Cruel Blood (Marino Legacy Trilogy Book One): A Christian Mafia Romance

by Skylar J. Kent

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 15, 2026

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Blood was a wild and gripping story by Skylar J. Kent. Not like anything I have ever read before and let me tell you, I was 100 captivated and entranced into it. Rome is a mob boss for the Marino family after his father's health has declined. Rome is a Christian who is having a hard time staying in the light because he lives in such a darkness and that pull is strong. Skylar J Kent has touched on some mature, tough and real life topics since her first book. She writes these books with such grace and mercy. God's love is always shone brighter than the darkness. I highly, highly recommend any book by Skylar. Btw, Skylar's other pin name is JJ Samie Myles, you definitely want to check those out too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bethany Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A CHRISTIAN mafia romance? How is that even a thing?? Well let me tell ya’ll, Skylar has MADE it a thing.

Romeo Marino is intimately acquainted with the dark side of humanity. After all, he grew up in the Marino crime family. But ironically, it was the one who was supposed to teach him about the light who exposed him to darkness the most. He’s been haunted by his past ever since.

Trying to break free of his chains, Rome continues to believe in the goodness of God—and raise his teenage niece in a better environment. When he finds himself in the dreaded position of mob boss, he works to dismantle the system from the inside out. Except it isn’t that simple.

Bella Ives knows she should stay away from Rome. The mob is bad news. But when she’s asked to tutor his niece, she feels herself drawn to them both. As God works in their lives, darkness threatens. Yet— no matter what, God’s grace is always near.

Skylar is the queen of gritty Christian fiction. It’s real and raw and I can’t get enough of it. She gave us such a believable and realistic reason behind Rome being a mob boss—yet trying to follow Christ. It made so much sense.
This story doesn’t glorify the Mafia. It doesn’t romanticize organized crime. Instead, it shows Christians in the messy and complex parts of life, striving to follow Jesus, and finding God’s overwhelming grace through it all.

What I loved:

🖤Fury( yep, he’s first on this list) 🥹😭
🖤solid and strong faith message
🖤it’s book 1 in a continuing trilogy
🖤communication between Rome and Bella
🖤ALL of the on-page praying for each other
🖤the guys who faced trauma together growing up to fight it together
🖤Rome (and his tattoos)
🖤bandannas
🖤jerking her chair closer with his foot 🫠
🖤male mental health rep

Triggers/Content: moderate gore and violence, drinking, murder(including unborn child), adults who experienced childhood sexual assault (not described on page), several brief torture scenes, mentions of suicide attempts and ideation.

I was given an ARC to honestly read and review. All opinions are my own.











Amazing. Fantastic. All the stars. Full RTC.

[Luana Cavalcanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
I'm crying! I'll post my review later!

All right, I took a deep breath.
I'll try to write this review without spoilers.

ARC review. All honest opinons are my own.
Special thanks to the author @skylarjkent

First of all, I have to say to you that "Cruel Blood" is life changing!!!
I love every single thing about this book.
It affected me in a way that it is not easy to express myself in english. And, you know what?
I'm trilingual LOL
But after I finished this book, I really want to write in portuguese (my first language)
I think because there is some hard topics in this book. A lot of triggers for me ...
BUT I do NOT regret reading it. It's so worth it!!!!

Guys, this book is AMAZING
I finished in 1 night!!!! It was a really intense night. I cried, cried and cried in the end.
And yes, it is oficially in my top 5 remarkable books I read in my entire life. I'm not joking.

Rome and Bella!
I related with both of them!!!
They are so human!
Please, I need more mafia romance without explicit content!!!
Skylar, I loved how you wrote them.
Their love was so beautiful to read! I loved them together, I loved the side characters as well.
I could spend the entire day writing this review because this book is everything I can think about .
Especially, because "Cruel Blood" remind me of God's love and mercy!!!!! And this means a lot to me 😭😭😭💘💘💘


Skylar, I praise God for your life. You're special author. Thank you for writing this book.



⚠️⚠️⚠️ check the TW

(Sorry for any gramatical errors, I'm still emotional 😂)

[Hannah Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you need a reminder whom you belong to, Ms. Ives?” he asked, his tone dark.“

Woo. Thank you @skylarjkent for this ARC. Releases July 15th.

I had to take a minute after reading this one to try to come up with the words to do it justice. Like all her books she doesn’t shy away from the hard topics and all her books are soaked in the Word and in prayers

A clean, no spice Christian mafia book doesn’t seem possible but she does it beautifully. While I consider this a light mafia, it’s leans more towards the darker side so check the content warnings. There is on page violence but it’s not overly descriptive.

This is the start of a trilogy for Rome, I believe, with his full redemption at the end of the series. Book 1 ends one conflict and introduces the start of what conflict will be in book 2, so not quite a HEA or a cliff hanger.

Rome is the definition of a morally grey man. Caught between the light and the dark. Wanting so badly just to be able to follow Jesus fully, but due to valid circumstances can’t leave the mafia just yet, and he has to do what a don in the mafia does. He has an exit plan but can’t put it into motion before certain events happen.
While this is a fictional book, once you include the Word there has to be truth within the pages. Skylar shows that truth in both Rome and Bella. That we’re all imperfect people. That as believers the Holy Spirit knows each of us intimately and is working on us where we’re at.
Rome shows that you don’t have to clean up or be perfect to meet Jesus. He will take you as you are, right now, and use you in your current circumstances, as long as you are continually trying to move towards Him.

Bella shows us the importance of surrender. You can’t be everything for everyone. So you need to trust that Lord will care for your loved ones. That as He sustains you He’ll sustain them.

❤️I absolutely love the way that they both pray for each other, privately and with each other.
❤️I love the way Rome protects and encourages Bella, even against her thoughts about herself.
❤️I love the way Bella is so considerate of Rome, and his needs regarding intimacy (not sexual) because of his terrible past.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, wow... what else can be said? This truly is one of those books where I don't know the right words to fully express what an amazing story this was. Let's start with the obvious though, this is not your typical Christian romance. A mob boss who is a Christian... but who also is very much still living in that world with all the cruelty and darkness that come with it? It shouldn't make sense, but one thing I have discovered about Skylar J. Kent is that she truly has a gift of bringing that perfect balance between darkness and light... which is made evident in Rome's complex character. It's definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but personally, I loved it. It was gritty, it was messy, it was traumatic... and yet, there is that sense of hope coming through with a beautiful reminder that no matter what we have done in our lives or what has been done to us, no one is too far gone or too broken for God. You can feel the pain these characters have faced on the pages, but we're not left in the darkness. I loved the romance between Bella and Rome, the protectiveness, the complicated family dynamics, the struggle between the darkness and the light... all of it worked together to bring me into this world. I couldn't put it down. And that ending? My goodness! I am 100% invested in the lives of all of these characters and find myself looking forward to what will come next in this series... I know it's going to be great. Another new favorite for me!

Cruel Blood is a Christian romance. While there is no language and kisses only on the page, it doesn't shy away from the realities of the mafia underworld and does touch on several darker themes that could be triggering for readers. If needed, be sure to see the trigger warnings in the author's note before reading.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jamie Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Skylar for picking me to read your book!!!
I would like to say how much I appreciate a clean mafia romance. Secondly, this is my first ARC review!
Reading this book was awesome! I love where the author went. A lot of it was read in bed far after I should have been asleep.

Rome is a man torn between the life that he has always known and the life he is praying for, but isn’t sure is possible. We see his struggles with reconciling the things that he has done in his past, constantly fighting his demons, with what he knows to be true in God’s word and that he is redeemed.

Bella has always been safe and when she finds herself drawn to Rome she gets nervous. I found it frustrating but so relatable! Wanting to be a little dangerous (without compromising morals)…but then getting scared.

Then the closer they got, the more tension develops. Skylar did a great job building those moments. They had a great dynamic together!

I did struggle with the fact that Rome was an adult and he said things like “a’ight” and “my ugly mug” when referring to his face. For me it didn’t put off vibes of leader of mafia family. Sounded like a teenager from the 90s. But that’s a little nit pik.

I do wish we could see a little more of the internal struggle with Bella a little bit? Reconciling her feelings with being with a man in the mafia. Things are touch and go for her but then it’s pretty quick when things are figured out. I didn’t mind it…but would loved to have seen that take its time maybe?

There were slight issues for me with writing style in some places, but story was fantastic! I really really enjoyed this book!

Whether I am privileged to receive the ARC of Lucid Nightmares or have to wait…I am so excited to read that one too!!!

[Justina Clissold · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to say Thank you Skylar J Kent for allowing me to read and review this book!

From the first page I was hooked!
I have attempted to read other Christian Mafia Romances in the past and didn't care for them much, but this book!! 👌

The pacing of the book was well done. I had no problem finishing this book in just a few sittings. It keeps you engaged and guessing.

I enjoyed how much you see faith themes throughout the book. The author has a firm grasp on the gospel and biblical truths that are reflected in this story. It was encouraging to see the MMC seeking after God time and time again. I loved how the characters were always praying for one another and seeing believers coming together to lift each other up.

I would say to check the trigger warning before diving into this book. It covers some heavy topics but real life is full of hard truths and encounters. I like an author who can discuss hard topics in a graceful way.

The character were not shallow and felt relatable. I enjoyed this book so much because you truly feel immersed into the storyline. I would definitely read more from this author.

Thanks again for letting me be an ARC reader.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
What I love most about a mafia romance is how the main male characters are straightforward about their love interest and they are fiercely protective of them. That was the case for Rome with Bella and I was here for it! And add in strong Christian aspects - loved it!

There were so many ways I related to Bella - in how she was learning to set boundaries, wanting to feel needed and discovering how God sees her. I loved how Rome really *saw* her, love how he prayed over her, and how she supported him, too.

I appreciated so much how Skylar wrote these characters as just sending up “walkie talkie” prayers throughout their day, how she included scripture the characters were reading about or came to mind. The faith aspects felt real and not forced.

I also loved Rome’s found family/“brothers”. They have each others’ backs and also joke and have fun; those relationships were definitely one of the highlights of the book for me!

While this is a Christian romance, it is gritty and messy with heavy topics. It is not for everyone. I really appreciated the author’s note at the beginning which helps set expectations for the character’s actions.

This is book 1 in a trilogy and I already can’t wait for the second book!

Content - no swearing, closed door

Thank you to the author for an early complimentary copy of the book.

[Beth DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

I really enjoyed this book! This is my first from this author, but I'll certainly be looking into more from her!

I love the Lincoln Grady reference 😉

Dual POV with a morally gray MMC

Very Christian focused, with frequent prayers and comments by the characters.

Yes, it's Christian. No, there's no cursing or graphic detail. But it's definitely gritty and covers some really dark, challenging themes. It's not a happy-go-lucky Christian story, but rather a hard-earned redemptive arc over the course of the trilogy. It's a story of how even those who have lived through horrors, and have even been shaped to be horrific, can be redeemed through Christ.

I think Skylar does a great job of blending these components together. It doesn't glorify the mob by any means, and it contains dark themes. But she doesn't go into gratuitous detail, only enough so the reader understands. And she does well showing how even those who may seem lost to the dark can still strive for the light.

⚠️ No cursing or graphic detail, but several strong TWs
Implied lgbt, not glorified, trauma response
🫑 Kissing only

Thanks so much to the author for the chance to ARC read! 🙏🏻

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫑: kisses only (mention of intimacy & past SA of character)
🤬: none

I really enjoyed this book! Skylar always manages to write gritty, Christian romance that shows redemption and forgiveness through Christ alone! This book is such a great reminder that God can work in anyone’s heart and life for His glory.

I love Rome and his found family. He has had a hard life, and is working so hard to crawl his way out of it. At times he feels so hopeless, but is learning more and more to trust in God’s plan for his life. He is reminded, and in turn, readers are reminded that even in the storms of life God is to be praised.

Bella is a sweet character. I love how she works on setting boundaries, and with Rome’s help, is reminded of her worth as a daughter in Christ. She helps Rome start to heal from his past, and she is trusting in God’s plan for her and Rome’s relationship.

The plot is interesting, and we are left at the end of book 1 with lots of things that will possibly be happening in book 2. I am excited to see where Skylar takes us on this ride!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rome Marino lives to protect his family, especially his niece Guillianna. Born into a crime syndicate family, Romeo Marino takes his role as the head of the family seriously and with his belief in God and what God wants Rome’s desire to make the family into an honest business enterprise takes root…but change doesn’t come quickly or easily to a decades old business steeped in crime.
Bella, with her degree in psychology, wants to make a difference in the lives of young people. Her desire is to work with troubled teens as a tutor.
Things get complicated when naive and trusting Bella meets the mafia don who needs a tutor for his niece.

We are all broken and in need of healing in some form. Cruel Blood challenges us to remember that change is not instantaneous or complete at the time of surrendering to God. It is a daily growth experience with ups and downs, leaps and setbacks, that continues from surrender to the grave. Another well written and thought-provoking novel from Skylar J Kent.

[Dorothy Brundage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours!
Which is a similar tale to her others books I’ve read haha.
Christian Mafia is kind of an oxymoron, which she has a great post explaining. Man this book had so much depth with the characters. There was so much prayer on these pages it was incredible. I grieved with Rome so much that he is in such a difficult situation with no light in sight. Our dear Bella is that light though. She was such a joy, how could you not like her!

My heart was racing the whole time. I can’t WAIT for book 2 in November!

These books are incredibly gritty and touch on very hard topics that many Christians don’t like to discuss, and I love the author for that. You can tell she’s put so much time and effort and PRAYER into these books to be able to talk on difficult things but bro g glory to God in all of them, as well as NEVER glorify sin.

Thank you for allowing me to read the ARC! I enjoyed it so much!

[M. Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW***
In the best possible way, this is one of the most unique, gritty, and insane books I've ever read. It follows Rome Marino, Christian who takes over his dad's mob, as he navigates following Christ in that dark environment, his own past and trauma, and that he's falling for Bella, a Christian who's from a completely different and relatively very normal world and is teaching his niece, Guillianna. It's full of action and suspense and is nothing like I've ever seen in the Christian fiction world. That said, it doesn't shy away from or romanticize the realities of the mob underworld, and it does deal with some very heavy topics, so please make sure you're ok with the trigger warnings at the beginning before reading it. It's also rated 18+ for a reason, so I definitely wouldn't recommend this for younger readers but if you want a gritty Christian fiction book that deals with but doesn't romanticize the darkness, Cruel Blood is absolutely for you!

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best way to use a Godgiven talent.
The story doesn’t just quote Scripture but it also allows room for the daily challenges on your walk with God.
Having a Christian Mafia Romance is something I always knew I needed and still .. this book can’t be put into words.
HIGHLY recommend anyone to read this in order to get as mesmerised as I am. Took me about 13 hours to read and would have been a one-sitter if I hadn’t started so late at night. Rome embodies the raw and honest version of a mob boss wanting to turn his life around and nothing and noone could have written it better than Skylar. Nothing could’ve prepared me for this honest, pure and loving masterpiece of a book.
Literally a must read for everyone having been through or currently on the start of their journey with Jesus.
Thank you for listening to your calling and blessing this community with a book like that!!

-L

[Candace Riggs(darling) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely was hooked! Just over 24 hours and this book was DEVOURED!
First of all I love that there’s faith in this book especially because it’s about redemption and relying on God and His will/timing! I cried numerous times in the story because of what the MMC Romeo had to go through.💔Also our FMC Bella is classy, speaks with passion about her love for Romeo and helps to keep him on his path with finding the Lord and keeping his faith all while he helps her find her strength for boundaries while relaying on God. Oh and she is his rib! Oh I cried! This story is packed with love, fear, resilience, and seeing the Lord in all situations.
The only thing I am devastated about is that I have to wait so long for book number two 🤣

To the author: thank you for this story. It truly in today’s world is such a blessing. God is good!

[Tanya Marbeiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oh my, this book!! I have never read a mafia romance book before, but I am very glad that I read Cruel Blood by @skylarjkent

This book had me in tears a few different times. Rome is the don of the Marino family. He falls in love with Bella, who he hired to be his nieces tutor. She in turn falls in love with him. The story of redemption in this book brought the most tears to my eyes. Seeing the grace of God work in their lives was incredible. Rome was born into a life of crime and God used Bella to help him desire to pursue a way out of it. This is book 1 of a trilogy and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2!!

Cruel Blood releases July 15, 2026. Trust me when I say, it's well worth the read!

Trigger warnings: violence, sexual assault of a minor

No foul language, no smut

I was given an eARC by the author, my thoughts are my own.

[Chesleigh Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
Breath Taking.
Comforting.
Encouraging.

Rome and Bella have experienced so much darkness yet their faith continues to bring light to others. Rome, a mafia Don, hires Bella to tutor/homeschool his niece. Despite her fear and doubts, she follows God's leading to walk through life with the Marino family. As Rome and Bella come to know the trauma they've both experienced, they repeatedly shower each other in grace, love, and understanding.

This book was so heart warming. It's wonderful to see a healthy relationship in a broken world. I love how the truth is encouragingly spread throughout the whole book.

I can't wait for more!!!!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not like your typical mafia romance novel. Even though it captures so many aspects of the mafia lifestyle, the way Christ is placed in the middle of every situation of the characters was moving. The light in the darkness. I genuinely couldn’t get enough of this book. As a Christian who reads all kinds of books, this book shows that you can get a taste of everything, without compromising your values or having to read things you’d probably skip over in other books. I’m so excited for anyone who reads this book for the first time! I cannot wait to see what’s next in the Marino Trilogy!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping, compelling story Cruel Blood was. Rome, a mob boss, is a Christian who struggles to remain a light in the world while still being in the Mafia world. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Rome's and Bella's backstories amidst Rome raising his niece and the danger he faces from his brother. Kent addresses tough mature topics in Cruel Blood and doesn't shy away from them. The characters she writes about are realistic and relatable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Annelise Ord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book is so bold and I loved every minute of it.

This is a clean, kisses only book but also nails the mafia aspect. 🤯🫶🏼🔥 I’m so impressed with how well Christian themes were woven throughout, but the dark realities of the underworld were clear too.

The main characters each have their own growth journey. As the story progresses, we slowly unravel the roots of their trauma, and get to watch the healing journey begin.

Can’t wait to continue this trilogy.

🫶🏼 found family
👀 touch her and 💀
🤘🏼single guardian
🏍️ opposites attract
🖤 mafia don / private tutor

[Dani Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! 🙌
I'm not sure I can put into words the impact this book had on me. Its heavy theme was perfectly encased with faith and bites of humor, with the main character Rome being a broken, beautiful soul that I couldn't help but love as I followed along in his pain and anguish.
This was my first Mafia read and first of author Skyler J. Kent, but it won't be my last, as I can't wait for book 2!

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[Kristin Gibson Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Skylar J. Kent novel and my first Mafia book and I LOVED it!! Probably would have had it finished in a day if work hadn't gotten in the way🤣. Literally couldn't put it down.
Rome is the definition of a man caught between a rock and a hard place. At the same time he is so devoted to his family and friends that it's impossible not to love him.
And Bella is perfect!
Can't wait for Book 2!!!

[BrittNeedsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5/5 - (I had the time of my life)
🌶️ 1/5 (glimpses and kisses)

This book. Omg. So I’m new the closed door books and when I switched to reading more closed door verse open door books I was sad I wasn’t going to get “good” dark romance mafia books. Then I got this ARC. This book isn’t just good, it’s great. I absolutely love the character development we see throughout this book the struggle that our MMC has.

Quoteable parts in this book in so many wise things said that just make you wanna stare at the wall. This was a joy to read. Until we got to that cliff hanger that was diabolical.