What do you think?
Rate this book
Symphony of Sorrow
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jan 26My husband is rich, hot, and the heir to the powerful Di Rossi crime family.
I hate his guts.
After my stepmother sold me like a prize cow, I ran away before the ink had even dried on the marriage certificate.
One year later, I'm dragged back to the marital home and locked in a gilded cage.
Angelo Di Rossi might make my pulse race when he threatens to punish me for my transgressions, but I’ll never forgive him for ruining my life.
And I’m not too happy with Kane, Angelo’s enforcer. That a-hole may be dangerously sexy but calling me kitten and acting like he cares about my safety means nothing.
Luka, the deliciously pretty black sheep of the family, and Angelo’s younger half-brother, is my only solace with his flirty banter and smoking hot abs.
Unfortunately for Angelo, I’m not the submissive mafia wife he expected.
My beloved husband might think it’s acceptable to keep me under 24/7 surveillance.
But cameras work both ways, and with Luka’s help, I’m happy to put on a show for him and Kane.
They both like to watch me.
Relaxing by the pool, naked in bed, spread over the kitchen table…
Instead of getting angry, I plan to get even.
By fair means or foul.
---
Symphony of Sorrow is book one in a two book why choose mafia romance duet where the FMC does not have to choose between her three love interests. Book one ends on a cliff but book two has a HEA. For triggers, check the content note at the beginning of the book.
If you enjoy dark romance with banter and a strong FMC, you'll love this book!
I hate his guts.
After my stepmother sold me like a prize cow, I ran away before the ink had even dried on the marriage certificate.
One year later, I'm dragged back to the marital home and locked in a gilded cage.
Angelo Di Rossi might make my pulse race when he threatens to punish me for my transgressions, but I’ll never forgive him for ruining my life.
And I’m not too happy with Kane, Angelo’s enforcer. That a-hole may be dangerously sexy but calling me kitten and acting like he cares about my safety means nothing.
Luka, the deliciously pretty black sheep of the family, and Angelo’s younger half-brother, is my only solace with his flirty banter and smoking hot abs.
Unfortunately for Angelo, I’m not the submissive mafia wife he expected.
My beloved husband might think it’s acceptable to keep me under 24/7 surveillance.
But cameras work both ways, and with Luka’s help, I’m happy to put on a show for him and Kane.
They both like to watch me.
Relaxing by the pool, naked in bed, spread over the kitchen table…
Instead of getting angry, I plan to get even.
By fair means or foul.
---
Symphony of Sorrow is book one in a two book why choose mafia romance duet where the FMC does not have to choose between her three love interests. Book one ends on a cliff but book two has a HEA. For triggers, check the content note at the beginning of the book.
If you enjoy dark romance with banter and a strong FMC, you'll love this book!
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 28, 2026
20 people want to read
About the author
Ava Summers
19 books63 followersAva Summers is a dark romance author who loves reading about feisty females and morally gray alpha males. She prefers books with a healthy dose of spice. If the heroine doesn't have to choose between her guys, even better! When Ava's not reading and writing, she likes to paint and occasionally run 10ks. She also spends way too much time keeping her rescue cat entertained.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy
Let me start by saying I always quantify a good book if I couldn't put it down even at the risk of losing sleep. Here I am at 3:22 AM having finished a nonstop reading marathon. of Symphony of Sorrow: Empire of Pain: Book 1. I'm exhausted, my vision is blurry and I'm sure this review is full of typos, but I couldn't wait until later to talk about this.
With that being said, I've never heard of this author before seeing Symphony of Sorrow as an option for an advanced copy. the cover grabbed me and the synapsis peaked my interest. However, Ava Summers has now been added to my list of favorite Authors. I have read mafia romances in the past, but lately RH paranormal romances have been my go to. I think I just might get back into the mafia romances again. I'm definitely a fan now and I'm gonna check out some of Ms Summers books as well as her social media so that I can follow her.
As far as Symphony of Sorrow goes this book had a little bit of action, especially at the end and yes it ends in a big cliffhanger. Also, there was romance including some mildly steamy scenes, budding relationships, the snarky, "I am a woman scorned hear me roar" female lead. The brooding "I really love you and secret and have been pining after you for years" male lead, comedy, a little bit of sadness surrounding some of the events in the characters past and present, a lot of character building in terms of connections being made with shared past stories and more. Overall, this is a good start to a new series. It's well rounded and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading them next book. I'd love to see what happens next.
Oh, by the way, I've had the pleasure of receiving an advanced copy to review for free, and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition.
I hope it's review makes sense once again. My brain has stopped functioning long ago. It's a great start to take my word for it. Give it a try.
With that being said, I've never heard of this author before seeing Symphony of Sorrow as an option for an advanced copy. the cover grabbed me and the synapsis peaked my interest. However, Ava Summers has now been added to my list of favorite Authors. I have read mafia romances in the past, but lately RH paranormal romances have been my go to. I think I just might get back into the mafia romances again. I'm definitely a fan now and I'm gonna check out some of Ms Summers books as well as her social media so that I can follow her.
As far as Symphony of Sorrow goes this book had a little bit of action, especially at the end and yes it ends in a big cliffhanger. Also, there was romance including some mildly steamy scenes, budding relationships, the snarky, "I am a woman scorned hear me roar" female lead. The brooding "I really love you and secret and have been pining after you for years" male lead, comedy, a little bit of sadness surrounding some of the events in the characters past and present, a lot of character building in terms of connections being made with shared past stories and more. Overall, this is a good start to a new series. It's well rounded and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading them next book. I'd love to see what happens next.
Oh, by the way, I've had the pleasure of receiving an advanced copy to review for free, and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition.
I hope it's review makes sense once again. My brain has stopped functioning long ago. It's a great start to take my word for it. Give it a try.
January 18, 2026
I absolutely loved and devoured this! What a solid why choose mafia romance.
Chiara is hilarious and makes this mafia romance novel fun. Her POV will have you laughing and rooting for her in equal measure. Chiapas father dies and she is sold off for marriage by her step mother (thinking Cinderella but on crack) to a mafia heir, Angelo. Obviously, this was not Chiara’s life dream and she is furious. She escapes after the wedding and lives on the run before she is inevitably caught and brought back to her husband.
Angelo has been in love with Chiara since they were children and has always wanted her. He refuses to annul the marriage or divorce her and will obviously never let her go. The marriage deal her step mother, Vivian arranged included giving Angelo an heir. Angelo is a super hot, tall, dark, handsome, dominant guy who is actually a big softie and would do anything for the people he loves which he shows from time to time. I love this character. He comes across grumpy and broody and I can’t wait for the next book where hopefully he and Chiara will come together.
Luka is a traumatized young man who uses flirty banter to hide his depression and other mental health struggles. Despite being super hot, funny and charming, he has less than zero self esteem. Chiara helps build him up, give him more confidence and stands up for him when he won’t do it for himself.
Kane is fascinating. The mafia enforcer who is clearly falling for his best friends wife. I hope that we get more of Kanes back story and learn more about him in the next book.
This book is smutty, funny and a great time with a pretty solid plot running at the same time. There is clearly a big hidden enemy trying to bring the Di Rossi family down and they’re trying to figure out who it is.
That cliffhanger was absolutely criminal.
I received the is ARC and am beyond thrilled that I had the opportunity to read this.
5⭐️
3🌶️
Chiara is hilarious and makes this mafia romance novel fun. Her POV will have you laughing and rooting for her in equal measure. Chiapas father dies and she is sold off for marriage by her step mother (thinking Cinderella but on crack) to a mafia heir, Angelo. Obviously, this was not Chiara’s life dream and she is furious. She escapes after the wedding and lives on the run before she is inevitably caught and brought back to her husband.
Angelo has been in love with Chiara since they were children and has always wanted her. He refuses to annul the marriage or divorce her and will obviously never let her go. The marriage deal her step mother, Vivian arranged included giving Angelo an heir. Angelo is a super hot, tall, dark, handsome, dominant guy who is actually a big softie and would do anything for the people he loves which he shows from time to time. I love this character. He comes across grumpy and broody and I can’t wait for the next book where hopefully he and Chiara will come together.
Luka is a traumatized young man who uses flirty banter to hide his depression and other mental health struggles. Despite being super hot, funny and charming, he has less than zero self esteem. Chiara helps build him up, give him more confidence and stands up for him when he won’t do it for himself.
Kane is fascinating. The mafia enforcer who is clearly falling for his best friends wife. I hope that we get more of Kanes back story and learn more about him in the next book.
This book is smutty, funny and a great time with a pretty solid plot running at the same time. There is clearly a big hidden enemy trying to bring the Di Rossi family down and they’re trying to figure out who it is.
That cliffhanger was absolutely criminal.
I received the is ARC and am beyond thrilled that I had the opportunity to read this.
5⭐️
3🌶️
January 8, 2026
3.5 Chiara wasn’t thrilled with her husband when they were married, and distance certainly didn’t make her heart grow fonder; a fact she will be only to happy to remind him of every time she has the misfortune of seeing his irritatingly handsome face.
There’s a lot going on with these characters: family drama, FBI raids, suspicious deaths, spontaneous pet adoption, other women drama, and general chaos (unsurprisingly everyone needs therapy).
This is the first book in a duet. It’s narrated with multiple perspectives, and does leave off on a cliffhanger.
This narrative is well paced, there were a few sections that dragged, but they were minor.
It can be hard to balance a strong female character without portraying her as outright aggressive, and for the most part I think this narrative does a good job of waking that like with Chiara. Chiara does have her moments, but for the most part her reactions don’t feel entirely over done within the world.
Chiara’s inner monologue does have a tendency to spout opinions that seem steeped in “not like the other girls” logic. These opinions/observations are often contradicted or rendered incongruent by the narrative’s attempts to build a relationship between Chiara and Serafina (Fina), Angelo’s sister: girls that find fashion interesting are tedious/boring, but Fina’s into fashion because she’s a badass. Similarly, Chiara’s general thoughts about other women she encounters are frequently uncharitable.
I will be curious to see where this narrative goes, and how the characters might alter their behavior through the course of the final installment.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s a lot going on with these characters: family drama, FBI raids, suspicious deaths, spontaneous pet adoption, other women drama, and general chaos (unsurprisingly everyone needs therapy).
This is the first book in a duet. It’s narrated with multiple perspectives, and does leave off on a cliffhanger.
This narrative is well paced, there were a few sections that dragged, but they were minor.
It can be hard to balance a strong female character without portraying her as outright aggressive, and for the most part I think this narrative does a good job of waking that like with Chiara. Chiara does have her moments, but for the most part her reactions don’t feel entirely over done within the world.
Chiara’s inner monologue does have a tendency to spout opinions that seem steeped in “not like the other girls” logic. These opinions/observations are often contradicted or rendered incongruent by the narrative’s attempts to build a relationship between Chiara and Serafina (Fina), Angelo’s sister: girls that find fashion interesting are tedious/boring, but Fina’s into fashion because she’s a badass. Similarly, Chiara’s general thoughts about other women she encounters are frequently uncharitable.
I will be curious to see where this narrative goes, and how the characters might alter their behavior through the course of the final installment.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book to read. I am new to both Ava Summers’ writing and mafia romances, my goodness I want more!
I’ve heard people talk about mafia romances but I never had the motivation to read one, until this book. I can safely say that Symphony of Sorrow has made me want to read more like it!
The way the book is written is very easy to follow and leaves you wanting more. I’m itching for her next releases.
Although it is a mafia romance it doesn’t feel over written as if the mafia is all you can think about. There are different topics spread throughout meaning you never tire of anything.
The characters are amazing! So well written and thought about. They are relatable in how they act and look. You begin to feel close to them and make a real image in your head of what is happening. I have found myself routing for certain things to happen or be said, I’ve felt involved in the storyline.
The descriptions throughout have been so detailed (without being overdone) making me feel like I was watching a film in my own head. She’s made me intrigued about the mafia lifestyle and those involved.
The main female character is fierce, strong, independent and honestly someone you’d want to know.
Very well written book with an amazing storyline. There is sarcasm, humour, lust, hate, revenge, friendship and so much more.
The only negative I have is, I had to catch up on sleep once finishing as I COULD NOT put it down.
This book alone has made me a mafia romance and Ava Summers fan. I cannot wait to read more.
5/5 must read.
I’ve heard people talk about mafia romances but I never had the motivation to read one, until this book. I can safely say that Symphony of Sorrow has made me want to read more like it!
The way the book is written is very easy to follow and leaves you wanting more. I’m itching for her next releases.
Although it is a mafia romance it doesn’t feel over written as if the mafia is all you can think about. There are different topics spread throughout meaning you never tire of anything.
The characters are amazing! So well written and thought about. They are relatable in how they act and look. You begin to feel close to them and make a real image in your head of what is happening. I have found myself routing for certain things to happen or be said, I’ve felt involved in the storyline.
The descriptions throughout have been so detailed (without being overdone) making me feel like I was watching a film in my own head. She’s made me intrigued about the mafia lifestyle and those involved.
The main female character is fierce, strong, independent and honestly someone you’d want to know.
Very well written book with an amazing storyline. There is sarcasm, humour, lust, hate, revenge, friendship and so much more.
The only negative I have is, I had to catch up on sleep once finishing as I COULD NOT put it down.
This book alone has made me a mafia romance and Ava Summers fan. I cannot wait to read more.
5/5 must read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let me start by saying I went into this book not expecting to love it as much as I did and I was pleasantly surprised.
That’s not to say the genre isn’t for me, because I love dark mafia romance. There was just something about this story that felt fun, fast, and easy to read. I absolutely devoured it.
This was my first Ava Summers novel, and it definitely won’t be my last.
Chiara is forced into an arranged marriage by her evil stepmother and decides to make a run for it immediately after the wedding. Her husband (who I’m still not entirely sure is the MMC 👀) spends a year searching for her before one of his security team members finally tracks her down and brings her back. Being the badass FMC that she is, Chiara makes it her mission to complicate her husband’s life, by spending time with his younger brother (whom he despises due to family drama) and his head of security… giving us plenty of smut to enjoy 🌶️🤗
This story includes:
✔️ Yearning
✔️ Shared history between the characters
✔️ Arranged marriage
✔️ Possessiveness
There appear to be three MMCs in this story, and I am absolutely not complaining. I’m left with so many questions about where the romance is headed and who will ultimately end up with whom.
Fair warning: this book ends on a cliffhanger. Needless to say, I’ll be picking up book two as soon as it’s released. Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced, and exciting read.
*Thank you to Netgally and Victory Editing for this ARC*
That’s not to say the genre isn’t for me, because I love dark mafia romance. There was just something about this story that felt fun, fast, and easy to read. I absolutely devoured it.
This was my first Ava Summers novel, and it definitely won’t be my last.
Chiara is forced into an arranged marriage by her evil stepmother and decides to make a run for it immediately after the wedding. Her husband (who I’m still not entirely sure is the MMC 👀) spends a year searching for her before one of his security team members finally tracks her down and brings her back. Being the badass FMC that she is, Chiara makes it her mission to complicate her husband’s life, by spending time with his younger brother (whom he despises due to family drama) and his head of security… giving us plenty of smut to enjoy 🌶️🤗
This story includes:
✔️ Yearning
✔️ Shared history between the characters
✔️ Arranged marriage
✔️ Possessiveness
There appear to be three MMCs in this story, and I am absolutely not complaining. I’m left with so many questions about where the romance is headed and who will ultimately end up with whom.
Fair warning: this book ends on a cliffhanger. Needless to say, I’ll be picking up book two as soon as it’s released. Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced, and exciting read.
*Thank you to Netgally and Victory Editing for this ARC*
Review of advance copy
Symphony of Sorrow is the first book in a duet and the story takes its time in a way that works. It’s a good length, giving you space to get to know the characters while still leaving plenty to build on for the next installment.
The romance add some interesting layers. Luka’s cinnamon roll personality gives his connection with Chiara the closest thing to a fast burn, though there’s a sense that his easygoing charm is covering something deeper. Angelo stays firmly in slow‑burn territory, and the book drops just enough hints to make you wonder what he might be hiding. Kane is the biggest mystery of the three. We learn almost nothing about him, but it’s obvious Chiara is firmly in his sight line. Together these dynamics add texture without pulling the story away from its character‑focused style.
All in all, this was a solid setup for the duet. You can feel the story laying the groundwork for more intense moments ahead. It feels like the plot is gearing up for higher stakes and more conflict in the next book.
I’m invested enough to see how everything plays out. I’m curious to see how all these messy dynamics finally turn into actual relationships once everyone gets their crap together. 🤣
Tropes
-MFMM
-Mafia
-Arranged marriage
-Runaway bride
-Brothers
-Enemies to lovers
-Fast burn -> Slow burn
-🔥🔥.5 of 5 spice
The romance add some interesting layers. Luka’s cinnamon roll personality gives his connection with Chiara the closest thing to a fast burn, though there’s a sense that his easygoing charm is covering something deeper. Angelo stays firmly in slow‑burn territory, and the book drops just enough hints to make you wonder what he might be hiding. Kane is the biggest mystery of the three. We learn almost nothing about him, but it’s obvious Chiara is firmly in his sight line. Together these dynamics add texture without pulling the story away from its character‑focused style.
All in all, this was a solid setup for the duet. You can feel the story laying the groundwork for more intense moments ahead. It feels like the plot is gearing up for higher stakes and more conflict in the next book.
I’m invested enough to see how everything plays out. I’m curious to see how all these messy dynamics finally turn into actual relationships once everyone gets their crap together. 🤣
Tropes
-MFMM
-Mafia
-Arranged marriage
-Runaway bride
-Brothers
-Enemies to lovers
-Fast burn -> Slow burn
-🔥🔥.5 of 5 spice
Review of advance copy
I have received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) through BookSirens.
This is a Mafia Why Choose. 3 MMC.
The beginning of this book was a hooker.
Chiara the MFC was pawned of into a forced marriage.
She is such a spitfire and I really enjoyed her character.
However I felt like she didn't really put up a fight and just relented other than throwing a few tantrums.
Then we have the 3 MMC
Angelo-The man she was forced to marry.
Luka- Her husbands brother
Kane-Angelo's best friend.
I feel like there could be more non lusty filler to have the connection between the men and Chiara...other than the fact she has nice tits and ass.
Here are some tropes that you will find in this book:
-Why choose
-Forced marriage
-Touch them/ get unalived
-Steam.
I loved the steam. I loved the feisty MFC.
Even with some of the issues that I had with some of the timeline and the character connections , I did find myself enjoying this book for the most part.
OH and it ends on a cliffhanger.
This is a Mafia Why Choose. 3 MMC.
The beginning of this book was a hooker.
Chiara the MFC was pawned of into a forced marriage.
She is such a spitfire and I really enjoyed her character.
However I felt like she didn't really put up a fight and just relented other than throwing a few tantrums.
Then we have the 3 MMC
Angelo-The man she was forced to marry.
Luka- Her husbands brother
Kane-Angelo's best friend.
I feel like there could be more non lusty filler to have the connection between the men and Chiara...other than the fact she has nice tits and ass.
Here are some tropes that you will find in this book:
-Why choose
-Forced marriage
-Touch them/ get unalived
-Steam.
I loved the steam. I loved the feisty MFC.
Even with some of the issues that I had with some of the timeline and the character connections , I did find myself enjoying this book for the most part.
OH and it ends on a cliffhanger.
January 12, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of Symphony of Sorrow by Ava Summer through NetGalley, and this book completely exceeded my expectations. I truly could not put it down—this is easily one of the best reads I’ve had this year.
From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in with its emotional depth and beautifully written prose. The characters are incredibly well developed, and I became deeply invested in their journeys. Their struggles, growth, and connections felt authentic and powerful, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages.
By the time I finished, I was officially addicted—not just to the story, but to the entire cast of characters. Ava Summer has created something special here, and I will absolutely be continuing this series and seeking out more of the author’s work in the future.
This was a moving, unforgettable read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves emotionally rich and engaging stories.
From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in with its emotional depth and beautifully written prose. The characters are incredibly well developed, and I became deeply invested in their journeys. Their struggles, growth, and connections felt authentic and powerful, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages.
By the time I finished, I was officially addicted—not just to the story, but to the entire cast of characters. Ava Summer has created something special here, and I will absolutely be continuing this series and seeking out more of the author’s work in the future.
This was a moving, unforgettable read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves emotionally rich and engaging stories.
Review of advance copy
Soooo after following Ava Summers other genre under the pen name Lyra Mishon i decided to dip my toe into her Why Choose Mafia Romance book, and yep just as good.
Loved the forced marriage, slow burn enemies to lovers vibe, Silblings and best friends. Should you really mix business with pleasure, ummm when it comes to Kane HELL YEAH!!!!
The background plot was good as well, but coyldnt give it a 5* as that plot was a bit slow burn, hopefully book two will give me all of the action to fill in the blanks after that juicy cliffhanger.
Whilst i wait for part two i shall be diving into some more of Ava's books
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved the forced marriage, slow burn enemies to lovers vibe, Silblings and best friends. Should you really mix business with pleasure, ummm when it comes to Kane HELL YEAH!!!!
The background plot was good as well, but coyldnt give it a 5* as that plot was a bit slow burn, hopefully book two will give me all of the action to fill in the blanks after that juicy cliffhanger.
Whilst i wait for part two i shall be diving into some more of Ava's books
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book, it’s sharp, funny, tense at times and the spice is 🔥🔥🔥
Chiara is the snarkiest fmc I’ve read in a while, she weaponises her husband’s security cameras against him and I cackled at her first outing when she was talking about her ‘backstory’.
Angelo, Kane and Luke’s are hot. My heart broke a little for Luka, he seems so vulnerable, and I think he’s already in love with Chiara. Kane is the kind of character who makes your kindle combust and parts of your anatomy wet! But what I don’t understand is why Angelo hasn’t made a move. Hmm, I can’t wait to find out more.
Then there was the ending, wow, this just took a turn I wasn’t expecting in the slightest.
I’m so invested in this story and these characters.
Roll on book two asap!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chiara is the snarkiest fmc I’ve read in a while, she weaponises her husband’s security cameras against him and I cackled at her first outing when she was talking about her ‘backstory’.
Angelo, Kane and Luke’s are hot. My heart broke a little for Luka, he seems so vulnerable, and I think he’s already in love with Chiara. Kane is the kind of character who makes your kindle combust and parts of your anatomy wet! But what I don’t understand is why Angelo hasn’t made a move. Hmm, I can’t wait to find out more.
Then there was the ending, wow, this just took a turn I wasn’t expecting in the slightest.
I’m so invested in this story and these characters.
Roll on book two asap!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent book. A lot of darkness and pain with light and laughter sprinkled in for levening.
Chiara is your typical little rich girl whose mother dies and her father marries a wicked stepmother. In this case she thinks that her stepmother then helps her father die and then proceeds to sell Chiara off to the highest bidder as a wife foe his son. Chiara manages to escape and is able to get away for a year before being found and returned. All is not sweetness and light but there are a few moments of joy but betrayal again strikes and once again she is gone. This time not under her own power and her husband Angelo will need all the help he can get to find her and get her back.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chiara is your typical little rich girl whose mother dies and her father marries a wicked stepmother. In this case she thinks that her stepmother then helps her father die and then proceeds to sell Chiara off to the highest bidder as a wife foe his son. Chiara manages to escape and is able to get away for a year before being found and returned. All is not sweetness and light but there are a few moments of joy but betrayal again strikes and once again she is gone. This time not under her own power and her husband Angelo will need all the help he can get to find her and get her back.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has it all:
Feisty FMC✔️
Touch her & 💀 vibes✔️
Reverse Harem✔️
Mafia Romance✔️
Angst, Chemistry and Heat ✔️
I absolutely loved Chiara! She was sassy and took no one's crap. In a Mafia world where women are just seen and not heard, she makes her voice rise.
The walking thirst traps that are her men..
Angelo the gorgeous husband has that hard exterior, but inside for her, he would burn the world down.
Kane the sexy bodyguard who likes to instigate, but would guard her with his life.
Luka (my favorite) the luscious half brother of Angelo. The vulnerability he shows her beneath his cocky mask is what truly makes him chefs 😘.
Know this will end in a cliffhanger so you have been warned!
Feisty FMC✔️
Touch her & 💀 vibes✔️
Reverse Harem✔️
Mafia Romance✔️
Angst, Chemistry and Heat ✔️
I absolutely loved Chiara! She was sassy and took no one's crap. In a Mafia world where women are just seen and not heard, she makes her voice rise.
The walking thirst traps that are her men..
Angelo the gorgeous husband has that hard exterior, but inside for her, he would burn the world down.
Kane the sexy bodyguard who likes to instigate, but would guard her with his life.
Luka (my favorite) the luscious half brother of Angelo. The vulnerability he shows her beneath his cocky mask is what truly makes him chefs 😘.
Know this will end in a cliffhanger so you have been warned!
Review of advance copy
Symphony Of Sorrow is book 1 in the Empire Of Pain series. It's a fantastic why-choose story and this author has brought it all! Chiara is forced into a marriage with Angelo. That goes over real good! Her stepmother is something else...... Then comes Kane, the Enforcer, and Luka, Angelo's brother and we've got a nice little group of hot men to amp this journey up. Chiara is fierce and she definitely gives as good as she gets. Symphony Of Sorrow ends on a big cliffhanger and I really hope we don't have a long wait for book 2. I completely enjoyed this story from start to finish and absolutely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Chiara. She was married against her will, and being the feisty lady she is- took matters into her own hands! Now meet Angelo- her husband. He’s loved her since they were kids-and she hates him. Meet Luka, Angelo’s younger brother who definitely likes Chiara. And meet Kane. Angelo’s head of security and best friend…who also wants Chiara. This book is a wild ride. The interplay between the characters is top-tier, the story is well written and flows nicely and the spice is amazing! This book ends on a cliffhanger and let me tell you- I can’t wait to see what happens! Spice is🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and the stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!
January 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and victory editing for the opportunity to read this (arc) by Ava Summers. The FMC Chiara is feisty and very quick witted with her comebacks. There are three MMC‘s. Angelo is the husband in a forced marriage, Luka is Angelo‘s brother and Kane is Angelo‘s best friend and bodyguard. After the forced marriage Chiara escapes. After a year, she’s recaptured and held in Angelo‘s mansion.Chiara hates Angelo and find solace with Luka and Kane. Angelo is set to become head of the mafia family when his father passes. There is a cliffhanger at the end of this book which leaves me desperate for book 2 right now.
Review of advance copy
This book is absolute fire. The female main character is strong, not some simpering doe-eyed mafia princess, she has a fire in her belly. There are quite a few funny moments that made me giggle. Angelo, strong mob boss, Kane the sexy right hand man and Luka, well you can’t not like Luka. I love every moment of this book and the cliff hanger has me feeling like I need the next book… immediately. I haven’t been this excited about a book in ages. Read it!
January 14, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
Okay, why was this so good and steamy? 👀
A why choose mafia romance? With a sassy, back mouthing FMC? A forced marriage? A runaway bride? Fuck yessssss.
This was actually so good. The tension was THICK. It had the suspense. And the spice oh lord. Not the mention all the usual mafia stuff, you know them boys out there doing bad things and stuff. 💁🏻♀️
But what the actual fuck was that ending? A CLIFFHANGER?! I'm on the edge of my seat, I need answers now. 😭
Okay, why was this so good and steamy? 👀
A why choose mafia romance? With a sassy, back mouthing FMC? A forced marriage? A runaway bride? Fuck yessssss.
This was actually so good. The tension was THICK. It had the suspense. And the spice oh lord. Not the mention all the usual mafia stuff, you know them boys out there doing bad things and stuff. 💁🏻♀️
But what the actual fuck was that ending? A CLIFFHANGER?! I'm on the edge of my seat, I need answers now. 😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chiara wasnt a woman to accept her fate being married off to Angelo, mafia heir by her step mother, she runs and he chases only to be found a year later, but she wont make his life easy not when his younger half brother Luka and head of security Kane make for good distractions but her husband Angelo doesnt mind watching, but that cliffy will have you questioning everything! Well written engaging steamy desires why choose, romance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The book had me from the beginning. I did not know what to expect. Angelo was not my favorite when I started the book but he began to grow on me, Kane I’m still deciding on how I feel but Luka was my favorite. Luka is misunderstood and wants someone to understand him. Chiara doesn’t want to be in her marriage but she may lean to understanding each man differently. I can’t wait for next book to see what will happen next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ohhh this was a good one!
I love me a mafia romance and the fact that it’s why choose ontop of it?! Yesss please
But what’s with that ending?! I need book 2 asap
The pace of this book was perfection, the fmc is a straight up badass who puts everyone in their places and the men in her life, just are addicted to her sass.
Can’t wait to see where this series goes because I can already tell it’s gonna be killer.
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc of this book!
I love me a mafia romance and the fact that it’s why choose ontop of it?! Yesss please
But what’s with that ending?! I need book 2 asap
The pace of this book was perfection, the fmc is a straight up badass who puts everyone in their places and the men in her life, just are addicted to her sass.
Can’t wait to see where this series goes because I can already tell it’s gonna be killer.
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Firstly, this book was too good. I enjoyed Ava summers Empire of carnage and I enjoyed this one as well.
Secondly, at a point, the FMC was a little bit overbearing but everything was too good.
Immediately I started, I didn’t stop until I was done, that’s how good the book is!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Firstly, this book was too good. I enjoyed Ava summers Empire of carnage and I enjoyed this one as well.
Secondly, at a point, the FMC was a little bit overbearing but everything was too good.
Immediately I started, I didn’t stop until I was done, that’s how good the book is!
January 16, 2026
This was such a fun, fast read. Chiara’s fierce, fiesty, and takes absolutely no BS, which made her impossible not to love. The tension is so good, even if the miscommunication had me yelling at Angelo to just have a real conversation already.
And that cliffhanger?? Came out of nowhere! I need book two immediately!
And that cliffhanger?? Came out of nowhere! I need book two immediately!
January 16, 2026
This book was eveything! I love mafia tropes, but make it why choose and you got me hooked beyond belief. There’s plot, there’s spice, there’s humor, and there’s a BA female lead who takes no crap. It ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to find out how the duet all ends next book. Highly recommend checking this one out.
Want to read
January 5, 2026O.m.g this was a slow start but when it picked up it definitely hits HARD!. Luka my man was something special kane was a gem an would love the F outta them 👏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🥵🥵🥵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🥵🥵🥵
Review of advance copy
Such a spitfire of a main character. Really am enjoying all the different characters. Cannot wait to see how the relationships evolve. Really looking forward to finding out what happens next.
January 12, 2026
OMG! That cliffhanger 😳😳😳 I can’t wait. I want book 2 now please and thank you. PS. I want to know everything about Kane and Luka and more about Angelo because damn 🤤🤤
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews