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Revenge and Honor
HE DIDN’T SAVE ME, HE CLAIMED ME.
At sixteen, something broke inside me. Something that turned touch into fear and desire into a curse I carried for years. I always thought the right man would fix it. I was wrong.
My boyfriend stole from the most dangerous man alive and ran. He took something priceless with him and left me behind. Now I am trapped in the hands of a ruthless mafia Don with a shaved head, cold eyes, and a reputation soaked in blood. The Wife Killer.
He looks at my bruised body and sees only what he’s owed. But the way his gaze lingers, possessive and unrelenting, tells a different story. No one touches what’s his. And now, I’m his.
Two months. That’s the ultimatum.
My fear. My body. My surrender.
I am his compensation. The one woman he has sworn to claim and protect with lethal force.
And the worst part? My fear of being touched has never been stronger, while he’s the one man I cannot escape and the only one who makes my broken parts ache for more.
At sixteen, something broke inside me. Something that turned touch into fear and desire into a curse I carried for years. I always thought the right man would fix it. I was wrong.
My boyfriend stole from the most dangerous man alive and ran. He took something priceless with him and left me behind. Now I am trapped in the hands of a ruthless mafia Don with a shaved head, cold eyes, and a reputation soaked in blood. The Wife Killer.
He looks at my bruised body and sees only what he’s owed. But the way his gaze lingers, possessive and unrelenting, tells a different story. No one touches what’s his. And now, I’m his.
Two months. That’s the ultimatum.
My fear. My body. My surrender.
I am his compensation. The one woman he has sworn to claim and protect with lethal force.
And the worst part? My fear of being touched has never been stronger, while he’s the one man I cannot escape and the only one who makes my broken parts ache for more.
363 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2026
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unsafe
May 11, 2026Safety note - another day, another misogynistic c*ckquen of an author.
MMC is disgusting pig. Virgin FMC. She was in the relationship with MMCs cousin who was cheating with MMCs wife (it’s MMCs third wife and he was with OWs in all his marriages).
FMC saw her friend get SA and is very scared of intimacy, but her actions later are complete opposite.
Why the f*ck authors think it’s a norm nowadays to translate such trauma in this disgraceful manner is beyond me!
Two descriptive OW scenes, one was after he met FMC (1) and after the second OW scene (2) that mofo goes to FMC for the third base.
As always, FMC is pathetic for MMC to the max.
One second she’s terrified of sex, next she’s completely down to lose her virginity in the room with two OP that MMC invited, because he was mad she saw someone’s genitals by accident… (3)
MMC thought FMC was cheating on him for a sec, so he forced himself upon her and almost raped her, full on knowing about her past…
They already slept together multiple times at this point and developed feelings, but after this situation that didn’t stop MMC almost receive a BJ from OW, with whom he previously slept with (4)
The way I laughed out loud when on the marriage day MMC vowed to be “faithful” and give her and his future children “life full of safety and comfort”.
Yeah, not fooling anyone here, buddy 🤡
─ ✦ ────
“You think I’m so desperate for you that I’d stoop to this?” I spat, venom thick in my voice. “You think I need to force you to fuck me? Me? I could snap my fingers and have a hundred supermodels in my bed. And you think I need you? You think you’re going to play hard to get with me? Set fucking conditions for me?” - MMC to FMC 💀
(1)"Even though I’d had my way with another woman, thinking about her full tits fitting perfectly in my hands got me hard all over again. She was the kind of girl you pulled close without asking. The kind you bent over a table and took your time with, in every filthy way your mind could come up with."
(2)"I peeked through the folds of fabric. Carlo was fucking her again. A few moments later, he spun Aida around, slid his hands beneath her knees, and lifted her. She clung to him, arms around his neck, bouncing wildly as their rhythm turned feverish. A few minutes later, she collapsed against him, burying her face in his neck."
(3)"Then, to my absolute shock, Carlo raised his voice and called out. “Come in.”
My eyes flew open. “What?”
The door opened. A girl with a cascade of black hair stepped inside, leading a man at least three times her size by the hand. Both of them were completely naked. The man wore noise-canceling headphones and a blindfold over his eyes. I stared, mouth open, completely stunned. I had no idea what the hell was going on."
(4)"One of the redheads caught my eye. She was perched on Maxim’s lap, her breasts taking turns in his mouth, but her gaze was on me. She wasn’t subtle about it either.
I found myself staring at her lips. They looked familiar, and I knew exactly whose they reminded me of. I used to kiss, lick, and fuck those delicious lips every night.
I shifted in my seat, my pants tightening as my thoughts betrayed me. I motioned for the redhead to come over. The redhead stood, her hips swaying as she walked over, fully nude. She stopped in front of me, one hand drifting between her thighs, slowly rubbing her clit without breaking eye contact.
I spread my legs and gave her an order. “On your knees.”
She smiled and obeyed instantly. Dropping to her knees, she placed her hands on my thighs and dragged them upward, taking her time like she was savoring every second. Her eyes were on me, and mine were on her lips.
But in my head, her lips weren’t hers anymore. They were Emily’s. It had been two weeks since I’d last had her on her birthday, when I fucked her three times and she wanted me more each time. Her pussy was always wet and eager for my cock.
The redhead’s fingers brushed against my zipper, knocking me back to the present. My hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. She looked at me, eyes wide with confusion. I cupped her chin with my other hand and pulled her closer. Now, the thought of her lips on my cock made my stomach churn."
"But for me, sex was a transaction, a means to an end. I could’ve had the most beautiful, famous supermodels under my cock without breaking a sweat. Still, I always picked the whores, because they knew their place. I didn’t have to waste time seducing them or pretend I gave a damn."
──── ✦ ─
MMC is disgusting pig. Virgin FMC. She was in the relationship with MMCs cousin who was cheating with MMCs wife (it’s MMCs third wife and he was with OWs in all his marriages).
FMC saw her friend get SA and is very scared of intimacy, but her actions later are complete opposite.
Why the f*ck authors think it’s a norm nowadays to translate such trauma in this disgraceful manner is beyond me!
Two descriptive OW scenes, one was after he met FMC (1) and after the second OW scene (2) that mofo goes to FMC for the third base.
As always, FMC is pathetic for MMC to the max.
One second she’s terrified of sex, next she’s completely down to lose her virginity in the room with two OP that MMC invited, because he was mad she saw someone’s genitals by accident… (3)
MMC thought FMC was cheating on him for a sec, so he forced himself upon her and almost raped her, full on knowing about her past…
They already slept together multiple times at this point and developed feelings, but after this situation that didn’t stop MMC almost receive a BJ from OW, with whom he previously slept with (4)
The way I laughed out loud when on the marriage day MMC vowed to be “faithful” and give her and his future children “life full of safety and comfort”.
Yeah, not fooling anyone here, buddy 🤡
─ ✦ ────
“You think I’m so desperate for you that I’d stoop to this?” I spat, venom thick in my voice. “You think I need to force you to fuck me? Me? I could snap my fingers and have a hundred supermodels in my bed. And you think I need you? You think you’re going to play hard to get with me? Set fucking conditions for me?” - MMC to FMC 💀
(1)"Even though I’d had my way with another woman, thinking about her full tits fitting perfectly in my hands got me hard all over again. She was the kind of girl you pulled close without asking. The kind you bent over a table and took your time with, in every filthy way your mind could come up with."
(2)"I peeked through the folds of fabric. Carlo was fucking her again. A few moments later, he spun Aida around, slid his hands beneath her knees, and lifted her. She clung to him, arms around his neck, bouncing wildly as their rhythm turned feverish. A few minutes later, she collapsed against him, burying her face in his neck."
(3)"Then, to my absolute shock, Carlo raised his voice and called out. “Come in.”
My eyes flew open. “What?”
The door opened. A girl with a cascade of black hair stepped inside, leading a man at least three times her size by the hand. Both of them were completely naked. The man wore noise-canceling headphones and a blindfold over his eyes. I stared, mouth open, completely stunned. I had no idea what the hell was going on."
(4)"One of the redheads caught my eye. She was perched on Maxim’s lap, her breasts taking turns in his mouth, but her gaze was on me. She wasn’t subtle about it either.
I found myself staring at her lips. They looked familiar, and I knew exactly whose they reminded me of. I used to kiss, lick, and fuck those delicious lips every night.
I shifted in my seat, my pants tightening as my thoughts betrayed me. I motioned for the redhead to come over. The redhead stood, her hips swaying as she walked over, fully nude. She stopped in front of me, one hand drifting between her thighs, slowly rubbing her clit without breaking eye contact.
I spread my legs and gave her an order. “On your knees.”
She smiled and obeyed instantly. Dropping to her knees, she placed her hands on my thighs and dragged them upward, taking her time like she was savoring every second. Her eyes were on me, and mine were on her lips.
But in my head, her lips weren’t hers anymore. They were Emily’s. It had been two weeks since I’d last had her on her birthday, when I fucked her three times and she wanted me more each time. Her pussy was always wet and eager for my cock.
The redhead’s fingers brushed against my zipper, knocking me back to the present. My hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. She looked at me, eyes wide with confusion. I cupped her chin with my other hand and pulled her closer. Now, the thought of her lips on my cock made my stomach churn."
"But for me, sex was a transaction, a means to an end. I could’ve had the most beautiful, famous supermodels under my cock without breaking a sweat. Still, I always picked the whores, because they knew their place. I didn’t have to waste time seducing them or pretend I gave a damn."
──── ✦ ─
Review of advance copy received from Author
5🌟
5🌶🎆
I recommend reading the trigger warnings for this one🖤
Where to begin...?
This was honestly one of the most brutal but beautiful stories I have read yet to date. Its not just another mafia affair; it's a heartbreaking, gut wrenching map of lives, drawn through many ranging routes and reasonings.
I may be a bit bias as Carlo similarly resembles my own amore mio-The way he's described to everyone is heartless, uncaring, stone.
But to the one who has his heart, he is gentle, loving, and considerate.
Even though these new emotions are confusing to him, the great Don Carlo does what any man would in his uprising of situations.
This was such an affecting narrative that captured just about every personal emotion from me; that alone deserves a 5🌟However, I would rate this particular novel a 10 if I could🖤
A special thanks and gratitude to the very generous Author Lia Lamar, thank you for allowing me to be an arc reader on your new fabulous release. 🥂
5🌶🎆
I recommend reading the trigger warnings for this one🖤
Where to begin...?
This was honestly one of the most brutal but beautiful stories I have read yet to date. Its not just another mafia affair; it's a heartbreaking, gut wrenching map of lives, drawn through many ranging routes and reasonings.
I may be a bit bias as Carlo similarly resembles my own amore mio-The way he's described to everyone is heartless, uncaring, stone.
But to the one who has his heart, he is gentle, loving, and considerate.
Even though these new emotions are confusing to him, the great Don Carlo does what any man would in his uprising of situations.
This was such an affecting narrative that captured just about every personal emotion from me; that alone deserves a 5🌟However, I would rate this particular novel a 10 if I could🖤
A special thanks and gratitude to the very generous Author Lia Lamar, thank you for allowing me to be an arc reader on your new fabulous release. 🥂
April 4, 2026
The fmc's friend is raped when they're 16, and she witnesses it. She's so traumatized, she's terrified of having sex, and is diagnosed with something of that nature. I hated the way she talked about her friends rape, and the insensitive way it was written.
"Strangely, Jill remembered nothing the next day. Aside from a few bumps and bruises, she was perfectly fine, inside and out. But I wasn’t as lucky as her."
Then she gets an older bf and goes on an international trip, and he turns out to be mafia and he's holding her captive for nefarious purposes. The plot was very thin, because he mostly just ignored her. Turns out he was having an affair with the mmcs wife, and was somehow using the fmc as a distraction because they're connected. It was honestly kinda dumb. Anyhoo, the bf and the wife run off together and we never hear from them again.
The mmc takes his anger out of the fmc because she's the only one left, and she's held hostage.
I started skimming after the mmc has sex with ow then comes and gives fmc an orgasm.
**the author didn't do a good job with the trigger warnings. The mmc tried to rape the fmc well after their relationship was established knowing her trauma.
Also, there is a very descriptive scene of a death of a dog that's the mmc's pet.
***ow/om drama-I don't like seeing my mcs with others after they meet. He's on page having sex with ow while fmc is living there. om-mmc thinks she's cheating on him with one of his men and attempts to rape her. She's also with his cousin at the beginning and he's married most of the book but both are non issues.
"Strangely, Jill remembered nothing the next day. Aside from a few bumps and bruises, she was perfectly fine, inside and out. But I wasn’t as lucky as her."
Then she gets an older bf and goes on an international trip, and he turns out to be mafia and he's holding her captive for nefarious purposes. The plot was very thin, because he mostly just ignored her. Turns out he was having an affair with the mmcs wife, and was somehow using the fmc as a distraction because they're connected. It was honestly kinda dumb. Anyhoo, the bf and the wife run off together and we never hear from them again.
The mmc takes his anger out of the fmc because she's the only one left, and she's held hostage.
I started skimming after the mmc has sex with ow then comes and gives fmc an orgasm.
**the author didn't do a good job with the trigger warnings. The mmc tried to rape the fmc well after their relationship was established knowing her trauma.
Also, there is a very descriptive scene of a death of a dog that's the mmc's pet.
***ow/om drama-I don't like seeing my mcs with others after they meet. He's on page having sex with ow while fmc is living there. om-mmc thinks she's cheating on him with one of his men and attempts to rape her. She's also with his cousin at the beginning and he's married most of the book but both are non issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2026
First of all, congratulations, Lia, on your debut!! This new cover is absolutely stunning.
I was fortunate enough to read Revenge & Honor before it was released to ARC readers, and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The storyline immediately held my interest, the characters were engaging, and the action was riveting.
If you love dark romance and aren't afraid of trigger warnings, I highly suggest going in blind- you definitely won't regret it. If you have triggers then review the list beforehand.
This book is an absolute must‑read, and I cannot wait for the next installments in the series.
✔️Dark Mafia Romance
✔️Possessive MMC
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Trauma & Healing
I was fortunate enough to read Revenge & Honor before it was released to ARC readers, and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The storyline immediately held my interest, the characters were engaging, and the action was riveting.
If you love dark romance and aren't afraid of trigger warnings, I highly suggest going in blind- you definitely won't regret it. If you have triggers then review the list beforehand.
This book is an absolute must‑read, and I cannot wait for the next installments in the series.
✔️Dark Mafia Romance
✔️Possessive MMC
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Trauma & Healing
March 4, 2026
Carlo (28) & Emily (20). A mafia don and an outsider.
It’s the first book of a mafia series by a new author and I can say I found it quite enjoyable and read it in a couple of days. It’s a bit darker than my usual mafia reads but I liked it.
I can’t say I was thrilled with the FMC. She was too naive, sometimes boring and also we didn’t get to know much about her past, it felt like something was missing.
The MMC was definitely a morally grey character who had troubled admitting his feelings; feelings that did not just appear by looking at Em. I liked him more than Em because he was what I expected him to be, ruthless and harsh at first.
There were some plots and twists and things got more intense after 60-70%. I think there should be some more development in the final incident, it felt a bit rushed.
I will be reading the next one for sure though.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 3.5/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.
It’s the first book of a mafia series by a new author and I can say I found it quite enjoyable and read it in a couple of days. It’s a bit darker than my usual mafia reads but I liked it.
I can’t say I was thrilled with the FMC. She was too naive, sometimes boring and also we didn’t get to know much about her past, it felt like something was missing.
The MMC was definitely a morally grey character who had troubled admitting his feelings; feelings that did not just appear by looking at Em. I liked him more than Em because he was what I expected him to be, ruthless and harsh at first.
There were some plots and twists and things got more intense after 60-70%. I think there should be some more development in the final incident, it felt a bit rushed.
I will be reading the next one for sure though.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 3.5/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.
March 15, 2026
I’d say it was sort of a mafia-style Beauty and the Beast😏😋. Our Beauty, Emily, after a traumatic experience that leaves her with a bitter taste in her mouth, meets the guy every girl dreams of—but appearances can be deceiving, and she ends up in the lair of the Beast, Carlo, a man born and raised on violence, for whom terror is a second name... Will the beauty be able to save the beast’s soul?
“I believe that every man, no matter how ruthless he may be, has a heart that one day might beat for someone.”
……This girl was incredible. In less than two months, everything she knew had been taken from her. Her home, her friends, her country—everything was gone. She had been beaten nearly to death, handed over to a man like me under threat and fear. And now she sat beside me in silence, offering me solace for a storm that hadn’t even broken yet. She didn’t know it, but she was a fighter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Will the beast be able to resist the beauty?🫦❤️
🔥💥
“I believe that every man, no matter how ruthless he may be, has a heart that one day might beat for someone.”
……This girl was incredible. In less than two months, everything she knew had been taken from her. Her home, her friends, her country—everything was gone. She had been beaten nearly to death, handed over to a man like me under threat and fear. And now she sat beside me in silence, offering me solace for a storm that hadn’t even broken yet. She didn’t know it, but she was a fighter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Will the beast be able to resist the beauty?🫦❤️
🔥💥
March 21, 2026
I received this an ARC and all I can say it Immediately yes! Hooked from the start. Definitely didn’t go where I thought it would but so glad it went where it did. The chemistry is chefs kiss. You have a brooding grumpy Italian mafia man and a naive American woman could it get much better?!? Carlo definitely sends us on an emotional rollercoaster but Emily rolls with it and handles it all with grace. Will definitely be reading the next book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I truly appreciate being able to dive into the story early.
I’m giving this one 4 stars because there were a few things that felt a little off to me. The first couple of chapters were slightly confusing (the horseback scene, which suddenly felt like we were transported somewhere completely different). It took me a bit to find my footing but once the story started unfolding, it really began to shine.
I’ve been reading mafia romance for quite a while now, so I’d say I’m pretty familiar with the genre. This book definitely delivered strong emotions and high tension from both main characters.
Carlo’s transformation was one of my favorite parts. At first, he’s introduced as this ruthless, coldblooded mafia man with the infamous nickname "The Wife Killer" (thanks to his two deceased wives and the rumors surrounding them). And yet, from the very beginning, you can see his interest in Emily. The subtle gestures, the way he watches her, the protectiveness - it was all there under the surface.
I especially liked the way he helped her work through her fear of intimacy. It wasn’t rushed, and it added emotional depth to their relationship. Watching him slowly fall for her while being in complete denial about it was really entertaining to me. And by the end? Total teddy bear energy.
Maxim and Brando were also such fun additions. Their dynamic brought lighter moments into an otherwise intense story. Based on the epilogue, I’m guessing the next book will focus on Maxim, and I’m already curious to see what happens between him and the mysterious redhaired girl.
One thing I’m still wondering about is Tony and Lucia. I’m not sure if their story is being saved for another book, but I definitely felt like there was more there.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on edge, was packed with action and strong emotions, and held my attention the whole time. I’m excited to see where this series goes next.
I’m giving this one 4 stars because there were a few things that felt a little off to me. The first couple of chapters were slightly confusing (the horseback scene, which suddenly felt like we were transported somewhere completely different). It took me a bit to find my footing but once the story started unfolding, it really began to shine.
I’ve been reading mafia romance for quite a while now, so I’d say I’m pretty familiar with the genre. This book definitely delivered strong emotions and high tension from both main characters.
Carlo’s transformation was one of my favorite parts. At first, he’s introduced as this ruthless, coldblooded mafia man with the infamous nickname "The Wife Killer" (thanks to his two deceased wives and the rumors surrounding them). And yet, from the very beginning, you can see his interest in Emily. The subtle gestures, the way he watches her, the protectiveness - it was all there under the surface.
I especially liked the way he helped her work through her fear of intimacy. It wasn’t rushed, and it added emotional depth to their relationship. Watching him slowly fall for her while being in complete denial about it was really entertaining to me. And by the end? Total teddy bear energy.
Maxim and Brando were also such fun additions. Their dynamic brought lighter moments into an otherwise intense story. Based on the epilogue, I’m guessing the next book will focus on Maxim, and I’m already curious to see what happens between him and the mysterious redhaired girl.
One thing I’m still wondering about is Tony and Lucia. I’m not sure if their story is being saved for another book, but I definitely felt like there was more there.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on edge, was packed with action and strong emotions, and held my attention the whole time. I’m excited to see where this series goes next.
March 29, 2026
A Promising Premise That Fumbled the Hard Parts
I had high hopes for this book, based on some key elements:
✅dark mafia romance
✅tantalizing blurb
✅"you're mine" energy
✅traumatized heroine
The overall storyline had a lot of potential, but the whole raison d'être of the heroine's trauma was poorly executed from start-to-finish. And I just...could. not.
Warning: this is where my rant starts:
❌the insight into her trauma was covered by 2 pages in chapter 1; this should have been a proper prologue with so much angst it would give you all the feels #missedopportunity
❌she was clearly suffering from PTSD with resulting panic attacks, but it kept being incorrectly referenced as 'sex phobia' #whatsupwiththat
❌she was not assaulted, her friend was,... so why the touch aversion?
❌her friend -who actually was assaulted- did not remember anything... this kind of dissociative amnesia is not uncommon, but it was mentioned so blasé it was borderline disrespectful
Overall, sexual assualt is a sensitive topic that affects 1 in 5 women (as per the NSVRC).
I am not opposed to it being used in dark romance, but I expect it to be handled with more care.
My favorite quotes:
What I loved:
🗺️the family tree at the beginning of the book
❤️🩹the premise of him healing her of her touch aversion
What I struggled with:
❌how her trauma was portrayed (see rant above)
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalone, part of the Honor series
🫂dual POV, 1st person
🖤dark mafia romance
❤️🩹trauma and healing
💑possessive MMC x touch-aversion FMC
🧓age gap (28H, 21h)
💪power imbalance
☠️touch her and die
🌶️high spice
🏠forced proximity
😇virgin FMC
💔3rd act breakup
🥵"you're mine" energy
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🌶️spice
🦺content warnings
I had high hopes for this book, based on some key elements:
✅dark mafia romance
✅tantalizing blurb
✅"you're mine" energy
✅traumatized heroine
The overall storyline had a lot of potential, but the whole raison d'être of the heroine's trauma was poorly executed from start-to-finish. And I just...could. not.
Warning: this is where my rant starts:
❌the insight into her trauma was covered by 2 pages in chapter 1; this should have been a proper prologue with so much angst it would give you all the feels #missedopportunity
❌she was clearly suffering from PTSD with resulting panic attacks, but it kept being incorrectly referenced as 'sex phobia' #whatsupwiththat
❌she was not assaulted, her friend was,... so why the touch aversion?
❌her friend -who actually was assaulted- did not remember anything... this kind of dissociative amnesia is not uncommon, but it was mentioned so blasé it was borderline disrespectful
Overall, sexual assualt is a sensitive topic that affects 1 in 5 women (as per the NSVRC).
I am not opposed to it being used in dark romance, but I expect it to be handled with more care.
My favorite quotes:
"You know what? Doesn't matter. I'm the Capo, and I command you. You're mine." His mouth claimed mine in a kiss, soft but completely possessive. When he pulled back, his voice was low, a playful edge lacing every word. "I'm not letting you go anywhere. I'm keeping you locked up right here." I laughed again. Thank God. He was back to factory settings.
What I loved:
🗺️the family tree at the beginning of the book
❤️🩹the premise of him healing her of her touch aversion
What I struggled with:
❌how her trauma was portrayed (see rant above)
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalone, part of the Honor series
🫂dual POV, 1st person
🖤dark mafia romance
❤️🩹trauma and healing
💑possessive MMC x touch-aversion FMC
🧓age gap (28H, 21h)
💪power imbalance
☠️touch her and die
🌶️high spice
🏠forced proximity
😇virgin FMC
💔3rd act breakup
🥵"you're mine" energy
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🌶️spice
🦺content warnings
Did Not Finish
March 5, 2026DNF at 25%
I love dark romance, and I read it a lot, so I was really excited about this book. The blurb immediately hooked me, which made me even more eager to start it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed.
First, Emily (the FMC) is unbelievably dumb. Like… what?! You’ve only known this man for three months, and you’re already traveling with him??
She witnessed a rape and yet she blindly trusted a man she knew nothing about him?
And he is 10 years older than her, while she is still a teen!
Which leads to the story itself, which felt confusing. In the early chapters, the FMC is 17 (while her supposed boyfriend is 29), but later she is suddenly 19. The timeline and details didn’t make much sense to me. Also, the family tree is confusing.
I’m thankful to the author for the opportunity, but this book was not for me. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
I love dark romance, and I read it a lot, so I was really excited about this book. The blurb immediately hooked me, which made me even more eager to start it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed.
First, Emily (the FMC) is unbelievably dumb. Like… what?! You’ve only known this man for three months, and you’re already traveling with him??
She witnessed a rape and yet she blindly trusted a man she knew nothing about him?
And he is 10 years older than her, while she is still a teen!
Which leads to the story itself, which felt confusing. In the early chapters, the FMC is 17 (while her supposed boyfriend is 29), but later she is suddenly 19. The timeline and details didn’t make much sense to me. Also, the family tree is confusing.
I’m thankful to the author for the opportunity, but this book was not for me. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
April 1, 2026
He was the danger she should’ve escaped, and the one she couldn’t leave.
Emily spends years trying to live around the damage one night leaves behind, hoping the right man might finally loosen fear’s grip. Instead, the man she trusts pulls her into a brutal world built on lies, control, and blood, then leaves her trapped with the person she’s warned to fear most, a man with reputation as brutal as the world that made him.
Mafia Don Carlo is ruthless, cold, and used to being obeyed, but the moment Emily lands in his path, something shifts. What begins as fear and forced proximity turns into a darker pull, where every look feels loaded, every touch means too much, and protection starts blurring into possession as neither of them can ignore what’s growing between them.
As betrayal closes in, the bond between them changes from raw tension into something more intimate and harder to escape. She starts to see the man beneath the violence, and he finds the one person who makes power feel less important than devotion. What starts in fear becomes a connection shaped by pressure, vulnerability, and the slow understanding that neither of them comes away untouched.
Emily learns to stop living only in survival mode, while Carlo reveals a deeper capacity for attachment, vulnerability, and devotion. Their relationship shifts from fear and coercive proximity into a dark, deeply charged bond where trust is earned slowly and intimacy becomes inseparable from protection, surrender, and love.
A dark, ultra-steamy mafia romance where fear, coercion, and buried family secrets reshape a woman’s sense of self, and a brutal power imbalance slowly turns into something more intimate, loyal, and consuming. It’s about trauma and recovery, possession tangled with protection, and a love forged in violence, trust, and emotional survival.
The Elevator Pitch: A traumatized young woman is pulled into a violent mafia world after the man she trusted betrays her, only to find herself trapped in the orbit of a feared Don whose brutality is matched only by the force of his claim. What begins as terror and control turns into a charged, dangerous bond where fear, desire, and protection keep shifting shape. Beneath the blood, secrecy, and power, it becomes a story about a woman fighting to reclaim herself and a man learning that devotion can cut deeper than violence.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Emily spends years trying to live around the damage one night leaves behind, hoping the right man might finally loosen fear’s grip. Instead, the man she trusts pulls her into a brutal world built on lies, control, and blood, then leaves her trapped with the person she’s warned to fear most, a man with reputation as brutal as the world that made him.
Mafia Don Carlo is ruthless, cold, and used to being obeyed, but the moment Emily lands in his path, something shifts. What begins as fear and forced proximity turns into a darker pull, where every look feels loaded, every touch means too much, and protection starts blurring into possession as neither of them can ignore what’s growing between them.
As betrayal closes in, the bond between them changes from raw tension into something more intimate and harder to escape. She starts to see the man beneath the violence, and he finds the one person who makes power feel less important than devotion. What starts in fear becomes a connection shaped by pressure, vulnerability, and the slow understanding that neither of them comes away untouched.
Emily learns to stop living only in survival mode, while Carlo reveals a deeper capacity for attachment, vulnerability, and devotion. Their relationship shifts from fear and coercive proximity into a dark, deeply charged bond where trust is earned slowly and intimacy becomes inseparable from protection, surrender, and love.
A dark, ultra-steamy mafia romance where fear, coercion, and buried family secrets reshape a woman’s sense of self, and a brutal power imbalance slowly turns into something more intimate, loyal, and consuming. It’s about trauma and recovery, possession tangled with protection, and a love forged in violence, trust, and emotional survival.
The Elevator Pitch: A traumatized young woman is pulled into a violent mafia world after the man she trusted betrays her, only to find herself trapped in the orbit of a feared Don whose brutality is matched only by the force of his claim. What begins as terror and control turns into a charged, dangerous bond where fear, desire, and protection keep shifting shape. Beneath the blood, secrecy, and power, it becomes a story about a woman fighting to reclaim herself and a man learning that devotion can cut deeper than violence.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
April 28, 2026
Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 3/5 ➡️➡️➡️ Italian mafia don in the making VS shelter american virgin. Emily thought she was going on vacation to Italy with her boyfriend, Tony, for a family members birthday. Things started to get weird as soon as she walked in the door.
Tony brought her there with ulterior motive. When she sees Tony in bed with his cousins wife she tries to run. She makes it to the fence when Carlo calls off the guards. She’s battered from falling down, her dress is in rags, she’s a train wreck. Carlo wants to know who the hell she is. Carlo, the don in the making, is Tony’s cousin.
Carlo knows something’s up. Why would his cousins girlfriend try to run? Emily doesn’t confess to anything. Tony threatened her. So when Carlo summons her she starts slamming drinks but keeps the secret. When it comes down to the birthday party shit hits the fan. Emily gets taken back to her room. But during that ordeal we find out Tony and Carlo’s wife have vanished, run away.
Carlo questions Emily but believes that she didn’t know anything. He doesn’t trust her though. Carlo dubs Emily as his. Chaining her to his bed. She’s terrified. Carlo steps into his title as Don. Keeping enemies at bay, including other smaller mafia families that are out to take over Carlo’s empire.
A prisoner. No where to go. No phone. No connections. Emily is trapped. She tries to make the best of her situation but Carlo makes it difficult. All the while the tension between Emily and Carlo is palpable. Carlo wants Emily. Emily is terrified of sex. She witnesses her best friend getting raped. She’s been holding onto her V card for a while, but Carlo makes her want to let go.
Carlo is stubborn. He holds on to the idea that he holds all the power and Emily must submit to him. She’s supposedly nothing more than his whore. Emily just wants him to apologize. He does the unthinkable and shatters her. Both are in love with each other but unwilling to admit it.
This is a standalone. No cliffy. We even get an epilogue. A dose of my least favorite trope makes an appearance at the end, but it went by quick. The spice is great. The drama was good. The only question left unanswered was what happened with Tony and Lucia after they vanished? But I do see book two is theirs. So the answers are there.
Tony brought her there with ulterior motive. When she sees Tony in bed with his cousins wife she tries to run. She makes it to the fence when Carlo calls off the guards. She’s battered from falling down, her dress is in rags, she’s a train wreck. Carlo wants to know who the hell she is. Carlo, the don in the making, is Tony’s cousin.
Carlo knows something’s up. Why would his cousins girlfriend try to run? Emily doesn’t confess to anything. Tony threatened her. So when Carlo summons her she starts slamming drinks but keeps the secret. When it comes down to the birthday party shit hits the fan. Emily gets taken back to her room. But during that ordeal we find out Tony and Carlo’s wife have vanished, run away.
Carlo questions Emily but believes that she didn’t know anything. He doesn’t trust her though. Carlo dubs Emily as his. Chaining her to his bed. She’s terrified. Carlo steps into his title as Don. Keeping enemies at bay, including other smaller mafia families that are out to take over Carlo’s empire.
A prisoner. No where to go. No phone. No connections. Emily is trapped. She tries to make the best of her situation but Carlo makes it difficult. All the while the tension between Emily and Carlo is palpable. Carlo wants Emily. Emily is terrified of sex. She witnesses her best friend getting raped. She’s been holding onto her V card for a while, but Carlo makes her want to let go.
Carlo is stubborn. He holds on to the idea that he holds all the power and Emily must submit to him. She’s supposedly nothing more than his whore. Emily just wants him to apologize. He does the unthinkable and shatters her. Both are in love with each other but unwilling to admit it.
This is a standalone. No cliffy. We even get an epilogue. A dose of my least favorite trope makes an appearance at the end, but it went by quick. The spice is great. The drama was good. The only question left unanswered was what happened with Tony and Lucia after they vanished? But I do see book two is theirs. So the answers are there.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
CONCHETUMARE. BECAUSE I HAVE NO WORDS IN ENGLISH TO DESCRIBE MY REACTION 🤯
First of all, thank you very much Lia for the opportunity. You really surprised me, and I enjoyed so much this book 🫢
SIN EMBARGO, AUNQUE ES MAFIA Y POR ENDE, OSCURO, CON ADVERTENCIAS Y DEMÁS. LEÁNLAS, PORQUE YO QUEDÉ🫣⚠️
So, esta es mi primera vez leyendo a la autora y fue un total acierto para mí, realmente me atrapó desde el momento uno con el drama de que Carlos (el diablo de la mafia) tiene una leyenda que lo precede en donde todas sus esposas mueren. Sin embargo, cuando Emilia viaja junto a su pareja y conoce a este hombre, quién iba a pensar que encontraría que su pareja le es infiel con la esposa de ese señor mafioso, iniciando un juego de venganza y honor 🤯
Y CONCHETUMARE. OSEA LITERALMENTE ES MI FRASE DEL LIBRO JAJAJA.
Carlos es un maldito bastardo, en donde realmente presiona (tenemos actos sin consentimiento⚠️) a Emily de una manera que me tenía gritando y chillando, pero a la vez, ella le respondía, le hacia frente, a pesar de que terminaba en crisis de pánico y con el otro arrepintiendose de todo, pero no queriendo "demostrar" que esta muchacha ya estaba en lo profundo de su corazón😔
Sin embargo, más allá del drama romántico, también estaba toda la situación del mito de Carlos, la traición de la ex esposa, las bandas rivales y todo un dramón que me tenía con los pelos de punta hasta el final 🧍🏻♀️
Aunque hay cositas que claramente no me sorprendieron, si quedé en algunos momentos demasiado wtf con todo lo que iba pasando JAJAJ 🙇🏻♀️
Por otra parte, necesito mencionar mi profundo amor a Giorgio. CONCHETUMARE, que hombreeeeeee. A pesar de ser el guardaespalda de Emily por orden de Carlos, termina convirtiendose en uno de mis personajes favoritos de la historia, ya que está ahí para ella, le hace entender y le valida todos los sentimientos en relación a Carlos, osea es el mejor amigo de las girls 🥹
Por último, me encantó la declaración de amor, me encanta leer mafia, so es uno de los libros que más he disfrutado e incluso leí/escuché en dos días, porque solo quería saber que pasaría JAJAJ 🫢. Sin embargo, cuando se menciona contenido altamente sensible, delicado y con advertencias, me hace ir con cuidado por como se abarca, desarrolla y cierra tales situaciones y en ese sentido Carlos se merecía rogar más por el perdón (aunque exista esta línea muy delgada en el mafia romance).
First of all, thank you very much Lia for the opportunity. You really surprised me, and I enjoyed so much this book 🫢
SIN EMBARGO, AUNQUE ES MAFIA Y POR ENDE, OSCURO, CON ADVERTENCIAS Y DEMÁS. LEÁNLAS, PORQUE YO QUEDÉ🫣⚠️
So, esta es mi primera vez leyendo a la autora y fue un total acierto para mí, realmente me atrapó desde el momento uno con el drama de que Carlos (el diablo de la mafia) tiene una leyenda que lo precede en donde todas sus esposas mueren. Sin embargo, cuando Emilia viaja junto a su pareja y conoce a este hombre, quién iba a pensar que encontraría que su pareja le es infiel con la esposa de ese señor mafioso, iniciando un juego de venganza y honor 🤯
Y CONCHETUMARE. OSEA LITERALMENTE ES MI FRASE DEL LIBRO JAJAJA.
Carlos es un maldito bastardo, en donde realmente presiona (tenemos actos sin consentimiento⚠️) a Emily de una manera que me tenía gritando y chillando, pero a la vez, ella le respondía, le hacia frente, a pesar de que terminaba en crisis de pánico y con el otro arrepintiendose de todo, pero no queriendo "demostrar" que esta muchacha ya estaba en lo profundo de su corazón😔
Sin embargo, más allá del drama romántico, también estaba toda la situación del mito de Carlos, la traición de la ex esposa, las bandas rivales y todo un dramón que me tenía con los pelos de punta hasta el final 🧍🏻♀️
Aunque hay cositas que claramente no me sorprendieron, si quedé en algunos momentos demasiado wtf con todo lo que iba pasando JAJAJ 🙇🏻♀️
Por otra parte, necesito mencionar mi profundo amor a Giorgio. CONCHETUMARE, que hombreeeeeee. A pesar de ser el guardaespalda de Emily por orden de Carlos, termina convirtiendose en uno de mis personajes favoritos de la historia, ya que está ahí para ella, le hace entender y le valida todos los sentimientos en relación a Carlos, osea es el mejor amigo de las girls 🥹
Por último, me encantó la declaración de amor, me encanta leer mafia, so es uno de los libros que más he disfrutado e incluso leí/escuché en dos días, porque solo quería saber que pasaría JAJAJ 🫢. Sin embargo, cuando se menciona contenido altamente sensible, delicado y con advertencias, me hace ir con cuidado por como se abarca, desarrolla y cierra tales situaciones y en ese sentido Carlos se merecía rogar más por el perdón (aunque exista esta línea muy delgada en el mafia romance).
March 22, 2026
"He was death itself in human form, and all I could do was give in"
That was one of the best mafia books I've read 😍😍 and I read a lot of mafia books and this one has it all, the agony, the emotions , the love, the spice , the twists and the mafia drama 😘😘
I enjoyed this book a lot and it was a rollercoaster of emotions for me , so, please make sure to read the WT and then enjoy the book ❤️❤️
Our MC is Carlo and his wife betrayed him and ran away .
Emily was the one left behind so, he can take his revenge on her , she is pure ,innocent , kind and a nice person who was in the wrong place with the wrong people but now she is all his 😁😁
Carlo is the new Mafia Don ,he is known as " the Wife killer " he is possessive , protective of what is his and now Emila is his ❤️❤️
He claims he would never love anyone but with Emily he is insanely jealous, aggressively possessive and stupidly protective and loyal to her , he is giving her everything she needs weather it's shelter or safety and he is promising to protect her from anyone yet he is still don't want to admit they are in a relationship 😁😁
The book is full of events that sucks you in and you can't put it down till it's done , the tension and the emotions in the last few chapters got my heart aching for both of them 🙈🙈🥺🥺
"Swear that if the day ever comes when you have to choose between me and yourself... you’ll choose yourself.” 😭😭❤️❤️
Seriously enjoyed the book and can't wait for book 2 , I think it's will be Maxim story 😍😍 super excited for him ❤️❤️
That was one of the best mafia books I've read 😍😍 and I read a lot of mafia books and this one has it all, the agony, the emotions , the love, the spice , the twists and the mafia drama 😘😘
I enjoyed this book a lot and it was a rollercoaster of emotions for me , so, please make sure to read the WT and then enjoy the book ❤️❤️
Our MC is Carlo and his wife betrayed him and ran away .
Emily was the one left behind so, he can take his revenge on her , she is pure ,innocent , kind and a nice person who was in the wrong place with the wrong people but now she is all his 😁😁
Carlo is the new Mafia Don ,he is known as " the Wife killer " he is possessive , protective of what is his and now Emila is his ❤️❤️
He claims he would never love anyone but with Emily he is insanely jealous, aggressively possessive and stupidly protective and loyal to her , he is giving her everything she needs weather it's shelter or safety and he is promising to protect her from anyone yet he is still don't want to admit they are in a relationship 😁😁
The book is full of events that sucks you in and you can't put it down till it's done , the tension and the emotions in the last few chapters got my heart aching for both of them 🙈🙈🥺🥺
"Swear that if the day ever comes when you have to choose between me and yourself... you’ll choose yourself.” 😭😭❤️❤️
Seriously enjoyed the book and can't wait for book 2 , I think it's will be Maxim story 😍😍 super excited for him ❤️❤️
February 26, 2026
Oh my, what a wonderful story this is! I’ve read a lot of mafia books, and this one is without a doubt, one of the best I’ve ever read. Once I’ve started the book, I couldn’t stop reading it.
Yes, it’s the typical “touch her and die” but the way Emily is real in her emotions, that’s something I’ve been missing in a lot of the other mafia books.
From the beginning to the end, throughout their entire journey, there is not a single place in the book where I feel like yelling at her or rolling my eyes at her, and that’s saying a lot, since so many other mafia books have irritated female leads.
At the beginning of the book, it’s hard to learn the names of the characters, but after a few times where I had to go back in the book and just refresh my memory of who was who, I was fine remembering them all. Be aware of the trigger list. There are certain places in the book where it can be difficult to read, especially around rape and panic attacks.
I really hope there will be a book about Maxim and Bardo.
Oversæt
Yes, it’s the typical “touch her and die” but the way Emily is real in her emotions, that’s something I’ve been missing in a lot of the other mafia books.
From the beginning to the end, throughout their entire journey, there is not a single place in the book where I feel like yelling at her or rolling my eyes at her, and that’s saying a lot, since so many other mafia books have irritated female leads.
At the beginning of the book, it’s hard to learn the names of the characters, but after a few times where I had to go back in the book and just refresh my memory of who was who, I was fine remembering them all. Be aware of the trigger list. There are certain places in the book where it can be difficult to read, especially around rape and panic attacks.
I really hope there will be a book about Maxim and Bardo.
Oversæt
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
release date: 3.34.36
Read Trigger Warnings
I could not put this book down!! i was hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved how the story flowed, and the chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I loved that the side characters are just as involved as the lead characters.
I've been reading alot of books with a strong FMC and Emily is no different. I love how she is put in tough situations but still manages to be brave and stand up for herself.
the big bad Mafia boss, Carlo, which i love!!! I loved his persona.
thank you For allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. I look forward to reading more about this Mafia world
release date: 3.34.36
Read Trigger Warnings
I could not put this book down!! i was hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved how the story flowed, and the chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I loved that the side characters are just as involved as the lead characters.
I've been reading alot of books with a strong FMC and Emily is no different. I love how she is put in tough situations but still manages to be brave and stand up for herself.
the big bad Mafia boss, Carlo, which i love!!! I loved his persona.
thank you For allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. I look forward to reading more about this Mafia world
March 27, 2026
A holiday with her new boyfriend lands Emily (FMC) in the middle of a warring family & a dangerous man - Carlo. A man who is pretty much an anti-hero except to Emily there seems to be an instant attraction. One that was off of the charts hot! I loved their dynamic together that grew as the book progressed especially with everything that was going on around them. Some great plot twists and turns all came together to make for a cracking read. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on my books in this series in the future.
Did Not Finish
April 9, 2026DNF @38% Carlos, the MC, is just kind of Meh. I don't feel he has any motivation to care about Emily, just female wish fulfilment.
March 19, 2026
Okay this has probably been my favorite ARC read so far this year!! Overall, I really loved it. The way it was written was descriptive without being overtly so, the characters were intriguing, and the plot was there.
Definitely one of those easy reads that you get through quickly while enjoying the ride.
The only thing I wish, is that some of the emotional moments were extended longer. Some of the things our FMC goes through could’ve been drawn out and I think it would’ve created more emotional depth within the whole story. Some of it just felt like it moved too fast and I was sitting there like girl we just okay with this now?! How?!
Interested on where a second book would go, and would definitely consider reading it! Great first book from this author!
Definitely one of those easy reads that you get through quickly while enjoying the ride.
The only thing I wish, is that some of the emotional moments were extended longer. Some of the things our FMC goes through could’ve been drawn out and I think it would’ve created more emotional depth within the whole story. Some of it just felt like it moved too fast and I was sitting there like girl we just okay with this now?! How?!
Interested on where a second book would go, and would definitely consider reading it! Great first book from this author!
March 11, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
Took me a minute to get into it but once I was in, I couldn’t put it down. Carlo is top tier and delicious, his love for Emily is what dreams are made of 🥹 The twist near the end?! I was ready to punch a wall, I felt betrayed as if I was in the story myself!
Still quite a few unanswered questions about Tony & the epilogue with Maxim. Future books maybe?? Thank you for the ARC read!
Took me a minute to get into it but once I was in, I couldn’t put it down. Carlo is top tier and delicious, his love for Emily is what dreams are made of 🥹 The twist near the end?! I was ready to punch a wall, I felt betrayed as if I was in the story myself!
Still quite a few unanswered questions about Tony & the epilogue with Maxim. Future books maybe?? Thank you for the ARC read!
March 27, 2026
I'm sorry but i couldn't continue reading this book because of the whole Aida and Carlo thing while he is MARRIED, don't care if his wife as doing the same nor if it was a marriage of convenience, cheating is cheating.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read from the author....
Great read! Had me hooked from the beginning. Just when you think you've got it all figured out... plot twist! Definitely recommend this book, but read the trigger warnings if you have any.
Main character development was spot on. You can't help falling in love with Carlo & Emily. Your heart swells & shatters in equal measures.
Quite a few cliffhangers too, so another book is expected (🤞).
Overall, fantastic book.
Great read! Had me hooked from the beginning. Just when you think you've got it all figured out... plot twist! Definitely recommend this book, but read the trigger warnings if you have any.
Main character development was spot on. You can't help falling in love with Carlo & Emily. Your heart swells & shatters in equal measures.
Quite a few cliffhangers too, so another book is expected (🤞).
Overall, fantastic book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great read. it pulls you in from the very beginning and keeps you in it's grips until the very end. This story is one heck of a ride.
Emily gets dropped into the lions den and comes out swinging. she may start out like the weak FMC but by the end of this journey she is a firecracker who fights for herself and her love/family.
Carlo starts out the villain MMC but turns out to be the best thing for Emily. He may act as if she doesn't affect him but by the end he becomes the softest man for her, but only for her.
He is the leader of a strong, Italian mafia family. Hard, cold hearted with a cruel nickname to match, the "skull crusher ". Emily struggles with this adaptation to her new life and the rules imposed on her, but by the end she is a strong partner in this world.
This book is a great read and will leave you excited for more works from the author. You will be so glad you added to your TBR. Do it and enjoy the amazing story.
Emily gets dropped into the lions den and comes out swinging. she may start out like the weak FMC but by the end of this journey she is a firecracker who fights for herself and her love/family.
Carlo starts out the villain MMC but turns out to be the best thing for Emily. He may act as if she doesn't affect him but by the end he becomes the softest man for her, but only for her.
He is the leader of a strong, Italian mafia family. Hard, cold hearted with a cruel nickname to match, the "skull crusher ". Emily struggles with this adaptation to her new life and the rules imposed on her, but by the end she is a strong partner in this world.
This book is a great read and will leave you excited for more works from the author. You will be so glad you added to your TBR. Do it and enjoy the amazing story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This must be the year of surprises because this has been another book taking me by surprise. The first chapter had me wondering what I signed myself up for because it started rough. The writing felt rushed, details felt missing and/or lacking, and the characters had a flat disposition. I worried I would have to force myself to move through this book.
However, upon entering Italy, the complexity of the story changed. The author’s writing began shining. The pacing picked up, details became more lucid, characters began taking shape. With the characters starting to standout, I found an attachment growing between the characters and myself. For me, a great book contains characters who give something to the story instead of extracting the reader. Not only were the main characters memorable, but Lia Lamar built and created supporting characters I couldn’t forget.
Emily and Carlo’s lives became seamlessly intertwined in a way that felt both intense and captivating. As a reader, their instant connection was impossible to miss. Carlo, the powerful and feared man whispered about as a wife-killer, stood in stark contrast to Emily—an innocent girl in the wrong place.
Emily understood exactly what Carlo was capable of. She witnessed the rage, yet that knowledge never stopped her from pushing back when the moment called for it. Carlo’s possessiveness over her was striking, and Lamar wove this trait into the story with impressive care. Through Giorgio, we see that side of Carlo emerge even more clearly, as he becomes the catalyst that draws Carlo’s fierce devotion fully to the surface.
I found myself attached to Emily and Carlo to the point, there were a couple moments I felt my heart truly aching and breaking along with Emily’s. Tears were on the verge of falling. When a book can illicit this kind of emotion, I know the author was able to weave an incredible book.
Giorgio, another character fiercely loyal to Carlo, quickly became someone I truly enjoyed. Through his assignment to guard Emily, their dynamic felt like it grew into more—almost like an unexpected friendship. One of my favorite moments came from the Chutes and Ladders game. I genuinely laughed during that scene; it was easily one of the best in the book.
As the book came to a conclusion, there were still a few unanswered questions I had about a couple of characters. For example, what happened to Tony? Or for that matter, Lucia? These two played vital roles throughout the story, and I found myself invested, ready for revenge, but only geared up with no where to go. Thus aside, I actually give the book a 4.5 rating because it did hold me hostage from beginning to the end.
However, upon entering Italy, the complexity of the story changed. The author’s writing began shining. The pacing picked up, details became more lucid, characters began taking shape. With the characters starting to standout, I found an attachment growing between the characters and myself. For me, a great book contains characters who give something to the story instead of extracting the reader. Not only were the main characters memorable, but Lia Lamar built and created supporting characters I couldn’t forget.
Emily and Carlo’s lives became seamlessly intertwined in a way that felt both intense and captivating. As a reader, their instant connection was impossible to miss. Carlo, the powerful and feared man whispered about as a wife-killer, stood in stark contrast to Emily—an innocent girl in the wrong place.
Emily understood exactly what Carlo was capable of. She witnessed the rage, yet that knowledge never stopped her from pushing back when the moment called for it. Carlo’s possessiveness over her was striking, and Lamar wove this trait into the story with impressive care. Through Giorgio, we see that side of Carlo emerge even more clearly, as he becomes the catalyst that draws Carlo’s fierce devotion fully to the surface.
I found myself attached to Emily and Carlo to the point, there were a couple moments I felt my heart truly aching and breaking along with Emily’s. Tears were on the verge of falling. When a book can illicit this kind of emotion, I know the author was able to weave an incredible book.
Giorgio, another character fiercely loyal to Carlo, quickly became someone I truly enjoyed. Through his assignment to guard Emily, their dynamic felt like it grew into more—almost like an unexpected friendship. One of my favorite moments came from the Chutes and Ladders game. I genuinely laughed during that scene; it was easily one of the best in the book.
As the book came to a conclusion, there were still a few unanswered questions I had about a couple of characters. For example, what happened to Tony? Or for that matter, Lucia? These two played vital roles throughout the story, and I found myself invested, ready for revenge, but only geared up with no where to go. Thus aside, I actually give the book a 4.5 rating because it did hold me hostage from beginning to the end.
March 31, 2026
Emily travels to Italy with her boyfriend, expecting stolen kisses, sun-drenched romance and the charm of meeting his family. Instead, she’s thrown headfirst into a blood-soaked mafia war. Abandoned in the worst way imaginable when her boyfriend runs off with Don Carlo’s wife, she’s left behind as collateral damage to deal with the fallout. What follows is anything but a fairy tale. In a world where loyalty is currency, and betrayal is paid for in blood, Emily quickly learns there are far worse fates than heartbreak. Carlo is not a good man. He was raised in violence, carved from it, and he wears cruelty like a second skin. From the moment he sees Emily, there’s something unsettling in his interest, something possessive, inevitable. Their relationship begins as a transaction, a debt he believes he’s owed, but what starts as obligation gradually evolves into something far more complex. Their relationship is not soft. Carlo is everything you expect from a mafia boss: cold, ruthless, and seemingly incapable of empathy. Yet with Emily, cracks begin to show. He is possessive to the point of jealousy, protective to the point of violence, yet unexpectedly patient when it comes to her fear of intimacy. Despite giving her everything she needs, he refuses to acknowledge his feelings, worried that love would be seen as weakness. Watching him struggle, falter, and slowly change was one of the most compelling parts of the book. Emily begins as someone shaped by trauma, her past turning touch into something to endure rather than desire. At first, she bends more than she fights, trying to survive in a world that threatens to swallow her whole. But she’s far from weak. When it matters, she stands her ground, fights back, and refuses to simply be a pawn in someone else’s game. She never feels helpless; there’s a quiet strength to her that builds as the story progresses. She may be trapped in Carlo’s world, but she refuses to disappear inside it. Overall, I loved the twists and turns, many fresh and unexpected. Packed with action, drama, and emotional intensity, this is a strong and promising start to a new series. The tension between them is relentless: less romance and more collision. Every moment feels like it could tip into tenderness or violence, sometimes both at once. The story doesn’t pull its punches. It’s dark, volatile, and laced with twists that feel as ruthless as the world it’s set in. With its blend of danger, obsession, and emotional intensity, this is a gripping start to a new series that promises to explore the shadows.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’ve spent any time in the mafia romance world, you know how often the same tropes repeat themselves. That’s why this book felt like such a rare find. From the first chapters, it completely absorbed me. I kept telling myself I’d read just one more scene, and suddenly hours had passed.
Yes, it carries that fiercely protective, “cross the line and face the consequences” energy readers expect from the genre. But what truly elevates this story is its heroine. Emily isn’t just placed in dangerous circumstances — she reacts to them in ways that feel raw, grounded, and deeply human. Her fear, her resilience, her setbacks, and her growth all unfold in a way that feels authentic rather than theatrical. I never found myself frustrated with her choices, which is honestly unusual in mafia romance. Everything she does aligns with who she is, and that consistency makes her journey incredibly compelling.
The MMC is equally layered. He’s flawed, intense, and bound to make mistakes, yet you can’t help rooting for him. Watching him struggle, stumble, and slowly evolve adds weight to the romance. Their relationship doesn’t gloss over the darkness of their world; instead, it confronts it directly. The emotional tension between them feels earned, not manufactured.
The supporting cast is extensive, and early on I had to pause a couple of times to remind myself who was who. Once everyone found their footing in the story, though, the dynamics became clear and added richness to the overall narrative.
It’s important to mention that this isn’t a light read. The story tackles heavy themes, including sexual violence and the psychological aftermath of trauma. Certain scenes are intense and may be difficult for some readers, so checking the content warnings beforehand is strongly recommended.
What impressed me most was the unpredictability. Just when I thought I had the direction figured out, the plot shifted in a way that kept the tension high and the stakes real. In a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic, this story dares to surprise.
Overall, this is a gritty, emotionally immersive mafia romance that blends passion with pain and strength with vulnerability. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you finish — and I’m already hoping Maxim and Bardo get stories of their own.
Yes, it carries that fiercely protective, “cross the line and face the consequences” energy readers expect from the genre. But what truly elevates this story is its heroine. Emily isn’t just placed in dangerous circumstances — she reacts to them in ways that feel raw, grounded, and deeply human. Her fear, her resilience, her setbacks, and her growth all unfold in a way that feels authentic rather than theatrical. I never found myself frustrated with her choices, which is honestly unusual in mafia romance. Everything she does aligns with who she is, and that consistency makes her journey incredibly compelling.
The MMC is equally layered. He’s flawed, intense, and bound to make mistakes, yet you can’t help rooting for him. Watching him struggle, stumble, and slowly evolve adds weight to the romance. Their relationship doesn’t gloss over the darkness of their world; instead, it confronts it directly. The emotional tension between them feels earned, not manufactured.
The supporting cast is extensive, and early on I had to pause a couple of times to remind myself who was who. Once everyone found their footing in the story, though, the dynamics became clear and added richness to the overall narrative.
It’s important to mention that this isn’t a light read. The story tackles heavy themes, including sexual violence and the psychological aftermath of trauma. Certain scenes are intense and may be difficult for some readers, so checking the content warnings beforehand is strongly recommended.
What impressed me most was the unpredictability. Just when I thought I had the direction figured out, the plot shifted in a way that kept the tension high and the stakes real. In a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic, this story dares to surprise.
Overall, this is a gritty, emotionally immersive mafia romance that blends passion with pain and strength with vulnerability. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you finish — and I’m already hoping Maxim and Bardo get stories of their own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Years ago, Emily was forced to witness something, and it's affected her life ever since. She meets Tony, who is sweet and gentle with her... until they go to Italy and meet his family, then he is not. She finds out who he really is, the Mafia, and ends up in the path of Don Carlos, nicknamed The Wife Killer, who decides right away that he's going to keep her.
Emily was a little passive and submissive at first, possibly from the trauma she experienced when she was younger, but she also fought and stood up for herself when needed. Carlos was cold, calculating and emotionless on the outside, but for her, he was sweet, protective and caring. I was a little worried that he would lose his alphaness at one point, as I'm used to the MMCs just taking what they want and not apologizing for it. Their relationship was intense, magnetic and super steamy!! There is a little bit of OW drama, but once they're together, he isn't interested in anyone else.
The story took a while to develop, but I think the author was building the relationship first. Then, near the end, a few things went the opposite way, and troubles were resolved really fast, but overall I enjoyed the mystery, drama and action!
Note: There is a mini family tree at the beginning of the book, so we can reference who everyone is.
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Carlo & Emily
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (I didn't find this that dark, 5 dark hearts for the theme of human tr@fficking)
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Revenge & Honor
Audiobook: n/a as of Mar 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
🖤OTT Possessive, dominant, and protective MMC
🩶Mafia
🖤Human Tr@fficking
🩶Touch her and ☠️
🖤🍇
🩶Captivity
🖤Voyeurism
🩶References to traumas
🖤No cheating or sharing once the relationship is established
⚠️ There are descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+ ⚠️
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
Emily was a little passive and submissive at first, possibly from the trauma she experienced when she was younger, but she also fought and stood up for herself when needed. Carlos was cold, calculating and emotionless on the outside, but for her, he was sweet, protective and caring. I was a little worried that he would lose his alphaness at one point, as I'm used to the MMCs just taking what they want and not apologizing for it. Their relationship was intense, magnetic and super steamy!! There is a little bit of OW drama, but once they're together, he isn't interested in anyone else.
The story took a while to develop, but I think the author was building the relationship first. Then, near the end, a few things went the opposite way, and troubles were resolved really fast, but overall I enjoyed the mystery, drama and action!
Note: There is a mini family tree at the beginning of the book, so we can reference who everyone is.
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Carlo & Emily
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (I didn't find this that dark, 5 dark hearts for the theme of human tr@fficking)
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Revenge & Honor
Audiobook: n/a as of Mar 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
🖤OTT Possessive, dominant, and protective MMC
🩶Mafia
🖤Human Tr@fficking
🩶Touch her and ☠️
🖤🍇
🩶Captivity
🖤Voyeurism
🩶References to traumas
🖤No cheating or sharing once the relationship is established
⚠️ There are descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+ ⚠️
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Revenge and honor pulled me in almost immediately but i did struggle somewhat with the way the trauma was portrayed in the beginning.
What felt confusing to me was the emotional contrast between Emily and her friend. While her friend directly experienced the assault and seemed able to process and contextualize it, Emily appeared to carry a much heavier and more lingering psychological burden despite not having endured the same event herself. I understand that trauma can manifest differently for everyone, and that secondary trauma is very real. However, in this case, the imbalance felt slightly underexplored to me. I found myself wanting a deeper dive into Emily’s internal struggle to better understand why the impact on her felt so overwhelming in comparison. With more emotional groundwork, I think that dynamic would have resonated more strongly.
However, once the focus shifted more heavily onto the character dynamics, the story truly came alive.
I genuinely loved both main characters. Emily is the kind of heroine you instinctively root for, not because she’s fragile, but because she isn’t. She never comes across as helpless or passive. No matter the situation, she doesn’t simply let things happen to her. She stands her ground, especially with Carlo, and that strength made her character so much more compelling.
Maxim and Brando were fantastic additions to the story. Their dynamic brought moments of lightness into an otherwise intense narrative, balancing out the darker themes without diminishing them.
And then… Diablo 💔 That moment genuinely hurt and added extra weight to an already intense story.
There were still a few lingering questions: How did Emily recognize him? He learned some details about her family, but much was left unexplored. I’m also still wondering about Tony and Lucia. It feels like there’s more there, and I can’t help but hope their story is being saved for a future installment.
Overall, this book kept me on edge, packed with tension, action, and morally gray intensity. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
What felt confusing to me was the emotional contrast between Emily and her friend. While her friend directly experienced the assault and seemed able to process and contextualize it, Emily appeared to carry a much heavier and more lingering psychological burden despite not having endured the same event herself. I understand that trauma can manifest differently for everyone, and that secondary trauma is very real. However, in this case, the imbalance felt slightly underexplored to me. I found myself wanting a deeper dive into Emily’s internal struggle to better understand why the impact on her felt so overwhelming in comparison. With more emotional groundwork, I think that dynamic would have resonated more strongly.
However, once the focus shifted more heavily onto the character dynamics, the story truly came alive.
I genuinely loved both main characters. Emily is the kind of heroine you instinctively root for, not because she’s fragile, but because she isn’t. She never comes across as helpless or passive. No matter the situation, she doesn’t simply let things happen to her. She stands her ground, especially with Carlo, and that strength made her character so much more compelling.
Maxim and Brando were fantastic additions to the story. Their dynamic brought moments of lightness into an otherwise intense narrative, balancing out the darker themes without diminishing them.
And then… Diablo 💔 That moment genuinely hurt and added extra weight to an already intense story.
There were still a few lingering questions: How did Emily recognize him? He learned some details about her family, but much was left unexplored. I’m also still wondering about Tony and Lucia. It feels like there’s more there, and I can’t help but hope their story is being saved for a future installment.
Overall, this book kept me on edge, packed with tension, action, and morally gray intensity. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Aaaaargh! I had been waiting for this book for so long. From the moment I read the blurb, I knew I needed it. Trauma and a man carrying the title wife killer? Sign me up immediately. And I’m very happy to say, it did not disappoint.
Ratings
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Emily came across as sweet, though a little naïve in the beginning. Throughout the story, she grows into someone I genuinely respect. Her development felt natural in many ways, and I liked seeing her become stronger and more aware of her situation. Carlo, on the other hand, confused me at first. He almost felt like he had a double personality. His behavior seemed contradictory, and I wasn’t sure what to make of him. As the story progressed, though, I started to understand him better, and that internal duality made much more sense within the bigger picture.
The plot itself wasn’t necessarily surprising to me, but it flowed really well. It’s one of those books that simply reads easily. I finished it in two days because I just kept picking it up again. It was immersive and engaging without feeling overly complicated.
One thing I struggled with a little was how quickly Emily seemed to move past her major trauma. It was very clear that she had experienced something deeply impactful, but her recovery felt somewhat rushed. In my opinion, that doesn’t fully reflect reality, and that disappointed me a bit because I would have loved to read more about that process. There was so much emotional depth to explore there, and it felt like a missed opportunity not to dive deeper into how that trauma truly shaped her.
That being said, the plot twist toward the end was a very welcome surprise. It definitely kept the tension high and made the final part of the book exciting.
All in all, this was a delicious read that I truly enjoyed. Exactly the kind of dark, slightly twisted story I had been craving.
Ratings
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Emily came across as sweet, though a little naïve in the beginning. Throughout the story, she grows into someone I genuinely respect. Her development felt natural in many ways, and I liked seeing her become stronger and more aware of her situation. Carlo, on the other hand, confused me at first. He almost felt like he had a double personality. His behavior seemed contradictory, and I wasn’t sure what to make of him. As the story progressed, though, I started to understand him better, and that internal duality made much more sense within the bigger picture.
The plot itself wasn’t necessarily surprising to me, but it flowed really well. It’s one of those books that simply reads easily. I finished it in two days because I just kept picking it up again. It was immersive and engaging without feeling overly complicated.
One thing I struggled with a little was how quickly Emily seemed to move past her major trauma. It was very clear that she had experienced something deeply impactful, but her recovery felt somewhat rushed. In my opinion, that doesn’t fully reflect reality, and that disappointed me a bit because I would have loved to read more about that process. There was so much emotional depth to explore there, and it felt like a missed opportunity not to dive deeper into how that trauma truly shaped her.
That being said, the plot twist toward the end was a very welcome surprise. It definitely kept the tension high and made the final part of the book exciting.
All in all, this was a delicious read that I truly enjoyed. Exactly the kind of dark, slightly twisted story I had been craving.
Review of advance copy
If you love your romance dark, dangerous, and emotionally charged, Revenge and Honour delivers a gripping mafia story that doesn’t hold back.
The novel follows sweet, naïve Emily, who travels to Italy with her supposed boyfriend expecting romance and adventure whilst meeting the family, only to find herself caught in a brutal game of war. What unfolds is far from a fairy tale. Instead, Emily is thrust into a world of power, vengeance, and survival, where she must battle not only the forces around her but also her own heart.
At the center of this storm is a man known as the “wife killer” a figure as feared as he is compelling. Their relationship begins as a transaction, a form of payment he feels his owed, but what starts as obligation slowly deepens into something far more complicated. The emotional tension between them is layered with danger, passion, and an undercurrent of revenge that keeps the pages turning.
The book shines in its depth. It’s not just about romance; it’s about honour, loyalty, trauma, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The chemistry is intense, the stakes are high, and the darker themes add weight to the story. Readers should absolutely take note of the trigger warnings, as this is not a light or fluffy read. The violence and emotional intensity are central to the plot and handled in a way that reinforces the rawness of the world the characters inhabit.
What truly stands out is the cast. Several side characters are intriguing enough to deserve their own stories, and the layered dynamics within the mafia setting give richness beyond the central romance.
Overall, Revenge and Honour is a passionate, dark mafia romance that explores how love can grow in the most unexpected, and dangerous circumstances. A compelling read for fans of intense, morally grey love stories, just be prepared for the emotional ride. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as just wanting a bit more chaos and kinky fuckery 😂🤷♀️
The novel follows sweet, naïve Emily, who travels to Italy with her supposed boyfriend expecting romance and adventure whilst meeting the family, only to find herself caught in a brutal game of war. What unfolds is far from a fairy tale. Instead, Emily is thrust into a world of power, vengeance, and survival, where she must battle not only the forces around her but also her own heart.
At the center of this storm is a man known as the “wife killer” a figure as feared as he is compelling. Their relationship begins as a transaction, a form of payment he feels his owed, but what starts as obligation slowly deepens into something far more complicated. The emotional tension between them is layered with danger, passion, and an undercurrent of revenge that keeps the pages turning.
The book shines in its depth. It’s not just about romance; it’s about honour, loyalty, trauma, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The chemistry is intense, the stakes are high, and the darker themes add weight to the story. Readers should absolutely take note of the trigger warnings, as this is not a light or fluffy read. The violence and emotional intensity are central to the plot and handled in a way that reinforces the rawness of the world the characters inhabit.
What truly stands out is the cast. Several side characters are intriguing enough to deserve their own stories, and the layered dynamics within the mafia setting give richness beyond the central romance.
Overall, Revenge and Honour is a passionate, dark mafia romance that explores how love can grow in the most unexpected, and dangerous circumstances. A compelling read for fans of intense, morally grey love stories, just be prepared for the emotional ride. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as just wanting a bit more chaos and kinky fuckery 😂🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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