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Mafia Don's Forbidden Lover: A Forced Proximity Enemies to Lovers Romance

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My father's enemy was supposed to kill me. Instead, I'm pregnant with his twins.I ran from my wedding when I discovered the truth. My father and fiancé—secret criminal partners who'd kill me to protect their empire.

Then Alessio Valestri kicked down my motel door.

Deadly mafia Don. My father's sworn enemy. Sent to execute me quietly. But when our eyes met, something shifted.

He hid me in his penthouse fortress instead. Days in hiding turned into late-night confessions and stolen touches.

He taught me to fight back. I showed him he could be more than a monster.

He looked at me like I was worth dying for, and my enemy became my everything.

One reckless night, his hands replaced his weapons, and I became his favorite sin.

I fell completely in love with him.

Then the pregnancy test showed two lines—twins—and my father declared war.

Alessio broke a sacred blood oath to protect me, risking everything he’s built.

Now my father wants us both dead, and loving me might be Alessio's fatal mistake.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2026

40 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

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Vira Black

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5 stars
33 (56%)
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21 (36%)
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3 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Violleta.
262 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2026
#părerea_Violetei
#recomandare_de_lectură

📔Mafia Don’s forbidden lover, Vira Blake
356 pagini

📔Posibile spoilere!
📔Valentina DeLuca mereu s-a supus voinței tatălui ei Marco, mereu a făcut după cum a ordonat el, inclusiv a acceptat să se căsătorească cu bărbatul ales de acesta. Totul se schimbă când, cu puțin timp înainte de nuntă, descoperă operațiunile ilegale pe care tatăl si logodnicul sau le desfășoară și astfel hotărăște să plece cât mai departe de aceștia, deoarece știe ca ceea ce a descoperit însemnă condamnarea ei, datorită memoriei sale fotografice.
📔Don Alessio Valestri trebuie să respecte un jurământ de sânge și trebuie să îndeplinească ordinul lui Marco și anume: să îi găsească fiica fugară și să o aducă înapoi, numai ca Alessio, din momentul în care o întâlnește pe Valentina știe ca nu va duce la bun sfârșit acel jurământ și știe ca va face tot ce îi stă in putință pentru a o ține în siguranță pe singura femeie care îi face inima să vibreze.
📔Cei doi, Valentina și Alessio vor începe o luptă contra cronometru și vor fi nevoiți să facă multe alegeri care le vor pune viața în pericol, pentru a reuși să rămână în viață și pentru a arăta lumii adevărata față a lui Marco DeLuca, dar în toată această nebuniei vor găsi adevărata dragoste, vor afla secrete care vor schimba cursul vieților lor, vor găsi aliați acolo unde se așteaptă mai puțin și vor fi surprinși de apariția neașteptată a două persoane în viețile lor. Despre cine este vorba rămâne să descoperiți voi.
📔Este prima întâlnire cu autoarea și pot spune ca m-a suprins plăcut povestea Valentinei și a lui Alessio. Valentina este o femeie care devine din ce în ce mai puternică și care este capabilă să facă totul pentru persoanele iubite, iar Alessio este gata să lase în urmă o viața plină de violență, plină de resentimente și să înceapă o nouă etapă alături de Valentina. Dominico este prietenul perfect, Livia apare în viața celor doi în cel mai bun moment, iar Sofia m-a impresionat prin puterea ei de sacrificiu. Recomand iubitorilor genului mafia romance.
787 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
March 7, 2026
Mafia Don Alessio Valestri had a tough decision to make: honor a blood oath handed down from his father’s era, or not. If he didn’t honor the blood oath, it would mean war. Alessio knew it was a no-win situation, but he chose to honor the blood oath, which was to find Don Marco DeLuca’s 23-year-old runaway daughter, Valentina, and bring her home. Alessio soon realized that Marco didn’t want her home, he wanted Valentina dead. Not agreeing to her death, Alessio and Valentina went into hiding. Both Valentina’s ex-fiancé, the crooked Senator Richard Caldwell, and her father Marco wanted Valentina dead and sent wave after wave of men to kill her. Somewhere along the way, Alessio and Valentina fell in love. Alessio and Valentina began an intense and scary cross-country journey, trying to stay ahead of the assassins while finding evidence to put Richard and Marco behind bars.

The cover model was gorgeous and had an intensity about him, just like Alessio did in the book. I liked the premise of the story and the pacing. The plot had lots of suspense and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what might happen next. There were lots of twists in this sometimes-scary story. There was violence, but that was to be expected with a mafia story. There were love scenes, but not too spicy. The world building was intriguing as the author tied the mafia families together. The ending is a satisfying wrap up of loose ends. This may be an enjoyable book for those readers that enjoy dark, intense, and complicated suspense stories full of family drama, tension, revenge, mistrust, betrayal, and redemption.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,052 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 1, 2026
f you crave a mafia romance that doesn’t just use classic tropes but elevates them into something gripping, emotional, and unforgettable, Mafia Don’s Forbidden Lover is your next obsession. From the very first page, I was hooked by a story that twists what “enemies” really means—because the man sent to execute her becomes the one who protects her with his life and eventually her heart.
Alessio Valestri is the kind of Don you won’t forget: dangerous, ruthless, and utterly compelling as he goes from sworn enemy to the man Valentina can’t imagine living without. Their forced proximity isn’t just a setup—it’s the crucible where a fierce, tender connection is forged. The emotional stakes skyrocket when their night together turns into new life; discovering she’s carrying twins adds depth and urgency that had me invested long after the last page.
This book balances suspense and heart like few mafia romances do. There’s tension with every whispered confession, every late-night conversation in hiding, and every fearful choice they make against the very world that wants them torn apart. The chemistry between Alessio and Valentina is intense and layered, never feeling shallow or rushed.
Honestly? I couldn’t put it down. The way the author weaves danger, loyalty, forbidden love, and vulnerability into a cohesive, emotionally charged whole is nothing short of brilliant. Fans of intense, enemies-to-lovers romance with heart, heat, and stakes that could literally be life or death will fall head-over-heels for this one.
Verdict: A powerful mafia romance with unforgettable characters and emotional depth—completely earned five stars.
182 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2026
Mafia Don’s Forbidden Lover by Vira Black is a tense and engaging romance that leans heavily into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

The forced proximity element works really well in this story because it constantly pushes the characters together, creating moments where their hostility and attraction start to blur. That tension keeps the story interesting as their relationship slowly begins to shift.

The mafia backdrop also adds an extra layer of danger to everything. With power, loyalty, and secrets always looming, the stakes feel high for both the characters and their growing connection.

For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because while the tension and premise were strong, there were a few moments where I would have liked a bit more development to deepen the emotional impact.

Still, it’s a compelling and entertaining read.

This is a 4 ⭐ for me because:

• the enemies-to-lovers dynamic created strong tension
• the forced proximity trope worked really well
• the mafia setting added danger and intrigue
• the story kept me engaged throughout

Tense. Dramatic. Intriguing.

Read this book if you like:

• enemies-to-lovers romance
• forced proximity tropes
• mafia romance
• high-stakes relationship drama
22 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 28, 2026
This story completely pulled me in from the very first page. I loved the forbidden, high-stakes setup—an enemy who was meant to kill her but instead becomes her protector, her lover, and ultimately her whole world. Alessio is the kind of morally gray mafia hero I can’t resist: dangerous, ruthless, yet fiercely protective once he chooses her. The chemistry between them felt intense and emotional, not just physical, and their relationship developed in a way that made sense despite the chaos surrounding them.
What really stood out to me was the emotional conflict—family betrayal, loyalty, love, and the impossible choices both characters are forced to make. The pregnancy twist raised the stakes even higher and made everything feel urgent and heartbreaking. I genuinely felt the fear, the love, and the risk in every decision they made.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an advanced copy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this story early. This was an addictive, emotional mafia romance that will definitely stay with me, and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
237 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 28, 2026
What a different and excellent story about the Mafia with Alessio, Valentina, and Domenico. Alessio has been the Don of his family for twenty years. His father owed a blood debt that began this story. What Alessio did about it really created a suspenseful and exciting story from beginning to end. Domenico was the second man in control of the family and he was like family to Alessio. In Alessio’s business of keeping Valentina alive it brought huge problems. They planned a way to get information that would stop her father and his entire network but it backfired. However Alessio was able to get ahold of a thumb drive that would handle the problem. They turned to the FBI for help and Valentina got the surprise of her life. The suspense during this whole story was unbelievable and impossible to put the book down. I love the way this story ended. It made everything they went through worth it. This story was so well plotted and written. You absolutely want to add this book to your collection. So worth reading.
Profile Image for Jinane Abou Hassan zahran.
369 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 4, 2026
Mafia Don’s Forbidden Lover has a gripping premise, and Alessio Valestri alone makes the story worth reading. His transformation from deadly enemy to protector and lover is compelling, and his devotion to Valentina, choosing her over his oath, and protecting her till the very end, really anchored the book for me. She has been betrayed by her father and Alessio was there for her. The plot offers exciting twists, suspense, and high stakes, and the characters are undeniably strong and engaging. That said, some plot points weren’t fully coherent, the timeline had small gaps, and certain details felt overused. Some sections could have been tighter, and the story might have worked better without the repeated elements. Overall, it’s a strong mafia romance with unforgettable characters, with Alessio as the clear standout. I genuinely enjoyed it.
253 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 4, 2026
This story is the second in this series and it starts off with Valentina, according to her father she's run away and mentally unstable, calling in a blood oath.
What sort of a father calls a blood oath in his daughter and wants her dead.
Alessio was given the task but when finding out the why has taken it soon as her protector, she's got a photographic memory and her life is in mortal danger.
What she knows could ruin her father and her death is the only way out for him.
This story has been so beautifully written and there love shines through, can he keep her safe when it's known he is not going to be the one who causes her death.
Blood oaths are sacred and wars have been known to be the result if not delivered.

Profile Image for Debra Ramos.
47 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2026
This mafia romance hooked me from the very first chapter! The plot is packed with suspense, betrayal, and twist that kept me on edge. The MMC is dangerous, ruthless, and utterly compelling as he shifts from sworn enemy to protector and the man the FMC can’t live without. The intense chemistry with the FMC smolders thanks to forced proximity and slow burn tension. Emotional conflicts and tough choices add depth, making their connection fierce and unforgettable. Overall, I really like this mafia romance filled with family betrayal, loyalty, love, tension and though choices. If you love intense romance with high stakes and raw emotion, this one’s a must-read!
Thank you to the author for this eARC, this is my honest review.
2,633 reviews26 followers
March 9, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed "MAFIA DON'S FORBIDDEN LOVER" it pulled me from the get go so full of intrigue, danger, secrets, betrayal, rivals, steam, emotional turmoil keeping you reading.
Alessio Valestri kicks in Valentina DeLuca's door shes been on the run since finding out her father & fiance's illegal dealings making her dangerous to them both.
Alessio was suppose to honor a blood oath & kill Valentina but from his first sight of her he was emamoured not wanting to kill her but protect her.
Will Alessio & Valentino survive him not honoring the blood oath to protect his her at all cost & get their HEA you don't want to miss reading to see what happens yiu won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,383 reviews14 followers
March 18, 2026
This is Book 5 in the Mafia Don's Lies Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is an enemies to lovers romance between mafia princess Valentina and mafia don Alessio from rival families. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. What starts out as a blood oath turns into something more. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, action and suspense, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An engaging page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa Willis.
252 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2026
Blood oath

What a page turner!!!! Valentina with photographic memory became a risk to her fiancee and her father, ran for her life. Alessio called to honor a blood oath and bring Valentina in. It gets so much better. Love grows, murder attempts, prison escapes (that's right, multiple). Valentina's missing mother, not dead, but in FBI protection. Valentina has a secret sister who was working in the background gathering evidence against her father. A twin pregnancy, yesssss! An emotional delivery. A beautiful courthouse wedding, yes please!!!! And a bookstore!!!! A beautiful happy ending!!!! Yet I want more!!!!
Profile Image for Johanna.
3,119 reviews56 followers
March 8, 2026
'Alessio broke a sacred blood oath to protect me, risking everything he’s built.
Now my father wants us both dead, and loving me might be Alessio's fatal mistake.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andreea Gabriela.
2 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2026
Valentina DeLuca is on the run after discovering the illegal dealings of her father and her fiancé. Her eidetic memory makes her a danger to both of them, so her father is determined to silence her...
To capture Valentina, he calls in a “blood oath” from Alessio Valestri. From the very first moment he sees Valentina, Alessio is captivated by her and by what he sees in her eyes, and he decides to help her fight against Marco...
He was supposed to be the enemy, and Valentina doesn’t know what to think about the help he offers her...
The time they spend together changes the way they see each other. Feelings begin to appear, and Valentina becomes a true fighter. Alessio chooses to break his oath and do everything he can to protect his new family...
There are many plot twists, danger at every turn, and betrayals from all sides. What I really liked was the faithful depiction of a certain reality (you’ll see which one if you choose to read the book).
I also liked that, together, Alessio and Valentina built a life filled with love instead of fear, trust instead of control. For me, this book was nice and deserves 3.5 stars. ⭐
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
2,994 reviews101 followers
Review of advance copy
March 6, 2026
This story pulled you in from the beginning. Marco wants Valentina silenced. But Alessio takes her and hides her away. I loved how Valentina was able to show him that he was so much more than the monster he was known as. And he became a wonderful man to her. Both of them falling in love. I loved the push and pull in the beginning, but the way they connected was awesome. This was intense and suspense filled. Both were amazing characters. I really liked this story.
61 reviews
March 7, 2026
This is about Valentina and her finding the truth about her dad and fiance. Alessio is a rival don who is supposed to capture and return her when she runs. Nothing is what is seems and they have to navigate it together. This book had me on my heels and in my feels the whole time! There is so much going on and in the best way. I didn’t realize this was part of a series, now I definitely have to read those!
Profile Image for Meli.
223 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2026
The beginning is like other mafia's but the rest of the book was unique. We have Valentina who has a photographic memory which I found awesome. Then we have Alessio who was an anomaly for the Mafia world. He truly was what you would call soft in the mafia. Because throughout the book while Valentina and Alessio are being hunted he always listened to Valentina in not engaging in violence. He always surrendered when he could have eliminated the problem early on. I did however enjoy the pair being chased and Valentina using her photographic memory. And while I did view Alessio as soft I was happy with the ending. And while there were some inconsistencies they didn't make me like the book less.
Profile Image for Kristina Schurmann.
644 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2026
I enjoyed this story. It definitely was a ride. The drama and action started from the beginning and did not stop. It was such a complete story. I loved Valentina as the female lead. She was smart, strong and sassy. Alessio is so smitten and protective of her. It made for such a good read. There were some continuity issues that threw me off but not detrimental to the story. Regardless, I recommend this book and author!
Profile Image for Cathy Moir-Allen.
261 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2026
The Valestri family owed a blood oath for over twenty three years to the DeLucas and by the time the "call" came it had passed down to the son, Alessio Valestri. He was honour bound to fulfill the oath, but something seemed wrong. Marco DeLuca wanted him to find and collect his daughter, Valentina. But it soon became obvious that this wasn't any simple request - Marco wanted Valentina silenced.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,190 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
March 6, 2026
Mafia Don's Forbidden Lover: A Forced Proximity Enemies to Lovers Romance (Mafia Don's Lies) Part of: Mafia Don's Lies (5 books) By: Vira Black. So Amazing this book . Nonstop drama Alessio Valestri has an oath bring Valentina to her father Marco . However, nothing makes sense and Narco won’t stop till they are dead. I freaking loved this book .
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.9k reviews156 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 6, 2026
His family's blood oath is called in, and Marco is sent to take out Valentina, but something shifts when they come face to face. Instead of killing Valentina Marco takes her in for protection and everything he has built is in jeopardy. This thrilling story takes you on one exciting ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,949 reviews
March 7, 2026
The intense romance, surprises and twists.
Mafia romance with the best storyline. It’s entertaining and engaging read.
Great characters and spicy chemistry. From assassination to love story and secret pregnancy.
Definitely recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Monica Minniti.
121 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2026
Meet Alessio and Valentina. He was given the task of finding her. She knew too much about her father’s business. As he switches from sworn enemy to her protector is flawless. He knows what’s at steak when a blood oath isn’t fulfilled. This story hooked me from the first line. The chemistry clicked, the story twisted and turned, I couldn’t put the book down. Spice was 🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
940 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2026
Total Recall
Valentina and Alessio. He was supposed to end her, a blood debt. But how can he end the one who is becoming his quiet, his haven? He can’t! Instead, they merge together in every way possible and fight. Fight for the chance at everything they both have ever wanted and deserve.
Profile Image for Gina.
25 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2026
A feel good mafia-light story about choosing love and fighting for it. There is lots of action that keeps the story interesting. Spice is low but still has great scenes. I would definitely recommend you to read.
Profile Image for Barbara .
7,189 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2026
This is by far the best mafia romance story by Vira. Valentina and Alessio has chemistry that is magnetic. I spent the day reading this wonderful romance story that had me feeling like I was going to spontaneously combust due to then intense romance, surprises and the absolute best storyline.
560 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2026
This is a great Mafia Romance. A mafia Don takes and protects a mafia princess. She has enough information to put her father and her fiancee in prison for life. But he doesn't go quietly, because he has inside help from everyone who he has bought and paid for.
Profile Image for Alisa  Begoyants.
62 reviews
March 8, 2026
Oh, I loved this book, this is about the power of love, this is about how love can change your life to something you never planned, and transform you into someone you never thought you'd be.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
440 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2026
This was good. I enjoyed this book. I liked how you could tell right away he fell and hard even thought he tried to fight it at first. And that he let her have a say in decisions. Lots of mafia books the women don't get that.
83 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2026
Amazing story of Alessio the Mafia Don who makes a choice to save a woman. He’s fiercely protective and handsome. Bold story and well written!
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