The Angel

4.5🌟, 3🌶️

This was one of those reads that just hits all the right notes. Kitty and Stan completely won me over.

They both carry so much from their pasts, but instead of letting it define them, they choose to grow and show up for each other. Kitty’s confidence and bite paired with her vulnerability made her so compelling, and Stan stepping up for her while owning his mistakes just made their relationship hit even harder.

Together, they’re such a fun mix of chaos and sincerity. Their chemistry feels natural, their banter is effortless, and there’s this steady sense of respect and devotion underneath it all that makes everything land. I loved how Kitty never shrinks herself and how Stan fully supports her strength, while the wider mafia world continues to add tension and stakes without pulling focus from them.

What really worked for me was how it wraps everything up while still leaving the door open. You get closure, emotional payoff, and just enough hints of what’s next to keep you curious. It’s intense, addictive, and genuinely satisfying, the kind of finale that feels earned from start to finish.

It’s the kind of ending that just feels right.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Serena Akeroyd & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

arcs

Jens_Book_Cubby

1,557 reviews56 followers

2026-arc akeroyd-serena pr-the-author-agency

The Angel is the second book in the Salvation Duet. It is a contemporary, age-gap, forced proximity, mob/mafia romance with touch her and d!e, good girl/bad boy, and a heroine in danger. The story is told in first person with dual POV.

If Kitty thought that she was in a bit of danger being mob adjacent, it was nothing compared to the danger she is in when she gets into bed, quite literally, with the Sicilian mafia.

This was a fantastic duet. I loved the danger, excitement, and the action this story provides. I absolutely adored Stan and Kitty. I love when big, strong, bad boys melt for their women, and Stan definitely did that for Kitty. He was so loving and caring and protective of her and I adored that about him.

This is an incredibly written book with fantastic pace, plot, flow, characters, character development, relationship development, storyline, storytelling, and world building. If you are in the mood for an Irish mob meets Sicilian mafia romance then I'd highly recommend this duet!

Thank you so very much to Serena Akeroyd for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own

Jessica Alcazar

4,481 reviews637 followers

April 12, 2026

ARC REVIEW

Since I got to read both The Capo and The Angel back to back, I’m going to review the duet in one swoop! It has been too long since I have been in this world and I missed it! Truth be told, it’s been a hot minute since I have been in any Serena’s world and that’s just a travesty! Starting this duet when the ARC of The Angel landed on my kindle felt like some sort of cosmic plan that I didn’t know was happening until it did. I guess that’s why it’s cosmic! LOL The story I read before I began this duet was/is one of the best “insta-connection” romance stories that I have read in a really long time, if ever, so when I began to read this duet and I start to feel the story and realize this is the concept that Serena wrote for Kitty and Stan, I was giddy with excitement. I know that most stories that are written with this circumstance tend to gravitate more towards “lust/love at first sight”, so when a story comes along that digs deeper into that “first sight connection” and makes me feel and believe in that connection, it’s just a thing of beauty for me!

I won’t lie and say that I was captivated or sucked into the story from the very beginning because quite frankly, I was a little bit lost and confused when it started. LOL Not the “bad” kind of lost but the “my brain is not processing fast enough” kind and that’s more than likely due to the time laps since we were in this world and now. So, at about 10% (ish) I had to stop and jump back a few stories and skim to get reacquainted with the “who what where” of everyone. It didn’t take long and most people wouldn’t even need to do this but I’m special like that so it’s fine. LOL I will say that there is nothing about The Valentini Family series that is standalone in nature. It is not the best choice to jump in wherever you please.

Once I got back to the story, there was no stopping me from reading every word practically thru till the end of The Angel (my eyeballs did not approve lol)! I don’t know what all of you guys did that had to wait for The Angel to release because after that “ending” in The Capo, I did not wait a single minute to begin The Angel even thought it was after 11 pm on a weeknight! From beginning to the very end, the story of Stan and Kitty is intense and emotional. Their connection is compelling and inevitable with a chemistry that is off the charts! Not only did “they” spark, but their journey was explosive in a way that felt like watching fireworks with eyes glued to every scene! GAH I HAVE MISSED THIS WOMAN!

The Capo is a story that builds from the start and doesn’t stop building till we come to that inevitable fork in the road, otherwise known as the cliffhanger, take a beat and then proceed with The Angel, which doesn’t “not” build but is more focused on the “world” rather than our “couple”. Make sense? The Angel will keep you on your toes and also, if you’ve been here from the start, pull at your heartstrings and possibly make you a little nostalgic knowing that Serana is “wrapping-up” this larger than life world. Just me? *wipes a few tears*

The audiobook nerd inside of me is hoping against hope that the audio for this duet comes out soon because I have been sitting on the first four audiobooks for a long while now, but I just know that once I begin, I am going to want to go all the way in an epic-binge! So I wait …

Marianne Tuakoi

365 reviews4 followers

Amber (Amber Reads Romance)

This book was everything and more. I am in complete awe of the inner workings of Serena Akeroyd and the worlds she creates. The way that she is able to connect five different (or is it six) series, from MC, to Irish mafia, Italian mob/camorra, Bratva/forgotten boys, hockey/4 C’s, not to mention the way she is able to keep all of the characters and twisted intertwined story lines straight blows my mind. If you have read her other books you will have sooo many of your questions answered - all tied up in a nice little De@d to Me type package! I love the way that these books have spanned many years, yet it loosely mirrors a lot of what’s happening in today’s headlines. (Praying there’s some people working behind the scenes to make it stop like in the book)

As far as all of the coupling we’ve seen, I think Stan and Kitty are the most true soul mates. Kitty is able to call him on his crap, she fits right in to his world, she is firecracker who isn’t afraid to go off, and she will do what needs to be done for those she loves - she is exactly what Stan needs! And Stan is crazy possessive, all alpha male, who not only tickles her fancy but stimulates her mind with his brain, and allows her to be her without dimming her fire, which is everything she craves in a man. They are perfection!

This book answers so many unanswered questions, ties up some story lines, gives us insight to outlier characters, and leaves us with a trail of Easter eggs leading us straight into a new series… where we will see old characters in a new light, meet new characters, enter a new world, with new storylines that will cross with some old ones! And I am here for it …
I.CAN’T..WAIT!! Genius!!

1,422 reviews215 followers

April 17, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

The Angel is the 6th and final book in the Valentini Family series, but also the 2nd part of the Salvation duet. This picks up right after the suspenseful cliffhanger of the previous book, The Capo.

Stan is a man obsessed and he is determined to tear down the world to get his woman back. Kitty really goes through it during her kidnapping, but she also shows her strength by fighting back hard. This kitty is not afraid to use her claws. Stan takes his retribution and makes moves to protect Kitty, woo her family, and eventually make her his in every way.

Stan and Kitty had such a sweet romance, even surrounded by so much violence. I loved these two together and the relationships they formed with both of their families. This is one wild crew!

I did find some of the ongoing plots from previous books confusing at times, but that might be because I have only read up to Filthy Lies in the Five Points Mob Collection series. I will say you definitely need to read Serena's books in her reading order because there are interconnected plotlines and a large cast of characters. Even though I was confused with the whole President and Albanian conspiracies, the romance was still amazing and I loved Kitty and Stan.

I think Serena had a lot to take on with this book since she was closing out the Valentini family, setting up a second generation, and also hinting at new characters for a possible new series. I am looking at you…. Ilya Levin! I need Serena to write his romance with his stepsister, STAT!

The Epilogue was perfection!

I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review.

Thank you to Serena Akeroyd for providing the ARC.

2026-arc age-gap-older-man billionaire

Jasmine

594 reviews12 followers

⭐️ 5/5
🔥 5/5
🌶️ 4/5
💧 5/5

The Angel is a strong continuation that builds on the foundation set in The Capo and delivers a satisfying progression of the story.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how it answers the lingering questions from the first installment, particularly surrounding the kidnapping and the betrayal. The payoff feels well-earned and aligns with the tension that was established earlier in the series.

The character dynamics remain a highlight, especially with Kitty continuing to show strength and resilience. The sister dynamic also continues to stand out, adding depth and making it easy to become invested in their stories as well.

This installment not only continues the main storyline effectively but also leaves room for future exploration, particularly with the potential for stories centered around the sisters.

Overall, The Angel delivers exactly what it sets out to do—providing resolution while maintaining the intensity and character-driven focus established in the first book.

This is an ARC review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jodie Mihas

620 reviews5 followers

Do you like your men to be protective and over the top possessive? Do you like your men to have a deliciously dirty,filthy mouth? Do you like your men to be a little whackadoodle? If you said yes then Stan is the man for you. Do you like your women to be fierce,strong and loyal? Do you like your women to show her claws when she needs to? Do you like your women to be powerful? If you said yes then Kitty is the woman for you. And when you put Stan and Kitty together what you get is this epic book. This is the end of The Valentini series and it’s everything we have hoped for and more. We get to see some of our favourite characters from previous books,we get questions answered,we get an epic love story,we get laughs,tears,sadness and joy. We get an epic ending to an epic series. While it’s sad to say goodbye,I can’t wait for the second generation to begin.Highly recommend this author to everyone 🖤❤️

I received an advance copy of this book.

Deb Richmond

731 reviews6 followers

In The Angel, we pick up right where we left off at the end of The Capo. Kitty has been kidnapped, but she is fighting to save her own life while Stan rushes to get to her. As she recovers from her injuries, she and Stan continue to fall in love.

Tropes:
•Mafia Romance
•Heroine in Danger
•Black Cat Heroine
•Touch Her and ☠️
•Bad Boy/Good Girl
•Family Saga
•Broken Hero

This was a great conclusion to the Salvation Duet. Kitty proves herself to be the perfect match for Stan as she becomes more deeply entrenched in the mob world. Their love story is compelling, and Kitty is compelling as she unravels mob politics. I love Kitty so much - she’s a bad•ss woman with nerves of steel. The characters in this one are great. The world building is especially good, and the plot is theatrical in the best way. It was great to see some of the O’Donnelly family again.

I highly recommend the Salvation duet. Read it and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss.

Megan Brogden

114 reviews4 followers

LONG LIVE THE HOUSE OF VALENTINI 💜💜💜

I legitimately cried at the end of this book, it was an absolutely beautiful send off.
Stan and Kitty are made for each other, and the ups and downs (and kidnappings!!) that get them to their HEA were just arrrghhhhh!?!?!?
I loved this duet and the final book was perfection!!.
If you haven't read the Valentini storyline go do it and if you have, go read these!! NOW!! The spice was 🥵🥵 and their chemistry was off the charts!! (See what I did there??? 😂) Stan needed his lioness and Kitty??? shes the backbone and fire he needs to keep him strong. Without his Angel he's lost, with her??? He found his family again and it made him better, even helping his healing. This was a masterpiece and I for one couldn't put it down, no matter how sad I was for it to end 😔. I will go back and I will read the whole Valentini story line again..... I just wish I could do it all for the first time again.

I was sent an advance reader copy

Danielle

182 reviews1 follower

April 7, 2026

I received an ARC of this one. The Angel throws you straight into the chaos on page one. It feels less like a gentle intro and more like being dropped into the middle of an action movie. There’s danger and tension already in motion. The pace is fast and I was immediately pulled in by how quickly the story starts.

One thing I really appreciated was that Kitty saves herself. I always love an FMC who is not just waiting around waiting to be rescued and that gave Kitty an extra edge for me.

This definitely does not feel like a casual standalone. You can tell this is part of a much bigger world and as someone who has not read the other books, I did feel that. At times I was confused and aware that I was stepping into an ongoing story with a lot of history behind it. Because of that, the bigger plot did not fully land for me the way it probably would have if I were already invested in the series.

But even with that confusion, the romance worked. The characters feel fleshed out, the relationship is compelling and the spice is hot. If you are already deep in this world, I can absolutely see this being a huge hit.
For me, it was a well written and fast paced read with a strong and sexy romance with plenty of tension.

Charlotte

4,117 reviews63 followers

I received an advanced copy

I can't say everything I loved about this book and this duet because the amount of spoilers it would let out would give away way too much of the story. It's not only that it's the overlapping/tied too characters that brought their own stories with them as well. That's always the beauty of any Valentini, 5 pointers, sinners you pick up your have to be on your toes and remember everything that you read just in case you miss anything. I find myself constantly recapping by re-reading but I don't mind that at all.

The Angel picks up pretty much where book 1 ended. Book 2 definitely takes Stan and Kitty on a journey. Both within their relationship, within their families and lives. I felt like this book more than the first one gave Stan and Kitty the time and space for their relationship to develop as a couple especially with everything that was going on around them. As with other books in this series and the tie ins it was the family banter & the group chats that brought on some humour. Loved Those. This was a cracking end to this duet.

Jemma Newby

1,755 reviews11 followers

Wow i will be shouting from the rooftops about this book / duet / universe. I can't believe it's over , this book was so bittersweet. I loved every action-packed minute of it , but wow I'm just not ready to say goodbye to the Valentinis. Stan and Kitty are just perfection. This book started where the last book ended and wow it took me on such an emotional rollercoaster ride from the very first page. Kitty is just so fiercely loyal, caring and just everything Stan needs. Stan is definitely my favourite Valentini sibling and as joined my ever growing list of Book Boyfriends / Husbands. I loved seeing all the familiar faces again and it just made me want to go back and reread all of them books. I especially loved seeing all the Valentinis / Fraiser family moments , I just love both these families so much. I can't wait for more from this author and i will definitely be doing a full reread of this universe in the future. Five Huge Stars that I wish I could rate more.

Natasha

145 reviews

Love, Love, Love. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

What an excellent finish to both the duet and the series. You gotta love those Valentini’s. The story picks up directly after that cliffhanger ending in The Capo.

Stan and Kitty are perfect together and her upbringing makes her the perfect woman for Stan and her connection to The Five points, ties these families even closer together.

Stan is driven by his past mistakes and while Kitty doesn’t condone his past decisions she see’s the man behind the mask and beyond his trauma’s.

As always, I love the hints of characters from other books that you get from the interconnections between the various books written by the author.

I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy

Talula Miles

4 reviews

Loved the damage she did to the fuckers who hurt her, I could tell from the first book that she was a savage.
Adored the patients and care that Stan gave her while she was healing.

The book is more mafia than it is romance, it has ALOT of plot that isn’t directly based on the MC’s and I would’ve liked that if there was another couple afterwards, however that was the end and I wish there was just a little more of the two of them and not the rest of the bullshit. Especially the twin pregnancy or even how they handled finding out the great uncle was talking to her. It was more about everyone else than about Stan and Kitty. So hmmmm maybe not fully 5*?

Also anyone know where I can read Trixie/Beatriz book? If there is any?

BookAddict

2,134 reviews211 followers

April 14, 2026

The resolution of the cliffhanger is here, with more non-stop action, twists, and turns than the average romantic heart can survive. Get The Capo and this and read them straight through for an unparalleled romantic suspense experience.

Going in blind will serve you best, but buckle in tıght and hold onto your hat for a wild, exhilarating ride. This crafty wordsmith has a way of making us love dubious characters, and Stan and Cat are now at the top of my list of favorites.

With cameos from other beloved characters, the heart and found family elements drive this one just as much as the adrenaline-fueled story. Breath-taking and phenomenal from start to finish, you won’t want to miss this!

Chris

1,980 reviews16 followers

April 9, 2026

The Angel, The Valentini Family: Salvation, part two starts right where we left off in The Capo. This is a continuing complex story with many players, a lot of moving parts, definitely some violence thrown in and takes mafia romance to a whole new level.
Kitty and Stan are at the forefront of this story and their unique romance all happens within the confines of life in the mafia lane with a interesting family members, questionable alliances, sworn enemies and non stop coincidences that link them in ways they never expected, but the one theme that lingers throughout is family, the good, the bad and everything in between.

Lyritza

766 reviews5 followers

April 12, 2026

Review for the duet

I'll start with what I didn't like, which was all the different characters and storylines. If you’re not a die hard fan of the author, the enormous amount of references to events and characters in other books just feel like a whole lot of filler. The politics were so complicated that at a point, I wasn't even trying to understand anymore. There was just way too much going on.
I absolutely loved these main characters so I was a little disappointed in the anticlimactic ending. Which, of course, leaves enough open endings for future books.
On to what I loved: these main characters. They were absolutely imperfect and they knew that and accepted eachother exactly as they were. They had strengths and weaknesses and just dealt with it. Not a swoony love story in the traditional sense, but damn, this had all the feels.

Debbie Lyon

1,005 reviews3 followers

Beautiful! But Sad(The story has ended!)

This story was worth the wait,and it was nice to see some of old gang too. Kitty had a long fight but she didn't give up,she was a fighter and it made her stronger too,Stan was buy her side and nothing could get in his way if something happen to his lady and he proved it more then once.The story was worth more then five stars like ten,it was a great love story!You need to read this story,and if you don't it's your own fault, the story has greed,lies,some jealousy and lots of love.When you join the family you are protected and your family is protected too. I look forward to the next generation too! But I have a guestion,! I thought Storm 's wife Kiera had past and this story was written after Storm's story!

1,273 reviews16 followers

Wow, this duet was fantastic! It had all the suspense and action along with this intense romance that was everything. This was my first read by the talented Serena Akeroyd, and I'm officially a huge fan. I was easily pulled into the story from beginning to end. I'm really picky when it comes to mafia reads, and this was definitely an amazing addictive world with interesting, intense characters.

If you love a man obsessed who will burn the world down for his woman, this is that and too much more. Best of all, no third act break-up!

Thank you, TAA and Serena Akeroyd, for the opportunity to read this duet.

Paige Wuerdemann

595 reviews25 followers

March 26, 2026

A massive thank you to Serena Akeroyd for the ARC of The Angel.

The amount of happiness I had when I heard that we would not only get The Capo but also The Angel was off the charts. To get to see the growth Stan has throughout all 6 of the books in the Valentini Family series has been the perfect way to end this series.

We've been eagerly awaiting Stan's story and Serena absolutely knows how to give her readers the story they need to finish off the Valentini Family. The spark between Stan and Kitty is instant and the chemistry they have is off the charts.

Due to Kitty's upbringing, she's not a shy FMC. Her brothers are part of the Five Points and she's aware of what that means. She's not afraid to sass those who need it and definitely not afraid to give it to Stan when the situation warrants. Stan is also not afraid to be a safe space for Kitty when she needs it and pushes her to be better for herself.

Kitty isn't afraid to approach those in positions of power when they need to.

I also enjoyed the fact that the whole Valentini family has a breeding kink. I totally understand why family trees are needed to keep things straight!

Bravo Serena for this duet. While I am absolutely sad that we are done with the series, I am absolutely elated to see what comes next!

Anah Grindrod

198 reviews3 followers

April 3, 2026

ARC Review

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a perfect ending for the salvation duet! The Angel picks up straight where we ended from The Capo. You can tell from the start of this book just how strong Kitty is.

Stan and Kitty together are perfect for each other, I loved the plot and the story through out, it had me hooked.

Thank you Serena Akeroyd and The Author Agency for the ARC

arc-read

autwenreads

579 reviews22 followers

age-gap arc crime-mystery

I wasn’t expecting much going into this, but it was better than I thought.

I still felt quite lost at times, but I liked getting to know Angel more. Her trauma added some depth, and I appreciated her slow growth.

The romance didn’t fully pull me in, though I liked how steady the MMC was.

Overall, an okay read—not amazing, but the ending made me curious to continue.

Thank you The Author Agency and Serena Akeroyd for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3-star arc-s

The.Roaming.Reader

267 reviews12 followers

April 15, 2026

Better than I could have anticipated

After that cliffhanger I couldn't have predicted how this book would progress but it was so much better than I anticipated. Brought so many things to light, loose ends tied up, saw some of my favorite characters of the past and now set up for a future of new.

Mirjam

1,915 reviews117 followers

Review of advance copy

April 8, 2026

Romance packed with danger, intensity and emotional payoff.

The Angel picks up immediately after The Capo’s explosive cliffhanger, plunging readers straight back into the chaos with no time to catch their breath. Her journey feels earned, especially given the brutal circumstances she’s forced to endure.

Custanzu Valentini is still every bit the commanding, morally gray antihero; possessive, dangerous, yet undeniably devoted. The “he falls harder” trope is executed beautifully, adding emotional depth to his otherwise intimidating presence.

The contrast between Kitty, a nurse who sees herself as a nobody, and Stan, the ruthless Sicilian Capo, creates a gripping dynamic that fuels the entire story.
Watching Kitty evolve from vulnerable and overwhelmed into someone fierce and unbreakable, a true lioness forged in fire is incredibly satisfying.

By the final pages, the story brings the entire series together seamlessly; tying up loose ends, resolving lingering threads and exposing buried truths.
Above all, it establishes the foundation for a long-term power struggle, one that’s meant to be inherited, designed to be carried forward by the next generation.

While part of the The Valentini Family Series, each Valentini sibling has a duet:

The Oath Duet

The Revelation Duet

The Capo (The Valentini Family #5; The Salvation Duet #1) by Serena Akeroyd

The Angel (The Valentini Family #6; The Salvation Duet #2) by Serena Akeroyd

The Salvation Duet

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Bbbbb

33 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

As always, before I begin my review of The Angel (which is the end of Kitty and Stan’s duet, the end of the Valentini series, the end of the Five Points Universe btw) let’s set new readers on the correct course of action, if they so desire to read the series chronologically.

If you haven’t read the 20-odd books before this one in the Five Points Universe, and wish to read them in chronological order; please set off on your journey with All Sinners No Saints and then Nyx, which are the very beginning of a major story-arc in the Five Points Universe. You can find infographics on both Serena’s website and on her welcome posts in her FB book groups, as well as good old-fashioned lists in each book, no matter if written electronically or on paper.

The Angel delivered more, more, more, and then some. All the loose threads tied, all the secrets revealed, all the relationships, all of the touching base with old friends, all the beautiful relationship stuff that you expect from Serena’s genius world-building, character development, and overall juicy deets and cuppa tea about all our fav people. All of the plot set up for a long-form chess-match, built by this generation for their progeny to take over the game.

Let’s just say that I went in chomping at the bit when I picked up The Capo looking at that cliffhanger with trepidation. I went into The Angel hoping for all the juicy bones of the story which were promised to be tied up in a bow. What was promised was delivered and then some, as per the genius of our favorite author. Her mastery over not just world-building and character building, but also suspense, edging, and heat, which was all over Kitty and Stan’s duet. I love how our fav author is willing to provide extras and teasers about her stories, she spoils us with so many tidbits and treats for her fans, not only in-story but throughout any platform within her reach, be that through her newsletter, through various social media platforms, or on her Patreon.

The Capo was a romp around the country to say goodbye to set the stage for the next segment and to allow our main characters to get to know each other at lot better while sipping a taste of danger here and there, while The Angel is a hook to the jaw. The Angel shows us so much one right after another. Culminating with Kitty learning the ropes while figuring out their new normal. Serena set the stage for the second generation while also builds towards the long-proven truth that the universe abhors a [nemesis] vacuum.

Outside of the major story-arcs, all I’ve got to say is that Stan has met his match and then some; Kitty’s reputation is built to match his, to be a partner in all things. Imo, she has exceeded her partner in badassness and ferocity, while also able to match wits and skills. Both main characters are intelligent to a crazy level and yet are underestimated by those who count and those who don’t, as just their job title. I’m so happy for The Valentini as well because that loose-end iykyk, though already complete in a chronologically later book, in this book we find out what really happened to lead up that specific end game.

Oh, how many teasers hinting at the gloriousness of the next set of series. Same as the first generation, the storylines and characters will be crossing over from series to series’, the next generations taking up the reins, the games afoot, and the players are ready for the next game.

We know several of those players by name, many we have wished for and to find out what is next for them. We have Victoria and Maxim’s story next, as well as the youngest of the Korhonen clan, how Callum finds and treats his future, Shay and his ultimate goal and the wonder of how that ties into his HEA, and so much more stories are in the works.

Serena was on a short hiatus, but she’s returned refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a heated passion to recount the lives of our fav families, blood or found, as well as a wonderful duet published one right after another. Life may hit its hardest, but she is back in top form with a multitude of couples or more to come, along with their stories for everyone to enjoy. Personally, I’m looking forward to the whole shebang and then some.

I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy

serena

Sandy S

8,547 reviews211 followers

THE ANGEL is the sixth instalment in Serena Akeroyd’s contemporary, adult THE VALENTINI FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series, and part two of The Salvation Duet focusing on Capo Custanzu ‘Stan’ Valentini, and physician’s assistant / O’Donnelly Irish Mob adjacent Catriona ‘Kitty’ Frazier’. THE ANGEL can not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of THE CAPO. There is mention and cameo’s of characters from the author’s FIVE POINTS MOB series, THE FORGOTTEN BOYS series, CONOR AND STAR duet, and the DARK AND DIRTY SINNERS MC series, therefore I recommend having a working knowledge of the author’s series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read THE CAPO, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stan and Kitty) THE ANGEL picks up after the events of THE CAPO in which our couple had been betrayed. But after Kitty’s rescue and recovery, the war with the Albanian mob has become personal, and betrayal comes from within. With the Cartel and the Bratva targeted as well, the Sicilians and the Irish mobs join forces to end the war no one wanted, a war that goes to the top political office.

The world building once again is detailed and multi-layered as the author brings together many of the characters from her interconnected series. Some once long thought dead are alive, while others are not whom they claim to be. Secrets are revealed, lies a meant to destroy, as our couple must come to terms with what is happening and why.

The relationship between Kitty and Stan continues to be provocative and intense but Stan is hoping for something more, and in doing so, places a target on our heroine’s back. The $ex scenes continues to provocative and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we met in the previous series and instalments. We are reintroduced to Stan’s mother Lauren; his sister Rory aka Aurora; older brother and Don Luciu Valentini and his wife Jen; Stan’s great uncle Currau; Kitty’s mother Patricia Frasier, and siblngs- Lucas Cade, Neev and Roisin; Stan’s drivers Dante, and Chad, and assassin Taube, as well as a large number of the original main characters from the author’s Valentini family, Five Points Mob Collection, The Forgotten Boys, Conor and Star series aka Irish Mob, Sicilian and Italian Mafia, Bratva, and Albanian mob.

THE ANGEL is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, politics and influence, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy,dramatic and captivating; the romance is fated and enchanting; the characters are charismatic, determined and dangerous.

copy supplied for review

Bella

376 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

April 6, 2026

I am honestly still sitting here trying to process everything I just read because The Angel by Serena Akeroyd completely consumed me. This book was intense, emotional, and absolutely addictive from beginning to end. It pulled me in so fast and never let me breathe.

From the start, the contrast between the heroine and Custanzu Valentini is what hooked me. She is a nurse, grounded and compassionate, someone who never asked for this life. Then you have him, a powerful Sicilian Capo who commands every room he walks into. Their worlds colliding felt explosive and dangerous in the best way.

What I loved most was watching her transformation. She starts off feeling like someone caught in a storm she never chose, but the way she rises, adapts, and becomes stronger is everything. That shift from vulnerable to powerful was so well written. You feel every moment of what she goes through, and by the end, she is not someone to underestimate.

Custanzu is that dark, possessive, protective alpha that you cannot help but fall for. The way he claims her, protects her, and slowly reveals deeper layers of himself had me completely hooked. He is ruthless when it comes to his enemies, but with her there is this intensity and devotion that hits hard. That touch her and you are done energy was strong and I loved every second of it.

The chemistry between them is undeniable. It is intense, consuming, and filled with tension that keeps building. Every interaction feels charged, like something bigger is always about to explode. Their connection is not soft or easy, it is fierce and hard fought, which made it even more satisfying.
The mafia world in this story felt vivid and dangerous. The stakes are high, the threats feel real, and there is this constant sense that everything could fall apart at any moment. The mix of the Sicilian mafia and Irish mob added another layer of tension that kept me fully invested.

What really stood out to me was the emotional depth underneath all the darkness. This is a story about survival, power, loyalty, and becoming something stronger than what tried to break you. It hit harder than I expected and stayed with me long after I finished.

If you love dark mafia romance with a powerful heroine, a dangerously obsessed hero, and a story that is as emotional as it is intense, this is a must read. I closed this book completely satisfied but also wishing I could experience it all over again for the first time.

Liz

2,262 reviews15 followers