The Mafia Man's Baby Deal

by Sam Crescent

From the moment Ella Rue stepped into Mateo Cole’s bar, he knew she was different. When a picture, drawn by a kid, falls out of her work locker, he has questions. All of his background checks didn’t say she had a child.

The work was by a child—her own work from many years ago. Being a foster kid, she was used to not being wanted. Ella’s desires had not changed. She wanted to have children, be a mother, and to be a wife. She didn’t want to be a business woman.

Many years ago, Mateo killed his father, along with anyone who dared step in his way. But now, he wants children. He wants a life with Ella, and he knows exactly what to do to make it happen.

Ella knew the proposition was crazy. Most people were afraid of Mateo, but not her. She couldn’t believe that she was even considering the deal, but it was the best way to get what she wanted.

So, they got married, and they began the journey of becoming pregnant. But along the way, something happened. It was no longer a business deal once feelings were involved.

A happily ever after isn't in the cards. The mafia does not approve of marrying outsiders, and they will stop at nothing to remove the problem.

Genres: Novella

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to warn there are some triggers in this book. However, it is one awesome read. Ella Rue is working as a bartender for a while now and she is looking at one of her drawings she had done when she wished for a family as she had grown up in the foster system. It was only in the last years of Ella Rue’s childhood that she found someone who truly cared for her, but sadly, the woman was old and passed away soon after Ella Rue became an adult. Mateo Cole may be a very scary man, but Ella Rue wasn’t afraid of him. He was the head of the local mafia and her boss. While growing up, whenever asked what she wanted to be when she ‘grew up,’ she wanted to be a mother and married. Mateo was the illegitimate son of the previous mafia boss. Mateo had met Ella Rue and had been spending a ridiculous amount of time at the bar because she was just so refreshing and he enjoyed watching her and being there. After Ella and Mateo discuss what they want out of life, he realizes that she can help him and he, her with that. If they were to marry, both would get what they wished for. The fact that he was 45, and she in her 20s bothered neither of them, and he feels like he hit the jackpot with her. I was surprised that Mateo is so open about ‘the business’ with Ella Rue. I was also surprised that Mateo had strong feelings about certain things like human trafficking. He truly impressed me about how good he is, because the majority of the time he does what is right. Sometimes, things need to be handled the way he does it. Once he finds out what happened to her in the foster homes, he does something that surprised me again. I’ll leave it at that. He truly just kept impressing me throughout the book. The same for Ella Rue. She handles things in a matter of fact way and just does what needs to be done to help Mateo.

The book made me laugh, smile, giggle, cry, and pretty much run the gamut of various emotions. The fight scenes and how Mateo handles business is awesome. Terry is adorable and I just love how she comes into Ella Rue & Mateo’s life. When Mateo finds out that someone has betrayed him, he heads home and that section of the book had me turning the AC on higher because I started chewing on my nails in worry. The book is also steamy as all heck. The ending was great. I never saw the betrayal coming. Kudos.

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

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella has not grown up easy in foster care, all she wants is a family of her own. Mateo is her boss and he has not had it easy either. Mateo wants the same things as Ella so he makes her a deal. Marry him and she can have the family she wants.
Ella is not like Mafia wives she is bosey and takes a lot of pride in looking after Mateo.While they may not have been in love going in to their marriage it does not take long for feelings to develop. There are some great twists in this one. As is normal from Sam another great read.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle’s had a rough childhood in foster care and her only wish is being a mother.
Matteo’s life was anything but easy as well, but now in the right age that he wants to have children.
So why not just marry and make it happen?

But life is never that easy and what follows is a ride through betrayal, danger, life and growing love.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She grew up in foster care and the one thing she has always wanted is a family of her own. Not being able to go back and redo her own childhood she knows having a big family herself where everyone can feel loved is the most important thing to her. But with no boyfriend or prospects on the horizon, she doesn’t know how she’s ever gonna get it. Until he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. She works at one of his businesses and he has been watching her. There is just something about her that keeps drawing him back in. Perhaps it is her resilience, a strength he admires in her. When he finds out her biggest dream, he realizes he wants to be the one to give it to her so he makes her an offer. I really enjoyed the story. It’s quick read so there can’t be a lot of auxiliary drama, which is good for me because I like to focus on the relationship. But there is definitely some controversy a foot that they have to deal with. The majority of the story is two people who didn’t think that they were ever gonna have more to find the missing piece in each other and build a life together one better than they thought they ever were gonna have. It is sweet at times it is spicy and it gets steamy as they travel down the road to their own happily ever after.

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

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mafia Man's Baby Deal - by Sam Crescent

Ella Rue has had a tough life passed from foster home to foster home nothing came easy. At twenty five she finds a job bartending at "Cole's" where she meets the owner, her boss and also head of the local mafia, Mateo Cole. Mateo has worked hard to get to where he is and taken care of any threats along the way. At forty five he finds himself wanting something more, wanting a family of his own and when he discovers Ella has the same wants he makes it all happen in an instant. However there is always a threat when you are a mafia king and Mateo has to race to make sure his newly discovered happiness remains in tact.
This is a well written story with two strong leading characters embarking on a new chapter together. Ella doesn't shy away from Mateo and treats him like a regular person and Mateo shows Ella what it is like to be wanted. These two souls were destined to be together and their story really is an enjoyable one to read. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Anya Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

...they both want kids

ARC Review

The Mafia Man's Baby Deal by Sam Crescent is about two people wanting to have children. Ella works for mafia boss Mateo. She works in one of the bars that Mateo owns. This is an ägë-gäp (25 years), Boss/Employee, marriage of convenience - end goal is children, rough first time for Ella (he *slams* ïṅṭọ ḥëŕ 😒😟), with elements of betrayal (not with the main characters), violence & mafia business mixed in, main characters adopt a young girl, slice-of-life for a few months story that leads to a happy marriage.

I wouldn't call this a romance - Ella & Mateo really do not do anything romantic for each other. 🧐 🤔

⚠️ At time of ARC Reading - no TWs listed!

• Ella mentions her childhood abuse in Foster Care in detail a few times throughout the story
• Mateo explains his violent & bloody history in rising thru the Mafia
• On scene gun violence
• Mateo comments in real time about the abuse happening to the young girl Terry
• Terry recounts her abuse to Ella & Mateo

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Rue had a rough life. Growing up in foster care and feeling like a nobody can where you down. When Mateo Cole find a child’s drawing, he wants to know who it belongs to. Ella confesses that it is hers and that she has always wanted a big family and a loving home. Mateo wants that as well as makes a deal with her, marry and have a family with him. Seems simple but will there be love between them? Yes there is. Ella’s life was horrible. I have to say, children in foster care deserve better. When you read about her life, you will understand. Mateo’s life wasn’t better. He was the illegitimate son. But when his father killed his mother, he took it all. So much pressure to deal with the mafia. Always a power struggle but he dealt with it. These two found peace in each other’s arms. They even saved a life.

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

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know your triggers before you start reading this book, as it will touch on some that might not let you enjoy how good it is. This is a short book packed with a complete story of two lost souls trying to build what they never had, a family. Ella is young and has survived Foster care, and yearns to love and belong. Matteo is the head of the mafia, older and hardened by his upbringing is looking for legacy and a brighter future. When they meet, there is chemistry and attraction, and a large age gap, but they both discover they yearn for similar ideals, so they strike a deal. But the more time they spend together, the more they understand each other, they see each other, the start to feel more and more real. But there are so many obstacles on their way.

This small book is packed with suspense, action, pain, longing, steamy chemistry, grit, and the hope of belonging!.

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

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author's short novels. They are entertaining, well written and good storylines. My favourite are those with an older, wealthy powerful man and a younger woman with a poor upbringing, past and present.
Mateo and Ella suit each other perfectly. What starts as a proposal to serve wishes and needs, quickly turns into much more. A man to be feared, yet loves his strong minded wife. Loved her conditions for the marriage and his reaction and explanation to the caps regarding his choice of wife.. the story is defined, has good details and whilst short in length, covers it all without feeling rushed.

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

[Carlise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read

This was an interesting read. Mateo has been watching Ella for months now. When he sees an opportunity to make her his, he snatches it and doesn’t look back. All Ella wanted was to be a wife and have family. Nothing wrong with that. When she is presented with an opportunity, she takes it, not knowing that her life will change forever when she says “I do” to the head a the mafia.

This was a cute quick read. No real angst and the one bit a drama was realized and dealt within ASAP. The saddest, best part was meeting Terry. She broke my heart and made me smile. Although Mateo is a killing machine, he has a soft spot for Ella and Terry.

Definitely worth the read.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MAFIA MAN'S BABY DEAL is a short and steamy, OTT, opposites-attract, age-gap, he falls first, curvy virgin gets her mafia man romance. Ella is a 25-year-old curvy bartender who was raised in the foster care system. Her biggest dream is to be a mother and wife. Matteo is a 45-year-old hunky, grumpy, ruthless mafia man and her boss. He has wanted Ella since she started. When he finds out that she wants to be a mother, he sees the opportunity to win her over. He offers her the option of marrying him and having babies with him. She thinks about it and agrees. I loved these two together. They both had been hurt in the past and accepted each other exactly as they were. They had insane chemistry and we got a great HEA after some danger and drama. I loved it.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read that brings together two lost souls and gives them what they both desperately want: a family. Ella may be young but she's survived the foster care system and wants what she never had. Matteo is a mafia Don and he's more than ready to get his legacy going. He's shocked at the connection he feels for Ella and is quick to offer her a marriage deal. These two find they have hot chemistry, similar morals and love their common goal of creating a family. However, nothing is simple when dealing with the mafia so expect to get caught up in the action, drama, suspense, longing and hot romance as these two work their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy stand alone read. I enjoyed how Matteo is this alpha tough guy but is so smitten and sweet toward Ella. It was entertaining to read about their relationship developing and them falling in love with each other.  There wasn't as much action, edge of your seat can't put the book down writing as I like, so it took me two sittings to read the story. It was a good storyline and I enjoyed it, I just like a little more action. This will be a story I keep in my "back pocket" for the times I want a sweet love story read. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo’s Proposition

Mateo has been watching Ella closely while she works in his bar. He wants her and he finally finds a way to get what he wants. It may be an outrageous proposition but he’s willing to do anything.

Soon this business deal turns into a steamy romance that is challenged by many factors. Some don’t want to see Ella and Mateo together. The story follows these two as they battle all opposition that comes their way while chasing the dream of the kind of life they want with one another. Overall good read.

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

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this novel. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight. This novel checked so many boxes for me, it did not let me down. My heart hurt for Ella Rue and all she had been thru. I loved that after all she had been thru she truly desires to be part of a family. I loved Ella Rue & Mateo together. Their chemistry was so good! Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novel down. I loved it! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. So good!

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo has done a lot to get where he is in life. including killing his father. Now he finds himself wanting to have a family. Ella had never had the love of a family. All she wants is to have one of her own. Accepting Mateo's proposition means they both get what they want. But what starts out as a deal, grows into something more. There are the usual mafia mischief and threats. Mateo becomes the hero he never expected to be, to keep the family he's created.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I loved how Ella treated Mateo like a regular guy. She wasn't afraid of him she would bug him to smile more and he couldn't get over it and found himself totally taken with her. Ella has always wanted to have a big family and kids. Mateo never knew he would want a family till he met Ella. The chemistry and the way these two came together was so cute and you have to laugh with them as Ella gets a little bossy with Mateo. This is a must read!

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle had a horrible childhood and the one thing she wants most in life is to be a mother. Mateo, her boss, is a mafia man. Not a good guy but Elle knows this. He also wants children. These two come together with a mutual goal in mind. Lucky for them it leads to love and an adopted child. There is a little danger thrown in to spice things up but mostly the story is there developing relationship. I always like how the author gives you a glimpse of their life years in advance so you can see how their lives are going.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella has always wanted a family. Having been raised in the foster care system, she knew exactly what she desired. Mateo owns the bar where Ella works, and he discovers her dream of starting a family. This is where things get exciting. Mateo plans to help Ella build a family the old-fashioned way. I enjoyed this book so much. It has some serious moments, but it ends with the best happy ending. Plenty of spice and a great story.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella had always wanted to be part of a family a wofe and most especially a mother, habing grown up in foster care it was all she dreamed of having, and Mateo wasnt just any man he was a mafia boss and her boss but he was a man with an offer one that would make her dreams come true, but as this deal starts to turn into something real, other set to tear them apart. Well written engaging steamy fast pace quick read.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family
Sam has been one of my favs. This short an easy 5 stars. It just had the right bits to make it sexy, Sweet, fun with a bit of action.
They have a lil in common. They want They same thing. He came up hard proving himself. She came up hard surviving.
The mafia had a bit of a twist for me,but steeped in tradition. He rewote it. Hard life tried to break her, she grew up better.
She a bit sassy, he's a lot grumpy. Enjoy

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella wants a baby and her mafia boss, Mateo finds out. Well Mateo wants Ella so he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Ella grew up in foster homes and she’s no push over. Mateo likes that she tells Mateo how she feels and she gives him sincere companionship and TLC. Turns out that they are just perfect together. I really enjoyed their story.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo and Ella have quite the beginning. Ella works in Mateo's bar. Mateo has been attracted to Ella for quite some time. Ella grew up in foster care and has always wanted a family to call her own. Mateo needs to start a family to really solidify his position as the head of the Mafia. There is only one problem, betrayal hides in the wings waiting to strike.
Amazing characters and a fantastic story.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella is working as a bartender in the bar owned by Mateo Cole. She grew in the foster system. She wants to be a mother and is saving for in vitro, as she has not relationship prospects. Mateo has the same want to have a family, he has been watching her and comes up with a proposition, marry him and they will have babies the old fashioned way.

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

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short read but a powerful plot. I loved the FMC, she didn't hold back and she was no wallflower. The MMC really did earn his right to the Mafia family. Overall a great story, the Terry part, Oh how it made me cry, but in a good way. The end was the best. Long love the Cole Mafia .

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

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written story and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were very compelling and complex. The plot was intriguing and world building was well thought out and developed.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo and Ella want one thing, to have children. So he proposes they have children together. He's been secretly admiring her for awhile but he didn't count on actually falling for her. And being in the Mafia, there are dangers all around! Can he keep Ella safe from others who are not happy with the marriage!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Sam Crescent at her best.
Quick book, but so well written, and loved the Halloween theme at the end.
Ella and Matteo start out as Boss and employee, both wanting a marriage and a family.
Great story with both characters backstories working into the plot.
Good read, well done!!

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really feels like a happy ending is just around the corner, and I'm so excited about it! Luckily, the MMC is someone who forges his own path and stays true to it. While he might seem like a tough guy because of his circumstances, deep inside, he’s genuinely a good person — no question about that.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're drawn into the lives of Matteo and Elle. Neither has had it easy; she struggled during her childhood and in foster care. Because her greatest wish is to become a mother, and Matteo also longs to be a father, they join forces and decide to get married. A page-turner and highly recommended!






I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.