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Taking Grace: Vicious Kings Mafia: Book Five

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He was never supposed to find me.

The Bonaccorso Butcher. A man who speaks in violence and silence and nothing in between.

Carmelo doesn't ask. He doesn't explain. He doesn't stop.

I was eight years old when they took me. They gave me a code instead of a name and placed me inside a system that turned children into inventory. I survived. I disappeared. I became someone else.

And then a man with dead-gray eyes and a knife on his belt walked into my life and said a name I haven't heard in sixteen years.

Graziella.

He's not here to save me. I don't need saving.

He's here because a promise was made, and Carmelo doesn't break promises. He breaks everything else.

I spent sixteen years hiding from the people who took me. He's about to drag me back into the war I escaped, and the only thing more dangerous than the men hunting me is the man protecting me.

Because Carmelo doesn't protect gently. He protects with blood and blades and the absolute, terrifying certainty of a man who has decided that I am his, and the world can burn for disagreeing.

Tropes include but are not limited

Protector RomanceGrumpy x Sunshine (he's the grumpy one)Found FamilyTouch Her and I'll End YouMorally Grey MMCShe Heals Him Without TryingHe'd Kill the World for HerDark Past / RecoverySlow BurnDual POV, First PersonTaking Grace is the fifth book in the Vicious Kings series by Haven Snow. This series is classified as dark mafia romance and is intended for mature audiences only.


Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

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Haven Snow

32 books78 followers

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5 stars
31 (75%)
4 stars
6 (14%)
3 stars
2 (4%)
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2 (4%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Emmy Wong.
729 reviews27 followers
June 24, 2026
Haven Snow has returned to her stalker romance roots and I am here for it! This book does take a more different route in terms of plot than the other books in the series but it was still spicy, intense, and uniquely Haven. Carmelo is your typical stalker but falls for a girl with a rather tragic past, that she herself doesn’t know of. He doesn’t speak more than 5 words at a time but his dedication shows in watching her window all night and unaliving the people seeking to hurt her. The fmc Grace goes through a lot yet comes out even stronger, and I loved how she stood tall through everything. And oh my god she calls him “good boy” once and he’s addicted. I love it when the fmc takes control and has him on a leash. This book is elite dark romance and a brilliant end to the series
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
2,363 reviews23 followers
July 17, 2026
The restaurant where Grace works had become her sanctuary. She knows every regular by name and exactly what they'll order. She can diffuse an irate customer with nothing more than a smile and a few well-chosen words, and she gets to work alongside her best friend, Javi. It's predictable, safe, and exactly what she needs. Grace has been on anxiety medication since she was thirteen, but she can't remember why. In fact, she remembers almost nothing about her childhood, save for the nagging feeling that something important is missing. The first time Carmelo walks into the restaurant, Grace can't take her eyes off his forearms and the saints tattooed on his skin. Despite his dangerous, intimidating appearance, she's inexplicably drawn to him. But Carmelo isn't there by chance. He's been searching for Grace ever since he overheard her father reveal he'd been looking for his daughter for sixteen years. Carmelo knows exactly what happened to Grace and why she can't remember her past. He isn't there to rescue her—he's there to protect her, help her face the trauma she's buried, and, inevitably, fall in love with her along the way. One of my favorite things about Carmelo was that he was always willing to drop everything the moment Grace needed him. Contrary to what the blurb implies, Grace doesn't know who she was before she was taken, so she isn't actively hiding from anyone. Rather, she's been hidden by the very people who took her, making her think she’s someone she’s not. What I admired most, though, was Grace's strength and resilience as her memories begin to resurface. Even better, her dominant emotion isn't fear—it's fury. Unlike the previous books in the series, this is very much a slow-burn romance. Carmelo understands that more than anything, Grace needs the one thing that was stolen from her: the freedom to choose. He gives her the space to make those choices for herself, yet whenever she reaches for him, he's never more than a breath away. The revelation that there are countless others who suffered the same fate as Grace sent a chill down my spine. That said, it did feel as though there was little progress made in exposing the Silent or uncovering more of their overarching plan in this installment. I also wondered where Grace had been between finishing school and starting to work at the restaurant; there’s at least two years unaccounted for, and I would have loved more insight into Carmelo's backstory, as we learn relatively little about him compared to other heroes in the series. Although this book takes the series in a slightly different direction, I thoroughly enjoyed its emotional depth, the gentle, patient romance, and Grace's journey toward reclaiming herself and healing. I look forward to seeing where Haven takes us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracy Kemp.
238 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 14, 2026

Carmelo and Grace's story completely pulled me in from the very first page. Their journey is an emotional blend of mystery, healing, danger, and slow-burn romance that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Grace is a heroine who has spent years surviving rather than truly living. Her life revolves around routine, work, and the carefully controlled existence she's built while unknowingly carrying the weight of a stolen past. Watching her slowly uncover the truth about her life, reclaim her identity, and learn to trust herself again was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her emotional journey is undoubtedly the heart of the story.
Then there's Carmelo—a quiet, intimidating, morally gray protector who walks into Grace's life carrying secrets she never knew existed. His unwavering devotion, fierce protectiveness, and the way he slowly learns that loving someone means giving them the freedom to choose made him such a compelling hero. The chemistry between him and Grace builds naturally, creating a relationship founded on trust, vulnerability, and healing rather than instant love.
The suspense surrounding Grace's forgotten past kept the pages turning, and I loved how the story explored themes of trauma, identity, found family, recovery, and the fine line between protection and control. It's a beautifully emotional romance wrapped in danger, secrets, and obsessive devotion.
That said, I did feel the story could have benefited from being longer. While Grace's journey is the main focus, I found myself wanting much more of Carmelo's backstory. His character is fascinating, and I would have loved to understand more about what shaped him into the man he became. Likewise, although Grace's history is central to the plot, I felt certain parts of her past could have been explored in greater depth to make the emotional impact even stronger.
This has been my only consistent issue throughout the series. Every book has fantastic characters, gripping storylines, and emotional romances, but they always leave me wishing for another hundred pages. A little more character development and additional detail would easily elevate these books from great reads to unforgettable ones.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed Carmelo and Grace's story. It was emotional, addictive, and impossible not to binge once I started. If the novel had been longer with more time spent developing both characters, this would have easily been a five-star read for me.
Overall, this continues to be a series I'm genuinely enjoying, and each installment leaves me excited for what's coming next. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here, and I'll definitely be picking up the next book as soon as it's released.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
8,287 reviews87 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
He came to break her cage, then had to learn not to become one.

Grace has built a quiet life out of routine, work, and keeping herself small. She knows the restaurant, the bodega, the walk home, and the pills she’s taken since she was thirteen. What she doesn’t know is that her life was shaped by people who needed her to forget.

Carmelo enters her world like a warning. Silent, watchful, and dangerous, he sees too much from the start. He knows truths she doesn't, and he knows her past isn't as far away as she believes.

Their connection builds slowly, fueled by curiosity, trust, and the strange comfort they find in each other. Grace is drawn to the safety beneath Carmelo's rough edges, while Carmelo learns protection isn't control.

When buried memories surface, Grace’s life starts to unravel. As old wounds reopen and new danger emerges, she must decide who she is beyond survival, while Carmelo faces the truth that love requires honesty as much as devotion.

Grace begins as a woman trapped inside a carefully managed existence, but as truths emerge, she learns to trust her memories, instincts, and choices. Carmelo starts from obsessive protection and emotional restraint, then learns that loving Grace means giving her freedom to choose. Together, they grow from guarded fascination into a fiercely devoted partnership built on trust, vulnerability, and hard-won healing.

A dark, ultra-steamy, protector romance with a morally gray hero, found family, romantic suspense, obsessive devotion, and a woman reclaiming what was stolen from her. It explores identity, trauma, recovery, agency, grief, trust, and the difference between protection and control. It’s about a woman learning she is more than what was done to her, a man discovering that love means letting someone choose, and two people building something real from what they lost.

The Elevator Pitch: A woman whose stolen past has been buried beneath years of carefully controlled forgetting finds her life upended when a silent enforcer arrives carrying answers she never asked for. As old wounds resurface and dangerous truths close in, she must decide whether reclaiming herself is worth everything it might cost. Between obsession, devotion, and the fight to choose her own future, two damaged people discover that protection and possession are not the same thing.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Profile Image for bunny.
274 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2026
Carmelo is basically a human murder weapon with a surprisingly soft spot for Grace, and honestly, that worked for me. Grace has been through hell, but I liked that she still had enough backbone to push back instead of becoming a permanently trembling hostage. Their chemistry and banter were probably my favorite part, especially because Carmelo’s whole terrifying-enforcer routine gets noticeably less terrifying around her. The bigger mystery involving Grace’s missing memories and the Silent organization kept things moving, although some of the outside drama felt more interesting than the actual relationship conflict. For a dark mafia romance, the romance itself is almost suspiciously healthy, with Carmelo being more protective than psychologically devastating, which may disappoint anyone showing up for maximum emotional carnage. The heavier parts of Grace’s past also hit hard, and some of that backstory is genuinely awful, so this one is not exactly a fluffy mafia vacation. I liked it, but I wanted a little more bite and a little less everything-falling-into-place neatly once the pieces started clicking.
Profile Image for Dark Reader.
930 reviews30 followers
July 25, 2026
This is a dark romance - please check triggers before reading. It's book 5 in a series, but they are standalones.

Grace, our FMC, is unique. She doesn't remember anything from before she was a middle schooler, and since then she has taken "anxiety" medication given to her by her foster parents. Her life is careful, measured, restricted - and while it's safe, she is missing so much.

Carmelo, our mafia MMC, has been searching for Grace since she was Graziella - taken as a child from his friend. He doesn't expect the chemistry and connection he finds with her.

While this book is called "Taking Grace," what stuck out to me was how for a dark romance, there is very little drama surrounding the FMC/MMC connection. The drama comes from Grace's past and the people looking to make her disappear - not from her quiet, strong mafia man.

Overall I really enjoyed this one - the intense emotional connection and how Carmelo is Grace's safe place really did it for me. Definitely a must read.
218 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
July 15, 2026
Story 4 ⭐
Spice 3 🌶️

Grace and Carmelo's story is a dark romance that is the 5th book in the Vicious Kings Mafia series by Haven Snow. Taking Grace leans more towards the side of being a stalker romance than a mafia romance, making it quite different from the first 4 books in this series. As with any dark romance, check the potential triggers if needed before reading.

Taking Grace would have been a 5 ⭐ read if there was a little more information on Grace and her history. Personally I would have loved to learn more about her and how she got to where she is. There also was not as much towards the primary storyline covering all the previous books in this series as there was in each of the others. I do like that it was a dark stalker romance version of a mafia romance. That was a nice change from the previous but it did make it quite different.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crystal Junebug.
520 reviews
July 30, 2026
This is the fifth book in the Vicious Kings Mafia series and it was a gripping read that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The story blended suspense, romance, and emotional intensity so well, making it impossible not to get invested in the characters and everything they were fighting for. The chemistry between the main characters was undeniable, with plenty of tension, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of spice to enhance their connection. I also loved how the action kept the story moving without taking away from the emotional depth. There were a couple of moments where I wished certain scenes had been explored a little further, but overall this was an excellent 4.5 star read that was both exciting and deeply satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sara Renwick.
77 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2026
Whilst I have absolutely loved this series, the ending of this book fell a bit flat for me. There was too much left unresolved by the end. The other books have very clearly led into the next story, but this one didn't. Is there still a threat against Grace? Is the network still in play? I'm not sure if there is another book in this series or if this is setting up a new series focusing on the Bratva? Overall, I have loved all of the FMCs. Too many books have the FMC doing stupid shit, like going off and doing things on their own, or not listening to reason when it comes to their safety, or the conflict with the MMC is too drawn out. This series is full of smart, tough and thoughtful FMCs. So refreshing! I hope this universe does continue, as I'd love to see the major storyline wrapped up.
Profile Image for SammyJ.
36 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
June 20, 2026
So I want to start by saying i read all of Havens books and I enjoy them and this is no exception.

Carmelo and Grace's story i absolutely loved from start to finish but what i find it lacked was Carmelo's back story it centres all around Grace. I also think Grace's story lacked some detail.

This would be a 5* read for me if it was longer therefore allowing further character development and details.

The whole series is a good read but all books are the same in that they would benefit from being longer allowing for more detail.

I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,902 reviews125 followers
July 18, 2026
Book 5 of vicious kings mafia

'Because Carmelo doesn't protect gently. He protects with blood and blades and the absolute, terrifying certainty of a man who has decided that I am his, and the world can burn for disagreeing.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. All in all a satisfying conclusion to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deborah.
581 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 17, 2026
Another excellent read in this series, it was emotional, it was gritty and I couldn’t put it down. Grace didn’t need saving but Carmelo was there watching and waiting all the same and when she did need him, he was there. Carmelo was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes, and he did exactly what needed doing every step of the way. Grace and Carmelo were perfect together, their romance was different and it was dark, but it was all theirs. Thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.
Profile Image for Rosanna.
68 reviews
August 27, 2026
Both Grace and Carmelo healed each others in ways they probably did not recognize, Grace was the quiet to Carmelo’s storm while he protected her with every breath in his body. Grace isn’t being held so skills she has can be used in this book the only duty is protecting her which makes this story different from the others in the series.

Haven did an amazing job with the final book. I would recommend reading all books in the series to understand the string of events.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
June 26, 2026
This was a greatly written book, with great plot, even better character complexities, and it was definitely worth it! I loved the relationship between Grace and Carmelo, it had the perfect dynamic and the plot twists kept me on my toes, and I'm glad that I had the chance to read this series, and it just keeps getting better and better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,150 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2026
When I want a good stalker romance, I know where to go to get my fix.

This was the perfect book to spend my morning with a cup of coffee.

For want of a better description, Grace has selective amnesia (that's how I visualize it) and Carmelo is the keeper of her safety.

I like the relationship that developed, the suspense, the inherent danger of her memory surfacing, and the plot twists that popped up and keep me intrigued.
115 reviews
July 23, 2026
Love how each woman in this series have always been strong and intelligent. This is no different and grace’s story had so much complexity due to her unspeakable childhood. Carmelo has been obsessed with finding Grace and doesn’t let her go once she’s located. Really enjoyed how their story was so isolated from the others since Graces story seemed to have such heaviness that needed its own special place.

Profile Image for Megan.
18 reviews2 followers
Read
June 18, 2026
I loved this book sooooo much! Perfect end to a great series! Grace and Carmello are so perfect and the way they evolve. I was hoping to see Alexandria at the end helping with the pastries but I loved it all the same!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,423 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 16, 2026
I loved this! It's Carmello & Grace's story & it was a great one. He made a promise to his friend that he'd find her & kept that promise. Unfortunately, she remembers nothing before the age of 13. A lot happens here & a lot of things come to the light & he's there for her every step of the way. I loved their dynamic & the chemistry between them was awesome. Highly recommend this book & author!
Profile Image for Michelle Shamy.
1,299 reviews19 followers
July 18, 2026
Loved this so much. Hair that it’s come to an end. But Carmelo and Grace were everything in this. Finally finding her and taking her into his protection. Her not remembering anything after thirteen. Stress gone through a lot. And these two were meant for one another. I was so obsessed with this series. Haven never fails to give us only the beat. An absolutely amazing read.
Profile Image for brenda hurley.
1,861 reviews12 followers
July 18, 2026
What an excellent read this was I was on the edge of my seat while turning the pages it has your drama and it’s slow burn. I thought it was well written, and the plot was very intriguing. I enjoyed the characters very much and their chemistry. I highly recommend this book in this whole series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for rebecca.
1,119 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2026
Loved this one. I hate to see this series go. This is the last book about Carmela and Grace. He is the enforcer for the mafia he has made it his job to find her. She has been living a le for 11 years. This one made me cry too there is one part that is just sad. This is a mus read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,616 reviews56 followers
July 29, 2026
Phenomenal five star story. Addictive, intense, twisted story that took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. Was on the edge of my seat glued to the pages wondering what would happen next. Fantastic series!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Grange.
1,028 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2026
Listen...I love this series. Every single one has been a 5 star read for me. But this one! This one is my favorite. I was enslaved from the beginning. It was so wild, I couldn't even begin to guess what could happen next. At first I wasn't sure about Carmelo, by the end i would die for him. 😍😍😍😍😍.

Also, Grace was an exceptionally strong female character. I love when that happens.
3,441 reviews
August 17, 2026
Carmelo and Grace's story will keep you hooked in as they wrap up the series. He's been searching for her for years, finally finding her working in a restaurant. A great read with an obsessive and protective man, plenty of burn the world energy, a touch of secret organisation, and a good pinch of banter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,910 reviews71 followers
Review of advance copy
July 16, 2026
Grace had made a life all her own in safety but from what she might not know, but Carmelo does and he vows to protect her only has he trapped her in another cage of his own making? Well written captivating story, dark themes, grumpy/sunshine protective romance
Profile Image for Sammye.
5,439 reviews41 followers
July 18, 2026
This is the fifth book in the Vicious Kings Mafia series. I was totally blown away by Carmelo and Grace’s story. The plot is dark, gripping and captivating. Their chemistry is hot. They’re perfect together. I was turning pages non-stop! I am voluntarily leaving this review
2,056 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2026
I really have been enjoying this series. Taking Grace is book five in the Vicious Kings Mafia series. Wonderful characters that keep you invested in the book. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kalene.
792 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 1, 2026
Oooo Haven did it again!!!! I am loving this series so much and it keeps me on my toes. I can't wait to see what she releases next because I've been here since stalker in the woods series!!!
Profile Image for Sherryle.
1,497 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 16, 2026
Despite what happened to Grace, I'm thoroughly excited to finish off this series with a bang..... Carmelo & Grace are a match made in heaven because they finally have a great relationship, work together at her new shop & the best bit of the story is that he has this charisma that I know he will always be there for her in any way possible. I found the part where she finally gets to meet her father endearing & sweet. I also love the way she calls him "a good boy"- It's hilarious!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
312 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2026
Book 5 of vicious kings mafia does not disappoint. A great Mafia Series. I was hooked from the beginning. Well written. The characters are captivating. Its spicy, thrilling and intense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews