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Five Borough Mafia #1
Don's Angel
In Luca Lucchese’s world of blood and power, softness is a weakness—and he’s never allowed himself one. Until her. One look at the shy, overworked waitress with downcast eyes and a forced smile, and his protective instincts erupt like gunfire. She’s sixteen years younger—a pure, untouched angel—and yet, in the Don’s mind, she’s his. His to protect. His to claim.
Erin Monroe’s hanging on by a thread. Rent’s late, student loans are piling up, and her brother’s gambling has left them owing money to men who collect in blood. Her boss is a bully, and every night she swears she can survive just one more shift. The last thing she needs is a dangerous, impossibly gorgeous man watching her from the shadows. He’s six foot three, tatted, dressed in a tailored black suit—Manhattan’s most feared mafia boss. But for the first time, she has someone who will burn down New York—just to see her smile.
* This over-the-top, possessive mafia romance features an obsessive stalker don, an innocent heroine, age gap, found family, and scorching instalove. HEA guaranteed. This mafia romance does not contain triggers, It is primarily an Instalove romance between Luca and Erin.*
Erin Monroe’s hanging on by a thread. Rent’s late, student loans are piling up, and her brother’s gambling has left them owing money to men who collect in blood. Her boss is a bully, and every night she swears she can survive just one more shift. The last thing she needs is a dangerous, impossibly gorgeous man watching her from the shadows. He’s six foot three, tatted, dressed in a tailored black suit—Manhattan’s most feared mafia boss. But for the first time, she has someone who will burn down New York—just to see her smile.
* This over-the-top, possessive mafia romance features an obsessive stalker don, an innocent heroine, age gap, found family, and scorching instalove. HEA guaranteed. This mafia romance does not contain triggers, It is primarily an Instalove romance between Luca and Erin.*
- GenresNovellaContemporary
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
182 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 22, 2025
5/5 absolute perfection in a novella!
TROPES:
-age gap (16 years)
-mafia
-protector/stalker hero
-instalove
Erin is down on her luck. Life is crushing her and she's barely scraping by. She's a waitress at an Italian restaurant where Luca frequents- she only knows him as being a rich businessman. She has a HUGE crush on him but knows he'll never look at her so she doesn't even try.
What she doesn't know? Luca looks. And has looked. Ever since the night they first met. Every night since then, he's secretly followed her home just to make sure she's arrived safely. But he doesn't want to ruin her life with everything that comes with him being a mafia boss, so he stays away.
One night, Luca is there discussing mafia business, when Erin nearly gets assaulted. He loses it. And there is NO holding him back. She offers him her first kiss, and he takes it. Things change between them rapidly, like two magnets that can't stay far away from each other. It was so sweet.
This was my first read by this author and I'll be reading more!! I was completely entranced the entire time I was reading this novella. It took my breath away. I can't wait to see what Amanda Horton writes next! <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, no past on hero
OM/OW: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: attempted SA by another guy, but H stops him.
HEA?: yes!!
TROPES:
-age gap (16 years)
-mafia
-protector/stalker hero
-instalove
Erin is down on her luck. Life is crushing her and she's barely scraping by. She's a waitress at an Italian restaurant where Luca frequents- she only knows him as being a rich businessman. She has a HUGE crush on him but knows he'll never look at her so she doesn't even try.
What she doesn't know? Luca looks. And has looked. Ever since the night they first met. Every night since then, he's secretly followed her home just to make sure she's arrived safely. But he doesn't want to ruin her life with everything that comes with him being a mafia boss, so he stays away.
One night, Luca is there discussing mafia business, when Erin nearly gets assaulted. He loses it. And there is NO holding him back. She offers him her first kiss, and he takes it. Things change between them rapidly, like two magnets that can't stay far away from each other. It was so sweet.
This was my first read by this author and I'll be reading more!! I was completely entranced the entire time I was reading this novella. It took my breath away. I can't wait to see what Amanda Horton writes next! <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, no past on hero
OM/OW: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: attempted SA by another guy, but H stops him.
HEA?: yes!!
December 24, 2025
Yorum bile yapmayacağım sadece ne gerek vardı
November 22, 2025
A mafia don, a waitress, and a love that won’t let go
Erin’s holding her life together with frayed strings and late-night shifts. Waitressing in a high-end restaurant, dodging her boss’s temper and her brother’s messes, she’s used to surviving on her own. Until one night, everything changes. One look from Luca and her world tilts.
Luca is a mafia don, feared by men with power and blood on their hands. He doesn’t do mercy, but something in Erin calls to him. Her quiet strength, her fear, the way she keeps going. When danger creeps close, he acts. What starts as protection turns into something deeper.
In a whirlwind of secrets, heat, and sharp edges, Luca pulls her into his world. He gives her safety, and in return, she gives him a reason to feel again. Erin’s not used to being cared for. Luca’s never known what care feels like. But somehow, they fit.
The past doesn’t stay buried, and danger still lurks. Luca’s ready to tear down everything to keep her safe. Erin has to choose whether she’ll keep surviving or finally start living with him. Together, they’ll learn that love doesn’t always come easy, but it can be everything.
Erin grows from exhausted and overlooked to grounded and unshakeable. Luca sheds layers of control and fear to become a partner who protects with both hands and heart. What begins as obsession shifts into fierce loyalty, emotional trust, and love that refuses to let go.
A steamy, age gap, instalove, forced proximity, stalker-turned-savior, mafia romance exploring obsession, protection, power dynamics, trauma recovery, found family, redemption, and unconditional love. It’s about how obsession becomes devotion, how love heals what violence broke, and how two people shaped by pain find safety in each other. At its heart, it’s about choosing love in the dark, and holding on when it changes everything.
The Elevator Pitch: A feared mafia don claims the one thing he never thought he'd want: a trembling waitress with haunted eyes and quiet strength. Their worlds collide in a storm of obsession, danger, and devotion, where love is fierce, fast, and utterly consuming. Dark, steamy, and addictive, their love takes hold and never lets go.
Erin’s holding her life together with frayed strings and late-night shifts. Waitressing in a high-end restaurant, dodging her boss’s temper and her brother’s messes, she’s used to surviving on her own. Until one night, everything changes. One look from Luca and her world tilts.
Luca is a mafia don, feared by men with power and blood on their hands. He doesn’t do mercy, but something in Erin calls to him. Her quiet strength, her fear, the way she keeps going. When danger creeps close, he acts. What starts as protection turns into something deeper.
In a whirlwind of secrets, heat, and sharp edges, Luca pulls her into his world. He gives her safety, and in return, she gives him a reason to feel again. Erin’s not used to being cared for. Luca’s never known what care feels like. But somehow, they fit.
The past doesn’t stay buried, and danger still lurks. Luca’s ready to tear down everything to keep her safe. Erin has to choose whether she’ll keep surviving or finally start living with him. Together, they’ll learn that love doesn’t always come easy, but it can be everything.
Erin grows from exhausted and overlooked to grounded and unshakeable. Luca sheds layers of control and fear to become a partner who protects with both hands and heart. What begins as obsession shifts into fierce loyalty, emotional trust, and love that refuses to let go.
A steamy, age gap, instalove, forced proximity, stalker-turned-savior, mafia romance exploring obsession, protection, power dynamics, trauma recovery, found family, redemption, and unconditional love. It’s about how obsession becomes devotion, how love heals what violence broke, and how two people shaped by pain find safety in each other. At its heart, it’s about choosing love in the dark, and holding on when it changes everything.
The Elevator Pitch: A feared mafia don claims the one thing he never thought he'd want: a trembling waitress with haunted eyes and quiet strength. Their worlds collide in a storm of obsession, danger, and devotion, where love is fierce, fast, and utterly consuming. Dark, steamy, and addictive, their love takes hold and never lets go.
November 23, 2025
rin was Luca's waitress several months ago. As soon as he saw her he was in love. He had made himself a promise that he was going to stay away from her.
All that changes when he rescues her from an attack.
Even though this is a short read there is a lot of detail and a great story
All that changes when he rescues her from an attack.
Even though this is a short read there is a lot of detail and a great story
January 1, 2026
Quickie Review: I read this series out of order, and I am thankful it’s not one that hinges on it being read that way. But after reading book 2, Don’s Kitten, I knew I needed to run and grab this one. Don’s Angel was a fabulous, quick well written mafia romance. And I was all over the instalove goodness between both Luca and Erin. I look forward to more from this author. 5 Stars.
November 23, 2025
Erin is barely keeping her head above water as life hurls one blow after another her way. Between scraping by on tips as a waitress and cleaning up after her brother’s gambling disasters, she’s running on fumes. Her one indulgence, her one flicker of fantasy, is Luca Lucchese, the devastatingly handsome businessman who frequents her restaurant. She knows he’s out of her league. Men like him don’t look at women like her. Still, imagining him is a small, secret comfort on her loneliest nights. But when her brother Jack digs himself into a debt with dangerous men, Erin finds herself backed into a corner with nowhere left to turn. What she doesn’t know is that Luca has been watching. Not quite in the shadows, but in quiet, protective vigilance. So, when he steps in to save her from an unsettling encounter, and later finds thugs at her door, he does the only thing a man like him can: he takes her away to safety… to his safety, of course. From the moment Luca first kissed her, his claim was irrefutable, even if Erin doesn’t quite understand that yet. It isn’t long before she learns the truth and discovers Luca is not just a successful businessman, but one of the infamous Five Kings of New York. Yet instead of fear, Erin feels something she’s never experienced before: a comforting kind of peace. She’s spent her whole life being the responsible one, the caretaker, the fixer. With Luca, she finally feels cherished, important, like someone worth protecting. But the fragile happiness they’re building together is threatened when Jack’s trouble resurfaces, dragging Erin into danger once more. Luca’s ruthlessness may terrify the world, but with his angel, he is nothing but soft, devoted, and unshakably loyal. And when Erin needs a hero, he doesn’t hesitate. He’s ready to burn down the world to save her. As a short novelette, there isn’t much room to maneuver, but Amanda masterfully fills every page with tension, heat, and high-stakes emotion. It’s fast, dramatic, and irresistibly addictive—a bite-sized story that still manages to leave you breathless.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
He sees her in the restaurant that she works at and is obsessed with her innocence. He has been watching her from afar, not letting her know his interest, until the night she finds herself in trouble and he plucks her out and takes her home. She has been trying to keep things together for her and her brother, but he keeps making bad choices and leaving her to pick up the pieces. She has noticed the handsome man looking at her, but knows that he could have anyone, surely he isn't interested in her. Until the night she is attacked and he claims her calling her "mine". This is a short story format so there is not a lot of page time to build a complex back story but I think the author does a pretty good job of character development. The story is mainly focused on them, as it should be and they have an intense and spicy connection. It was lacking a bit for me in some of the world building connections, including establishing their relationship. But their epilogue does pull it together and give you the happily ever after you want.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
This was a fast paced Cinderella-style love story between a hard working, poor as dirt waitress, and a Mafia Don. These two have been stealing glances at each other for months, not knowing the other was looking. When things go sideways during a family meeting/dinner, these two are thrown together and sparks finally fly.
I feel like this story flew by really fast. One minute they were perfect strangers, and the next, they were deeply in love. I suppose it's possible that the longing glances were their idea of a slow burn, but the instant relationship felt a little wrong. I was still happy with the tips and turns the characters took, although, again, this happened quickly. I wish the author had doubled the length of the story, so that we could truly get a proper crescendo into this relationship. Besides that, I really did enjoy the story, and found myself wanting much more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I feel like this story flew by really fast. One minute they were perfect strangers, and the next, they were deeply in love. I suppose it's possible that the longing glances were their idea of a slow burn, but the instant relationship felt a little wrong. I was still happy with the tips and turns the characters took, although, again, this happened quickly. I wish the author had doubled the length of the story, so that we could truly get a proper crescendo into this relationship. Besides that, I really did enjoy the story, and found myself wanting much more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2025
Luca is a businessman, he is older, extremely rich and hot. He is also the Don of Manhattan. He has been secretly stalking a waitress from Notte Bianca. He fell for her the first time he saw her. He knows he shouldn’t act on his feelings, he can’t show any vulnerability in his line of work…but when danger comes for her. He will fight with everything he has to keep her safe.
Erin is an overworked waitress who is struggling. Her bills are overdue, and her brother keeps getting himself in trouble with the wrong men. She secretly romanticizes about the older man, Luca that comes into the restaurant every night. But he would never want her….she is nothing special.
This was such a great start to a new series by Amanda Horton. This is the first book Inhave read by this author and she did not disappoint.
Expect age gap forbidden romance, a younger innocent girl and an OTT protective Din. This one is a quick read with a complete story line. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Erin is an overworked waitress who is struggling. Her bills are overdue, and her brother keeps getting himself in trouble with the wrong men. She secretly romanticizes about the older man, Luca that comes into the restaurant every night. But he would never want her….she is nothing special.
This was such a great start to a new series by Amanda Horton. This is the first book Inhave read by this author and she did not disappoint.
Expect age gap forbidden romance, a younger innocent girl and an OTT protective Din. This one is a quick read with a complete story line. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
January 17, 2026
Erin has a big heart. She would do anything to save her brother, when he is the one that got himself into trouble in the first place. Luckily for her Luca is understanding of her situation and helps her. Despite Erin's lack of intimate knowledge of men, she feels an instant attraction to Luca.
As soon as I met Luca, I really liked him. He is respectful of Erin and her feelings. They shared steamy scenes together. I liked how this novella ended.
If you like instant lust romances like Evie Rose, then, you will enjoy this novella. I would not be mad to have a stalker like Luca. He is morally grey. Even through this story is a short one, Erin grew up and was not the same woman that I first met. Don's Angel is a quick, steamy, tidbit.
As soon as I met Luca, I really liked him. He is respectful of Erin and her feelings. They shared steamy scenes together. I liked how this novella ended.
If you like instant lust romances like Evie Rose, then, you will enjoy this novella. I would not be mad to have a stalker like Luca. He is morally grey. Even through this story is a short one, Erin grew up and was not the same woman that I first met. Don's Angel is a quick, steamy, tidbit.
February 9, 2026
Erin and Luca
Instalove, stalking trope. Mafia lite novella, part of a series that doesn’t have to be read in any particular order. Very little conflict or drama between the two main characters. Dual POV, two epilogues, HEA.
Erin is an overworked waitress at a restaurant that Luca goes to every night. He watches her, stalks her, never approaches her. She’s afraid of him at first but also feels safe around him. He does save her from a demanding customer and takes her home. Their chemistry is instant and intense. Luca is immediately sure he wants Erin forever. This is a quick read. The writing is easy and the plot follows the same predictable template as the other books in this series.
Instalove, stalking trope. Mafia lite novella, part of a series that doesn’t have to be read in any particular order. Very little conflict or drama between the two main characters. Dual POV, two epilogues, HEA.
Erin is an overworked waitress at a restaurant that Luca goes to every night. He watches her, stalks her, never approaches her. She’s afraid of him at first but also feels safe around him. He does save her from a demanding customer and takes her home. Their chemistry is instant and intense. Luca is immediately sure he wants Erin forever. This is a quick read. The writing is easy and the plot follows the same predictable template as the other books in this series.
November 22, 2025
This is an interesting insta-love novella. I liked both of the main characters. Erin is so sweet and innocent. I loved that she doesn't give up and is very loyal to her brother, her only family. He causes a lot of problems for her though.
Luca is an alpha boss. Her stalker and protector. I loved that he was patient and willing to wait. That he recognizes that even Jack, her brother is a mess he is willing to help him because of her.
POV of each. Action from the first page. I liked the surprises. Steam to the romance. And of course the perfect HEA for them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luca is an alpha boss. Her stalker and protector. I loved that he was patient and willing to wait. That he recognizes that even Jack, her brother is a mess he is willing to help him because of her.
POV of each. Action from the first page. I liked the surprises. Steam to the romance. And of course the perfect HEA for them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
Erin is working herself to the bone trying to keep ahead of her debts and her brother's gambling debts. In the restaurant she has encountered Luca who makes her heart beat faster. He saves her from a close call with a creepy boss and takes her to his house to keep her safe from the guy who is collecting for her brothers gambling debts. The chemistry between these two is fiery and the story is so well-written I so can't wait to read about Luca's friends. This is a new to me author and she has me hooked and I can't wait to read more from her. This is a must read!!!
December 21, 2025
Don’s Angel is a mafia-lite, touch her and die romance. Luca is head over heels for Erin, and we see it and feel it in every moment and every turn of the page. Erin is sweet and hardworking and so innocent; that she sees
Luca for who he is and accepts him as he is—even through danger and drama and darkness—is just beautiful. The action, suspense, and drama are well-blended, and the supporting characters are fascinating. This is a highly entertaining love story; I can’t wait to see where the author takes this series in future books.
Luca for who he is and accepts him as he is—even through danger and drama and darkness—is just beautiful. The action, suspense, and drama are well-blended, and the supporting characters are fascinating. This is a highly entertaining love story; I can’t wait to see where the author takes this series in future books.
November 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!
It’s perfect for every fan of mafia romance with a touch of danger, drama and spice.
Erin is sweet, caring, loyal, open and warm.
Luca is caring, only sweet to her, obsessed and protective.
But what makes him and this book incredibly special is him always being honest and never overpowering. Their transformation and growth was captivating and didn’t let me put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s perfect for every fan of mafia romance with a touch of danger, drama and spice.
Erin is sweet, caring, loyal, open and warm.
Luca is caring, only sweet to her, obsessed and protective.
But what makes him and this book incredibly special is him always being honest and never overpowering. Their transformation and growth was captivating and didn’t let me put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
This is Book 1 in the Five Borough Mafia Series by this author. It is an age gap, instalove romance between waitress Erin and mafia don Luca. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is a sweet love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, some mafia action, and twists and turn, and interesting secondary characters. Entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
FANtastic story! The plot was intriguing, exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters were amazing and so very appealing and hawt together and perfect for each other. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. It was everything I expected in an instalove romance plus its mafia too. It is very well written, fast pace and steamy. I loved the way Luca was there to always protect Erin. Well fleshed out characters and a great happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
Erin is doing her all to keep her and her gambling addict brothers afloat, working as a waotress with a bully boss, her life changes when she catches the eye of Luca mafia boss with a feared reputation 15yrs older than her and fiercely protective of her. Well written steamy fast paced quick read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2026
Fast Read
This story lives up to the tropes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I enjoyed it and there are enough sex scenes to feel gratified by something at the end of it all.
This is pretty formulaic, but again nothing wrong with that. Since I went into this with my eyes wide open, I enjoyed it for what it was.
This story lives up to the tropes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I enjoyed it and there are enough sex scenes to feel gratified by something at the end of it all.
This is pretty formulaic, but again nothing wrong with that. Since I went into this with my eyes wide open, I enjoyed it for what it was.
January 18, 2026
Perfect instalove short read. Just the right balance of spice/sweet, with a little bit of the whole save the woman from the traffickers trope, which I love. Really not very mafia-like, however. I'm not sure anyone actually dies. The bad guy gets sent to the cops because the hero can't stand for his angioletta to see him kill anyone. But...sigh...angioletta. I love that.
November 22, 2025
This book has some dark themes, it is a mafia one after all. But it's also sweet and spicy. The relationship between the characters who fall instantly in love is easy to picture and cheer for.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Luca and Erin's instant love story. He steps in, sees her situation and does whatever he can to make her life better love this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
Do you love age-gap, insta-love romance?
Add in mafia, and oh boy!
Jump into this wonderful novella and see if Luca can win over Erin!
I was definitely ready to be swept off my feet by an over-the-top, obsessed, mafia don!
Loved the spice!
Get ready to swoon.
Add in mafia, and oh boy!
Jump into this wonderful novella and see if Luca can win over Erin!
I was definitely ready to be swept off my feet by an over-the-top, obsessed, mafia don!
Loved the spice!
Get ready to swoon.
November 22, 2025
It was a sweet story. Luca falls first the moment he laid his eye on Erin and didn't let go. Since it is a novella, things move pretty quickly and thankfully the drama was not laid on too thick. It was a fun story to read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
Great little story, where Luca has been watching Erin for months. He saves her, then saves her again. They soon confess their love and live happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
This is a short read with stalker vibes and mafia also. It's fast paced and steamy and he's always there to protect her. It was well written that I wanted more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2025
I loved Luca! He was so gentle with Erin & showed how much he cared right from the beginning.
I'd really like to read the other mafia don & Erin's co-workers stories. I really enjoy an interconnected series with little peaks of what's to come.
I'd really like to read the other mafia don & Erin's co-workers stories. I really enjoy an interconnected series with little peaks of what's to come.
November 24, 2025
If over the top males, obsessed with their love interest, is your thing this book is it. It was a great, short read filled with love and how that changes a person, redemption, and lots of juicy scenes in between.
November 28, 2025
This is the first book I've read written by Amanda Horton; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Five Borough Mafia Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Erin & Luca.
This is the first book in the Five Borough Mafia Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Erin & Luca.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews