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I rejected the mafia boss…
so he bought my apartment building.
Now my rent doubles until I agree to have dinner with him.

I have one goal in life: work myself to the bone so my genius little sister gets into a good college.

I don't have time for romance… until a brutal, terrifying stranger saves me from a pair of violent drunks.

Stellan Corsetti is a gorgeous nightmare. Beautiful, dangerous, with a cold and ruthless aura—the exact kind of man I should stay far away from.

I think our chance encounter is over until it turns out he owns my apartment building… and he wants to own me next.

He's completely unhinged. And there's nothing I can do. Stellan's rich, powerful, and he won't back down.

I have one way out: marry him, give him babies, and he'll make sure my sister has everything she needs.

Except Stellan Corsetti is a beast, and once he has me, he's never letting go.

Satin Hate is a full-length standalone with lots of spice and plenty of banter. Check the content warning and enjoy!

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2026

1539 people are currently reading
363 people want to read

About the author

B.B. Hamel

203 books2,580 followers
I'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.

I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.

Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter

Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,828 reviews1,114 followers
Did Not Finish
March 15, 2026
DNF at 64%

Look, I gave it a shot, okay? But, the chemistry just wasn't there, and I don't want to drag this out any longer, so I'm good to quit now. Might work for others, though. 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Emily.
5,989 reviews557 followers
March 2, 2026
Kira Santoro is used to men picking up on her, especially at the cafe she works at. When Stellan Corsetti asks her out she turns him down. He is not the usual type to frequent and while strikingly handsome, Kira is doing everything she can to get her genius sister in college. Nothing will waver from her goals. That is until Stellan makes an offer that is difficult to refuse.

Another terrific book from this author. I so hope she writes Gemma's story, I am so curious about her. The chemistry between Kira and Stellan is sizzling, the banter captivating. Loved every moment of this one.
Profile Image for Brittany (Brittinbookland).
652 reviews36 followers
February 23, 2026
Not a bad book. All the primary characters were likable, which is rare for this genre. I flew through this in about 24 hours. I would like to read another book by this author.
Profile Image for A.
417 reviews187 followers
Did Not Finish
April 11, 2026
Only made it 45%. There was no connection between the characters.
Profile Image for Derryn.
188 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2026
I'm not sure what to think about this one.

I LOVE mafia romance but I just couldn't get into this. It felt superficial in that there wasn't much depth to the characters or storyline. I felt that they glossed over some points that should have been explored and could have helped the reader be fully immersed in the story. 

I liked the MMC but there was no real depth to his character. From the parts that they glossed over, it seems that he had an upbringing. That's it. 
They mentioned he was mentored by the FMC's father who betrayed the family. They mentioned that he hated his father. That was it. They mentione  that he checked in on the FMC over the years but, when? How? Why? When it was discovered she just kinda shrugged it off. That would have been an amazing tie in. 
They could have given him some real depth and helped us connect to him so much more by taking the time for some backstory. 

The FMC was a strange one for me. I wasn't sure who she was supposed to be in her journey throughout the book. Was she strong? Sassy? 
She came across as shallow because, again, nothing was expanded on and we never got the chance to fully know her.

Key take away: the FMC will definitely be getting a UTI from the foreign substances used in that area. Hope she has good health care 😁

Spice level:  2.5🌶
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,425 reviews26 followers
March 13, 2026
Satin Hate is a full-length standalone with lots of spice and plenty of banter. Check the content warning and enjoy! A woman working to support her sister's education encounters mafia boss Stellan Corsetti, who buys her building and pressures her onto marriage in exchange for her sister's future. This Kira and Stellan story which is told from a dual point of view. Captivating. Decadent. Compelling. Irresistible. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this tantalizing mind-blowing rollercoaster ride filled with heart-stopping emotions, non-stop twists and turns, panty-melting passion, longing, cravings, pulse-pounding suspense, angst, anger, threats and mystery. Oozing and dripping with romance and heat that make you want to cool off. A fast paced, thrilling and gripping read. An exquisitely written story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes that draws you in the pages.
Satin Hate is a story of self perseverance, survival, resilience, manipulation, blackmail, undying love, loyalty, possessiveness, power play, obsession, power dynamics, spice, lies, deception, darkness, madness, violence, enemies, danger, betrayal, backstabbing, double-cross, treachery, friendship, loyalty, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, revelations, action packed, humor, acceptance, witty banter, laugh-out-loud-moments, traitors, mention of drug addiction, gun fights, car bombing, love, bloodshed, rivalry, mob war, revenge, murder, attacks, hate, retaliation and so much more.
Kira as had a rough upbringing riddle with poverty and works hard at two jobs as a waitress and dog groomer to support her and her younger sister Gemma who's a brilliant scholar. She's hoping that he sister will get into a good college because of her grades. Stellan Corsetti is the heir to the Corsetti empire and soon to be Don. However, he's not fully Italian, and as part of the stipulations of him becoming the Don he must marry an Italian woman. One day Stellan was at the right place at the right time when he saw Kira been accosted by a pair of violent drunks, and intervened and he fell in love with her instantly and he knew then that she would be the one to help him become the Don. He then started stalking her going back to her job daily and asking her out to dinner but the answer would always be no. He's completely unhinged and relentless.
You see Kira didn't have any time for romance, have boyfriend or even socialize all her time was focused on helping her little sister. Stellan Corsetti is a gorgeous nightmare. He's beautiful, dangerous, with a cold ruthless and aura the exact kind of man who she should definitely stay away from. Stellan was persistent in what he wanted. The more resistance she put up the more persistent he got. She thought that their chance encounter was over until it turns out he owns her building and he wants to own her next. Stellan bought her apartment building and now he doubled her rent until she didn't have any choice but to have dinner with him. Stellan knows that he could make her life better so that she doesn't have to work so hard. When she finally agrees to the dinner, then he coerced her into marriage.
And explained that a marriage between the two can be beneficial. However, Kira is determined to do things the way she has always done, which is to keep working to support herself and sister. But Stellan wants what is rightfully his, his position as the Don with Kira at his side and will do anything to get it even if he as to exploit her love for her sister. She realized that she only have one way out which is to marry him, give him babies and he'll make sure that her sister has everything she needs. Except Stellan Corsetti is a beast and once he has her, he's never letting her go. The two gets married and their chemistry is electrifying, magnetic, sizzling and explosive. Kira is unaware that their past are entertwine because her dad is the disgraced capo who betrayed his family and that he was his mentor turn traitor when he backstab his family and he doesn't have any plans on disclosing that information.
The council wasn't happy with Stellan choice in a bride but he didn't care and will protect her and her sister with his life. He became the Don and there's an internal traitor plus he's fighting a war. But he never let that stopped him from falling in love with his wife. The author gave us a little back story and why she had to work so hard, when her mom who's a drug addict came back looking for forgiveness. But she didn't want anything to do with her. The more time that they spend with each other they eventually fall in love with her falling sometime later.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.




Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,504 reviews210 followers
March 1, 2026
SATIN HATE is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult CORSETTI MAFIA dark,erotic, romance series. This is thirty-three year old Mafia Don Stellan Corsetti, and twenty-three year old café waitress Kira Santoro.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stellan and Kira) SATIN HATE focuses on the seductive of Kira Santoro, and marriage of convenience between our story line couple. For weeks Stellan Corsetti has been ‘stalking’ our story line heroine, a woman oblivious to what is happening and why. Stellan is the next in line to head the Corsetti crime family but our hero needs a wife before he can take control. Targeting Kira Santoro, Stellan blackmails then promises everything and more for Kira to stand by his side as he ascends the throne but all is not as it appears to be, the Corsetti crime family is about to go to war, and our heroine will be caught in the middle for sins of the past.

The world building follows several pathways including the search for a key that will unlock power and control for those in charge but as Stellan struggles to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, our heroine battles between head and heart when she discovers a connection to her past. There is a possibility of a traitor within the family, and as such, Stellan begins to clean house when the truth is revealed.

The relationship between Kira and Stellan is a forced marriage of convenience in the wake of desperation and a need for control. Kira is struggling to keep her sister and herself housed and fed; Stellan is offering a secure future to become his bride. As our couple begin their life together, someone else is taking aim at everyone involved. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and determined secondary and supporting characters many of whom are member of the Corsetti Crime Family, as well as the Turkish mob. We are introduced to Kira’s eighteen year old sister Gemma; Stellan’s men Frankie and Prime Spadaro, as well as several territory heads of the Corsetti Mafia.

SATIN HATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and dysfunction, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, dramatic and dark; the romance is passionate and edgy; the characters are desperate, dynamic. and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Brenda Sullivan.
47 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2026
Satin Hate: A Dark Mafia Forced Marriage Romance
B. B. Hamel
## **Satin Hate – BB Hamel**


**✨ Unhinged Mafia Man? Yes Please. ✨**

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okayyyy BB Hamel… I see you 👀🔥 I am quickly becoming a fan because *Satin Hate* delivered chaotic, possessive mafia goodness and I ate it up.

Stellan is about to become the new Don of the Corsetti Mafia, but there’s a problem — he isn’t fully Italian. So what does he do? He finds himself the perfect Italian wife to legitimize his claim.

And by “finds,” I mean:
🏢 Buys her apartment building
📈 Raises her rent
👀 Stalks her at work
💍 Pressures her into marriage

🚩🚩🚩

But as I always say: I do NOT apply real-world red flags to my book boyfriends 😂

Once they’re married though? Whew. The way Stellan shuts down anyone who disrespects Kira? That protective, possessive “that’s my wife” energy hit just right.

Kira was easy to root for. She grew up with a drug-addicted mother and worked two jobs to support herself and her genius little sister, Gem 🥺📚 (future Yale/Harvard queen). The sister bond was honestly one of my favorite parts of this book. And when Stellan gives Gem an entire floor of his mansion?? SIR. 🏰✨

There’s betrayal layered throughout and I genuinely didn’t see some of it coming. I kept waiting for the reveal that her father wasn’t actually a traitor. I’m still a little unsure about his true motives, which is the only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me.

If you love:
🔥 Mafia romance
💍 Marriage of convenience
🖤 Alpha/obsessed MMC
💬 “You’re mine” energy
🛡️ Protective husband vibes
👑 Power struggles & family politics

This one will absolutely work for you.

**Spice:** 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (3.5–4/5)

Now excuse me while I wait (impatiently) for Gem to get her own story because I would read that immediately 😌📖
168 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2026
In Satin Hate, Stellan Corsetti has been waiting for his time. There is nothing he wants more than to be the don of the Corsetti Famiglia. He believes he is ready. He is ruthless and cold and feared by many. The famiglia doesn’t agree with him. They think he needs to be married to show stability. They also want him to marry an Italian woman. He says it’s his birthright to become don after his father. He does not want to get married but if has to, he knows who he wants. He has set his sights on Kira Santoro.

Kira is a waitress at a diner by night and a dog groomer by day. She has been busting her ass off for years. All she wants is for her smart little sister to go to college. She believes her sister has what it takes to be very successful but she needs money to make that happen. She will do anything for her sister. The night she meets Stellan, he asks her to dinner but she says no. She does not have time for romance. She needs to work. Every night when he is in the diner he asks her out and she still says no. When he becomes impatient after constant rejection, he buys her apartment building and threatens to double her rent until she says yes to dinner. When she gives in, he tells her if she marries him, he will make sure her sister goes to college. What will she choose?

BB Hamel made me feel for Kira. She has a really sad life. She hardly sleeps and even though she is attracted to Stellan, she only ever thinks of her sister. She works herself to the bone even when her sister offered to work, she said to just keep studying. I also felt bad for Stellan. He had to deal with rejection and betrayal from different directions. The only time he felt anything was with Kira. Their chemistry was great. I loved every time she told him off and he would just laugh it off but also leave her wanting him every time. Their scenes were hot. I was on the edge of my seat near the end of the book. This was full of action, drama, humor, danger, suspense, and heartbreaking twists.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,517 reviews34 followers
February 10, 2026
The Sins of the Father Lives on -
Kira tried everything possible to keep Stellan at arms length even though he put her in a dire situation, but she begrudgingly accepted his invitation and subsequently marriage proposal. Stellan did everything possible to get Kira to agree to his dinner date and ultimately marry her, so he could get what he believed was rightfully his. However, Kira found out Stellan had been keeping a major secret from him, which caused friction between them and nearly disrupted his plans.

Nevertheless, Kira and Stellan finally got married as per their agreement, but their married life didn’t start with blissful moments. Unfortunately, just as Kira and Stellan managed to get their married life back on track, their lives were disrupted by betrayals, violent encounters and a kidnapping. As luck would Stellan was able to deal with all the obstacles placed in his path to getting what he believed he deserved and a happily ever after with Kira.

I started reading this book in the evening thinking I would take a break and finish it the next day, but I just could stop reading until I read the final word at 3AM. I really don’t know what else to say other than, B.B. Hamel hit another home run with this book. Grab a copy of this book to read as your weekend entertainment and you definitely won’t be disappointed.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,201 reviews60 followers
February 12, 2026
- You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Kira is working herself to the bone two jobs to support herself, younger sister trying to get through high school, a college of her choice, and while working her night shift at diner a dark stranger comes in causing trouble for her only to be stopped by a stranger. Stellan sexy as all get out mafia he isn’t a man you want to be mixed up with he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, and he recognizes danger immediately so when the a man walks in asking his girl out especially after she continued to tell him no he knew then it was up to him to protect her. But Stellan was also trying to become Don through the council all while fighting enemies but even through it all he wasn’t going to leave his girl unprotected even if it meant buying her apartment building, raising her rent , just little things to get her to agree to have dinner with him, live with him for protection (his words) but will she give him, will he be able to convince her, will they make him the next Don, will she see past his life, and can they find a happiness?
Profile Image for Laura Schäfer.
661 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2026
4,5 ✨

I liked this book so much more than I thought I would, not gonna lie. I loved it actually.

I could gush forever about how amazing Kira and Stellan were both individually and as a couple, but especially Stellan.
Holy moly, that man LOVED Kira. And so unapologetically too.
He was honestly so over the top and unhinged in his pursuit of her and I was kinda questioning his intentions in the beginning but that man was so down bad for her.
And there was never any of that classic mafia boss bullshit about how loving his woman would make him weak and all that with this guy.
Quite the opposite in fact.
He was always true to who he was and never shied away from showing his feelings and being vulnerable in front of her. She was his safe haven and having her by his side to lean on only made him feel stronger.
He also just had so much charisma and big D energy.
He has definitely made the list of my top favorite fictional mafia men, and maybe even romance book heroes in general.

Kira was a total baddie too.
So mentally strong, fierce and feisty.
She took absolutely no nonsense from Stellan laying down and she was such a good sister, oh my god.
Her sister was a sweetheart too.

The chemistry between Kira and Stellan was absolute fire and they had fantastic communication as well.
I honestly wouldn’t have minded a hundred pages more of just interactions between those two.
Top tier couple for me.


138 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Satins Hate by B.B. Hamel was an engaging and enjoyable read, with Kira and Stellan proving to be entertaining, layered main characters. I really appreciated the evolution of their romance, it unfolded naturally and kept me invested throughout. The chemistry was definitely there, though for me it always felt just a touch out of reach, as if it never fully tipped into unforgettable territory.

Kira was the true standout. Her fierce devotion to her baby sister and her willingness to endure anything for her made her a compelling and emotionally grounded heroine. That loyalty gave the story real heart and weight. While Stellan was positioned as a powerful figure in the mafia world, I did feel the lack of surrounding characters. For someone so high up, his operation felt a bit sparse, and I missed the presence of other supporting characters who could have added depth and strengthened the overall mafia atmosphere.

That said, the writing was solid, the pacing worked well, and the story kept me turning pages. Despite a few things I wished had been explored more, I genuinely enjoyed this book and will absolutely be picking up more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,090 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2026
In this Dark Mafia Forced Marriage story we find Kira a young woman who works herself beyond exhaustion at 2 jobs to support her and Gem her younger sister with the thought of graduating high school and getting into a college of her choice. During Kira’s diner shift she finds herself in a dangerous situation until a dark stranger, Stellan steps in and saves her. Stellan is taken by Kira and does everything he can for a dinner date. Kira being a strong woman repeatedly turns him down. At the same time Stellan is trying to get the council to finally make him Don and struggling with enemies unknown and those in the family. Be creative Stellan buys Kira’s apartment building, doubles her rent, lowers everyone Elise and improves their quality of life. Kira stands her ground and Stellan slowly breaks down her walls by showing up with promises to take care of them. They both win by marrying and along the way trouble and danger find them but the strength they build together gives them a fighting chance at love and survival. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
776 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2026
Satin Hate is the first story in the Corsetti Mafia series. It is so well-written with amazing characters and a great plot.

Kira is working hard to support herself and her sister, Gem. Gem has dreams of finishing high school and being accepted into a good college. While working a shift at the diner, Kira is in a dangerous situation until Stellan steps in. He is a dangerous man who asks Kira to dinner. She refuses. He comes back into the diner the next day to ask her again and yet she still refuses. Stellan is not used to this and decides to buy Kira's apartment building. He goes up on her rent until she agrees to dinner with him. She eventually decides to go out with him. She can't figure out why someone rich and handsome would keep wanting to ask her out. There are so many things going on to this story and it will keep you on your toes.

I loved the chemistry between Kira and Stellan. I loved how hard Kira was and how she wanted Gem to have a better life. She was so strong. Kira and Stellan's story is a great way to begin this new series. I look forward to more from this very talented author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
186 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2026
I was disappointed with this book, particularly because I generally love BB Hamel. Rather than this book, I would check out Under Control, Beautiful Corruption, Cruel Tyrant, or any number of Hamel’s other books.

My main problem with this book wasn’t the writing style or the characters (which are on point). It’s that the plot is so ridiculous, even by mafia romance standards, that I couldn’t suspend disbelief. First of all, the whole thing is about pursuing a book of secrets that is at least 15 years old but is apparently still the family’s center of power. If it’s so important, how have they managed to stay on top all of these years? Also, isn’t all of the information in the book 15 years out of date? Shouldn’t the family have started compiling new secrets in the meantime? Also, if Kira’s dad took the book and everyone knows this, why didn’t anyone come after Kira before now? All of a sudden Kira is in danger, but the information available to the outside world hasn’t changed. Also, isn’t there a procedure for opening a safety deposit box if you’ve lost the key? The whole plot is so thin that I can’t really pay attention to what’s happening with the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SilentSpectra.
453 reviews14 followers
March 27, 2026
Meh

Well written but repetitive in some areas. I don't want to be told more than once that Bryan mentored/raised Stellan. Got it the first time.

Kira also does the dumb 'chick in a book/movie' move: run away when I hear something I don't like or not ready to hear. Add in that they just left a mafia counsel meeting where Stellan's already told her they could be being watched but she chooses right outside, super exposed, to try to force answers? He even try's to guide her to the car, to safety, but like a child, she wouldn't listen and ran away.

Finally, a book? A black book filled with their most important secrets plus ledger. For real? I just finished the book and still can't believe that that's what everyone in the story is hell bent on possessing. This just felt so dumb. I couldn't get into the story because I couldn't buy into that reasoning.

Lastly, I didn't like Kira. Sure, I thought she was being a decent/good big sister/mother to Gem. But f***, every moment of dialogue she's b******g about everything and it just about washes away the good she's accomplished because she's the Queen of Negative Nancys.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,182 reviews48 followers
February 11, 2026
This has everything we love from this author:

Betrayals and bloodshed, unwavering passions, violence and quest for power, steamy chemistry and possessive claiming ... soo good!
Kira gives as good as she gets, and Stellan is obsessed! So addictive!

Stellan Corsetti is set to step into his rightful position as the next Don, but 2 things are preventing this - the council's approval and the lack of a wife (well, also something else, but you're gonna have to read to find out!)

Kira has no idea why Stellan is so interested in her, but he's not taking no for an answer. All she's focused on is doing everything she can to care for her sister, but they manage to come to an agreement.

The mystery of why Stellan needs her as his wife kept the pages flipping, and the intensity of the storyline had me hooked from page one.

I strongly recommend this story, this creative author, and suggest, when you’ve can this read, returning to her catalog for more unforgettable characters.

I can't wait for her next release!
I received an ARC (thank you) and happily leave my thoughts.
Profile Image for Rachel Santillan.
466 reviews14 followers
February 16, 2026
Had all the elements to be a really good mafia read and it wasn’t bad. I just found myself wanting a deeper background, more development, and more support around Stellan stepping into his role.

Kira also had so much potential. She accepted being the mafia don’s wife, she was strong-willed and capable I just wanted it taken all the way. Give me full on Queen of the South energy (Northeast edition 😏). Make her even more badass.

There was a lot happening, but with another 100–150 pages to really develop the characters and tension, this could’ve easily been a 5⭐ read for me.

What we get:
• Small age gap (8 years)
• Financially struggling FMC
• Marriage of convenience (but feelings are already simmering 👀)
• FMC supporting her minor sister
• FMC unaware of her true family background
• Strong-willed FMC
• MMC trying to claim his place as Don
• Traitors inside the famiglia
• People actively working against him
• Mafia war
• Plenty of killing
• HEA

Solid mafia romance, I just wanted it bigger, deeper, and a even little more ruthless.
Profile Image for Lemon.
861 reviews23 followers
February 23, 2026
Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 3/5 ———-> Kira is pretty much forced to marry Stellan after he buys her apartment building and threatens to double her rent. She’s already busting her ass working two jobs to support her younger sister.


Kira can tell Stellan is trouble. Stellan turns out to be the next in line to become Don. Stellan was mentored by Kira’s dad. This comes as news to Kira as she didn’t know anything about that side of her father. Stellan has been keeping an eye on Kira since the father died. Now he needs Kira to secure his succession into becoming the Don.


It takes a little to break Kira down, but she’ll do anything for her sister. Even if that means marrying Stellan. He’ll guarantee she’s provided for no matter what, and Kira won’t have to kill herself working two jobs anymore.


I think the build up between Stellan and Kira is sweet. I enjoyed their banter, and spice. Especially the graveyard scene 😉 Everything was great till the last 8 pages. BOOM, my least favorite trope. Which I knew was coming bc i actually read the triggers but it is what it is. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Ashley.
451 reviews
March 7, 2026
I don’t know what it was…

…I couldn’t help but feel disconnected to the story and its characters. Maybe it’s the state of mind I was in going into to this, but I found myself skimming through a large portion of the story. And for good measure too because I realized the nothing was missed even with skimming. The conflict still stayed where it was and the result was still the same.

I found Kira’s character bland. Respect for her hustle to put her genius sister through school, but girly pop’s personality was dry as hell. From my understanding Stellan’s attraction to Kira was more along the lines of insta-love at first sight, which is fine I suppose, but I just didn’t expect it in a full length sorry. That being said I enjoyed the little plot twist of the real reason Kira’s dad “betrayed” the famiglia. The rest, down to the climax and “shoot out” scenes were predictably obvious. The story should not have been as long as it was. Way too many “mafia” scene fillers. Unfortunately, I found myself bored for a good chunk of this story.
812 reviews
February 12, 2026
This story is full of ruthless Mafia politics and Italian passion. Kira is working two jobs to help her sister get into a great college and a better life. Their father died when they were young and their mother basically abandoned them for a life of drugs. When Kira is attacked at the diner a handsome devil swoops in and saves her. Little does she know that he has been stalking her for a while. He says all he wants is for her to have dinner with him. But she has no time for dinner let alone dating. Stellan is the Don in waiting. He needs a wife and he wants Kira. They are both stubborn but he finally wears her down when she realizes he can help get Gemma to college. Then she finds out who he is and just what she signed up for. The passion and snark between these two is electric. Can Stellan get approval of the old guard? Can Kira accept what he is? When the stakes keep getting higher they find strength in one another.
Profile Image for SJ.
1,201 reviews15 followers
February 12, 2026
Every time I see a new BB Hammel book I just know I'm gonna love it and have a good time reading. This book was no doubt one of my faves. This was on the lighter side of the mafia reads. The plot was fun and exciting, full of thrilling secrets and twists I didn't expect, along with the deliciously hot romance.

Stellan and Kira had me cracking up, giggling, kicking my feet, and totally melting. Their banter was hilarious, their connection sizzling, I devoured every interaction they had.

He is seriously relentless and one determined persistent man. I loved how OTT he was about all things Kira and his sense of humor for a mafia don was the best.

Kira was also a fun FMC, no meek little mouse here. I loved how she challenged Stellan and didn't just cave to his demands. I also really enjoyed the fact that she hadn't grown up in the mafia world, she worked hard and fought for respect.

Tropes:
Mafia
Arranged
Enemies-to-lovers
Possessive MMC
Stalking
Spicy
Dual POV

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Profile Image for Petra.
1,568 reviews
February 11, 2026
I simply could NOT put this book down! I’ve read quite a few books by BB Hamel, but Stellan and Kira’s story is my absolute favourite so far. It’s dark mafia, and I loved it from start to finish. The action-packed scenes kept me glued to the pages.

Stellan is determined to convince Kira to marry him, and he doesn’t shy away from a little blackmailing her into doing so. Kira is a wonderful, strong woman who deserves the best, and I admire her resilience.


~~He looks like heaven. His hair’s freshly cut and styled and the stubble on his cheeks makes him look like he’s fresh off a movie set. I don’t know how a v1cious and dangerous man can be so obscenely attractive, but here he is, tempting me into all the wrong decisions.~~

~~His attention is addictive and dizzying. I find myself wanting more of it.~~.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,218 reviews122 followers
February 11, 2026
Stellan needs a good Italian wife to become the head of his mafia family, and he has been low-key stalking Kira and her younger sister Gemma for years. He decides Kira would be perfect for the role. Kira has been raising her sister since their addiction mother abandoned them, so she’s too busy for a relationship. She eventually gives in to the magnetic mobster (who is not above playing dirty to get what he wants). There’s a lot of action involving a rival group trying to take over control of the city, and a mystery about a black book that is not a MacGuffin, but a seriously important article for the mafia. I found it exciting and entertaining and that graveyard sexytime scene was totally hawt. No cheating, much violence, and plenty of safe stalking that will be catnip to many.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.p.
1,517 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2026
As with all of BB’s books this one had drama, violence,the excitement, great MCs and of course the heat. The FMc has had a tough and sad life, I really felt for her, with absent parents shes left to fend for herself and her sister, she works hard up to the point of exhaustion in order for her sister to have a better life and a career. During her night job she encounters the mmc who saves her and wants to take her out, she doesn’t have time for romance but he’s insistent. Stellan is from a mafia family trying to prove to his family he’s worthy of becoming the Don but he needs to be married for that. He wants Kira( she seems to be the only light in his dark world) therefore he proposes a marriage that’s convenient for both of them. Their journey is full of chemistry, attraction and danger. Will they get their hea? A juicy and dramatic enemies to lovers.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
1,656 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2026
Kira and her sister Gemma have had a rough life since their mother left them. Kira is determined that she will work her ass off to make sure that her sister gets a better life than the one that was dealt to them. Stellan knows something about Kira's past that even she doesn't know and that secret is why she is the perfect woman to legitimize his assent to the top as the new Don of the Corsetti Mafia. Since he is only half Italian on his father's side, he needs an Italian wife, and Kira is who he sets his sights on. The many ways that Stellan goes about trying to "convince" her to have dinner with him (even a marriage needs a starting point) is creative and hilarious. Great story that starts out with two strangers who become a great love story with a dangerous path along the way.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,948 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2026
Hamel weaves a twisted web that will hook you from the start!
Kira is a strong female protagonist as she works two jobs to get her sister, Gem into the best college and doesn’t take kindly to serving drunken men who don’t take “No” for an answer. When it gets out of hand, Stellan steps in to put the men in their place. It’s just like Kira turning down Stellan when he asks her out, because she doesn’t have the time to be in a relationship despite the electricity between them. When Stellan’s persistence buys Kira’s apartment building, she is up against steep hurdles to continue to make it on her own and finally accept Stellan’s offer. Stellan hides the fact that Kira’s father was his mentor turned traitor which has his counsel up in arms with his choice as wife. What follows are intense plot twists and ultra steamy scenes that will have you rooting for their happily ever after!
3,033 reviews21 followers
February 18, 2026
Kira has one goal, work to make sure her younger sister gets into a great college. But when some drunks at the diner where she works won’t take no for an answer, another customer steps in to save her from them. Stellan Corsetti is heir to the Corsetti familia and used to getting what he wants, and he will do anything to make Kira his wife.
These are fascinating characters. Kira is stubborn, head strong, and at times she made me laugh with the way she tries to put Stellan in his place, or at least she tries too. While Stellan is ... disturbingly deranged at times, but he loves Kira and will kill for her. Plenty of action, bloody violence, suspense, betrayal, unexpected twists in the plot, and a happily ever after. Fantastic must-read book!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout and the author.
1,570 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2026
Great story.

After their mum left them Kira would do anything for her little sister Gem & to keep her in the best school which involved working herself to the bone doing 2 jobs determined to not ask anybody for help & put her own life on hold.
However, when a hot brooding guy comes to her rescue when she is being attacked at work he makes her an offer that could solve all her problems but she refused to accept.
Stellan had been watching Kira forever knowing she was the only woman he wanted & her stubbornness made it worse but although there was sexual chemistry between them he also had an ulterior motive.
Eventually Kira accepts his proposal which leads to some steamy times, secrets, darkness, pain, love & betrayal.
This book has so much going on you won't want to put it down.

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