He runs an empire built on blood and silence. I’m no one. That should have kept me safe.
Then Francisco Corello looks at me with something in his eyes. Not desire. Decision.
His attention is quiet. Absolute.
No one touches me after that. No one dares.
He doesn’t threaten. Doesn’t explain. He simply claims.
I should run when I learn what he is. A mafia Don who answers to no one and apologizes for nothing.
Instead, I lean closer to him. Into the danger. The control. The way the entire room holds its breath when he walks in.
Once a man like Francisco Corello gets hold of you, he doesn’t let go.
He ruins anyone who tries to touch what’s his.
And now that’s me.
Ruthless Mafia King is a full length standalone featuring an older alpha mafia Don, a forbidden age gap romance, obsessive possession, and scorching heat. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA.
2⭐️/5 Why is it becoming so increasingly difficult to find well written books ??? 🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬
I DNF’ed at 10% but truthfully I should have give up 3 pages in, that many pages was way too kind of me.
You know, a lot of people like to write. It doesn’t mean that EVERYONE should become a writer until they’ve really perfected their art. Books, relays on 1 singular thing: writing. If your writing is bad nothing else can save it, not even a good story to back it up. A GOOD writer, will be able to make you understand things without having to spell out every single one of said things .
So now that we laid down the foundations, let’s talk about that book. How could that book be considered good, when it seems that the author thinks writing is just making a step by step script of EXACTLY what’s the character is currently doing/thinking ???
“ I thank Frankie for the opportunity to work with him, and leave the café in high spirits.”
“I walk to the liquor cart to pour myself another. Two at a time is all I’ll allow myself. I can't afford to get drunk on the job, and I'm always on the job.”
“I sit down to go through the notes on my desk, looking for my schedule. I've got a full day ahead of me, and there's no time to waste. I pick up the phone to make the next call,”
If you really need to hold someone’s hand THAT much to get them to understand your point: your point is badly written.
Without surprise the MCs are also badly written, all in all I really wasn’t a fan of that story.
If the author really gets better at writing, I might read another one of her books in the future. But in the current state ? Absolutely not.
This contemporary dark forbidden love, mafia age-gap romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are a ruthless mafia King/older alpha mafia Don, exuding power/wealth, danger, violence, dangerous obsession, brooding, and a female heroine who are both resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is entrhalling with the ruthless mafia King, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, high-heat tension, no cheating, guaranteed HEA, close proximity, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the ruthless mafia King and an explicit dark mafia forbidden love romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is dangerous, lustful, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was no Chance to Escape Her Fate - Marlena did everything possible to hide her identity, so she wasn’t pleased to discover her new job brought her back into the world she had escaped from. Francisco felt an inexplicable pull towards Marlena from the moment he laid eyes on her, but finding out her real identity brought out his protective instincts, as he knew the discovery would certainly put a target on her back. Even though Marlena tried to stay away from Francisco’s world she found herself in a situation where, that led to her agreeing to marry him.
Unfortunately, the reason why Marlena agreed to the marriage because a mute point after a betrayal by one of Francisco’s men led to her being kidnapped, but she was luckily rescued before any major damage could happen. Nevertheless, the situation caused Marlena immense anxiety and led to friction between them, but she soon realised her heart belonged to Francisco, which led to them finally confessing their feelings for each other and getting back on track towards the future they craved.
This is a thrilling romance story filled with angst, intrigue, action-packed and steamy moments, suspense and a bit of violence. I could feel the chemistry between the characters jump off the pages, even though they tried to fight it. The story was really interesting and had me totally glued to the pages from the beginning and unable to take a break until I finished reading the book. It was definitely worth my time reading this book during my Saturday relaxation session and I am very happy to recommend it.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Look, I don't want to be mean but this really wasn't great. the world building is really shaky, The characters are one-dimensional and Marlena is annoying as hell. The whole conflict of the book is her not wanting to get involved with her boss bc he's in the Mafia and wanting him at the same time. she's got no personality aside from being horny and dull. the whole thing with Frankie was a "suspend your disbelief" thing and shouldn't have even been included (unless he was like a child and she was hired by the dad to teach or and there's mention as a result). Then we have Francisco..... who is not ruthless in the least??? throughout the book he's shown to be pretty level-headed and chill. he's merciful, doesn't really do anything morally grey and is loving and supportive... how is this man a ruthless king?
Also that thing with her brother..... are you kidding me??? she really said "My brother is in danger, fuck me over the edge of this desk" ... girl what??? oh and the. she's upset about going to Italy while he's missing for all of 2 seconds before embracing the vacation... girl no.
Lastly, most of us read these books for filthy smut and romance and we BARELY get any of that. the smut is pretty vanilla and not engaging or plentiful.
Marlena is such an innocent, that in a way, she is almost the complete opposite of Francisco; but as a couple they work. Even with their spicy, and occasionnaly fiery interactions, as they are both stubborn characters. Although Marlena and Francisco's relationship is a bit of a slow burn, their attraction was evident from their first meeting, which eventually led to some really steamy scenes; which coupled with their growth as a couple made this a very enjoyable read. Their is still the unanswered question of where Andretti is, which hopefully we will learn in the next book in the series.
I will say, that although I did like Marlena's character, their was occasions where she did come across as quite bratty and immature, like when she sulked for a day when Francisco hoodwinks her into taking her to Italy, but in all I did find it an enjoyable read.
So if you are interested in a mafia romance, agegap book, this is a good one to pick.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Francisco and Marlena’s story and man was it crazy good ! It’s hard to pick a favorite part but I loved when they first meet there was still that moment of IF NOT insta-love then it was INSTA-SOMETHING! lol Marlena has a tenacious personality that balances out with Francisco’s no way but my way demand that he is used to getting in everyday life I mean for a mafia don he needs someone who will keep him on his toes! Steady pacing and solid world building it’s been awhile since I read a mafia romance and really enjoyed it and I loved the family dynamics it surprised me but in a good way guess it made me think about living in such a life … What a roller coaster of emotions that pull at you while reading this story I mean up, down and all around this is a full length alpha mafia romance that will have you losing sleep because what will happen next.?!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
If you love a ruthless, older alpha who doesn’t chase—he claims—this one is IT.
Francesco Corello is the kind of mafia Don who doesn’t raise his voice because he doesn’t need to. The room already knows who’s in charge. Watching him fall for Marlena was everything I want in a possessive romance: quiet obsession, absolute protection, and that delicious “touch her and die” energy. 🖤
What really got me, though, was how protective he was without ever making Marlena feel small. He didn’t cage her—he anchored her. Every move he made screamed intention, and once he decided she was his? Game over for everyone else.
And Marlena… her relationship with her brother broke my heart in the most realistic way. Even though he wasn’t great to her, she still loved him fiercely. That messy, complicated loyalty added so much emotional depth and made her feel incredibly real.
Ruthless Mafia King is the first story in the Corrello Crime Family. It is very well-written and has great characters.
Marlena is down on her luck. She is struggling trying to make her rent payments when she meets Frankie. He is in need of a tutor to help him with law classes. He invites Marlena to his house to study. When Marlena arrives at the house, she can tell that Frankie's family has money since the house is so large. Frankie and Marlena study and then Marlena meets Francisco, Frankie's father. Francisco is immediately attracted to Marlena.
I loved the Marlena and Francisco's story. It is suspenseful and a definite page-turner. I look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 of the Corello Crime Family series. And a starts things off with a bang! Luv'd absolutely everything about this story.
'Ruthless Mafia King is a full-length standalone featuring an older alpha mafia Don, forbidden age-gap romance, dangerous obsession, and high-heat tension.'
This plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn’t put this one down! Francisco Corello is the definition of a silent, dangerous alpha—intense, protective, and totally in control. The tension between him and the heroine is off the charts, especially with the age gap and all the forbidden vibes. If you love mafia romance with a possessive older hero and a fearless, curious heroine who gets in way over her head, this hits the spot.
It’s dark, fast-paced, super steamy, and full of that "touch her and die" energy. Definitely recommend if you're into high-heat romance with a good mix of danger and feels. The HEA is solid too!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Marlena needs money to meet her living expenses she agrees to tutor Frankie who is studying to be a lawyer. What she didn’t expect was that going to his home and meeting his father Francisco would have her returning to the life she has tried to leave behind.
Franciso is a powerful man in the mafia who will do anything to protect those he cares about. When he finds out about her past his only concern is protecting her even if that includes marriage, but the biggest threats may come when and from whom they least expect it.
Suspense, twists and romance all combine into an entertaining story.
Marlena wants to leave her past behind even it means name change and working in jobs her family wouldn’t think of. When the rent is need she takes a job tutoring , landing her in world of trouble. Francisco attraction to Marlena is from the first meeting. When he digs deeper he finds out her true identity. Oh this man is full of protection genes and now wants to help her. The only way is marriage We have chemistry, romance, mistrust, angst, action, pace, trills and oh yes steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book so much. I was hooked from start to finish. Marlena's life is spiraling out of control, and by a stroke of luck, she gets hired as a tutor. Francisco, the father of the man who hired her, is the don of a crime family, which sets in motion an intense story and a deep attraction between him and Marlena. There are many twists I didn't expect, but they're so good. Be ready for action, lots of steam, and the perfect HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was intense and hot. I loved the dominance in the MMC. He was a very determined man and people didn’t question him. The FMC was great on her own. I loved the intense heat them. This was the type of book that grabs you and holds you hostage until the very end. Even then it doesn’t want to let you go. It leaves you addicted and wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WOW does Flora have a mafia romance book that will have you reading, and reading, and reading until you hit the very end. OMG I have had very little sleep the last couple of days and it's all because of this page turning romance book right here. Marlena's situation might pull at your heart strings a bit but then comes Francisco and Holy Smokes what a character he really is. I ABSOLUTELY devoured this book, and it deserves nothing but 5/5 stars in my opinion.
Ruthless Mafia King was a fantastic story by Flora Ferrari. I was hooked from page 1 to the very last page. Marlena and Francisco's chemistry was explosive and undeniable. I love a steamy Mafia romance their story really got me. Francisco is ruthless and very dangerous and when he wants something he takes it. One look at Marlena and he knows she belongs to him. Can't wait for the next book in The Corello Crime Family Series.
This is the first story in the new "Corello Crime Family" series. Its a touch dark and forbidden and such a good plot. It is a stand alone read. It is an action packed romance with steam and passion. The story is about Marlena and Fransisco, a mafia don. Their is an instant connection between the characters in this suspenseful story. I enjoyed every bit of it. I look forward to "The Forbidden Mafia Prince". Where's Andretti?
The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Marlena and Francisco. The heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, danger, action and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this book! Marlena and her brother are hiding who they really are until she get connected with Francisco the mafia Don, Francisco trys yo ignore his feelings for her but when danger comes for her he will do anything to protect her. Will she agree to be his?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So love it.. She just need money..soo she helps him study..but she caught eye of his father. Don of mafia family. due to her family history...she wants live without mafia...but when she is in the midle..what she will choose?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is really good. From starting to end. There’s little bit of suspense as who’s the real culprit behind some things and we get to see that at the end of book. Although I really need the second book now.
Flora Ferrari has done it once again! "Ruthless Mafia King" is an excellent start to what I know will be an amazing series. The writing is captivating from beginning to end, drawing the reader into a world filled with suspense and intrigue. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Want a Mafia man who will burn the world just to have you? Francisco is the mafia man for you. Burning will not be enough he will turn the world inside out for her. Great book, high heat and wonderful spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful new series. I couldn't put it down, I was hooked from start to finish, I enjoyed the characters and i enjoyed the Steamy chemistry, drama and twists and turns, Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellently written with wonderful characters. I love the overprotective alpha male who knows what he wants. Great flow. Easy read. I love a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book of the series and follows the story of Marlene, a girl who becomes a tutor to a boy whose father is a mafia kingpin. The story is exciting, has an unexpected twist and I read it in a few hours. All recommendations from me and I'm impatiently waiting for sequels.