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A Pawn in the Game
A son bound by duty. A forbidden romance. A betrayal of blood.
Luka
My loyalty has always been to my family before anyone or anything else. Which is exactly why I don’t think twice about kidnapping the daughter of our worst enemy.
Sophie isn’t anything special. She’s a pawn. Collateral, and nothing more. Except the more time I spend with the anxious minx, the more I realize that Sophie and I are playing a dangerous game.
Am I willing to risk my revenge for my queen? Or will Sophie steal more than just my bloody heart?
Sophie
I always knew this day would come—the one where I’d have to pay for my father’s sins. I just didn’t think it would come in the form of Luka Petrović.
I should be terrified of him, and I am…but there’s also a part of me that is drawn to him like a lamb to the slaughter. He’s my captor, but I crave the marks he leaves on my skin and I’ve never felt safer than I do when I’m with him, which is a problem.
Can I give into my desire even if it means destroying everything I’ve ever known? Or will Luka’s ruthless love change the game forever?
Luka
My loyalty has always been to my family before anyone or anything else. Which is exactly why I don’t think twice about kidnapping the daughter of our worst enemy.
Sophie isn’t anything special. She’s a pawn. Collateral, and nothing more. Except the more time I spend with the anxious minx, the more I realize that Sophie and I are playing a dangerous game.
Am I willing to risk my revenge for my queen? Or will Sophie steal more than just my bloody heart?
Sophie
I always knew this day would come—the one where I’d have to pay for my father’s sins. I just didn’t think it would come in the form of Luka Petrović.
I should be terrified of him, and I am…but there’s also a part of me that is drawn to him like a lamb to the slaughter. He’s my captor, but I crave the marks he leaves on my skin and I’ve never felt safer than I do when I’m with him, which is a problem.
Can I give into my desire even if it means destroying everything I’ve ever known? Or will Luka’s ruthless love change the game forever?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 4, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on November 2nd called, A Pawn in the Game. This was about Sophie, she is kidnapped and held captive by people who are trying to get to her father. Luka is all about loyalty and family, so when his father is killed he is out for revenge so he kidnaps the daughter of the man responsible. Now Sophie is Luka's captive, and he doesn't know what he's gotten himself into. Sophie lives with trauma, fear, and anxiety but she is strong, smart, and feisty. She is damaged but not broken. Luka knows Sophie doesn't deserve to be a pawn in their games and as he gets to know her he feels more and more guilty about all of this and despite his best efforts he starts developing feelings for her. As Sophie gets to know Luka, she begins to see who he really is and sees that he's not her enemy, despite him being her captor. Her feelings for him start to grow but they both realize admitting their feelings for each other would be playing a very dangerous game, because of this mess their families have them both stuck in.
This story had me captivated right from the start, I couldn't read it fast enough but I also didn't want it to end! (**Make sure to check the trigger warnings, there are some dark and heavy topics in this book.) I loved Luka and Sophie so much! Luka was a morally grey golden retriever and Sophie was a badass with a heart of gold. This was a slow burn, enemies to lovers storyline (my favs). This story was so well written, this was everything I love and want in a book! This is my fifth book by Nadia Neale, all her books are so good and I already knew I loved her writing but I was totally blown away by this one! She just keeps getting better! I loved this story soo much! I absolutely can't wait for the next book! 🩶📚
Thank you to the author for this ARC of A Pawn in the Game, in exchange for an honest review.
This story had me captivated right from the start, I couldn't read it fast enough but I also didn't want it to end! (**Make sure to check the trigger warnings, there are some dark and heavy topics in this book.) I loved Luka and Sophie so much! Luka was a morally grey golden retriever and Sophie was a badass with a heart of gold. This was a slow burn, enemies to lovers storyline (my favs). This story was so well written, this was everything I love and want in a book! This is my fifth book by Nadia Neale, all her books are so good and I already knew I loved her writing but I was totally blown away by this one! She just keeps getting better! I loved this story soo much! I absolutely can't wait for the next book! 🩶📚
Thank you to the author for this ARC of A Pawn in the Game, in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
⚠️ Please check the Trigger Warnings before reading this book. Your Mental Health Matters! ⚠️
Big thanks to you, Nadia Neale, for entrusting me with this ARC for your new book! ♟️💛
First of all, Luka. THE MAN HE IS. 🥵 I can’t even begin to explain how much I adored his character. Even though he’s technically the one doing the kidnapping, his protectiveness toward Sophie absolutely SHINES from the very start. 🤩 He comes from a world built on loyalty and power, yet when it comes to Sophie, she becomes his entire priority. We love a morally grey man who turns into a complete golden retriever for his woman! 🤤
Sophie, what a queen! 👑 This poor girl has been through so much, yet she still manages to push forward with incredible strength. 💪🏻 She’s quietly fierce, beautifully intelligent, and her vulnerability only makes her more real and admirable. She stands her ground and doesn’t let her past define her. Watching her find her match in Luka, someone who not only protects her but also respects her space and supports her healing was perfect.🥰
The chemistry between them? OFF THE CHARTS! ❤️🔥 Their connection had me blushing because it was that intense. 🤭 The emotional bond they built felt deep, raw, and completely unbreakable.
This was my first book by Nadia, and it definitely won’t be my last! Her writing pulled me in from the first page, and now I’m counting down the days until the second part of this duology drops. 🙌🏻
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
⚠️ Please check the Trigger Warnings before reading this book. Your Mental Health Matters! ⚠️
Big thanks to you, Nadia Neale, for entrusting me with this ARC for your new book! ♟️💛
First of all, Luka. THE MAN HE IS. 🥵 I can’t even begin to explain how much I adored his character. Even though he’s technically the one doing the kidnapping, his protectiveness toward Sophie absolutely SHINES from the very start. 🤩 He comes from a world built on loyalty and power, yet when it comes to Sophie, she becomes his entire priority. We love a morally grey man who turns into a complete golden retriever for his woman! 🤤
Sophie, what a queen! 👑 This poor girl has been through so much, yet she still manages to push forward with incredible strength. 💪🏻 She’s quietly fierce, beautifully intelligent, and her vulnerability only makes her more real and admirable. She stands her ground and doesn’t let her past define her. Watching her find her match in Luka, someone who not only protects her but also respects her space and supports her healing was perfect.🥰
The chemistry between them? OFF THE CHARTS! ❤️🔥 Their connection had me blushing because it was that intense. 🤭 The emotional bond they built felt deep, raw, and completely unbreakable.
This was my first book by Nadia, and it definitely won’t be my last! Her writing pulled me in from the first page, and now I’m counting down the days until the second part of this duology drops. 🙌🏻
October 29, 2025
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Once I saw this book pop up in my mail I knew I was going to love this book and damn I was not wrong! It was exactly what I wanted with a mafia romance. I love the plot of this book. I am so curious of the next book. And I have an inkling of who the love interest is going to be. And hopefully that will bring everyone back together. I can not wait for the book. I’m so impatient. I need more
Once I saw this book pop up in my mail I knew I was going to love this book and damn I was not wrong! It was exactly what I wanted with a mafia romance. I love the plot of this book. I am so curious of the next book. And I have an inkling of who the love interest is going to be. And hopefully that will bring everyone back together. I can not wait for the book. I’m so impatient. I need more
November 12, 2025
Wow! I'm used to Nadia's cute romances, but this first mafia one blew me out of the water! I did have a tough time getting started, but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. The story line was a little different from other mafia books that I have read.
The characters had depth to them which was refreshing. I love how Nadia uses her Croatian background in her characters and stories. I'm very much looking forward to book 2!
Luka and Sophia are perfect together! I love their dynamic.
The characters had depth to them which was refreshing. I love how Nadia uses her Croatian background in her characters and stories. I'm very much looking forward to book 2!
Luka and Sophia are perfect together! I love their dynamic.
August 11, 2026
I really wanted to love this. I loved all other books and read most in one sitting but the romance felt a little off this time.
October 28, 2025
A son bound by duty. A forbidden romance. A betrayal of blood.
Luka's loyalty has always been to his family before anyone or anything else. Which is exactly why he doesn't think twist about kidnapping the daughter of his worst enemy.
Sophie isn't anything special. She's a pawn. Collateral, and nothing more. Except the more time he spends with the anxious minx, the more he realizes that Sophie and Luka are playing a dangerous game.
Is Luka willing to risk his revenge for his queen? Or will Sophie steal more than just his bloody heart?
Sophie always knew this day would come – the one where she'd have to pay for her father's sins. She just didn't think it would come in the form of Luka Petrovic.
She should be terrified of him, and she is...but there's also a part of her that is drawn to him like a lamb to the slaughter. He's her captor, but she crave's the marks he leaves on her skin and she's never felt safer than she does when she's with him, which is a problem.
Can she give into her desire even if it means destroying everything she's ever known? Or will Luka's ruthless love change the game forever?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Touch Her and Die, Damaged but Not Broken, Found Peace in Chaos, Kidnapping, Revenge, Impact Play, Mental Health Rep, Mafia, Chess, and Enemies-to-Lovers.
For Luka his loyalty has always been to his family before anyone and anything else. And it is because his family comes first that he doesn't think twice about kidnapping the daughter of his worst enemy. Luka doesn't see Sophie as anything special, she's just a pawn in the game that both their families have been playing for years. She's just collateral damage except that the more time Luka spends with the beautiful anxious minx, the more he realizes that both of them are playing a very dangerous push and pull game.
Suddenly Luka is asking himself if he's willing to risk the revenge that he's seeking for the queen that he's found? Or will Sophie steal more than just his bloody heart?
For Sophie she always knew that this day was going to come, she lived her life knowing she was the one who was going to have to pay for the sins of her father. But, she never thought it was going to come from Luka Petrovic.
She knew she should be terrified of him, and in a way she is...but there's this other part of her that's drawn to him like the lamb to the slaughter. She knows that he is her captor, but at the same time she craves all the marks that Luka leaves on her skin and the kisses he leaves on her lips, and when he touches her, she's never felt safer than she does when she's with him, and Sophie knows that this is a problem.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Mental Health Rep, Chess, Enemies-to-Lovers, Mafia Romance, K!dnapping, Revenge, Imp*ct Play, Spicy, and Found Family.
A Pawn In The Game in the 1st book in the Mafia Games Duet by Nadia Neale. This book grabbed my by the throat the moment I started reading it and didn't let me go till I read the very last word. I not only read this book in one sitting I also feel in love with the characters.
Luka, he was really a very well written character. I found his character to be well developed and well rounded. His character had growth through the entire story and his character arc is one that I look forward to seeing completed in the 2nd half of this duet.
I loved that he tried to portray these badass tendencies but the reality is he's really this big golden retriever who fall for the FMC. Yes, he's morally grey but he's not truly the badass that he wants to think he is. He just loves his family and friends and wants to try and protect them above all else.
Now Sophie on the other hand, she IS a badass. Fate and life through he all these obstacles from the start and she still got up and she was still feisty and would fight back when she had too and that included when she was looking up at a man who could be 3 or 4 times her size. My girl Sophie refused not to fight back when her back was in a corner, she knew how to stand up for herself and I loved her heart of gold and how she always tried to make the best out of any situation she found herself in.
Sophie also knew how to be vulnerable but she also knew how to be smart about it. She was strategic and on her toes ready for anything and everything that came her way and she would fight for what she wanted. I just adore a kick ass and bad ass woman. Those are the women I love as an FMC and when they have a cute dog or cat that just makes them all that much better in my opinion.
Just give me the next book in this duology. I love a MMC mafia man who is actually a morally grey golden retriever and our FMC is not only relatable but is also kick ass, bad ass feisty, sweet, intelligent all wrapped up in one beautiful package.
If you love a morally grey golden retriever, a dark romance, emotional character driven story, and an MMC who would burn down the world for his FMC Queen, then A Pawn In The Game is the 1st half of a duology for you.
Luka's loyalty has always been to his family before anyone or anything else. Which is exactly why he doesn't think twist about kidnapping the daughter of his worst enemy.
Sophie isn't anything special. She's a pawn. Collateral, and nothing more. Except the more time he spends with the anxious minx, the more he realizes that Sophie and Luka are playing a dangerous game.
Is Luka willing to risk his revenge for his queen? Or will Sophie steal more than just his bloody heart?
Sophie always knew this day would come – the one where she'd have to pay for her father's sins. She just didn't think it would come in the form of Luka Petrovic.
She should be terrified of him, and she is...but there's also a part of her that is drawn to him like a lamb to the slaughter. He's her captor, but she crave's the marks he leaves on her skin and she's never felt safer than she does when she's with him, which is a problem.
Can she give into her desire even if it means destroying everything she's ever known? Or will Luka's ruthless love change the game forever?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Touch Her and Die, Damaged but Not Broken, Found Peace in Chaos, Kidnapping, Revenge, Impact Play, Mental Health Rep, Mafia, Chess, and Enemies-to-Lovers.
For Luka his loyalty has always been to his family before anyone and anything else. And it is because his family comes first that he doesn't think twice about kidnapping the daughter of his worst enemy. Luka doesn't see Sophie as anything special, she's just a pawn in the game that both their families have been playing for years. She's just collateral damage except that the more time Luka spends with the beautiful anxious minx, the more he realizes that both of them are playing a very dangerous push and pull game.
Suddenly Luka is asking himself if he's willing to risk the revenge that he's seeking for the queen that he's found? Or will Sophie steal more than just his bloody heart?
For Sophie she always knew that this day was going to come, she lived her life knowing she was the one who was going to have to pay for the sins of her father. But, she never thought it was going to come from Luka Petrovic.
She knew she should be terrified of him, and in a way she is...but there's this other part of her that's drawn to him like the lamb to the slaughter. She knows that he is her captor, but at the same time she craves all the marks that Luka leaves on her skin and the kisses he leaves on her lips, and when he touches her, she's never felt safer than she does when she's with him, and Sophie knows that this is a problem.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Mental Health Rep, Chess, Enemies-to-Lovers, Mafia Romance, K!dnapping, Revenge, Imp*ct Play, Spicy, and Found Family.
A Pawn In The Game in the 1st book in the Mafia Games Duet by Nadia Neale. This book grabbed my by the throat the moment I started reading it and didn't let me go till I read the very last word. I not only read this book in one sitting I also feel in love with the characters.
Luka, he was really a very well written character. I found his character to be well developed and well rounded. His character had growth through the entire story and his character arc is one that I look forward to seeing completed in the 2nd half of this duet.
I loved that he tried to portray these badass tendencies but the reality is he's really this big golden retriever who fall for the FMC. Yes, he's morally grey but he's not truly the badass that he wants to think he is. He just loves his family and friends and wants to try and protect them above all else.
Now Sophie on the other hand, she IS a badass. Fate and life through he all these obstacles from the start and she still got up and she was still feisty and would fight back when she had too and that included when she was looking up at a man who could be 3 or 4 times her size. My girl Sophie refused not to fight back when her back was in a corner, she knew how to stand up for herself and I loved her heart of gold and how she always tried to make the best out of any situation she found herself in.
Sophie also knew how to be vulnerable but she also knew how to be smart about it. She was strategic and on her toes ready for anything and everything that came her way and she would fight for what she wanted. I just adore a kick ass and bad ass woman. Those are the women I love as an FMC and when they have a cute dog or cat that just makes them all that much better in my opinion.
Just give me the next book in this duology. I love a MMC mafia man who is actually a morally grey golden retriever and our FMC is not only relatable but is also kick ass, bad ass feisty, sweet, intelligent all wrapped up in one beautiful package.
If you love a morally grey golden retriever, a dark romance, emotional character driven story, and an MMC who would burn down the world for his FMC Queen, then A Pawn In The Game is the 1st half of a duology for you.
December 20, 2025
This book understands vibes — dark, calculated, and quietly intense.
A Pawn in the Game leans hard into its mafia roots, where power is currency, loyalty is conditional, and every move feels deliberate. The chess motif works beautifully here, mirroring the story’s constant push and pull — strategy over impulse, patience over chaos. No one moves without intention, and no one escapes unchanged.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is sharp and layered with distrust, resentment, and undeniable chemistry. This isn’t a soft transition — it’s tense, charged, and earned through proximity, shared danger, and choices made under pressure. The kidnapping element heightens the stakes without feeling gratuitous, grounding the romance in survival and control rather than convenience.
What stood out most to me was the mental health representation. It’s woven into the narrative with care, giving emotional depth to characters who would otherwise risk feeling untouchable. Vulnerability exists here — not as weakness, but as something that complicates power and revenge in meaningful ways.
Revenge is the undercurrent of everything, driving decisions and blurring moral lines. The darker elements are handled with intention, never overshadowing the emotional core of the story. The intensity builds steadily, making every moment feel like another piece placed on the board.
I finished this book feeling tense, satisfied, and fully immersed in its world. If you love mafia romances with strategy, psychological tension, and a romance that feels like a dangerous game well played — this one delivers.
What you’ll find inside:
mafia atmosphere
enemies-to-lovers tension
chess symbolism
revenge-driven plot
kidnapping stakes
mental health representation
dark, controlled intensity
Cold, calculated, and compelling — A Pawn in the Game knows exactly how to play. ♟️🖤
A Pawn in the Game leans hard into its mafia roots, where power is currency, loyalty is conditional, and every move feels deliberate. The chess motif works beautifully here, mirroring the story’s constant push and pull — strategy over impulse, patience over chaos. No one moves without intention, and no one escapes unchanged.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is sharp and layered with distrust, resentment, and undeniable chemistry. This isn’t a soft transition — it’s tense, charged, and earned through proximity, shared danger, and choices made under pressure. The kidnapping element heightens the stakes without feeling gratuitous, grounding the romance in survival and control rather than convenience.
What stood out most to me was the mental health representation. It’s woven into the narrative with care, giving emotional depth to characters who would otherwise risk feeling untouchable. Vulnerability exists here — not as weakness, but as something that complicates power and revenge in meaningful ways.
Revenge is the undercurrent of everything, driving decisions and blurring moral lines. The darker elements are handled with intention, never overshadowing the emotional core of the story. The intensity builds steadily, making every moment feel like another piece placed on the board.
I finished this book feeling tense, satisfied, and fully immersed in its world. If you love mafia romances with strategy, psychological tension, and a romance that feels like a dangerous game well played — this one delivers.
What you’ll find inside:
mafia atmosphere
enemies-to-lovers tension
chess symbolism
revenge-driven plot
kidnapping stakes
mental health representation
dark, controlled intensity
Cold, calculated, and compelling — A Pawn in the Game knows exactly how to play. ♟️🖤
October 13, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold the entire time I was reading. Did I finish this book in one sitting? Yes. Did I absolutely love it? Also yes. The characters in this book have my heart. Make sure to read your trigger warnings as your mental health is the most important.
Our MMC, Luka, was a very well written character. He had his badass tendencies but was maybe an even bigger golden retriever for the FMC than the literal retriever in this book. Who doesn’t love a morally grey man who is crazy about his girl. He has probably become my new favorite man in Nadia’s stories!
Our FMC, Sophie, was a true badass. Life threw her through obstacles from the very beginning and somehow this girl still was able to get up and still be feisty even when she was looking into the eyes of men 3 times her size. She fought back when needed. But through everything she had a heart of gold and was determined to make her time the best she could. Was she vulnerable? Yes. But through all that vulnerability she was smart. She was strategic and ready for almost anything that came her way. She fought and fought for what she thought and what she wanted. She will forever hold a place in my heart cause I believe she is truly just a badass woman with a cute ass dog as her sidekick (and in all honesty I aim to be that 😂).
I’m already so ready for Nadia’s next book in the Mafia Games duology. I loved how different this book was from the rest. I seriously 10/10 do recommend this book to anyone that loves a morally gray golden retriever MMC and a truly relatable badass FMC who is feisty and sweet all wrapped in one.
Our MMC, Luka, was a very well written character. He had his badass tendencies but was maybe an even bigger golden retriever for the FMC than the literal retriever in this book. Who doesn’t love a morally grey man who is crazy about his girl. He has probably become my new favorite man in Nadia’s stories!
Our FMC, Sophie, was a true badass. Life threw her through obstacles from the very beginning and somehow this girl still was able to get up and still be feisty even when she was looking into the eyes of men 3 times her size. She fought back when needed. But through everything she had a heart of gold and was determined to make her time the best she could. Was she vulnerable? Yes. But through all that vulnerability she was smart. She was strategic and ready for almost anything that came her way. She fought and fought for what she thought and what she wanted. She will forever hold a place in my heart cause I believe she is truly just a badass woman with a cute ass dog as her sidekick (and in all honesty I aim to be that 😂).
I’m already so ready for Nadia’s next book in the Mafia Games duology. I loved how different this book was from the rest. I seriously 10/10 do recommend this book to anyone that loves a morally gray golden retriever MMC and a truly relatable badass FMC who is feisty and sweet all wrapped in one.
November 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW
"A Pawn in the Game"
(The Mafia Games Duology # 1)
by Nadia Neale
This book is Nadia's first diving into Mafia's world.
It follows Sophie and Luka. She is a master with chess games and computers and Luka is a Croatian mafia prince.
Two people that had nothing to do at first sight, but when Luka kidnaps Sophie, they fell in love through darkness.
A Pawn in the Game is dark, challenging and full of adventures. But is also contains love in many ways.
Oh, and two beautiful dogs.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some my favorite quotes:
"She's my prisoner, not my plaything."
At this moment, he's not my captor. He's not the guy who kidnapped me. He's my protector. The guy who made me feel safe.
Her eyes are a forest floor after a summer rain, warm and soft, yet dampened with tears.
"I don't want to hurt you today." His voice is low, dripping like warm tea on a sick day..
His gaze covers me like a soft blanket.
“Your pain.” A sharp nip. “Is my pain. I feel it as clearly as mine.” (...) "But I'm the one hurting you."
"I want it. I need the pain"
I want to make her blush every single day. Just like I want to make her smile. And laugh. And come.
His dark eyes are swimming with love.
"If you're crazy, what does that make me? I'm the one who fell in love with a girl kidnapped."
"A Pawn in the Game"
(The Mafia Games Duology # 1)
by Nadia Neale
This book is Nadia's first diving into Mafia's world.
It follows Sophie and Luka. She is a master with chess games and computers and Luka is a Croatian mafia prince.
Two people that had nothing to do at first sight, but when Luka kidnaps Sophie, they fell in love through darkness.
A Pawn in the Game is dark, challenging and full of adventures. But is also contains love in many ways.
Oh, and two beautiful dogs.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some my favorite quotes:
"She's my prisoner, not my plaything."
At this moment, he's not my captor. He's not the guy who kidnapped me. He's my protector. The guy who made me feel safe.
Her eyes are a forest floor after a summer rain, warm and soft, yet dampened with tears.
"I don't want to hurt you today." His voice is low, dripping like warm tea on a sick day..
His gaze covers me like a soft blanket.
“Your pain.” A sharp nip. “Is my pain. I feel it as clearly as mine.” (...) "But I'm the one hurting you."
"I want it. I need the pain"
I want to make her blush every single day. Just like I want to make her smile. And laugh. And come.
His dark eyes are swimming with love.
"If you're crazy, what does that make me? I'm the one who fell in love with a girl kidnapped."
October 12, 2025
🖤 Book Review 🖤
Genre: Mafia Romance
Tropes: Touch her and die 🔫 | Damaged but not broken | Found peace in Chaos
This book took me on a journey. The female main character may have started off broken, but she never stayed that way. She’s fierce in her own quiet way — scarred by her past but never letting it define her. Watching her grow from her trauma and slowly find her strength (in herself) in the middle of a violent/ chaotic world was the most satisfying parts of the book.
And the MMC? Whew. Protective, dangerous, soft-on-the-inside perfection. He’s the definition of “touch her and die” but somehow still gives her space to heal. He never tried to fix her. He just stood beside her as she rebuilt herself and found her own strength!
Their chemistry? 🔥 Electric. And their bond? Unshakeable.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5 stars is because the bigger plot — the war that’s been brewing — never fully wrapped up. It felt like the story was building to a climax that never quite came… BUT the couple still got their happily ever after, and honestly, that felt like a win in itself.
📖 If you love romance that’s dark, emotional, and character-driven with a man who’d burn down empires for the woman he loves, this one’s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Mafia Romance
Tropes: Touch her and die 🔫 | Damaged but not broken | Found peace in Chaos
This book took me on a journey. The female main character may have started off broken, but she never stayed that way. She’s fierce in her own quiet way — scarred by her past but never letting it define her. Watching her grow from her trauma and slowly find her strength (in herself) in the middle of a violent/ chaotic world was the most satisfying parts of the book.
And the MMC? Whew. Protective, dangerous, soft-on-the-inside perfection. He’s the definition of “touch her and die” but somehow still gives her space to heal. He never tried to fix her. He just stood beside her as she rebuilt herself and found her own strength!
Their chemistry? 🔥 Electric. And their bond? Unshakeable.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5 stars is because the bigger plot — the war that’s been brewing — never fully wrapped up. It felt like the story was building to a climax that never quite came… BUT the couple still got their happily ever after, and honestly, that felt like a win in itself.
📖 If you love romance that’s dark, emotional, and character-driven with a man who’d burn down empires for the woman he loves, this one’s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
October 13, 2025
“Your pain belongs to me, mila. I’m the only one allowed to cause it. If anyone else does, I’ll make sure pain is the last thing they feel. Whoever they might be.”
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Dare I say this is my new fav of Nadia’s books? They just keep getting better and better. I finished this off in less than 24 hours. It was that good. Nadia’s writing is so captivating. She does such a wonderful job of pulling you into her stories and making you feel like you’re a part of it. This time was no different. I especially love her references to her previous books and the way she includes small bits of herself into her writing.
The FMC, Sophie, has endured so much pain in her life and you can really tell how much it has impacted the person she is. What Luka thought to be boring from the outside looking in turns out to be the aftermath of a lifetime of suffering crippling anxiety from her past trauma.
Luka is the perfect MMC in this story. I love a good morally grey man who goes completely soft for his woman, and boy does he cave for Sophie. His relationship with his brother and uncle is so full of drama and will have you reeling to see what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching their story unfold and cannot wait until book two is finished!
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Dare I say this is my new fav of Nadia’s books? They just keep getting better and better. I finished this off in less than 24 hours. It was that good. Nadia’s writing is so captivating. She does such a wonderful job of pulling you into her stories and making you feel like you’re a part of it. This time was no different. I especially love her references to her previous books and the way she includes small bits of herself into her writing.
The FMC, Sophie, has endured so much pain in her life and you can really tell how much it has impacted the person she is. What Luka thought to be boring from the outside looking in turns out to be the aftermath of a lifetime of suffering crippling anxiety from her past trauma.
Luka is the perfect MMC in this story. I love a good morally grey man who goes completely soft for his woman, and boy does he cave for Sophie. His relationship with his brother and uncle is so full of drama and will have you reeling to see what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching their story unfold and cannot wait until book two is finished!
October 19, 2025
Luka & Sophie are so hot!
When Luka kidnaps Sophie to use as leverage to bait her father, he didn’t know his entire world would change. Her father killed his father, & Luka is after revenge. But holding her captive doesn’t play out the way he imagined.
Sophie is a homebody, she likes routine to help manage her anxieties. So when she’s kidnapped & thrown into a sex dungeon, she fears the worst. As time goes on, she begins playing chess with her “babysitters”, after Luka provided a set for her. She finds him comforting her with her nightmares, & begs him to help her take her mind off them. Luka knows he shouldn’t, he could jeopardise everything - but Sophie is too much for him to resist.
As Luka continues to assist Sophie stay out of her head, she discovers a kink that helps quieten the nightmares. & even though Luka is reluctant, Sophie knows it’s what she needs. The two begin to fall for each other; with Luka taking more risks to keep her safe, even if those mean clashes with his brother & uncle.
This is a dark mafia romance; with forced proximity, enemies to lovers & all the spice. This is a lot darker than any of Nadia’s other books, but it’s absolutely brilliant. Please make sure you read the trigger warnings.
When Luka kidnaps Sophie to use as leverage to bait her father, he didn’t know his entire world would change. Her father killed his father, & Luka is after revenge. But holding her captive doesn’t play out the way he imagined.
Sophie is a homebody, she likes routine to help manage her anxieties. So when she’s kidnapped & thrown into a sex dungeon, she fears the worst. As time goes on, she begins playing chess with her “babysitters”, after Luka provided a set for her. She finds him comforting her with her nightmares, & begs him to help her take her mind off them. Luka knows he shouldn’t, he could jeopardise everything - but Sophie is too much for him to resist.
As Luka continues to assist Sophie stay out of her head, she discovers a kink that helps quieten the nightmares. & even though Luka is reluctant, Sophie knows it’s what she needs. The two begin to fall for each other; with Luka taking more risks to keep her safe, even if those mean clashes with his brother & uncle.
This is a dark mafia romance; with forced proximity, enemies to lovers & all the spice. This is a lot darker than any of Nadia’s other books, but it’s absolutely brilliant. Please make sure you read the trigger warnings.
October 25, 2025
3.5 Stars
This book started off really strong, and I loved the unique perspective Nadia Neale gave us. I have never read a Croatian mafia romance before, and it was so refreshing to see a different culture being represented. I actually learned new things as I read.
The MMC is part of the mafia, but not the one in charge, which I actually loved. He felt too clumsy and easily distracted to run the whole operation (I say this like I am a mafia princess, hehe). He reminded me of a golden retriever with a morally grey side, and in my opinion, those two traits do not really fit together in a mafia world. Still, I enjoyed seeing his growth and how his interactions with Sophie developed throughout the story.
Normally, I like tropes such as forced proximity or even Stockholm syndrome, but some parts here felt a bit too forced. Sophie was often too passive for my taste, and by the end, she came across as the ultimate victim, staying put and following directions during her captivity in the *adult* club.
As a fun surprise, I noticed that some of the chess terms used in the book were almost identical to my mother tongue. It was such a small but lovely touch. ♟️♟️
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book started off really strong, and I loved the unique perspective Nadia Neale gave us. I have never read a Croatian mafia romance before, and it was so refreshing to see a different culture being represented. I actually learned new things as I read.
The MMC is part of the mafia, but not the one in charge, which I actually loved. He felt too clumsy and easily distracted to run the whole operation (I say this like I am a mafia princess, hehe). He reminded me of a golden retriever with a morally grey side, and in my opinion, those two traits do not really fit together in a mafia world. Still, I enjoyed seeing his growth and how his interactions with Sophie developed throughout the story.
Normally, I like tropes such as forced proximity or even Stockholm syndrome, but some parts here felt a bit too forced. Sophie was often too passive for my taste, and by the end, she came across as the ultimate victim, staying put and following directions during her captivity in the *adult* club.
As a fun surprise, I noticed that some of the chess terms used in the book were almost identical to my mother tongue. It was such a small but lovely touch. ♟️♟️
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2025
⭐ 4
🌶️ 4
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 14, 24, 25, 26, 31, 35, 42, 43, 45, 47
📚 Tropes/Themes: Mafia romance, dark romance, touch her and die, protective MMC, healing, morally gray, forbidden romance
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: parental loss, mental health issues, self-harm, attempted rape, kidnapping, stalking, gore
🛍️ Available: 11/5
💬 Another great book from Nadia Neale!
It's been a while since I read a mafia romance, and although the actual mafia-ness of it was a little light, it still reminded me why I like them.
First, per usual for Neale's writing, it's SUPER spicy. It's a bit of a slow burn but when it hits it's pretty scorching 🔥
I really enjoyed that in this book Luka is a more "minor character" in the mafia, and that Sophie wasn't the stereotypical misunderstood, quirky girl. She felt real and honest, and I really appreciated the mental health representation.
I admit I had a hard time believing their relationship at first, even with Sophie mentioning Stockholm Syndrome 😅 but I did get sucked into it at the end and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and I think this book would be great for fans of Neva Altaj's Perfectly Imperfect series
🌶️ 4
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 14, 24, 25, 26, 31, 35, 42, 43, 45, 47
📚 Tropes/Themes: Mafia romance, dark romance, touch her and die, protective MMC, healing, morally gray, forbidden romance
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: parental loss, mental health issues, self-harm, attempted rape, kidnapping, stalking, gore
🛍️ Available: 11/5
💬 Another great book from Nadia Neale!
It's been a while since I read a mafia romance, and although the actual mafia-ness of it was a little light, it still reminded me why I like them.
First, per usual for Neale's writing, it's SUPER spicy. It's a bit of a slow burn but when it hits it's pretty scorching 🔥
I really enjoyed that in this book Luka is a more "minor character" in the mafia, and that Sophie wasn't the stereotypical misunderstood, quirky girl. She felt real and honest, and I really appreciated the mental health representation.
I admit I had a hard time believing their relationship at first, even with Sophie mentioning Stockholm Syndrome 😅 but I did get sucked into it at the end and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and I think this book would be great for fans of Neva Altaj's Perfectly Imperfect series
October 31, 2025
A Pawn in the Game is the first book in the duology of The Mafia Games. It was very different from what Nadia typically writes, darker and emotional. However, she knocks it out of the park once again. This book takes you on a journey! Nadia writes complex characters and develops them so well throughout the storyline. Sophie is broken when we first meet her, but she transforms into a badass, confident female lead. She has such sass and fight in her when she stands up to mafia men three times her size like it’s nothing. Luka, on the other hand, is a morally grey mafia man, but becomes a golden retriever when it comes to Sophie. He is protective, dangerous, soft on the inside, and all around perfection. Their chemistry is electric, and they form an unbreakable bond. The spice was definitely a slow burn, more towards the end of the book. Like usual, Nadia doesn’t disappoint in that department either. With this being a duology, the bigger plot was never fully wrapped up. There were many plot holes left unfilled. But Luka and Sophie got their happy ending, it kinda distracted from that big plot brewing, not finishing completely. I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in the second book!
Thank you, Nadia Neale, for the ARC!
Thank you, Nadia Neale, for the ARC!
November 8, 2025
A Pawn in the Game is book one in the Mafia Games duology and is the story of Luka and Sophie. This is a forced proximity, mafia, enemies to lovers romance. There are some darker themes so please check your content warnings prior to reading this book.
Luka is out for revenge following his father's murder and to exact his revenge, he kidnaps, Sophie, the daughter of the man responsible for his father's death. While Sophie is Luka's captive, he begins to realize that she is nothing but a pawn in their family's rivalry and he begins to see her as more than just a means to exact his revenge. Both start to have feelings for one another but know that admitting those feelings would be very dangerous.
This book was very well written, with wonderful characters that have such a connection. It was a slow burn but when the spice hit...damn! Luka was very protective of Sophie and the chemistry and emotional connection were off the charts.
If you are looking for a dark mafia romance with a ton of chemistry, emotional connection and a morally grey hero who will protect the woman he loves, then this is the book for you.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review in appreciation.
Luka is out for revenge following his father's murder and to exact his revenge, he kidnaps, Sophie, the daughter of the man responsible for his father's death. While Sophie is Luka's captive, he begins to realize that she is nothing but a pawn in their family's rivalry and he begins to see her as more than just a means to exact his revenge. Both start to have feelings for one another but know that admitting those feelings would be very dangerous.
This book was very well written, with wonderful characters that have such a connection. It was a slow burn but when the spice hit...damn! Luka was very protective of Sophie and the chemistry and emotional connection were off the charts.
If you are looking for a dark mafia romance with a ton of chemistry, emotional connection and a morally grey hero who will protect the woman he loves, then this is the book for you.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review in appreciation.
October 3, 2025
**ARC reader. Contains spoilers**
I absolutely devoured this! Check the trigger warnings though! I have very few triggers but one scene was pretty intense.
*******************************************
This was Nadia's breakout mafia romance and she did a fabulous job. I identified with the FMC so much and really appreciated the anxiety and PTSD representation. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I found myself getting lost in Sophie's POV. I loved her calculated edge and her snark. I enjoyed watching her character slowly build and transform into an absolute queen.
It was interesting to see a mafia story where the men weren't all wildly successful in their own business ventures. Mafia romances are one of my favorites but it gets a bit cliché to see them always running a huge empire. Not to say I was rooting for Luka's failure but it was unique to read a storyline where a mafia MMC walks away and isn't dead set on staying in the mafia.
The spice, of course, was spicin' lol.
I cried. I laughed. It was so so good! And I appreciated how it tied into L&L. It was a nice touch! Definitely recommend reading it!
I absolutely devoured this! Check the trigger warnings though! I have very few triggers but one scene was pretty intense.
*******************************************
This was Nadia's breakout mafia romance and she did a fabulous job. I identified with the FMC so much and really appreciated the anxiety and PTSD representation. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I found myself getting lost in Sophie's POV. I loved her calculated edge and her snark. I enjoyed watching her character slowly build and transform into an absolute queen.
It was interesting to see a mafia story where the men weren't all wildly successful in their own business ventures. Mafia romances are one of my favorites but it gets a bit cliché to see them always running a huge empire. Not to say I was rooting for Luka's failure but it was unique to read a storyline where a mafia MMC walks away and isn't dead set on staying in the mafia.
The spice, of course, was spicin' lol.
I cried. I laughed. It was so so good! And I appreciated how it tied into L&L. It was a nice touch! Definitely recommend reading it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
This was my first time reading a mafia romance, and it definitely is not going to be my last!
While there was for sure some good spiciness, there was also quite the plot that was actually happening throughout the whole story. The relationship with Luka’s family especially had me invested from start to finish.
Sophie’s character really had me feeling all the feels. Her struggles with trauma, mental health, and even becoming paranoid about her reactions to what she has been going through are all such relatable and raw emotions. I especially loved the way that she progresses through these and learns to love herself despite all that she has been through. Watching her grow as a character and become more confident was such a beautifully done aspect of the book!
This is the third book of Nadia Neale’s that I have read and they have all been amazing books, with such vastly different themes - she is really such a versatile romance author and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us readers!
While there was for sure some good spiciness, there was also quite the plot that was actually happening throughout the whole story. The relationship with Luka’s family especially had me invested from start to finish.
Sophie’s character really had me feeling all the feels. Her struggles with trauma, mental health, and even becoming paranoid about her reactions to what she has been going through are all such relatable and raw emotions. I especially loved the way that she progresses through these and learns to love herself despite all that she has been through. Watching her grow as a character and become more confident was such a beautifully done aspect of the book!
This is the third book of Nadia Neale’s that I have read and they have all been amazing books, with such vastly different themes - she is really such a versatile romance author and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us readers!
October 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was such an easy, binge-worthy read — the kind where you look up and suddenly hours have passed 🫣
I really liked how Sophie’s character was written. Even though her trauma happened before the story begins, you can still feel how deeply it shaped her. She doesn’t start off as the typical fierce, fearless heroine, instead she’s dealing with depression and anxiety, and managing it on her own. It made her strength feel more genuine.
And Luka… the perfect blend of mafia boss edge with a soft spot that only Sophie could reach 🖤
In the author’s note, Nadia mentioned representing her country and I love that touch of authenticity and pride 🩶 Bonus points for the clever nods to the L&L and BYC series I loved seeing those little crossovers woven in!
“His eyes are as dark as gunpowder, and seem as flammable, too.”
“She doesn’t deserve to be haunted. She deserves to feel safe. To feel cherished.”
“Ride me, mila.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was such an easy, binge-worthy read — the kind where you look up and suddenly hours have passed 🫣
I really liked how Sophie’s character was written. Even though her trauma happened before the story begins, you can still feel how deeply it shaped her. She doesn’t start off as the typical fierce, fearless heroine, instead she’s dealing with depression and anxiety, and managing it on her own. It made her strength feel more genuine.
And Luka… the perfect blend of mafia boss edge with a soft spot that only Sophie could reach 🖤
In the author’s note, Nadia mentioned representing her country and I love that touch of authenticity and pride 🩶 Bonus points for the clever nods to the L&L and BYC series I loved seeing those little crossovers woven in!
“His eyes are as dark as gunpowder, and seem as flammable, too.”
“She doesn’t deserve to be haunted. She deserves to feel safe. To feel cherished.”
“Ride me, mila.”
November 8, 2025
‼️Arc Review Time‼️
A Pawn In The Game by Nadia Neale
Tropes;
Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Mental Health Rep
Intro BDSM theme
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review-
First i’d like to say thank you to Nadia for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book and her previous book.
I throughly enjoyed both books i have read by her & they were both two separate themes. This book though, so so good. i loved the mental health rep in this book & how it was handled.
i loved the Croatian aspect of this as well and it definitely made it interesting. i absolutely loved Luka & Sophie and i can’t wait to read any and all of this authors books🩷
there are heavy topics so please check your triggers!!
Quotes -
“Your pain.” A sharp nip. “Is my pain. I feel it as clearly as mine.”
“Look at you. Making a mess of these sheets. I thought you wanted me to hurt you. But it seems like this is bringing you more pleasure than pain.”
A Pawn In The Game by Nadia Neale
Tropes;
Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Mental Health Rep
Intro BDSM theme
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review-
First i’d like to say thank you to Nadia for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book and her previous book.
I throughly enjoyed both books i have read by her & they were both two separate themes. This book though, so so good. i loved the mental health rep in this book & how it was handled.
i loved the Croatian aspect of this as well and it definitely made it interesting. i absolutely loved Luka & Sophie and i can’t wait to read any and all of this authors books🩷
there are heavy topics so please check your triggers!!
Quotes -
“Your pain.” A sharp nip. “Is my pain. I feel it as clearly as mine.”
“Look at you. Making a mess of these sheets. I thought you wanted me to hurt you. But it seems like this is bringing you more pleasure than pain.”
November 8, 2025
𝘔𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 💕
I’m not a stranger to Nadia Neale, I’ve read a few of her books and enjoyed them. I enjoyed this one too!!! The suspense, the mafia and twists.
Sophie, the more I learnt about her the more I just wanted to hug her and tell her all was going to be okay. She’s so strong yet, just needs to be loved.
Luka, Luka, Luka who knew Croatian Mafia man could be so freaking sweet. He tried to be so rough and gruff but really, a total simp for our girl.
A pawn in the Game is action packed, just when you thought it would be okay, bam!! Just kidding. I’m here for the revenge and am going to need a second book. Maybe even Leon’s story?
Favourite quotes-
“Who. Did. This. To. You?”
“She doesn’t deserve this. She doesn’t deserve to be haunted. She deserves to feel safe. To feel cherished.”
I’m not a stranger to Nadia Neale, I’ve read a few of her books and enjoyed them. I enjoyed this one too!!! The suspense, the mafia and twists.
Sophie, the more I learnt about her the more I just wanted to hug her and tell her all was going to be okay. She’s so strong yet, just needs to be loved.
Luka, Luka, Luka who knew Croatian Mafia man could be so freaking sweet. He tried to be so rough and gruff but really, a total simp for our girl.
A pawn in the Game is action packed, just when you thought it would be okay, bam!! Just kidding. I’m here for the revenge and am going to need a second book. Maybe even Leon’s story?
Favourite quotes-
“Who. Did. This. To. You?”
“She doesn’t deserve this. She doesn’t deserve to be haunted. She deserves to feel safe. To feel cherished.”
October 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am so thankful, but I’m mad at myself because I finished it too fast!!
LOVE the little Easter egg from the BYC series (IYKYK!). It’s great how there’s almost little breadcrumbs for you to pick up on for the attraction/relationship building between Luka and Sophie.
The Luka is described in the warning at the beginning is perfect, he really is a morally grey golden retriever.
Sophie is a badass! I literally threw my fist in the air and screamed in happiness at one point.
This book is amazing, already not so patiently waiting for book 2 (it says duology/book 1 sooooo…). Make sure you don’t skip the bonus epilogue as it gives a little closure!!
LOVE the little Easter egg from the BYC series (IYKYK!). It’s great how there’s almost little breadcrumbs for you to pick up on for the attraction/relationship building between Luka and Sophie.
The Luka is described in the warning at the beginning is perfect, he really is a morally grey golden retriever.
Sophie is a badass! I literally threw my fist in the air and screamed in happiness at one point.
This book is amazing, already not so patiently waiting for book 2 (it says duology/book 1 sooooo…). Make sure you don’t skip the bonus epilogue as it gives a little closure!!
October 2, 2025
This is definitely a new one from Nadia from the books I've read of hers and she has absolutely smashed it, it's full of anxiety inducing tension, slow-burn but when it hits its so worth it
this is a mafia romance with kidnapping, forced imprisonment, vengeance, revenge and a whole lot more
Sophie is a boring woman or so Luka thinks, he has a plan to use her to get his revenge but does it work out for him?
she doesn't have a plan how to get out of the situation she in but that all chances, the two of them definitely didn't see themselves getting to the place they are when it all started,
this was such a fun read yes there's some darker parts but there's also some parts that will have you giggling and kicking you feet
this is a mafia romance with kidnapping, forced imprisonment, vengeance, revenge and a whole lot more
Sophie is a boring woman or so Luka thinks, he has a plan to use her to get his revenge but does it work out for him?
she doesn't have a plan how to get out of the situation she in but that all chances, the two of them definitely didn't see themselves getting to the place they are when it all started,
this was such a fun read yes there's some darker parts but there's also some parts that will have you giggling and kicking you feet
October 26, 2025
This book completely pulled me in and I finished it in one sitting. Sophie was such a badass heroine, strong but vulnerable, dealing with past trauma and anxiety while staying smart, feisty, and strategic. Luka was the ultimate morally gray golden retriever MMC, badass on the outside but completely soft for Sophie. The chemistry between them was intense, slow burn but satisfying, with spicy moments that had me swooning. The mafia, revenge, and kidnapping elements added tension, but there were also fun, lighthearted moments that balanced the darkness. Nadia Neale’s writing made me feel every emotion, I can’t wait for book two. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
November 2, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish and I loved every second. Definitely check the trigger warnings first, but wow, what a ride. Luka, our MMC, is the perfect mix of badass and golden retriever energy with morally gray, fiercely loyal, and absolutely obsessed with his girl. He might just be my new favorite of Nadia’s men. Sophie, our FMC, is a total powerhouse. Life threw her every curveball imaginable, but she faced it all with grit, heart, and her adorable dog by her side. She’s vulnerable yet fearless, strategic, and impossible not to root for. I loved how different this story felt from the rest of the Mafia Games world. If you’re into morally gray heroes and fierce, relatable heroines, this one’s a must-read.
November 3, 2025
A Pawn in the Game was definitely different from the other books I’ve read by Nadia Neale, but no less enjoyable or binge-worthy. I loved getting to see a darker side to her wiring and I loved getting to see all of the Croatian influence!
She has once again created a beautiful world full of well developed characters. Like okay did Luka technically kidnap Sophie? Yes BUT he also protects her and respects her space and helps her heal 🥹 morally grey in the best ways but is really just a golden retriever waiting for someone to be soft for.
Easy 4 star read and I would recommend it to anybody that is interested in mafia romance, enemies to lovers, revenge and 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Side note - I have never played a game of chess in my life but it was actually so fun to read about it 😂
November 9, 2025
I hate it when writers write foreign language without translation. And no, you cannot expect me to go translate it myself if it’s supposed to be an English book.
This book was boring and ridiculous.
In each chapter, Sophie is having a nightmare, crying or playing chess. Suddenly miss helpless becomes a cold blooded killer. What?! 🤡
Luka is just drinking, coming and going. Suddenly he sits down crying because broken girl Sophie is having a nightmare again. 🤡 Crying Croatian mafia man…
Every chapter add almost nothing to the story, it became repetitive very fast.
Suddenly she is almost raped, Luka comes in and saves the day by bashing the guys skill in and what does miss broken girl do, she immediately begs him to fingerf*ck her☠️ because she was still feeling the guys hands on her. From there on all the smut happens at the wrong time everytime.
This book was boring and ridiculous.
In each chapter, Sophie is having a nightmare, crying or playing chess. Suddenly miss helpless becomes a cold blooded killer. What?! 🤡
Luka is just drinking, coming and going. Suddenly he sits down crying because broken girl Sophie is having a nightmare again. 🤡 Crying Croatian mafia man…
Every chapter add almost nothing to the story, it became repetitive very fast.
Suddenly she is almost raped, Luka comes in and saves the day by bashing the guys skill in and what does miss broken girl do, she immediately begs him to fingerf*ck her☠️ because she was still feeling the guys hands on her. From there on all the smut happens at the wrong time everytime.
October 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Pawn in the Game by Nadia Neale is a gripping enemies-to-lovers mafia romance that completely pulled me in. I read it all in one sitting — and yes, I was up way past 3 a.m. because I simply couldn’t stop! The plot is intense, the chemistry between the leads is electric, and the pacing keeps you turning pages. I did guess the identity of the “rat” early on, but it didn’t lessen the tension or emotional payoff. The characters are well-drawn, and their growth felt believable within the high-stakes world of the story. Overall, this was an addictive, emotional, and thrilling read that I highly recommend!
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Pawn in the Game by Nadia Neale is a gripping enemies-to-lovers mafia romance that completely pulled me in. I read it all in one sitting — and yes, I was up way past 3 a.m. because I simply couldn’t stop! The plot is intense, the chemistry between the leads is electric, and the pacing keeps you turning pages. I did guess the identity of the “rat” early on, but it didn’t lessen the tension or emotional payoff. The characters are well-drawn, and their growth felt believable within the high-stakes world of the story. Overall, this was an addictive, emotional, and thrilling read that I highly recommend!
October 23, 2025
*ARC reader*
I love the writing style. I liked the story and the characters. However, I thought the first half of the book dragged on a bit too long and then all of a sudden there was so much going on all at once. It was a steamy read for sure! I think I was hoping for more character development but I feel it just stopped once the action started up. Kind of felt like a bit of a cliffhanger before the story even ended.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers because I don’t regret the read and this is her first mafia story, but this just wasn’t my favorite. Hoping for some more closure in book 2. I feel terrible even writing this because I LOVE everything Nadia Neale has written so far.
I love the writing style. I liked the story and the characters. However, I thought the first half of the book dragged on a bit too long and then all of a sudden there was so much going on all at once. It was a steamy read for sure! I think I was hoping for more character development but I feel it just stopped once the action started up. Kind of felt like a bit of a cliffhanger before the story even ended.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers because I don’t regret the read and this is her first mafia story, but this just wasn’t my favorite. Hoping for some more closure in book 2. I feel terrible even writing this because I LOVE everything Nadia Neale has written so far.
October 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Forbidden romance
🖤 Mafia romance
💜 Touch her and die
🖤 Mental health
Luka was part of the mafia, but he only wanted to help his brother get revenge for their father’s death and keep their uncle out of getting control of it all. Sophie was the daughter of the man responsible for their dad’s death, but she was no contact with him, she also had panic attacks and was still dealing with her past trauma and mental health. This book was great, and it did seem weird how Sophie connects and felt safe with Luka even though he was the one that kidnapped her was crazy but also cute.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Forbidden romance
🖤 Mafia romance
💜 Touch her and die
🖤 Mental health
Luka was part of the mafia, but he only wanted to help his brother get revenge for their father’s death and keep their uncle out of getting control of it all. Sophie was the daughter of the man responsible for their dad’s death, but she was no contact with him, she also had panic attacks and was still dealing with her past trauma and mental health. This book was great, and it did seem weird how Sophie connects and felt safe with Luka even though he was the one that kidnapped her was crazy but also cute.
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