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His to Have
Ayanna Reed wanted simple. A safe career, a quiet man, and a life far from family alliances and backroom deals. But safety was never hers to choose. Not with Teo Donatelli waiting.
Heir to a ruthless empire, Teo has always seen Ayanna as his. When a threat rises, he doesn't ask. He enforces the alliance their families set years ago. An arranged marriage that pulls Ayanna into the dark world she spent her life trying to escape.
What she finds isn't just violence and betrayal. It's truths about herself she never expected. It's love she spent years denying. And it's power, raw and dangerous, that she never knew she carried.
Heir to a ruthless empire, Teo has always seen Ayanna as his. When a threat rises, he doesn't ask. He enforces the alliance their families set years ago. An arranged marriage that pulls Ayanna into the dark world she spent her life trying to escape.
What she finds isn't just violence and betrayal. It's truths about herself she never expected. It's love she spent years denying. And it's power, raw and dangerous, that she never knew she carried.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
168 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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November 3, 2025I love me a good arranged-marriage romance. Make it mafia, add a theme of not running from love but conquering it—and I am sold!
“His to Love” had all the elements that should’ve made it a win for me, but it pains me to say this story fell flat. It was a struggle to stay engaged because, honestly, it was just boring. The dialogue was excessively wordy, and the writing leaned too heavy on telling instead of showing. That alone killed the emotional connection. Important scenes weren’t fleshed out on page, which made it hard to believe Teo and Ayanna cared for each other. If we’d gotten flashbacks showing them as kids—small moments that built their bond—I might’ve believed in their love. But baby, we got nothing! Not even a scene around her losing her virginity. How are we supposed to feel anything, let alone believe it? The romance lacked depth from start to finish. Since we didn’t get their childhood bond on page, more time should’ve been spent developing their adult relationship dynamics. The secondary storyline with the mafia didn’t keep me engaged either. Teo just didn’t give ruthless mafia don. I wasn’t buying it. The tension, danger, and power that usually make a mafia romance pop just didn’t hit for me Scenes that could’ve been vivid and cinematic felt flat.
Overall, this story had the ingredients for me to love it, but the execution missed the mark. If you’re going to write a romance with mafia elements, give us vivid, emotional details that make us feel the danger. I’ll still support the author and look forward to her next book, but this one just didn’t hit like it should’ve.
“His to Love” had all the elements that should’ve made it a win for me, but it pains me to say this story fell flat. It was a struggle to stay engaged because, honestly, it was just boring. The dialogue was excessively wordy, and the writing leaned too heavy on telling instead of showing. That alone killed the emotional connection. Important scenes weren’t fleshed out on page, which made it hard to believe Teo and Ayanna cared for each other. If we’d gotten flashbacks showing them as kids—small moments that built their bond—I might’ve believed in their love. But baby, we got nothing! Not even a scene around her losing her virginity. How are we supposed to feel anything, let alone believe it? The romance lacked depth from start to finish. Since we didn’t get their childhood bond on page, more time should’ve been spent developing their adult relationship dynamics. The secondary storyline with the mafia didn’t keep me engaged either. Teo just didn’t give ruthless mafia don. I wasn’t buying it. The tension, danger, and power that usually make a mafia romance pop just didn’t hit for me Scenes that could’ve been vivid and cinematic felt flat.
Overall, this story had the ingredients for me to love it, but the execution missed the mark. If you’re going to write a romance with mafia elements, give us vivid, emotional details that make us feel the danger. I’ll still support the author and look forward to her next book, but this one just didn’t hit like it should’ve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
I’m sorry but this one was so dry to me, like the portions that were supposed to be high stakes make your heart race just never happened for me. I finished it but it was not a story I’d revisit. Nothing about it stood out to me and neither main characters were worth tuning in for.
January 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I really loved the MMC, and the FMC was cool too. I didn't dislike Ayanna at all, but I wouldn't say she was a favorite FMC for me. Teo, though, stood on business from day one and did not play about his family. I love a slow burn, but a few parts dragged a little more than I needed. Still, I enjoyed it overall, and I'll definitely be back for Teo's sister's book
I really loved the MMC, and the FMC was cool too. I didn't dislike Ayanna at all, but I wouldn't say she was a favorite FMC for me. Teo, though, stood on business from day one and did not play about his family. I love a slow burn, but a few parts dragged a little more than I needed. Still, I enjoyed it overall, and I'll definitely be back for Teo's sister's book
November 14, 2025
I struggled with the storyline
I finished the story but it was a struggle for me. I could not make any kind of connection with the two main characters, or any of the characters in the story. The mafia storyline is used a lot, any way, See what you think.
I finished the story but it was a struggle for me. I could not make any kind of connection with the two main characters, or any of the characters in the story. The mafia storyline is used a lot, any way, See what you think.
November 30, 2025
I loved Teo’s energy. Fiercely protective. Doesn’t repeat himself. Hard for everyone except his Amore. Also the Italian…🔥. We love them bilingual over here. Ayanna was a decent MMC. I like that she was about her business but maintained her loyalty to her family. Teo & Ayanna did have good chemistry to me and I loved witnessing their intimate moments leading up to their wedding before they settled into a “them”. But where it fell flat for me is that I wish we saw more of them together as kids/teenagers and more about their relationship dynamic leading up to the arrangement. The author told us a lot about how they had these deep feelings since childhood and even had some major interactions but we didn’t see it on page. And I think if we had it would allow for a deeper connection to the characters and a stronger investment into their relationship. It did drag on a bit for me and some parts of the story I think we could have done without and used those words to relationship build. But over to me it wasn’t a bad mafia debut
November 4, 2025
Romance in the Underworld
This is the story of Teo Donatelli and Ayanna Reed, an arranged marriage that I knew would last from the very first page. There are tear-jerker moments, scenes that made me hesitate before turning the page, and a few where I was ready to fight on their behalf because the level of deceit and revenge had people acting reckless.
I started this story back when it was on Kindle Vella and I’ve been waiting for the full version ever since. I’m here to tell you it did not disappoint. Burke stepped outside her usual lane into the world of Black Mafia family life and did it beautifully, without losing the emotional and romantic pulse that defines her writing. The chemistry was intense, the danger real, and the spice factor was definitely up there (iykyk).
Potential Spoiler:
The only thing I kept waiting for was Teo’s proposal. I know it was an arranged marriage, but I couldn’t help imagining how far he’d go to make sure Ayanna still got the full experience, including a proposal that was hers, not the families’.
Ayelle Burke, thank you for sharing your talent with us. This one is another hit.
This is the story of Teo Donatelli and Ayanna Reed, an arranged marriage that I knew would last from the very first page. There are tear-jerker moments, scenes that made me hesitate before turning the page, and a few where I was ready to fight on their behalf because the level of deceit and revenge had people acting reckless.
I started this story back when it was on Kindle Vella and I’ve been waiting for the full version ever since. I’m here to tell you it did not disappoint. Burke stepped outside her usual lane into the world of Black Mafia family life and did it beautifully, without losing the emotional and romantic pulse that defines her writing. The chemistry was intense, the danger real, and the spice factor was definitely up there (iykyk).
Potential Spoiler:
The only thing I kept waiting for was Teo’s proposal. I know it was an arranged marriage, but I couldn’t help imagining how far he’d go to make sure Ayanna still got the full experience, including a proposal that was hers, not the families’.
Ayelle Burke, thank you for sharing your talent with us. This one is another hit.
January 12, 2026
Arranged Marriage and First Love ❤️
Those book recs be wrecking! My first one by Ayelle Burke will not be the last! So much drama… and AUDACITY!
Even with the arrangement, Teo knew to give Ayanna the grace to grow at 18, he knew he wanted her to be her own person. I loved that for them. I know these men aren’t saving themselves, however, they sure pick some scandalous females.
Not me being happy Ayanna got to handle ol’ girl cause I know I wanted too. I was also wondering how Ayanna would bounce back after her insistence on being able to move around and getting kidnapped after.
I’m glad they found their hea.
Those book recs be wrecking! My first one by Ayelle Burke will not be the last! So much drama… and AUDACITY!
Even with the arrangement, Teo knew to give Ayanna the grace to grow at 18, he knew he wanted her to be her own person. I loved that for them. I know these men aren’t saving themselves, however, they sure pick some scandalous females.
Not me being happy Ayanna got to handle ol’ girl cause I know I wanted too. I was also wondering how Ayanna would bounce back after her insistence on being able to move around and getting kidnapped after.
I’m glad they found their hea.
November 16, 2025
A very cute story
I really did love this book! I’ve been waiting on it since the Vella days. It’s a solid book. It’s exactly what you’d expect. Personally, I think Teo’s possessiveness was overstated. We get it: he looked at, touched her possessively all the time. Also, Ayanna’s naivety regarding her safety was also hard to process because she grew up in the life. But, overall, a good, easy read. I would recommend!
I really did love this book! I’ve been waiting on it since the Vella days. It’s a solid book. It’s exactly what you’d expect. Personally, I think Teo’s possessiveness was overstated. We get it: he looked at, touched her possessively all the time. Also, Ayanna’s naivety regarding her safety was also hard to process because she grew up in the life. But, overall, a good, easy read. I would recommend!
November 18, 2025
So good!!
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that has kept me up past midnight and stayed with me for days. I just loved everything about it, the MMC, the FMC, the supporting characters, the plot, the romance and the suspense. The plot and characters were well developed. This is a really, really good book. This was my first time reading the author, now I have to find her catalog. Job well done, ma’am!!
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that has kept me up past midnight and stayed with me for days. I just loved everything about it, the MMC, the FMC, the supporting characters, the plot, the romance and the suspense. The plot and characters were well developed. This is a really, really good book. This was my first time reading the author, now I have to find her catalog. Job well done, ma’am!!
January 21, 2026
Beautifully written
Love Teo and Ayanna’s story book romance,how they both fell into their roles,mostly Ayanna,since Teo was waiting on her to catch up. Was puzzled about their age difference as well as Teo’s color, decided that it wasn’t that important,besides,maybe it was meant to be intentional.
Can’t wait to read about Sebastian’s story but will settle for Sophia’s.
Five⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ no grammatical errors .
Love Teo and Ayanna’s story book romance,how they both fell into their roles,mostly Ayanna,since Teo was waiting on her to catch up. Was puzzled about their age difference as well as Teo’s color, decided that it wasn’t that important,besides,maybe it was meant to be intentional.
Can’t wait to read about Sebastian’s story but will settle for Sophia’s.
Five⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ no grammatical errors .
November 8, 2025
fated lovers
I enjoyed the blend of romance with the mafia business which was a lot but the quiet moment Two and Ayanna would have together were always sweet and passionate. I loved how they grew up together and just knew what it would be. I would recommend to anyone who like arranged marriages and mafia drama
I enjoyed the blend of romance with the mafia business which was a lot but the quiet moment Two and Ayanna would have together were always sweet and passionate. I loved how they grew up together and just knew what it would be. I would recommend to anyone who like arranged marriages and mafia drama
December 16, 2025
His to Have
I loved everything about this book-it was a new genre for Ms. BURKE, and she nailed IT! Teo with that darn Italian (so sexy) and Yanna a real boss in her own right. Their backstory was fabulous, and even with all of the various situations their love showed through brillantly.
I loved everything about this book-it was a new genre for Ms. BURKE, and she nailed IT! Teo with that darn Italian (so sexy) and Yanna a real boss in her own right. Their backstory was fabulous, and even with all of the various situations their love showed through brillantly.
December 28, 2025
A new to me author and this was an extremely well written story.
Has all the things too
Unhinged MMC with the touch her and ☠️ trope.
I also love the arranged marriage trope
I love anything dark, crime‑infused with forced alliances and powerful family dynamics.
I look forward to Sophia’s story!
P.s. fuck Isabella and her punk ass daddy and Corey weak ass
Has all the things too
Unhinged MMC with the touch her and ☠️ trope.
I also love the arranged marriage trope
I love anything dark, crime‑infused with forced alliances and powerful family dynamics.
I look forward to Sophia’s story!
P.s. fuck Isabella and her punk ass daddy and Corey weak ass
January 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! Teo and Ayanna were meant to be together and I love that he let her live her life independently until it was time for the arrangement. Now, I knew Corey ugly ass was hiding something when he kept getting mad that he hasn’t met her family yet. Isabella bitch ass got exactly what she deserved….i do love Bash and his protectiveness over his sister
November 15, 2025
Another one!
I had been waiting for this book to drop it did not disappoint. Just like the others it was great I would like to see what Bash and Keem get into as well. I think you are an excellent author I’ve read all your books now I’m waiting for the next one.
I had been waiting for this book to drop it did not disappoint. Just like the others it was great I would like to see what Bash and Keem get into as well. I think you are an excellent author I’ve read all your books now I’m waiting for the next one.
November 19, 2025
It's that good!!
This author is new to me and did not disappoint. I love me a good ole Black Mafia romance. Teo is HIM 🥰 (book Bae, husbae, and Mafia Bae all in 1 lol) and the chemistry between him and Ayanna drips off the pages. Absolutely loved this book.
This author is new to me and did not disappoint. I love me a good ole Black Mafia romance. Teo is HIM 🥰 (book Bae, husbae, and Mafia Bae all in 1 lol) and the chemistry between him and Ayanna drips off the pages. Absolutely loved this book.
December 29, 2025
mine to protect
First mafia romance by this author and it was so good! Such an action packed read! I enjoyed how Teo protected Yanna even prior to them having to commit to one another.
First mafia romance by this author and it was so good! Such an action packed read! I enjoyed how Teo protected Yanna even prior to them having to commit to one another.
January 15, 2026
Well done!
I have been a fan of Ayelle Burke for a while now and I must say she has not failed me yet. Each story I read from her is rooted in family and togetherness. Her MMC’s are always going to stand on business behind their women.
I have been a fan of Ayelle Burke for a while now and I must say she has not failed me yet. Each story I read from her is rooted in family and togetherness. Her MMC’s are always going to stand on business behind their women.
December 2, 2025
😩🤗😍
Whew chileeee. I knew it was going to be her. She gave those type of vibes from the moment she entered the scene. This was such a good read. Hopefully Sophia got next!
Whew chileeee. I knew it was going to be her. She gave those type of vibes from the moment she entered the scene. This was such a good read. Hopefully Sophia got next!
December 17, 2025
loved
Teo was be all day! I was like yes come through. I would love for Bash to get a story. I’m excited for Sophia’s.
Teo was be all day! I was like yes come through. I would love for Bash to get a story. I’m excited for Sophia’s.
December 30, 2025
Teo is Bae
Baby this one right here might be the best one yet. I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. That Teo 👏🏾👏🏾 I want me one. I might just have to run this one back.
Baby this one right here might be the best one yet. I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. That Teo 👏🏾👏🏾 I want me one. I might just have to run this one back.
January 27, 2026
10 toes down
I loved this story!!! I love Teo and his energy towards Yanna
I can’t wait for Sophia story’s and hopefully bash gets a story as well
I loved this story!!! I love Teo and his energy towards Yanna
I can’t wait for Sophia story’s and hopefully bash gets a story as well
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews