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A debt. A lie. A love that could destroy them both.Kristen Thomas knows survival. After clawing her way out of a marriage that nearly broke her, she's building a new life for her daughter.
Saving a stranger's life at a gala wasn't part of the plan.
Finding out that stranger is the mother of Chicago's most ruthless crime boss? Even less so.
Nico Sartori has spent his entire life building walls no one can breach.
Love is a liability he can't afford.
But when the woman who saved his mother needs protection from a threat that could end her life, keeping his distance becomes impossible.
She's sleeping down the hall. Looking at him like he's more than the monster everyone says he is. Making him want things he swore he'd never have.
The rules were Keep her safe. Don't fall.
Some rules are made to be broken.
Some debts can never be repaid.
Saving a stranger's life at a gala wasn't part of the plan.
Finding out that stranger is the mother of Chicago's most ruthless crime boss? Even less so.
Nico Sartori has spent his entire life building walls no one can breach.
Love is a liability he can't afford.
But when the woman who saved his mother needs protection from a threat that could end her life, keeping his distance becomes impossible.
She's sleeping down the hall. Looking at him like he's more than the monster everyone says he is. Making him want things he swore he'd never have.
The rules were Keep her safe. Don't fall.
Some rules are made to be broken.
Some debts can never be repaid.
- GenresForced Proximity
Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 15, 2026dnf @63%. this one is just missing the mark, they both have things they need to work on. they’re moving so fast and the build up just fell flat. i feel like it had so much potential to be great.
May 16, 2026
3.75 stars 🌟
I really enjoyed this maffia book. Italian maffia books seems to be my thing. I've read quite a few and this was really good.
We discover Nico and Kristen and Lily. Lily stole the show together with her bunnies. I loved how the family was exactly that, a deadly family. Bruno's crack was greatly written.
The reason why it is a slightly lesser star as I got distracted in the story with a few minor inconsistencies. They were minor, but they did got my out of my flow of the story.
Having said that, I loved seeing how Nico the ever brooding deadly brother turning into mush and has no idea what to do with his feelings.
I love the growth Kristen made with herself in eventually believing she is beautiful and worth it. The fight she has for her daughter even if that means being straight with Nico and her mum.
I did felt the story with the divorce papers could have maybe gone a different way. But I think it eventually flowed well with the later on confrontation.
I am still undecided if I am going to continue on reading Vittoria's story, or start at the beginning of this connected 13 series books with different families.
But Nico will stay with me for a while :)
I really enjoyed this maffia book. Italian maffia books seems to be my thing. I've read quite a few and this was really good.
We discover Nico and Kristen and Lily. Lily stole the show together with her bunnies. I loved how the family was exactly that, a deadly family. Bruno's crack was greatly written.
The reason why it is a slightly lesser star as I got distracted in the story with a few minor inconsistencies. They were minor, but they did got my out of my flow of the story.
Having said that, I loved seeing how Nico the ever brooding deadly brother turning into mush and has no idea what to do with his feelings.
I love the growth Kristen made with herself in eventually believing she is beautiful and worth it. The fight she has for her daughter even if that means being straight with Nico and her mum.
I did felt the story with the divorce papers could have maybe gone a different way. But I think it eventually flowed well with the later on confrontation.
I am still undecided if I am going to continue on reading Vittoria's story, or start at the beginning of this connected 13 series books with different families.
But Nico will stay with me for a while :)
March 8, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Nico Sartori’s story and, as expected from Sherry Blake, the writing does not disappoint. The story flows smoothly and is easy to read—seamless, engaging, and captivating right from the start.
I really enjoyed the main characters, Kristen and Nico. Their chemistry was fantastic, and it was great watching their relationship develop throughout the story. Nico is the classic stoic, grumpy, over-the-top possessive mafia man, and he was everything I hoped he would be. Kristen, on the other hand, is coming out of a very controlling marriage and is determined to take charge of her life and future, which made her a strong and compelling character.
One of my favorite aspects was the family dynamic. The interactions between the different characters and the way they function as a mafia family unit added so much depth and entertainment to the story.
Overall, this was a quick, easy, and highly engaging read. I’m definitely looking forward to Vittoria’s story and getting introduced to the Baganov Bratva.
Thank you for the ARC.
This is Nico Sartori’s story and, as expected from Sherry Blake, the writing does not disappoint. The story flows smoothly and is easy to read—seamless, engaging, and captivating right from the start.
I really enjoyed the main characters, Kristen and Nico. Their chemistry was fantastic, and it was great watching their relationship develop throughout the story. Nico is the classic stoic, grumpy, over-the-top possessive mafia man, and he was everything I hoped he would be. Kristen, on the other hand, is coming out of a very controlling marriage and is determined to take charge of her life and future, which made her a strong and compelling character.
One of my favorite aspects was the family dynamic. The interactions between the different characters and the way they function as a mafia family unit added so much depth and entertainment to the story.
Overall, this was a quick, easy, and highly engaging read. I’m definitely looking forward to Vittoria’s story and getting introduced to the Baganov Bratva.
Thank you for the ARC.
March 19, 2026
Sherry Blake pls keep it coming. I could not put it down.
~ARC READER~
I think Nico might be in my top three favorite in the series so far.
Kristen is a single mom just trying to keep things together for her daughter, Lily, after everything she’s been through. I really liked how real she felt she’s strong, but you can still see how much she’s dealing with.
Nico is intense, controlling, and very set in his ways, but the way he softens for Kristen and especially Lily was one of my favorite parts. Watching him go from cold and distant to completely wrapped around that little girl was honestly so sweet.
You get the drama and danger you expect from a mafia romance, but it’s balanced really well with the emotional side of the story. The chemistry between Nico and Kristen is strong, the tension builds well, and the spice definitely delivers.
I also loved how his family slowly grows to care about Kristen and Lily it made everything feel more meaningful and added a nice layer to the story.
Definitely recommend.
~ARC READER~
I think Nico might be in my top three favorite in the series so far.
Kristen is a single mom just trying to keep things together for her daughter, Lily, after everything she’s been through. I really liked how real she felt she’s strong, but you can still see how much she’s dealing with.
Nico is intense, controlling, and very set in his ways, but the way he softens for Kristen and especially Lily was one of my favorite parts. Watching him go from cold and distant to completely wrapped around that little girl was honestly so sweet.
You get the drama and danger you expect from a mafia romance, but it’s balanced really well with the emotional side of the story. The chemistry between Nico and Kristen is strong, the tension builds well, and the spice definitely delivers.
I also loved how his family slowly grows to care about Kristen and Lily it made everything feel more meaningful and added a nice layer to the story.
Definitely recommend.
April 4, 2026
Ordinary woman accidentally pulled into the mafia… always gets me.
I enjoyed this for exactly what it is — a classic “ordinary woman gets pulled into the mafia world” type romance, which is a trope I always seem to come back to.
Something I’ve realised reading this is that I think I prefer Italian mafia romances to the Bratva ones. I’m not entirely sure why — maybe it’s the language and names feeling a bit more musical or romantic when you read them on the page. It just seems to create a slightly different vibe.
The story itself is enjoyable and does what you expect from the trope. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining and an easy read if you like mafia romance dynamics.
I might pick up a few more in this series if they pop up again because it definitely scratched the itch for this kind of story.
✨ mafia romance
🖤 grumpy sunshine
👩 ordinary FMC in a dangerous world
📚 enjoyable comfort read
#Nico #SherryBlake #MafiaRomance #GrumpySunshine #BookTokReads #KindleUnlimitedReads
I enjoyed this for exactly what it is — a classic “ordinary woman gets pulled into the mafia world” type romance, which is a trope I always seem to come back to.
Something I’ve realised reading this is that I think I prefer Italian mafia romances to the Bratva ones. I’m not entirely sure why — maybe it’s the language and names feeling a bit more musical or romantic when you read them on the page. It just seems to create a slightly different vibe.
The story itself is enjoyable and does what you expect from the trope. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining and an easy read if you like mafia romance dynamics.
I might pick up a few more in this series if they pop up again because it definitely scratched the itch for this kind of story.
✨ mafia romance
🖤 grumpy sunshine
👩 ordinary FMC in a dangerous world
📚 enjoyable comfort read
#Nico #SherryBlake #MafiaRomance #GrumpySunshine #BookTokReads #KindleUnlimitedReads
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sherry Blake did it again!!!! Nico and Kristen are absolutely AMAZING!… did y’all notice the FMC’s name is Kristen Thomas and do you notice my name? 😜 Sherry Blake is my all time favorite author and I can devour her books in hours! This book was beyond amazing and I completely fell in love with it! So, Nico is a strategist and looks for every possible outcome in every situation but he was NOT ready for Kristen to come into his life. Kristen is a single mom of a 4 yr old and her ex is a manipulative POS who threatens her constantly throughout the book. So, Kristen works odd ball jobs to make ends meet, and one night she is working as a server for a Gala and Nico’s mom (Aria) starts choking on a piece of shrimp. No one helps her and Kristen springs into action to save her life. The Sartori’s feel like they are in debt to Kristen for saving Aria’s life. They invite her to dinner and end up offering her a job as their housekeeper. This is where it gets SPICY 🌶️ 🔥! I’m not going to go into detail because I don’t want to spoil anything about this book, but it is a MUST READ!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and literally ALL of Sherry’s books. I also recommend reading them in order so you know who is who. Sherry Blake, you are AMAZING!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sherry Blake has done it AGAIN. 😍😍😍 Nico and Kristen are beautifully written.
Kristen is a single mother to adorable Lily. Lily is written like the perfect little four-year-old with wonder, imagination, and that ever-present ability that children have to embarrass the tar out of their mothers. I love that she wasn't just used as some blank, uninteresting sidebar character that was only present as window dressing. Kristen is a strong, determined, and capable woman whose only goal is to build herself back up after a draining marriage and for her daughter to grow up safe and happy. Nico is over-the-top, morally grey, and a total asshole but with Kristen, it seems his heart is at least in the right zipcode. I love that he's both aware and completely unaware of the different struggles between his life and the lives of others.
Loved it, A+, read it in a single day like I was starving for it (which I am with everything Sherry Blake writes). Already starving for Vittoria! ❤️
Kristen is a single mother to adorable Lily. Lily is written like the perfect little four-year-old with wonder, imagination, and that ever-present ability that children have to embarrass the tar out of their mothers. I love that she wasn't just used as some blank, uninteresting sidebar character that was only present as window dressing. Kristen is a strong, determined, and capable woman whose only goal is to build herself back up after a draining marriage and for her daughter to grow up safe and happy. Nico is over-the-top, morally grey, and a total asshole but with Kristen, it seems his heart is at least in the right zipcode. I love that he's both aware and completely unaware of the different struggles between his life and the lives of others.
Loved it, A+, read it in a single day like I was starving for it (which I am with everything Sherry Blake writes). Already starving for Vittoria! ❤️
February 24, 2026
I loved Nico and his family's story. I've been waiting anxiously for this book. It has such an awesome storyline. The characters are so warm and caring. I love this story. Kristen comes to work at the Santori compound. Nico's attreaction to Kristen is strong from the start. The more Nico watches Kristen, the less grumpy Nico becomes. It is heartwarming to watch Nico fall in love with Kristen and her 4 year old daughter, Lily. Kristen and Lily seem to turn the house more into a home, and everyone seems happier. This is such an enjoyable read. I think this Mafia story and series is my favorite. I can't get enough of this family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2026
ARC Review, thx Sherry Blake
A book is good when you can't put it down because you absolutely have to know what happens next. And "Nico" is exactly that kind of book.
I'm not usually a fan of storylines with single moms and young children, but in this story, it was so much fun to read about Kristen and Lily's development. And especially to see how much the two girls change Nico.
A man who can't get along with people, who doesn't show or allow himself to feel emotions, is completely charmed by Lily and Kristen... Even the side character, Bruno, softens.
Of course, there's plenty of suspense, plot twists, and smut. All in all, a fantastic read.
Highly recommended.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3.5/5
A book is good when you can't put it down because you absolutely have to know what happens next. And "Nico" is exactly that kind of book.
I'm not usually a fan of storylines with single moms and young children, but in this story, it was so much fun to read about Kristen and Lily's development. And especially to see how much the two girls change Nico.
A man who can't get along with people, who doesn't show or allow himself to feel emotions, is completely charmed by Lily and Kristen... Even the side character, Bruno, softens.
Of course, there's plenty of suspense, plot twists, and smut. All in all, a fantastic read.
Highly recommended.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3.5/5
March 2, 2026
I think Nico is officially my favourite out of this series so far!
Kristin is a single mother who finds herself in a dangerous position that her ex-husband put her in. She needs help to get out of it, and Nico steps in to be her hero, and save her he does.
I love the drama and danger that comes with a mafia romance book and Sherry knows just how to give enough to keep you turning those pages.
Lily is absolutely adorable, and I love that Nico goes from a hardened man to a ball of goo for the little girl, giving her whatever she wants.
A closed-off, emotionally constipated man who opens his heart for his girl and her daughter! Count me in.
The chemistry, the banter, the spice, chef's kiss.
Highly recommend.
Kristin is a single mother who finds herself in a dangerous position that her ex-husband put her in. She needs help to get out of it, and Nico steps in to be her hero, and save her he does.
I love the drama and danger that comes with a mafia romance book and Sherry knows just how to give enough to keep you turning those pages.
Lily is absolutely adorable, and I love that Nico goes from a hardened man to a ball of goo for the little girl, giving her whatever she wants.
A closed-off, emotionally constipated man who opens his heart for his girl and her daughter! Count me in.
The chemistry, the banter, the spice, chef's kiss.
Highly recommend.
March 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
I honestly don’t really know how to categorize how I felt about it. Nico is a strategist and emotionally very unreachable. Kristen is a single mother with no connection to the mafia world. She saves Aria, Nico’s mother, from choking at a gala where she’s working as a waitress, which is how she ends up on their radar. Everything felt very intense and consuming. Nico was really sweet with her daughter, but between him and Kristen, everything moved so fast. It just made me wonder, if they barely communicate and are constantly mistrusting each other, how can they suddenly be the couple, you know?
I honestly don’t really know how to categorize how I felt about it. Nico is a strategist and emotionally very unreachable. Kristen is a single mother with no connection to the mafia world. She saves Aria, Nico’s mother, from choking at a gala where she’s working as a waitress, which is how she ends up on their radar. Everything felt very intense and consuming. Nico was really sweet with her daughter, but between him and Kristen, everything moved so fast. It just made me wonder, if they barely communicate and are constantly mistrusting each other, how can they suddenly be the couple, you know?
April 27, 2026
Another fantastic book! Kristen stood out to me as a character. She’s a single mom doing everything she can to rebuild her life and create something stable for her daughter, and that determination comes through so clearly. Lily was such a great addition too! She actually felt like a real kid, not just background.
Nico is… a lot in the best way. He's morally grey, a little rough around the edges, but there’s something about the way he shows up for Kristen that makes you instantly fall in love with him. Their dynamic isn’t perfect or easy, which made it feel more real.
I devoured this book in under a day and cannot recommend it enough!
Nico is… a lot in the best way. He's morally grey, a little rough around the edges, but there’s something about the way he shows up for Kristen that makes you instantly fall in love with him. Their dynamic isn’t perfect or easy, which made it feel more real.
I devoured this book in under a day and cannot recommend it enough!
March 2, 2026
Nico is a fantastic read that offers so much more than the standard tropes. I loved the strength of the Kristen and how she fought to get by, and it was incredibly moving to see the Nico's siblings fully accept her child without hesitation. Even though this was my first book in the series, I never felt lost. Nico's endearing awkwardness as he fell head over heels was the perfect touch. He did not understand what it was but he struggled through it regardless.
March 3, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Love love love! Nico was everything i thought he would be. Who knew that a single mother would steal his heart. I love when a MMC is grumpy and cold. Nick definitely was there. Kristen the FMC was perfect as well. I loved reading her scenes with her daughter. The banter between all family members was amazing. Character development as truly amazing and was not rushed. The plot to spice ratio was amazing. Definitely a re-read for me. Excited for the next book!
Love love love! Nico was everything i thought he would be. Who knew that a single mother would steal his heart. I love when a MMC is grumpy and cold. Nick definitely was there. Kristen the FMC was perfect as well. I loved reading her scenes with her daughter. The banter between all family members was amazing. Character development as truly amazing and was not rushed. The plot to spice ratio was amazing. Definitely a re-read for me. Excited for the next book!
March 18, 2026
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ending: HEA
Notes: devoured this so hard. Loved the single mum aspect, loved the healing and the growth of the mmc. Loved their relationship and I ate up his warmth towards the daughter! The only thing that didn’t make it a 5 star was a wanted a longer HEA. I wanted to see their relationship grow further!
✅ single mum
✅ mafia MMC
✅ domestic abuse (off page)
✅ touch her and 💀
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ending: HEA
Notes: devoured this so hard. Loved the single mum aspect, loved the healing and the growth of the mmc. Loved their relationship and I ate up his warmth towards the daughter! The only thing that didn’t make it a 5 star was a wanted a longer HEA. I wanted to see their relationship grow further!
✅ single mum
✅ mafia MMC
✅ domestic abuse (off page)
✅ touch her and 💀
May 3, 2026
It was ok, not the best Mafia book but also not the worst.
Nearly dnf it at about 60% Just felt stale, needed a bit more action for a mafia book, Nico needed more action i get he was the numbers guy, the one who worked it all out, who could figure things out ( definitely on the spectrum) but it didn't feel like a mafia book.
Nearly dnf it at about 60% Just felt stale, needed a bit more action for a mafia book, Nico needed more action i get he was the numbers guy, the one who worked it all out, who could figure things out ( definitely on the spectrum) but it didn't feel like a mafia book.
February 26, 2026
LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!
Oh my gosh the way I devoured this book is no joke! The chemistry, the banter, the spice was everything! Nico is the definition of grumpy, over protective and obsessed. I would recommend this over and over again!
Oh my gosh the way I devoured this book is no joke! The chemistry, the banter, the spice was everything! Nico is the definition of grumpy, over protective and obsessed. I would recommend this over and over again!
April 7, 2026
Nico
Brilliant, loved the book and this family series, can’t wait for the next book Vittoria, well done Sherry. Nico straight to the point, straight speaking eventually wins his girl.
Brilliant, loved the book and this family series, can’t wait for the next book Vittoria, well done Sherry. Nico straight to the point, straight speaking eventually wins his girl.
February 25, 2026
NICO
Wow, just love this series. Loved Nico and Kirsten’s story. The gorgeous brooding silent mafia man and his beautiful stressed single mom story. 5 stars highly recommend
Wow, just love this series. Loved Nico and Kirsten’s story. The gorgeous brooding silent mafia man and his beautiful stressed single mom story. 5 stars highly recommend
March 26, 2026
“I follow. I will always follow.” 🩷
April 3, 2026
❤️🔥❤️🔥
I loved Nico and Kristen story. The fight of feelings, the push and pull. I love how Bruno is finally coming in to the picture too with little Lily's help! Brilliant!
I loved Nico and Kristen story. The fight of feelings, the push and pull. I love how Bruno is finally coming in to the picture too with little Lily's help! Brilliant!
May 10, 2026
A bit lighter than the other, preceding Sartori books, but sweeter. Loved Nico.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have the pleasure of been a Beta Reader for Sherry and this was my first one officially.
I have read the entire series so far and I am in the love , the Satoris are one of my favourite families. Sherry has written the plot and spice perfectly, definitely recommend
I have read the entire series so far and I am in the love , the Satoris are one of my favourite families. Sherry has written the plot and spice perfectly, definitely recommend
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kristen, a hard working single mom suddenly finds herself in the wrong place at the right time and it changes her life in that instance. Nico isn’t quite believing what his cold dark heart is seeing, or is there a small crack that’s letting some light in? The drama and danger are real and Kristen finds herself having to fight off more than one enemy and one is even closer to home than she ever imagined. Under the protection of the Satori family Kristen and her precocious bunny loving 4 year old flourish and Kirsten can finally let down her guard, but her walls are a fortress and it will take more than extravagant gestures for her and Nico to get their HEA. This was a super addition to the series that kept the reader turning the pages. Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.
April 26, 2026
Ok read
May 21, 2026
I have read a lot of romance books (600+ now) but I can honestly say Sherry’s books stick with me and there’s good reason. It’s not oh I fell madly in love with him and it’s all fixed because that isn’t real life. It’s the brutalness of loving again, trusting someone to not hurt you again and putting yourself back together. Sherry’s words resonate as a woman who has done that and it’s so raw and honest in the process. Like recognises like and that’s why it hits so hard. You cry happily and you think f**k yes I did the same as this woman.
Kristen is a strong woman who has been hurt before, putting her daughter first. Along comes Nico - alpha male energy who’s never loved before. Nico shows her that love can be the same actions but with good intentions behind it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (plus another hundred)
You won’t regret reading this or any of Sherry’s books.
Kristen is a strong woman who has been hurt before, putting her daughter first. Along comes Nico - alpha male energy who’s never loved before. Nico shows her that love can be the same actions but with good intentions behind it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (plus another hundred)
You won’t regret reading this or any of Sherry’s books.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews