What do you think?
Rate this book
Veil of Ruin
Mara
My brother sent me to an Italian castle to disappear. To protect me from the war he started. His plan to protect me? Hide me with a man twice my age—a man carved from ice and discipline. Nicolo Esposito doesn’t bend. Doesn’t feel. Doesn’t fall…especially not for someone they tried to break. But I don’t care. Freedom is the only thing I want, and I’ll burn every rule he gives me to get it. Except every ruthless part of him makes me want something else entirely. Emiliano took my choices. Nicolo steals every inch of my soul—without permission, without remorse. And I swear I’ll make him lose the control he worships. But when his enemies put a target on my back, the truth becomes lethal.
Will he give me back to the life that destroyed me… Or will he risk his empire, his deal, and his life to keep me?
Nicolo
My ward.
My responsibility.
My ruin.
Discipline built my empire. So, when the Capo of the Camorra offers a deal. Protect his sister in exchange for the woman who ruined me—I accept. Hide Mara. Guard her. Don’t touch her. But Mara Folonari is a problem I can’t ignore—too defiant, too tempting, too innocent for a monster like me. I was meant to protect her. Not want her. Not claim her. Yet the moment she enters my home…my rules break. The moment she pushes too far…my control snaps. Now the Camorra wants her back. Her brother demands I hand her over. And I face the only choice that’s ever mattered.
Obey the order that built my kingdom… Or let the flames consume everything to keep the woman I was never meant to touch.
My brother sent me to an Italian castle to disappear. To protect me from the war he started. His plan to protect me? Hide me with a man twice my age—a man carved from ice and discipline. Nicolo Esposito doesn’t bend. Doesn’t feel. Doesn’t fall…especially not for someone they tried to break. But I don’t care. Freedom is the only thing I want, and I’ll burn every rule he gives me to get it. Except every ruthless part of him makes me want something else entirely. Emiliano took my choices. Nicolo steals every inch of my soul—without permission, without remorse. And I swear I’ll make him lose the control he worships. But when his enemies put a target on my back, the truth becomes lethal.
Will he give me back to the life that destroyed me… Or will he risk his empire, his deal, and his life to keep me?
Nicolo
My ward.
My responsibility.
My ruin.
Discipline built my empire. So, when the Capo of the Camorra offers a deal. Protect his sister in exchange for the woman who ruined me—I accept. Hide Mara. Guard her. Don’t touch her. But Mara Folonari is a problem I can’t ignore—too defiant, too tempting, too innocent for a monster like me. I was meant to protect her. Not want her. Not claim her. Yet the moment she enters my home…my rules break. The moment she pushes too far…my control snaps. Now the Camorra wants her back. Her brother demands I hand her over. And I face the only choice that’s ever mattered.
Obey the order that built my kingdom… Or let the flames consume everything to keep the woman I was never meant to touch.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
Serafina Marron
4 books38 followersSera Marron is a Dark romance enthusiast. She enjoys coming up with dark, twisted and delicious villains for her heroins. When she isn’t doing that, Sera is usually consuming too much caffeine in the form of energy drinks.
Taking a gap year before studying Computer Science in England, her love for writing had flourished once again.
When she’s not writing, you can find her avoiding human interactions as much as possible, listening to explicit songs at full volume, feeding stray cats, and staying up late obsessing over fictional characters.
Taking a gap year before studying Computer Science in England, her love for writing had flourished once again.
When she’s not writing, you can find her avoiding human interactions as much as possible, listening to explicit songs at full volume, feeding stray cats, and staying up late obsessing over fictional characters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 12, 2026
3 ⭐
I went into this completely blind, having only read the tropes and the blurb, and as someone who loves a good mafia romance, especially a grumpy older man and a bratty heroine he cannot resist, I was so ready to fall in love with this.
This is a standalone within an interconnected series. I haven't read the previous books and while I would not say I was completely lost, there were quite a few references and returning characters. It did take me a little while to place who was who and fully settle into the world.
Honestly, I really wanted to love this. I'm such a sucker for an age gap romance, particularly in a mafia setting, but I ended up feeling a bit underwhelmed by the characters and their dynamic. At times, certain scenes felt abrupt, almost like we were cutting quickly from one moment to the next, or events were happening simply to move the plot along. I found myself wanting a little more emotional build-up from them.
With Mara and Nicolo, I struggled to fully connect with their chemistry. There were moments where it almost felt like unrequited love on Mara’s side, especially since Nicolo was so firmly against entertaining anything between them for much of the book. I absolutely love a grumpy hero, but Nicolo came across as more frigid than guarded and reserved. Even in his interactions with Mara, I was hoping for more softer, intimate moments, those cracks of vulnerability to his character that builds on their emotion intimacy and tension.
When they finally did come together, his demeanour still felt harsh and distant. Because he spent so long avoiding his feelings, I was not entirely convinced by his shift later on, even with the context of his tragic upbringing. At times, their relationship felt more transactional than emotional, which made it harder for me to believe in their connection.
Mara, on the other hand, often felt like the more emotionally invested one. Even when she was bratting to get his attention, it seemed like she was the one putting in the work, while the emotional payoff did not quite match the effort from Nicolo.
Overall, this was not a bad read by any means. I just think my expectations and personal preferences did not quite align in the way I had hoped.
I went into this completely blind, having only read the tropes and the blurb, and as someone who loves a good mafia romance, especially a grumpy older man and a bratty heroine he cannot resist, I was so ready to fall in love with this.
This is a standalone within an interconnected series. I haven't read the previous books and while I would not say I was completely lost, there were quite a few references and returning characters. It did take me a little while to place who was who and fully settle into the world.
Honestly, I really wanted to love this. I'm such a sucker for an age gap romance, particularly in a mafia setting, but I ended up feeling a bit underwhelmed by the characters and their dynamic. At times, certain scenes felt abrupt, almost like we were cutting quickly from one moment to the next, or events were happening simply to move the plot along. I found myself wanting a little more emotional build-up from them.
With Mara and Nicolo, I struggled to fully connect with their chemistry. There were moments where it almost felt like unrequited love on Mara’s side, especially since Nicolo was so firmly against entertaining anything between them for much of the book. I absolutely love a grumpy hero, but Nicolo came across as more frigid than guarded and reserved. Even in his interactions with Mara, I was hoping for more softer, intimate moments, those cracks of vulnerability to his character that builds on their emotion intimacy and tension.
When they finally did come together, his demeanour still felt harsh and distant. Because he spent so long avoiding his feelings, I was not entirely convinced by his shift later on, even with the context of his tragic upbringing. At times, their relationship felt more transactional than emotional, which made it harder for me to believe in their connection.
Mara, on the other hand, often felt like the more emotionally invested one. Even when she was bratting to get his attention, it seemed like she was the one putting in the work, while the emotional payoff did not quite match the effort from Nicolo.
Overall, this was not a bad read by any means. I just think my expectations and personal preferences did not quite align in the way I had hoped.
February 24, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I love this authors books but I personally didn’t connect with these characters. I loved the tension and back and forth but even when things got cleared up I felt like it wasn’t really cleared up or more or less was completely rushed.
Felt like there was a lot of indirect misunderstandings🤷🏻♀️ Also items which I don’t believe were addressed such as Mara’s trauma which was a big aspect of this book as she had numerous panic attacks and also the grief that Nicole carried due to his past..
I love this authors books but I personally didn’t connect with these characters. I loved the tension and back and forth but even when things got cleared up I felt like it wasn’t really cleared up or more or less was completely rushed.
Felt like there was a lot of indirect misunderstandings🤷🏻♀️ Also items which I don’t believe were addressed such as Mara’s trauma which was a big aspect of this book as she had numerous panic attacks and also the grief that Nicole carried due to his past..
April 23, 2026
It was entertaining
June 6, 2026
♥︎ Maya's Reads ♥︎
**SPOLIERS AHEAD**
For some time now, I have seen an edit for this series especially Veil of Vengeance on TikTok, and I've had it saved for I think a year now or more, so when I finally reached a time where I needed a book recommendation, I finally decided to take the plunge and read the series.
When it comes to Nicolo and Mara story, it truly was just a true tug and pull attraction between them. Like for me they were already such characters that allowed them to be essentially black sheep of the families and so them being placed under one roof, just drama. I think for me was the firecracker that Mara is Nicolo peaceful bubble but all that aside towards the end all Mara wants is to back in Naples and not in New York. I think once they started having sex and really allowing them feelings for once take form that when they finally relaxed from their families duties but once the true test came when Emiliano was finding husbands for her to marry for protection that’s when all hell broke lose because that is when Mara really test her relationship with Nicolo. For him he was in denial because i think he believe by allowing her into her world and allowing himself to accept and enjoy the possibility of happiness he just ran for the hill. He for for sure pissed me offff like him not deciding but once Romiro called him thank god. I think what broke me was the depression that Mara goes through right after he breakup and how she was present physically but not in her body mentally. But for sure, i thought Nicolo was going to crash the wedding but no k think him going Emiliano and begging him to have Mea marry him i think was the best and only way he was going to do so because regardless he has to keep up the image to everyone else but Mara and Romiro are the only ones who have truly seen him be himself. The only person he has to convince was truly Mara. I think for me the best part was Mara crashing out on Emiliano and bringing up Lucio like finallyyyy someone said what i have been thinking. I think the ending where they finally do get together could have been longer and such a time jump, but k love that we are going to be getting a baby from them!!!
IM SOO INTRIGUED TO WHAT MATTEO’s BOOK WILL ENTAIL!!!
★★★★☆ overall rating
**SPOLIERS AHEAD**
For some time now, I have seen an edit for this series especially Veil of Vengeance on TikTok, and I've had it saved for I think a year now or more, so when I finally reached a time where I needed a book recommendation, I finally decided to take the plunge and read the series.
When it comes to Nicolo and Mara story, it truly was just a true tug and pull attraction between them. Like for me they were already such characters that allowed them to be essentially black sheep of the families and so them being placed under one roof, just drama. I think for me was the firecracker that Mara is Nicolo peaceful bubble but all that aside towards the end all Mara wants is to back in Naples and not in New York. I think once they started having sex and really allowing them feelings for once take form that when they finally relaxed from their families duties but once the true test came when Emiliano was finding husbands for her to marry for protection that’s when all hell broke lose because that is when Mara really test her relationship with Nicolo. For him he was in denial because i think he believe by allowing her into her world and allowing himself to accept and enjoy the possibility of happiness he just ran for the hill. He for for sure pissed me offff like him not deciding but once Romiro called him thank god. I think what broke me was the depression that Mara goes through right after he breakup and how she was present physically but not in her body mentally. But for sure, i thought Nicolo was going to crash the wedding but no k think him going Emiliano and begging him to have Mea marry him i think was the best and only way he was going to do so because regardless he has to keep up the image to everyone else but Mara and Romiro are the only ones who have truly seen him be himself. The only person he has to convince was truly Mara. I think for me the best part was Mara crashing out on Emiliano and bringing up Lucio like finallyyyy someone said what i have been thinking. I think the ending where they finally do get together could have been longer and such a time jump, but k love that we are going to be getting a baby from them!!!
IM SOO INTRIGUED TO WHAT MATTEO’s BOOK WILL ENTAIL!!!
★★★★☆ overall rating
February 19, 2026
📎Review of E-ARC Received from Author📎
It was a good read, I was at the edge of my seat, intrigued to know what happens next. So, yes, it was a captivating read, you can’t guess what happens next and I loved this. The plot is not predictable, and the twist at the end?? Totally unexpected, better than I imagined, and I’m still in shock!!!
The mmc was extra grumpy and not my type as I love when he’s grumpy but soft for her. I also feel like we need to see him grovel more and harder at the end. It was too easy, compared to what he put her through.
I also didn’t like that the fmc couldn’t get a grip, have some pride/standards and let him go. I had so many moments I wanted to give Mara a resounding slap and I’m like girlll, try to give him a cold shoulder, give him space!!!
I feel like this book has a good plot and portrays that they’re a perfect match as they were what the other needs. Nicolò is a walking red flag 🚩, but their love and bond is just too strong and Mara was just perfect, a soft hearted woman to his cold stone heart. 👌🏽
I loved how he eventually broke but there should be more effort on his part, more emphasis on yearning/pining from his POV. I can’t wait to see them in upcoming interconnected books, portraying how he’s soft for her only.
It was a good read, I was at the edge of my seat, intrigued to know what happens next. So, yes, it was a captivating read, you can’t guess what happens next and I loved this. The plot is not predictable, and the twist at the end?? Totally unexpected, better than I imagined, and I’m still in shock!!!
The mmc was extra grumpy and not my type as I love when he’s grumpy but soft for her. I also feel like we need to see him grovel more and harder at the end. It was too easy, compared to what he put her through.
I also didn’t like that the fmc couldn’t get a grip, have some pride/standards and let him go. I had so many moments I wanted to give Mara a resounding slap and I’m like girlll, try to give him a cold shoulder, give him space!!!
I feel like this book has a good plot and portrays that they’re a perfect match as they were what the other needs. Nicolò is a walking red flag 🚩, but their love and bond is just too strong and Mara was just perfect, a soft hearted woman to his cold stone heart. 👌🏽
I loved how he eventually broke but there should be more effort on his part, more emphasis on yearning/pining from his POV. I can’t wait to see them in upcoming interconnected books, portraying how he’s soft for her only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
★ “Control is his drug…I just need to find the right crack in his armor.”★
Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars - This was a slow-burn, dark mafia, guardian/ward romance. Mara is rushed to Italy when the situation for her family becomes threatening to their livelihood, and none better than a land supposedly far away from their enemies. But the exquisite temptation Mara presents to Nicolo’s infamous control causes one-too-many lines to be crossed…something he is not sure he can regain again when it comes to her…especially when she makes it clear that what she wants is him. And being in his arms is the only place she wants to be. Their chemistry is explosive and the story was engaging! Looking forward to reading more installments from this series and stories from this author in the future!
💝🫶🏼 Please mind your triggers before diving in 🫶🏼💝
Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars - This was a slow-burn, dark mafia, guardian/ward romance. Mara is rushed to Italy when the situation for her family becomes threatening to their livelihood, and none better than a land supposedly far away from their enemies. But the exquisite temptation Mara presents to Nicolo’s infamous control causes one-too-many lines to be crossed…something he is not sure he can regain again when it comes to her…especially when she makes it clear that what she wants is him. And being in his arms is the only place she wants to be. Their chemistry is explosive and the story was engaging! Looking forward to reading more installments from this series and stories from this author in the future!
💝🫶🏼 Please mind your triggers before diving in 🫶🏼💝
April 24, 2026
8/10
Adorei a escrita e ambas as personagens principais eram de babar mas acho que houve partes da história que se perderam o que ficou meio confuso.
Em relação ao Nicolo tive de ignorar um bocado o facto de ele ter quase 50 anos , na minha cabeça ficamos nos 30 e poucos. Bom main character mas no fim fiquei atoa, fui uma mudança muito brusca. A história de vida dele também podia ter sido melhor explorada e não só despejada no final.
Adorei a Mara mas no início falou-se tanto dos pesadelos e do que ela tinha passado, sem contar com a morte da mãe e depois não houve qualquer tipo de seguimento disso. No fim o ela estar constantemente a pedir por ele também achei que foi fora da personagem.
Ótimas sex scenes.
Lia outra vez.
Adorei a escrita e ambas as personagens principais eram de babar mas acho que houve partes da história que se perderam o que ficou meio confuso.
Em relação ao Nicolo tive de ignorar um bocado o facto de ele ter quase 50 anos , na minha cabeça ficamos nos 30 e poucos. Bom main character mas no fim fiquei atoa, fui uma mudança muito brusca. A história de vida dele também podia ter sido melhor explorada e não só despejada no final.
Adorei a Mara mas no início falou-se tanto dos pesadelos e do que ela tinha passado, sem contar com a morte da mãe e depois não houve qualquer tipo de seguimento disso. No fim o ela estar constantemente a pedir por ele também achei que foi fora da personagem.
Ótimas sex scenes.
Lia outra vez.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2026
Book 4 of the Veil of Power series. For maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'Obey the order that built my kingdom… Or let the flames consume everything to keep the woman I was never meant to touch.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely 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.
'Obey the order that built my kingdom… Or let the flames consume everything to keep the woman I was never meant to touch.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely 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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by Serafina Marron. It took me while to get into the book which I think was my problem due to not reading the previous three books in the series.
The storyline is about Mara who was sent to an Italian castle to disappear. The Italian castle was owned by Nicolo who did not want to open his heart. He thought he wasn't worthy of love.
It had just the right amount of spice.
I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series prior to this book..it will definitely help you to read the book.
The storyline is about Mara who was sent to an Italian castle to disappear. The Italian castle was owned by Nicolo who did not want to open his heart. He thought he wasn't worthy of love.
It had just the right amount of spice.
I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series prior to this book..it will definitely help you to read the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
This book has given me different emotions. I always love old grumpy MMC especially all the whiplashes emotions that drives the MMC.
The FMC is so annoyingly but relatable character. Wanting to make decisions and barely breathing but still choosing wat she wants. I just dont like that she chases so much the MMC but still worth the fight.
I love the spicy scenes..it was on later chapters but worth the read.
Recommending for all dark romantics.
This book has given me different emotions. I always love old grumpy MMC especially all the whiplashes emotions that drives the MMC.
The FMC is so annoyingly but relatable character. Wanting to make decisions and barely breathing but still choosing wat she wants. I just dont like that she chases so much the MMC but still worth the fight.
I love the spicy scenes..it was on later chapters but worth the read.
Recommending for all dark romantics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Maras brother sends her to italy to protect her from the war he started, he made a deal with Nicolo a grumpy capo with a heart and mind of ice and twice her age. Shes off limits but Mara thaws the ice and ignites the flames within him, no matter how much he tries to keep her at arms lengths, but when the heat becomes to much and lines are crossed what happens when her brother calls her home? Well written engaging steamy desires age gap drama and more.
Review of advance copy
This was so hot. Age gap, off limits, Nicolo and Mara were really intriguing in this. From the first page to the last I was engrossed in this. Nicolo was to key her safe, a grumpy older guy. But Mara had other ideas. Slowly melting his ice with her fiery ways. These two were explosive. I loved the twists and turns in this. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This was so good, I didn’t want to put it down. So now I have to go back and read the first three lol.
February 27, 2026
I love this book so much like it was chefs kiss I need more of these
March 13, 2026
I'm not usually a fan of age gap relationships but this one actually worked for me. It helped that the FMC was 21 and not 18, lmao.
I think it's a solid book. I love how quick-witted Mara was and how cool/calm Nicolo was. They complement each other well. Some of the push-and-tug between them got a little bit repetitive but it's fine.
I think it's a solid book. I love how quick-witted Mara was and how cool/calm Nicolo was. They complement each other well. Some of the push-and-tug between them got a little bit repetitive but it's fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2026
This book got me crying like crazy 🥹
April 30, 2026
3.95* .. I swear this book made me hate Emiliano
I needed a longer ending of them reconnecting .. it was too rushed imo
I needed a longer ending of them reconnecting .. it was too rushed imo
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews