Shadow King

by Bella Ray

As the daughter of a mafia don, I was born into power and danger— but nothing could prepare me for him.

He was supposed to be my bodyguard. My father’s most trusted soldier.
A man carved from silence and shadows.
He wasn’t meant to look at me the way he did.
And I wasn’t meant to want him.

One night, everything changed.
One promise turned into a cage.
And I learned what it meant to be owned by the wrong man.

Then Raffael came for me.

He isn’t a savior.
He’s a killer—cold, ruthless, forged in blood.
He doesn’t protect to save.
He protects to possess.

Now I’m trapped between the man who controls me
and the man who would burn the world to set me free.

He says I belong to him.
He says he’ll never let me go.
And the terrifying part?
I believe him.

I should fear him.
I should hate him.
Instead, I crave the monster who was never meant to love me.

****Shadow King is a dark, explosive mafia romance filled with forbidden obsession, dangerous power, forced proximity, and a possessive antihero who will defy the entire Cosa Nostra to claim what’s his.
It continues the Savage Kings of New York saga, where loyalty is a weapon, love is a risk, and every king bleeds to protect his queen.

678 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
I was wondering in the previous book Wounded king what on earth had happened to Marcello's sister and I had a hunch that the next book will be hers. Well I was right and I'm glad cause we get the painful but eventually beautiful story of Sophia and Raffael's journey.
This story is a darl, forbidden, bodyguard, mafia princess, OTT protective made man, slow burn, second chance with lots of angst and some twists.
Though it's a large book (if I'm not mistaken over 600 pages) you get to feel all the journey from the beginning to their HEA. I have to be honest, it was slight tiring this length as I don't often read so big books, so maybe it's off putting for some due to lack of time. But if you give it a chance it will compensate you with all the rollercoaster of feelings.
Once again Bella Ray made an exceptional story for all of us who want our heart a little bit broken but in the end stitched to the point.

[Book_it_to_me_baby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Mafia Romance Read, I would say this book is medium paced and heavier on the plot and recovery for both Sophia and Raffael.

I really enjoyed reading Sophia and Raffael's story, the Mafia politics and story was very interesting as well. I love that Raffael helped Sophia in whatever way he could do help heal and in doing so, Sophia was able to help him heal and become the Shadow King.

Overall, great read and I will be looking into more of this authors books!

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

savage is the kingdom of Famiglia

She has loved since she was a teen. All he saw was a brat of a Mafia princess. Then came the Kiss. He didn’t stay, he walked away. Her father gave her to what she later found, a sadistic narcissist. He brutalized her and offered to share her with his men. And one day, after he had broken her, she was liberated. Or at least her body was.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia was born a mafia princess, destined to obey the rules of a world she never chose. Falling in love with her bodyguard was never part of her plan, but love is unpredictable, capricious, and when she tasted that forbidden fruit, her destiny changed forever. That same man, Raffael, disappeared without a word, leaving her vulnerable to an arranged marriage with a monster who tormented her for three long years. Even so, Sophia endured. Her spirit was dimmed, but not extinguished; her pain was a knife in her heart, but there is always hope, and when you think all is lost, a light always appears, and that light was Raffael, the man she loved three years ago. He has returned, and this time he doesn't intend to let her go, even if protecting her means burning the entire world down.

Raffael has always lived by the mafia's rules; his life had order until Sophia shattered it. He felt things he had never felt before, but convinced he was unworthy and that she happily accepted their arranged marriage, he walked away. In those three years, he built an empire in the shadows, becoming king of a secret kingdom, hoping that if she ever chose him, he would lay the world at her feet.

But discovering the truth destroys him from within. Sophia wasn't living a happy life; she was living a hell. Then Raffael acts. He already has a kingdom; now he must rescue the only woman he has ever loved. When he finds her, she is broken, a part of her soul has died. But he dedicates himself to healing every wound, to protecting her, to returning the freedom and light that were stolen from her.

And as their love is reborn, the truth about Raffael also comes to light. The truth about his lineage is not what he believed. He was born a king, heir to a crown that was taken from him, and now he is ready to reclaim what is rightfully his. But first, his priority is Sophia. He offers her choices, patience, respect. He kneels before her in an act of love and redemption for not having seen her suffering sooner. They reconnect, their love grows stronger than ever, and she becomes his partner within the highest echelons of power. Alliances have been forged, and only the last head of the serpent remains to be cut off so that a new kingdom may be born.

I loved this book. Sophia's strength in surviving a martyrdom she never asked for is admirable. She is a symbol of resilience and pride. And Raffael, God, Raffael. I loved him. That man was willing to sacrifice his entire empire, his throne, his life so that she would be safe. But Sophia knows that he deserves more than life gave him, and together they build a powerful love, one that heals, that sustains each other, and that illuminates even the darkest paths.

Now I'm eager to see how Stephano's story unfolds. I'm on tenterhooks and waiting for his book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️.

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

[Kim (KJW Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Shadow King (Savage Kings of New York: Book 4)
Author: Bella Ray

Review: I received an (ARC) Advanced Reader Copy for MY honest review for free.

This is the fourth instalment of the Savage Kings of New York series where we meet mafia princess Sophia Orsi and her bodyguard Raffael DeSantis.

Boy oh boy did this book pull on your heartstrings. I knew something was up with Marcello's sister in the previous book in this series but I would never have guessed it was this bad.

The 550+ page book had me in a chokehold throughout. What Sophia endured by the hands of evil men was disgusting and absolutely heartbreaking.

Raffael was something beautiful from the start but knew he could never have a girl like Sophia. Who would want a low level foot soldier. Sophia has had a crush on her bodyguard for years but knew in the end, she would be married off for an alliance for her fathers benefit, but she didn't see Roberto Giordano coming. With his charming good looks and soft touches, Sophia thought maybe she could be happy if she just gave him a chance.

After a six month long engagement, the wedding day had finally come. And what awaited her was anything but the romantic evening, instead it was her worst nightmare. The brutality that Sophia endured for a further three years was hard to read. Her friends didn't even recognise the signs of abuse which was crazy to me, if they truely were as close as they seemed, someone should have noticed after all that time.

Raffael never gave up, he continued to stalk Sophia but made himself believe she was happy. He grew his underground business in the shadows as he was determined to make something of himself, a real name.

When secrets are revealed, Raffael will stop at nothing to protect his Sophia. He slowly puts the broken pieces of Sophia back together and gives her the space to recover and grow whilst showing her love every.single.day. (heart swoon)

It's time for Raffael to take his rightful place in La Famiglia and band together with the other Capo's to remove Don Edoardo from his position.


I really loved this book from start to end. I connected with all the characters and the book was well written. There was so much to unpack that I thought we were never going to get to the end, so many secret revealed, twists and turns it was hectic to say the least. The smut scenes between the FMC and MMC were average and I wasn't a fan of the dirty talk, it felt a little awkward to be honest. I really loved that the guys banded together in the end and put it all out on the table. Of course Stephano Conti makes his grand entrance at the end with incriminating information that will get their current Don dethroned. I can't wait to jump into the next book in the series with Stephano and Oksana.

Stars: 4.5/5 ★
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Recommend: Yes
Notes: ARC received through BookSirens

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHADOW KING is the fourth instalment in Bella Ray’s contemporary, adult SAVAGE KINGS OF NEW YORK, dark,erotic, Mafia romance series. This is businessman Raffael DeSantis, and Mafia princess Sophia Orsi Giordana’s story line. SHADOW KING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the events of SHADOW KING cross over with , and run parallel to some of the events of the previous story lines.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raffael and Sophia) covering three years, SHADOW KING follows in the wake of the arranged marriage between Sophia Orsi, and man who would meet a brutal end. Raffael DeSantis has been in love with Sophia for as long as he can remember but he believed he was a nobody, and without the power to save the woman he loved. Three years would pass, and Raffael would set into motion a plan to rescue our story line heroine, a rescue that may be too late to save our heroine’s soul but all is not as it appears to be, Raffael is about to embark on a new path towards a future he never knew existed, a future that now lays claim to our story line heroine.

The world building follows Raffael as he begins a new life, a new direction in the face of betrayal and the loss of the woman he loves but for three years Raffael has struggle without our story line heroine, a struggle Raffael knew nothing about.

The relationship between Raffael and Sophia begins as an assignment when Raffael is assigned to protect our story line heroine but Sophia was young and immature, and in this, her behavior would ultimately end with a man who destroyed her soul. Raffael is determined to reclaim the woman he loves, a woman who has always loved the man who stole her heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and dangerous secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Sophia’s father Carlos Orsi, her brothers Angelo and Marcello Orsi, nurse Violet; women’s shelter coordinator Lexy, Gray Elia; Don Edoardo, Roberto Giordano, and Roberto’s powerful grandmother Donna Margarita. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHADOW KING is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, edgy and dark; the romance is impassioned but the couple spend about fifty percent of the book apart; the character desperate, determined and charismatic.


copy supplied for review

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is Sophia and Raffael's story. I kept going back & forth on rating it. In the end, it was more a four. The business side, while present took a very far back seat. This one is more relationship. Families aren't the same some are overprotective and loving and some are violent and nasty. Some only think of themselves and use anyone and everyone. One loves to play the mom card when it's her benefit.

Sophia first appeared as a spoiled brat, then as in a violent relationship with her father and brother and then husband. The relationship with her mother-in-law was turn a blind eye unless it's made public. She did have those who cared about her - one brother and a former guard. Unfortunately, she never really came through as a strong character inside which made it too easy for her to be broken. She simply accepted. She did try to find the inner strength when she was free of the violence. Rafael at first was just her bodyguard and crush. A change occurred, and I must have missed the explanation, because he was suddenly a strong shadow figure who'd built the secret society. The author quickly went over it but for me it was a bit of a leap. He supposedly had no real ties. That changed when he found out who his real parents were. Unfortunately, my issue with him was it seemed he was acting more on guilt with Sofia. I will say the author did a good job with Sofia's therapy. Now to the girlfriends - really? Now they decided to be blind. They were constantly together and, in each other's business, and they don't notice the change in her behavior? That said, I appreciate trying to make Cammie likeable but her back story is going to have to be a lot darker for the reader to forgive her.

So long story short, relationships are key in this book, and they don't always end up the way the reader wants them to. There's a lot of open questions and I'm not sure they all can be answered in the next book. That said, I still love the shark way of dealing with the enemies over Raffael's. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I wish I could give it more.

I don’t even know where to start with Shadow King. I couldn't read it fast enough. I devoured this book, literally, word by word. Bella Ray has done it again, and this series just keeps getting better and better.
I am a complete sucker for second chance romances, and this delivered with power, pain, and pure emotional force. Both Raffael and Sophia suffered, and I felt every ounce of their anguish. I appreciated how Bella handled Sophia’s past abuse with care. The mere mention of it was enough to make my skin crawl without being overly graphic.
Raffael, what a character. A man shaped by abandonment, raised to be a weapon, never meant to serve but destined to rule. He was born to be a king and Sophia his queen. When he learns she is being abused, he becomes her shield, her refuge, her safe haven, defying everyone and everything, even if it meant destroying everything he ever built. He never pushed, never rushed her. He gave her choice, respect, and space, and that made their connection even more powerful.
And the tension, the anticipation, the constant “come on, save her already… kiss her already… own her or let her own you” had me living for every second of it. The way pain transforms into devotion, obsession, protection, and finally love was executed beautifully.
Add to that secrets, betrayal, power plays, revenge, found family, billionaires, and an ongoing fierce background plot that keeps the stakes high even after the emotional payoff, and you get a story that truly has it all.
As the book itself says, it destroyed me, but in the best way possible, and honestly, that is exactly how it felt.
This was everything I hoped for and more. It did not disappoint for a single second, and now I am counting the days until Stephano’s book.
Highly, passionately, obsessively recommended!!!!!!!.

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

[Deborah Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raffael Di Santis knew he was destined for more, not just a child dropped off by Don Orsi to be raised by a family to become a foot soldier and bodyguard to the Orsi princess, Sophia. But with no paperwork, no identity, other than what he was told, which was nothing, he knew he had to do something to become more.

Sophia Orsi knew she was seen by her father only as an asset, one that had to be decorous, quiet and without blemish. Almost getting kidnapped, or worse, with her friends when they escaped for a night of teenage fun and having Raffael rescue them, put her is a bad position. A quickly arranged marriage, solidifying two brutal families was her father's answer.

Building a new business, a new order, keeps him busy, but not too busy to keep eyes on Sophia and rescue her from a brutalizing spouse. Step by careful step, they create a plan.
Their story is not a sweet fairytale. It is a battleground of egos, filled with morally grey, even black, villains and heroes alike. But if you like Alpha males with a soft side under layers of muscle, and vulnerable heroines with determination and wills of steel, this is a must read that may not even make it to your TBR pile.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow King delivers a gripping, emotional journey as Sophia—born a mafia princess but denied any control over her own life—survives an abusive marriage built on fear. After a brutal rescue, she’s reunited with her first love, Raphael… but she’s no longer the hopeful young woman he once knew. Trauma has reshaped her, and healing feels impossible.

Raphael’s unwavering devotion is the heart of this story. His love for Sophia is steadfast, tender, and willing to sacrifice everything. Together, they rebuild something fierce and beautiful—a love that heals, steadies, and lights even the darkest corners of their world.

The story unravels layers of hidden truths, shifting alliances, simmering revenge, and the unexpected strength of found-family ties. A strong overarching storyline from the previous books keeps the tension sharp and the stakes high, even after the emotional climax.

This is book four in the Savage Kings of New York series, and while you can jump in here, reading the first three definitely gives deeper context and makes the experience even more powerful.

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

[Carly Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a beast of a book at just over 600 pages but honestly every single one is needed.

Shadow King is the story of Sophia, a mafia princess, & Raffael, a shadow. A nobody who built himself up in order to be worthy of her. When Sophia was married off to a capo in La Famiglia, Raffael kept tabs on her. He thought she was happy. But Sophia was a master at hiding the truth.

The timeline for this book spans the life of the other 3 in the series. In Savage King, Dangerous King & Wounded King, we get snippets of information - more from Wounded King, where the MMC is Marcello, Sophia’s brother.

As you progress in the book, you feel things slip into place. Recognition from the events of the preceding books - all of which are absolutely vital in Sophia & Raffael’s relationship.

This book is so cleverly written, with so many Easter eggs from the series suddenly making sense.

Don’t be put off by the page count, instead enjoy the puzzle falling into place & the journey that both of these amazing MC’s have to endure in order to get their happy ever after.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such Intensity in this Savage Kings of NY Romance!!

Sophia Orsi is a Mafia princess. Raffael DeSantis is her bodyguard. He comes from nothing, but wants to make something of himself to deserve Sophia. While Raffael is creating an empire and trying to distance himself from Sophia’s father, Sophia is married off to an abusive man.

Raw and gritty to the extreme. Sophia puts on a good face to survive. Her father and brother are as bad as her husband. There is no escape. Doc Brown sees the bruises and gives her a shot to prevent pregnancy - a small blessing.

Raffael has his own struggles and is almost tortured to death himself. When he is able to extricate Sophia, will she want to be associated with him, and can they both overcome the past, and create a future. A fascinating read, and a perfect setup for the next in the series.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow, this was definitely another amazing book to read, it was definitely dark and delicious one to pull your attention into line, and your brain is on auto pilot reading till the end. Sophia a mafia princess is the daughter of Carlos Orsi. When Sophia and the other Capo daughters decide to sneak away from their bodyguards and head out to a nightclub to have fun, until s**t hits the fan they are being taken by gun to a white van. Raffael was at the nightclub for a different job, he is Sophia's bodyguard during the day and Rufus at night. Raffael gets all the girls picked up by their bodyguards, Sophia is taken home to her family. Raffael has to say goodbye but can he stay away, he is known as a ruthless monster that becomes obsessive and so much more until she is kidnapped and put in a cage for a wild ride as the set up around the corner.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew going in that Sophia's story was going to be heart rending, but this was even more than I expected. So incredibly written. It's dark and heart breaking and amazing! Raffael's heart is dark..except where Sophia's light shines. Now is when I really wish I were a writer because this book is amazing but I don't have the words to tell you HOW amazing it is! So far the entire series has been off the charts but Shadow King outshine them all. There is so much intrigue, so much pain, so much growth and so much love it stuns the senses. The characters are masterpieces of strength, love, anger and sheer stubborn will. I felt every pain, every bit of longing, every drop of love they felt. The storyline is perfection! The world building is impeccable. Again, I wish I had the talent to express just how good this book and this series is. I'll just end by saying, read it!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thisbis Book 4 of the Savage Kings of New York series. Please check your triggers. From the author: 'Shadow King is a dark, explosive mafia romance filled with forbidden obsession, dangerous power, forced proximity, and a possessive antihero who will defy the entire Cosa Nostra to claim what’s his.
It continues the Savage Kings of New York saga, where loyalty is a weapon, love is a risk, and every king bleeds to protect his queen.'
An excellent summary.

The plot was intriguing and well written and paced. World building was well developed and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling, complex, complicated and perfectly steamy together. A great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Mary Holsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series by author Bella Ray. This was a sweet love story and the main characters growth through time a d the storyline was believable and steady. Our FMC deals with so much abuse but navigates her family, upbringing, marriage, and fallout with strength and grace. The way Rafael loved her so consistently and with such commitment made this such a beautiful story, while still carrying the ongoing plot of the other books. Love seeing how things are converging from other stories, seeing how other characters are doing, and uncovering more of the secrets and plots. Definitely should be read in order to fully appreciate but can be understood if just picked up. Author does a great job keeping the story moving, no big holes in plot, and a HEA and lead into next book!.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia, once a mafia princess, survived years of hell in an abusive marriage. When she’s finally rescued, she comes face-to-face with Raphael—her first love, the one man who never stopped loving her.
She’s broken, guarded, barely recognizing herself. He’s steady, patient, and determined to prove his love can heal even the deepest scars.
Together they rebuild trust, passion, and a future neither thought possible—while old enemies, hidden truths and a thirst for revenge close in.
Book 4 in the Savage Kings of New York series: raw, emotional, second-chance mafia romance that hurts so good and ends with hard-won hope. (Best read in order, but works as standalone.).

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia is a mafia princess she was never meant to fall for her bodyguard Raffael but one night changed everything and when shes arranged to be married to another Raffael leaves feeling unworthy and sets outbtp build and empire of his own from the shadows, believing Sophia to be happy, only thats not the case, shes heartbroken and had spent the last 3 years in torment by her husband, and when she reaches her lowest point does Raffael discover the truth and hes bak to claim whats always meant to be his, but is he too late? Well written engaging steamy high emotions drama, twists and more a great addition to the series

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow King is centered on what became my two favorite characters in this series. Raffael is mysterious, finding out just who he is and how he rose up from his terrible beginning to dominate those who once held so much control over him. All for the love of Sophia. Sophia may have been a Mafia princess, yet her life did not depict it. While the story of Sophia is devastating, I believe she found an inner strength she never knew she had. Shadow King is their story, both coming out of the ashes, finding love and domination against their enemies. I felt as wounded as Sophia did, yet by the end of their book, my heart warmed as they began their new lives together.

[Caged Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You’re not allowed to fall more in love with me today than I am with you."
He grins, crooked and dangerous and all mine. "Too late."

I loved the book so much. The story was very good and well written.

The way author described the Raffael, he is a dream. The intensity was nicely written..

As a dark romance lover, i wanted some more gore scenes but still this is a new addition to my love shelf.

Can't wait to read more of her work.

No crown he wants more than my hands in his hair when I whisper
I love you into his mouth between kisses.

The lines made my heart flutter. I can't wait for my own Raffael.. maybe in next life ❤️

[Erika Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all, but not without some bumps and bruises. Raffael and Sophia are definitely a testament to this. He starts out as her bodyguard when she's just 16 years old. She develops a teenage crush that grows over the years. Years later he gets a promotion and is no longer her bodyguard and she gets married off to another man. They didn't see one another for years, but neither ever forgot that one stolen kiss. Raffael vows to one day make something of himself so that he can go get Sophia at whatever the cost may be.

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

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia and Rafael. Wow this was a full on, intense Mafia book.

Rafael was Sophia's bodyguard for years till they crossed the line, but then they find out that she is promised to another Mafia man but that's not what either wants.

The action was so fast that I was trying to read faster to keep up. This is definitely a book I will be reading again. It is longer than most books but never was there a lull in the action or romance.

Sophia was headstrong and knew she wanted Rafael from the start but her father had other opinions. But I really like Rafael. He was strong and brave and wasn't letting her get away.

So well done. An amazing book and one I highly recommended. So good!!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow King is a dark, addictive mafia romance that completely pulled me in! The story follows mafia princess Sophia Orsi Giordana and the shadowy, ruthless Raffael DeSantis, her father’s trusted bodyguard turned impossible obsession. Their chemistry is intense and dangerous, and the high stakes of loyalty, power, and forbidden attraction kept me turning pages. There’s tons of tension, emotion, and slow-burn. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It’s not perfect, but I had so much fun reading it and loved the world and the characters. Definitely a great pick for fans of steamy, dark romance!

[LV · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot at the core of the book is good, however I felt the writing was stilted by the structure. The book constantly moves ahead by months and even years from chapter to chapter, ruining the fluidity. There are some really intriguing characters such as mmc Rafael, Marcello Pierre, Cammie and Izzy. Sophia's narrative is potentially triggering and incredibly dark. At times it was hard to read.

There were a few elements of the plot I didn't see coming. I did, however feel like the book suffered from being too long. I will say some of the villains like Margarita are very well envisioned and written.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow King is book 4 in the Savage Kings Of New York series. It's a bit lengthy but what a great story! This one is Sophia and Raffaele' story and it has all of the emotions you could possibly experience. Sophia is of course a Mafia Princess living with all of the expectations that come with it and Raffaele is a bodyguard and loyal to the Mafia. These two encounter a lot trials before getting to their hea. Their journey is intense, intriguing and consuming. This author left everything on the table with Shadow King!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4, The Shadow King was a little more intense than the other books in the series to me. It dealt with some serious issues of physical and mental abuse. I liked how the male lead helped the female lead navigate through her issues after rescuing her from her circumstances and reminded her of her own strength. I liked how she used that strength to help him build on his empire and he used it to build their relationship. They helped each other to "breathe" and be their best selves. It was a really good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC Review ❤️ and may contain spoilers!

5⭐️s!!!

This is the 4th book in this series and follows Raffael & Sophia. We’ve gotten bits and pieces of their story throughout the other 3 books, but this one really bring it all together

There are tons of twists and turns, the book will keep you on the edge of your seat!

You will love this if you want:

⭐️Touch Her and Die Vibes 🥵

⭐️Dark themes

⭐️Possessive MMC

⭐️Mafia

⭐️Suspense

⭐️Found Family.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEY ARE KINGS

Raffael and Sophia. Shes a mafia pricess. Hes her bodyguard. They werent suppose to want each other. Shes given in marriage to another man. A cruel man. Raffael promises he will save her. He helps her heal and makes her see how strong she is. Kidnapping. Violance. Assault. Manipulation. Mafia. Secrets. Danger. A dark intense romance. Betrayal. Will have you glued to the pages. Reading into the early morning. Charecters are amazing and will live in your heart.

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

[Pam B.]

Shadow King: A Dark Mafia Romance
Book 4 of Savage Kings of New York
.Written by Bella Ray

This is Sophia and Raffael’s story

Her father arranged her marriage between two crime families.

Raffaele leaves to build his empire will he be able to rescue Sophia?

This book is intense, violence and HEA!

Recommend reading see the surprise's.

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

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love bodyguard romance!

Ms. Ray had me captivated with the "Shadow King" story!

I love possessive, alpha male protectors!
Raffael is this is spades and MORE!

Sophia is one luck lady…right?

This was intense and very emotional. Be prepared!

This is dark, age-gap, pure adrenaline rush material!

I found Ms. Ray with this series, and I'm thrilled I found her!

I will be waiting impatiently for her next story!