Valentine's Code

by Calia Wilde

Mario

Live by the code. Die by the code. Marry a woman I’d just met? Deadly.

Mario Valentini is an assassin with a strict code of honor, but he’s been framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Wounded and on the run, he needs a safe place to regroup. The solution? A Las Vegas wedding chapel.

Allie

Follow the rules. Stay invisible. Accidentally marry a hitman? Inconceivable.

Allie Jacobs built a quiet, disciplined life to escape her family’s notorious shadow. But when her twin sister’s wedding turns into a theatrical disaster, Allie steps into the farce to save what’s left of her sister’s reputation. She expected a quick exit. She didn't expect to collide with a bleeding, dangerous stranger who needs a disguise as badly as she needs an out.

One phantom mask and fake ceremony later, Allie is legally bound to the most dangerous man she's ever met. Mario Valentini has a private jet, a deadly past, and a bounty on his head that now targets them both.

When Mario spoke his wedding vows, he promised to protect Allie with his life. But who will protect his heart?

Download “Valentine’s Code” today and find out what happens when the assassin is the target.

Genres: Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2026

About the author

Calia Wilde believes the hero isn't always the good guy. She writes novels with highly-flawed, imperfect people to give HEA hope to readers who need it, or just want to imagine killing their tormentors.

www.CaliaWilde.com
(books formerly under A.R. Case - QUEEN of 4 BILLION hits on Google. None of them are her)

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie can't be more pleased that her twin sister has finally decided not to marry her now ex in Vegas. Now she's at the venue to tell everyone, except now she finds herself marrying a complete stranger live streamed to her family. Mario had to escape his best friend, who was trying to murder him. Now injured he finds himself in a wedding chapel marrying the beautiful woman at his side. Whisking her away on a private jet, injured and avoiding the price on his head. Now Allie finds herself with an injured man who's her now husband. Why does she always end up with the injured, why for once couldn't she finally be chosen for herself. This is a story of secrets and half truths plus hidden pasts. Can these two strangers finally find happiness. Or will Ellie be mistaken for her sister and turn the tables. I loved everything about this book. Mario was so caring, loving and protective of Allie. While Allie finally realised her past doesn't have to impact her future. I really hope we'll get a story for Ringo and Ellie. I can't recommend this book enough

[Dankinia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd recommend this if you are looking for a book about what happens when an injured assassin who needs an alibi collides with a woman in a wedding chapel and their own way to save themselves from their enemies is to get married.

Overall, I rate it 3⭐out of 5 which means I had a good time reading and would recommend, but it's not one I'll be adding to my list of potential re-reads. However, I enjoyed it enough that I'll read books by this author in the future.

What worked for me:
• Allie and Ellie's plan to save Mario and themselves
• While there were some plot points that carry over to the next book, it stands alone

Finished Reading
02/04/2026

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blast. Mario has a contract hit on his head as Don Conti believed he killed his son and the only way of saving himself is to marry the black window, Dianora, of which he has no intension. The identical twins Allie and Ellie (mob heiresses) are in Vegas, but luckily Ellie got cold feet. When Allie goes to cancel the wedding, fate interfered and she finds herself married to the Mob. There's suspense, murder, a kidnapping, twists, action and funny moments in this insta love Mafia storyline. You'll be hooked from start to finish.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging from start to finish! Calia Wilde is on fire!

***

So I read this awesome book today and I’m really excited about it. VALENTINE’S CODE by Calia Wilde. It’s a mafia romance and it’s about Mario, a mafioso with a price on his head, who winds up accidentally married to Allie, a twin and the granddaughter of a different mafioso (dear Grandpa was an accountant and money cleaner for the mob in the U.S.). Allie has spent a good chunk of her life trying to avoid anything mafia, but she ends up neck deep in it when she marries Mario, and she also becomes a target. Supporting characters include Allie’s twin, Ellie, Mario’s bff and attempted assassin Ringo, Mario’s Mafia Don grandfather, and his sweet but outwardly scary uncle.

I liked all of these characters, and Ellie was right: endearments sound really sexxy in Italian (and the Sardinian dialect, as well). I also liked that Allie wasn’t as staid as she seemed, and that Ellie was not nearly as hapless. Significant events included twin switching, a kidnapping, and the watching of the movie THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Sexytime was hot, but not completely explicit: there was not a step-by-step description, and that worked very well for the story.

In all, an excellent book and a real page turner.

Cat’s Stats

Heat- open door

Bechdel test- shaky, but passes

Safety? Y

Triggers- violence, kidnapping, language

Tropes- twin switch, do-si-do with the mafioso, accidentally married, Instalove, family ties, the code, dude in distress

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging read from page one. It is a fast-paced page turner with action, some suspense, twists and turns. Loved the storyline. The characters were wonderful too. Mario and Allie deliver a roller-coaster of a ride with their story. It's an excellent well written story. You don't want to miss out on this book. A must read, especially if you love mafia romance.


Thanks to the author for an advance copy. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live by the code. Die by the code. Marry a woman Mario’s just met? Deadly.

Mario Valentini is an assassin with a strict code of honor, but he’s been framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Wounded and on the run, he needs a safe place to regroup. The solution? A Las Vegas wedding chapel.

Follow the rules. Stay invisible. Accidentally marry a hitman? Inconceivable.

Allie Jacobs built a quiet, disciplined life to escape her family’s notorious shadow. But when her twin sister’s wedding turns into a theatrical disaster, Allie steps into the farce to save what’s left of her sister’s reputation. She expected a quick exit. She didn't expect to collide with a bleeding, dangerous stranger who needs a disguise as badly as she needs an out.

One phantom mask and fake ceremony later, Allie is legally bound to the most dangerous man she's ever met. Mario Valentini has a private jet, a deadly past, and a bounty on his head that now targets them both.

When Mario spoke his wedding vows, he promised to protect Allie with his life. But who will protect his heart?

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Codes, Shot Gun Wedding, Assassin MMC, Strict Code, Honor, Framed for Murder, On the Run, Safe place to Regroup, Quiet/Disciplined FMC, Twin’s, FMC save’s sisters Reputation, Quick Exit, Rules, Invisible FMC, Live/Die by the Code, Private Jet, Deadly Past, Bounty on MMC Head.

Valentine’s Code is the 1st book in the Sinister Legacy Duet by Calia Wilde.

Allie is thrilled beyond words that her twin sister Ellie called off her wedding to Allie’s ex-Jonny in Vegas, especially after they received a blackmail package. Allie goes to the Venue where everyone has gathered in preparation for Ellie and Jonny’s wedding to tell them the wedding’s off, except everything suddenly goes sideways when Allie finds herself at the alter marrying a total stranger with the wedding being live streamed to her entire family.

Mario on the other hand has had to watch his best friend turn on him, attempt to murder him, and Mario has had to escape him. Now, Mario finds himself injured, on the run, in a wedding chapel, a stunningly beautiful woman next to him, exchanging wedding vows. After the sudden wedding, Mario extracts Allie off on a private jet, still injured, trying to avoid the price on his head.

Allie now suddenly finds herself married to a complete stranger, a man who is injured, and she can’t get over the fact is now her husband. Allie can’t understand why she’s always ending up with injured men, why she can’t just be chosen for the woman she is on her own. Valentine’s Code is this story of secrets, half truths, and hidden pasts.

Can Allie and Mario, two complete strangers, who have never said two words to each other, truly find happiness together?

Will Ellie be mistaken for Allie and end up turning the tables?

I can honestly say that I fell in love with this everything about this book. Once I got to know Mario, I found him to be caring, loving, and obsessive and protective over Allie.

And I loved how Allie eventually realized that her entire past doesn’t have to dictate or impact her future. And I love how Mario helped her to realize this and helped her to reach for a new and brighter future.

Now I am looking forward to Ringo and Ellie’s story and I can’t wait to read their adventure.

I just can’t recommend Valentine’s Code highly enough. I love Calia Wilde’s writing style, her story telling, and her character development. This is the kind of book that everyone really should read.

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine’s Code by Calia Wilde feels like stepping into something already in motion; fast, unstable, and just one wrong move away from everything falling apart.


From the start, there’s this sense that nothing about this connection is safe.


Mario carries that energy in a way that’s constant. He’s controlled, calculated, and very clearly shaped by the kind of life where trust isn’t a luxury he gets to have. There’s a heaviness to him, not just because of what he does, but because of how deeply everything seems tied to rules, loyalty, and consequences. You can feel that internal conflict simmering under the surface, especially when things stop going according to plan.


And then Allie gets pulled into it.


What I liked about her is that she doesn’t feel like she belongs in his world, and the story doesn’t try to force that too quickly. There’s hesitation, resistance, and this very real sense of what is happening to my life right now that makes her reactions feel grounded, even when everything around her isn’t. She’s not reckless, but she’s also not weak, and that balance adds a lot to their dynamic.


Together, they exist in this constant state of tension.


It’s not soft. It’s not easy. It’s two people thrown into something they didn’t choose, trying to figure out where the lines are while those lines keep shifting. There’s an underlying push and pull,duty versus desire, survival versus connection that never really settles, which keeps every interaction feeling a little bit sharper.


The atmosphere leans heavily into that instability.


Everything feels high-stakes, even in quieter moments. There’s always this sense that something is closing in, whether it’s past choices, outside threats, or the weight of the world Mario comes from. It gives the story this edge where you’re constantly waiting for the next shift, the next complication, the next moment where things tip.


And beneath all of that, there’s this thread of vulnerability that sneaks in when you’re not expecting it.


Especially with Mario. For someone so controlled, those moments where that control slips, even slightly, carry a lot of weight. It’s not overdone, but it’s enough to make the emotional side hit harder when it shows up.


The pacing adds to that tension too. It moves in a way that mirrors the chaos of their situation, quick in some places, tightening in others, never really giving you a chance to fully settle into one feeling before something changes.


Also, this very much reads like the first half of something bigger. You can feel the setup, the threads being pulled tight, the sense that not everything has come to the surface yet. It leaves that lingering tension behind, like the story is still building toward something heavier.


If you’re into darker romance with forced proximity, morally gray characters, and a relationship built under pressure rather than comfort, this one leans fully into that space.


As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading! ✨📚

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars-VALENTINE’S CODE is the first instalment in Calie Wilde’s contemporary, adult SINISTER LEGACY erotic, Mafia romance duet, a part of the multi-authored 14 DAYS OF LOVE AND LUST BIKERS AND MOBSTERS. This is Mafia heir / assassin Mario Valentini, and American veterinarian Allie Jacobs’ story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Allie and Mario) VALENTINE’S CODE follows in the wake of the attempted assassination of our story line hero. Allie and her twin sister Ellie were in Las Vegas for Ellie’s wedding .Allie wasn’t convinced Ellie was in love, and through a series of dangerous events and almost farcical happenings, Allie finds herself married to an injured member of the Italian Mafia, filmed for all the world to see. Mario Valentini was desperate-there was a price on his head for a murder he did not commit, and marrying Allie Jacobs brought with it some power from with her family connections. Flying Allie to Italy to meet his family, our couple will become targets of madness and obsession, and in an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Mario is willing to sacrifice himself to reveal the truth.

The world building is complicated ,detailed and somewhat confusing as Mario returns to Italy to face off against his controlling and antagonistic father, and the grandfather who is willing to support our hero in the face of betrayal . The arrival of Allie’s twin sister Ellie with a man who had targeted our story line hero, adds another layer of questions to an already somewhat confusing and uneven flow , as in how did they meet, and did her travelling companion know who she was?

The relationship between Allie and Mario is a fake relationship predicated upon survival and need. Allie was desperate to save her sister from marrying a man of questionable intent, while Mario saw something in our heroine that he needed to claim. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are somewhat arrogant, often immature, and animated . We are introduced to Allie’s twin sister Ellie, Mario’s questionable best friend Ringo Devlin; Mario’s grandfather Don Manca, and his father Don Valentini, Mario’s men Loppa, and Firenze; Don Conti and his daughter Dianora.

VALENTINE’S CODE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and trust, acceptance and the love. The character driven premise is dramatic and inviting but the pace and flow is uneven; the insta-lust to love romance is spicy; the characters are determined .


copy supplied for review

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie and Ellie are identical twins. Allie, the older of the two, has always been the rule follower, whereas Ellie has always seen how far the rules could be bent, if it means she can have more fun. That's why Allie always makes sure she has back-ups for back-ups when it comes to her sister, ensuring her safety and well-being. So it is no surprise when things don't go according to plan in Las Vegas. Allie is again trying to sort out Ellie's problem for her, which causes Allie to be caught up in a new one.

Mario is with his best friend and assassin Ringo, discussing the contract that has been placed on his head. Ringo gives him a head start, because, well, you know, you can't turn your nose up at 7 million!! And the fun and games begin for Mario to get himself somewhere safe. This is how he crosses paths with Allie, and not just once, and this is how they both come to each other's aid. This changes both of their lives. Allie is doing something far outside her comfort zone, but it is actually good for her.

The book is action-packed, fast-paced, funny, and steamy throughout. Looking forward to the next in the series to see how that story unfolds.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are times when I really wonder if I'm reading the same book as everyone else. Every person seems to toss out fives as if they are candy. This book, while not horrible, was nowhere near a five. It was difficult to get into. The book is a duet so that's an issue. There's no reason to make two full books when a bit of tweaking in editing will allow for one decent book. As it was neither character was fleshed out and interesting enough. The twins were interchangeable. The business side was convoluted. Friends may be enemies but not really. It was a struggle to get through. I really wonder if the authors are reading the actual book in written form or what was in their head because it doesn't translate. The flow wasn't there. Please simply have honest people edit and review. As it is, if you have nothing better to do, try reading this one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anushka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mario is the kind of man who thinks six moves ahead — methodical, code-driven, the most glorified criminal mastermind you'll ever root for. The book opens mid-chaos in Vegas and Wilde doesn't waste a page getting you into the thick of it. The dynamic between Mario and Ringo alone is worth the read — years of history between them that comes through without any heavy-handed backstory dumping.
The Sardinian mob world feels lived-in rather than decorative, and the romance has real momentum to it. Less slow burn, more collision. It suits the pacing.
If anything, it could've used a little more breathing room in the middle — things move fast and some moments that deserved more weight get rushed past. But the voice is confident and it pulls you through.
Solid, fun, and over too quickly.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine's Code is book one of the Sinister Legacy Duet.

Circumstances lead Mario and Callie together and they make the best of their situation. They "accidentally" get married, but that was one mistake that led to one of the best decisions they could've made together. I loved the protective nature Mario had for Callie. He took his vows seriously and we see the love develop between them quite naturally. I loved how Mario and Ringo could easily tell the difference between the twin sisters. It made for a more romantic touching moment.

There is some high intensity moments throughout the story. It also hints at the second book of the duet and I cannot wait to read more about the two hinted about. Great read!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fab series opener and I love the fake-to-real romance that unfolded in amongst all the action. Mario is a mafia man with a high value contract on his head. Meeting Allie while on the run, he ends up marrying her. Allie has an impulsive twin and when she goes to see about getting the money back from her sis' cancelled Vegas wedding, she didn't expect her parents to be watching. Her sense of responsibility wouldn't let her disappoint everyone… Thus begins their adventures filled with action, betrayal, strict codes of conduct for mafia families, twists, suspense and hot spice. I love that he fell first, admired her intelligence and was more than all-in for her ;P This was a one-sit read for me and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. Good fun!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. So many sparks of humor and danger with plenty of intrigue thrown in. I’d bet Ellie was a handful growing up Allie had to chase her down so many times.

Allie and Mario got so lucky purely by accident when they thought they were pretending to get married and they actually did get married. I think Ellie and Ringo might actually be a good match if they can grow up enough to get to that point. Mario and Allie will do so well leading the family done the road I really hope there are more stories in this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Mario and Allie were perfect but also Ringo and Ellie i hope they get a book.

When her sister Ellie's wedding falls through in Vegas, her twin Allie is coerced to marry mobster Mario.

The connection between Mario and Allie was filled with issues but also commonalities. They had a dubious start but that only made them getting it together all the more sweeter.

Danger and drama but also an element of suspense and a terrific romance. The feel good ending after all the turmoil was my favourite.

I hope the series continues as I want more of the sisters. Fantastic book really great!!

[Allyson Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book I’ve read from Calia Wilde, and it’s safe to say, I will be reading more. They say first comes love, then comes marriage, but for Mario and Allie, the opposite was true. They had a very unconventional start, but they quickly found out that they were a perfect match for each other. This book was relatively lighthearted considering the subject matter, and I found myself laughing at interactions between Mario/Allie, Allie/Ellie, Ellie/Ringo, Ringo/Mario, etc. So many chaotic characters packed into one book in the best way. I can’t wait for the next book that I hope is coming soon🤞🏻👀

[Charlene's Bookish Archives · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Live by the code. Die by the code. Marry a woman I’d just met? Deadly."~mario.

"Follow the rules. Stay invisible. Accidentally marry a hitman? Inconceivable." ~allie.

This was such a fantastic, fast paced, quick, intense,very satisfying and intriguing read. I couldn't put down once I picked it up. It's a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. You will fall in love with mario and Allie. You will be rooting for them all the way through. They definitely go on a action packed adventure and journey. Such great characters, storyline and plot.

Highly recommend.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saying “oh what a tangled web we weave” seems to be fitting for this book. It was the biggest roller coaster and at first I struggled trying to keep up with all that was going on but I’m glad I persisted because this book was amazing. It was a page turner and there was lots of twists and turns and suspense. Allie and Mario’s mistake of getting married in Vegas was actually the best thing they could have done and it really showed us a very different side of Mario. I enjoyed the book very much and am looking forward to the second book in this duet.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. This was about Allie and Ellie. They were twins. Ellie was due to get married but Allie wasn’t happy about it. She was going to marry a guy she barely knew in Vegas. She was able to talk her out of it with some proof of him doing some shady stuff. Allie met Mario because he stole her ride share car. The driver told him that he needed to go to the location she was supposed to go. Mario had a bounty on his head. He was being framed for something he didn’t do. Ringo was his best friend and he had a major role in the book.

[Mary Tilghman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calia Wilde has done it again, made me fall in love with a bad guy. This one’s connected to the mob. But Mario has got a code and he swears by it.
Valentine’s Code is a fast-paced, heart-pounding story of love and revenge that will have readers rooting for the good guy…or um the good bad guy. He really does have a good heart.
And he loses it to the woman he fake-marries. Allie is a twin trying to escape the same mob life Mario deals in on two continents.
They’re made for each other. Strong, smart and confident, Allie doesn’t need a man but this one makes her swoon.
Me too. Boy did I swoon.

[Conny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a First Read Winner and since I was just in between books I got started on it right away. It was a nice start to a new series, though I was kinda hoping for the Bikers part but this story revolved around Mobsters. I loved the sisters and I could have read a book just about them and their escapes, but I did like the chemistry between Mario and Allie I could have used more of them getting to know each other better, but there was a time crunch. Overall a fun read and I will defiantly follow the Series.

[Diana Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Las Vegas with Love !

Fun read in the 14 Days of Love and Lust Bikers & Mobsters series, this one by Calia Wilde. Allie and her twin are granddaughters of a deceased mafia accountant who run afoul of the current mafia in Las Vegas and Italy. This is a fun romp featuring Allie and Mario as they run around Las Vegas accidentally getting married, then make it to Italy one step ahead of a hit man or 3. The characters are fun and it’s a rollercoaster ride to the finish line . 4✨’s

[Kathie Bennet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine’s Code by Calia Wilde is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that blends action, danger, and an unexpected marriage of convenience setup. The story follows an assassin on the run and a woman trying to escape her past, whose lives collide in a chaotic Las Vegas wedding.

What stands out is the strong chemistry between the leads and the high stakes tension that drives the plot. The mix of romance and thriller elements keeps the pacing engaging.

Overall, it’s an entertaining read for fans of action heavy romantic suspense with emotional undertones.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine's Code was a fast-faced novel with intrigue and romance. A fake marriage that led to attempted murder and mayhem is the foundation for a lasting love. I enjoyed reading about the main characters Allie and Mario. Now, I am ready for book two which I hope brings romance for secondary characters Ellie and Ringo.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine's Code is part of the multi author collaboration of 14 Days Of Bikers And Mobsters world. It's a fantastic, fast-paced, intriguing, intense, whirlwind of a ride! Allie and Mario take us on one heckuva journey in the pages of this book and it won't soon be forgotten! This couple comes together at warp speed and takes their readers along on a great, engaging story. Buckle up, you're in for one big ride!

[Kimberly McConnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think the book was bad, but it wasn’t great. At times it was hard to follow. I liked the different language aspects. Following the mob was the confusing bit. It also drives me crazy when I find typing errors in books, and I found a few. I did like the love connection. I do wish there would have been more spice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[bonnie espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good read. It was a bit lighter than most mafia books but that isn’t a negative in this case. I really loved how it even brought a smile to my face at times! The characters were well developed. The story line was entertaining. It had all the elements you would expect from a book of this genre. Excellent choice for newbies! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sweet and fast paced at some points. I do love the main characters and their seconds.

Allie is sweet and just wants a normal life and Mario is trying not to be killed. They meet due to a ride share.

He is quick to fall while he helps her grow and break down walls.

Stars:⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Great read and some action too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I loved it. What a start to the series. Mario was everything you would want for the first MMC in a series. And Allie was the same as the FMC. Well described supporting characters leaving so many avenues to explore. Good mafia/mob plot with twists and appropriate violence. Hit attraction and spice. Just well done. I cannot wait for the next.

[Holleigh Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Insta love, marriage of circumstance, and mafia romance then this one is for you.
Mario and Allie are very lovable, realistic characters that I could picture in our world today.
Wilde is an author that I will be reading more of because she captures the essence of true love beautifully in this amazing story.