Make Me

by Natasha K. Lauren

He’s sworn to protect her. He thinks he’s the one in charge. She thinks . . . that’s cute.

By day, Gia Loren is a beloved Brooklyn trauma nurse with a coffee addiction and pink scrubs. By blood, she’s Giovanna Marcelli—daughter of one of the most powerful Italian mafia families in New York. And even if she walked away from that life years ago . . . the mob never forgets. . . and never lets you go.

When a rival boss is murdered and the city’s criminal underworld teeters on the edge of war, Gia is dragged back into the shadows and placed under lock-and-key protection, trapped in a safe house with a man who drives her crazy—in more ways than one. Nico Vitali, the Marcellis’ lethal, brooding enforcer and the one man completely off limits. Too bad Gia’s never been good at playing by the rules.

Ex-Marine. Combat-trained. Emotionless—at least on the outside. Nico’s life depends on his ability to control himself and his surroundings, and protecting Gia should be just another assignment. Except she refuses to behave. Fiery, flirty, and furious at her family and the situation, Gia turns captivity into a challenge, determined to rattle Nico’s unshakable discipline with every tease, every glance, every slow, dangerous smile.

Giving in would mean death. But resisting her just might be worse.

As sparks turn into a wildfire and the mafia war explodes around them, Gia must confront the truth about who she is and what she’s willing to claim. And Nico must choose where his loyalty lies—with the family he serves or their daughter he is sworn to protect.

Because in this city, love isn’t safe. It’s a liability.

And it might cost them everything.

Welcome to the Emperors of New York, a new, sizzling mafia romance series where love is the most dangerous game of all.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 17, 2026

About the author

Natasha K. Lauren writes about men who will burn down the world for their women, and women who are strong enough to start their own fire. When not devouring all the books she can get her hands on, she can be found at home in the United States with her beloved dog, her cat that barely notices her, and dreaming of her next cup of coffee.

Natasha also writes under the pen name Kiera Fallon

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Me by Natasha K. Lauren
Book Blurb: He’s sworn to protect her. He thinks he’s the one in charge. She thinks . . . that’s cute.

Rating: ****
Feels: Intrigue, Amused, Heat, Excitement
Style: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance
First published November 17, 2026 : 320 pages

Themes & Setting: Mafia Bodyguard romance where she is off limits but spends all her time trying to "make him" play with her.
FMC: Gia is super fun and independant. I would totally be wanting to temp Nico constantly if I was her also. I appreciate that she wanted to build her own life apart from her family. She goes for what she wants !!
MMC: Nico is the strong and grumpy type and yah ... totally tempting !!! I really loved the absolute brutality of the man as well !
Conclusion: The fun to be had with this. Just sheer pure tantalizing temptation and we get the joy of watching all the magic happen. I’m always into the protector vibe and adore a good bodyguard romance. Add in the forbidden aspects of this read and it’s just sizzling!!! The way Gia teases and tempts Nico is torture in the best sense and we have all kinds of torture in this book. The things we get to hear that are in Nico’s head !!! The tension is utterly delicious. What will happen to this Mafia princess if she ever gets what she craves ??? Totally worth the read !!!


Favorite Quote: She wants me to touch her. I want to f/ing touch her. But it's a death sentence.

Book Vibes:
Mafia Romance
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Romance
Protective MMC
Bodyguard Romance
Grumpy X Sunshine
Slow Burn Teasing

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I really liked this mafia daughter vs. bodyguard romance!

Gia really did everything she could to distance herself from her mafia family and their dealings, but it wasn’t enough. I get that her being forced into hiding, aka kidnapped, wasn’t cool. Being kidnapped by Nico, the bodyguard she’s always had a thing for?! Maybe a little bit better.

I loved Nico’s obsession with keeping Gia safe. It didn’t feel strictly professional, and I was here for all his internal debates. I think he did an amazing job keeping her safe and attempting to keep his hands to himself.

I felt Gia’s frustration with Nico! I wanted that man to give her something! I will say, their push and pull was so addictive! Gia teasing Nico was everything.

I enjoyed the plot. I didn’t expect things to play out the way they did in the end, but I really liked how everything came together.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hambright PR, and Ballantine for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Arc by Bethy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't get to read Mafia romance too often but when I do, I really enjoy it! This one was fun, full of tension(in a good way!), and fast paced! Loved all the twists and turns and the mafia daughter vs. bodyguard! The angst, heat, chemistry, you could feel coming off the pages! I really enjoyed the banter between Gia and Nico! Highly recommend this book! Thank you to @hambright_pr for the eARC!

[Leanna · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I love mafia romance, so I’m probably biased, but I really enjoyed this mafia bodyguard romance. Gia has spent years trying to build a life away from her family, only to be pulled back into their world and placed under Nico’s protection. Their forced proximity and the fact that he’s completely off-limits made for a fun push and pull. I especially liked Nico’s protective side and Gia’s determination to push his buttons.

This also felt a little different from the usual mafia romances, which I appreciated. It was a solid, entertaining read, and I’d recommend it to fans of mafia romance and bodyguard romances.

[Naomi Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this mafia romance! Filled with forbidden desire, simmering tension, and twists and turns that keep you invested, this story had me hooked. While there were moments when the pacing slowed, I felt those quieter scenes were necessary to truly understand the characters, their histories, and the complicated world they were caught up in. Sometimes, you need those slower moments to appreciate the depth of a story and the intensity of everything that follows.

Gia is a mafia princess who has walked away from her family’s dangerous world to build a life of her own as a nurse. But no matter how far she runs, the past has a way of catching up with her. When a threat against her life forces her into the protection and captivity of Nico, her family’s grumpy, infuriatingly off-limits bodyguard, everything begins to change.

Gia is fiery, stubborn, and absolutely determined to get under Nico’s skin. She loves pushing his buttons, testing his patience, and seeing just how far she can push him before his carefully constructed walls begin to crack. Beneath all that teasing, though, is a girl who craves his attention far more than she’s willing to admit. She wants him to look at her as more than just his responsibility, and she has no intention of making it easy for him to ignore the growing tension between them.

Nico, on the other hand, is a man who knows exactly where the line is and just how deadly it would be to cross it. He might be grumpy, guarded, and determined to keep Gia at arm’s length, but resisting her is becoming its own kind of torture. She is everything he shouldn’t want, and the one person he can never afford to want. In her world, even looking at the mafia princess the wrong way could cost him his life. Yet the more time he spends protecting her, the harder it becomes to deny what’s building between them.

But the danger surrounding Gia is far from over. As old secrets, family loyalties, and the ghosts of her past begin to close in, Nico is forced to confront just how far he’s willing to go for the woman he was never supposed to fall for. And when the people who threaten her come knocking, he makes one thing clear: he will burn the entire world down before he lets anyone take her from him.

This story delivered the forbidden romance, the grumpy bodyguard, the fiery heroine, and the slow-building tension I love in a mafia romance. Beneath the danger and power struggles is a story about trust, vulnerability, and what happens when the one person you’re forbidden to love becomes the one person you can’t imagine losing. Gia and Nico’s dynamic was such an entertaining mix of push-and-pull, undeniable chemistry, and feelings neither of them could safely afford to admit. If you love dangerous men with a soft spot for one woman, strong-willed heroines who refuse to be controlled, and a romance where falling in love could cost everything, this one is worth picking up!

Fav quotes :

"Why not?" she asks.

"It's a death sentence." But right now, it might be worth it. What a way to go out.












I see the way he looks at me. The yearning, the way he wants me. It's not a game anymore. I don't need to win. I don't need to break him. I just need ... him.










All I know is, I will protect Gia. Even if it means protecting her from her own family.












The thought of another man even looking at her makes me want to burn down the world. I can't have her. I know this. But no one else can either.













Heat flashes through me. "I'm not possessive. I'm protecting you." Nope, she's spot-on. I'm a hundred percent possessive.












Nico's eyes blaze. He wants the kill. He'll do anything to protect me, and I love it.















She feeds off my insanity, and it's working.













Being casual means being invisible. Being invisible allows people to underestimate me. That, dear mother, is my power.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mafia romance was an absolute stand out for me. The slow burn yearning was absolutely great between Gia and Nico!
The bodyguard trope will always be a winner for me and Nico is just yummy. The banter, the desire and danger was all there.
Ultimately Gia our hard working nurse by day and secret daughter of the mafia yes please. Nico being our broody bodyguard working for her mum and dad just added that extra layer or danager and spicyness.
If you love a dark romance (on the lighter side) and love a bit of mafia drama highly recommend.

[Christa Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Natasha K. Lauren and Del for the opportunity to read and review Make Me.
When I started reading this book, it was a fun opener, albeit the latex gloves in the hospital did pop me out a little bit because most hospitals don't use latex anymore, but that was just a little thing this chronic illness reader noticed that most wouldn't.
I was engaged in the first few chapters especially with the MMC- Nico- who was calm, cool and collected. I thought the story would continue with the same energy and intensity as the opener but unfortunately the middle through the ending felt a little repetitive and it took me a long while to finish this book. Nico did have a very filthy mouth on him and he was quite sensual in his thoughts. It would have been nice to see some of that acted on earlier but the story is definitely a hate to love slow burn.
Character development was good. The FMC- Gia did seem to have a variety of different reactions to her situation, especially since she'd been taken from her home, her work and put into a situation she did not want--staying with the MMC at a safe house. I didn't relate to her changing emotions though. She was hot and cold, needy and angry, demanding and inquisitive. Because her characterization was all over the place, it was hard for me to have empathy for her situation.
Some of the scenes, like them watching movies and eating popcorn were relatable. Other scenes, like when the MMC gets injured and she has to stitch him up, felt a little bit forced for intimacy. The pool playing scene was fun, especially with Nico's dirty thoughts. The shift in the scene to angry and needy Gia was where I realized the story just didn't work for me.
The heat was also inconsistent. I would say 1.5 hot peppers in some places and 2 in others.
Overall, this was a slow read for me and I did find myself putting it down and reading other things that kept me engaged in the story.
The Mafia aspect was there and when the brother to the FMC came into the story, it did bring a bit of an intensity that was intriguing. The vacillation the FMC felt with what had happened and why, and the secrets being kept by everyone, unfolded slowly.
I did enjoy the possessive and protective side of the MMC. Nico was the picture perfect Mafia protector and that, was what made the book for me and had me reading to the end.

[Bree Hance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Natasha K. Lauren, for the opportunity to read an eARC of this title. All thoughts are my own.

4/5⭐️

Gia left her mafia family’s life behind to become a nurse and build a life where she could actually do some good in her community. Unfortunately, being a mafia princess means you don’t always get to decide when that world comes knocking again.

When a threat emerges and the boss of a rival family turns up dead, fingers start pointing at Gia’s family—and suddenly her independence is replaced with around the clock protection and being confined to a condo.

Enter Nico: the super hot, standoffish bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe.

Oh no. House arrest with the hot bodyguard. The HORROR. 😏

The forced proximity was EVERYTHING, and the tension was chef’s kiss. Natasha really let these two simmer, and I ate up every second of it. Every interaction felt like another tiny crack in their defenses until it became painfully obvious that pretending they didn’t want each other was a losing battle.

And listen…why would I be worried about threats against my family when the hot bodyguard is in the kitchen MAKING ME PANCAKES?! Priorities.

This book was as delicious as Nico’s abs, but beneath all the tension, banter, and mafia danger, I genuinely loved what Gia and Nico became for each other. Gia had worked so hard to build a life outside of her family’s world, and I loved that falling for Nico didn’t mean giving up the independence she fought for. Instead, their relationship gave both of them a place where they could finally let their guards down.

I was absolutely rooting for these two to get their little slice of paradise.

Now, I did get a liiiiittle nervous toward the end because there was definitely a moment where I was sitting there like, Natasha…WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE DOING HERE?! 😂 But TRUST THE PROCESS. She took care of our beloved characters, and apparently, I just needed to mind my business and let her cook.

Mafia danger. Forced proximity. A broody bodyguard. Family drama. Pancakes. Delicious tension.

What more could a girl need?

[Bookish Check-ins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gia just wants to help others. She may have been born into the mafia, but chose the path of nursing. Even when she hasn't been involved with her mafia bloodline for years, she is pulled into lock down when a rival boss is murdered. Nico Vitali is her father's ex-marine enforcer who has been assigned as Gia's guard. Nico is bound by strict military discipline and loyalty to her father to keep Gia safe and maintain control. Gia isn't one to play the quiet, meek captive and Nico refuses to compromise her safety.

Gia's role in healthcare has given her a grounded perspective that contrasts with her mafia upbringing. She brings traits from each world, however, with how well she responds under pressure and her refusal to be intimidated by violence. The banter she has with Nico is entertaining, but also allows us to see her remain active in her own fate rather than being a damsel in distress.

Nico operates on compartmentalizing his emotions. His objective is to protect his boss's daughter. However, the forced proximity and Gia's desire to poke at his boundaries quickly tests Nico's ability to remain distant. Nico is facing internal conflict due to his loyalty to Gia's father. This provides palpable tension before their relationship shifts.

Nico may hold physical control over the safe house, but we soon see Gia holds emotional control over him. Gia isn't intimidated by Nico. She sees a man whose rigid control can be tested, baited, and broken. Watching the lethal enforcer realize he is powerless against her leads into some explosive chemistry. Once Nico crosses the physical line, we finally see his unhinged possession thanks to the immense buildup.

If you enjoy slow-burn restraint shattering into raw obsession, you'll enjoy this one.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gia is so over the mafia life. After years of distancing herself from her family, she’s built a respectable career as a trauma nurse, limiting her family contact to a mandatory annual reunion. But her carefully constructed world shatters when the son of a rival family is found dead. With all fingers pointing toward her family, Gia is forced back behind family lines for her own protection. Suddenly, she’s out of her element and sharing close quarters with Niko, her childhood (and definitely adult) crush.

This romance shifts between both Gia and Niko’s points of view, which was a major highlight. Niko's POV allowed him to become a more well-rounded character rather than just a grunting, grumpy hitman. On the surface, he seems like a simple soldier who just follows orders, but his chapters reveals that he's got some depth beneath the stoic exterior.

Gia, on the other hand, was a bit of a hot mess. She starts off acting like a spoiled princess, recklessly teasing Niko just to get a reaction out of him. While she eventually settles down, her initial snappiness when he doesn't give her what she wants felt a bit off-putting like I was watching a petulant child react to something they don't like. It honestly took me a little bit to come around to Gia's character.

Much of the story is slow burn, and focuses on the two of them waiting out the danger in Niko’s apartment. While the tension is there, I felt like the true mafia action didn't arrive until the very end. Between the meetings with rival families and the final showdown, the climax was exciting... I just wish we had seen more of that gritty, high-stakes world through Niko’s eyes earlier in the book.

[Crystal Conwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC Review

Make Me by Natasha K. Lauren was such a good bodyguard/mafia princess story. The book follows Gia, a trauma nurse who has intentionally distanced herself from her mafia family and has no plans of ever returning to that life. Nico, an ex-Marine who now works for her family, is assigned as her personal bodyguard when a threat against the family forces Gia back into the world she worked so hard to escape.

The only problem? Gia has had a crush on Nico for years, and being forced into close proximity with him makes it increasingly difficult to ignore her hormones and desires. Nico cares deeply for Gia too, but he struggles with the fear of dishonoring her father—the man who gave him a job after leaving the military. Because of that loyalty, he tries to keep his distance while still protecting her.

Of course, in true bodyguard romance fashion, keeping their distance becomes impossible. The story quickly turns into a delicious forced-proximity romance as Nico works to protect Gia from dangerous enemies targeting the family. Along the way, there are interesting twists and turns as they try to uncover who is behind the threats.

Overall, this was an engaging mafia romance with tension, chemistry, and a protective hero dynamic that really worked for me. Best of all, it ends with a satisfying HEA. I also look forward to seeing whether some of the other characters will get stories later on because I’d definitely be interested in reading them. I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for future books from this author.

Rating vibe: Great pick if you love mafia princess + bodyguard romance, forced proximity, forbidden attraction, and protective MMCs.

[Cosy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is your typical mafia princess x bodyguard story where she didn't want to be apart of 'the life' but gets pulled back in. The main character was snarky and quick witted loved her personality. The forced proximity gave some great moments between the characters both funny and tension building. However it did feel as though the middle felt a little slow and dragged for a bit, you can only be locked up for so long before you run out of things to do and it felt like sometimes they didn't know how to keep the pace going so they went extra descriptive that made the book more tell not show.
I wish we got to dive a bit more into the family dynamics especially with the FMC's mom as she was described as a strong women with power, seeing her and the FMC interact more to flesh them both out would have been cool to see as the only real interaction we get shows her as a bully mom who showed little affection.
One of the things I didn't care for in the story telling is that it felt as though they were flip flopping if this was supposed to be an enemies to lovers or forbidden love type of story. There were moments where each of the main characters start talking about the other as if they can't stand to be near them and not in the it hurts being so close kind of way or would think why would they think about them in that way gross (one inner monologue has a character saying eww why would I think of showing them affection? after saying they care about them was saying they have been into the other for a while just in the last few pages before hand). However it was still a good read and I enjoyed it.

[Alexandra Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Hambright PR and Natasha K. Lauren for this ARC!

Gia Loren is Brooklyn trauma nurse who has tried to leave behind her identity as the daughter of a powerful New York crime family. When a murder threatens to ignite a war between rival families, Gia is forced into protective custody with Nico Vitali, her father’s brooding, ex-Marine enforcer, and the one man who is completely off-limits.

I spent my entire life growing up Italian and surrounded by a big beautiful Italian family. Imagine how jarring it was to learn I am only 11% Italian according to AncestryDNA. At least all 11% felt seen reading this 😆

This was EXACTLY what I needed to pull me out of the mid-October book slump I’ve been in. Because WOW. THE TENSION. THE YEARNING 🙂‍↔️ 11% Italian but 100% obsessed with these two.

Lauren has a way of giving you just enough to keep you satisfied while still leaving you on the edge of your seat. The pacing was fantastic, which can be tricky with a forced-proximity romance, IMO. There were twists I genuinely didn’t anticipate, and they felt organic rather than rushed or thrown in just for shock value.

Gia is feisty, quick-witted, and a little hot-headed. Which, as an Italian woman, I obviously relate to 😌 Nico, meanwhile, is everything I want in a possessive MMC. The man had me ready to join the family business 🥵 Dare I say … this might be one of my favorite book couples of all time.

And perhaps most importantly, Make Me is actually subtly a girl-power, feminist book 💖 LOL which just made me love it even more.

bada bing bada boom give me the gabagool and book 2 asap bc i’m WALKIN here!!!!!

Tropes:
💪 Bodyguard
⛓️‍💥 Forced Proximity
🩸 Touch Her & D!e
🖤 The Bosses Daughter
🚫 Forbidden Romance
🇮🇹 Mafia Romance
🩶 Morally Gray

[Leah Fairhurst · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a great premise, but it fell slightly short of delivering the consistent high-stakes mafia drama I was craving.

The book started and ended quite strong, capturing the signature tension, danger and drama you expect from a mafia romance. However, the middle portion felt dragged out and repetitive, largely due to the continuous cycle of Gia trying to seduce Nico while the family kept her completely in the dark. While I understood they were playing a power game with one another, the lack of communication stalled the plot.

For the supposedly "top family" in the business, their lack of situational awareness was frustrating. Had the characters communicated and picked up on Gia's hints the threats may have been identified earlier.

My feelings on Gia were conflicted. I absolutely loved her when she was fiery, smart mouthed and fiercely independent. However, those traits often clashed with moments where she came across as desperate and needy, which took away from her strong FMC energy.

Nico, on the other hand, was the typical grumpy, protective, mafia bodyguard that was loyal to a fault and deeply devoted.

I ultimately wished the book focused less on the repetitive romantic back-and-forth and more on the overarching mafia and family dynamics, as it lacked the constant, high-stakes adrenaline required to keep the momentum going in the middle.

Overall it was still an enjoyable read, especially for fans of the grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity and protector/bodyguard tropes.

Thank you to Hambright PR and Natasha K Lauren for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am definitely in my mafia romance era, and this book is PERFECT if you love mafia romance! Gia Loren is a beloved nurse at a hospital in Brooklyn. Underneath? She’s Giovanna Marcelli, the daughter of a powerful Italian mafia family. She didn’t want that life, so walked away. Now, there are threats against her. On top of that, a rival boss is murdered. She’s not safe. Nico, her father’s bodyguard, is tasked with protecting her. He’s stoic, unshakeable, emotionless. Gia tries to break him down, and she does. Sparks soon fly around these two. Then a mafia war breaks out, and we don’t know if anyone will survive.

I read this book so fast. Literally in less than a day. It is THAT good. This is a duel POV book, so we get chapters from both Gia and Nico. My favorite ones are from Nico. I love getting the male point of view in these types of books. I want to know what they are thinking and feeling, and without these chapters, I would only be guessing. And its because of these chapters that I fell in love with Nico. He tried so hard to keep his resolve, but Gia broke him down and he was so sweet with her once he let it happen.

Gia was awesome. Independent and strong minded. She cared about her patients and wanted a better life for herself. She is also really fun – the tempting that she did to Nico!! It was so much fun to read!

There’s a lot of action in this book and I was here for all of it. The action really helped propel the story forward. There was also a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming and I did a double take! I loved it!!

If you like mafia romance, you NEED to read this one!

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Me is full of power. Lust. Protectiveness and whispers of a threat where war is just the beginning in this dark spicy mafia read 🔥

Nico is playing with fire when it comes to Gia and the man won’t stop because he desperately wants to teach her a lesson 🤭

I love me a good mafia read that’s both thrilling and fun but also keeping you invested of the suspense of the plot and throwing in a spicy romance with a hot Italian mafia man that is trying so hard not to lose control. Natasha delivered and is a story that leaves you satisfied.

Gia is the daughter of the Marcelli family, and dare you go after her or hurt her, you are about to cause a war. She is so sassy, fierce, has a mouth on her, but also powerful in her own way. All she wants is to be free from her mobster family, but she can’t seem to stay away when a threat arises with her and the Marcelli family, and Nico Vitali is going to make sure nothing bad happens to her. A bonus that he is her bodyguard and important asset to the family.

She’s his kryptonite and Nico is so uneasy who hates being uneasy and I loved how silently crazy he was about her 🤭

“Oh, baby girl, you do not want to find out the consequences of you defying me.” Eeeek! 🤭 love him! The tension!? The banter!? Yes! 🔥

Thank you Dell and Ballantine for the e-galley! 🩷

[A.Onstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NETGALLEY for the ARC of Natasha K. Lauren’s Make Me.

This debut (I believe it is her first) mafia romance is Nico and Gia’s story. It has all the wonderful trappings of a bodyguard/mafia ‘princess’ story. Although, Gia is not your average ‘princess.’ After having left the world of her mafia family for a more peaceful life as a nurse, she finds herself thrust back into that world because of a threat to her family. Enter…Nico..the bodyguard she has been crushing on for years. So, if you have read a mafia romance, you know what’s coming. Add some forced, close proximity and a man who uses every ounce of willpower to stay away from the FMC, you have a wonderfully tense story. The plot is solid and has some twists and turns that are enjoyable. I wasn’t completely shocked by those turns, but I still found it a satisfying story.

I’m now wondering if the series will continue with Sam or Dante?? I will definitely be on the lookout for book two. For those who enjoy mafia novels, you would also enjoy this one. If you have not tried one yet, this would be a great start. Yes, there are violent parts but not overly graphic.

Nice work to Natasha K. Lauren!

[Gloria Bohne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Make Me was a fun read and a great palette cleanser since I don’t usually reach for mafia romances! The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was definitely a highlight—I loved the way they played off each other, especially with the daughter-of-a-mafia-family/bodyguard dynamic.

I did wish we got more of their history and the years of quiet crushing/yearning between them. I think seeing more of that would have made their connection and eventual romance feel even more satisfying. The FMC had some familiar “mafia daughter who left” vibes, and while I liked her overall, her stubbornness got a little frustrating at times. The MMC was hot and pretty much what I expected from the stoic bodyguard type, although his stoicism occasionally felt a bit stale.

I also found myself a little confused by the different POVs at times because their internal thoughts about each other didn’t always seem to line up with how I perceived their relationship.

The plot was good and entertaining, although I did guess the twist. Still, it was a fun, easy read with a trope I don’t normally pick up, and I enjoyed it overall!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chicken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Make Me by Natasha K. Lauren was such a fun and engaging read! I always enjoy a good bodyguard/mafia princess setup, and this story absolutely delivered on all the best parts of that trope.

The book follows Gia, a trauma nurse trying to distance herself from her family's mafia roots, and Nico, the protective ex-Marine bodyguard assigned to keep her safe when a threat emerges. What I loved most about their dynamic was the slow burn. They definitely didn't jump right into a relationship, which kept the romantic tension high throughout the entire book. The forced proximity made the chemistry between them build perfectly, making it impossible to put down.

The mafia element and the mystery surrounding the threats against the family added a great layer to the plot. It gave the story a lot of momentum and kept me guessing about who was behind the danger, which made the background plot just as fun to read as the romance.

Overall, this was a great, high-tension debut. I really enjoyed the balance of suspense and chemistry, and I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author in the future!

[Ana Castillo · Rating 2 out of 5]

arc review: in a city like new york there is always something happening especially in the shadows. gia gave up her family lively hood and chose to be a regular person. however, in the mafia business leaving doesn’t always mean you get to leave. nico, gia’s family body guard, reminds gia that the world she wants to be apart of is now seeping into the life she gives up. as gia navigates being brought into the world she left when an enemy father dies suddenly and its pin on gia’s family. all hell breaks lose or does it also show what gia always wanted in her life? or is it her long standing crush on nico come to light? guess you have to see if they survive it!

in all honesty i wanted to dnf this book at the 50% mark. the characters, the plot, and the mafia trope was not giving. i felt like i didn’t even know my characters or even the plot and it felt like i was still on page 10 not 130. the book picks up on chapter 30 and the twists do get good and exciting. but for me i would of never gotten there. maybe its because mafia romance i’m still new with but even the yearning/slow burn was not really enticing to stay.

[Monzerrad · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮 𝗞. 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗥

We have a brooding bodyguard and a mafia Princess who refuses to be told what to do? Their chemistry between Gia and Nico!! I was her for it because these two together? The tension, the forced proximity, and the fact that Nico is supposed to be protecting Gia while trying to keep his feelings under control had me smiling. Like sir, you can try to act all serious and broody, but we see you! 😂

Gia, who is trying to build her life away from mafia family while getting pulled right back into that world sounds like an interesting setup. And then there’s Nico, the man who is supposed to protect her but also happens to be the one man she probably shouldn’t be falling for. The forced proximity and forbidden love make this pairing even more tempting.

I especially love the idea of Gia being strong and independent while Nico has to figure out how to balance his duty with what he feels for her. Give me the banter, the protective MMC, and two people trying to resist something clearly want. And we can’t forget the mafia danger keeping everything interesting! 🖤

[Stella B · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Make Me is a deliciously wicked mafia romance that knows exactly how to tease you!

The yearning, the slow burn, the tension… it’s all *wickedly delicious* and had me hooked from page one.

He’s the bodyguard. She’s the daughter of a **mafia queen**. Yes, you read that right! And honestly, I love a story where the women hold their own, and this one delivers with several strong female characters who absolutely refuse to be overshadowed.

The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, the longing is deliciously intense, and the spicy scenes? Let’s just say they deliver! If you love your mafia romance with a generous dose of **“touch her and die”** energy, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

I even managed to predict one of the twists, which had me feeling rather proud of myself!

With great chemistry, an engaging storyline and an easy-to-read writing style, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. If mafia romance is your thing, I highly recommend picking this one up!

Come for the mafia drama, stay for the tension… and prepare to swoon.

Thank you Netgalley and HambrightPR for my ARC.

[Dominique’s Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one enough, but it didn't quite hit the level I was hoping for.

The chemistry between Gia and Nico was the highlight for me. There were plenty of moments that had me rooting for them. The forced proximity and tension were pretty well done, and Nico was exactly the type of protective hero you'd expect in a mafia romance.

That said, the pacing felt a little uneven. The story started strong, but the middle dragged for me and felt repetitive at times. A lot of the romance centered around the same push-and-pull dynamic, and I found myself wanting the relationship to progress a little faster. Throughout the writing style also was more tell than show which isn’t my favorite style.

I also went into this expecting more mafia intrigue so similar readers may find themselves waiting until the final chapters for the bigger plot developments.

If you enjoy bodyguard romances, forced proximity, and protective heroes, this is worth picking up. It just wasn't quite the mafia romance I was expecting.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the blurb: He’s sworn to protect her. He thinks he’s the one in charge. She thinks . . . that’s cute.

This book was a wild ride! I was intrigued with the mystery and strategy of it all. Gia has worked hard to forge her own path apart from her mafia family. Nico is her family’s head of security and the one person Gia loves to tease. When he’s tasked with taking her to a safe house, they jockey for control almost constantly. Gia does everything she can to catch Nico’s attention, and Nico tries to remember that he can’t have the boss’s daughter.

Add in all the mafia posturing and a hundred-year-old rivalry between two families, and it’s easy for a third to come in and knock everything over. The character who ended up being the villain? Something felt off when they showed up earlier in the book. Did it take away my enjoyment of that storyline? Nope!

What you’ll find:
✨forbidden romance (boss’s daughter)
✨forced proximity
✨mafia romance
✨protective MMC
✨rival mafia families

Thanks to Hambright PR and Ballantine/Dell via NetGalley for an advance copy of this book!

[Crystal LoCicero · Rating 3 out of 5]

"So, from here on out, I have exactly two missions: break Nico and find out why I'm being held captive."

When I first started reading this I was absolutely sat. The fmc was hilarious, smart, and snarky. There was action, mysteries, and everyone's keeping secrets. I kept a notes section for potential who-done-its. I did end up figuring out who was the mastermind at about 70%.

This characters told us more than we were shown. I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between the mc's. They fought and had sex. There were many side characters and we are told they are close, but the relationship building was all pretty surface level.

I think it mostly lost me with the super quick ending. We never got to see them as a couple.

If you are looking for a spicy, mafia, insta-lust vibes only book, you will enjoye this. It was good just not great in my opinion.

I received this book as an ARC, but the review is completely independent and reflects my own genuine thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

[Kate Haydar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

A feisty mafia princess and her stoic bodyguard who have been pining after each other for TEN YEARS? Yeah, I was immediately in. 😂

This had so many tropes I love:

* Feisty FMC × stoic bodyguard
* Forced proximity
* Pining
* Forbidden romance
* Grumpy × sunshine
* Mafia romance

I especially loved the inner monologue. There were several moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, and the chemistry between these two was definitely there.

I also have to laugh at the MMC because he is objectively giving red flag, but somehow my heart is like, “No, no, he’s green.” 🤣

My biggest issue was some blocking/continuity problems during the spicy scenes that occasionally pulled me out of the moment.

Overall, this was a fun, spicy read with a great trope combination, plenty of tension, and some genuinely funny moments. Not quite a 4-star read for me, but I definitely had a good time with it.

3.75/5 ⭐️

[Liz Sturg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I love a good mafia romance! I liked how there was yearning from the FMC towards the MMC but then it would get annoying that she was always putting herself out there and he was just always cold towards her. But once she broke him there was no stopping! Never in my wildest dreams did I think the villain would be who I thought it was! It came out of nowhere. I liked how the FMC wanted to leave that dark life behind and she worked at the hospital and was happy being a nurse. I didn't really like how her family manipulated her to bring her back even though it was for her own safety but even when she went to her parents house and her mom guilted her into changing clothes like she wasn't a grown woman thinking for herself. Overall the book gave me possessive MMC, dark romance, spice, twists and turns. I liked the epilogue and her becoming a Mrs.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

📕Book Review📕
This was a spicy mafia romance with incredible amounts of pining and yearning and a whole lot of teasing and banter.
The suspenseful parts were well done, though I was able to assume and guess correctly-still entertaining.

This was definitely a darker romance with some parts that were harder for me to read so mind the trigger warnings.

Therapist 👋 Take:
This one has mental health rep related to the MMCs time in active duty, the impact of exposure to constant violence, and the FMCs experience of a controlling and manipulative ex-partner. I craved more emotional intimacy building here, but appreciated where both characters were at and their long history of longing allowed for an intense and steamy relationship.


Thank you to Ballantine and Dell Romance and the author for the opportunity to read and review early.

[Kelsey Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Me is a mafia romance about Gia, the daughter of the head of the Italian mob and her parents' body guard, Nico. Gia has been determined to stay out of the family business. She became a nurse and currently works in a trauma ICU to heal people. After work one day, she is met by her family's bodyguard to go to a safe house after her parents believe that Gia is in danger.

Gia is resistant to being taken from the life she has made for herself. The longer she is around Nico though, the more she sees that he is more than just her parents pawn.

This is a mafia romance with a mystery! I enjoyed it, but the end felt a bit rushed to me. There are some surprises that definitely kept me on my toes. If you enjoy a mafia romance, I suggest you add this to your list!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[CO Ajumma Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make Me was everything I want in a mafia romance. Gia has worked hard to leave her family's dangerous world behind and build a normal life as a trauma nurse, but when a rival family's murder sparks a mafia war, she's forced into hiding under the protection of Nico, the broody enforcer she's secretly wanted for years.

The forced proximity, forbidden romance, and constant danger had me hooked from the very first chapter. I loved watching Gia challenge Nico's self control while he struggled between his loyalty to her family and his growing feelings for her. Their chemistry was incredible, but it was the trust they built and the emotional moments between them that made me fall in love with their story. Natasha K. Lauren perfectly balanced action, suspense, humor, and steam, and I couldn't put this book down. I already can't wait for the next book in the series!