Don's Gem

by Amanda Horton

Giovanni Gallo knows better than to get distracted. As a Don, watching from the shadows is part of the job, and he’s learned to keep his distance from anything soft or breakable. Until her. One glance at the sharp-tongued bartender with tired eyes and steady hands is enough to draw his attention. Amber works every night without fail, never taking time off, never letting her guard down. Giovanni tells himself it’s just curiosity. But the more he watches, the harder it is to look away.

Amber Price is exhausted, overworked, and carrying more weight than anyone realizes. Between long shifts at Notte Bianca and the ghosts of her past, she’s learned that survival means staying alert and trusting no one. Especially men like Giovanni. He pushes, provokes, and sees too much. But when her best friend vanishes without explanation, Amber’s fear sharpens into something else entirely—and Giovanni is suddenly the only man who might have answers.

This over-the-top, possessive mafia romance features a dark Don, a sharp-witted working-class heroine, enemies-to-lovers tension, stalking-as-protection, forced proximity, and intense chemistry. HEA guaranteed.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

Reviews

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for. When she makes the decision to place her parents in care, she’s determined to give them the very best, no matter the cost. That means endless shifts at the bar, aching feet, and running on fumes… but she does it without complaint because loving fiercely is just who she is. She’s exhausted, overworked, and stretched thin, but never weak. And then there’s Giovanni. Watching. Brooding from a distance. As a mafia don, he refuses to pull her into his world and he’s convinced that staying away from Amber is the only way to keep her safe. He lives in the shadows, in a world where danger is currency, and the last thing he wants is her light caught in the crossfire. But attraction like that? It doesn’t just fade because it’s inconvenient. The tension absolutely sizzles. But when Amber’s friend Rose goes missing, everything shifts. Amber has already endured that kind of loss once before, and she refuses to stand by and hope for the best. Convinced Giovanni knows more than he’s letting on, she confronts him head-on. She doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t back down. She demands answers and I loved that about her; she was so fierce. The pretext for their nightly “updates” about Rose was a brilliant setup for what was to follow. Each meeting peels back another layer of suspicion, of pride, of longing. Giovanni’s resistance slowly crumbles, Amber’s assumptions about his life begin to shift, and their chemistry practically ignites the page. Amber’s fiery spirit paired so perfectly with her kindness and loyalty. And Giovanni? The ultimate protector, whether guarding her from the shadows or standing at her side. He’s the kind of man who would burn down the world for the woman he loves… but would rather shield her from the flames. In the end, I adored how Amanda wove Amber’s past and present together, so that Amber basically got two happy ends.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber has been doing everything she can to be supportive for her parents and keeping her head above water as she slowly drowns. Giovanni has wanted Amber for a long time but does not want to bring his little gem into the darkness where he resides instead he protects her from a distance and not letting this dynamic woman know just how much she rules his heart. It takes her friend going missing for her to confront him and bringing them closer to one another. This was such a good book I could not put it down!!! This author has taken me on an amazing journey through this series and leaves me wanting more. I cannot wait to see what other surprises she has left for us. These are a definite must read you won't be disappointed. I know this is a series I will be binge reading over and over for a very long time!!!!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber may be young but she has her head on her shoulders and a lot of responsibility. Working all shifts as the bartender supportive for her parents and keeping her head above water. Fiery , loyal , kind and has some trust issues. Giovanni is older and Don who has being watching Amber for a while. He cares but doesn’t want his darkness to touch her. When Amber asks him to help find her friend Rose and then her sister, the sparks can’t be hidden. These two bounce off each other. Age is only a number and the chemistry and protective bond between them is strong. Neither pretend and both are badasses. Oh the heat and romance is strong. So is the drama and action.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’s Gem is such a fun novella! Don Giovanni is a dark and brooding leader with plenty to hide—and crazy intense feelings for Amber, a young and traumatized woman whose sister disappeared many years ago. Amber is cautious and kind, caring of her friends and also bold when her anger comes out. Her fire and ferocity are admirable, and they also get her into some interesting situations. The chemistry between Giovanni and Amber is palpable, and the overarching plot is twisted, engaging from start to finish without becoming too dark. I loved the secondary plot, the supporting characters, and the alternate perspectives from previous books in this series. I am hoping we’ll get Lorenzo’s story at some point too!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber has been on her own for a while, her sister disappeared three years ago, and her parents just declined. She works as bartender and supports them in rest home. When her friend disappears, she wants to find her, Giovanni is enamored of her and is determined to help her while keeping her safe. Rose (Don's Flower) is safe, but he learns she acted like she did is due to the loss of her sister, he promises to find her. When she is threatened, Giovanni moves her to his house. The pair have such chemistry, Amber needed someone to look out for her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of the Five Borough Mafia series. Can be read as a standalone.

'This over-the-top, possessive mafia romance features a dark Don, a sharp-witted working-class heroine, enemies-to-lovers tension, stalking-as-protection, forced proximity, and intense chemistry.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. 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.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four of the Borough Mafia novella stories. I loved Amber and Giovanni. Very good worldbuilding. I also liked that the other characters in the story were included. It gives a better time line of events.
The story can be read as a standalone. Loved the suspense and the determination of Amber to find her sister. Loved the protectiveness of Giovanni and his contacts to make things happen. Also the surprise and twists.
Action throughout, Steam to the eventual romance. The HEA was worthy of the story.
Can't wait to read the fifth story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written fast paced steamy mafia read. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Amber is looking for her missing sister and her best friend. When Giovanni says he’ll help her she finally realizes there is more to this Mafia Don than meets the eye. This is book 4 in the series and can be read as a standalone but you’ll get more out of it of you read the previous. I loved this story and I love the morally gray hero. Great read with a great HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saydi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like previous books in this series, I think that this book did well with being an insta-love story but still having a bit more depth to it. I did, however, think that there could have been more interaction between the heroine and her sister. Her sister's part in the story was built up and then it was just over, with no reunion scene.

All in all, I didn't think it was as strong as the other books, but it was still a nice read and it has the same feeling and atmosphere as the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda and Giovanni may just be my favorite couple - well until the next book at least. Gio has been watching and wanting Amanda from afar, he is unwilling to bring her into his world and corupt her. This all changes when she confronts him and they form a tentative friendship.
What follows is a relationship that blossoms with some series steam to help it along. This series is quite frankly amazing and I cannot wait to see what comes next. If you love mafia men this series is a must read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giovanni and Amber's story is an absolute delight to read. Giovanni had no intention of taking Amber as his own because of his lifestyle and occupation. Amber is working herself to the bone trying to keep her parents in a comfortable facility. With her sister missing, she has not given up hope that she will find her one day. This book was interesting and entertaining from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber & Gio are my favorite couple! I like how their relationship doesn’t start with a rescue but more friendship sort of. I wish we got more of Corals story but I have a feeling we might be getting that soon. Can’t wait to hopefully read Nico’s story soon!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOODseries

Each story individual but connected. I read them as the series concluded . I know I enjoyed them more with each story leading into the next. Each Dom gets his HEA after much watching but circumstances precipitate giving in to their love. There is an underlying story throughout the series that gets resolved.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great fast paced and intense novella. I loved that Gio was watching Amber from a distance for the longest time. Him feeling so protective of her. When she went to him for help, you could sense that underlying desire between the two. The intensity and suspense of this I’ve was really great. I’ve enjoyed reading this author. Always looking forward to more.

[Jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is danger, romance, and spice. It gets quite dark for a while but off page. I liked how the book mentioned the characters from other books that came before which nicely ties it together. I was surprised by the timelines though, like it's all happening in parallel.
Loved the book and read it in one breath.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’s Gem is a story that captivates from page one. It’s steamy, twisted and thrilling.
Giovanni is obsessed with Amber, but determined to not bring her into his world and Amber is strong, fierce and caring, but also carries too much ballast.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mary jo miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great series

I can’t wait the the last book , just a couple of more weeks. The characters in each book are amazing, and the stories are so interesting, the guys are so protective and good looking, and happy to have found love at last, I can’t wait to red Corals story…..hopefully soon

[Kelly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got hints of this story from the last book. This on did not disappoint! Giovanni and Amber have chemistry and I loved the back and forth banter. There also is some serious steam in this one!! Great read!!

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read was great It had me turning the pages. It has the twists and turns and the characters had steam. I can't wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’s Gem by Amanda Horton is a great mafia romance. The story is entertaining, suspenseful, dark romance, steamy, interesting, mature, and more. Don’s Gem is the fourth book in Five Borough Mafia series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sheryl blaszczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good

Oh I loved this story. I’ve read them all so far and they get better and better. This was amazing. Loved them together. Can’t wait for the next one

[Mousi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. Though it was quite short with very few plot points. It was nice seeing the chemistry between the leads.

[Jovette Bossé · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I love Giovanni and Ember, they're just so perfect for each other! Such a powerful and beautiful healing love story! Soo soo good and soo soo H.O.T I absolutly loved it! 🥰❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️❤️😍

[Christy Stilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

This is a very cute book. I love that it is short story with a HEA!! I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mafia-lite. There is really not much to this but it’s still reads well.

[Cherie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK WAS SO AWESOME.
LOTS OF HOT STEAMY SCENES.
📖🔥✨🔥✨🔥📚

[Hannah - Twiggy | Booktok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Ending: HEA
Notes: it was good but it needed to be about 200 pages longer. There was so much to unpack in 170 pages 🥴

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie Review: I have had a lot of junk happening recently in my life but I was so glad to have this story bring me into a little literary bliss, if even for a short time. I adore this new to me author and her mafia romances. I absolutely cannot get enough of them. This one seemed more slowburn than the others and usually I am not a fan. But Horton did a great job and made it totally worth it in the end. Great story and an amazing romance that kept me glued to the pages. 5 Stars.