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Forbidden Desires

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In a desperate bid to shield her family's name from disgrace, Stasia makes a daring choice—offering herself to the notorious mobster, Darius Morrone, with unwavering resolve. But beneath her seemingly innocent facade lies an undeniable fire, waiting to be ignited. Once her passion has been released, Darius soon discovers that he is not the one in control. In a world where desire and danger intertwine, it is the eager student who will teach her experienced teacher the exhilarating depths of pleasure and love, unraveling secrets that could shatter them both. Will their passionate connection withstand the looming threats, or will the flames of their desire consume everything in their path?

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2026

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Marianna Buffolino

9 books35 followers

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5 stars
19 (57%)
4 stars
12 (36%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
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1 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
423 reviews90 followers
April 3, 2026
I was hooked from the beginning and wanted more at the end. I loved the whole chemistry Stasia and Darius had. He saw her when her family didn't they just saw their meal ticket. He helped her when no one else would. He was possessive but caring only to her. Couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Farrahlea.
202 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2026
WOW, she's my FAV character! She's STRONG, knows what she wants... she's just FULL of power and he MATCHES her perfect! They're both powerful, they both know what they want .. and that chemistry is EVERYTHING! Perfection! this is a new to me author and honestly I cannot wait to read more from her. this is definitely a keeper
Profile Image for Kirsty.
662 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy
April 1, 2026
I got COMPLETELY consumed. Like blink-and-it’s-3am, heart racing, “just one more chapter” until my sanity packed a bag and left.

Stasia??? I was not ready for her. She walks in looking like she’s making a sacrifice, offering herself up to this dangerous, untouchable mobster… but underneath? Steel. Fire. Nerve. The girl said “I’ll play the game” and then flipped the entire board. I LOVED her for that.

And Darius Morrone… yeah. He’s exactly what you want. Powerful, controlled, used to being the one pulling every string. The kind of man who thinks he’s ten steps ahead at all times. Watching him slowly realize he is NOT the one in control here?? Delicious. Humbling. Addictive.

Their dynamic is just… electric. It’s not just chemistry, it’s a full-on collision. Power meets defiance. Control meets temptation. Every interaction feels like a loaded weapon just waiting to go off. And when the walls start cracking?? When emotions sneak in where they absolutely were not invited??? I was DONE FOR.

What really hooked me though was that underneath all the heat and danger, there’s this intense emotional unraveling happening. Both of them are hiding things, carrying secrets, playing roles… and watching those layers peel back piece by piece felt intimate in a way that sneaks up on you.

And the stakes?? HIGH. This isn’t safe love. This is the kind that could burn everything down if it goes wrong. Family reputation, power, loyalty… it’s all on the line, and you can feel that tension in every scene.

I was stressed. I was swooning. I was internally screaming. I ate this book up like it was my last meal.

If you love:
• dangerous, powerful men meeting their match
• heroines who look soft but are absolutely lethal
• power dynamics that flip in the best way
• passion tangled up with secrets and risk

…this book will own you.

5 stars, no notes. Stasia and Darius didn’t just live rent-free in my head, they redecorated and changed the locks. 🔥
Profile Image for Josie's kindle era.
24 reviews
April 9, 2026
ARC book received from the author.

​If you’re looking for a read that balances grit with a can’t stop turning the pages pace, this dark mafia romance hits the sweet spot. It's a fast paced ride that proves you don't need a thousand pages to build a world that feels both dangerous and addictive.
​The heart of this story lies in the enemies to lovers arc. It’s executed with precision—the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife, Adding the faking dating trope into a mafia setting was a stroke of genius; it forced the leads into proximity, simmering the chemistry until it finally boiled over.
Unlike many dark romances where the FMC can get lost in the hero’s shadow, this main character stands her ground. She is resilient, sharp-witted, and holds her own in a world designed to break her.
The plot twists were genuinely surprising, hitting at exactly the right moments to keep the easy read feeling fresh and unpredictable.
The spice was handled perfectly it wasn't just there for shock value. It served the story and highlighted the shifting power dynamics between the two leads.
While it leans into the "easy read" category, it doesn’t skimp on the emotional payoff. Seeing two people who were sworn to hate each other fall and fall hard against a backdrop of organized crime and unexpected betrayals made this a standout 4-star read.

Profile Image for Becca.
607 reviews17 followers
April 14, 2026
My Rating: 5/5

My Thoughts: Stasia's life changes quickly when tragedy strikes, and she is forced to care for her sisters. Stasia sacrifices herself by making a deal with the notorious mobster, Darius. Darius is a dangerous man with a secret plan. He's ready to take the reins by undermining others. This book quickly became my FAVORITE book by Marianna Buffolino. Not only is Stasia fierce, sassy, and independent, but she also gives Darius a run for his money. She is not afraid of him, and this man quickly becomes wrapped around her finger. Stasia is such a fresh and surprising character; you never know what her reaction will be, and I loved it. She had me not only laughing at times with her banter, but my jaw literally dropped reading a certain scene - iykyk haha. Darius might be dangerous, but the way he's supportive and caring towards Stasia- I love this man. He might love to get under Stasia's skin, but she also changes him for the better. The chemistry between these two is so good and the spice!!!! THESE TWO ARE 🔥🔥🔥. This book has fake dating, dark mafia romance, touch her and d!e vibes, a possessive, morally grey MMC, a sassy, independent Fmc, spice, banter, and twists. I highly recommend this book.
849 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2026
Forbidden Desires is a total must read. This story is very well written. I enjoyed all the characters. Lots of suspense, action, danger, betrayal, lies, secrets, very emotional. All the things you expected when the Mafia is involved. LoL!
Stasia is a wonderful FMC. She is strong willed and stubborn.
Darius our MMC is known as the Carver. And he lives up to his name.
Through everything his darkness attracts her broken pieces and they start falling for each other. And her darkness shows up shocking and exciting Darius.
This story is very intense. The twists kept me turning the pages. The ending was perfect.
I was really amazed with the change in Darius with Stasia in his life. These two are two pieces of a puzzle that fit together through and through.
Marianna is a wonderful author. So get settled in for this story that you won't want to put down once you start reading.
I highly recommend this book. And I can hardly wait for book 2. It sounds like it is going to be as exciting as this book is.
Profile Image for Ashley Williams.
237 reviews8 followers
April 3, 2026
Schwowwww!!! I devoured this book! I love a good mafia romance and I couldn’t put this one down - just by the blurb, I knew it was going to be a good one!

Stasia is a strong FMC - she makes her own decisions and takes no mercy. In order to save face for her family, she offers herself to Darius. As my grandmother would’ve said - she’s full of pis* and vinegar 😂

Darius is dangerous. He’s intense, powerful and has his secrets…but who doesn’t? Stasia knows this - watching her flip the power roles and dynamic was so much fun. Darius is loyal to her though and he’s honestly the best color of morally grey. The tension and attraction was there from the start and their story will sink its teeth in you from the very beginning!

If you love a baddie FMC and mafia romance, definitely add this one to your TBR! Thank you Marianna and Good Girl Author Services for the early read. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Whitney Gray.
337 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2026
I absolutely love a good m@fia romance and Marianna Buffolino has become one of my favorite m@fia romance authors, and she didn't disappoint with this one! Forbidden Desires had everything I wanted, from an independent and extremely strong FMC who sells her soul to the devil himself to protect her sisters and mother after her mobster father's death, to a morally grey MMC who takes care of who and what is his, to plot twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.

I enjoyed the plot and the various relationships in the book. The Andretti sisters are all interesting women and I can't wait to find out more about each one in this upcoming series. If you like dark m@fia romance with spice, a possessive MMC, and an independent FMC, definitely read Forbidden Desires.

🌶️🌶️🌶️
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
🖤Fake Dating
🌹Bodyguard Romance
🖤M@fia Romance
🌹Forced Proximity
🖤Morally Grey MMC
🌹Strong Independent FMC

Thank you to the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Karla Rendon.
202 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2026
I LOVED this book like completely hooked, couldn’t-put-it-down kind of love

From the very beginning, Stasia pulled me in. She’s strong, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family but what I didn’t expect was just how much fire she had in her. Watching her step into Darius’s world and slowly flip the power dynamic, I’m OBSESSED.

And Darius… wow. Morally grey, intense, and dangerous in the best way. The tension between them was unreal every interaction felt like a push and pull of control, desire, and something deeper neither of them wanted to admit.

I especially loved how this wasn’t just about attraction it had layers. Secrets, power, vulnerability and that constant feeling that everything could fall apart at any moment. It made every scene hit even harder.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,846 reviews245 followers
April 7, 2026
Stasia is a strong, kick-bu!! FMC. I love her. The lengths she is willing to go to provide for her family and ensure that her sisters and mother are well cared for is very endearing. The first meet and greet between her and Darius had me holding my breath a little. The tension was strong that you could cut it with a knife. Good thing that Darius carries a knife.

As the story progressed, the tension only grew stronger and the heat rose hotter! The more Darius pushed, the more Stasia pushed back. I am obsessed with these two.

This book is one that you are going to want to read. Set aside your other current reads and grab this one. You will thank me later.
Profile Image for Dana.
161 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

I had a bit of a hard time staying engaged in the beginning but, once I got about 60% in, I couldn’t put it down. So just keep that in mind - the intense drama happens in the second half.

This is a mafia romance, and the mafia elements are heavy and explained well. The plot line is solid and the story builds at a good pace. You know who all the players are and you see the relationships growing and deteriorating.

Stasia is a bad bitch and Darius is the cold killer who only softens for her. There were so many times I wanted to reach into the book and slap her mother - she’s conniving and deceitful. And her sisters… I cannot wait to see what happens with Selene in the next book!
21 reviews
April 9, 2026
I love a good "touch her and die" full of sass and testing boundaries!

Blurb:
Stasia was on track to be a doctor, to escape the world she grew up in, and to finally step away from the never ending demands of her family. That is until tragedy strikes and she suddenly only has one option... and that option is tall, dangerous, and has a love for knives.

Darius is busy being a Mobster and killing his way to the top. When his mentors daughter comes to him asking for help and willing to do just about anything in exchange for it, he decides to take her up on it. Darius thinks he can break her, but she might just break him too.
107 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 28, 2026
Wow what did I just read?? Can we all have a little Darius in our lives???? Author starts off with a tragic death that is a catalyst to push Stasia to make decisions for herself. Steamy, full of passion. Interesting characters that are intertwined. Darius is no apologies but full of loyalty to Stasia. Amazing book and waiting for the next installment is torture. Must read mafia romance.

I did receive this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I don’t rate many books 5 but this one deserved it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
500 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 31, 2026
This has it all lies, betrayal, mystery, action, and spice. Stasia has to find her ground due to a tragedy in her family. As she is trying to support her family and heal Darius sees that things are not as Stasia thinks. Throughout her time with Darius she starts to find little crumbs of truth and the bigger picture comes into play. I cannot wait for book two. This book had me feeling all the feels including hate because boy did I hate certain characters in this book. I hope book 2 is just as good as this one.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
926 reviews19 followers
April 3, 2026
I am such a sucker for fake dating, but Stasia really steals the show in Forbidden Desires ‘cause she is a sassy independent lady! She knew what she has to do to save her family’s disgrace and is to offer herself to Darius, a dangerous mobster. Stasia and Darius’s chemistry burns so hot and so bright it was outstanding! I was turning the pages so fast!

It had Marianna's spicy notes sprinkled throughout and I was here for it! Loved the way Stasia and Darius came together

I'm so excited for the rest of the sister's stories!
Profile Image for Kelly Rose.
118 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2026
LOVE THIS BOOK! I knew it was going to be amazing because all her books are amazing, but I love me my mafia romance books !
I love that there is a darkness to Stasia that she lets out i with Darius and that he’s softer with her even when he hides it,
I love how this book kept me on my toes because of course I’m rooting for Darius and Stasia but also on the edge trying to figure out who killed her father and what Darius plans are!
If you like dark mafia romance books with a hint of suspense this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Tabby Jean.
Author 1 book8 followers
April 8, 2026
I have read all of Marianna's books, and she consistently does an incredible job. This one, however, truly knocks it out of the park. Stasia is definitely a strong and independent woman. As for Dauris, he is quite a character. He embodies what one might call a love-hate relationship; one moment you adore him, and the next, you find yourself thinking he's a jerk.

"I love him even though I despise him. F×ck."

I was the one who made a deal with the devil, and now I’m the one going to suffer the consequences.

"I’d rather stick my c×ck in a blender."
Profile Image for Chris Bauer.
85 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2026
Stasia is the daughter of a capo and when things go sideways for her and her family, she makes a deal with The Carver, Darius.

Darius just got promoted and definitely wants to remain in good graces with the Costello's , so he takes Stasia's deal, including her.

As truths come to light and even though Stasis was born into this life, can she handle the truth? Can she still look at Darius as a transaction? Or is there more?

Great story and steamy scenes. Looking forward to the next book!
4,463 reviews52 followers
April 3, 2026
Good intro for me to author. Stasia is thrusted into the role of taking care of her mom and younger sisters when her father is taken out in front of her. Her mom and sisters were not only selfish but clueless. Her father allowed them to much freedom to be that way. Stasia turns to Darius to keep the family above water. It was hard not to be invested between Darius own agenda and Stasia plans it was hard not to gwt caught up.
Profile Image for Amber.
28 reviews
April 5, 2026
Soooo I may have stayed up WAY past my bedtime because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next and how it would end. 🙈 No regrets though because I loved this book and chapter 22 literally made me melt. Stasia is definitely a strong FMC but Darius always knew she was stronger. And the back and forth between these two! I love an FMC that enjoys pushing the MMC's buttons 🤭

Also I'm dying for the next book!!! The glimpse has me hooked and I can't wait for it! ❤️
Profile Image for Vanessa Cappiello.
299 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 2, 2026
Forbidden Desires is book 1 in the Andretti Sisters series and follows Darius and Stasia's story.

"I love him even though I despise him. FCUK!"

Secrets, lies, betrayal and sacrifice all in the name of family is what you'll find here in Forbidden Desires. The book starts off with a bang and then as the story unravels secrets are revealed, family loyalty is tested and a chemistry so thick with tension that you can "CARVE" it with a knife!

If you love a dark mafia romance that delivers on spice, power and high stakes emotions, then you should definitely add Forbidden Desires to your list! Darius and Statsia won't disappoint!

I can't wait to read about the next Andretti sister!
Profile Image for Kristin Lipponen.
71 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2026
I love a good mafia romance. This was definitely one of those. It had spice, anger, hatred, deceiving, love, fire. Everything a good book needs. The story was great. I loved the main characters. The book had a couple little twists in it as well that helped with the storyline. I finished this book wanting to continue the story. I can’t wait for the second book to come out so I can read it.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,857 reviews33 followers
April 3, 2026
The student becomes the teacher in this part of Andretti Sisters series. I was pulled into the drama right away. I was fully invested in Darius and Stasia’s mafia romance. They had amazing chemistry and were perfect for each other. I enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie P.
106 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2026
I love Darius. What a man he is, the way he pushed Stasia was *chefs kiss*. Check your triggers as there are plenty in this book! A Mafia romance / enemies to lovers / relationship of convenience. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series. The twists and turns this book had me hooked, and the spice was spicing!!
Profile Image for OinkyThePiggy (Vanessa).
26 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2026
[Free ARC reader, voluntary review]
Dark, Mafia, and very spicy knife play. Starts off quiet and then catapults you into a whirlwind of trauma, stress, PTSD, and sex. And just when you think you've settled in, you're on a rollercoaster with so many twists and turns you'll feel like you have whiplash. Had my heart thumping in my chest and I'm not just talking about the spice. Enjoy the ride!
Profile Image for Stephanie Vicente.
614 reviews32 followers
April 9, 2026
I thought this was a very well written and great story, this had an interesting premise. I enjoyed the plot of this story and can't wait to read the next book too. I loved the The Andretti sisters and thought they were interesting women I cant wait to read more about them and their stories in books coming. I am excited to check out the next book.
7 reviews
April 12, 2026
She was supposed to save lives, not help a crime family. After witnessing her father’s brutal murder, a capo’s daughter postpones her medical future for power, making a dangerous deal: her freedom for her family’s safety. He’s ruthless, calculating… and now owns her loyalty. Secrets unravel, blood spills, and somewhere in the chaos, obsession turns into something neither of them can control.

Dark, intense, and dripping with tension. This is power, sacrifice, and love at its most dangerous.
Profile Image for Kenzi.
44 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2026
Wow! This was one of those books that you don’t want to put down! The suspense and the spice! You will go through all the emotions reading this! I loved learning about Stasia and Darius but I want more to their story! I cannot wait for more!
13 reviews
April 9, 2026
I quite enjoyed this book. I really liked how Stasia became a stronger character, and how she learned to enforce her boundaries as the book progressed. Also, the ring 😍😍😍 sounds like a really nice size 💎
Profile Image for Kandace_Bookaholic_.
380 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2026
Marianna slayed with this one. Her mafia read are always top tier and she never disappoints with the plot, spice and characters!!! This is one you dont want to miss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews