Can’t wait to see what she writes next!!

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Give It a Day
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Kayla is forced into an arranged marriage with Damon, the heir of a rival Mafia family. Though Damon initially agreed to the deal, he’s quickly captivated by her fiery resistance. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the more she pushes back, the more intrigued he becomes.

Despite their rocky start at the altar, they both agree to the union for the sake of their families. Damon insists she accept her fate—becoming his wife and uniting their two families. The banter is sharp, and Kayla’s sassy, smart character steals the show.

Though I expected a slow burn, the pace was fast and exciting. Their chemistry was instant, but still felt authentic. The moments between them were fun, flirty, and had just the right amount of heat. The ending wrapped up well, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more depth. Overall, a fun read and I cannot wait for book 2!!

Releases 8/26/25!*
Thank you to @authorcateroi and @bookfunnel for sending me an ARC to review!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayla is the daughter of a powerful mafia family who, suddenly, is forced into an arranged marriage with Damon, a husband she didn't ask for and doesn't want. However, Damon is determined to show her that their union can become something more than an obligation; he wants to earn her trust, protect her, and, above all, love her.

The two try to live together amid tensions filled with desire and passion that serve to draw them ever closer. This is where Kayla, who initially resisted the idea, begins to experience feelings she can't ignore. She must make a choice: hold on to her freedom and annul the marriage she never wanted, or accept that in Damon she has found everything she ever longed for: protection, love, and a home.

An intense story, full of chemistry, emotional conflicts, and repressed desire where, in the end, the heart ends up defying even the coldest agreements.

[Teri Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FMC and MMC are hilarious in ths book. As funny as they are together, apart they are just as funny. I couldn’t wait to turn the page to see what she’d say next and how he would answer her. I love good humor in a book. This read is a quest for both main characters (especially one of them) to come to the same conclusion. I’d love to see just where these two end up, in a sequel to this novella. In a matter of just one day they are onto builing something they never could have fathomed when they met. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This story is an easy read. I simply loved it and loved their relationship, as well. I definitely recommend this book and want more of them.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking LOVED this. First of all, this is a treasure trove of my favorite tropes. I was living for every second of this plot.

The character chemistry here is off the freaking charts and the personalities of these MCs give me LIFE. I was HOWLING in laughter and sawing off my bottom lip the whole time.

Huge fan of Cate's writing style, huge fan of this story. I'm hoping for more from this world and from the creative mind of this author.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy I got this arc.
Kaye is a badass, no-nonsense mafia princess who gets blindsided into an arranged marriage with Damon aka Dae, the dangerously hot man she was just eye f*cking at the altar.

She wants an annulment.
He wants forever.
Cue filthy tension, chaotic chemistry, and daily “I love you’s” she swears she won’t return.

The banter? Top tier.
The spice? Off the charts.
And Damon? Already obsessed.

Short, spicy, and unhinged in the best way.

[Sarah Janvier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark romance novella is seriously captivating. It’s a short read but it was so good!

Kayla is clueless of what is going to happen when she arrives at church and the arranged marriage to Damon came out of nowhere.

You can say that it’s an instant love by Damon and he’s here to remind Kayla that they can give a chance to this marriage.

The jokes, the spice, the banter and the forced proximity were so good!

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give It A Day by Cate Roi
This is a great story. Starting with Kaya leaving another one-night stand because she doesn't want anything more than that. Her mom and dad want a meeting with her. I loved this book and all the twists and turns, some you see coming and some you don't. The characters are wonderful; you can't help but find one you like. I fell for Damon, the man her parents met with. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read and a great pick me up for a day when you need to take a break. Kayla is a strong-willed woman, and Damon is a strong-willed man and when the two a forced into a marriage of convenience it is definitely entertaining trying to figure out who will come out on top - literally and figuratively.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this.

It has everything you love about “important families”.

Arranged marriages, he falls first, possessiveness..

I was invested in their story and I wouldn’t be mad if we got another book of how it’s going! I was def rooting for her to get it together and accept.

It’s a short read, less than 200 pages but it’s a great story and def recommend!!

[Heather Deffley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Short but gripping and I devoured it quickly. Loved the story and the plot and the FMC had some great sass which I'm here for. There was also quite a bit of spice which I'm here for. Ended with a HEA just the way I like it. Would highly recommend reading.

[The Baker and the Bookmark Nikki Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Spicy and quick! Would totally read more about these characters in a longer book! Received this early review and I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayla (Kaye) has been the backbone of her family for years, keeping the family business afloat and sacrificing her own happiness in the process. The weight of it all has left scars: shame over choices she never wanted to make, loneliness from always hiding her true self, and a “love life” that’s nothing more than a string of one-night distractions. So, when she suddenly finds herself staring down the barrel of an arranged marriage, Kaye’s first instinct is disbelief. Surely this is some kind of cruel joke. Enter Damon Song-Smith (Dae): cocky and absolutely certain that this union is what’s best for both their families. He’s not just willing, he’s determined to see this through. And if that means marrying a fiery, stubborn woman who swears she wants nothing to do with him? All the better. Damon has never backed down from a challenge, and this battle of wills promises to be the most rewarding one yet. What Kaye doesn’t expect is the electric pull she feels the moment she meets him. One kiss, one smirk and she’s reeling. Damon may have coerced her into the ceremony, but he’s not about to force her hand after. Instead, he strikes a deal: give him until after their honeymoon before she makes any final decision. And wow… talk about scorching. Damon falls first and falls hard, throwing every ounce of charm, heat, and persistence into proving that they could be so much more than reluctant partners. The chemistry between them is combustible, and the banter is pure gold. Kaye refuses to roll over and play the docile wife. Her sass, her fire, her refusal to bend make every interaction deliciously addictive. But underneath all that attitude, Kaye is weary of always being the strong one, the one in control. She’s starved for real partnership, for someone she can finally lean on. The question is, can she trust Damon enough to let down her guard and believe that he’s the man she’s been waiting for all along? Bottom line: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill arranged marriage romance. It’s fiery, fun, and filled with heat, sass, and heart.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LANA VERITY · Rating 5 out of 5]

**OBSESSED. Damon and Kaye consumed me whole.**
**Trigger Warnings:** Morally grey characters, intense power dynamics, dub-con/non-consensual elements (early in the book), dark themes, criminal underworld setting. Proceed with caution, but be warned: this book is addictive.
Cate Roi has delivered a dark, dangerous, and utterly captivating start to this series. From the very first page, Give it a day drags you into a world of high-stakes power plays, arranged marriages, and toxic chemistry that simply bleeds off the pages.
Damon—the cold, calculating, possessive Gemini—is a walking red flag, and yet I found myself completely helpless against his calculated charms. His internal monologue is a masterpiece of control and terrifying desire. The way he views Kaye as his ultimate high-risk, high-reward investment? Chillingly hot.
And Kaye? She is the perfect foil. She’s defiant, sharp, and refuses to bend, even when Damon is trying to break her. Their relationship is less a romance and more a psychological war zone wrapped in silk and danger. The tension between them—the need—is palpable, from the secret meeting in his study to the public performance they put on for the criminal elite.
The pacing is flawless. The world-building of the elite criminal families (Knights and Song-Smiths) feels grounded and incredibly treacherous. This isn't a fluffy dark romance; it’s genuinely dark and the stakes are monumentally high—not just for their families' empires, but for their own hearts and sanity.
If you love morally bankrupt heroes who are obsessed with their equally formidable heroines, stop what you’re doing and one-click this immediately. This book left me reeling, needing a cold shower, and desperately craving the next installment. I don’t know who I’m rooting for more: Damon to finally break Kaye's walls, or Kaye to burn his entire empire down. Probably both.
Highly, highly recommended for fans of dark romance and enemies-to-lovers with real enemies.

[Loves2 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your typical arranged marriage romance—it's a vibrant and satisfying novella that packs a punch. As a fast-paced and fun read, it hooked me from the very start with its unexpected twist on the arranged marriage trope.

Kayla (Kaye) has spent years as the backbone of her family, sacrificing her happiness and hiding her true self. So when she finds herself staring down an arranged marriage, her first instinct is disbelief. Enter Damon Song-Smith (Dae), who is confident and determined to make this union work. He’s bold, he’s hot, and he’s up for the challenge of marrying a fiery, stubborn woman who wants nothing to do with him.

The chemistry between them is instant and electric, and the banter is pure gold. Damon falls first and falls hard, using every ounce of his charm and persistence to prove they can be more than reluctant partners. Kaye refuses to be a docile wife; her sass and confidence make every interaction deliciously addictive. Underneath her bold attitude, however, is a woman who is tired of always being the strong one and is starved for a real partnership. The question is, can she trust Damon enough to let down her guard?

While it's a quick read, the story feels full and satisfying. The instant chemistry between them is palpable, and their flirty, spicy moments are a blast. This book delivers all the heat, sass, and heart you could ask for, making it a must-read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 stars

I went into "Give It a Day" expecting a thrilling mafia romance, but what I got were characters that left me underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the heroine's wit is sharp, and I love how she doesn't mince words. The heroine is a force to be reckoned with - she's sassy, quick-witted, and full of sauce! I loved how she navigated situations with her sharp tongue and playful demeanor. She's so dramatic, it made some parts entertaining to read.

The hero, on the other hand, fell head over heels for her, and I did appreciate how he showered her with affection. He'd even demand, "Don't leave the bed until I tell you I love you," during their honeymoon, declaring his love for her daily. And the heroine's realization of finally having him was a sweet moment. However, I think I was hoping for more development and satisfaction from their relationship, but it seemed like a missed opportunity.

Despite this, the author did her best to match the energies of the characters and bring out this book. While it had its moments, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. If you're a fan of Cate Roi's work or enjoy mafia romances, you might still find something to love here. For me, it was just okay.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, what did I just read….Such a Sizzling Hot quick read for in between any of my heavy books still sitting in my kindle! A quick read that leaves you swooning!

Kayla is forced to marry another Mafia families heir. Damon who had agreed to the deal, finds himself a bit bemused by the little spitfire. The more she resists, the more intrigued he becomes and finds he needs to know more about his future wife.

From the very first unfortunate meet at the church altar, Kaye and Damon have to agree to marry so the families will benefit.

The chemistry is off the charts hot and as Damon claims what is his in all matters and ways that leave Kaye reeling… He insists that for her benefit she needs to accept what her fate is. That being she will be his wife and join their two families together.

Loved the banter. Especially loved our fiery sassy smart MFC, Kaye. And who doesn't love a story where he falls first! Well done Damon!

Yup, a very enjoyable read and looking forward to more of the same from this author!

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall not a bad book, but also not the best short story I’ve read. The story takes place over about one day so it’s short. It isn’t a very in depth story since the main female character talks about her history, but never actually tells us what she did. There is also no explanation of why the two characters got married other than vague references to reasons. I feel like this makes the story seem like a cliff notes version of a longer, fully fleshed out story. Maybe the next book will give more details on the backstories of these characters. But besides that, the story is a quick, slightly spicy, read if you are looking for something to read within a few days.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mireille · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Give It A Day is such a fun, steamy novella with all the juicy tropes like arranged marriage, forced proximity, and instant attraction.

This story had me hooked right away. Kaye is sassy, confident, and downright hilarious. I loved her comebacks and attitude. And Damon is strong, dominant, possessive — and completely set on getting what he wants.

Together, their banter is electric, the insta-attraction feels believable, and the chemistry is pure fire 🔥

The spicy scenes were HOT and there were so many laugh out loud moments.

I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Rachel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

I do have a very soft spot for mafia romances, especially ones with plenty of spice 😍. Dae and Kaye (the rhyming nicknames get me every time) spend their time locked in a battle of wills or finding creative ways to exhaust each other with bedroom escapades. Overall, a very quick, fun read for anyone who's a fan of mafia romance 🔥❤️.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ Book Title: Give it a Day (Book 1 of the Song-Smith Standalone Series)
✨️ Author: Cate Roi
✨️ Genre: Dark romance
✨️ Tropes: Mafia romance, forced marriage, dom x brat vibes

⭐️ Star Rating: 4 / 5 stars
🌶 Spice Level: 4.5 / 5 peppers (hot + heavy - significant amount of open-door scenes)
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: Explicit language, explicit sexual content (including BDSM, malpractice, nonconsensual acts, dubious consent), mentions of alcohol abuse, blood, violence, arranged and forced marriage

📅 Release Date: August 26, 2025


“I know you’re scared because you know that if you run, I’ll always catch you. I’m your soft landing - the person you can call home - and that scares you for some reason, most likely because you’ve never had anyone you could rely on before.”

Mafia princess Kayla is used to getting what she wants and who she wants… until she receives a text message from her parents. Ambushed into an arranged marriage with Damon, Kayla is desperate to find a way out… while Damon is more than up for the challenge.

From the rebellion and attitude to the dark and unhinged tension and banter, Cate Roi does a beautiful job rolling all of this into a novella that I easily flew through in one sitting. Despite Damon and Kayla’s instant attraction to each other, Kayla is true to the boldly confident and sassy character we initially met, resisting the arrangement before her. Damon’s determination to claim Kayla was intentional, with his own slightly unhinged confidence to rival Kayla’s. I especially loved the patient resolve Damon held onto when acknowledging Kayla’s reservations. He met her where she was at without guilt, ultimately solidifying Kayla’s commitment to their relationship. It has to be said that the spice that followed was nothing short of just right in a slightly unhinged way - just like their relationship.

Filled with dark tension, intense chemistry, and quick banter, the novella Give it a Day packs a fiery punch, making it the perfect start to the Sing-Song Standalone series. Setting the scene perfectly for the second book in the Song-Smith series, Give it a Day is the perfect book for fans of dark romance with dom x brat vibes and the mafia, making it the perfect addition to your TBR.

[Pustaka Yoyoh (REEN'S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

A short spicy read.

The beginning of the book was very interesting and made me wonder what would happen next to our very tough FMC. But in the middle of the story, I started to lose focus because nothing much happened. Long story short, our FMC and MMC managed to get their happy ending in the end, although everything felt too sudden.

However, the epilogue is very cute. I like it, I love it.