Banished Sinner

The Dante Dynasty #1

by Ajme Williams

Luca.
Freaking. Dante.

I buried him seven years ago.

The exiled mafia heir.
The ruthless sinner.
The only man who ever owned my body… and broke my heart.

He left without a goodbye.
Without knowing I was pregnant.

Now his father is dead.
The Dante empire is bleeding.
And Luca is back—tattooed, untouchable, more dangerous than ever.

He looks at me like I still belong to him.

“You were always mine.”
“Our son is mine.”
“And I destroy anyone who forgets that.”

But I raised our child alone.
And I don’t kneel for men who abandon me.

When my brother kidnaps our son to spark a mafia war between the Dantes and the Bratva, Luca doesn’t negotiate.
He slaughters.

The Russians demand Luca’s life in exchange for peace.

So I offer mine instead.

They take me.
He comes alone.
Leaves bodies behind.
Takes a bullet meant for me.

When he wakes…
He says he’s leaving.

Leaving the city.
Leaving the empire.
Leaving me.

Again.

One small problem.
I’m carrying another Dante heir.

And this time—
Exile won’t save him from me.


Banished Sinner is a dark mafia romance
• Exiled bad boy heir
• Secret baby / hidden child
• Second chance lovers
• Lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers
• Alpha possessive hero
• Touch her and die
• Family betrayal
• Mafia vs Bratva war
• Forced proximity
• Surprise pregnancy

And this is only Book One.

The Dante dynasty is just getting started.

Standalone, no cliffhangers, HEA guaranteed.

--

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2026

About the author

Ajme Williams - mother, wife, daughter, dreamer, an avid reader and a writer.
When she's not writing romance, Ajme can be seen sipping coffee, gorging on dark chocolate, exercising, or travelling with family and friends. Cooking is therapeutic for her and she drools over Italian food...and men.
What to expect from her books?
Ajme loves variety, so expect a lot of second chances, secret babies, office romances, big fat fake weddings, curvy heroines and alpha heroes. HEA? Always, baby!
If you're a fan of emotional angsty contemporary romance, then you'll enjoy Ajme Williams.

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book BUT so many miscommunications! And, did I completely miss what exactly he did to be exiled in the first place? And it bothered me how they kept saying he abandoned the family (so often this was a conversation) when they knew that wasn't what happened.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca.
Freaking. Dante.

I buried him seven years ago.

The exiled mafia heir.
The ruthless sinner.
The only man who ever owned my body… and broke my heart.

He left without a goodbye.
Without knowing I was pregnant.

Now his father is dead.
The Dante Empire is bleeding.
And Luca is back—tattooed, untouchable, more dangerous than ever.

He looks at me like I still belong to him.

“You were always mine.”
“Our son is mine.”
“And I destroy anyone who forgets that.”

But I raised our child alone.
And I don’t kneel for men who abandon me.

When my brother kidnaps our son to spark a mafia war between the Dantes and the Bratva, Luca doesn’t negotiate.
He slaughters.

The Russians demand Luca’s life in exchange for peace.

So I offer mine instead.

They take me.
He comes alone.
Leaves bodies behind.
Takes a bullet meant for me.

When he wakes…
He says he’s leaving.

Leaving the city.
Leaving the empire.
Leaving me.

Again.

One small problem.
I’m carrying another Dante heir.

And this time—
Exile won’t save him from me.

This contemporary dark mafia lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers silver fox age-gap. second chance romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters who are alpha possessive hero, who is brooding, exuding power/wealth, tattooed, untouchable, more dangerous than ever, he slaughters, the exiled mafia heir, the ruthless sinner, violent, dangerous/female heroine who is carrying another Dante heir, who are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the banished sinner, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, an exiled bad boy heir, secret baby/hidden child, second chance lovers, touch her and die vibes, family betrayal, mafia vs. Bratva war, forced proximity, no cliffhangers, HEA guaranteed, chaos/drama, humor, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the banished sinner and a contemporary dark mafia lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers silver fox age-gap. A second-chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dangerous, intriguing, powerful, and unforgettable.

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

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s never a dull moment in Banished Sinner — the story opens with mystery, family fractures, and long‑buried pain, and ends with long‑awaited answers, justice, and the first steps toward healing after seven years of loss. Between rats, rescues, loyalty tests, and emotional reckonings, this book delivers a fast, engaging ride from start to finish.

Luca Dante, the hot‑tempered second son of the Italian Mafia, has spent seven years in exile — a punishment chosen over death, backed by his father and brothers, and enforced by distance from the only woman he ever loved. Now a king in his own right in Chicago, he returns home for his father’s funeral, summoned by a mysterious note and determined to uncover who sent it. What he finds instead is a family slipping into chaos under Alessandro’s leadership… and the woman he never truly left behind.

Katerina Petrov, born Bratva and long used as a diplomat, liaison, and pawn between two powerful families, has survived seven silent years raising the son Luca never knew he had. She built walls around her heart after he vanished without a word, and seeing him again threatens every piece of stability she’s fought for. Old wounds don’t reopen quietly, and the truth about Enzo hangs over every moment they share.

As secrets unravel, wrongs are righted, and the Dante family begins to mend, the ending sets the stage for an explosive next installment. Valentina — the youngest and only sister — steps into the spotlight with a sacrifice that could cost her everything. To free Luca from Russian entanglements, she’s prepared to marry a cruel Pakhan who uses children as bait and has no qualms about killing wives… unless fate pushes her toward an even more dangerous choice: her brother’s former most loyal soldier.

A gripping, emotional, and high‑stakes start to the Dante Dynasty series.

[Noelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75-4/5⭐

Por esto siempre digo que no suelo abandonar libros nunca (sí pausar, pero nunca ABANDONAR).

Los capítulos son cortos y tenemos doble punto de vista🫡.

En cuanto a los protagonistas: Luca, bueno, he tenido sentimientos encontrados y opiniones muy diversas y contradictorias hacia su personaje, hay comportamientos que no me cuadraban, pero la verdad es que de cara a la segunda mitad del libro ha mejorado bastante (se ha ganado mi "perdón"😌), y luego, Katerina, pues ella la verdad es que me hubiese gustado que le hubiese hecho arrastrarse más la verdad, aunque tampoco la puedo culpar. Hay algunas decisiones/comportamientos que tampoco me han gustado demasiado, pero en ningún momento la he odiado como personaje.

Ahora, vamos con los secundarios 🫡🤔. El personaje más odiado (para mí) durante gran parte del libro ha sido Alessandro, NO LO SOPORTABA, no entendía cómo podía ser así, aunque luego lo he perdonado (no del todo aún🙄) porque mejora también bastante de cara al final. Adriano, pues no puedo decir mucho, la verdad es que me lo esperaba "peor" y me ha sorprendido gratamente. Valentina, en fin, mi favorita sin duda, es una reina, estoy DESEANDO leer su libro, lo necesito demasiado🙂‍↕️. Y luego, el ruso miedoso, alias Maksim☺️🤮, qué puedo decir, me parece despreciable, quiero ver cómo va desmoronándonse y cayendo en el siguiente libro🤌🏻🙂‍↔️.

La historia me ha gustado (sobre todo lo que es la trama de la mafia, hay unos líos que madre mía), aunque tengo algunas cosas que sí que me han chirriado bastante:
1. ¿El motivo por el que destierran a Luca en su momento? Sigo sin saberlo aún, que rompió un código de la familia dicen 🤡. Me temo que me quedaré con la duda para siempre.
2. Eso de que al principio del todo, en la descripción me cuenten TODO no me gusta nada. Menos mal que luego hay algunos líos que sí que me han enganchado y no sabía🤧.
3. En cuanto a la familia, reuniones de familia y demás. Creo que es la primera vez que me dan ganas de arrancarme de los pelos y de meterme en el libro y decirles que QUÉ LES PASA😡, no eran normales.
4. Las acciones y las palabras que decían los protagonistas a veces no eran muy coherentes entre sí, y la verdad es que aquí me resultaba muy cansino.

En fin, que pese a haber bastantes cosas que no me han gustado demasiado, la segunda mitad del libro mejora considerablemente, así que aquí estoy, dándole ni más ni menos que 4⭐ ( la primera mitad era para 2⭐, todo muy repetitivo, hay que decirlo) y queriendo leer el siguiente porque promete mucho🙄🙂‍↕️🙂‍↔️.

¿Lo recomiendo? Pues no pensé que diría esto, pero SÍ. Aunque también os digo que es mejor ir sin expectativas, ya que creo que aunque no es el mejor libro de mafia que he leído, os puede gustar bastante.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He comes back to bury his father and reclaim what was his.

Years after Luca is exiled from New York’s mafia dynasty, Katerina is still living inside the damage he left behind. She raises their son alone, hardens herself against grief, and learns how to survive in a world where power is bought in blood. She doesn’t have room for softness anymore, only control and the need to stay ahead of men who mistake vulnerability for weakness. But when Luca returns, colder and more dangerous than ever, it’s obvious she’s never been as free of him as she wants to believe.

What starts as old hurt and unfinished desire turns darker when buried secrets rise and the tension between the mafia and the Bratva closes in around them. Katerina doesn’t trust him with her heart, Luca still loves with control and obsession, and every step back toward each other pulls them deeper into betrayal, danger, and the parts of themselves they can’t outrun. The closer they get, the more every moment of intimacy feels tangled up with history, power, and the threat of losing each other all over again.

Katerina slowly shifts from surviving through distance and restraint to letting herself want more than endurance. Luca moves from ruthless exile to a man whose devotion turns toward commitment instead of possession alone. Together, they go from resentment and raw history to something more fragile and more dangerous, where desire stays fierce but trust becomes the only thing that can save them. What makes their dynamic work is that neither of them gets softened into someone easier to love.

A dark, ultra-steamy mafia romance about two wounded people forced to confront abandonment, loyalty, and the cost of loving through fear. It’s about choosing each other after damage, rebuilding trust when the past won’t stay buried, and trying to make something lasting out of ruin.

The Elevator Pitch: An exiled mafia heir returns to the city that buried him and finds the woman he lost still standing at the center of everything he can’t outrun. What reignites between them is darker than memory and far more dangerous, because old desire collides with blood loyalty, buried secrets, and the cost of loving someone in a world built on power. As the violence closing in threatens to finish what the past started, they’re forced to decide whether love can become something stronger than ruin.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

[Imani · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He's her son," Valentina says.
A red mist clouds my vision as rage and shock surge through me like electricity.
The crystal tumbler in my hand threatens to shatter under my grip.
Who dared touch her? Who touched what was mine?
And judging by his age, this man touched her not long after I left.
“Who’s the father?”
Valentina shakes her head. "She refused to name him." Her eyes track Katerina across the room.
“Father had to have insisted.” We lived in the twenty-first century, but Mafia families still lived by an ancient archaic code when it came to women. No way would my father be okay with an unwed pregnant woman in his home unless… Alessandro? Adriano? Father himself?
“Like I said, he was fond of her. Protective even. Said anyone who questioned her further would answer to him personally." Valentina’s tone holds a note of jealousy. I don’t blame her. Our father was never fond of any of us. So why Katerina, the daughter of Bratva?
"So everyone just… accepted that?”
Valentina's voice drops lower. "People had their suspicions, but no one dared voice them. Not with Father shielding her."
I drain my glass, welcoming the burn that does nothing to douse the inferno building inside me.
Instead, it fuels it.
I set the empty glass down, though what I really want is to hurl it against the wall. "Excuse me."
Valentina catches my sleeve. "Luca, think before you⁠—"
I'm already moving, cutting through the crowd with purpose.
Conversations halt as I pass, heads turning to track my progress, as if they sense danger.
My focus narrows to Katerina, who's sending Enzo away with what appears to be a housekeeper.
She stiffens as I approach, clearly sensing my presence before she turns.
Those blue eyes widen slightly. She recognizes my expression, knows the storm that's coming.
Without a word, I grasp her upper arm, firm enough to brook no argument but careful not to hurt her.
Heads turn, whispers follow us as I guide her from the main hall, through a side door, and into the empty study.
"What do you think you're doing?" Her voice is ice, but I detect fear beneath.
I release her once the door clicks shut behind us, creating distance between us as if proximity to her might cloud my judgment.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for their Second Chance -
In all the years Katerina and Luca had been apart, neither one of them had gotten over the love they had for each other, but she was weary of getting close to him again and getting hurt. However, Luca wasn’t willing to walk away again, especially after he discovered the secret she had kept for years. Not long after Katerina and Luca rekindled their relationship, a betrayal occurred that led to him wreaking havoc on a rival family, that had connections to his family. Even though Luca’s family was upset with his action, the incident led to the discovery of a betrayal from people who were close to the Mafia Don.

Unfortunately, Katerina and Luca’s rekindled relationship was tested when the threat she received led her to do somethings that put both of their lives at risk. Nevertheless, whilst Katerina and Luca were able to escape the situation with their lives intact, a misunderstanding nearly cost them a chance at having the life they nearly missed out on. Luckily, Katerina and Luca finally managed to confess their true feelings for each other and make decisions together about their future.

Ajme Williams definitely delivered exactly what it promised in relation to being a dark and intense mafia romance with emotional and tension-filled moment and morally questionable decisions made by really interesting characters. I urge you to consider carving out a few hours where you won’t be interrupted before you start reading this book. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book now.

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

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written, great realistic characters, wonderful world building. Luca is the black sheep of the Dante family who was exiled leaving behind his heart broken love not knowing she was pregnant. 7 yrs later he’s summoned back at the death of his father to find traitors everywhere, his brother the new don unwillingly to act to stop the rot spreading thru the family and a 6 yr old son he never knew existed. Katerina was devastated at his disappearance without a word so hardened her heart and hatred is what Luca finds from her. But underneath the spark still exists. Luca must find who is betraying them, get to know his son and try to win back the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved esp when he finds out she was lied to. She doesn’t trust him and won’t forgive him for disappearing even when he tells her the truth she doesn’t really believe nor when he claims he didn’t reach out because he thought it would put her in danger. When he says if he’d known about the baby he’d have come back that just makes her think his son is all he cares about. This leads to more mistrust, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. Both are trying to protect their hearts instead of communicating. Many events happen, danger lurks everywhere, traitors are many and closer than expected. Loyalty will be tested and forgiveness hard won. Luca will do whatever it takes to protect his son and the love of his life even sacrifice himself if he needs to. Can they find their HEA?.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katerina has been bringing her six year old son Enzo up to her own. When his father left without even a goodbye seven years ago. Now he's back in New York for his father's funeral. Luca can't believe he's back here after being banished seven years ago. His life in Chicago has been built by his own determination and hard work. His men respect him, people fear him and he's no longer considered the black sheep of the family. But a letter asking him to return to help his family after his father's murder. When he sees her, he can't stop himself from approaching her. Then she says she needs to get back to Enzo. Who is he. Is she married or in a relationship. She once was his everything, and he was hers, or so she said. But he left and never contacted her in all this time. Now he knows she's still it for him. Can he at least convince her he never meant to hurt her. Or will family business take all his time before he returns to Chicago. Katerina knows she'll have to tell him about their son. But he walked away and never looked back. Can she risk her son being hurt. Or will they become targets in his families drama. This is a brilliant story that you just can't put down. I can't wait for Valentina's story.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banished Sinner is the first book in The Dante Dynasty series. It's a dark, dangerous, morally complex second chance mafia romance that follows Luca Dante and Katerina Petrov.
Luca was banished from his family seven years ago and let to fend for himself. He was even forced to leave behind Katerina the woman he loved. He turned that dire time into strength when he became Mafia Don of his own organization. He returns home after an anonymous note saying his family needs him after his father's murder. to find a less than welcoming family that are questioning his return fearing the worst.
Katerina was devastated and felt abandoned when Luca disappeared without a word. Especially when she discover she was pregnant. He thought he was protecting her.
Now he's home and the feelings between them can't be denied even when she tries to push him away especially when he discovers he's a dad. When danger once again hits the Dante family will they put the past aside long enough to survive?

Don't miss this intense action packed suspensefilled rollercoaster ride full of emotions, secrets, betrayals, murder and forgiveness. I can't wait to see where this series leads.

I received an ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark romance? Mafia romance? Second chance? Secret baby? Alpha bad boy? Yes to all of it.
Seven years ago, Luca Dante disappeared without a word, leaving Katerina heartbroken and unknowingly pregnant. Now he’s back, more dangerous than ever and a don in his own right. For Katerina, Luca abandoned her; for him, he never reached out to protect her. Now he’s willing to do anything for her and their son, even risk his life or a full-scale war between the mafia and the Bratva. He stays, bonds with his son, and even takes a bullet meant for Katerina. Still, after seven years of silence, trusting him again isn’t easy, even when she finds out she's pregnant again. Their reunion is explosive, emotional, steamy hot and full of tension. It is fast-paced, addictive, and packed with danger with a slightly unhinged yet fiercely protective mafia hero, a strong but vulnerable heroine, and rich found-family elements. Hot, intense, and heart-melting. I loved every second of it. The Dante dynasty is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca, banished from his family for years and forced to leave behind Katerina, the woman he'd been in love with, comes back for his father's funeral after receiving an anonymous letter. The letter led him to believe his family wanted him home, but once he returned, he realized that wasn't the case. Katerina, who was pregnant at the time of Luca's banishment, was forced to raise their child alone, his departure leaving her broken. And though she's angry at him when he comes back, she can't deny the feelings she still carries for him. But, once Luca learns he's a father, all bets are off, and he's determined to win his family back.

This gem is full of drama, action, suspense, secrets, murder, betrayal and learning to forgive and move forward. It absolutely grips you and keeps you captivated from beginning to end. You will, no doubt, love this incredible read as much as I do, and it will live rent free inside your head just as it does mine. Ajme Williams has created another masterpiece with Banished Sinner!

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping start to a brand-new mafia saga from Ajme Williams that completely pulled me in! This story has everything—secrets, power struggles, and intense emotion woven into a high-stakes underworld.

Luca Dante has spent years cut off from his family, unaware that his past left behind more than memories. Meanwhile, Katerina has been quietly navigating two dangerous worlds, protecting and raising a child tied to both mafia and Bratva bloodlines. When Luca returns home for his father’s funeral, he’s thrown straight into rising conflict—and a life-altering truth he never saw coming.

The story unfolds with nonstop momentum, blending suspense, romance, and raw emotion. The chemistry is undeniable, the betrayals hit hard, and the theme of redemption adds so much depth. I especially loved the complicated family relationships and how the tension builds as loyalties are tested.

Absolutely loved every minute of this one and can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Dante Dynasty. It introduces us to Luca Dante, who was exiled by his Mafia family. He didn't know when he left that he was leaving behind his unborn son as well as his lover, Katerina, who is a member of the Brava.

When Luca is summoned back to attend his father’s funeral, he finds himself drawn into a difficult situation when his brother thinks he will try to take his place as Don. But when he discovers Katerina bore his son, things get even more complicated.

This is an action-packed, tension-filled story of loyalty, betrayal and redemption. But there is also passion, steamy chemistry and passion - I loved it and can't wait for the next instalment in this exciting, well-written series.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romance.
Katerina is a bratva girl seven years ago, the love of her life, Luca, fled the city, abandoning her while she was pregnant. Now he's back, determined to reclaim his place in Katerina's life and her son's, but for how long? And now that he's back, the old grudges between their families have resurfaced.
Luca was exiled from his hometown and his family seven years ago. Now his father has just passed away, and following a mysterious anonymous letter, he's returned. He didn't expect to learn he had a son about whom he knows nothing, and he's determined to claim what's rightfully his, despite the danger.
Will Katerina and Luca have a beautiful love story, or will the danger that follows them and Luca's affairs separate them once again….

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banished Sinner kicks off The Dante Dynasty series — a dark, gritty second-chance mafia romance with Luca Dante and Katerina Petrov.
Seven years ago, Luca was banished from his family and forced to leave the woman he loved. He built a ruthless empire and became a powerful Don.
Now, after his father’s murder, an anonymous note brings him home. His family greets him with suspicion.
Katerina was devastated when Luca vanished — especially after learning she was pregnant. She’s furious when he returns, but the spark is still there.
When Luca discovers he has a son, he’ll do anything to win her back. But fresh danger threatens the family. Can they bury the past to survive?
Packed with emotion, secrets, betrayals, and action, this intense ride is a killer start to the series. Can’t wait for more!.

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

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ajme Williams writes stories and characters I want to read. This story drew me in from the first chapter. I love the pace of the story and how the author keeps you guessing to what will happen next. This is the first book in the Dante's legacy and tells the story of Luca and Katerina. They were lovers for several years until he left town. Now he is back after his father is killed and their world is turned upside down. They both have baggage and secrets. Once I started reading, I did not want to put the book down because I thought I might miss something in the story. I love how the extended bonus epilogue gives the reader a glimpse into the next book in the series.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca Dante said her loved her but seven years ago he left Katerina with no word, just gone. She gave birth to a little boy and learned to live without him. When Don Lorenzo Dante dies Luca is back in town. Someone asked him to come home, he father did not die of old age, his brothers do seem happy to see him. He did not leave all those years ago because he wanted to, he was force to. Now he is back he knows his feelings for Katerina have never left but she kept the knowledge from him that he had a son.

This story has high heat between Luca and Katerina, plenty of action and betrayal. I cannot wait until the next in the series.

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

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Luca was the black sheep brother,banished to Chicago or die,so he leaves one night seven years earlier, not realizing what he left behind,a son!Kartina is hurt,she doesn't trust Luca,he doesn't know about Enzo.But Luca came home because he received a Un sign note.Once home he trys to rekindle what he lost with Katrina but she doesn't trust him.But they get through together more and more and he fines the secret she kept from him.Meanwhile the Bratva is starting a war and Luca and his family are right smack in the middle of it,they figure out they have a mole or two.This story is up and down and I loved it but not so much when Luca's sister has to do something to keep the Bratva family happy!

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banished Sinner is the first story in The Dante Dynasty series. It was a great way to begin a new series.

Luca has been cut off from his family for a long time. He had no idea he was leaving his unborn child. Katerina has been busy raising a child that has two separate bloodlines. Luca has come home for his father's funeral and sees Katerina. His brother believes he will take over for the family as the head. He has also found out about his child that Katerina gave birth to. What will happen to their family now?

I loved the story and the characters. I loved the suspense of the story. I look forward to more from this talented author.

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

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca was exiled by his family, told to leave or face death. He had no choice, but those choices carried consequences, and Luca made a name for himself in Chicago. He refuses to leave that behind, no matter what. However, being summoned home because his father had passed wasn't something he expected. Now he's back, and secrets are about to be uncovered. Katerina has been through a lot, and raising her son hasn't been easy. When the Don dies and the black sheep son returns, her careful life is about to fall apart. There's a mole somewhere, and Luca is about to find out who it is to save his family. But he never imagined the betrayal would run so deep. Now he'll do whatever it takes to protect Katerina and her son. But can they pick up where their hearts left off?

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banished Sinner is the dark romance between Luca, the bad boy heir of the Dante Mafia who is banned from his family and city, and Katerina, the woman he loved but left without a word who was pregnant with his son unbeknownst to him. Seven years later he is a Mafia Don in Chicago and returns home after the murder of his father and a letter asking him to return home. Luca finds he is still in love with Katerina and sets out to win her trust again, especially after finding he is a father to a son. Their second chance romance has complex characters and emotions, a traitor, underworld action, danger, and plot twists.

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

[H. Croukamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca was exile from his mafia family and now a Mafia Don of his own organization.. Years later he returns for his fathers funeral. Katerina the only woman he loves and left behind was raising their son and learn how to survive the mafia life. Katerina wasn't going to trust him now. Their feelings for each other can't be denied. When danger hits again will they be able to put the past behind them to survive? Will they get a second chance at love this time? What will happen when he learns about her secret? This story will keep you glued to the pages until the end. Grab a copy it is a must read.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Luca was banished from his family seven years ago, he never thought he would be back, let alone helping the family that did this to him. He knows this is his chance to make things right with the one he had to leave, Katerina. Katerina was utterly lost and heartbroken when Luca left, but she had to step up and do what was right for her son, but now he is back and wanting to turn her world upside down. With many twists, Luca and Katerina have got to learn to trust again, but the stakes are higher now and people are coming at them from within. This was an intense read that I devoured and enjoyed.

[Elf McElface · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Banished Sinner. The darker tone gives the story real bite, and the leads feel messy and believable rather than one-dimensional. Their chemistry is intense and the emotional scenes landed for me — I was invested in their fights and the slow, uncomfortable thaw between them.

A few moments tip into melodrama and a couple of plot choices felt convenient, but those hiccups didn’t stop me from staying up too late to finish it. Gritty, emotional, and satisfying overall — four stars.

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

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Williams' Dante Dynasty series and can be read as a standalone. A well written, captivating romance with a dark mafia element. Our main characters are Luca and Katerina. Luca broke Katerina's heart and left her pregnant when he disappeared 7 years ago. Now he's back and ready to claim all that was taken away from him. I loved this storyline, gripping and smooth flowing. Sure to delight in it's darkness!

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

[Tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Eventful and complex.

Katerina is pregnant to Mafia man Luca but he leaves her. When his father dies he comes back for her but that just thrusts them in the middle of all out war.

Danger, suspense and all out drama fill this book to the brim. There is a romance if you can call it that but it is bound together.

They have a strange development to the romance which has steam and passion.

Well done. A great book!.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

He left once before leaving behind repercussions and a devastated woman. Now his father is gone, and he has come back to claim everything that's his, but when the enemy captures his son and Katerina, he rains down a firestorm of brutality and when the dust clears, he is making way to leave once again. Will his decisions the second time around include his woman and children. This story kept me glued to the pages.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

He left once before leaving behind repercussions and a devastated woman. Now his father is gone, and he has come back to claim everything that's his, but when the enemy captures his son and Katerina, he rains down a firestorm of brutality and when the dust clears, he is making way to leave once again. Will his decisions the second time around include his woman and children. This story kept me glued to the pages.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il est parti une fois auparavant en laissant derrière lui des répercussions et une femme dévastée. Maintenant que son père est parti, il est revenu pour réclamer tout ce qui lui appartient, mais lorsque l'ennemi capture son fils et Katerina, il déchaîne un déluge de brutalité et quand la poussière retombe, il se prépare à repartir une fois de plus. Ses décisions cette deuxième fois incluront-elles sa femme et ses enfants ? Cette histoire m'a tenu accroché aux pages.

J'ai reçu un exemplaire gratuit de ce livre via Booksprout et laisse volontairement un avis.