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Matteo
Not yet published
Expected 20 Mar 26From New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Clarissa Wild comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.
To save my mother after she falls dangerously ill, I’m forced into a marriage with Lucio Agostini, a corrupt and malicious Mafia lord set on making me his bride. Lucio’s only interest is to acquire my estranged father’s wealth, and I have no choice if I want my mother to live.
But Lucio’s plans to marry me are thwarted when a rival Mafia family crashes our wedding right before we exchange vows.
My hand in marriage is stolen, and the ring is put around my finger by none other than Matteo De Silva, sworn enemy of Lucio Agostini. He’s callous, headstrong, and dangerous.
In a stubborn quest to avenge his mother, he snatches me at my wedding to use me as a pawn in a devious game. He whisks me away to his mansion, which is nothing more than a luxurious prison for his newlywed wife.
His obsession with destroying Lucio is all that matters to him, even if it costs me my freedom. But I refuse to become collateral. Underneath all that rugged bravado is a wounded man who longs for affection, and I will use his attraction to me against him.
However, my past is laced in despair, and my secrets consume me from the inside out. When everything feels lost, Matteo’s arms offer solace, and his touch calms my mind and sets my senses ablaze. His wicked charms slowly creep their way into my heart until it’s no longer possible for me to deny the growing passion between us.
We both want what the other isn’t willing to give.
A sinful, dirty fight for control is all that’s left.
The only question is … how far are we willing to go?
From the Author of Sick Boys, MATTEO is an exciting new standalone spicy romance, featuring your favorite
💗 Mafia Romance
💗 Stolen hand in Marriage
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Revenge Plot
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Age Gap
💗 “Who Did this to you?”
💗 Billionaire Hero
💗 He falls first
💗 “Where is my Wife?!” Vibes
💗 No Cheating
💗 Complete Standalone
To save my mother after she falls dangerously ill, I’m forced into a marriage with Lucio Agostini, a corrupt and malicious Mafia lord set on making me his bride. Lucio’s only interest is to acquire my estranged father’s wealth, and I have no choice if I want my mother to live.
But Lucio’s plans to marry me are thwarted when a rival Mafia family crashes our wedding right before we exchange vows.
My hand in marriage is stolen, and the ring is put around my finger by none other than Matteo De Silva, sworn enemy of Lucio Agostini. He’s callous, headstrong, and dangerous.
In a stubborn quest to avenge his mother, he snatches me at my wedding to use me as a pawn in a devious game. He whisks me away to his mansion, which is nothing more than a luxurious prison for his newlywed wife.
His obsession with destroying Lucio is all that matters to him, even if it costs me my freedom. But I refuse to become collateral. Underneath all that rugged bravado is a wounded man who longs for affection, and I will use his attraction to me against him.
However, my past is laced in despair, and my secrets consume me from the inside out. When everything feels lost, Matteo’s arms offer solace, and his touch calms my mind and sets my senses ablaze. His wicked charms slowly creep their way into my heart until it’s no longer possible for me to deny the growing passion between us.
We both want what the other isn’t willing to give.
A sinful, dirty fight for control is all that’s left.
The only question is … how far are we willing to go?
From the Author of Sick Boys, MATTEO is an exciting new standalone spicy romance, featuring your favorite
💗 Mafia Romance
💗 Stolen hand in Marriage
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Revenge Plot
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Age Gap
💗 “Who Did this to you?”
💗 Billionaire Hero
💗 He falls first
💗 “Where is my Wife?!” Vibes
💗 No Cheating
💗 Complete Standalone
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 20, 2026
21 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Clarissa Wild
100 books8,662 followers**NOTE FOR LIBRARIANS: please check with me before making any changes - I generally make all necessary changes and updates myself. :)**
--- I generally do NOT check my messages on Goodreads, so if you want to contact me, please do so on my website: https://www.clarissawild.com/contact --
Clarissa Wild is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author with ASD, who was born and raised in the Netherlands. She loves to write Dark Romance and Contemporary Romance novels featuring dangerous men and feisty women. Her other loves include her hilarious husband, her cutie pie son, her two crazy but cute dogs, and her adorable kitties. In her free time, she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, playing video games, and cooking up some delicious meals.
Check out my books: https://geni.us/clarissabooks
Join my reader group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FanCl...
--- I generally do NOT check my messages on Goodreads, so if you want to contact me, please do so on my website: https://www.clarissawild.com/contact --
Clarissa Wild is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author with ASD, who was born and raised in the Netherlands. She loves to write Dark Romance and Contemporary Romance novels featuring dangerous men and feisty women. Her other loves include her hilarious husband, her cutie pie son, her two crazy but cute dogs, and her adorable kitties. In her free time, she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, playing video games, and cooking up some delicious meals.
Check out my books: https://geni.us/clarissabooks
Join my reader group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FanCl...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 12, 2026
Matteo is a fast-paced mafia romance that follows Stella and Matteo. Stella's mother is diagnosed with cancer and does not have the finances to afford treatment, so she goes to her estranged father to ask for help, and he tells her he will not give her a single dime unless she does something for him: find a husband. That is how Stella ends up in the arms of Lucio. He is a dangerous man. Lucio brings Stella to one of his meetings with Mafia Don, Matteo, and that is how he sets his sights on Stella. She runs out onto the balcony, ripping the pearls off of her neck that were given by Lucio, and Matteo is immediately like, "Yeah shes gonna be mine." When a shootout happens during their meeting, Matteo throws a tracker into the vehicle Lucio and Stella are escaping in, and Stella holds onto it. During their wedding, she finds it in her dress, and Matteo and his crew show up. From there, Matteo makes Stella marry him, and there starts their complex relationship. There is a lot of push and pull between them. They love to hate each other, but they also hate to love each other. Stella is very hard-headed, and she is the type of woman who will do whatever she is thinking, so I definitely relate to her lol. Matteo has this hard exterior, but he is definitely a softy. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed their story, and this mafia story felt so nostalgic and definitely took me back to my mafia roots.
March 10, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I love Clarissa’s why choose romances but I also love when she writes a mafia romance and Matteo certainly didn’t disappoint.
Our FMC and MMC most certainly had an interesting meeting, Matteo was meeting with another rival head but while he was waiting he stumbled upon Stella who was in a fit of rage and threw her pearl necklace from the balcony. To say his interest was piqued was an understatement and Matteo wanted to know more about this fiery woman. He was soon reunited with Stella when she stood at the side of the man he was meeting, Lucio.
Now Matteo was out for revenge after the fall of his mother at the hands of Lucio’s family, and what no better way to start is to crash Stella and Lucio’s wedding. Of course he had some assistance from Stella, but she didn’t think she’d find herself at the mercy of another man so soon. Yes, Matteo decides that instead Lucio will watch Stella become Matteos wife and let’s just say I was living for every second of it.
From the moment these two met it was clear they were drawn to one another. Matteo’s obsession with his wife was full steam ahead and I absolutely loved it, there was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for her, well except give her the freedom she desired. With his enemies closing in it becomes even more evident he would sacrifice the world and not let a flame touch her 😩
I loved these two together, the banter and chemistry was impeccable and the spice? Well Clarissa certainly doesn’t miss on that.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
I love Clarissa’s why choose romances but I also love when she writes a mafia romance and Matteo certainly didn’t disappoint.
Our FMC and MMC most certainly had an interesting meeting, Matteo was meeting with another rival head but while he was waiting he stumbled upon Stella who was in a fit of rage and threw her pearl necklace from the balcony. To say his interest was piqued was an understatement and Matteo wanted to know more about this fiery woman. He was soon reunited with Stella when she stood at the side of the man he was meeting, Lucio.
Now Matteo was out for revenge after the fall of his mother at the hands of Lucio’s family, and what no better way to start is to crash Stella and Lucio’s wedding. Of course he had some assistance from Stella, but she didn’t think she’d find herself at the mercy of another man so soon. Yes, Matteo decides that instead Lucio will watch Stella become Matteos wife and let’s just say I was living for every second of it.
From the moment these two met it was clear they were drawn to one another. Matteo’s obsession with his wife was full steam ahead and I absolutely loved it, there was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for her, well except give her the freedom she desired. With his enemies closing in it becomes even more evident he would sacrifice the world and not let a flame touch her 😩
I loved these two together, the banter and chemistry was impeccable and the spice? Well Clarissa certainly doesn’t miss on that.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Review of advance copy received from Author
It used to be all about my revenge. I didn’t care about anything else, not even my life. But now there is her. All there is … is her.
“I’m gonna c*me inside you, and you’re going to take every last drop of my c*m like the naughty girl you are, Tesoro.”
Stella was no wallflower, and the moves she kept pulling on Matteo kept him constantly on his toes. I loved that way too much and found myself laughing at some of the things she did. She had just the right amount of sass to make their dynamic really fun to read. Matteo was insta-obsessed with her, and I loved that mixed in with all the slow-burning tension between them. The revenge element added that extra dramatic spark to the story and kept the stakes high. I love Clarissa Wild’s writing style, and this one didn’t disappoint. The whole stolen hand in marriage thing was one of my fav moments for me. The mix of danger, passion, and emotional moments kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you enjoy a faster-paced mafia romance with a strong “who did this to you” vibe, this would be a story to read.
💗 Mafia Romance
💗 Stolen hand in Marriage
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Revenge Plot
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Age Gap
💗 “Who Did this to you?”
💗 B1llionaire Hero
💗 He falls first
💗 “Where is my Wife?!” Vibes
💗 No Cheating
💗 Complete Standalone
“I’m gonna c*me inside you, and you’re going to take every last drop of my c*m like the naughty girl you are, Tesoro.”
Stella was no wallflower, and the moves she kept pulling on Matteo kept him constantly on his toes. I loved that way too much and found myself laughing at some of the things she did. She had just the right amount of sass to make their dynamic really fun to read. Matteo was insta-obsessed with her, and I loved that mixed in with all the slow-burning tension between them. The revenge element added that extra dramatic spark to the story and kept the stakes high. I love Clarissa Wild’s writing style, and this one didn’t disappoint. The whole stolen hand in marriage thing was one of my fav moments for me. The mix of danger, passion, and emotional moments kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you enjoy a faster-paced mafia romance with a strong “who did this to you” vibe, this would be a story to read.
💗 Mafia Romance
💗 Stolen hand in Marriage
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Revenge Plot
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Age Gap
💗 “Who Did this to you?”
💗 B1llionaire Hero
💗 He falls first
💗 “Where is my Wife?!” Vibes
💗 No Cheating
💗 Complete Standalone
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're looking for a standalone mafia story that has everything you would expect from the genre, as well as witty banter and a "she can save herself" FMC, look no further than Matteo by Clarissa Wild.
This had all the vibes of a dark romance with a mafia theme that will definitely tickle the fancy of any mafia romance reader. We had a no-nonsense mafia Don who is out for vengeance against a rival syndicate. We had a strong willed and definitely stubborn FMC who could give it as well as she could take it. (Pun intended). The banter between our FMC and MMC was absolutely hilarious and at times downright intoxicating.
This was a fun, easy and fast-paced read that kept me intrigued from start to finish. It was extremely easy to get lost in the vibe and in the romance. The spicy scenes were absolutely well done and did not feel cringe in anyway. They managed to be both steamy and romantic while definitely heating up the temperature
We had a really good use of tropes that are common for this genre. I really enjoyed this read overall if you're into mafia romance this is one you don't wanna miss.
This had all the vibes of a dark romance with a mafia theme that will definitely tickle the fancy of any mafia romance reader. We had a no-nonsense mafia Don who is out for vengeance against a rival syndicate. We had a strong willed and definitely stubborn FMC who could give it as well as she could take it. (Pun intended). The banter between our FMC and MMC was absolutely hilarious and at times downright intoxicating.
This was a fun, easy and fast-paced read that kept me intrigued from start to finish. It was extremely easy to get lost in the vibe and in the romance. The spicy scenes were absolutely well done and did not feel cringe in anyway. They managed to be both steamy and romantic while definitely heating up the temperature
We had a really good use of tropes that are common for this genre. I really enjoyed this read overall if you're into mafia romance this is one you don't wanna miss.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advanced readers copy from Author.
Matteo & Stella stories got me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There are moments where it’s sweet and moments work I’m stressing. Leave it to Clarissa to put me through this ride!
Their initial meeting is super hot. I love the things he says and the confidence he has. So HOT. In this book, I love Matteo more than Stella. He’s just a gentleman but yet a killer through and through. In the book, there are many moments where I just want to shake Stella for the situations she put herself through, like c’mon girl, again? It’s very annoying. There are lots of tension between the two which makes their story more believable and not like some insta love or Stockholm syndrome. When I say tension, I mean lots and lots of tension. It’s literally the whole book! There’s a lot of sexual angst and be ready to burn and wait. You gotta be patient with this book.
The plot? It’s here and there but the story is primarily focused on Matteo and Stella’s relationship. I did like all the action beginning, mid and ending.
Overall great read! I hope there’s going to be a book for Angelo! I love his character even though he wasn’t in it too much.
Matteo & Stella stories got me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There are moments where it’s sweet and moments work I’m stressing. Leave it to Clarissa to put me through this ride!
Their initial meeting is super hot. I love the things he says and the confidence he has. So HOT. In this book, I love Matteo more than Stella. He’s just a gentleman but yet a killer through and through. In the book, there are many moments where I just want to shake Stella for the situations she put herself through, like c’mon girl, again? It’s very annoying. There are lots of tension between the two which makes their story more believable and not like some insta love or Stockholm syndrome. When I say tension, I mean lots and lots of tension. It’s literally the whole book! There’s a lot of sexual angst and be ready to burn and wait. You gotta be patient with this book.
The plot? It’s here and there but the story is primarily focused on Matteo and Stella’s relationship. I did like all the action beginning, mid and ending.
Overall great read! I hope there’s going to be a book for Angelo! I love his character even though he wasn’t in it too much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Matteo and Stella...have mercy... these two were at times very frustrating and at times very funny and then in the end totally romantic. It's been a while since I have read a book from this author, but I was pleased to see she wrote something in one of my favorite genres...Mafia...and one of my favorite tropes...forced marriage/enemies-to-lovers, so of course I had to read Matteo.
It was a very fast paced read...plenty of action, violence and steamy romance. I didn't find the violence or action as hard hitting as some other books I have read in this genre, (it was more Mafia-light) but still an enjoyable read and perfect for someone who wants to dip their toes in this genre without being too shocked. The ending was great and overall, I was pleased with this newest standalone romance featuring a strong independent woman and the man she brings to his knees. I wonder who will get their own book next?
**** 4 **** "she is MY wife" stars
It was a very fast paced read...plenty of action, violence and steamy romance. I didn't find the violence or action as hard hitting as some other books I have read in this genre, (it was more Mafia-light) but still an enjoyable read and perfect for someone who wants to dip their toes in this genre without being too shocked. The ending was great and overall, I was pleased with this newest standalone romance featuring a strong independent woman and the man she brings to his knees. I wonder who will get their own book next?
**** 4 **** "she is MY wife" stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Matteo and Stella❤️🩹
Matteo is a new Mafia story by Clarissa Wild and it was everything one would expect from this genre🙌
Matteo is seeking revenge against another Mafia family, when they kill someone he loves. Now, he wants to make the person responsible suffer and he does his utmost to prolong this suffering. When it appears he’s about to get married, Matteo steps in after one interaction with the bride to be, and does something completely unconventional😳
Rival families fighting✅
Possessive and protective MMC✅
Forced proximity✅
Gun and knife fights✅
Steamy scenes🌶️✅
Touch her and die☠️✅
Wow, what a great story❣️ Loved it and I also liked that Stella had a backbone of steel and didn’t take anything lying down. Had a few laughs with the banter between this couple at times too😂
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
Matteo is a new Mafia story by Clarissa Wild and it was everything one would expect from this genre🙌
Matteo is seeking revenge against another Mafia family, when they kill someone he loves. Now, he wants to make the person responsible suffer and he does his utmost to prolong this suffering. When it appears he’s about to get married, Matteo steps in after one interaction with the bride to be, and does something completely unconventional😳
Rival families fighting✅
Possessive and protective MMC✅
Forced proximity✅
Gun and knife fights✅
Steamy scenes🌶️✅
Touch her and die☠️✅
Wow, what a great story❣️ Loved it and I also liked that Stella had a backbone of steel and didn’t take anything lying down. Had a few laughs with the banter between this couple at times too😂
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy, my review is completely my own.
I absolutely loved Matteo, the book and the character. I loved that Stella wasn't a weak little girl, yes, she had some moments where panic clawed it's way into her, but after everything she was put through, who could blame her. She was a strong FMC. Matteo for me was perfection, I love a MMC that would burn the world for his woman no matter the cost. He did not disappoint. I was gripped from the start of the book and finished it within a few hours, the plot was amazing, the spice was just the right amount without overpowering the actual plot. The book ended perfectly, and the entire book was well written. I personally have no faults. This was actually my first read of 2026 and I was not disappointed. Thank you for another amazing book Clarissa ❤️
I absolutely loved Matteo, the book and the character. I loved that Stella wasn't a weak little girl, yes, she had some moments where panic clawed it's way into her, but after everything she was put through, who could blame her. She was a strong FMC. Matteo for me was perfection, I love a MMC that would burn the world for his woman no matter the cost. He did not disappoint. I was gripped from the start of the book and finished it within a few hours, the plot was amazing, the spice was just the right amount without overpowering the actual plot. The book ended perfectly, and the entire book was well written. I personally have no faults. This was actually my first read of 2026 and I was not disappointed. Thank you for another amazing book Clarissa ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
firstly thank you so much to clarissa for letting me a part of her ARC team.
Clarissa wild does it again. This book gets off to an explosive start,,,,literally.
Matteo is seeking revenge after the death of his mam by the hands of another mafia boss. He takes it by stealing his wife on their wedding day, starting a family mafia war. Stella is going into the forced marrage due to a deal she made for money but Matteo, the biggest mafia boss in the city has other ideas for Stella. after en explosive start ( literally) and matteo tracking his new interest he decides he wants to make her his own. The wedding crash scene had me kicking my feet! The fmc in this book is bad ass and doesnt take anything laying down and the spice scenes in this are perfect!
tropes
Morally gray
Forced marrage
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Who did this to you
He falls first
Clarissa wild does it again. This book gets off to an explosive start,,,,literally.
Matteo is seeking revenge after the death of his mam by the hands of another mafia boss. He takes it by stealing his wife on their wedding day, starting a family mafia war. Stella is going into the forced marrage due to a deal she made for money but Matteo, the biggest mafia boss in the city has other ideas for Stella. after en explosive start ( literally) and matteo tracking his new interest he decides he wants to make her his own. The wedding crash scene had me kicking my feet! The fmc in this book is bad ass and doesnt take anything laying down and the spice scenes in this are perfect!
tropes
Morally gray
Forced marrage
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Who did this to you
He falls first
Review of advance copy
Massive thank you to Clarissa Wild and The Author Agency for sending me the ARC.
Did I devour this book in under 24hrs yes I did and I loved every minute.
True to her writing this was fast paced, instant chemistry but he’s determined to be a gentleman, possessive, touch her and die, FMC who should not be underestimated because she’ll prove you wrong at every turn and throw in “where is my wife” and you have a fun quick read with all the spice, action, revenge and a descent storyline.
Tropes
Mafia Romance
Stolen Marriage
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Revenge Plot
He Falls First
Dedication
For the book girls who swoon over “Where is my wife” and “Who did this to you”
……. You’re gonna love this one.
And yes I did 🥵🥵
For all mafia romance readers add this to your TBR.
Did I devour this book in under 24hrs yes I did and I loved every minute.
True to her writing this was fast paced, instant chemistry but he’s determined to be a gentleman, possessive, touch her and die, FMC who should not be underestimated because she’ll prove you wrong at every turn and throw in “where is my wife” and you have a fun quick read with all the spice, action, revenge and a descent storyline.
Tropes
Mafia Romance
Stolen Marriage
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Revenge Plot
He Falls First
Dedication
For the book girls who swoon over “Where is my wife” and “Who did this to you”
……. You’re gonna love this one.
And yes I did 🥵🥵
For all mafia romance readers add this to your TBR.
Review of advance copy
To save her mother, Stella Runner is supposed to marry Lucio Agostini but mafia man Matteo De Silva has different plans. That includes taking Stella and making her his bride! He wants Lucio to suffer but this plan may have Matteo actually caring for his new bride. This is an action packed mafia, captive romance that plays just as you would expect. There is a TW list as there are some difficult topics for some. Get ready for a slow burn, dark romance. Told in first person and dual POV.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the Author agency for the opportunity to read this arc. MATTEO was such a great read. Stella is forced into marrying a mafioso because she borrowed money from him for cancer treatment for her mother. But on the day of her wedding another mafia don bursts in and takes over the wedding marrying her instead. Enter Matteo! Stella is feisty and brave and Matteo definitely has his hands full. I literally couldn’t put this book down. I started it in the morning and had it finished by 6pm.
Review of advance copy
Blew mind from the start. I seriously couldn’t get enough of these two. The push and pull was amazing and the tension was astounding. I loved everything in this book. I really enjoyed some side characters and their devotion to Matteo. I loved the ending so so much
Review of advance copy
He saw fire, where she saw restraints and a gilded change from him. Oh their love story is one for the books and the ending when he handed her the key!!! Gasp! So perfect.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews