Forged

by Ashley Warren

Book Two in the Marchetti Dynasty.
An MMF Mafia Romance.

Genres: Why Choose, M M F, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Dark Romance

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2026

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟 | 4🌶️

I knew this one was going to be spicy, but I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d end up loving the romance too.

Lars and Neomi had such an effortless connection, and I loved seeing his softer, more vulnerable side with someone as strong and independent as her. They just fit.

I was definitely curious about how Gabriel would fit into their relationship, but I ended up absolutely loving the three of them together. The chemistry was 🔥, but what really worked for me was how naturally the emotional connection grew. They communicated, respected each other, and made space for everyone, so the relationship felt like so much more than just the spice.

With the mafia drama, secrets, betrayal, and all that heat, this kept me completely invested. I especially loved watching the three of them figure out what they wanted and then choose each other despite everything standing in their way.

I’m officially attached to this trio and very ready for whatever comes next.

~~~~

A huge thank you to Ashley Warren and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Isabella Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"ᴡʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴜꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄʜᴀᴏᴛɪᴄ, ʀᴇᴄᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴᴘʟᴀɴɴᴇᴅ, ʙᴜᴛ ꜱʟᴏᴡʟʏ, ɪᴛ'ꜱ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ʀᴇᴀʟ."

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

MAFIA ROMANCE.

WITH MMF?!?!

Ashley Warren…you have my attention. 😳♠️♥️

Actually, who am I kidding?

You had me at mafia. 😂🧎🏻‍♀️

You guys KNOW I eat, breathe and sleep mafia romance. Give me the syndicates. Give me the underboss. Give me dangerous men in expensive suits making questionable decisions. Give me power, obsession, secrets and that whole “we solve our problems differently around here” energy.

It’s HOME to me. 😂🖤

But then you add MMF?!

GAGGED.

This was my first time reading Ashley Warren and Forged was a solid 4 ⭐️ for me.

And can we start with Neomi???

Because I LOVED having a poker-player FMC. ♠️

She’s calculated. Controlled. Smart. She knows when to take a risk and when to walk away.

Then she sits across from Lars Marchetti at a high-stakes poker table…

And apparently all bets are f*cking off. 😂

Lars is an underboss in the Marchetti Syndicate. Power and control are basically how this man survives, and he doesn’t do reckless.

Until Neomi.

👀

What should have been one night becomes something neither of them expected, and I absolutely loved Lars and Neomi together.

Because Lars???

This man might exist in a violent mafia world, but with Neomi he’s basically a gentle giant.

He CAN protect her.

He CAN destroy someone who threatens what’s his.

But underneath all of that?

He wants to love her. 😩

And I’m sorry, but there is something about a dangerous man being soft specifically for the woman he loves that will get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Then…

GABRIEL ENTERS THE CHAT.

😂👀

And I’ll admit it.

I was NERVOUS.

Because I was already invested in Lars and Neomi. Their chemistry worked. Their relationship worked. So when you’re introducing a third person into an established dynamic, I need you to make me BELIEVE that person belongs there.

I don’t want him shoved into the relationship because the author decided we needed an MMF trope.

I want to reach the point where I’m sitting there thinking…

Oh.

You were missing him the whole fcking time.*

And THAT’S what Gabriel became. 😩♥️♠️

He wasn’t an addition.

He was the missing piece that Lars and Neomi didn’t know they needed.

And apparently neither did I. 😂

Until suddenly he’s there…

In their lives.

In their relationship.

In their laps…literally. 👀😂🧎🏻‍♀️

And once all three of them were together???

FERAL.

That’s it.

That’s the review. 😂

The chemistry between these three was INTENSE, but what I actually loved most wasn’t just the physical attraction.

It was how the relationship developed emotionally.

Lars and Gabriel continually kept Neomi at the center of the decisions they were making, and I loved seeing two men who were secure enough in themselves to actually communicate about what they wanted.

Look at us!!!

Men communicating!!!

In a MAFIA romance!!!

GROWTH. 😂👏🏻

Because apparently we’ve finally found fictional mafia men who can threaten someone’s life AND discuss their feelings.

Kings of multitasking. 👑😂

And Neomi’s openness with both Lars and Gabriel felt natural to me. I never felt like she suddenly flipped a switch and went “sure, why not?”

The relationship had room to become what it was supposed to become.

And that was important because for MMF to really work for me, I need ALL THREE relationships to matter.

I need to believe each individual connection.

But I also need to believe in THEM as a unit.

And I did. 🖤

Gabriel also comes carrying some pretty significant secrets of his own, because obviously we can’t just let these people fall in love and live peacefully. 😂

We’ve got Gabriel’s secrets.

Falco running loose.

Mafia politics.

Danger constantly simmering underneath everything.

And that tension kept me waiting for the moment all this sh*t was inevitably going to explode.

My biggest complaint?

I WANTED MORE OF THE TAKEDOWN. 😩

You’ve given me mafia men.

You’ve given me enemies.

You’ve given me danger.

Now LET ME WATCH THEM HANDLE IT. 😂🔪

I wanted more payoff when it came to dealing with the threats surrounding them, and I think getting more of that would have pushed this even higher for me.

Hopefully we’re going to see more of that as the series continues because I am INVESTED now. 👀

And can we talk about the fact that we’ve also got accidental marriage AND pregnancy thrown into this whole mess?!

Ashley really looked at this book and said…

What other trope can I fit in here?

YES.

😂👏🏻

Overall, Forged was such a fun introduction to Ashley Warren for me.

Mafia romance is already one of the fastest ways to get me to pick up a book.

But give me MMF mafia romance, a poker-playing FMC, an underboss who’s secretly a giant softie, another dangerous man with secrets, insta-lust, a soft Dom, accidental marriage, obsession AND three people realizing their relationship was missing someone they didn’t even know they needed?!

Ma’am.

You didn’t have to try THAT hard to impress me. 😩🧎🏻‍♀️

If you’re a mafia romance girlie like me and the words “MMF Mafia Romance” immediately made you sit up a little straighter…

Just go read it. 😂♠️♥️

As for Lars, Neomi and Gabriel?

Three people.

Two dangerous men.

One woman who finally realizes she deserves the whole damn jackpot.

ALL. IN. ♠️♥️🖤

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful. Sensual. Salacious. The play on power and balance, unfiltered love and admissions. I couldn’t put this MMF mafia romance down, pulled into the lives of Lars and Neomi first, then the addition of Gabriel to their mix. She makes them both somewhat reckless and bare, their vulnerability in their romance a dichotomy of their powerful jobs. They let her be free of her calculated control. As their lives intertwine, secrets are revealed that could affect their happiness, and lives. I appreciated the character development and I liked how the spice was sandwiched between the foundation of the initial suspense and the resolution and action of the last third.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC

[Dawn Cornelius · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This series just got HOTTER with Neomi, Lars and Gabriel!

Lars is a gentle giant in my mind. He can protect but he wants to love.

Neomi is the woman who finally believes she deserves the big win.

Gabriel is a secret weapon but knows he wants more from life when he sees them.

Lars and Neomi as the lead couple has me eating this up and I was nervous how Gabriel would factor into their relationship.

Gabriel was that missing piece they didn’t (nor did I) know they needed until it was there in their laps…literally.

I absolutely became feral when they were all together! The chemistry was INTENSE in the best way!

The way Gabriel and Lars kept Neomi at the forefront of all decisions between them has me falling more in love with them! These guys are in touch with emotions, secure with themselves and will fight for their love.

Neomi’s openness with Lars then Gabriel was done just right - it wasn’t rushed.

The extra layer of Gabriel’s secret and Falco running loose kept the tension in the background perfectly.

I did wish we saw more of the takedown of the enemies but I hope we’ll get some of that in the future!

Thanks to Luna Literary for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
4 🌶️


🌟ARC read🌟


Oh sweet Lars. 🥹 I’ve been patiently waiting for his book. And then you tell me it’s MMF?! YEASSS!! 👏🏻👏🏻

This one starts off from the last book with Lars heading to Austin to find Zara’s half sister, who is apparently on a little Robin Hood mission to take out the Maravilla Organization.

Lars ends up at an underground poker game where he meets Neomi, and these two have an immediate connection. They have a very hot ONS 🥵 which somehow turns into Lars wanting to actually take her on a date.

And by date, apparently Lars means a trip to Vegas on his family’s private jet. 😂

Things get hot and steamy, alcohol gets involved, and SURPRISE… they wake up married. 💍😂 But what I absolutely loved was that we actually got to see their drunken night play out! So many books with this trope skip straight to the next morning, but we got to experience all the chaos that led to the wedding.

And the best part? Neither of them is really mad about being married. 😂 They basically just decide, well, I guess we’re married now, and I loved how easily they both wanted to stay that way.

They head back to Austin and Lars starts opening up about his family and their involvement in the mafia. Eventually some things go down that send them to Chicago.

And then we have Gabriel. 👀

Gabriel is a paid assassin who has been hired by a mysterious contact to follow Lars and Neomi, get close to them, and gather information. We just don’t know WHY.

He “meets” them at the Marchetti club and, well…

🥵🥵🥵

Things escalate VERY quickly between the three of them.

What I really loved was that it wasn’t just Lars and Neomi with Gabriel thrown into their relationship. Lars and Neomi both genuinely start falling for Gabriel, and Gabriel starts falling for BOTH of them. That’s exactly what I want from an MMF romance. 🫠

Of course, Gabriel still has a job to do. Except the deeper he gets with them, the more he realizes he can’t go through with it. He’s in way too deep emotionally and decides he needs to abandon the job.

Unfortunately for him, it’s a little too late.

Because Sera releases all of his information and previous jobs. 😳

Gabriel knows there’s no hiding anymore, so he owns up to everything and confesses. Lars and Neomi are obviously devastated because even though his feelings became real, their entire relationship with him started with a lie.

BUT IT’S OKAY.

Because we get a grovel. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

And eventually these three find their way back to each other. 🥹

I really loved Lars, Neomi, and Gabriel together. There was so much chemistry between all three of them, but I also loved that their relationship developed emotionally instead of everything just being about the spice.

Now I’m VERY interested to see what happens with Sera because girl… you’ve got some explaining to do. 😂 I need to see how she comes around after all of this!

Spicy chapters 🔥
5
21
28
46
47
48
49
50
51
65
66
67

[Alodia Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 9 out of 10
🌶️ 3.5 out of 5

Listen. It's mid 2026, the world is chaotic, nature is not healing. Do I need more heat? No. But then I got this book and if I were a steak, I would be well done.

My goodness it's not even Christmas and yet it's so festive over here. I loove a good amount of short chapters which this story blesses me with. Not only that but it offers multiple POVs from a throuple where the FMC is a badie poker player, one MMC is a second-in-command of a syndicate and another is a hitman. Seriously, when I thought Neomi and Lars is already a very cool couple, Gabriel walks in and I was like "well damn, what did you guys put in your prayer?".

I mean put Lars and Gabriel aside, I was starstruck with Neomi.

Despite the short chapters, I love how the story is not rushed. It has a quick pace to match the anticipation of everything built-up in one chapter to the next, but it's very thorough and well-thought. We get to see Neomi and Lars settling in first which allows us to understand where they stand especially in Marchetti's current situation before having Gabriel enters their life. He's introduced gently and even when he stood on different side in the beginning, it's nice to see how his reaction speaks in contrast to what his mission forces him to. I love being taken aback so the use of minor supporting character from the previous book is a thumbs-up. I'm surprised to hear Kelly in this book? That's a twist of its own.

And respectfully, I want to know the thought process for.. you know. All the tango, the circus-de-soleil. I had to stop a few times and take a breath because they're very intense which I thought at this point, I could take all the spicy scenes alright. I'm on my way of becoming an expert and taking all the knowledge for future use but.. hello?

If I were Violette (my most favorite matriarch muach), I'd be damn proud.

[Robert Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forged starts off so fast and furious that's filled with mafia moves and casino games that is just a precursor to the emotional gamble that all three of these characters take with their hearts. Lars, the second in command of the Marchetti Syndicate, runs into professional poker player, Neomi, during a game. From there, you can tell the sexual tension and chemistry builds from just their eye contact. One question is will a self-made woman be able to accept Lars and his world?

Lars and Neomi's relationship starts so quickly that I didn't question it and believed the love that they built in a short amount of time. What I didn't expect was the wildcard in Gabriel, the hitman. The couple meet him one night out and what they don't expect is to feel the same attraction that they felt for one another. But just like Lars, Gabriel has something to hide that could tear them all apart.

There is a reason why Ashley Warren is one of my favorite authors I've come across in the last few years! She created a strong storyline about a throuple relationship that you become so invested in that you are pulling for all of them to overcome challenges. The short chapters provided a quick pace but assisted in providing an enjoyable flow that kept me on my toes. The relationship between Lars, Neomi, and Gabriel is so intense between the spicy scenes and their vulnerable moments as threats surrounded them. While I would've liked a little more intensity from the mafia missions, Forged is a tense and beautiful story about acceptance, finding instant love, and fighting for your happiness.

Thank you to Luna Literary for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and Ashley Warren for creating a wonderful mafia romance series where I can't wait for the next installment!

[Smutty Professor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marchetti's are one of my favorite crime families! Lars and Neomi meet over a high-stakes poker game, and what starts as an incredibly hot one-night stand turns into an accidental Vegas marriage. Before they can even figure out what that means, Lars' dangerous mafia world comes barreling into their lives, and then Gabriel enters the picture, completely changing everything.

Lars absolutely stole my heart. He's protective but never in a way that takes away Neomi's independence. Underneath all his confidence is someone who just wants the people he loves to be safe. I was a bit nervous with how Gabriel showed up. I didn't want anyone taking away from what Lars and Neomi already had because I loved them together so much. Instead, I somehow ended up loving the three of them together even more. It felt like each of them gave the others something they were missing. As much as I LOVED the spice, It wasn't just about the chemistry, even though there is plenty of it. They actually communicated, checked in, respected boundaries, talked about what they wanted, and made sure everyone felt safe and appreciated. I loved that although things got serious quickly, the characters actually took the time to build emotional trust because it made each relationship between them feel like it could really work.

I loved seeing characters from Fallen show up again, and the overarching mafia storyline still has me asking some questions and excited for their eventual answers. I feel so extremely blessed to be a beta reader for Ashley Warren. She wrote my favorite book of 2025, and this is shaping up to be one of my favorite mafia romance series. I can't wait for Vi's book!

[Keneisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5

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

What can I say? This is book two in the Marchetti series, and just like book one, it did NOT disappoint! She knew we needed Lars’ story, and let me tell you—the spice, the yearning, and the love were all there. I enjoyed every page, but let me get into this book for real…

If you haven’t read book one, I definitely recommend starting there because it gives you some backstory on Lars and makes his story hit a little differently. Book two picks up where the first one left off, but this time the focus is on Lars finally getting his happy ending…which was VERY much deserved.

This is an MMF mafia romance, and yes, it is spicy. There’s some sword-crossing, plenty of yearning, and of course, because this is the mafia, we have some betrayal thrown into the mix too. One thing I loved about this family is that they really don’t care who you love or how you love them. Betray the family, though? Yeah… that’s where the problems start. 😂

I don’t want to get too deep into the storyline because this is one you need to experience for yourself. And honestly, you also need to experience those spicy scenes for yourself because I will NOT be spoiling those lol.

What I really enjoyed was finally getting to see Lars have his moment. After everything from the first book, I was ready for this man to get the love and happy ending he deserved, and this book delivered.

If you enjoyed book one, definitely continue with Lars’ story. The Marchetti series has officially kept me invested, and now I’m ready to see whose story we’re getting next. 👀

[Crystal Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🔔 Dark Why Choose MMF Mafia Romance
🍾 Touch Her & ☠️
🥂 MMC Mafia Underboss
💍 Secrets
♠️ Vegas Wedding
♥️ Morally Grey Men
♣️ MMC That Loves To Cook & Paints His Nails
♦️ FMC Pro Poker Player
🎲 Only Soft For Her
🖤 MMC Assassin

Ashley Warren puts something in her books that make them impossible to want to put down. Or want to see end. I wanted this book to last forever and ever. I felt the same way with Book 1, Fallen.

The Marchetti Syndicate/Family is a family I would want to belong to. Without question.

Lars has so many layers to him. I loved to see all of them throughout this book. Loved seeing him happy and loved. To get to experience everything he saw happen with Enzo and more. To find his people.

Neomi could not have been more perfect for Lars. Like 2 peas in a pod. I appreciate so much that these characters don’t fight the feelings. They feel how they feel. They communicate. They accept it. They work through tough things. No back and forth and constant uncertainty. Truth. Honesty. Openness. It was refreshing.

And Gabriel. He surprised me. He also had so many layers and a perfect fit for Lars and Neomi. I did not see that ending coming and it made me love this book even more. Together, they were complete. They filled the empty spaces.

I’m so glad we’ll get to keep seeing this throuple in future Marchetti Family books. I need more of them.

“I’m yours and you’re mine, Lars. We’re the foundation. We never let anyone break what we’re building.”

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Forged by Ashley Warren. I literally devoured this book. The characters, the chemistry, the spice… it was all amazing. Literally FIVE stars. I was talking out loud, screaming, and kicking my feet while reading this. I love that the storyline from book one carried over, we got to see how everything unfolded. I loved meeting Neomi and getting to see Lars character building. Those two together were amazing and then you add Gabriel, 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Wow, just wow.

wow. That’s what I said at 1 AM as I finished this book. I love a series that’s interconnected but continues the story line and this one does that. Lars is a confident man, who isn’t afraid to be himself in every aspect. Painted finger nails and all! Neomi is an independent woman who can bring a man to his knees at the card table and not show her bluffs as she takes all his money! They get wild and crazy in Vegas and wake up married. I love that they embraced it and didn’t fight their connection. Watching them build their lives was amazing and then you add Gabriel!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Holy hotness. I LOVE his dominate side! You know a book is good when the plot, plots and the spice is spicing. I ate this book up so quick! I can’t wait to see how the series continues. I am excited to see more about Vi and Dante/Sera!

♥️ MMF Mafia Romance
♠️ Poker Player FMC
♥️ Underboss MMC
♠️ Serial Unal*ver MMC
♥️ Secrets
♠️ Insta love/Insta lust
♥️ Accidental Marriage
♠️ Soft Dom
♥️ HEA

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Thank you to the author for this ARC of Forged (The Marchetti Dynasty Book 2)

4.5 stars. I had so much fun reading Forged. I absolutely LOVED the dynamic that Lars, Neomi, and Gabriel had. Every scene had so much tension, whether it was all three of them together or when they coupled off. The scene at the club and the poker game were top tier.

"For a moment, the three of us exist in that small space, the world narrowing again, but this time it's different. It's quiet and fragile."

Neomi is such a badass when she is playing poker. I loved her confidence in herself and how forthright she was. Her honesty about her sexual preferences was refreshing.

"Cards first. Men second."

Lars is such a secret softie. He never dismissed Neomi's feelings or needs. I loved hat he was open about his sexuality and never shied away from it. His relationship with Violette really makes your heart melt. But also 10/10 for Violette, top tier matriarch.

"I no longer watch love from the outside. I live in it - with her."

Gabriel was the perfect dom for Lars and Neomi. He just commanded the room so differently. I really loved the way his character was introduced in the beginning. I think the added mystery made him more appealing when he finally makes contact with Lars and Neomi.

"Eye's on us, Neomi. Watch our good boy as I break him."
"Don't thank me Neomi. There's not a world that we exist in that I wouldn't save you."

[Angel BOOK_ADDICTANGEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ashley just knows how to keep you flipping pages, so effortlessly!

Lars and Neomi meet and their attraction is too strong to control, one night and too much alcohol, they woke up with rings on their finger!

When I tell you Ashley will keep you flipping pages !! In come Gabriel, he is calculating, waiting for the right moment to introduce himself…

This was one of the spiciest scenes, they also have this smooth connection, and the way their relationship is orchestrated, makes it literally hard to choose 😌🫠

Lars is BI so having two willing partners he feels complete.Neomi is curious, she wants to explore this pull they have, and Gabriel is the mastermind leading the symphony… like literally! Nothing feels freeing more than a man LARGE & in CHARGE ! ❤️‍🔥🥵

Now with all this top tier spice 🥵 add in some deceit, a hidden indenture. Sprinkle in Mafia Business, and you got the perfect read !


Loved it, and I’m coming back for more, I need DANTE’s story! Seeing the strings already I’m OBSESSED !!

Thank you Ashley for this ARC, it’s always an honor to be an early reader, and meet these amazing characters 🙏🏻💕

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged is dark, dangerous, and delightfully sexy.

From the very beginning the tension and chemistry between Lars and Neomi is clear. They challenge each other at the poker tables and that leads to more. While the relationship progresses quickly, I loved the pieces of dating that were woven into the beginning of their story and how it was clear they were great together.

As Lars and Neomi settle into life together, I really liked the organic way that Gabriel is brought into their relationship and the perfect way they navigated the development to ensure everyone was happy and all decisions were made together.

Lars and Neomi already had explosive chemistry together and when they added Gabriel it was off the charts. He was the perfect piece to fit them and I loved how dominant both men were but so completely soft and doting towards Neomi.

This book had everything I love in a mafia romance from the dark and dangerous to the sexy and suspenseful. Forged is an excellent story and I can't wait for more.

TROPES:
Mafia
MMF
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Touch Her & Die

Thank you to Ashley Warren and Luna Literary for the ARC.

[Lou_lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time for Lars! You guys are not ready for the love and devotion this man has for his wife! Then add Gabriel to the mix and we are in for a ride!
I will start by saying I absolutely loved Lars and Neomi, I loved their dynamics, their chemistry, their love story. Add Gabriel to the mix and I was hooked but knowing Gabriel wasn’t who he said he was, my heart was breaking as I feel Lars had been through enough from what we learned from Fallen and I didn’t want him to get hurt. Absolutely loved seeing Enzo, Zara and Vi again. These Marchetti’s are a force to be reckoned with.
This book will have you laughing with our fave characters, celebrate Lars when he finally finds love and question him when he lets Gabriel in so quickly after everything he went though previously but anyway regardless of questionable choices made by both Lars and Neomi the love story will have you throughly hooked and entertained.
Cannot wait to see what Ashley has to come with our fave mafia family.
Thank you to Ashley and the team at Luna for this eARC in exchange for my honest review

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply in love with Forged from Ashley Warren! It starts out fast furious and ridiculously steamy, has a decadent and seductive feel the entire read, and eases into love, familiarity, and forever all while keeping you on your toe’s mafia style. Poker becomes the hottest game ever, family, loyalty, and honesty are the only things that matter, and Lars, Neomi, and Gabriel become THE throuple of your dreams that totally burrow into your heart, and it is divine.
Ashley Warren really nailed it with this romance, the throuple is done right and with a respect that amps up the sexiness of it all, you get completely lost in the romance but never lose the intensity or the ominous danger feel of the mafia and what it means to be part of the Marchetti world, and with family and love right at the forefront of it all you get that close knit feel with the characters that make a series feel comfortable, home, and right where you want to be. A well-played, well written, mafia read that leaves you satiated and satisfied with everything about it, but absolutely dying for what comes next.

[The_reading_redhead_sc tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! I didn’t want it to end! I love this series by Ashley! This is second book in The Marchetti Dynasty. This is Lars book a man is was spicy and perfect!! I loved Lars and Neomi from the second chapter!!

Tropes:
MMF Mafia Romance
Poker Player FMC
Underboss MMC
Serial Unal*ver MMC
Secrets
Insta love/Insta lust
Soft Dom
HEA

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Lars is sent on out town mission to find Enzo’s wife sister. While on this mission he ends up at an underground poker game. Where he meets a woman who completely captures Lars attention.

Neomi doesn’t stay in one place too long. She travels to wherever the games takes her. When new man shows up to game Neomi is drawn to this man and can’t stop watching him.


They both think they need one night to get over each other….


I feel like you just need to go into this book blind. We meet Lars in the Fallen which is book one of this series. We know Lars has a story but he also is king of man of mystery. His story was so good. It definitely hooks you for character one. This book is fast paced and insta attraction that leads too more. I absolutely love this book! I love series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

*** I want to thank Ashley Warren and Lunaliterary Management for giving me the chance to read Forged as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****

[Elizabeth Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged by Ashley Warren is a why choose, mafia, dark romance. It picks up where the previous book left off. Lars and Neomi are the MC’s (to start with). They were so perfect together and really balanced each other out. But add Gabriel…AMAZING! I don’t mean just physically, but the emotional connection was also so great to see and something that is usually glossed over, at least between the men in a why choose. I LOVE when adults communicate with each other!!! With everything stacked against them, they still had conversations and chose each other. Then add in the mafia secrets, loyalty vs betrayal, and drama, and the story is even better. I really appreciated how the spice was spicy, yet it wasn’t overpowering and fit in so well within the story. I always worry about how another person is added in to a relationship when two of the characters already have a relationship, but the addition of Gabriel was done in such a seamless way. I know it makes me sound bloodthirsty, but I did wish that there was more in regard to their revenge and takedowns of all their enemies.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
4.5🌟
4.5🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️

Thank you to Ashley Warren and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this stunning story.

Overall Thoughts & Emotional Reactions:
Ashley Warren did not disappoint. Starting this book off with a bang! While Naomi and Lars had instant chemistry and the tension exploded almost instantly, watching them decide to fall in love was chef’s kiss! Lars Marchetti loves with his whole heart, but he keeps it so guarded. Once that man decides you’re his, he will never let you go. Watching the back and forth and tension build between Gabriel, Naomi and Lars had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the dynamic between each of them. Lars was so open with Naomi and made everything about their accidental marriage as comfortable for her as possible. Naomio finally opened herself to Lars and found her safe space. Gabriel was so steeped in mystery that when he finally met his breaking point that man had my heart! If you’re looking for a mafia romance with a twist this is the book and universe for you!

Tropes:
♥️ MMF Mafia Romance
♠️ Poker Player FMC
♥️ Underboss MMC
♠️ Serial Unal*ver MMC
♥️ Secrets
♠️ Insta love/Insta lust
♥️ Accidental Marriage/Pregnancy
♠️ Soft Dom
♥️ HEA

Favorite Quotes:
“Just trying to even the score, because I’ve been suffering since the first time I saw you, Bella.”

“I’m yours and you’re not going anywhere. Try to leave me and I will hunt you down.”

“They’re like puppies with treats when it comes to verbal affirmations.”

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.

[Deja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm.. I thoroughly enjoyed their story, but I feel like the initial plot was lost after they left Austin. It’s like that part was largely put on the back burner until it came time for Gabe’s confession. Then everything that followed felt accelerated. However, we did get a teaser of Sera & Dante getting their own story; maybe that’ll fill some gaps 🤞🏽🤞🏽 Plus Vi’s getting a story too!?!! If she can so casually bring up "having kids" at the dinner table.. I look forward to how open she is with her own life.

All that aside, I loved the vulnerability of Lars finding his people. Given that he's second-in-command, these weren't the stereotypical mafia family dynamics. Those who love him most let him be his authentic nail-painting self.

This trio: the second in command, a poker player, and a hitman.. definitely had lots of fun coming together. I'm absolutely looking forward to what else we'll get from the Marchetti's.

read via early access
thank you to Luna Literary & Ashley Warren

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged by Ashley Warren delivers an addictive addition to The Marchetti Dynasty. This dark romance is filled with intense chemistry, emotional conflict, and the kind of high-stakes drama that kept the pages turning. The Marchetti world is dangerous, complicated, and full of characters who are impossible not to root for. What stood out the most to me was the balance between the darker mafia elements and the emotional depth of the relationships. The characters were flawed, passionate, and constantly caught between loyalty, power, and their own desires. Warren did a great job building tension while creating a story that felt both thrilling and personal. Fans of mafia romance, morally gray characters, and intense relationship dynamics will enjoy this installment. Overall, Forged was a gripping read with plenty of passion, drama, and suspense.

I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!

[Brie | bookedbybrie]

Holy Hell was Forged hot! Ashley definitely delivered with this one! I absolutely loved Fallen and knew Ashley could write a morally grey man, crime with a mafia boss.
She took Fallen and brought it up another 10 notches.

I was already curious about Lars from Fallen, but man, in Forged he was powerful, dark, dangerous, and delicious. He loves with his whole heart all while keeping it guarded.

Neomi, my girl, is such a spitfire, that knows how to play the game well, and that she does. She’s strong, smart, and sexy as hell! And she wanted Lars, went after him and got him! You go girl!

Then we have Gabriel, and oof! That man is mysterious, and dominant as hell! He comes in swinging and Lars and Neomi didn’t know what was coming their way.

When those three were together, there was no stopping them. And the chemistry between them all, was undeniable. I mean, holy hell that piano scene y’ll! That was MF HOT!
__________________________

BETA

RTC

[Ashley Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix mafia with an MMF romance? A DAMN HOT time. This book was everything I hoped for me and more! I DEVOURED their story between the suspense, tension and the spice it delivered on everything

Lars and Neomi had insta lust that quickly turned to love and then enters Gabriel and holy hell were they all hot together. The piano scene 🫠🥵

Neomi was a badass, Lars was a secret soft man and then throw in the dom Gabriel and you have PERFECTION

This MMF was done so well and their relationship felt genuine not rushed and they all knew what they wanted. I love how we got glimpses of what’s to come for the Marchetti’s and I cannot wait to see what’s next

Thank you so much Luna Literary and Ashley for the ARC

♥️ MMF Mafia Romance
♠️ Poker Player FMC
♥️ Underboss MMC
♠️ Serial Unal*ver MMC
♥️ Secrets
♠️ Insta love/Insta lust
♥️ Accidental Marriage/Pregnancy
♠️ Soft Dom
♥️HEA

[Melissa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Received as an ARC, Thank you **

Okay....... I have sooooo much to say but no spoilers soooo... I will be good....

I knew from book 1 I was going to LOVE Lars and I was soooo right... I want him all to myself for real...

I was sooo nervous about it being MMF because I didn't want him to have drama and wanted him to get his HEA and BOY DID HE!

The way this MMF was done was soooooo good, I appreciated the openness and communication and I really love Neomi and her strength and free spirit and omg... Gabriel.... we know whats coming and we still are crying our eye balls out....

I love that the epilogues give us a tease but not too much on what to expect next and I am soooo ready for book three!!!!

10/10 yall this has story and SPICEEEEEEE and character development and twists and turns and all the things!!! LOVEEEEEEE

[Lauren Curley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level

Lars and Neomi on an instalust/love meet go all in for a quickie Las Vegas wedding. These two just had something between them even if love wasn't admitted at first. But then we pick up a tail of Gabriel who is watching and will join this twosome under hidden pretense.

To watch this threesome fall, glorious. Ashley came swinging for the fences for their first full on penetrative act too. Ma'am that was a calculated risk and it worked so DANG well. Like 👀. This series leaves some nice little doors open for future dark romance series adjacent to this mafia world. I love all the protectiveness and alpha dominance coming from both men even with a more switch dynamic too.

This was yummy and I adored Violette!

Thanks Ashley Warren and Luna Literary for this eARC!

Release Date: 8-7-26

[Draia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I’m not going to lie, I went into this one VERY excited because Lars absolutely stole my heart in Fallen, and getting his book was something I’d been looking forward to. And honestly? It delivered.

The Marchettis are one of my favorite crime families, so getting more of them was already a win for me. Lars and Neomi meet over a high-stakes poker game, and what starts as an incredibly hot one-night stand turns into an accidental Vegas marriage.

And listen, Vegas/accidental marriage is probably one of my least favorite romance tropes. 😂 It always feels a little too cheesy and unrealistic for me. But somehow, this one actually worked. I think a huge part of that was getting to see it all happen in real time instead of skipping from the one-night stand straight to the “well, I guess we’re married now” morning. We get to actually watch Lars and Neomi meet, fall into each other, and figure out what the hell they’ve gotten themselves into. They already had so much chemistry that I somehow just went with it.

I loved Neomi and Lars together, and I especially loved that we got to see them establish their relationship before Gabriel was brought into the mix. There was something really satisfying about getting to know where they stood as a couple first before adding someone else to the equation.

Gabriel’s introduction was really well done for me, too. He enters their lives seeming like this random guy who crosses their path, but there’s obviously more going on beneath the surface. He had his own reasons for getting close to the Marchettis, and I liked watching the line between his intentions and his actual feelings start to blur. Especially once Lars and Neomi become something he clearly never expected them to be. His feelings for them end up complicating everything, and I really enjoyed watching that play out.

Lars absolutely stole my heart all over again. He’s confident and protective, but never in a way that takes away from Neomi’s independence. Underneath all of that is just a man who wants the people he loves to be safe. I loved watching him settle into his relationship with Neomi and seeing how much she came to mean to him.

And then there’s Violette.

I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS WOMAN. 😂 I lived for every single page she was on. The things that come out of her mouth are absolutely unhinged, and the way dinner conversations somehow always devolve into sperm, virility, and everyone's expectations regarding reproduction had me dying every time. She is so unapologetic about it, and honestly, I wouldn’t have her any other way.

But underneath all that insanity, I really loved how much her love for Lars came through. She just wants to see him happy and loved, and that softer side of her made her even more special to me.

I really loved this one. I loved Lars and Neomi, I loved watching Gabriel find his place with them, and I loved getting more of the Marchetti family. And now I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to see where this whole thing goes next.

💫Thank you to Ashley Warren and Luna Literary for this ARC💫

[Leshay Germany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this was HOT, HOT, HOT. Lars and Neomi had insta attraction from the moment they met paired with a little alcohol and insane chemistry, they wake up after their night together married!

Just when you think Lars and Neomi couldn’t get any hotter, enter Gabriel…the man with an agenda and secrets. When these three come together it’s explosive and oh so yummy (ummm piano scene🔥). Gabriel connected so much with both Lars and Neomi that it felt effortless and natural.

When secrets and betrayal come to light and threatens to destroy the love these three have, Ashley makes you feel all the emotions.

I love the is series so much and can’t wait for Dante’s story and of course, Violette’s (you know hers is gonna be so good and she will bring all the sass)

Thank you Ashley for letting me apart of your world and team. I just adore you.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you find your people that understand and love you on a cellular level.

Lars, second in command in a Mafia Syndicate, is confident and guarded. When he finds Neomi in a tense meet-cute at a high stakes poker game, their chemistry burns hot and finds them accidentally married after one smoking night in Vegas.

Neomi, the ever fierce no holds barred, independent and badass poker playing FMC, knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to tell you..

Lars & Neomi are explosive. Their chemistry is magnetic and I just love their relationship. I was worried that Gabriel would take away from their initial connection, but when he enters shrouded in mystery and suspense, he connects with Lars & Neomi enhancing their relationship into another level!
Their constant communication, check ins with each other is so sweet, considering Gabe is the perfect Dom that controls the room with ease.

This is my first read from Ashley Warren and I was not disappointed! Always a sucker for a Mafia underworld romance.

Thank you Ashley & Luna Literary Management for this ARC!

Happy Reading
😊🔥🎲

[Extraspicybooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forged by Ashley Warren
The Marchetti Dynasty book 2

The dynamics in this book are so perfect! The tension and chemistry were undeniable and I could not put this book down!
Lars is so confident in himself and that is what draw you into his character.
Neomi is such a fierce badass poker player! She holds her own and never backs down. Their whirlwind romance and marriage was so good. I just LOVED how they accepted being married and loved each other fiercely! And on comes Gabriel. He wasn’t supposed to fall for them he was supposed to be the enemy. But the instant connection between these 3 is undeniable and they all fall fast. Until the secrets and betrayal. This was such a fun and fantastic book to read. I’m loving this series and this family!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story brought the heat and then some. Lars and Noemi…wow! These two were fire from the get go. A ONS turns into a date that apparently required a jet so her child take her Vegas. Okay, I see you. And after a wild night, they wake up married. You’d think typical right? But no, we got the room died of what took place that got them to this point. Rarely do wet get that.
Let’s shift to the hot assassin, Gabriel, who’s sent to take care of things. But what!? He starts falling for both of them! Swoon! This story was so hot, filled with chaos and spice. Love and romance. Those twists and turns had new devouring this like it was my last meal. This little hottie is a definite to add to your TBR.