On Friday, I sent my nudes to the wrong number. Monday, I found out that number belongs to my new boss and number 2 in the Red Letter Syndicate.
Now I’ve handed a ruthless man leverage over me and my family.
Luca Valentina is a mafia enforcer with a talent for making money, erasing enemies, and turning mistakes into leverage. And my mistake is about to cost my family everything.
I’m the daughter of a powerful real estate mogul with mafia ties, and in my world, mistakes don’t get forgiven, they get punished. One false move and I’ll bring my father’s wrath down on my own head. Trust me, no one survives that unscathed.
But when Luca discovers who I am, the mafia billionaire doesn’t delete my photos.
Oh, no. My merciless new boss decides to keep every last naughty pose locked on his phone.
Desperate, I make a Red Letter wish for his silence, and he agrees… only I didn’t expect the price to be my body, my obedience, and my future.
Luca is six feet of tattooed muscle, silent, lethal and utterly gorgeous.
Every callused, forbidden touch brands me as his. Every dark look tightens the leash I didn’t know I wanted.
I tell myself I’m only doing this to save my reputation, and to keep a job to pay the bills.
But the truth is darker. I want him. And Luca always collects what he claims.
One mistake. One wish. And now the price is an heir for my mafia boss.
Wicked Mafia Enforcer is an age gap office romance that features a Reverse grumpy sunshine romance, blackmail from a billionaire, witty banter, a possessive villainous billionaire hero, and a spicy happily-ever-after. Every book ends with a guaranteed happily ever after and has no cliffhanger for that couple. Every book in this series is a full-length standalone.
About Penelope's new mafia romance They say if you’re desperate enough, you’ll believe in anything.
Even the rumor about a Red Letter Syndicate that grants the most wicked of wishes.
All you have to do is seal your darkest secret in a red envelope and drop it in the box and pray the right villain answers.
The catch is the price. No one knows the cost of a wish, but if you’re desperate enough for the Red Letter Syndicate, are you really worried about the price?
You should be. These aren’t the men who grant happy endings. They’re kings and killers, fixers and thieves. They are the monsters you don’t want to need who rule the underworld.
And they have a reputation for taking whatever they want and the word along the dark veins of the city is all six mafia men are out for an heir.
Six desperate wishes.
Six ruthless anti-heroes.
Six dark obsessions that start with a deal and end with forever.
Careful what you wish for, ladies…the Red Letter Syndicate just might grant it.
Start reading the Red Letter Syndicate series today!
Tropes for this series are mafia, billionaire, forbidden love, age gap, touch her and die, damaged heroes, enemies to lovers, who did this to you, found family and so much more!
Romance author Penelope Wylde is the naughty alter ego of a rebel southern belle who loves writing extra dirty, over-the-top romances that are NSFW. She loves beach time, sunsets, and all the book boyfriends she can fantasize about.
Wylde readers like it naughty, a bit sweet and always with a wicked happily-ever-after and Penelope always delivers! No matter what you're in the mood for all her heroes are bad boy sinners at heart and will make you swoon for them on every steam page.
If you love your romance wet, wicked, and WYLDE, you're in the right place!
“Wicked Mafia Devil” is the third book in the series Red Letter Syndicate written by Penelope Wylde. It is unfortunate the number of times I have begun a series and by the time I reach the third or fourth book the series looses steam, plot lines are weaker, material is repeated but with different names, etc. You get the idea. Not so with Penelope Wylde. I just finished the third book in the Red Letter Syndicate series and it is just as strong, just as fresh, just as passionate and thrilling as the first two installments. In this book it is Luca’s time to be in the forefront. He’s the intelligence officer of the group. He gathers information and can process it just as fast as a computer. It is also up to him to protect this Syndicate’s secrets. All of these men in the Red Letter Syndicate are wickedly wonderful in their own way, Luca was no exception. Ilona was his target. He had compiled an extensive dosier on her and the evil crime family, particularly her father, who kept her in a cage and used her as an asset on a balance sheet. I love how she escaped from her bodyguards for the night to attend Scarlet Thorn’s masquerade. That’s when Luca made his move. The chemistry between Luca and Ilona was literally off the charts, it was instant and tantalizing, steamy and erotic. When Ms. Wylde described these characters I could see them in my mind as I read. Her writing brought these characters to life. The plot is thrilling and full of angst, after all, Ilona’s father was trying to topple this syndicate, steal their territory, and destroy the leadership. One thing I like about this series is that prominent characters from the first two books continue to interact. This is great world building, the world just keeps getting bigger and better. Another aspect I liked was that the wives have joined together for mutual support. Ilona was instantly taken under the wings of Persia and Katriana. Also, Ilona’s best friend was Luna from the Gilded Key series. Luna’s role in this story was small, but important. All of these characters are extremely well written with a lot of depth. The pacing in this book moves right along, I had a hard time putting it down. Ilona and Luca’s relationship was definitely rocky and they had to fight for their happy ever after, making this book an exciting, passion-fueled read. Definitely recommended for fans of dark romance. I believe Kon is the next wicked man who gets to share his story. I can’t wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
She wanted one night of freedom. He turned it into forever.
Ilona Marchetti has spent her life watched and treated like a bargaining chip. One reckless night at a masked club is supposed to belong only to her, a chance to reclaim her body and one choice no one else gets to make. Then the stranger she lets close becomes the man she can’t forget.
Weeks later, pregnant and desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Ilona sends the wrong photos to the wrong number and walks into a new job that changes everything. Luca Valentina isn’t just her new boss. He’s the masked man from that night, her baby’s father, and the mafia devil who decides marriage is the safest way to protect her.
Their marriage starts with leverage, secrets, and a power imbalance neither of them can ignore. But behind Luca’s control is dangerous devotion, and behind Ilona’s fear is a woman learning how to want without apology. Every touch pulls them closer, even as truth threatens them.
When secrets rise, their connection has to survive heat and obsession. Luca has to face the damage caused by control, and Ilona has to decide what choosing him means when trust can’t be forced. Love doesn’t erase betrayal, but it demands honesty.
Ilona grows from a sheltered woman claiming bodily freedom into someone who can name what she wants and protect her agency. Luca shifts from calculating and possessive into a partner who has to earn trust through honesty and restraint. Their relationship begins in heat, secrecy, and unequal power, then pushes toward something chosen and real.
A dark, ultra-steamy mafia romance about a masked stranger, accidental pregnancy, forced marriage, and protection confused with control. It’s about bodily autonomy, survival, trust rebuilt after betrayal, and a woman reclaiming choice while a dangerous man learns love can’t exist without honesty.
The Elevator Pitch: A sheltered mafia daughter steals one night of freedom with a masked stranger, only to find him waiting in daylight with power, secrets, and a claim neither of them can ignore. As desire turns into leverage and protection blurs with possession, she has to decide whether the devil who wants her can also be the man who earns her trust. Dark, sensual, and emotionally sharp, this is a romance about choice, betrayal, and the dangerous work of loving someone without owning them.
Wicked Mafia Devil by Penelope Wylde is the third title in the Red Letter Syndicate series and as an age gap, forced proximity, forced marriage, mafia romance it had me hooked from the start with it's well written plot and storyline and engaging main characters of Luca Valentina and Ilona Marchetti. Ilona the only daughter of the powerful Enzo Marchetti, an enemy and competitor of the Red Letter Syndicate, has been caged and managed her whole life. Taking a risk she visits the club of the Syndicate and suffers the consequences of an encounter with a masked stranger weeks later. Luca is the intelligence officer for the Syndicate and has been gathering intel on Enzo Marchetti and his family for months and considers Ilona as a means to infiltrate the Marchetti organisation. The chemistry between Luca and Ilona is off the charts and their ensuing steamy and spicy encounters are full of heat but lack of trust and the fear of manipulation colours Ilona's developing feelings for Luca. Luca's overwhelming obsession for Ilona clouds his judgement and decisions endangering the new relationship growing between them. As a reverse grumpy/sunshine dark romance with elements of intrigue, action, sizzling chemistry and devotion, makes this a thoroughly entertaining read all the way through to the HEA and perhaps my favourite of the the series so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Making her own decisions leads her to an unexpected path
Wicked Mafia Devil is the third book in the Red Letter Syndicate by Penelope Wylde. Each book in this series has been such a great read and this one is no different. The story is about a journey that will make you scream, swoon, melt, over heat, and want to kick some butt. It is about Ilona Marchetti, a young woman who attends a masked night at the Scarlett Thorn. She is determined to find a man who she can lose her V-card with. She finds the the perfect man in Dante, who is really Luca. He knows who she really behind the mask and that leads to something unexpected. It gets more complicated two months later when they cross paths again when she goes for a job interview and it turns out to be with Luca. This story pulls you in as it goes until you just can't wait to see what happens when you turn to the next page, and the next page, and the next. I loved that Ilona was strong, wanted to make her own decision about her life, was rebellious with her family, and that strength is needed with Luca and the Red Letter Syndicate.
I’m enjoying this red letter syndicate series, but I must admit that I really didn’t care for Ilona in this one. I liked Luca, but I could have done without Ilona. To me, Ilona writes a letter, but it was after the fact. It meant nothing. Then, when she finds out shes pregnant, was she even going to try and find the father in tbe club? The father has a right to know and she didn’t do anything. Then of course, you have a third act breakup because she feels everything is Lucas fault? Really? She was the one who made the stupid decision. If it wasn’t for Luca, she’d be at the hands of her father. If I was Luca, I would have let her go. She had way too much growing up to do. Too many stupid decisions I thought.
Wicked Mafia Devil is the third story in the Red Letter Syndicate series. This was my first story from this author. This is an age gap mafia romance that is so well-written.
Ilona is pregnant and wants to get out of an arranged marriage. She accidentally sends the wrong pictures to the wrong number. She goes to her new job and sees Luca, her new boss. He is also the masked man that she met at a club and had a one night stand with and her baby's father. Luca wants to marry her so that he can protect her.
I loved the connection between Ilona and Luca even from the beginning. I loved how he wanted to protect her. I look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 3 in the Red Letter Syndicate, and can be read as a standalone novel. I am really enjoying the series!! Penelope Wylde has a way of drawing you in from the very beginning and keeps you hooked until the end!! 😍🤩
I love the characters in this series! Luca & Ilona's story is sweet... full of blackmail & witty banter and unexpected plot twists, threats & kidnapping... and LOVE. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
*mafia *billionaire *possessive *morally grey *forbidden love *enemies to lovers *found family *age gap
Thank you to the author (Penelope Wylde), publisher & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
They all told him. He didnt listen. So it began as a "for me" night. She wanted to control at least this one thing. Her fire and sass! A bird in a cage. Once is all she needs. He, is the devil in the details. Those details turn to ash. I was annoyed with both of them. I wanted to yell and shake them till they're teeth rattled. Lol Definitely full of drama, totally bonded family. Some edgy situations. With mafia comes mafia stuff. Money, guns, killings. All wrapped up with a bow of passion, heat and love.
Penelope Wylde delivers another electrifying addition to this series that kept me hooked from start to finish. The strong female lead is absolute perfection—fierce, capable, and a brilliant foil to the dark world around her.
I’m still completely invested in this cast; the character development and the overarching themes that tie this series together remain incredibly compelling. If you love a high-stakes romance with magnetic chemistry and characters you truly root for, this is a must-read!
I'm enjoying this series immensely and am glad we are only on book three.
What is not to love about the Red Letter Syndicate where wishes are granted. Perhaps not the way you thought it would be played out, but the end result is all that matters.
Ilona sends pictures to the wrong person who happens to be Luca, her boss. They had met before, but she didn't realize he was the masked man. What ensues is a contract marriage, a secret pregnancy, drama, angst, and an HEA. Everything required in a page-turning story.
Ilona has no control over her life always ruled by her father's demands until 1 night as Luna's guests she goes to the club to lose her V. card of her own accord and gets more than she bargains for when Luca rocks her world. Holy Moly! Luca is one spicy and dominating mafia boss. I'm fascinated by Penelope Wylde's books they have lots of action, betrayal, revenge and enough spice to melt your reading device plus they always have an hea ending.
This is the third book in the Red Letter Syndicate series. I was invested in Ilona and Luca's story from the first chapter. The intense, suspenseful plot is filled with unexpected twists, and drama. It’s action packed and steamy. It’s an enemies to lovers, age gap, forbidden romance that kept me engaged and flipping pages. I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I loved Ilona and Luca's story! It captured my attention within the first chapter and kept me hooked until the end! This book had drama, secrets, betrayal, and a bit of suspense. There were also lots of emotions, tension, and spicy goodness. I loved Luca and Ilona together. I was glad that Ilona didn't just forgive Luca right away. He definitely messed up, but I do think he redeemed himself. I think this was an excellent book and I loved their ending!
This Red Letter Syndicate Series rocks! Ilona takes control of her life when she goes to the Scarlet Thorn. There she connects with Luca who knows immediately whom she is and their path begins. This heated romance is filled with passionate scenes and drama that had me all caught up in Luca and Ilona from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was emotional, with a liberating, exceptional night, even though it was partly a deception on the hero's part that changed the course of their life in more ways than one. Also stressful, worrying what the heroine had to endure, being in other people's plans, and surviving in this dark world. After all the danger and deceiving, a nice reconnection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In an act of rebellion Ilona Marchetti meets a masked man for night at the Scarlet Thorn, but things definitely go as planned. She now needs to hide and a new job. Luca Valentina isn’t just her new boss. He’s the masked man from that night. A captivating and entertaining story filled with mafia adventures and a young woman caught in the middle of her mogul father's plans and Luca's plans. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spicy and hot as Hades for Book Three. Stubborn and Both of them had issues. Luca stubborn to the point of possibly losing everything he never knew he wanted. Ilona couldn’t trust any man. Truth, Lies and Trust the whole foundation of their relationship could implode their entire world. Great Book Three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ilona and Luca's romance is intense, dramatic, suspenseful, and steamy. Add in lots of action and some very jaw on the floor twists and turns and you've got a book that has your temperature rising, steals your breath and gets you pulse racing.
Wow this book kicks off with more than a side of spice. I loved Luca & Ilona’s journey. Fast paced, tension, drama & spice. I read this straight through couldn’t put it down.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy hotness. Ilana and Luca were so hot. So spicy. I was obsessed. Luca not only helped her lose her V card, he brought the best game ever that night. No one will ever measure up. This was so intense. The twists and turns were wild. I couldn’t put this down once I started. I devoured this bad boy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really liked Luca and Ilona once she grew up. I liked the plot twists and intrigue in the story. I'm glad Luca and Ilona work things out to be in love together.