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A Dark Bloom
From author Analee Giancoala comes Book 2, a captor/captive dark mafia romance in The Donati Famiglia interconnected stand-alone series.
Every action has a consequence. . .
Imogen Murphy, daughter of The Murphy Family, is an Irish Mob Princess. But never say that to her face. She has always known she’s been destined for more.
Due to the death of her brother she is arranged to marry a man her pa deems worthy to carry on the crime family legacy. A title that was always meant to be hers.
Refusing to go through with the marriage she does the only she can do; make her escape the night before the wedding.
But there’s a grave mistake in her plan. One she never saw coming. His name? Rico Maroni. Consigliere to The Donati Famiglia.
Captured. Bound. Held prisoner by the hands of a man known for being cold and terrifying.
As the weeks bleed into months Imogen knows one thing to be true, Rico is not the man the world claims him to be. She comes to understand him in a way no one else ever has or ever will. She doesn’t see the face men fear; she begins to see the face of a man she could love.
With families that have been enemies for over a century and a war that has come to its head Imogen wonders where Rico will stand. Will he choose his Famiglia or her?
Every action has a consequence. . .
Imogen Murphy, daughter of The Murphy Family, is an Irish Mob Princess. But never say that to her face. She has always known she’s been destined for more.
Due to the death of her brother she is arranged to marry a man her pa deems worthy to carry on the crime family legacy. A title that was always meant to be hers.
Refusing to go through with the marriage she does the only she can do; make her escape the night before the wedding.
But there’s a grave mistake in her plan. One she never saw coming. His name? Rico Maroni. Consigliere to The Donati Famiglia.
Captured. Bound. Held prisoner by the hands of a man known for being cold and terrifying.
As the weeks bleed into months Imogen knows one thing to be true, Rico is not the man the world claims him to be. She comes to understand him in a way no one else ever has or ever will. She doesn’t see the face men fear; she begins to see the face of a man she could love.
With families that have been enemies for over a century and a war that has come to its head Imogen wonders where Rico will stand. Will he choose his Famiglia or her?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2025
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39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Ahhhh, this was so good! 😁
V MMC, teach me trope, and he begs??? 😩🤭
Plus he's ott jealous, possessive, and obsessed with her
then we have a badass FMC! she's so cool 😄
anyway, i just looove them both 🥹
Rtc....
Ahhhh, this was so good! 😁
V MMC, teach me trope, and he begs??? 😩🤭
Plus he's ott jealous, possessive, and obsessed with her
then we have a badass FMC! she's so cool 😄
anyway, i just looove them both 🥹
Rtc....
December 31, 2025
hire an editor!!! and if you have one fire them
-“allege” when i think she meant “ally”
-“they’re fear” instead of “their fear”
-“harper on” instead of “harp on”
-“instance” instead of “instant”
-a few instances of subject-verb disagreement and missing or misplaced commas
-author confused the butt of a gun with the barrel (why would someone press the butt of the gun to someone’s head when threatening to kill them?? lmaooooo)
if you don’t know the meaning of a word, look it up <3
-“allege” when i think she meant “ally”
-“they’re fear” instead of “their fear”
-“harper on” instead of “harp on”
-“instance” instead of “instant”
-a few instances of subject-verb disagreement and missing or misplaced commas
-author confused the butt of a gun with the barrel (why would someone press the butt of the gun to someone’s head when threatening to kill them?? lmaooooo)
if you don’t know the meaning of a word, look it up <3
Read
January 8, 2026DNF 15%. I had high hopes for this based on the blurb, but somethjng about the writing style isn’t working for me and I find myself already skimming paragraphs. 😔
To be fair, I hadn’t read of this author’s other books and dropped in blind. All the descriptions/explanations of the various Mafia players were too confusing and similar to other series that I’ve read… honestly, I just didn’t have the energy to figure it out. 🫠
To be fair, I hadn’t read of this author’s other books and dropped in blind. All the descriptions/explanations of the various Mafia players were too confusing and similar to other series that I’ve read… honestly, I just didn’t have the energy to figure it out. 🫠
January 3, 2026
I loved this book, everything was great, the characters, the relationships were amazing. The only little problem was with the grammar, a forgotten comma here and there, it’s just that i read way too carefully, so i notice these things, but otherwise *chefs kiss*
January 19, 2026
From the very first page, I felt the weight of Imogen Murphy’s grief, rage, and defiance pressing against my chest. She’s an Irish mafia princess who refuses to be caged, yet legacy and blood debt drag her into a situation that feels inescapable. Every choice she makes carries consequences, and I found myself gripping my Kindle like it was the only lifeline out ⚔️📖
Rico Donati was not the kind of hero I expected, and that’s exactly why he owns my heart 🫠🖤 Neurodivergent, emotionally restrained, and a virgin, his character isn’t written with innocence but with depth. His struggle to feel, to connect, to let anyone close makes every moment of care and protectiveness feel hard-won. When Rico loves, he does so with his entire being, and it’s devastatingly tender. His restraint, patience, and the quiet storm beneath his control made his devotion unforgettable 🔥🤍
This story lives in the shadows. It’s a mafia romance wrapped in captor/captive tension, sharp power dynamics, and danger that never fully loosens its grip 🌑⛓️ The push and pull between fear and desire is intoxicating, and the consequences feel personal, like thorns pressing deeper the more you care 🌹 The Donati Famiglia series has always promised darkness, but this installment makes it ache.
What truly gutted me was Imogen’s fight for autonomy paired with Rico’s unwavering support 💔🔥 She’s treated like a pawn, yet she burns with the knowledge that the power was always meant to be hers, and Rico never tries to extinguish that fire. Instead, he protects it, even when it costs him. Their bond is built on contradictions: dominance and tenderness, captivity and freedom, danger and safety.
I cried. I raged. I could not stop turning pages 😭📚
If you love mafia romance with teeth, stories that don’t shy away from darkness but still give you a fierce FMC and a MMC whose emotional struggle makes his devotion hit harder, this book will wreck you in the best way. It’s not gentle. It’s not safe. But it is unforgettable 🖤✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rico Donati was not the kind of hero I expected, and that’s exactly why he owns my heart 🫠🖤 Neurodivergent, emotionally restrained, and a virgin, his character isn’t written with innocence but with depth. His struggle to feel, to connect, to let anyone close makes every moment of care and protectiveness feel hard-won. When Rico loves, he does so with his entire being, and it’s devastatingly tender. His restraint, patience, and the quiet storm beneath his control made his devotion unforgettable 🔥🤍
This story lives in the shadows. It’s a mafia romance wrapped in captor/captive tension, sharp power dynamics, and danger that never fully loosens its grip 🌑⛓️ The push and pull between fear and desire is intoxicating, and the consequences feel personal, like thorns pressing deeper the more you care 🌹 The Donati Famiglia series has always promised darkness, but this installment makes it ache.
What truly gutted me was Imogen’s fight for autonomy paired with Rico’s unwavering support 💔🔥 She’s treated like a pawn, yet she burns with the knowledge that the power was always meant to be hers, and Rico never tries to extinguish that fire. Instead, he protects it, even when it costs him. Their bond is built on contradictions: dominance and tenderness, captivity and freedom, danger and safety.
I cried. I raged. I could not stop turning pages 😭📚
If you love mafia romance with teeth, stories that don’t shy away from darkness but still give you a fierce FMC and a MMC whose emotional struggle makes his devotion hit harder, this book will wreck you in the best way. It’s not gentle. It’s not safe. But it is unforgettable 🖤✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know where to begin with this one. A Dark Bloom swallowed me whole. From the very first page, I felt the weight of Imogen Murphy’s grief and defiance pressing against my chest. She’s the Irish mob princess who refuses to be boxed in, and yet fate (and family legacy) drags her into a marriage arrangement that feels like a cage. Every choice she makes, every consequence she faces, had me gripping my Kindle like it was the only lifeline I had.
And then there’s Rico. He’s not the kind of hero you expect in a mafia romance. Neurodivergent, untouched, and carrying a quiet storm inside him. His virginity isn’t about innocence, it’s about the way he struggles to feel, to connect, to let anyone close enough to touch the parts of him that are raw and vulnerable. That restraint makes his protectiveness even more powerful. When he does care, he cares with everything he has, and it’s devastatingly beautiful. His tenderness feels hard-won, like every moment of intimacy is a battle against walls he’s lived behind his whole life.
This isn’t just a mafia romance, it’s a captor/captive story that thrives in the shadows. The tension between Imogen and Rico is brutal, intoxicating, and laced with danger. I could feel the push and pull of power dynamics, the way desire and fear tangled until I couldn’t tell them apart. It’s dark, yes, but it blooms into something raw and unforgettable. The Donati Famiglia series has always promised consequences, but here they feel sharper, more personal, like thorns pressing into skin.
What gutted me most was Imogen’s fight for freedom paired with Rico’s unwavering care. She’s supposed to be a pawn, a bride handed over to secure alliances, but she burns with the knowledge that the title was always meant to be hers. And Rico, he never tries to dim that fire. Instead, he shields it, even when it scorches him. Their bond is built on contradictions: danger and safety, dominance and tenderness, captivity and freedom. I cried, I raged, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
If you love mafia romance with teeth, stories that don’t shy away from darkness but still give you a FMC worth bleeding for and a MMC whose struggle to feel makes his devotion all the more profound, then this book will wreck you in the best way. It’s not gentle, it’s not safe, but it’s unforgettable. And when I closed the last page, I felt like I’d survived something alongside Imogen and Rico.
A huge thank you Annalee Giancoala and Luna Literary for the early copy!
And then there’s Rico. He’s not the kind of hero you expect in a mafia romance. Neurodivergent, untouched, and carrying a quiet storm inside him. His virginity isn’t about innocence, it’s about the way he struggles to feel, to connect, to let anyone close enough to touch the parts of him that are raw and vulnerable. That restraint makes his protectiveness even more powerful. When he does care, he cares with everything he has, and it’s devastatingly beautiful. His tenderness feels hard-won, like every moment of intimacy is a battle against walls he’s lived behind his whole life.
This isn’t just a mafia romance, it’s a captor/captive story that thrives in the shadows. The tension between Imogen and Rico is brutal, intoxicating, and laced with danger. I could feel the push and pull of power dynamics, the way desire and fear tangled until I couldn’t tell them apart. It’s dark, yes, but it blooms into something raw and unforgettable. The Donati Famiglia series has always promised consequences, but here they feel sharper, more personal, like thorns pressing into skin.
What gutted me most was Imogen’s fight for freedom paired with Rico’s unwavering care. She’s supposed to be a pawn, a bride handed over to secure alliances, but she burns with the knowledge that the title was always meant to be hers. And Rico, he never tries to dim that fire. Instead, he shields it, even when it scorches him. Their bond is built on contradictions: danger and safety, dominance and tenderness, captivity and freedom. I cried, I raged, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
If you love mafia romance with teeth, stories that don’t shy away from darkness but still give you a FMC worth bleeding for and a MMC whose struggle to feel makes his devotion all the more profound, then this book will wreck you in the best way. It’s not gentle, it’s not safe, but it’s unforgettable. And when I closed the last page, I felt like I’d survived something alongside Imogen and Rico.
A huge thank you Annalee Giancoala and Luna Literary for the early copy!
January 18, 2026
**Thank you to Analee Giancoala and Luna Literary Management for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review**
I’m a big mafia romance reader, but what initially attracted me to A Dark Bloom was a trope I’ve literally never seen in a mafia book before— a virgin MMC. Add in MCs from rival crime groups (Irish and Italian) and a captor/captive dynamic, and I was SOLD.
Analee didn’t disappoint with this one! Imogen’s a take-charge heroine (another rarity in mafia books) and exposed a new side to Rico’s previously impassive self. By the way, I’m certain he’s neurodivergent, whether he was intentionally written that way or not, and that’s yet another thing I love but have yet to see in a mafia romance.
Reading about interactions between Rico’s bosses (married couple Carina and Constantine) made me desperately want to read their story, and I believe there’s already a book about them published. Also, toward the end of the book, we’re introduced to a surprising new ally, who I suspect will be getting his own book (which sounds very promising!)
The book’s writing was easy to read, and the plot was interesting enough to keep me going into the middle of the night. By the end of the book, Imogen shows herself to be independent, courageous, and loyal, and Rico proves to be supportive and devoted but also more than a little protective and possessive.
All in all, a delicious read! I’m eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Overall: 4.75 ⭐️
Emotional damage: 💔💔
Darkness: 💀💀
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Character chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I’m a big mafia romance reader, but what initially attracted me to A Dark Bloom was a trope I’ve literally never seen in a mafia book before— a virgin MMC. Add in MCs from rival crime groups (Irish and Italian) and a captor/captive dynamic, and I was SOLD.
Analee didn’t disappoint with this one! Imogen’s a take-charge heroine (another rarity in mafia books) and exposed a new side to Rico’s previously impassive self. By the way, I’m certain he’s neurodivergent, whether he was intentionally written that way or not, and that’s yet another thing I love but have yet to see in a mafia romance.
Reading about interactions between Rico’s bosses (married couple Carina and Constantine) made me desperately want to read their story, and I believe there’s already a book about them published. Also, toward the end of the book, we’re introduced to a surprising new ally, who I suspect will be getting his own book (which sounds very promising!)
The book’s writing was easy to read, and the plot was interesting enough to keep me going into the middle of the night. By the end of the book, Imogen shows herself to be independent, courageous, and loyal, and Rico proves to be supportive and devoted but also more than a little protective and possessive.
All in all, a delicious read! I’m eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Overall: 4.75 ⭐️
Emotional damage: 💔💔
Darkness: 💀💀
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Character chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 30, 2025
Holy crap—this was fantastic.
Autism rep and he’s a virgin? I have never melted faster in my life.
After the catastrophic (and honestly epic) ending of book one, the collision between the Italian and Irish mobs takes center stage, and somehow this book is even better. Rico was already one of my favorite characters going in, but I was not prepared for him to absolutely take over my heart.
This series thrives on its strong FMCs. Carina and Imogen are actual goals, and watching their terrifying, powerful MMCs back them with such ferocity? Immediate butterflies. Every time. No notes.
But Rico… Rico has my heart
The Grim Reaper falling in love? Stop it. I can’t handle it. From the moment he comes into contact with Imogene, he feels it a deep-seated, all-encompassing, overpowering emotion that leaves him completely undone. He’s a goner, and so was I. Their emotional connection pulls you straight into their orbit, and I could see the devotion in the way he looks at her.
I loved Constantine, truly… but Rico is my favorite. Hands down.
Now I’m desperately hoping for a Kirill and Pietri book next, though I genuinely don’t know how anyone is supposed to top Rico at this point 👀
Tropes & Highlights:
• Autism rep
• He falls first
• Mafia romance
• Male virgin
• Light BDSM
Top-tier. Obsessed. Still thinking about it. 💀❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Autism rep and he’s a virgin? I have never melted faster in my life.
After the catastrophic (and honestly epic) ending of book one, the collision between the Italian and Irish mobs takes center stage, and somehow this book is even better. Rico was already one of my favorite characters going in, but I was not prepared for him to absolutely take over my heart.
This series thrives on its strong FMCs. Carina and Imogen are actual goals, and watching their terrifying, powerful MMCs back them with such ferocity? Immediate butterflies. Every time. No notes.
But Rico… Rico has my heart
The Grim Reaper falling in love? Stop it. I can’t handle it. From the moment he comes into contact with Imogene, he feels it a deep-seated, all-encompassing, overpowering emotion that leaves him completely undone. He’s a goner, and so was I. Their emotional connection pulls you straight into their orbit, and I could see the devotion in the way he looks at her.
I loved Constantine, truly… but Rico is my favorite. Hands down.
Now I’m desperately hoping for a Kirill and Pietri book next, though I genuinely don’t know how anyone is supposed to top Rico at this point 👀
Tropes & Highlights:
• Autism rep
• He falls first
• Mafia romance
• Male virgin
• Light BDSM
Top-tier. Obsessed. Still thinking about it. 💀❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 11, 2026
- Forbidden love
- Mafia romance
- Touch her and die
- Virgin hero
Wow this book was so good. Both exciting, interesting and so full of love.
H has to kidnap the Irish mafia princess, but the moment he sees her, something shifts. The man who never felt emotion and went trough life in a dark light, only working for the Italian mafia as their best second in command, he now has a new purpose.
After the h breaks H nose and a couple of ribs, they start to develop a stronger bond.
They way they met, that H kidnap h when she was running away from her family because they were forcing her to an arranged marriage, was so entertaining. And to read about H life, it was so beautiful and heartbreaking. He was such an amazing man.
Loved to se how they developed feelings stronger than anything for each other, and how they, at the end of the day, would sacrifice everything for each other.
And not forget the spice. For the H to be a virgin, he sure is a quick learner. The rope play, come on 🥵
Safety:
- no owd or omd
- H is super jealous so some jealous moments from H
- H never given women a second thought before, so h is his first of everything.
- h have had sex once before when she was at college, but she said it was a bad experience because she didn’t even get off
- Mafia romance
- Touch her and die
- Virgin hero
Wow this book was so good. Both exciting, interesting and so full of love.
H has to kidnap the Irish mafia princess, but the moment he sees her, something shifts. The man who never felt emotion and went trough life in a dark light, only working for the Italian mafia as their best second in command, he now has a new purpose.
After the h breaks H nose and a couple of ribs, they start to develop a stronger bond.
They way they met, that H kidnap h when she was running away from her family because they were forcing her to an arranged marriage, was so entertaining. And to read about H life, it was so beautiful and heartbreaking. He was such an amazing man.
Loved to se how they developed feelings stronger than anything for each other, and how they, at the end of the day, would sacrifice everything for each other.
And not forget the spice. For the H to be a virgin, he sure is a quick learner. The rope play, come on 🥵
Safety:
- no owd or omd
- H is super jealous so some jealous moments from H
- H never given women a second thought before, so h is his first of everything.
- h have had sex once before when she was at college, but she said it was a bad experience because she didn’t even get off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
"𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐𝘮𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘯. 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦. 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘻𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 ��𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
A Dark Bloom is an intriguing and emotionally layered mafia romance that leans hard into the captor/captive premise while creating the perfect setting for a slow burn romance. This story follows Irish mob princess, Imogen Murphy and Rico Maroni, the consigliere for the Donati family of the Italian mafia.
From the get-go, Rico intrigued me. He was equal parts deadly and tender. His struggle to connect drove the plot and when found the one person he finally felt drawn to, all bets were off. That person was Imogen. Imogen was a spitfire with an intelligence and cunning that captivated Rico. I loved seeing Rico become possessive of Imogen and put her first, something that was lacking in her life.
The tension between Rico and Imogen was intense and alluring. Their push and pull was laced with danger and tender moments that soon became an undeniable desire that kept me glued to the pages.
A Dark Bloom is an intriguing and emotionally layered mafia romance that leans hard into the captor/captive premise while creating the perfect setting for a slow burn romance. This story follows Irish mob princess, Imogen Murphy and Rico Maroni, the consigliere for the Donati family of the Italian mafia.
From the get-go, Rico intrigued me. He was equal parts deadly and tender. His struggle to connect drove the plot and when found the one person he finally felt drawn to, all bets were off. That person was Imogen. Imogen was a spitfire with an intelligence and cunning that captivated Rico. I loved seeing Rico become possessive of Imogen and put her first, something that was lacking in her life.
The tension between Rico and Imogen was intense and alluring. Their push and pull was laced with danger and tender moments that soon became an undeniable desire that kept me glued to the pages.
January 8, 2026
Imogen is being forced into an arranged marriage because of her family's ties to the Irish Mob, when she tries to escape, and is captured by Rico, who is the consigliere to the Donati Famiglia. Rico takes her prisoner, but cannot figure out why he is so drawn to her, as he normally struggles with connecting to people. A trait that serves him well in his role in the famiglia.
I really enjoyed the exploration of Rico's neurodivergency. I also liked seeing more of Pietro and Rico’s relationship. Seeing some pushback and aggression from Imogen in a few situations, I think shocked Constantine & Carina, but they also were happy that Rico had someone fighting for him.
I always enjoy good banter & spice and both are present in this book. Imogen does not hold back from the very beginning with Rico, giving him the middle finger & fighting with him from the start. As they become more comfortable with each other she continues to dig deeper with him, but also accept his traits that others have tried to change. From a spice perspective, Rico is a virgin but I felt like the author approached this differently then what I typically read, and I think she did it well. I also like the comment about Imogen not being a virgin.
This is book 2 in The Donati Famiglia series. Interconnected standalone, I think you can enjoy out of order but I am glad I read them both. Definitely read the trigger warnings, but if you enjoy the captor/captive, mafia romance, possessive MMC I highly recommend both books in the series.
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC!
I really enjoyed the exploration of Rico's neurodivergency. I also liked seeing more of Pietro and Rico’s relationship. Seeing some pushback and aggression from Imogen in a few situations, I think shocked Constantine & Carina, but they also were happy that Rico had someone fighting for him.
I always enjoy good banter & spice and both are present in this book. Imogen does not hold back from the very beginning with Rico, giving him the middle finger & fighting with him from the start. As they become more comfortable with each other she continues to dig deeper with him, but also accept his traits that others have tried to change. From a spice perspective, Rico is a virgin but I felt like the author approached this differently then what I typically read, and I think she did it well. I also like the comment about Imogen not being a virgin.
This is book 2 in The Donati Famiglia series. Interconnected standalone, I think you can enjoy out of order but I am glad I read them both. Definitely read the trigger warnings, but if you enjoy the captor/captive, mafia romance, possessive MMC I highly recommend both books in the series.
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC!
January 18, 2026
4.25 stars
ARC Review - I didn't realize this was book 2 of The Donati Famiglia series and honestly - I was absolutely able to read this book without reading book 1 (although having met that couple in this book, I am most likely going to go back and read their story because they were so intriguing!).
Rico, the right-hand man of the Don of the Donati family, is known as the Grim Reaper that you don't want to cross. But he also has his own unique, difficult to understand quirks and ticks that cause him not to be able to form relationships or understand people. Enter Imogen - the daughter of the Donati family enemy and the individual Rico is supposed to kidnap and hold ransom. Imogen has her own reasons for fleeing her family but gets caught by Rico. Her understanding of him very quickly is a shock to Rico and he quickly falls into her orbit.
What transpires is a beautiful relationship that develops over time and with great understanding on both sides. Rico finally finds someone he can be himself with and Imogen finds someone who will stand for and support her no matter the cost.
ARC Review - I didn't realize this was book 2 of The Donati Famiglia series and honestly - I was absolutely able to read this book without reading book 1 (although having met that couple in this book, I am most likely going to go back and read their story because they were so intriguing!).
Rico, the right-hand man of the Don of the Donati family, is known as the Grim Reaper that you don't want to cross. But he also has his own unique, difficult to understand quirks and ticks that cause him not to be able to form relationships or understand people. Enter Imogen - the daughter of the Donati family enemy and the individual Rico is supposed to kidnap and hold ransom. Imogen has her own reasons for fleeing her family but gets caught by Rico. Her understanding of him very quickly is a shock to Rico and he quickly falls into her orbit.
What transpires is a beautiful relationship that develops over time and with great understanding on both sides. Rico finally finds someone he can be himself with and Imogen finds someone who will stand for and support her no matter the cost.
December 30, 2025
3.5 ✨️
A Dark Bloom is a dark mafia romance that doesn’t hold back. The writing is strong and easy to sink into, and the plot keeps moving in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages, even when things get intense or uncomfortable.
Imogen is a strong FMC who refuses to be treated like a pawn. She is stubborn, sharp, and constantly pushing back against the situation she is forced into. Rico is quiet, guarded, and emotionally distant. His character leans more toward restraint than chaos, and his protectiveness plays a big role in how their relationship develops. Their dynamic is tense and complicated, built on power struggles and slow emotional shifts.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and can see why it works for many readers. However, I never fully connected with the main characters on an emotional level. I was interested in what happened, but I did not feel deeply attached to them. That said, it is still a solid dark romance, especially for readers who enjoy morally grey characters and heavy themes. A good read, just not a personal favorite.
A Dark Bloom is a dark mafia romance that doesn’t hold back. The writing is strong and easy to sink into, and the plot keeps moving in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages, even when things get intense or uncomfortable.
Imogen is a strong FMC who refuses to be treated like a pawn. She is stubborn, sharp, and constantly pushing back against the situation she is forced into. Rico is quiet, guarded, and emotionally distant. His character leans more toward restraint than chaos, and his protectiveness plays a big role in how their relationship develops. Their dynamic is tense and complicated, built on power struggles and slow emotional shifts.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and can see why it works for many readers. However, I never fully connected with the main characters on an emotional level. I was interested in what happened, but I did not feel deeply attached to them. That said, it is still a solid dark romance, especially for readers who enjoy morally grey characters and heavy themes. A good read, just not a personal favorite.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Dark Bloom is a thrilling story that kept me on the edge of my seat and was hard to put down. It has great characters, a nice pace, lots of tension, steamy moments, good banter, and plenty of passion. The way Imogen and Rico’s story unfolds is so beautiful with the way they truly see one another. Rico caught her and now he wants to keep her 😈
Imogen is the Irish mafia princess who’s fiery, a fighter, and a total baddie. Refusing to follow through with her arranged marriage, she flees in the dark only to run straight into a shadows arms. Rico is meticulous, ruthless, and feared but there’s something about Imogen that brings out a side he’s never shown before. As a war begins and the steamy tension grows between them, sides need to be chosen and interesting alliances are made. The strong bond between Imogen and Rico is something they will do anything to keep, no matter the cost 🫠
Thank you so much Analee Giancoala & Luna Literary for this ARC 🫶🏻
Imogen is the Irish mafia princess who’s fiery, a fighter, and a total baddie. Refusing to follow through with her arranged marriage, she flees in the dark only to run straight into a shadows arms. Rico is meticulous, ruthless, and feared but there’s something about Imogen that brings out a side he’s never shown before. As a war begins and the steamy tension grows between them, sides need to be chosen and interesting alliances are made. The strong bond between Imogen and Rico is something they will do anything to keep, no matter the cost 🫠
Thank you so much Analee Giancoala & Luna Literary for this ARC 🫶🏻
December 31, 2025
A Dark Bloom is the second book in the Donation Famigilia by Analee Giancoala. As a mafia romance lover, I was excited to find an author that I haven’t read before, and this won’t be the last Analee Giancola book I will read. This book has everything that I’m looking for in a mafia romance; a strong badass FMC, a possessive, morally grey MMC, spice that had me blushing, and mafia actions that had me hooked. Imogen and Rico are on the list of my favorite mafia romance couples. I mean an Irish mafia princess and the morally grey Italian mafia MMC who was tasked with kidnapping her. Yes, please!! The chemistry between Imogen and Rico was magnetic. I loved the twist that Rico was the virgin and Imogen had lessons for him. This book had me hooked from the start, and I ended up staying up past my bedtime finishing this book! After reading this book, I can’t wait to start the first book. Thanks Luna Literary for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book by this author and I am so thankful that I read this book.
This follows MMC Rico and FMC Imogen. Rico kidnaps Imogen to get back at her father, but turns out her father is a nasty piece of work who doesn't care.
I really appreciate that Analee write Rico as an mmc that didn't know how to feel, as well as writing Imogen's character as a total badass and the one who was able to bring feelings out of him.
The side characters Gino and Pietro were a wonderful part of this story. Pietro antics had mmc in stitches at times and I hope that he ends up getting his own book!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this wonderfully written arc @authoranaleegiancoala and @luna.literary.management
I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Character Growth: 5⭐️
Spice : 3🌶️
This follows MMC Rico and FMC Imogen. Rico kidnaps Imogen to get back at her father, but turns out her father is a nasty piece of work who doesn't care.
I really appreciate that Analee write Rico as an mmc that didn't know how to feel, as well as writing Imogen's character as a total badass and the one who was able to bring feelings out of him.
The side characters Gino and Pietro were a wonderful part of this story. Pietro antics had mmc in stitches at times and I hope that he ends up getting his own book!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this wonderfully written arc @authoranaleegiancoala and @luna.literary.management
I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Character Growth: 5⭐️
Spice : 3🌶️
December 30, 2025
A mafia romance with delightfully perfect tension, the kind of possessiveness that drives a girl mad and makes knees weak, and all the torture, betrayal, and bullets a mafia loving heart can handle. Rico is a fantastic MMC, broody, brutal, and emotionally untouchable until he kidnaps the Irish princess, who can more than handle her own, and his brilliant mind that hovers somewhere on the autism spectrum is fascinating as he tries to sort through what Imogen makes him feel. And speaking of Imogen, what an FMC, always underestimated by her family, she is a fiery, big hearted, pistol that you can’t help but adore, especially when she’s just as willing to put a bullet in you for hurting the man she loves as he is for her. It’s loyalty, love, war, and annoying and unlikely allies, and it keeps you riveted to the page from start to finish.
January 11, 2026
Notes for me
Rico consigliere for Donati Famiglia. Neurodivergent
Imogen daughter of Irish mob boss.
She’s captured running from arranged marriage.
Capo of family wants to make an example of her so her father stops messing with their shipments. They had killed her brother so her father was retaliating.
Rico doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to her. He tells her his brain has to work 10 times as fast to understand human emotion.
Heartbreaking scene they set up a scene showing her chained to a chair in a basement with guns to her head. They are on video call with I’s parents. Her mother is hysterical asking her Pa to save her. He refuses, only talking about how they killed his son. He has mom taken away roughly by the soldier she was supposed to marry.
Safety
MMC is a V
FMC with one friend in college
Rico consigliere for Donati Famiglia. Neurodivergent
Imogen daughter of Irish mob boss.
She’s captured running from arranged marriage.
Capo of family wants to make an example of her so her father stops messing with their shipments. They had killed her brother so her father was retaliating.
Rico doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to her. He tells her his brain has to work 10 times as fast to understand human emotion.
Heartbreaking scene they set up a scene showing her chained to a chair in a basement with guns to her head. They are on video call with I’s parents. Her mother is hysterical asking her Pa to save her. He refuses, only talking about how they killed his son. He has mom taken away roughly by the soldier she was supposed to marry.
Safety
MMC is a V
FMC with one friend in college
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
🇮🇹 🖤 🇮🇪🧠 ARC Review 🧠🇮🇪🖤🇮🇹
Yes. Yes. YES!!! The instant connection I had to both the FMC and MMC is wild. Let me just say, Imogen… bad bitch. Rico… loooovee him forever. Together… POWER COUPLE that should be feared‼️
.
The growth. The build-up. Family vs The Family. The banter. The “Teach Me” moments. 🥵🫠 I was a puddle mentally, maybe physically? when the FMC gave the MMC her soul and then later took something of his…This book had everything. One moment I was kicking my feet, the next I was squeezing my thighs shut.
Every time I had to put this book down to be an adult, I was genuinely mad. I haven’t yet read the first book in this series, ‘A Beautiful Crime’, but I definitely will be after this one.
Thank you LunaLiterary and Analee Giancoala for this piece of art 🥰
Yes. Yes. YES!!! The instant connection I had to both the FMC and MMC is wild. Let me just say, Imogen… bad bitch. Rico… loooovee him forever. Together… POWER COUPLE that should be feared‼️
.
The growth. The build-up. Family vs The Family. The banter. The “Teach Me” moments. 🥵🫠 I was a puddle mentally, maybe physically? when the FMC gave the MMC her soul and then later took something of his…This book had everything. One moment I was kicking my feet, the next I was squeezing my thighs shut.
Every time I had to put this book down to be an adult, I was genuinely mad. I haven’t yet read the first book in this series, ‘A Beautiful Crime’, but I definitely will be after this one.
Thank you LunaLiterary and Analee Giancoala for this piece of art 🥰
December 28, 2025
Amazing!!
This book was totally worth the wait!! Rico and Imogen are amazing!!! Imogen and Rico meet when Imogen tries to escape an arranged marriage and Rico ends up kidnapping her and bringing her to the Familigia. Rico instantly warms up to Imogen and connects with her a in a way he was never connected with anyone before. Rico has trouble with empathy and has taken to mimicking emotions.
Rico starts to see Imogen as his and protects her and stands up for her in front of his Don and Donna.
To help further protect her Rico asks Imogen to marry him. They love each other deeply and Rico sees what Imogen’s father didn’t see, how strong she is.
They are an asking couple and I can’t wait for the next book! I hope Kirill gets his.
This book was totally worth the wait!! Rico and Imogen are amazing!!! Imogen and Rico meet when Imogen tries to escape an arranged marriage and Rico ends up kidnapping her and bringing her to the Familigia. Rico instantly warms up to Imogen and connects with her a in a way he was never connected with anyone before. Rico has trouble with empathy and has taken to mimicking emotions.
Rico starts to see Imogen as his and protects her and stands up for her in front of his Don and Donna.
To help further protect her Rico asks Imogen to marry him. They love each other deeply and Rico sees what Imogen’s father didn’t see, how strong she is.
They are an asking couple and I can’t wait for the next book! I hope Kirill gets his.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This mafia romance is perfect for fans of Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger. I loved every moment of the captor/captive dynamic. Imogen is no wilting flower; she takes matters into her own hands which only attracts Rico to her more. Rico is navigating a flurry of new emotions but what wins out is his instinct to protect and love Imogen ahead of his familigia.
Giancoala's series puts strong, female characters at the forefront. While the MMCs in this world are great, it is the FMCs that will pull you in.
Tropes:
Captor/Captive
Neurodivergent Rep
Mafia Romance
Badass FMC
Virgin MMC
Touch Her & Die
I received an ARC from the author via Luna Literary. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Giancoala's series puts strong, female characters at the forefront. While the MMCs in this world are great, it is the FMCs that will pull you in.
Tropes:
Captor/Captive
Neurodivergent Rep
Mafia Romance
Badass FMC
Virgin MMC
Touch Her & Die
I received an ARC from the author via Luna Literary. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2025
A Dark Bloom was my first story from this author. It is the second in The Donati Famiglia series.
Imogen meets Rico when she is trying to escape her arranged marriage. Rico takes her and brings her to the family. He connects with her so well. He begins to believe she is his and protects her. Imogen is strong which attracts him even more. Rico begins to care more about her than his family and stands up for her against them.
I loved Imogen and her strength. I also loved how protective Rico was over her and their chemistry. I look forward to the next story.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Imogen meets Rico when she is trying to escape her arranged marriage. Rico takes her and brings her to the family. He connects with her so well. He begins to believe she is his and protects her. Imogen is strong which attracts him even more. Rico begins to care more about her than his family and stands up for her against them.
I loved Imogen and her strength. I also loved how protective Rico was over her and their chemistry. I look forward to the next story.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
January 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes
* Captor/Captive
* Slow Burn
* Neurodivergent Rep
* Mafia Romance
* Dark Romance
* Dual POV
* Badass FMC
* Virgin MMC
* “Teach Me”
* Touch Her & Die
* Possessive MMC
* Age Gap
Ricoooo!!!!! I just loved his representation. So so refreshing to be able to read his perspective. Love & adore the Mafia trope, add in kidnapping/forced marriage altho they are in love, haha. Lots of twists & turns, suspense romance is a favey fave. Rico & Imogen are LOTS of fun! She is fun and spunky, and kicks butt!! Their banter and her physical kick @ssery is hilarious. Really really enjoyed this book. 100% moving on in the series.
A Dark Bloom | OUT NOW
Analee Giancoala
Review of advance copy received from Author
4🌟
3.5🌶
Thank you to Analee Giancoala and Luna Literary Management for the outburst to read this thrilling love story.
If you love enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and an over the top obsessed man, may I introduce you to Rico Maroni and Imogen Murphy.
Imogen wanted a voice in her father’s Irish Mafia world. A voice for freedom and autonomy. Instead, she was forced into an arranged marriage. She chose to run.
Rico’s sole purpose was to serve his Don and protect his Italian Mafia family. In an attempt to gain revenge for an attack, he plans to kidnap the Irish princess. A twist of fate led Imogen and Rico to execute their plan on the same night and their paths to cross. Will their time together lead to their destruction of their salvation?
This book had me hooked from the second Rico walked on to the page with his power tools. He was a unique character and Giancoala blew my mind with how well she developed his eccentricities. The back and forth dynamic between Rico and Imogen held me captive waiting to see how they helped each other grow. I was hanging on every interaction and could not put the book down.
Tropes:
Captor/Captive
Slow Burn
Neurodivergent Rep
Mafia Romance
Dark Romance
Dual POV
Badass FMC
Virgin MMC
“Teach Me”
Touch Her & Die
Possessive MMC
Age Gap
Favorite Quotes:
"Our love wasn’t cultivated in the light of day. It was born in the shadows. A dark bloom.”
“Then let me destroy you so I can piece you back together in my creation.”
“Imogen has become the sun to my perpetual night.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
3.5🌶
Thank you to Analee Giancoala and Luna Literary Management for the outburst to read this thrilling love story.
If you love enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and an over the top obsessed man, may I introduce you to Rico Maroni and Imogen Murphy.
Imogen wanted a voice in her father’s Irish Mafia world. A voice for freedom and autonomy. Instead, she was forced into an arranged marriage. She chose to run.
Rico’s sole purpose was to serve his Don and protect his Italian Mafia family. In an attempt to gain revenge for an attack, he plans to kidnap the Irish princess. A twist of fate led Imogen and Rico to execute their plan on the same night and their paths to cross. Will their time together lead to their destruction of their salvation?
This book had me hooked from the second Rico walked on to the page with his power tools. He was a unique character and Giancoala blew my mind with how well she developed his eccentricities. The back and forth dynamic between Rico and Imogen held me captive waiting to see how they helped each other grow. I was hanging on every interaction and could not put the book down.
Tropes:
Captor/Captive
Slow Burn
Neurodivergent Rep
Mafia Romance
Dark Romance
Dual POV
Badass FMC
Virgin MMC
“Teach Me”
Touch Her & Die
Possessive MMC
Age Gap
Favorite Quotes:
"Our love wasn’t cultivated in the light of day. It was born in the shadows. A dark bloom.”
“Then let me destroy you so I can piece you back together in my creation.”
“Imogen has become the sun to my perpetual night.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
This was so good. I didn’t want to put it down! I loved both Imogen and Rico and their entire relationship. Rico is neurodivergent and has a hard time understanding the effects Imogen has on him. Imogen is his captive and also doesn’t understand why there is such a strong pull between the two of them. I also love that HE is the virgin in this scenario. The two of them prove they will do anything for one another, even if that means betraying the people they are loyal to.
This was fast paced and suspenseful and I loved it!
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC!
This was fast paced and suspenseful and I loved it!
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
With such a fascinating MMC in Rico, and an interesting story of a mob princess who is kidnapped by a rival mafia, A Dark Bloom is a great followup to the first book in this series. I really loved how strong of an FMC Imogen was, especially when paired with the quirks of Rico.
A great read for those who enjoy a mafia romance!
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
A great read for those who enjoy a mafia romance!
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
December 30, 2025
ARC gifted in exchange for the review.
4.5 stars, please pay attention to the trigger warnings.
Rico is insane, Imogen is insane and guess what, I might be insane too because Rico grew on me like a fungus and I love him, and would protect him at all costs. Truly a wild wild mafia romance that will make you look at yourself a little differently when you find yourself swooning over a possibly autistic psychopath but that’s okay ! There’s no judgement here because I am in the same boat.
4.5 stars, please pay attention to the trigger warnings.
Rico is insane, Imogen is insane and guess what, I might be insane too because Rico grew on me like a fungus and I love him, and would protect him at all costs. Truly a wild wild mafia romance that will make you look at yourself a little differently when you find yourself swooning over a possibly autistic psychopath but that’s okay ! There’s no judgement here because I am in the same boat.
January 3, 2026
Rico and Imogen were written so well!
I truly enjoyed the way their relationship developed and the fact that they had time to build a friendship before it became one of sexual nature.
Imogen was wonderfully understanding and smart, and the way she accepted Rico for the way he was warmed my heart. She stuck to his routines and respected it, while also wanting to integrate herself into his life.
Definitely recommend picking this book up!
I truly enjoyed the way their relationship developed and the fact that they had time to build a friendship before it became one of sexual nature.
Imogen was wonderfully understanding and smart, and the way she accepted Rico for the way he was warmed my heart. She stuck to his routines and respected it, while also wanting to integrate herself into his life.
Definitely recommend picking this book up!
January 12, 2026
I was hooked from the beginning! I love Rico and Imogen so much. This was a good mafia romance. With the waring families. The escape/kidnapping not going to plan , the feelings/connection that grew between them. The side characters. The mental health rep, the slowburn spice teach me moments. I loved it all. The writing immediately pulled me in and would not let go.
Thank you to Lunalit for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Lunalit for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Imogen and Rico are an unlikely pairing, but as the relationship unfolds you see her understanding of his autism and he finds out what love is or able to identify it.
Imogen is not weak. She was betrayed by her father's empire when not considered the heir to inherit. She's running away from an arranged marriage only to be captured by Rico "the Grimm reaper" for the same mob who her father is enemies with. It may be a short courting to Instalove, but it was meant to be. Now the shibari was spicy! I loved that this was Nico's outlet even if he was a virgin.
I enjoyed this second book in this series and can't wait for the next.
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: December 28, 2025
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Imogen and Rico are an unlikely pairing, but as the relationship unfolds you see her understanding of his autism and he finds out what love is or able to identify it.
Imogen is not weak. She was betrayed by her father's empire when not considered the heir to inherit. She's running away from an arranged marriage only to be captured by Rico "the Grimm reaper" for the same mob who her father is enemies with. It may be a short courting to Instalove, but it was meant to be. Now the shibari was spicy! I loved that this was Nico's outlet even if he was a virgin.
I enjoyed this second book in this series and can't wait for the next.
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: December 28, 2025
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