Wrong Pawn. Right Capo.: A Forced Proximity Age Gap Mafia Romance

by Valencia Rose

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2026

Reviews

[L KQ]

Masked Night

Elena encounters a masked and tattooed man she calls Zeus , one who gave her a night of intense passion. Meeting her new body guard Adriano sometime after unmasks everything she thought she knew. The chemistry between them was deniable and highly explosive. Throughout this story danger remained but surprises lingered at every turn. It was a fantastic read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Schweit]

This is the second book in author Valencia Rose's Reign of Mafia Capos series. It is a dark romance, set in a very violent world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The main female character in this book is the twin of the main female character in book one, Wrong Bride. Right Capo. The story itself was very engrossing & well-developed. It captured my interest from the very beginning. Despite the dark nature, there's actually a fair amount of humor in this book. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book!

It's written in a dual point of view style with the chapters mostly going back & forth between the main characters. It helps you understand where they are coming from & why they act in certain ways.

The main characters are Elena & Adriano. Elena is the owner & CEO of her own beauty line. She's also the unmarried twin daughter of the former Don of the Rossi Mafia. Adriano is a Rossi Mafia bodyguard out to avenge the murder of his family. They meet at a masquerade ball & are attracted to each other. They have an encounter. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Adriano is assigned as Elena's personal bodyguard. They keep pushing each other's buttons. They don't want to have feelings for each other, but the attraction is strong. The book does a good job showing this struggle. There are escalating threats against Elena's life. Adriano is determined to uncover the responsible parties, while also enacting his revenge plan. The more time Elena & Adriano spend together, the more they get to know each other. Their chemistry is combustible, whether they like it or not. When Adriano's true identity & plans are revealed, Elena feels betrayed. The closer Adriano gets to finding his enemies & unraveling the mystery that led to his family's murder, the more dangerous things become. Long-held secrets come to light. Betrayals abound. When enemies strike and Elena's life is threatened, Adriano must save her before it's too late. They must decide whether or not they have a future together. There are so many well-planned twists & turns that keep this book interesting. 

There's a lot of spice in the story. The many secondary characters, good & bad (some very bad), help flesh out the world of the story. I love how saucy, resilient & tough Elena turns out to be. She speaks her mind. She's also a really good businesswoman. Her relationship with Enzo is the exact opposite of the one she had with her father. I really like the friendship between Adriano & Francesco. I absolutely love Annora & her friendship with Elena. The book deals with trauma & healing. I really appreciate the growth arcs of the characters over the course of the story. I don't want to say more so as not to spoil anything. You really should read this story. This book is definitely a must read! 

I received a free ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Sue]

A captivating read, wonderful characters and romance that once started was impossible to put down.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I found totally addictive and the main characters had been written so beautifully that I actually felt as though I was able to actually connect with each of them and understand what they were feeling.
Adriano is thirsty for revenge this is all because of the family that had been so cruelly taken and it had created a man that was looking to see that each of their lives was paid for and the plans that he has in mind to ensure that he is able to acquire those that are guilty of the murders or of helping to instrument them so they had all been wiped out.
Elena is an unlikely reunion and he is pleased to see her once again, as they reconnect the romance between them is electrifying and totally explosive and it connects them together so thoroughly. I have enjoyed thoroughly the development of the characters and the way they have overcome the betrayal and horrors they have both suffered the story kept me totally riveted throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Wallmuller]

This is the second book in author Valencia Rose's Reign of Mafia Capos series.

This is a mafia story that is built on pure revenge and the hate Adriano has for the people who killed his family and tried to kill him. It is a dark romance but has a number of humourous moments.

The story is very good with the push and pull of Adriano falling for Elena who he believes family took out his. He's very conflicted on his quest for revenge but not really wanting to see her hurt. There were many twists and turns before it was all finally revealed who was pulling the string and why.

My attention was caught from page one and I enjoyed the story very much. I'd highly recommend reading the first book Wrong Bride, Right Capo and then Wrong Pawn, Right Capo as they were both fantastic and the MFC in both are related.

I received a free copy of this book via Book Funnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Parker]

This is book two in the Reign of Mafia Capos. I didn't read book one before getting the arc for book two, but I wasn't lost putting the pieces together. I will definitely go back and read book one once I get caught up on my prior commitments. This is Elena and Adriano's story and it was a good one. I finished this book in less than 2 days. Adriano has a revenge vendetta to have on all odds the people that murdered his family in front of him. He uses Elena as leverage and she hates him for it. Somewhere along the way their hate turned into something more. This story is well written and had my attention from the very beginning. If you enjoy a good mafia romance this is a good series to read.

[P Jones]

Having Plans
Elena has plans for herself. As a business woman and mafia princess it's a long time coming but she has plans. Adriano has plans. He is executing his plan strategically. With each step closer to his goal his plans get a little more complicated. When these two realize they both have plans that don't necessarily compliment the others they have to decide if their plans are worth keeping, changing up some, or just tossing out all together. Adriano the brick built capo is not ready for Elena. She's brains curves and sass wrapped up in a bullseye's target. What hardened man can resist that?

[Kerri Long]

Holy crap! 🤯 This book was SO freaking amazing! Elena and Adriano’s story seriously needs to be turned into a movie. Like… seriously! I could see every scene playing out in my head, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end.

The chemistry between these two is absolutely OFF THE CHARTS. 🔥🔥🔥 The tension, the intensity, the darkness—it all worked so perfectly together. I was screaming, swooning, and turning the pages like my life depended on it!

If you love dark romance, **pick this book up NOW!** You will not be disappointed. This was screaming-good, can’t-put-it-down, completely addictive romance at its best! 🖤🔥

[Linda Fairburn]

This is a mafia story that us built on pure revenge and hate for the people responsible for his parents and younger sister murdered in front of him that left Adriano for dead.
A chance meeting following a night neither could forget Adriano meets Elena again but now as her bodyguard.
Her family is the first in the revenge list but just how far will he take his revenge on Elena even though she hates him, at least for now.
This is a story that has so many twists and turns, plots and counter plots but a love story going through that's just beautifully written.

[Aleksandra]

Wrong Pawn. Right Capo. by Valencia Rose was an intense and addictive mafia romance filled with revenge, secrets, twists, and plenty of tension. Adriano’s thirst for revenge after losing his family gives the story a dark edge, while his unexpected reunion with Elena creates an explosive and complicated romance. I loved the twists and counterplots, but most of all, I enjoyed how their relationship developed despite all the hatred and betrayal surrounding them. A gripping mafia romance with a beautifully woven love story!

[Pamela]

Adriano watched his entire family be murdered and he was left for dead. A one night stand between Adriano and Elena leaves him with a way in to get his revenge. Elena is the daughter of the man he blames for murdering his family. One night turns out to be a bodyguard situation for Elena. She can't believe Adriano is to be her bodyguard. An obsession starts with both of them. This story kept me interested and on the edge all the way through to the last page.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.

[The Book Ssirren]

This. This was good. Adriano watched his family get murdered when he was younger. He was the only one left. And he promised to do away with the family that ended his. Elena had a hot night with Zeus, who later turns out to be her bodyguard Adriano. This was a prefect in for him to exact good revenge. This story was intense and chaotic. Hot and spicy. I was obsessed with these two. The way he was with Elena, and the way things changed between them. Loved it. This was captivating, intense. Devour worthy. Gonna run out and buy a physical copy now.

[Johanna]

'Wrong Pawn. Right Capo. is a full-length, standalone Dark Mafia Romance, with NO cheating and a guaranteed HEA. It features the Bodyguard trope.'

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. 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.

[Sheila]

5 Stars for Wrong Pawn , Right Capo by Valencia Rose

The cover and book blurb got my immediate attention and I was hooked just a few chapters in.

Great characters in Adrian and Elena not just from their heated chemistry but sarcastic banter … Elena knows her own mind and isn’t going to be told what to do ..

What you will find :

Warring families
Betrayal
Excellent well written story
Strong MFC


For me a page turner I loved it !

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DEBBIE GG]

Wow what a story ! This is a mafia, second chance romance. His family was killed in front of him and he was left for dead. Her family was in on it. This plot is smooth and will take you on a rollercoaster ride. Twist, turns and danger. There is humor sprinkled here and there and the tension is explosive. Good entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

He is on a quest for revenge, but when he comes across Elena sparks ignites and his quest is in question. He becomes her bodyguard and close proximity has feelings developing. He wants revenge for the death of his family but Elena brins his heart back to life. This action-packed story had me glued to the pages. Will their path sooths his heart and lead them to happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee]

Review of an advance copy received from the author.




A delightful story, certainly for mafia enthusiasts. A story with characters that hold your attention with danger, action, suspense, drama, romance, many twists and turns; their families are intertwined. I enjoyed their story and it is highly recommended reading.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[April]

This is dark mafia romance. Its book 2 in our series and you do not need to read book 1 to know what is going on with our characters. There is so much drama and tension with our characters, its spicy, intriguing and fast paced. Will our characters figure out how to be together....read it and find out.

[Daniella Marchand]

Adriano B. has seen his family getting massacred, is the only survival and now after 5y he's finally ready to take his revenge. Elena R. Is his ticket as leverage to annihilate what's left of the Rossi empire.
A lot of enemies, a web of lies, corruption & conspiracy.
It's violent and addictive.
If you want to know more just get the book, you won't be disappointed.

[Karen]

This dark and intense Mafia romance has drama, danger, violence, revenge, hatred, chemistry, steam, and some humor in this well-paced, addictive read. The MCs are defined, have chemistry, are at odds, have changing emotions and a possible HEA. I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Hutchins]

Elena & Adriano have such great chemistry, and the push and pull is delicious. I couldn't put this down, there is revenge, betrayal, and danger with lots of twists and turns. You will not be let down and must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Cannone]

I really liked the dual perspectives because you get both sides of the conflict. Elena has no idea what Adriano is really after, while he’s trying to convince himself he can still go through with his plans even as his feelings for her get stronger. Is revenge really worth losing a once-in-a-lifetime love?

[PortlandEnchantress]

Pretty Good

This was just mid for me. While it did have a good storyline and I liked the characters, it just felt flat for me.

Adriano's change from cruel revenge driven mindset to the loving warm man he became was too drastic which made it feel inauthentic.

Idk, it just didn't hit for me.

[Desiree]

I love a tough exterior man who only melts for you. Honestly they both melt for each other before they even know who the other one is. Their love hate just makes it more worth while.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christie Wilcox]

• Enemies to Lovers
• Masked Stranger
• Forced Proximity
• Secret Identity
• Age Gap
• Possessive Obsessed Antihero
• “Touch Her and D!e” Vibes
• “Who Did This to You?”
• Surprise Pregnancy
• Grumpy x Defiant

[Narelle]

Adriano wants one thing - revenge. Elena is part of his plan, but things aren't always simple and straightforward. A drama filled mafia read with enemies to lovers, masks, violence, mine! and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Lovvorn]

Attraction, but hate. She’s his enemy’s daughter and she must pay for the sins of her father. He destroyed him and now she must feel the same

[Jean Kring]

great story

The best storyline. I thought the first book was the best……now I’m not so sure. Can’t wait for the third book.

[Victoria Golby]

Wonderful Dark Mafia Romance

Another brilliantly dark mafia romance from Valencia Rose, full of revenge, drama, enemies to lovers, a masquerade party, masked stranger / secret identity, a possessive, overly protective and obsessive if a little grumpy MMC, a defiant FMC, forced proximity, age gap, violence, steamy romance, touch her and ☠️ , suspense, danger and passion with some fabulous twists.

This is a brilliant story; I couldn't put it down and can't wait for Annora's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.