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Ruthless Arrangements #1
Cruel Savior
I saved his life. Now he owns mine.
I’ve lived my whole life in a golden cage, the captive daughter of a powerful mafia don. When my father arranges my marriage to Vincenzo Vici, a cold-blooded assassin from a rival family, it’s a death sentence. For both of us. Because my father uses our engagement to slaughter the Vicis and take their territory.
But he makes a grave error. He doesn’t kill the most dangerous Vici of Vincenzo himself.
I’ve never met my intended fiancé, so when I stumble upon a handsome, bloodied stranger being tortured in a laundromat in the middle of the night, I follow my instincts and save his life.
Big mistake. The man I saved is Vincenzo Vici, and when he discovers I’m the woman who led his family to slaughter, I realize there are circles of hell my father never showed me.
Vincenzo should kill me. He wants to kill me. Instead, he decides to make me pay in a different way—by holding me to our arranged marriage and exacting his revenge on me.
But Vincenzo isn’t the monster I expected. His ruthless kisses light up my soul. His darkness is a dangerous addiction. And when my father hands me poison and orders me to finish what he started, I’m caught between two impossible loyalty to my own blood, or devotion to the darkness that sets me free.
Author’s Cruel Savior is a standalone MF arranged marriage mafia romance with a virgin heroine and a possessive and obsessed alphahole. There is no cheating and no other women. The story is dark, dirty, and delicious, so please read at your discretion.
I’ve lived my whole life in a golden cage, the captive daughter of a powerful mafia don. When my father arranges my marriage to Vincenzo Vici, a cold-blooded assassin from a rival family, it’s a death sentence. For both of us. Because my father uses our engagement to slaughter the Vicis and take their territory.
But he makes a grave error. He doesn’t kill the most dangerous Vici of Vincenzo himself.
I’ve never met my intended fiancé, so when I stumble upon a handsome, bloodied stranger being tortured in a laundromat in the middle of the night, I follow my instincts and save his life.
Big mistake. The man I saved is Vincenzo Vici, and when he discovers I’m the woman who led his family to slaughter, I realize there are circles of hell my father never showed me.
Vincenzo should kill me. He wants to kill me. Instead, he decides to make me pay in a different way—by holding me to our arranged marriage and exacting his revenge on me.
But Vincenzo isn’t the monster I expected. His ruthless kisses light up my soul. His darkness is a dangerous addiction. And when my father hands me poison and orders me to finish what he started, I’m caught between two impossible loyalty to my own blood, or devotion to the darkness that sets me free.
Author’s Cruel Savior is a standalone MF arranged marriage mafia romance with a virgin heroine and a possessive and obsessed alphahole. There is no cheating and no other women. The story is dark, dirty, and delicious, so please read at your discretion.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
239 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Vincent
21 books2,784 followersLilith Vincent is a steamy mafia reverse harem writer who believes in living on the wild side! Why choose one when you could choose them all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
March 8, 2026
「⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 star Review」
☀︎ CRUEL SAVIOR ☀︎ Is the first full length mafia romance book within the (Ruthless Arrangements) series by author Lilith Vincent. In this you'll meet Adora and Vincenzo.
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
Tropes:
❥ Arranged mafia marriage
❥ Virgin heroine
❥ Possessive | Obsessive alphahole.
❥ Seven year age gap
❥ Enemies to lovers
❥ He falls first
I’m so glad this was the book I chose to bring me back to this genre because it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a mafia book, it used to be my go too genre, but needing a break I branched out into other genres.
The Montonis and the Vicis have been raging war against each other for many years, Adora's father proposed a marriage between Adora and Vincenzo the eldest son of one of the most blood thirsty families within Malus which would forge an alliance uniting the two families.
But her fathers got another plan set in place.
Vincenzo lost his whole family which led right to Adora's doorstep, pointing directly towards her father, who massacred his whole family in cold blood, Vincenzo was lucky he was at the wrong place at the right time or else he would've been taken out too.
This started off with a bang, pulling me in quickly, and I loved how it all unfolded. I can’t imagine these two characters with anyone else, they suited each other perfectly. Adora had been abused all her life by her father, making her jittery and scared to speak out, her character underwent such profound changes throughout the book, making many underestimate her, even her own father, and I loved that about her.
Overall, I couldn't put this slow burn of a book down, The spice and steam between these two characters was chef’s kiss and I was here for it all. I'm so excited for the next book, I need/want/crave to see what kind of journey the authors going to take us on in that one..
☀︎ CRUEL SAVIOR ☀︎ Is the first full length mafia romance book within the (Ruthless Arrangements) series by author Lilith Vincent. In this you'll meet Adora and Vincenzo.
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
Tropes:
❥ Arranged mafia marriage
❥ Virgin heroine
❥ Possessive | Obsessive alphahole.
❥ Seven year age gap
❥ Enemies to lovers
❥ He falls first
I’m so glad this was the book I chose to bring me back to this genre because it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a mafia book, it used to be my go too genre, but needing a break I branched out into other genres.
The Montonis and the Vicis have been raging war against each other for many years, Adora's father proposed a marriage between Adora and Vincenzo the eldest son of one of the most blood thirsty families within Malus which would forge an alliance uniting the two families.
But her fathers got another plan set in place.
Vincenzo lost his whole family which led right to Adora's doorstep, pointing directly towards her father, who massacred his whole family in cold blood, Vincenzo was lucky he was at the wrong place at the right time or else he would've been taken out too.
This started off with a bang, pulling me in quickly, and I loved how it all unfolded. I can’t imagine these two characters with anyone else, they suited each other perfectly. Adora had been abused all her life by her father, making her jittery and scared to speak out, her character underwent such profound changes throughout the book, making many underestimate her, even her own father, and I loved that about her.
Overall, I couldn't put this slow burn of a book down, The spice and steam between these two characters was chef’s kiss and I was here for it all. I'm so excited for the next book, I need/want/crave to see what kind of journey the authors going to take us on in that one..
February 24, 2026
RTC
gotta collect my thoughts give me few hours heheh
gotta collect my thoughts give me few hours heheh
February 26, 2026
Unwittingly a trap for her fiancé and his family, Adora Montoni flees her childhood home following a deadly ambush.
Putting two and two together after being saved a stranger in a laundromat, Vincenzo Vici forges an unlikely connection with Adora who will once again become a pawn.
Adora and Vincenzo’s pain bleeds from the pages of Cruel Saint. She sees his pain and longs to help him heal. Yet with her history, it’s terrifying to imagine a man in the mafia can be trusted. It’s so gratifying to watch her shed the persona she’s been forced to don and embrace a future where she’s loved and respected. Likewise, seeing Vincenzo open his heart is the kind of HEA I’ll never tire of.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤯🥺🥵😊😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (7), Arranged Marriage, Bad Boy x Good Girl, Billionaire, Found Family, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Rival Families
💫 Microtropes: “Good Girl”, Good Girl > Dark Queen, Pet Name (Doe), Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, Trauma Bonding, Used as Pawn/Leverage, Virgin FMC
🔆 Character: College Student, Illegal Enterprises, Mafia Princess
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Squirting
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, MINE!
⛔️ Safety Squad: Physical Abuse (Not by MMC), Torture (Not of FMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: City
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
📣 Type: Cruel Savior is the first book in the Ruthless Arrangements series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Putting two and two together after being saved a stranger in a laundromat, Vincenzo Vici forges an unlikely connection with Adora who will once again become a pawn.
Adora and Vincenzo’s pain bleeds from the pages of Cruel Saint. She sees his pain and longs to help him heal. Yet with her history, it’s terrifying to imagine a man in the mafia can be trusted. It’s so gratifying to watch her shed the persona she’s been forced to don and embrace a future where she’s loved and respected. Likewise, seeing Vincenzo open his heart is the kind of HEA I’ll never tire of.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤯🥺🥵😊😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (7), Arranged Marriage, Bad Boy x Good Girl, Billionaire, Found Family, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Rival Families
💫 Microtropes: “Good Girl”, Good Girl > Dark Queen, Pet Name (Doe), Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, Trauma Bonding, Used as Pawn/Leverage, Virgin FMC
🔆 Character: College Student, Illegal Enterprises, Mafia Princess
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Squirting
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, MINE!
⛔️ Safety Squad: Physical Abuse (Not by MMC), Torture (Not of FMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: City
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
📣 Type: Cruel Savior is the first book in the Ruthless Arrangements series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
March 2, 2026
I don’t know if I was confused OR annoyed OR annoyed because I was confused….
Mafia princess Adora is trapped in an abusive family dynamic & swept away in an arranged marriage massacre 🩸🔪 Her husband to be is the only survivor!
I found this to be a difficult read due to eye-rolling character personalities or unnecessarily muddled plot. Vincenzo was incredibly impulsive & would fly into a rage (emotionally) hurting the fmc but than also salivate over her in the next minute. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for an occasional alpha asshole but Vini boy was too immature (perhaps young) for me!
She was no different! Adora’a line of thinking was literally ‘Vincenzo is the only one that can save me from my abusive dad…I should kill him’. Make it make sense!!
Plot should have been simple but with irrational characters lying to themselves it was difficult to follow their decision-making & emotions.
DNF @62% I had high hopes for this one and I’m so sad this dark romance didn’t work out 😭
Mafia princess Adora is trapped in an abusive family dynamic & swept away in an arranged marriage massacre 🩸🔪 Her husband to be is the only survivor!
I found this to be a difficult read due to eye-rolling character personalities or unnecessarily muddled plot. Vincenzo was incredibly impulsive & would fly into a rage (emotionally) hurting the fmc but than also salivate over her in the next minute. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for an occasional alpha asshole but Vini boy was too immature (perhaps young) for me!
She was no different! Adora’a line of thinking was literally ‘Vincenzo is the only one that can save me from my abusive dad…I should kill him’. Make it make sense!!
Plot should have been simple but with irrational characters lying to themselves it was difficult to follow their decision-making & emotions.
DNF @62% I had high hopes for this one and I’m so sad this dark romance didn’t work out 😭
February 26, 2026
3 1/2 stars
Ok so I enjoyed this but god I know his whole family had just passed and all but I don’t think I’ve ever read a mafia don book where he’s pretty much constantly having to be saved by the h. I’m all for the fmc being strong and smart but jeez. She saved his life 3 times and he kinda put himself in those situations by being reckless (also where were the guards? You’re a mafia don and you have no guards???) I was getting slightly embarrassed 😭
Virgin h
Didn’t seem like a manwhore H nothing really on his past
No OWD
Ok so I enjoyed this but god I know his whole family had just passed and all but I don’t think I’ve ever read a mafia don book where he’s pretty much constantly having to be saved by the h. I’m all for the fmc being strong and smart but jeez. She saved his life 3 times and he kinda put himself in those situations by being reckless (also where were the guards? You’re a mafia don and you have no guards???) I was getting slightly embarrassed 😭
Virgin h
Didn’t seem like a manwhore H nothing really on his past
No OWD
Read
February 26, 2026The author is mostly a miss for me. This one wasn’t any different. The insta-lust really kills me. Where’s the banter? Character development? I need more than surface level.
February 26, 2026
The most annoying characters I’ve read in a while.
I kid you not the fmc literally chooses to defend her precious lover instead of playing her part (she’s trying to trap someone) when the alternative consequence is DEATH! You want me to believe this is a competent mafia queen?
Don’t even get me started on the mmc. He’s supposed to be this big bad assassin/mafia don but literally all he does the entire book is get his behind kicked. It’s kind of pathetic. The whole climax of this book rests on a deal they made with bad guy 2 (who’s getting his own book at some point probably) and this man is surprised, astonished, shocked that bad guy 2 refuses to uphold his end of the deal when HE CANNOT DELIVER WHAT HE PROMISED??!! Sir, that’s how deals work?
In conclusion, they’re both idiots that had the survival instincts of a potato. So, a match made in potato heaven, I guess.
I kid you not the fmc literally chooses to defend her precious lover instead of playing her part (she’s trying to trap someone) when the alternative consequence is DEATH! You want me to believe this is a competent mafia queen?
Don’t even get me started on the mmc. He’s supposed to be this big bad assassin/mafia don but literally all he does the entire book is get his behind kicked. It’s kind of pathetic. The whole climax of this book rests on a deal they made with bad guy 2 (who’s getting his own book at some point probably) and this man is surprised, astonished, shocked that bad guy 2 refuses to uphold his end of the deal when HE CANNOT DELIVER WHAT HE PROMISED??!! Sir, that’s how deals work?
In conclusion, they’re both idiots that had the survival instincts of a potato. So, a match made in potato heaven, I guess.
February 25, 2026
“Cruel Savior” is the story of Adora and Vincenzo.
This is a super angsty romance between a couple arising from rivaling families. The “wedding” starts with an unimaginable tragedy that shapes their whole relationship. One is abused and afraid, the other is heartbroken - how they heal each other, learn to trust and fall in love, and get their happy ending forms the story.
The first half is heavy, the second half is sweet. The characters are likable and im glad they could move on- both god my heart hurt for them.
Safe
3.5/5
This is a super angsty romance between a couple arising from rivaling families. The “wedding” starts with an unimaginable tragedy that shapes their whole relationship. One is abused and afraid, the other is heartbroken - how they heal each other, learn to trust and fall in love, and get their happy ending forms the story.
The first half is heavy, the second half is sweet. The characters are likable and im glad they could move on- both god my heart hurt for them.
Safe
3.5/5
pass
February 26, 2026MMC needed to be saved by FMC multiple times lmao
Review of advance copy
I was lucky to receive this ARC and DEVOURED this book in less than 24 hours. I have read Lilith Vincent's books before and loved them but this book was something special. The world, the depth of characters, and love that truly conquered all.
Vincenzo Vici is now one of my top tier book boyfriends. He is deadly perfection. His Doe was strong and equally as deadly.
I cant wait for book 2!!! If you have read Lilith Vincent's books already, you know this is a must read. If you haven't what are you waiting for??? Read this NOW! 🖤❤️🩸
Vincenzo Vici is now one of my top tier book boyfriends. He is deadly perfection. His Doe was strong and equally as deadly.
I cant wait for book 2!!! If you have read Lilith Vincent's books already, you know this is a must read. If you haven't what are you waiting for??? Read this NOW! 🖤❤️🩸
February 27, 2026
sigh.
i had high hopes for this book since i normally like lilith’s books and also because i saw that excerpt of vicenzo killing all the guys at start of the book before it was released…
but it seems not long after that that the book loses its touch somehow…
here are some things that bothered me:
• this is not a dark mafia book and idk if it wasn’t marketed like that but i guess that was what i expected and i was disappointed
• when vicenzo’s family is killed in the slaughter, we have zero idea on what happened to the vici’s empire, if we can even call it empire, because in the book it feels like the vici mafia is composed only by vicenzo, matteo and sofia — where are the men? the bodyguards? the structure? the guns? the power behind a “powerful” family?
• matter of fact, there is little to no mafia aspect in any of this book, only the relationships and that bothered me a lot… cause in the beginning adora describes how the city is divided into 2 and then 2 again by different families and yet none of this is further explained…
• little to no sex scenes… like i get she’s a virgin and a princess but jesus girl help us out here. just 2 scenes are not it.
• characters inconsistency:
> vicenzo in the beginning brings this whole killer/assassin/devil/icecold demeanor which i LOVED and yet he’s like a little bitch the longer the book goes on and barely gets to use his skills — i get the guy is in love but that doesn’t have to make him a fucking idiot. he’s the don for christ’s sake. he doesn’t act like it.
> i have the same problem with adora… tough but soft in the beginning, and by the end an insecure girl that doesn’t even wanna say cock? fuck off. you’re a mafia princess and married to an assassin.
i will try reading lucy and her brother’s story which may be better but at this point dashamir is the most interesting character so we’ll see.
i had high hopes for this book since i normally like lilith’s books and also because i saw that excerpt of vicenzo killing all the guys at start of the book before it was released…
but it seems not long after that that the book loses its touch somehow…
here are some things that bothered me:
• this is not a dark mafia book and idk if it wasn’t marketed like that but i guess that was what i expected and i was disappointed
• when vicenzo’s family is killed in the slaughter, we have zero idea on what happened to the vici’s empire, if we can even call it empire, because in the book it feels like the vici mafia is composed only by vicenzo, matteo and sofia — where are the men? the bodyguards? the structure? the guns? the power behind a “powerful” family?
• matter of fact, there is little to no mafia aspect in any of this book, only the relationships and that bothered me a lot… cause in the beginning adora describes how the city is divided into 2 and then 2 again by different families and yet none of this is further explained…
• little to no sex scenes… like i get she’s a virgin and a princess but jesus girl help us out here. just 2 scenes are not it.
• characters inconsistency:
> vicenzo in the beginning brings this whole killer/assassin/devil/icecold demeanor which i LOVED and yet he’s like a little bitch the longer the book goes on and barely gets to use his skills — i get the guy is in love but that doesn’t have to make him a fucking idiot. he’s the don for christ’s sake. he doesn’t act like it.
> i have the same problem with adora… tough but soft in the beginning, and by the end an insecure girl that doesn’t even wanna say cock? fuck off. you’re a mafia princess and married to an assassin.
i will try reading lucy and her brother’s story which may be better but at this point dashamir is the most interesting character so we’ll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 15, 2026I don’t know what I was expecting when I went in blind. The blurb about the laundromat didn’t make a lot of sense giving the description of Vincenzo. He’s this hardened assassin and he got caught at 1 AM at a laundromat by four men of a rival mafia. They were beating him, an assassin and killer and he was just letting it happen. Why did he allow them to beat him? Especially when he easily escaped and killed all of them. Adora intervening and kicking him the knife was just unnecessary. She’s a meek controlled daughter of a Don who’s sheltered with zero life experience. Her running away, finding a job and a place to live was never explained. She left the massacre with no money and the clothes on her back, I would have loved context explaining how she managed all that with nothing. Her father’s capo physically abusing her was also unnecessary, it was like, “let’s find a way to keep the girl a perpetual victim” and I was OVER IT. Also, a lot of this drama and chaos in her life could have been avoided had Adora told Vincenzo she didn’t know her father’s plans regarding his family and her not telling him irked me. I dread the miscommunication trope just have a conversation! There so much unnecessary filler and I found myself losing interest at certain points. The inner monologue of both MC’s was uninteresting and truly this book could have been shorter. Dervishi men getting the jump on him and torturing him for almost 24 hours made him look weak. He looked weak this entire book. I had to double check and make sure this is the author who wrote Tyrant Mercer (he would have NEVER allowed anyone to get the jump on him and torture him) because I was expecting V to be hardened like him. This was more of a tell not show story. I wanted to see more of the vicious side of him but he read CREEPY to me. Him breaking into her home was awkward, I’m all for stalker romances this one just missed the mark. I will not continue the series because book two is about siblings and I don’t cross familial lines EVER! Also, his entire family who are “assassins” getting slaughtered without taking out a single enemy didn’t track, how didn’t they shoot a single person. They’re smarter than that and walking into that type of trap should’ve caused major red flags! I can’t decide exactly what to rate Cruel Savior, I’ll have to think on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2026
FLOVED it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: Arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱1\2
Smexy: 🔥🔥1\2
I really enjoyed this story! It managed to be sweet and exciting and spicy all at the same time. The characters were wonderful And they had a ton of chemistry right from the start. There were lots of bread crumbs for future stories and it made me super excited for what's to come. If you're a fan of possessive and If you're a fan of possessive and obsessive heroes this one will definitely be for you too!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: Arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱1\2
Smexy: 🔥🔥1\2
I really enjoyed this story! It managed to be sweet and exciting and spicy all at the same time. The characters were wonderful And they had a ton of chemistry right from the start. There were lots of bread crumbs for future stories and it made me super excited for what's to come. If you're a fan of possessive and If you're a fan of possessive and obsessive heroes this one will definitely be for you too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. I read this so quickly, I did not want to put this down and once I got to the end I was so damn sad, I loved this!
Poor Adora, I felt so much sympathy for her, for what she has gone through her whole life. Seeing her character growth throughout the book was satisfying, standing up for what she wanted and having someone that was on her side. Beautiful.🖤
Vincenzo was a man with a lot of grief and sadness, seeing him be filled with a purpose finally as he fell hard and fast for Adora? Yes and Yes. He was obsessed, protective and absolutely prefect 💓
I did not want this to end. I now do not know what to do with myself after finishing this 😭
Poor Adora, I felt so much sympathy for her, for what she has gone through her whole life. Seeing her character growth throughout the book was satisfying, standing up for what she wanted and having someone that was on her side. Beautiful.🖤
Vincenzo was a man with a lot of grief and sadness, seeing him be filled with a purpose finally as he fell hard and fast for Adora? Yes and Yes. He was obsessed, protective and absolutely prefect 💓
I did not want this to end. I now do not know what to do with myself after finishing this 😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book in one sitting, I loved it so much, it's intense, emotional, heartbreaking and exciting
I felt so sorry for Adora the mafia princess and the abuse she has put up with her entire life but watching her character grow thru the story was wonderful
Vincenzo is top tier book boyfriend material 🫠 absolute perfection, lethal assassin, complex and absolutely devoted
The tension between these two is slow burn explosive and the spice level is perfect and not over done
You should definitely read this ❤️ I cannot wait for book 2!!
Thank you Lilith Vincent and The Smuthood for this fabulous ARC opportunity ❤️
I felt so sorry for Adora the mafia princess and the abuse she has put up with her entire life but watching her character grow thru the story was wonderful
Vincenzo is top tier book boyfriend material 🫠 absolute perfection, lethal assassin, complex and absolutely devoted
The tension between these two is slow burn explosive and the spice level is perfect and not over done
You should definitely read this ❤️ I cannot wait for book 2!!
Thank you Lilith Vincent and The Smuthood for this fabulous ARC opportunity ❤️
February 24, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone book 1 of Ruthless Arrangements
POV: First person - dual
Rating:
As the daughter of a Don, Adora Montoni knew her life was not hers to choose. She accepted a business marriage to Vincenzo Vicci, the heir of a rival family and a ruthless assassin. Determined to make the union work, Adora stepped into it willingly, only to discover that her betrothed wanted nothing more than revenge.
The book started in an intriguing way, immediately establishing who Vincenzo and Adora were at their core. He was alluring in his darkness, yet he had a soft spot in his heart. She was innocent yet hardened by her life.
While certain aspects of the plot could have been developed more convincingly, I still enjoyed it overall. The supporting characters added interest, and I’m looking forward to reading their stories.
Cruel Savior is a story of walking the edge and found family. It would appeal to readers who enjoy dark mafia romance.
🖤❌🖤. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .🖤❌🖤
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For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone book 1 of Ruthless Arrangements
POV: First person - dual
Rating:
As the daughter of a Don, Adora Montoni knew her life was not hers to choose. She accepted a business marriage to Vincenzo Vicci, the heir of a rival family and a ruthless assassin. Determined to make the union work, Adora stepped into it willingly, only to discover that her betrothed wanted nothing more than revenge.
The book started in an intriguing way, immediately establishing who Vincenzo and Adora were at their core. He was alluring in his darkness, yet he had a soft spot in his heart. She was innocent yet hardened by her life.
While certain aspects of the plot could have been developed more convincingly, I still enjoyed it overall. The supporting characters added interest, and I’m looking forward to reading their stories.
Cruel Savior is a story of walking the edge and found family. It would appeal to readers who enjoy dark mafia romance.
🖤❌🖤. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .🖤❌🖤
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
February 27, 2026
4★
To form a powerful union between mafia families, Adora Montoni is set to meet her betrothed until the party ends in bloodshed. Vowing to exact revenge for this massacre, Vicenzo Vici takes steps to hide his contempt for the one person he believes is to blame.
Narrated in dual POV, Adora is young but she has endured which has made her resilient. Tired of being a pawn, Adora intends to escape but an unusual situation and a shattered discovery changes her trajectory. Though Vicenzo is cocky and fierce, he feels a strong pull to Adora despite being the daughter of a rival. As they navigate the treacherous waters of their family dealings, the stakes increase for Adora and Vincenzo.
In this storyline, I especially enjoyed how Adora and Vincenzo meet and the resulting nickname he calls her. The mafia dynamics could have been tighter in that Vincenzo came across as a bit too inexperienced in his actions at times. Being the first book in this series, a foundation was established for characters and overarching plotlines for future books. I will look forward to reading more books in this series.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
To form a powerful union between mafia families, Adora Montoni is set to meet her betrothed until the party ends in bloodshed. Vowing to exact revenge for this massacre, Vicenzo Vici takes steps to hide his contempt for the one person he believes is to blame.
“This man is a Vici. If he finds out I’m a Montoni, I’m a dead woman.”
Narrated in dual POV, Adora is young but she has endured which has made her resilient. Tired of being a pawn, Adora intends to escape but an unusual situation and a shattered discovery changes her trajectory. Though Vicenzo is cocky and fierce, he feels a strong pull to Adora despite being the daughter of a rival. As they navigate the treacherous waters of their family dealings, the stakes increase for Adora and Vincenzo.
In this storyline, I especially enjoyed how Adora and Vincenzo meet and the resulting nickname he calls her. The mafia dynamics could have been tighter in that Vincenzo came across as a bit too inexperienced in his actions at times. Being the first book in this series, a foundation was established for characters and overarching plotlines for future books. I will look forward to reading more books in this series.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 5, 2026
First book in the mafia world of Malus and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us.
Adora seems like the perfect little mafia princess on the outside but she has been abused and shaped to obey all her life by her narcassistic father. The Montonis and the Vicis have been enemies for far too long and the idea is to bring peace through an arranged marriage between Adora and Vincenzo Vici. But it's a trap set by Adora's father and she unwittingly leads Vincenzo's whole family to be slaughtered in cold blood. After that, she can't take it anymore and runs away but it doesn't last long.
Before being brought home, Adora runs into a bloody scene at the laundromat at night and this time she's not willing to just stand there and do nothing, she helps the defenseless man attacked by four Albanians. What she doesn't know is that the man is her fiancé, Vincenzo and the man is anything but defenseless, he's the most ruthless assassin in town.
Vincenzo can't forget about the little doe who saved his life and whose life he spared, and after putting two and two together, he finds Adora soon enough. Killing her to revenge his family would be too easy, what he really wants is for her father to die the most painful of death and she's the key to that. If he goes through with marrying her, he can learn what's her father's weakness is and exploit it to cause the most damage.
Their connection was instant and the storyline sucked me right in. I almost gave it 4 stars because I'm sure there will be books in this series I'll love more, but it was just too good.
It had dark elements but was more focused on the romance, and I loved to see how forgiveness and letting go healed Vincenzo, and how Adora changed from mafia princess wallflower into a badass mafia queen, I adored the strength she showed. They were both just two love-starved characters who have been through too much and I'm so glad they found each other.
Adora seems like the perfect little mafia princess on the outside but she has been abused and shaped to obey all her life by her narcassistic father. The Montonis and the Vicis have been enemies for far too long and the idea is to bring peace through an arranged marriage between Adora and Vincenzo Vici. But it's a trap set by Adora's father and she unwittingly leads Vincenzo's whole family to be slaughtered in cold blood. After that, she can't take it anymore and runs away but it doesn't last long.
Before being brought home, Adora runs into a bloody scene at the laundromat at night and this time she's not willing to just stand there and do nothing, she helps the defenseless man attacked by four Albanians. What she doesn't know is that the man is her fiancé, Vincenzo and the man is anything but defenseless, he's the most ruthless assassin in town.
Vincenzo can't forget about the little doe who saved his life and whose life he spared, and after putting two and two together, he finds Adora soon enough. Killing her to revenge his family would be too easy, what he really wants is for her father to die the most painful of death and she's the key to that. If he goes through with marrying her, he can learn what's her father's weakness is and exploit it to cause the most damage.
Their connection was instant and the storyline sucked me right in. I almost gave it 4 stars because I'm sure there will be books in this series I'll love more, but it was just too good.
It had dark elements but was more focused on the romance, and I loved to see how forgiveness and letting go healed Vincenzo, and how Adora changed from mafia princess wallflower into a badass mafia queen, I adored the strength she showed. They were both just two love-starved characters who have been through too much and I'm so glad they found each other.
March 2, 2026
What a ride this book took me on! Immediately you are thrust into the story full force. It is a bit of a darker arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, mafia romance. He is an assassin, she is a mafia princess. And both were essentially used as pawns by her father. There were moments that had you gasping and cursing, blushing and giddy, and rooting for an unconventional and interesting romance story. I really enjoyed their story and the twists and turns throughout it- I didn’t want it to end and I wanted more of their story! ☺️
Also…As always with mafia romance stories, revenge is sweet. I am so glad the villain got what he deserved in this one!
I can’t wait for book 2!
Also…As always with mafia romance stories, revenge is sweet. I am so glad the villain got what he deserved in this one!
I can’t wait for book 2!
March 1, 2026
2.7 stars
Expectations VS Reality.
I really wanted to like it but I found it a little lacking. For a guy who is suppose to be this vicious and ruthless man, I found the MMC rather “eh”. Yes, I get that he’s going through a terrible time but I’m still.
Expectations VS Reality.
I really wanted to like it but I found it a little lacking. For a guy who is suppose to be this vicious and ruthless man, I found the MMC rather “eh”. Yes, I get that he’s going through a terrible time but I’m still.
February 24, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Cruel Savior is the latest release in being the first book from author Lilith Vincent’s newest series Ruthless Arrangements.
This Arranged Marriage, Dark Mafia Romance follows the story of Adora Montoni and Vincenzo Vici through their dual POVs.
After having read the blurb, the narrative caught me off guard a bit considering it did not go in the direction it had me thinking.
Yet I didn’t mind that, since it led to me not always knowing what to expect from what was around the corner when it came to Adora and Vincenzo’s story.
The book came through in delivering the right elements that made up the Mafia Romance that was Cruel Savior.
It was a combination of dark and light, the darkness stemming from following the Mafia side of things, crime that paved the way for violence and action packed thrills. Yet it was expected since it played a major part in the story seeing as both Adora and Vincenzo came from Mafia families.
Ultimately leading to drama, given all that occurred between the families and where they all stood as the story progressed onwards.
As for Adora and Vincenzo’s relationship, the building of it seemed a little fast moving IMO surprisingly, something that was unexpected to me.
However it still managed to be emotionally charged courtesy of the feelings and emotions they expressed. And that too through their actions and words, considering they were what each other needed, since they were similar in being two broken people, nursing metaphorical wounds, and in Adora’s case physical too. Ultimately allowing for Adora and Vincenzo to be there for one another in their time of need, and connect on a deeper level. Especially with their desperation need of one another that grew over time.
It’s what resulted in warm, heartfelt, sweet and tender moments, eventually leading to quite the Fiery, Spicy steam. They truly had the fire alarms going off from just how Red-Hot they got with going down and dirty, particularly Vincenzo.
While the story was good overall, there were some issues for me.
Some of the chapters felt too unnecessarily long and could’ve done with being shortened.
Another issue came from wanting to see more play out between Adora and Vincenzo in the beginning, particularly when it came to seeing the building and blossoming of their relationship.
Maybe it was just me, but it seemed a little rushed with how quickly they moved without much exploration. Instead jumping right into it.
There was also the case of not being enough showcased when it came to Vincenzo’s personal story, IMO there wasn't enough seeing most of it came from revolving around his family.
Despite my issues, Cruel Savior managed to still deliver the elements that made up this Mafia Romance in being a good read overall. Particularly in the inclusion of secondary characters, knowing that it isn't the last we have seen from some of them.
Author Lilith Vincent has me looking forward to the next book in Ruthless Arrangements series Forbidden Vow with Damiano and Lucy Barone’s Forbidden Love story.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cruel Savior is the latest release in being the first book from author Lilith Vincent’s newest series Ruthless Arrangements.
This Arranged Marriage, Dark Mafia Romance follows the story of Adora Montoni and Vincenzo Vici through their dual POVs.
After having read the blurb, the narrative caught me off guard a bit considering it did not go in the direction it had me thinking.
Yet I didn’t mind that, since it led to me not always knowing what to expect from what was around the corner when it came to Adora and Vincenzo’s story.
The book came through in delivering the right elements that made up the Mafia Romance that was Cruel Savior.
It was a combination of dark and light, the darkness stemming from following the Mafia side of things, crime that paved the way for violence and action packed thrills. Yet it was expected since it played a major part in the story seeing as both Adora and Vincenzo came from Mafia families.
Ultimately leading to drama, given all that occurred between the families and where they all stood as the story progressed onwards.
As for Adora and Vincenzo’s relationship, the building of it seemed a little fast moving IMO surprisingly, something that was unexpected to me.
However it still managed to be emotionally charged courtesy of the feelings and emotions they expressed. And that too through their actions and words, considering they were what each other needed, since they were similar in being two broken people, nursing metaphorical wounds, and in Adora’s case physical too. Ultimately allowing for Adora and Vincenzo to be there for one another in their time of need, and connect on a deeper level. Especially with their desperation need of one another that grew over time.
It’s what resulted in warm, heartfelt, sweet and tender moments, eventually leading to quite the Fiery, Spicy steam. They truly had the fire alarms going off from just how Red-Hot they got with going down and dirty, particularly Vincenzo.
While the story was good overall, there were some issues for me.
Some of the chapters felt too unnecessarily long and could’ve done with being shortened.
Another issue came from wanting to see more play out between Adora and Vincenzo in the beginning, particularly when it came to seeing the building and blossoming of their relationship.
Maybe it was just me, but it seemed a little rushed with how quickly they moved without much exploration. Instead jumping right into it.
There was also the case of not being enough showcased when it came to Vincenzo’s personal story, IMO there wasn't enough seeing most of it came from revolving around his family.
Despite my issues, Cruel Savior managed to still deliver the elements that made up this Mafia Romance in being a good read overall. Particularly in the inclusion of secondary characters, knowing that it isn't the last we have seen from some of them.
Author Lilith Vincent has me looking forward to the next book in Ruthless Arrangements series Forbidden Vow with Damiano and Lucy Barone’s Forbidden Love story.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2026
***4,25 "Doe!!!" stars***
"You're supposed to be my enemy.
I'm supposed to destroy you..."
This story had all the tropes that I am loving and still... Mrs. Vincent managed to surprise me with how much I loved it!!!
Vincenzo and Adora were complimenting each other completely.... They were made for another one!!!
But their beginning was kind of cruel, and it was setted up to become brutal as the story was proceeding, but love got in the way and it became just... perfect!!!
Adora was trapped, but Vincenzo set her free...
Vincenzo had a death wish, but Adore gave him a reason to live...
Their revenge was epical and I can not wait to see what Lilith have in store for us next!!!
"Two broken people clinging to each other in the wreckage of an engagement that was shattered before it could begin."
Adora's father had arranged a marriage between her and Vincenzo Vici cause he wanted an alliance between the two powerful mafia families... But Agnelo Montoni had his own agenda and he used his daughter as a pawn to a marriage contract that he never intended to fulfill!!!
Vincenzo was lucky that he got late to his own engangement... Still, he lost everything...
"Vincenzo Vici just lost everyone he loves because of me..."
Six weeks later, Adora is saving a stranger in a laundromat... She didn't know that this man was the man whom she was supposed to marry and whom unknownigly to her, she had betrayed!!!
Vincenzo Vici is out for blood and she will pay the price... Or not???
Cause her father never stopped manipulating her to do his biding and that is for the Vici name to stop existing!!!
So what will happen when Adora has to decide with which man to side up??? Will she trust her heart or fear will rule her hand???
"The Montonis have no idea what they've created."
I loved Vincenzo and Adora very much!!!
I liked their beginning and I liked how close they became...
There was passion between them and liberation for both parts!!!
Vincenzo was a cold, ruthless killer, but for her, he could become something worthy!!!
Adora bloomed by his side... She rediscovered herself and I liked who she became....
I really can not wait for the next story!!! I am already drooling over the forbidden aspect of the next couple!!! A small taste was enough to light a fire inside of me!!!
"You're the prettiest little savior I've ever laid eyes on."
"You're supposed to be my enemy.
I'm supposed to destroy you..."
This story had all the tropes that I am loving and still... Mrs. Vincent managed to surprise me with how much I loved it!!!
Vincenzo and Adora were complimenting each other completely.... They were made for another one!!!
But their beginning was kind of cruel, and it was setted up to become brutal as the story was proceeding, but love got in the way and it became just... perfect!!!
Adora was trapped, but Vincenzo set her free...
Vincenzo had a death wish, but Adore gave him a reason to live...
Their revenge was epical and I can not wait to see what Lilith have in store for us next!!!
"Two broken people clinging to each other in the wreckage of an engagement that was shattered before it could begin."
Adora's father had arranged a marriage between her and Vincenzo Vici cause he wanted an alliance between the two powerful mafia families... But Agnelo Montoni had his own agenda and he used his daughter as a pawn to a marriage contract that he never intended to fulfill!!!
Vincenzo was lucky that he got late to his own engangement... Still, he lost everything...
"Vincenzo Vici just lost everyone he loves because of me..."
Six weeks later, Adora is saving a stranger in a laundromat... She didn't know that this man was the man whom she was supposed to marry and whom unknownigly to her, she had betrayed!!!
Vincenzo Vici is out for blood and she will pay the price... Or not???
Cause her father never stopped manipulating her to do his biding and that is for the Vici name to stop existing!!!
So what will happen when Adora has to decide with which man to side up??? Will she trust her heart or fear will rule her hand???
"The Montonis have no idea what they've created."
I loved Vincenzo and Adora very much!!!
I liked their beginning and I liked how close they became...
There was passion between them and liberation for both parts!!!
Vincenzo was a cold, ruthless killer, but for her, he could become something worthy!!!
Adora bloomed by his side... She rediscovered herself and I liked who she became....
I really can not wait for the next story!!! I am already drooling over the forbidden aspect of the next couple!!! A small taste was enough to light a fire inside of me!!!
"You're the prettiest little savior I've ever laid eyes on."
February 16, 2026
one thing about Lilith Vincent is she will always come up with the most DIABOLICAL plots EVER.
I have never read a mafia romance like this, I’ve read most of her books and while nothing can beat Fear Me Love Me, this is a top contender for second place. Because this book took enemies to lovers and rival mafia families to the next damn level.
They were supposed to get married, however her father set him up, and basically killed his entire family at their supposed “engagement party”, and now he wants revenge. But I cannot stress how amazing the tension between them was, as both of them struggle with what they value more. For Vincenzo, does he value vengeance more or the girl who’s worming her way into his heart? And for Adora, will she kill him and stay loyal to her family, or will she risk it all for a forbidden love.
Like the stakes were SKY HIGH and I was clinging on to every word. I finished this masterpiece in less than a day because I could not put it down. The plot twists were so intense and I was so in love with the characters.
And the laundromat scene oh my gosh, Lilith Vincent knows how to write an intro!
Both characters were beautiful, Adora been abused by her father all her life and now she’s finding out more secrets about who he truly is… and Vincenzo well he’s a little psycho at the start but he’s a sweetie at heart (at least for her anyways).
And one of my favourite like micro tropes is when he’s been beaten like half to death and is still like “you guys gotta check her she’s got a scratch”.
Also the he falls first and harder vibes are so good! Like I love an emotionally available mafia boss (I mean he did deny it at first but was pretty quick to come to his senses).
This book was such a fun read with amazing good girl gone bad vibes too. For smut, this may have been the lightest ive ver read for her but it didn’t matter because the characters were so impactful and the plot was stunning! I give this a 5/5
I have never read a mafia romance like this, I’ve read most of her books and while nothing can beat Fear Me Love Me, this is a top contender for second place. Because this book took enemies to lovers and rival mafia families to the next damn level.
They were supposed to get married, however her father set him up, and basically killed his entire family at their supposed “engagement party”, and now he wants revenge. But I cannot stress how amazing the tension between them was, as both of them struggle with what they value more. For Vincenzo, does he value vengeance more or the girl who’s worming her way into his heart? And for Adora, will she kill him and stay loyal to her family, or will she risk it all for a forbidden love.
Like the stakes were SKY HIGH and I was clinging on to every word. I finished this masterpiece in less than a day because I could not put it down. The plot twists were so intense and I was so in love with the characters.
And the laundromat scene oh my gosh, Lilith Vincent knows how to write an intro!
Both characters were beautiful, Adora been abused by her father all her life and now she’s finding out more secrets about who he truly is… and Vincenzo well he’s a little psycho at the start but he’s a sweetie at heart (at least for her anyways).
And one of my favourite like micro tropes is when he’s been beaten like half to death and is still like “you guys gotta check her she’s got a scratch”.
Also the he falls first and harder vibes are so good! Like I love an emotionally available mafia boss (I mean he did deny it at first but was pretty quick to come to his senses).
This book was such a fun read with amazing good girl gone bad vibes too. For smut, this may have been the lightest ive ver read for her but it didn’t matter because the characters were so impactful and the plot was stunning! I give this a 5/5
February 25, 2026
This was a dark mafia story, action-packed from beginning to end, and featured morally gray characters that fascinated the reader. This is a first-time author for me, glad to have discovered a new series, and I can't wait to see what happens next, as I am already loving its characters.
Vincenzo and Adora's first encounter was like something out of a horror movie, yet it managed to make you smile. Vincenzo was dark, dangerous, and sexy, and despite being a hired killer, he had boundaries he would not cross. He was a complex character with many layers, and getting to know the man beneath them was incredibly intriguing and captivating.
The unconventional romance between Vincenzo and Adora was interesting, exciting, and suspenseful. I found myself rooting for them as a couple. Adora may appear meek, but she is clever, determined, and fierce when necessary. Vincenzo's nickname for Adora, "Doe," added a sweet touch to their relationship.
The characters were well-developed, and the villains played their roles perfectly. Adora's father was a despicable character, and karma was wished upon him.
The Vincenzo family was portrayed wonderfully, with Sophia standing out as the glue that held them together. The stories shared around the dinner table about the women of the family added depth to the narrative.
This gripping tale was filled with secrets coming to light, revenge unfolding, and unexpected twists and turns. The chemistry between Vinicenzo and Adora was intense, and watching Adora grow and reclaim her power was empowering. This mafia romance had all the elements you would expect and was thoroughly enjoyable.
Vincenzo and Adora's first encounter was like something out of a horror movie, yet it managed to make you smile. Vincenzo was dark, dangerous, and sexy, and despite being a hired killer, he had boundaries he would not cross. He was a complex character with many layers, and getting to know the man beneath them was incredibly intriguing and captivating.
The unconventional romance between Vincenzo and Adora was interesting, exciting, and suspenseful. I found myself rooting for them as a couple. Adora may appear meek, but she is clever, determined, and fierce when necessary. Vincenzo's nickname for Adora, "Doe," added a sweet touch to their relationship.
The characters were well-developed, and the villains played their roles perfectly. Adora's father was a despicable character, and karma was wished upon him.
The Vincenzo family was portrayed wonderfully, with Sophia standing out as the glue that held them together. The stories shared around the dinner table about the women of the family added depth to the narrative.
This gripping tale was filled with secrets coming to light, revenge unfolding, and unexpected twists and turns. The chemistry between Vinicenzo and Adora was intense, and watching Adora grow and reclaim her power was empowering. This mafia romance had all the elements you would expect and was thoroughly enjoyable.
March 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ This is a suppppper slow burn where p-in-v happens at 93% so be warned. There is good tension though with some other foreplay stuff before this point.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is about this book, but it just didn’t hit for me. It had a LOT of potential, but I didn’t feel like the execution was great. For example, a huge part of the story was him needing to get the guns back from a rival family who stole them. In the end, he never got them back and he had to tell the other rival family that the guns are gone and he couldn’t get them back and what did this other family do? Shrugged it off…. Yeah that would NEVER happen in the mafia world. It was a VERY anticlimactic ending.
Also, Adora was constantly saving his ass. Like multiple times (3) she saved the MMC’s from either being tortured or beaten to almost death… sir, you are the DON! F*cking act like it! 😅 I think I understand the point is to make the FMC Adora seem strong, but it also made him seem kinda useless, or maybe that was the point? Either way, I sort of want my mafia MMCs invincible. Also, if he is the Don, who are his guards? Does he have anyone in this mafia family actually following him? Once again, feels like a lazy super fleshed out version of a mafia book.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is about this book, but it just didn’t hit for me. It had a LOT of potential, but I didn’t feel like the execution was great. For example, a huge part of the story was him needing to get the guns back from a rival family who stole them. In the end, he never got them back and he had to tell the other rival family that the guns are gone and he couldn’t get them back and what did this other family do? Shrugged it off…. Yeah that would NEVER happen in the mafia world. It was a VERY anticlimactic ending.
Also, Adora was constantly saving his ass. Like multiple times (3) she saved the MMC’s from either being tortured or beaten to almost death… sir, you are the DON! F*cking act like it! 😅 I think I understand the point is to make the FMC Adora seem strong, but it also made him seem kinda useless, or maybe that was the point? Either way, I sort of want my mafia MMCs invincible. Also, if he is the Don, who are his guards? Does he have anyone in this mafia family actually following him? Once again, feels like a lazy super fleshed out version of a mafia book.
February 25, 2026
5 ⭐️/2 🌶️
Okay, I genuinely don’t even know where to start: the beginning, the chaos of those early chapters or that ending?! Because everything, and I mean everything, was so freaking awesome 🙌🏼
I went in fully expecting an unhinged Vincenzio (and wow, did he deliver), but what I did not expect was to finish the book as a full-on Adora fan. Her character completely won me over in ways I didn’t see coming 👀
The first few chapters were an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I was tearing up, the next I was anxious and bracing myself for what was about to happen. The plot, the writing and that perfectly executed slow burn? Absolutely mind-blowing.🤌🏼
And can we talk about the Malus world-building?! It added so much depth without ever feeling overwhelming and now I’m genuinely excited to dive into the other Dons’ stories.
I’m keeping this short because I do not trust myself not to spoil something 🙈 but I will say this: if you’re already a fan of Lilith’s work, you’re going to love this one just as much as I did. And if you haven’t read her before, this might be the book that wins you over.
Trope: mafia romance, innocent heroine
Okay, I genuinely don’t even know where to start: the beginning, the chaos of those early chapters or that ending?! Because everything, and I mean everything, was so freaking awesome 🙌🏼
I went in fully expecting an unhinged Vincenzio (and wow, did he deliver), but what I did not expect was to finish the book as a full-on Adora fan. Her character completely won me over in ways I didn’t see coming 👀
The first few chapters were an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I was tearing up, the next I was anxious and bracing myself for what was about to happen. The plot, the writing and that perfectly executed slow burn? Absolutely mind-blowing.🤌🏼
And can we talk about the Malus world-building?! It added so much depth without ever feeling overwhelming and now I’m genuinely excited to dive into the other Dons’ stories.
I’m keeping this short because I do not trust myself not to spoil something 🙈 but I will say this: if you’re already a fan of Lilith’s work, you’re going to love this one just as much as I did. And if you haven’t read her before, this might be the book that wins you over.
Trope: mafia romance, innocent heroine
February 25, 2026
Rating 4.5/5
Lilith Vincent’s books always check all the boxes for me, and Cruel Savior does just that. All the drama is there, which I love. Vincenzo is on a mission with one goal in mind, while Adora is forced to do something she doesn’t want by her father, whom she is terrified of disobeying. Adora’s father manipulates the entire situation by arranging a marriage between Adora and Vincenzo. But Vincenzo plays right into his hands.
Lilith Vincent is quite the storyteller. Adora is emotionally gutted by what she must do, and that comes through the pages. The author softens the MMCs in her stories over time. They start tough and edgy and remain tough to everyone else, but they are quite soft with their girl. Gosh, I love that. Vincenzo goes through a lot, and I loved how much Vincenzo empowered Adora.
I’m looking forward to Damiano and Lucy Barone’s story in Forbidden Vow.
Thank you to Give Me Books PR and Author Lilith Vincent for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lilith Vincent’s books always check all the boxes for me, and Cruel Savior does just that. All the drama is there, which I love. Vincenzo is on a mission with one goal in mind, while Adora is forced to do something she doesn’t want by her father, whom she is terrified of disobeying. Adora’s father manipulates the entire situation by arranging a marriage between Adora and Vincenzo. But Vincenzo plays right into his hands.
Lilith Vincent is quite the storyteller. Adora is emotionally gutted by what she must do, and that comes through the pages. The author softens the MMCs in her stories over time. They start tough and edgy and remain tough to everyone else, but they are quite soft with their girl. Gosh, I love that. Vincenzo goes through a lot, and I loved how much Vincenzo empowered Adora.
I’m looking forward to Damiano and Lucy Barone’s story in Forbidden Vow.
Thank you to Give Me Books PR and Author Lilith Vincent for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up.
I ate this up. I have never been a Mafia girly, but the books I've read this year have been changing my mind. Adora and Vincenzo are perfect. The perfect Mafia princess and the dark and dangerous Mafia assassin. I was hooked from the very first chapter. I love a faking dating/fake engagement trope and this didn't disappoint. Vincenzo's protective nature was *chefs kiss*. I mean who doesn't love a man who would burn down the world for his woman? and Adora's character arc from timid and scared to badass and confident was so well done. I am so excited to read about Lucy & Damiano in the next book. if you like Mafia romance, you'll love this!
Thank you to Lilith Vincent for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I ate this up. I have never been a Mafia girly, but the books I've read this year have been changing my mind. Adora and Vincenzo are perfect. The perfect Mafia princess and the dark and dangerous Mafia assassin. I was hooked from the very first chapter. I love a faking dating/fake engagement trope and this didn't disappoint. Vincenzo's protective nature was *chefs kiss*. I mean who doesn't love a man who would burn down the world for his woman? and Adora's character arc from timid and scared to badass and confident was so well done. I am so excited to read about Lucy & Damiano in the next book. if you like Mafia romance, you'll love this!
Thank you to Lilith Vincent for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 27, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I feel like I read a different book than everyone else. I didn’t feel the couple had a strong connection. The MMC was meant to be a big tough mafia killer but he got himself kidnapped and bashed/tortured twice. He was weak. I skimmed through the last half cause I honestly couldn’t care less about their story 🤷♀️
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F, mafia, arranged marriage, age gap romance.
SIZE: 300 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Vincenzo (27) & Adorable (20)
PLOT: 3 📚
ROMANCE: 3 ❤️
SPICE/STEAM: 2 🌶
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 1 😈 (violence, torture, murder)
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
I feel like I read a different book than everyone else. I didn’t feel the couple had a strong connection. The MMC was meant to be a big tough mafia killer but he got himself kidnapped and bashed/tortured twice. He was weak. I skimmed through the last half cause I honestly couldn’t care less about their story 🤷♀️
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F, mafia, arranged marriage, age gap romance.
SIZE: 300 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Vincenzo (27) & Adorable (20)
PLOT: 3 📚
ROMANCE: 3 ❤️
SPICE/STEAM: 2 🌶
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 1 😈 (violence, torture, murder)
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
March 3, 2026
The pace was great, there were moments that hit me in the feels, but I also wanted more detail. Do yourself a favor though, and get the bonus epilogue! I'm always here for a mafia romance, and this one delivered.
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