Review of an advanced reader copy from the author.
This was not enemies to lovers. This was business owner to business owner. Transactional. It more of a ‘day in the life of a business owner in Brooklyn’ kind of book. There was so much history that was never revealed. The entire story hinges on a debt the FMCs father had with the mafia. He trades one debt with one family, to another debt with another family. This debt is 80k. No one’s life is ruined over 80k in the mob. The MMC is supposed to be a hardened mafia don, but all you ever read about what he does in the mob is over the phone - and he’s nursing a bruised hand for weeks after a single punch.
The writing was fine, although the author tends to repeat certain things, like the ring, the counter, the legal pad. It was a quick read. If you’re looking for a one night stand in a book, then this is fine.
Overall rating 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. Spice level is 3.5 chili peppers due to on page romantic scenes described in details (about 4-5 occurrences of spicy scenes throughout the book).
Indebted to the Mafia Don follows our FMC who is an independent, going to not back down for anyone, handle my own problems type of woman. So what happens when you mix that type of personality with danger, a missing father, and a newly crowned Mafia Don (who apparently has always had a thing for you) --- a clash of wills and desires! Our MMC has newly taken over as role of Mafia Don and he is sitting on a contract that takes the girl of his dreams and forces her into negotiating a marriage contract. Without giving away the plot twists of this story, just know that the MMC has apparently always had a soft spot for our FMC, and our FMC has secretly always desired the MMC. The "indebted" part comes in to play due to an agreement that was made between our two main characters' fathers, and now the FMC and MMC come to an arrangement of their own. There is definitely some past history between the FMC and MMC, and references of them knowing each other since the age of 12......however, this particular novel does not go into any details about their past history or connection. Which I would have like to read about, or have it sprinkled into this book somewhere) - Here's hoping that perhaps a novella or a prequel in the future may go more into their past history together.
Our MMC is everything you would expect him to be and gives of the vibes of "touch her and die, I'll do anything for this girl, I'm afraid to hope for more." He demands the attention of whatever room he walks into, while at the same allows our FMC to stand her ground, make her arguments, and listens to her input. Our FMC is used to supporting her and her sister by herself, working a full time diner job, and trying to low key stay out of the mafia's pathways as much as possible. Overall this was a good book. Easy and enjoyable read. It is a good introductory novel if you are just getting into Mafia romance books because it focuses primarily on our FMC and MMC in one specific crisis they must solve and the entire mafia world is not brought into the story. Meaning, you don't have to understand or be invested in the entire mafia world or dynamics in order to enjoy this plot.
I was gifted an ARC of this book by the author, and this is my honest review of the novel. A special thank you to Gia Hartley for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of her ARC team! #IndebtedtotheMafiaDon #MafiaRomanceBooks #GiaHartley
I was lucky enough to be selected to review this book before its release. For me this book was a fast 1 day read! Which I enjoy after reading longer books that take me several days!
I absolutely loved how Gianna was a strong, confident and determined women! She absolutely was aware of everything around her at all times...(Her legal pad). She took a horrible situation and life event and had the strength and willpower to fight back, make a plan and overcome all the obstacles. Let's be honest most women do get overlooked.... And sometimes when you stand back and listen you learn all you need ... Just like Gianna!
Damiano is the Mafia Don now after his father passed 6 months ago. He is very calculated, precise, sneaky and methodical in every move he makes. He has a very confident and cocky air cause he's the Don. However, Gianna always seems to outsmart him or be 3 steps ahead of him.
They have known each other since they were teens. Seems Gianna always bested him then too but, he kept going back for more. I think his dad wanted them married and that's why the "marriage clause" existed in the terms of her dad's "loan".
I'm not sure I agree with enemies to lovers exactly. I seem to think they were frenemies. They have a long history together and eventually life's circumstances brought them together at the exact time to become more.
Personally I think there is so much going on here that the book could have been a little longer and given us a little more of their life and future. However, as it is you have an excellent story and all questions in regards to their future are answered. But, sometimes I just like following them through life.
Overall I loved this book! It had everything I was looking for and some good spicy parts too! Let's face it we know a Mafia Don will be a good lover! I did like the coin getting a place of importance at the end! That was a full circle moment to me. So if you want to read a good Mafia romance with sexy spicy scenes and a true love connection..... This is it.
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect—and what I got was a pleasant surprise. This wasn’t your typical mafia romance and I appreciated the different approach to the genre.
Our FMC is strong, confident, and knows her worth. She isn’t easily intimidated which makes her dynamic with the MMC so compelling.
The MMC is a powerful mafia Don, but what stood out is how he allows her to speak to him in a way no one else would dare. There’s a level of respect and history between them that adds depth to their relationship.
They grew up together as children. So there’s already a foundation there which made their connection feel more natural and layered rather than rushed to instant love like some books do.
A few years after her father abandons her and her younger sister (he left behind a mountain of debt). The MMC brings her a possible solution for the debt she’s struggling to pay off.
After he approaches her the story unfolds with tension and power struggles between multiple characters and rising emotions. I really liked that the FMC never completely loses herself even when faced with difficult choices.
I rated this a 4 star because as times I felt the MMC was too soft as a Don.
Overall, this was a refreshing take on a mafia romance. Definitely worth the read if you’re looking for something a little different in the genre.
Review (An Enemies to Lovers Arranged Marriage Romance) Indebted to the Mafia Don by Gia Hartley
It all started when Damiano was the Mafia Don for the last 6 months. He marries a woman who could cause him pain. Gianna has been fighting with Damiano since they were young. Gianna doesn't like what Damiano does for a living. She isn't given a choice when she has to pay a family debt to keep her family afloat. Then she finds herself married to a man who can make her hot. They have been doing this dance since they were young. She doesn't want her family to lose what they fought to build, so she knows she must marry Damiano. The passion between these two was off the charts. But there isn't just fighting between them; she helps him to figure out the family secrets. The two of them find that they have more than they thought. As they start to settle into their marriage and life, Damiano's cousin decides to hit and hit hard because he wants the power; he wants to become the Don. So what would hurt Damiano the worst? To take the women he has grown to care about. Daniano will not let his cousin set a finger on what is his. Will he secede? This was a great story. Love Mafia? I have loved finding Gia Hartley's book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "INDEBTED TO THE MAFIA DON" This story pulled me in from the start its intense, emotional, secrets, danger, steam, mystery all keeping you reading. Gianna & her sister Mia have been trying to jeep their diner after their father disappears leaving them in debt to the Mafia. Damiano is the Mafia Don who's family Gianna owes debt to for the diner he comes to tell her there was an arrangement in the debt clause of marriage to happen between her & Damiano. Damiano has wanted Gianna since they were kids he knew about the contract but didn't tell her its been 4yrs now he wants it to happen. Luca Caruso is wanting to buy up everything including her diner so she agrees to Damiano's contract to keep whats hers & he'll do anything to keep her & her sister Mia safe. Will Gianna & Damiano get their HEA when he finds out he knew what was in the contract & didn't tell her before you must read to see what happens their journey was very interesting you won't be disappointed.
Well I think I’m officially a Gia Hartley fan!! I didn’t even finish the book before I started adding some of her other novels to my TBR.
People please don’t walk … RUN and grab a copy of this book. You’d think with it being a shorter novel it wouldn’t have so much detail but man does it pack a punch ! (In more ways than one 😉) we LOOVVEEE an independent woman who takes control, knows what she wants and knows how to use it. Everyone underestimates her even the one man who thought he could control the situation (including her) has fallen to his knees by her feet.
I literally couldn’t put the book down. What’s not to like… Mafia war ? Check Hidden family secrets? Check Forced/ arranged marriage ? Check Missing father ? Check Hidden feeling? Check Childhood rivals to Enemies to lovers ? Check Spice? Check And of course HEA 🥰
Definitely a book that captivates you from the beginning to end. You’d won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend!
Gianna and Damiano have know each other since they were kids, both mafia kids. But one day her father borrows money from his father and vanishes. Damiano has been in love with her forever and uses that to make her marry him - not knowing she also has feelings for him. So there's no slow-burn, they catch fire from the start and Gianna doesn't let him walk over her - she may be the one being "forced to marry" but she brings her own terms to the table.
Not really an "enemy-to-lovers", more an idiots-to-lovers, but I loved every second! Could it have been longer and given us more angst? Yes, absolutely. I'd love to read more about their past and their building feelings from one another. But the plot doesn't lose anything because of the lack of that, I'm just greedy and wanted more.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
(I was lucky to receive this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review)
The female lead in this story is refreshingly strong and independent- a trait that really stands out. The male lead, on the other hand, feels more pliant to her, which creates an interesting dynamic but also leaves the relationship feeling underdeveloped. There's little explanation of how their connection grows, so when the "I love you" moments arrive near the end, they feel a bit sudden. The wedding contract portion also comes across as rushed. It's unclear how this agreement manages to cancel out the don's cousin's complaints, and the resolution feels incomplete. Overall, the pacing of the story made it difficult to fully connect with the characters or understand the stakes. That said, the intimate scenes are written well- tender, detailed, and genuinely passionate. They add warmth to a story that otherwise could have used more emotional buildup and narrative depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my God!! I picked up this book yesterday and could not put it down. The spice started from the first chapter and continued all the way through.
If you’re wanting to get into mafia romance but not sure if you’ll like it then this book is a great place to start to ease you into it.
The narration stayed consistent between the two POV’s and the writing style suited to the characters. I feel the only let down was it is less enemies to lovers and more of old friendly rivals finally getting together after a long time because it would benefit them both against a 3rd rival and there is little back story into the characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first book by Gia and I enjoyed the storyline and characters. Gianna is running her family’s diner after her father disappears from her and her sister’s lives, whilst also trying to pay off the debt to Damiano’s family that her father incurred😢 However after close to 4 years, Damiano appears in her diner only to reveal that there is a marriage clause built into the original debt agreement😳
Suffice to say Gianna is cool and collected and goes into this calculating all angles. But someone else is closing in and has made her diner a chess piece in a game she never knew she was playing♟️
I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review❣️
Once I started reading, I could not put the story down. One sleepless night was worth it. Damiano is not your average Don, and Gianna is not your average mafia wife. The plot was fast-paced, yet intentional at the same time. A cousin who wants power and is willing to cross lines to get it? There were barely any violent scenes, yet the message was conveyed. The subtle touch of her and die, had you rooting for Damiano and Gianna’s relationship from the beginning. You can feel the characters yearning for each other, but those hidden details keep them apart. I would read this book again; however, I would not mind a part two. I cannot help but feel that something was missing; there’s more to this story that has yet to be discovered.
“Say it Again!” Gia has grabbed me with these to characters! Gianna and Damiano are like two boxers circling a ring to find the others weakness and it’s so much fun to read about. Gianna always has a notepad handy at the diner because you never know when you’re going to need to write something down and Damiano has his gold coin. Dancing around the actions of others while trying to survive becomes a battle of wills but there’s a 17 year old sister that has to be protected from the power struggle that’s going on. Winning at chess, cleaning the diner, fending off threats from Lucas and chemistry that’s off the charts are just a few of the lines being pulled in this book. Grab a seat and enjoy!!
This was my first time reading Gia Hartley, and unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. The writing didn’t flow as smoothly as I would have liked, which made it harder to stay fully engaged with the story.
I also struggled to connect with the main characters, Gianna and Damiano. They felt a bit one-dimensional, and the storyline itself came across as repetitive at times. Gianna, in particular, gave me “Sherlock Holmes with her legal pad” vibes, which pulled me out of the story more than it added to it.
Indebted To The Mafia is an amazing story. I loved it from page one on. There is action, suspense and love. What more can you ask for? Giana could lose her diner and her sister, Mia, could get hurt. Damiano is the Don, and has known and wanted Giana since childhood. This is one of the best love stories, I've ever read. Damiano will do anything for Giana to keep her safe. Giana is a strong woman who knows what she wants. The ending, even, brought a tear to my eyes. Indebted To The Mafia Don is such a sweet story. A must read!
I received a free copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
This was my my first read by Gia Hartley and I am do thankful for the opportunity of being an arc reader before it released. if you love mafia romance and this is a must read. she wrote Gianna and Damianos story very well. I love how Gianna was written into a strong outspoken woman and the way Damiano's was written....well your gonna have to read it for yourself to find out how amazing he was written and their story. I got pulled into fast and it kept me hooked i didnt have a life until I finished because I refused to put it down and it kept me on my toes through out the book....I cant wait to see what come next and this will not be my last read fro Gia.
Indebted to the Mafia Don is a captivating dark romance that explores love born from obligation and transformed by trust. What begins as an arrangement built on obligation quickly evolves into something far more complicated. I love how Gia Hartley portrays the main female lead as a strong-willed and resilient woman that refuses to be a pawn in someone else's game. This book is perfect for Mafia Romance readers that adore powerful heroes and strong heroines. If you love high-stakes romance wrapped in danger and passion, this book is definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a slow burn that went to a fiery chilli burn. This book was about Gianna Cortese and Damiano D'Angelo, is the Don and has a dirty cousin Luca Caruso he is trying so steel everything that Damiano has he believes that it was his family inheritance. Gianna Cortese runs Caffè Milano while looking after her sister since their father disappeared. Damiano has gone to Caffè Milano with a marriage contract that her father signed. When things start happening then going to her sisters school now she has a problem she needs to work out fast.
Another fast paced easy to read Mafia romance from Gia. Her FMC is a strong independent woman, which I love. She must pay her dad’s debt to the mafia. She had to marry MMC in order to pay that debt. The plot is familiar but was written in a great way. The love didn’t seem as much enemies to lovers but more transactional. As much as I enjoy Gia’s stories, this one was a little lacking. It really didn’t give a lot of history between the two families even though it was eluded to in the story. It was still an enjoyable story.
Quick, gritty, and a little repetitive—but still an easy one-sitting read.
A newly crowned Don steps into power after his father’s death, juggling a scheming cousin and a diner owner who refuses to bow. That diner owner? Our FMC—scrappy, stubborn, and holding her world together after her father vanished.
When the Don shows up with a marriage clause tied to their past, things get tense fast. He may think it’s fate, but she makes it clear—if this deal is happening, it’s on *her* terms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a good Mafia Romance, forced marriage read.
Fast paced and easy to read. Plus it was nice to read about a very confident and sure of herself FMC, she made sure everything was on her terms and no one could take her for a ride!
The plot was good, felt maybe could have been made into a longer book, with a little more action, danger. Building more tention with the romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Indebted to the Mafia Don by Gia Hartley was such a fun, quick read (182 pages on Kindle) and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Damiano gives us all the dark mafia Don vibes, and Gianna is a strong FMC who definitely holds her own. A marriage forced by a debt… but let’s be honest, I don’t think Damiano minded one bit 😏
Tropes you’ll love: 💍 Debt marriage 🖤 Fierce protector 🔥 Strong FMC
Releasing 2 April — make sure this is on your TBR! Happy reading 📖✨
3.85 out of 5 spice 🌶 🌶 was details smut with passion but plain compared other ive read
fml resent the potion she was placed in where she was sold in marriage by contract that resulted by debit that her farther caused
ml resented his childhood where he knew the fml and they did childish game and she always won so when they reconnect it was another childish game of who could bet who with fun banter
the end left with a hard choice to make from the female but a happy ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a good read. I won't say Gianna and Damiano are enemies; it was clear they had chemistry from the first chapter. I will say this was a frenemies-to-lovers romance. I love that Gianna knew how to hold her own and did not let anyone push her around. Damiano knew it too. This isn't one of those dark and extra dangerous read its a good pick me up for when you find yourself in a reading slump.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was good. Two people that have known each other since they were children. Enemies are the moment. Gia has a decision to make, give her business to Damiano or marry him. Either will settle the debt. She marries him. The push and pull between them was great. But what I loved the most, was when Damiano put aside being the Don to show her the man he really was, it stole my heart. This was a great story. I loved these two. Loved their connection and that bit of steaminess. Great story.
Gianna’s father left her a diner and a mess of debt, and now the mafia don, Damiano, has shown up to collect by making her his wife. Damiano has been fascinated with Gianna since they were young and she always outwitted him at chess, but he knows that his father did her family wrong and she doesn’t trust him. Can he win her over while fighting his cousin for the family throne? Read this book if you love enemies-to-lovers, mafia romance.
Gianna and Damiano just go together. I like the fact the Gianna is a strong and independent FMC. I kind of wished Damiano had more Mafia Boss vibes. The story was a good read with a good plot, climax, spice and supportive secondary characters. The protagonist deserved more than he got in my opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am providing my honest feedback.
This is the second book by the author and unfortunately it read like a business plan not enemies. Gia was a take charge girl who knew Damiano and would drop reminders that made him remember. Damiano was arrogant but seemed to be weaker than Gia in that manner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved reading Damiano and Gianna's story! Definitely a top read! I couldn't put the book down! I finished it in two days! They grew up together and now coming together as adults. Gianna had to learn to trust Damiano which took some time and Domiano had to set aside his "Don" side so Gianna could see the true man he really was.
This is an easy read,fast paced mafia romance. There’s history between Gianna and Damiano and now he’s the Don and her dad owes a debt that she must repay with an arranged marriage to him. Their relationship develops along the way, it’s intense, interesting,spicy and edgy. A very good mafia read.