It was a fun mafia romance, both sides had secrets, and it started off as enemies to lovers! The first 50% I loved the banter and tension between the main characters!
~Pre-read~Received an ARC... looking forward to this new Mafia romance!
In her latest release, Ensnare Me, Tessa Farrow delivers a deliciously tense enemies-to-lovers mafia romance that immediately captures the reader's attention. Set against a stunning European backdrop, the narrative oscillates between Rome’s sunlit, glamorous streets and the lethal shadows of the criminal underworld. Farrow excels at creating an atmosphere that feels both intoxicating and genuinely dangerous, providing a rich tapestry for a story defined by high stakes and even higher emotional fever.
The character work is particularly strong, beginning with the heroine, Tash. She is a standout protagonist whose strength is rooted in her sharp intellect and quiet resolve rather than reckless bravado. From her first encounter with Rocco, she walks a razor-thin line, burdened by secrets that layer every interaction with a palpable sense of risk. Opposite her, Rocco embodies the quintessential mafia anti-hero: powerful, ruthless, and weary of a world that values only his pedigree. His transition from guarded fascination to a full-blown, protective obsession is expertly handled, making his internal struggle between duty and desire one of the most compelling aspects of the book.
The chemistry between Tash and Rocco is undeniable, fueled by forced proximity and clashing agendas. This creates a slow-burn tension that simmers beautifully before igniting into an explosive connection. While the plot moves with impressive speed, the emotional betrayals hit with significant impact, ensuring the stakes feel personal rather than merely theatrical. The narrative remains a dark, spicy, and emotionally charged experience that delivers on every promise of the genre.
Overall, Ensnare Me is a love story forged in fire, perfect for readers who crave sharp banter and dangerous secrets within their romance. Having received an ARC for an honest review, I found the blend of atmosphere and tension to be a highlight of the year's mafia releases. I am eager to see how Farrow expands this world in the next installment of the Ensnare Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ensnare Me: An Enemies To Lovers Mafia Romance by Tessa Farrow This book pulled me in fast and never let go. Ensnare Me is a deliciously tense enemies to lovers mafia romance set against a stunning European backdrop that feels as glamorous as it is dangerous. From Rome’s sunlit streets to the dark underbelly of the mafia world, the atmosphere is rich, vivid, and intoxicating.
Tash is a standout heroine. She is smart, determined, and walking a razor thin line from the moment she meets Rocco. I loved how her strength comes from her mind and her resolve rather than reckless bravado. The secrets she carries add constant tension, and every interaction with Rocco feels layered with risk and longing.
Rocco is everything you want in a mafia hero. Powerful, ruthless, and weary of a world that only wants him for his name, yet capable of intense devotion once he lets someone in. His struggle between control, desire, and betrayal is compelling, and the shift from guarded fascination to full blown obsession is done so well.
The chemistry between them is undeniable. Forced proximity and clashing agendas create a slow burn that simmers before igniting into something explosive. The emotional stakes feel just as high as the physical danger, and the betrayals hit hard without feeling cheap or rushed.
Dark, spicy, and emotionally charged, Ensnare Me delivers on romance, tension, and atmosphere. If you love mafia romances with sharp banter, dangerous secrets, and a love story forged in fire, this book is absolutely worth the read. I cannot wait to continue this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved reading this book. From the start including a playlist to hint at the rollercoaster we would be on to the double epilogue ending, it was an enjoyable and enticing read.
I liked the alternating POV's to know exactly how each MC was interpreting each moment of the plot. There were some predictable moments which make it easy to understand this mafia world, while also giving some twists to keep you guessing what will happen next. I stayed up late making sure our MC's made it out of some sticky situations!
I also loved the Italian language sprinkled throughout. The majority of this taking place in Rome or Italy and the MMC being Italian, it made sense for him and his family to talk this way. It made me feel like I was really in Italy with them. I don't know Italian but the way the words were used you can easily decipher from context or a quick explanation written in.
Definitely check your trigger warnings, but in the Mafia world it gets ugly and I think it was important to show some brutal moments. Our MMC is tough but also swoon worthy and it makes following him through this tumultuous time exciting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First book by this author and as soon as I saw the cover I was like sign me up my ASAP it was the perfect mafia story because this one was so different then other mafia romance story that I have read.
I love how both characters were fighting for their relationship and like they both knew it was going to end badly probably because of his whole family and the saying you can’t leave the mafia on your own. I really glad he saw their relationship form in the most beautiful way that just had that connection with each other when they weren’t even looking for relationship one was just on a trip to finally breathe after a tough time back home and the other one was doing let say family business. I’m glad that save each other at the end and live happy with each other. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next books and who is going to be involved.
This is Book 1 of the Oath Bound series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Welcome to a new spicy and dark mafia romance featuring enemies to lovers, forced proximity, elite criminals and never-ending romantic tension under a glittering European sun.'
The characters carried the story and they were very compelling and complex and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of Ensnare Me by Tessa Farrow thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ensnare Me starts off strong with a lot of action of the spicy and violent types. While these types of scenes are present throughout, they do not overwhelm the book, allowing the plot to shine through. There was great character growth and a few good plot twists. I do wish there was a longer build up to the relationship as it seems a bit artificial, but it was still enjoyable to read.
Loved reading the amazing and awesome mafia romance story. When Tash sees Rocco murder a man, Rocco threatens Tash and wants her for himself. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story.
Holy guacamole! This book brings passion and anticipation from the get go. You will not be able to put this down. Feast your eyes and fan yourself, cos this is HOT! I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
For me this book was definitely not a typical mafia romance book. It was more of a slow burn up until the end, which had more of an edge of your seat feel. I loved getting the dual POV of both MCs plotting on the other. This was a refreshing take on tropes that typically keep to a specific set of characteristics. As for the MCs I feel they lacked a liitle bit on emotional pull and the the major spark that comes with enemies to lovers. Overall it was a good book with a very unique story line!