INDELIBLE: Mafia Enemies to Lovers Romance

by Charlene Namdhari

NB: This is NOT a FMF or MFF love triangle

"There’s no greater story than bearing the mark of an untold love story."

Sometimes a monster is created by the blood that binds him,
Sometimes a king is created by the queen who worships him,
Sometimes a lover is created by the heart that saves him,
Sometimes a man just wants to be a man.

My name is Remo Rossi,
I take, I kill, I dominate,
I don't negotiate, I don't feel, I don't love,
If I like, I fuck it.

Until them,
One saves lives while the other destroys them,
One rides me like she owns my soul while the other bends to my will,
Once I mark them, they're mine,
Only that's what my morally black heart assumed,
Because together, they teach me a lesson in love I never saw coming.

TW: Please note the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book

Genres: Romance

618 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2026

About the author

I'm not a cliched romance writer.
I write plot-driven, mindfuck stories.
I'm not afraid to push boundaries (check Intoxication, Infallible and Duality)
I write steam like I shower - scalding.

Reviews

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morally Corrupt. Obsessively Devoted. This Isn’t Love—It’s Possession.” 🔥

Indelible doesn’t flirt with darkness it drowns in it!!!

The author delivers a story that is raw, brutal and completely unapologetic. This is a world where power is taken, not given… where loyalty is carved in blood… and where love is something far more dangerous than either.

Remo Rossi? is not a hero.
He’s the villain people warn you about.
Ruthless. Calculated. Untouchable.
A man who doesn’t hesitate. Doesn’t regret. Doesn’t feel—until her.

When it comes to Ishika, something in him fractures.
Not into softness… but into something far more terrifying.

Obsession.
He doesn’t want her heart.
He wants her completely. Her trust. Her defiance. Her surrender.

And the way he takes control? It’s not gentle. It’s not safe. It’s a dark, intoxicating dance of power where the CNC edge lingers beneath every moment, unchallenged, understood and chosen in ways that make every interaction feel dangerous and addictive.

There are no clean lines between resistance and desire here, only tension that snaps, reforms and tightens until it’s impossible to tell where control ends and need begins.

But Ishika… she doesn’t shatter.
She meets Remo in the dark.
She fights. She provokes. She refuses to be anything less than his equal, even when the cost is everything.
And that’s what makes this so explosive… because she doesn’t just survive his darkness, she pulls him deeper into it.

As for Remo?He unravels.
Not into redemption.
But into something more volatile. More possessive. More unhinged.

Because once he decides she’s his…
There is no escape. No compromise. No mercy for anyone who threatens what he’s claimed.

Not even himself.

And beneath all that brutality lies something that hits even harder—
The bond between Ishika and Korõ
Fierce. Selfless. Unbreakable.
A love built on sacrifice, where Korõ would walk away from her own desires because she knows the truth before anyone else does.

This isn’t romance.
This is obsession sharpened into something lethal.
This is devotion twisted into possession.
This is a love that doesn’t save you…it ruins you.

And that ending?
You won’t just gasp.
You’ll be screaming for the next book.

This is for readers who don’t want sweet.
Who don’t want safe.
Who want to feel every dark, dangerous moment.
And you will love every second of it.

✨ And Charlene Namdhari proves herself to be an absolute force—her writing is bold, fearless and utterly mind-blowing, crafting a story so powerful it doesn’t just capture your attention… it owns it.

[Julie Bianchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge cliffhanger!

This was such a riveting, keep you on the edge of your seat story!! I was a little shocked by how vile Remo could be until I got further into the story and realized everything he went through as a kid made him that way. There are so many twists and turns in this story that made it hard for me to figure out what was really going on with Ishika and her sister. There’s a big secret that I was no where near solving and am in dire need of the next book. I didn’t realize this was going to end on a cliffhanger until I started reading, so I’m a little mad that I have to wait to get answers. I mean, that ending was INTENSE! This story is well written, just like all of this author’s books are. It’s also a fairly long book so be prepared to stay up to the wee hours reading until you can’t keep your eyes open. This is another 5 star read for me.

[jane loveday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read. Remo is unhinged, you won't be able to resist him. He is captivating. His leading ladies are made for him.
Please read you won't be disappointed

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how you write dark mafia.
Mafia is one of my favorite tropes and unfortunately what I see a lot of is the main character will have a complete personality change and go weak at the end.
Not this book.
At least not in book one.. oh nooooo… Remo Rossi is exactly the devil incarnate.
Remo does not ask questions. He takes what he wants. He does not know the word consent.
And it’s oddly extremely erotic.

Remi has an instant fixation on completely dominating a doctor he meets. Ishika. A beautiful, bold, and brave woman that stood up to Remo and his men one day. And that? It put her on his radar.

🦊 "What you don't seem to understand, little fox, is that once you're mine completely, I'II kill anyone who dares to touch you, then eat your pussy in the pool of their blood before I fuck you on your hands and knees." 🦊

Remo is impenetrable. He’s that constant static running up your neck. I thoroughly would be scared to meet him IRL. Lol.

And Remo also has a stalker. A woman. An assassin. Korō. She’s still very much a mystery to the readers, clearly is trying to find someone and while doing so, she unaliving every person connected to the mafia.

This book has all of the mafia political aspects in it. Is it a romance? I mean that’s subjective. Lol. Ishika gets railroaded into this life without a choice.
It’s non/con and dub/con.
But she learns to understand Remo. And Remo is learning to understand his feelings for Ishika.
It’s definitely “Who Touched You?”
“I’ll unalive anyone that hurts you”
“Only person to dare hurt you is me”

Remo Rossi is not even morally gray. He’s morally black.
Obsessive.
Did I mention he’s pierced?
Gives out hand necklaces?

Honestly, I absolutely love this author. I think everyone should give one of her books a try.
This was an easy 10/10 book.
It does leave off on a cliffhanger though!
But book 2 is coming soon !

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting this book as I love the previous books in the Serendipity series by Charlene. The reader is introduced to Remo in Infallible but once I started reading this book I soon realised what a complex character Charlene has created. I loved this book from the first chapter and again became totally immersed in the Mafia world of Lorenzo and his younger brother Remo. Remo takes centre stage and is a character that is easy to hate but also easy to love which is what the two? main female characters soon realised. This is the first book of a duet and Charlene has artfully created a climax at the end that leaves you desperate for the release of Book 2( due mid April I think so not too long to wait.
I can totally recommend the whole Serendipity series to anyone who likes strong male and feisty female characters brought together within book plots that have so many twists and turns that keep you reading through the night to finish them

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly hot; I couldn't put it down. Remo is a demon in a suit, and I absolutely loved it. Everything in this book makes you feel 🥵❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Indelible by Charlene Namdhari plunges readers into the turbulent mind of Remo Rossi, a man haunted by a tumultuous relationship with his mother. From the very first page, his world erupts in violence and bloodshed. This book offers a gripping dive into the depths of a crazy man who loves blood and sex, caught between two women whose influences could either save him or plunge him deeper into darkness. Indelible is a dark, provocative exploration of trauma and obsession. Remo Rossi is a character you'll carry with you long after the final page; his journey through violence, love, and self-discovery is an intense and unforgettable ride. Charlene masterfully unpacks the complexities of his mind, weaving dark themes, unexpected twists, and a shocking cliffhanger.

Note: the relationship between Lorenzo and Remo is 🤌👍

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC.

I probably should’ve read the trigger warnings properly for this book - there was a lot of gruesome violence and non-con, with a morally black mmc, violent fmc and a fmc who gets thrown into the relationship with the mmc. It was a bit too violent for me and I found the romance was dark too. If you like a morally black mmc, mafia romance with suspense and a cliff hanger ending, then this book would be for you!

[Mary Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this a 5 star but geez if I had know this was a cliff hanger I would have waited until second book came out. This is so WronG charlene. Will write more later.

[Claudia Jessica Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

The author chose the perfect name for this book because it is truly going to be very very hard to forget !!! 😭🥹

Remo and Ishika are going to live rent free in my head for a very very long time.
Their story gripped me by the throat and has not let go, even after finishing the book.
Remo is a man who knows what he wants and Ishika is a woman who tests his will power and patience at every turn, not once losing her strong will or hard headedness, no matter how much he pushes her or tests her at every turn.
Koro and the absolutely fierce woman she is has left me confused about whether I want to be her or whether I want to marry her ❤️‍🔥 10/10, absolutely no notes.
I could truly go on and on

This book is spicy and DARK (check your trigger warnings), but an absolute masterpiece that was so well written that at times I felt like I was living each characters life while reading from their point of view.
The spice did not take away from the plot line at all, nor the plot line from the spice which I think is an art not many authors have mastered as well as this author has.

I was thrown off a cliff at the end of this book and left suspended mid air where I now don’t know if I’m falling or flying 😭
Everytime I thought I had figured out where the story was going, I was thrown against the wall by a plot twist and left sitting on the edge the entire time!

I was literally holding my breathe the last few pages
I cannot wait to finish this duet!!! 🥹
If you love your men morally black, your romance dark and addictive and your woman strong and feisty, do not hesitate for a second and absolutely read this immediately! ❤️‍🔥

[Faiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙭, 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙨."

🖤 Indelible completely consumed me. From the opening chapters, I had the feeling this wasn't going to be an easy read—it throws you into a brutal, unsettling world where every chapter raises more questions than answers. 😮‍💨 Once I started, putting it down wasn't really an option.

🩸 At the heart of the story is Remo Rossi, a character who is as fascinating as he is terrifying. On the surface, he's ruthless, violent, and completely unpredictable—a man who seems to thrive in chaos. But as his past slowly unfolds, it becomes impossible not to understand how the trauma he endured shaped the person he became. It doesn't excuse his actions, but it adds so much depth to his character that I found myself constantly torn between being horrified by him and wanting to understand him better.

❤️‍🔥 Then there's Ishika, who never allows herself to be overshadowed by Remo's intensity. She challenges him at every opportunity, refuses to back down, and holds onto her own strength despite everything he throws her way. Their relationship is magnetic in the darkest possible way, creating a constant push and pull that kept me completely invested. I also couldn't stop thinking about Koro. 👑 Every scene she appeared in left an impression, and she's easily one of the most compelling side characters I've read in a long time.

✨ What impressed me most was how seamlessly the author balanced the romance, the psychological elements, and the suspense. The darker themes and the chemistry between the characters never overwhelmed the storyline; instead, they worked together to create something incredibly immersive. Every time I thought I had figured out where the plot was heading—especially when it came to Ishika, her sister, and the secrets surrounding them—the story completely changed direction. 🤯 The twists genuinely surprised me, and I never once managed to predict the bigger reveals.

📖 The atmosphere throughout the novel is intense, addictive, and emotionally exhausting in the best way. It's one of those books that constantly keeps you on edge, making "just one more chapter" impossible because every chapter ends with another question that demands an answer. Despite its length, the pacing never felt slow, and I easily found myself reading far later into the night than I intended. 🌙

🌶️ The romance is undeniably steamy, but it never feels like it's there simply for shock value. Instead, it naturally complements the emotional tension and the overall narrative. That's not something every dark romance manages to accomplish, and I think Charlene Namdhari handled that balance exceptionally well.

😳 And then... that ending.

💥 I knew this was the first book in a duet, but I still wasn't prepared for how it would leave me. The final chapters were relentless, and the cliffhanger hit with full force. I finished the last page with more questions than answers and immediately wanted the next book in my hands.

🖤 If you enjoy morally black heroes, fearless heroines, psychological tension, shocking plot twists, and dark romance that isn't afraid to push boundaries, Indelible is absolutely worth picking up. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand. ⚠️ This story is intense, unforgettable, and one that's going to stay with me for a very long time.

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indelible doesn’t ease you in, it grips, tightens, and refuses to let go. This is a story that lives in the uneasy space between possession and obsession, where control isn’t just power, it’s identity, and losing it could mean everything.
At the center is Remo, a man who doesn’t explain himself because he doesn’t need to. He doesn’t love in any conventional sense. He takes, he owns, he consumes. There’s something chilling in that certainty, in the way he moves through the world as if morality is optional. And yet… he’s impossible to look away from. You don’t excuse him, but you watch him, caught in the same pull that defines his character.
Koro stands as a counterbalance. She is sharp, driven, and relentless in her own mission to dismantle the mafias that have crossed unforgivable lines. Her restraint when it comes to Remo adds tension, as if even she recognizes something in him that doesn’t fit neatly into her war.
Then there’s Ishika, the moral anchor of the story. A doctor, grounded in empathy and logic, she should be everything Remo isn’t. And that’s exactly why their dynamic works. Her struggle feels real; her disgust is a hundred percent justified. When Remo pushes, bends, and tests her limits, the cracks in her resistance become as compelling as they are unsettling. Watching her navigate a world she never chose, caught in a web of power plays and hidden agendas, is where the story tightens its grip the most.
Ajay adds yet another layer; he is volatile, pride-driven, and dangerous in a way that feels all too human. His refusal to accept rejection fuels a looming conflict that threatens to erupt into something far bloodier than anyone anticipates.
What makes Indelible stand out is its refusal to soften its edges. The characters don’t suddenly become redeemable. They remain true to their nature, even when it makes them difficult, sometimes impossible to like. And that’s the point. This is a narrative built on contradictions, hatred tangled with attraction, violence laced with desire, control blurring into vulnerability.
The plot is heavy with deception, shifting loyalties, and underlying tensions that keep you constantly off balance. Just when you think you understand the game, the rules change. It’s intense, often uncomfortable, and absolutely not for the faint-hearted………those trigger warnings are there for a reason!
And still, somewhere in the chaos, something softer begins to take shape. Not a clean, easy love, but something fractured, raw, and hard-won.
Indelible is the kind of book that dares you to cross a line and then makes you question why you did. And Remo? He’s not a hero, not even close. But against all logic, you might find yourself wanting him to win anyway. This book is jammed packed with action, the plot is layered, so keep your wits about you, and it ends on a cliffhanger. Kudos to the author, I don’t think I have ever read a villain like Remo before, he certainly is unhinged, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay. The spicy scenes were definitely the strongest part, and Remo was a great alpha male character, but overall the story felt very disjointed and inconsistent.

At times, it seemed as though there were long gaps between writing sessions and the author forgot details that had already been established. There were several moments where characters reacted to things that had already happened as if they were hearing them for the first time. For example, one minute Remo is openly calling her his wife, and later a doctor refers to her that way and he suddenly finds it strange. There were many scenes like that throughout the book.

The story was also far too long for the amount of plot it contained and I hope the second one is not another 600 pages of inconsistency. There were constant ups and downs, but many events felt disconnected. One minute she’s being held captive in a room, and the next she’s being dragged out with a bag over her head to a crime scene with little explanation linking those events together. It felt like the author had a clear plot in mind but left out important details that would have made the story flow logically.

While I enjoyed Remo’s character and the many of the chemistry between the main characters, many of the mafia-related situations didn’t feel believable. For example, when Renz tells Remo, “I hope she’s worth it,” and he knew that essentially she’s pregnant, it didn’t feel realistic given the character dynamics and the type of mafia boss Remo was portrayed as. A mafia boss wouldn’t say that. He would know she is worth it.

Overall, the book had of hot scenes and a strong male lead, but the inconsistent storytelling, pacing issues, and lack of continuity made it a frustrating read.

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance review copy of INDELIBLE.

Oh wow... oh wow. I am obsessed.

Mr. Rossi, reporting for duty. 🫡

Charlene wasn't kidding when she said she's a plot-driven author. From the very beginning, I felt completely immersed in the world she created. I was ready to join the mafia family and protect these characters at all costs.

I'll admit, I wasn't sure this book would be for me because of the two female main characters, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I absolutely devoured it. The possessiveness of the male main character, the female main characters fighting against the darkness pulling them in, and the emotional tension throughout the story had me completely hooked.

The way each character's inner darkness unfolded felt intentional and compelling. I could feel the passion in every interaction, and the chemistry leapt off the page.

AND THAT CLIFFHANGER.

Okay, Charlene... I see you. I'll be patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for Part Two.

If you love dark romance, morally gray mafia men with piercings, obsessive devotion, and a hero who would burn the world down for the people he loves, this is one you'll want to pick up.

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was my very first book by this author and frankly I was blown away. This book is crazy. Remo is by far the craziest, darkest character I think I have ever read and truly enjoyed. He is pitch black, there are no shades of gray with him. He eliminates with little to no provocation. He has a stalker that is just as crazy as him. When these two get together its explosive. Now Koro is also an eliminator and she's stealth. She is able to get in, eliminate and disappear magically. Koro has a soft spot for him and she is definitely obsessed with him but, she has plans for him. I thought I understood where this story was going. But there are just so many twist, turns and surprises in this story it will make your head spin. When Ishika was introduced into the story I was completely confused. Ishika is a doctor who is also a tough, bad ass. I loved how she stood up to Remo and fought with him and their first few meetings are hot. Please check your trigger warnings because this book is dark and there are some intense moments. This book ends on a surprising cliffhanger. I'm anxious to read the next book to learn more about Koro and what her plans are. After reading this book I know have to find a way to incorporate all of this author's backlist into my TBR.

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

before i start this review i will say pay attention to the trigger warnings at the start, this book wont be for everyone,
i really enjoyed it, while the character are not quite as likeable as pervious books, you still find yourself drawn into their stories, in a way Charlene Namdhari can make happen,
remo is a cold alpha male who takes what he wants when he wants, as the story develops and you learn more about his past and he makes more sense,
there are so many unanswered questions including a cliff hanger ending
i cant wait for the next book and to learn more of Korõ story
while i like Ishika i don't feel i have warmed to her yet so will be interesting to see what happens in the next book,
as always with charlene's book expect twists, turns and dark intense scenes

[Jessica Goodlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I fell in love with the characters during the Serendipity series and couldn’t wait for Remo’s story I specifically waited to read this until both books were to be released the 2nd book in this duet said it would be released on 5/8/26 but I literally can not find the book anywhere and the cliff hanger this book left on has me dying to read the next one does anyone know where I can find it? I am obsessed with this author’s writing and will read her books again and again but I would really love to read all of them.

[Monica Minniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Duet- Book 1. Meet Remo and Koro. He was forced to grow up hard, an enforcer, his brother the Don. She is his stalker and an enforcer of her own. Then meet Ishika. She’s a doctor in training. She captures Remo’s heart. This story is an explosion. The early childhood he had made the man he has become. The story pulls you. It’s violent and passionate and extreme. Remo’s brother and his love interest, Dario and Gian— there are so many amazing characters! I can’t wait for book 2! Check your triggers this book is graphic. New author for me and I’m a fan! Spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Wine + Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot moves quickly, and every character has their own distinct personality.

I did find the beginning confusing, though—it felt like new details kept getting added before I could get my footing, so I never really connected with the characters. It was a mix of the mafia world building but additional characters and a lot of back story - which normally I love but my lack of connection was what kept me from loving the story.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[SaltyyBlonde {Ash} · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the f&$@!

That was me yelling out loud at the end of this book. No literally.

This by far is the best mafia book I’ve ever read.

The plot, the smut *chefs kiss*

BUT WHY DID YOU LEAVE IT ON A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THAT?! I need book 2 NOW. Please and thank you 😭😭😭

Thank you to the author (although I’m kind of mad at you right now 😂😭), the publisher, and NetGalley for bringing this new obsession into my life. I cannot wait to add this trophy to my bookshelf!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless

I usually love Charlene's books. This one made me very uncomfortable. The main male character Remo has had a rough childhood and it effects his life. However I felt rather disgusted by him in some scenes. I know there are warnings etc. They story was solid and it was well written. Read it for yourself

[Leann Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

600+ pages AND a cliffhanger?? ugh. Too long but still good story, wish I knew there was a cliffhanger before reading!

[Sarah]

Have not read yet waiting for book 2 i hate cliffhangers

[Lorraine Cleall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Charlene’s serendipity series , Remo will already be well known to you. This is part one of his story and it’s amazing two love interests, sisters, but not at all what you think I promise you, it has all of Charlene’s twists and turns, would not expect anything else, delving deep into mafia world that can be blood thirsty and sordid. It’s wonderful to finally find out all about Remos character, there are so many sides to him and finding more out about his childhood makes you understand him so much better. There are two main female characters, koro is a assassin, she works alone, then there is the very sassy dr Sharma who Remo really has his sights set on and if you wish anyone to find light after dark it will be Remo, part one leaves you on a complete cliffhanger and I really do highly recommend

[Lindsay Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for the next part to this book im in love with this books.