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Valentina
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 22, 2026
This was an interesting writing style. But I really liked it. It added a different more intimate piece to the whole story.
I truly loved Davide & Valentina's story it was truly beautiful. The character development for the family was really well written and was an experience.
For all my smutty ladies out there, this has none of it so don't get excited for it. BUT I will say it honestly didn't need it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story without that added to it.
I'm really glad Sophie reached out to me on Booksta because I'm not sure I would've stumbled upon this beautiful love story otherwise. So thanks Sophie!! Check this one out!
I truly loved Davide & Valentina's story it was truly beautiful. The character development for the family was really well written and was an experience.
For all my smutty ladies out there, this has none of it so don't get excited for it. BUT I will say it honestly didn't need it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story without that added to it.
I'm really glad Sophie reached out to me on Booksta because I'm not sure I would've stumbled upon this beautiful love story otherwise. So thanks Sophie!! Check this one out!
May 28, 2026
Valentina by Sophie Reid completely surprised me in the best possible way. 🌙🖤
This wasn’t the kind of story that relies on constant drama or over-the-top moments to keep you invested. Instead, it pulls you in slowly and quietly, wrapping you in this atmosphere of tension, longing, silence, and emotion that lingers long after you finish reading. ✨
Valentina as a character felt so delicate yet emotionally strong. Watching her leave behind fourteen years in a convent and enter the world of the Morelli family created this constant feeling of restraint and vulnerability that made every interaction feel meaningful. And Davide… there was something so calm, patient, and deeply emotional about him that made their connection feel incredibly intimate. 🤍
One of my favorite things about this book was Sophie Reid’s writing style. It feels cinematic and immersive, almost dreamlike at times. The story focuses so much on emotions, glances, silence, and the little moments between characters instead of rushing through plot points, and honestly that made everything hit even harder. Every conversation carried emotional weight and tension without needing excessive dramatics. 🌃🕯️
I also loved how beautifully layered the family dynamics were. The Morelli family felt alive, complex, and realistic, and I’m already so curious to continue the series. The atmosphere throughout the entire book felt hauntingly romantic in the best way possible. 🖤
And for readers wondering about spice — this story honestly doesn’t rely on it at all. The emotional intimacy and chemistry between the characters were more than enough to make their relationship feel powerful and memorable. 💫
Overall, this was such a beautifully written, emotional, and immersive read that stayed with me even after the final page. If you enjoy atmospheric romances with emotional depth, yearning, tension, and gorgeous writing, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a chance. 🌙✨🖤
This wasn’t the kind of story that relies on constant drama or over-the-top moments to keep you invested. Instead, it pulls you in slowly and quietly, wrapping you in this atmosphere of tension, longing, silence, and emotion that lingers long after you finish reading. ✨
Valentina as a character felt so delicate yet emotionally strong. Watching her leave behind fourteen years in a convent and enter the world of the Morelli family created this constant feeling of restraint and vulnerability that made every interaction feel meaningful. And Davide… there was something so calm, patient, and deeply emotional about him that made their connection feel incredibly intimate. 🤍
One of my favorite things about this book was Sophie Reid’s writing style. It feels cinematic and immersive, almost dreamlike at times. The story focuses so much on emotions, glances, silence, and the little moments between characters instead of rushing through plot points, and honestly that made everything hit even harder. Every conversation carried emotional weight and tension without needing excessive dramatics. 🌃🕯️
I also loved how beautifully layered the family dynamics were. The Morelli family felt alive, complex, and realistic, and I’m already so curious to continue the series. The atmosphere throughout the entire book felt hauntingly romantic in the best way possible. 🖤
And for readers wondering about spice — this story honestly doesn’t rely on it at all. The emotional intimacy and chemistry between the characters were more than enough to make their relationship feel powerful and memorable. 💫
Overall, this was such a beautifully written, emotional, and immersive read that stayed with me even after the final page. If you enjoy atmospheric romances with emotional depth, yearning, tension, and gorgeous writing, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a chance. 🌙✨🖤
May 26, 2026
This was a book that I really liked the idea and premise of. It was written in a style I haven’t personally come across before, which made it both interesting and unique to read. It was clear the author intentionally wanted certain moments to feel subtle and allow the reader to piece things together along the way.
The story follows Valentina, who was sent away to be raised by nuns, only to be called back home 14 years later to marry in order to maintain family ties and obligations.
I really enjoyed the overall storyline but personally found myself wishing for a longer book with more character and relationship development. I wanted a bit more time to connect deeply with the characters and fully immerse myself in the emotional aspects of the story.
For me, the romance felt a little rushed at times, and I would have loved more buildup to strengthen the emotional connection between the characters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing concept and some really solid foundations. While I personally hoped for a bit more depth and development, I still appreciated the uniqueness of the story and would rate it a 3/5
The story follows Valentina, who was sent away to be raised by nuns, only to be called back home 14 years later to marry in order to maintain family ties and obligations.
I really enjoyed the overall storyline but personally found myself wishing for a longer book with more character and relationship development. I wanted a bit more time to connect deeply with the characters and fully immerse myself in the emotional aspects of the story.
For me, the romance felt a little rushed at times, and I would have loved more buildup to strengthen the emotional connection between the characters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing concept and some really solid foundations. While I personally hoped for a bit more depth and development, I still appreciated the uniqueness of the story and would rate it a 3/5
May 23, 2026
Emotional intensity, chemistry, and dark romance tension. Valentina by Sophie Reid is a dark, emotionally intense romance layered with obsession, power dynamics, danger, and the kind of chemistry that keeps the tension high from beginning to end.
The story pulls readers into a world where love and control blur together, creating an atmosphere that feels both seductive and unpredictable. The emotional push-and-pull between the characters is one of the strongest aspects of the book, especially as trust, vulnerability, and desire begin colliding in dangerous ways.
What stands out most is the emotional intensity woven throughout the romance. The relationships feel messy, addictive, and morally complicated, which adds to the dark romance appeal.
Readers who enjoy:
* possessive love interests
* morally grey characters
* obsessive romance dynamics
* emotional tension and angst
* dangerous attraction
* dark romance atmosphere
will probably get completely hooked by this story.
It’s intense, dramatic, and emotionally consuming in the way dark romance fans love.
The story pulls readers into a world where love and control blur together, creating an atmosphere that feels both seductive and unpredictable. The emotional push-and-pull between the characters is one of the strongest aspects of the book, especially as trust, vulnerability, and desire begin colliding in dangerous ways.
What stands out most is the emotional intensity woven throughout the romance. The relationships feel messy, addictive, and morally complicated, which adds to the dark romance appeal.
Readers who enjoy:
* possessive love interests
* morally grey characters
* obsessive romance dynamics
* emotional tension and angst
* dangerous attraction
* dark romance atmosphere
will probably get completely hooked by this story.
It’s intense, dramatic, and emotionally consuming in the way dark romance fans love.
June 10, 2026
What an interesting writing style. At first it definitely threw me but at the end I really enjoyed it. The flow, how I was repeating things in my own head or reading them in different tones. Very interesting, I’ve never come across a writing style like it.
I really loved the FMC her quiet resilience and watchful intelligence. Chefs kiss good. This is exactly how I would picture someone who grew up in a convent behaving.
I liked the MMC how he gave her space but was always present when she needed him.
The mafia aspect Humm that did give me pause. I’m not sure about the leniency but I do love a good redemption story. The violence seemed less than I’m use to in Mafia or dark romance. But the romance… the romance was good. All the yearning.
Tropes:
Forbidden Romance
Slow burn
Forced marriage
Yearning/angst
4 interesting ⭐️
3🌶️
This was a great romance and a really quick read for me. I read it in one raining evening and really enjoyed it.
I really loved the FMC her quiet resilience and watchful intelligence. Chefs kiss good. This is exactly how I would picture someone who grew up in a convent behaving.
I liked the MMC how he gave her space but was always present when she needed him.
The mafia aspect Humm that did give me pause. I’m not sure about the leniency but I do love a good redemption story. The violence seemed less than I’m use to in Mafia or dark romance. But the romance… the romance was good. All the yearning.
Tropes:
Forbidden Romance
Slow burn
Forced marriage
Yearning/angst
4 interesting ⭐️
3🌶️
This was a great romance and a really quick read for me. I read it in one raining evening and really enjoyed it.
July 21, 2026
This book was gifted to me at an event, so I wanted to take the time to read it. Overall, I found the story interesting, but it lacked a bit of depth for me.
I also struggled with the writing style, as it was quite different from anything I’ve read before. At times, I found it difficult to tell which character’s POV I was following. I would have loved to learn more about both Valentina’s and Davide’s pasts, as I felt there was a lot of untapped potential there.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really connect with the characters, and I’m not sure I’ll pick up the second book because of that.
That said, I do want to acknowledge that this is the author’s debut novel, and I think that’s important to keep in mind. Writing and publishing a first book is no small achievement, and I can definitely appreciate the work that went into it.
I also struggled with the writing style, as it was quite different from anything I’ve read before. At times, I found it difficult to tell which character’s POV I was following. I would have loved to learn more about both Valentina’s and Davide’s pasts, as I felt there was a lot of untapped potential there.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really connect with the characters, and I’m not sure I’ll pick up the second book because of that.
That said, I do want to acknowledge that this is the author’s debut novel, and I think that’s important to keep in mind. Writing and publishing a first book is no small achievement, and I can definitely appreciate the work that went into it.
May 22, 2026
There was something about Valentina that felt very quiet and haunting in the best way. The story follows Valentina after leaving fourteen years behind in a convent and entering the world of the Morelli family, and from the beginning there’s this constant feeling of tension, restraint and longing woven through everything.
Sophie Reid’s writing style feels incredibly intentional and atmospheric, focusing so much on emotion, silence and small moments rather than rushing through the story. Every interaction felt layered with meaning and the emotional weight between characters was honestly what pulled me in the most.
The entire book has this intimate, almost cinematic feeling to it, and there were so many beautifully written lines.
Such a beautifully immersive read 🖤
Sophie Reid’s writing style feels incredibly intentional and atmospheric, focusing so much on emotion, silence and small moments rather than rushing through the story. Every interaction felt layered with meaning and the emotional weight between characters was honestly what pulled me in the most.
The entire book has this intimate, almost cinematic feeling to it, and there were so many beautifully written lines.
Such a beautifully immersive read 🖤
May 22, 2026
Valentina is very simply written without all the unnecessary filler.
Valentina returns home to New York from Rome, where she has been living in a convent for fourteen years. She learns that she is to be married to Luca Argenti from Chicago as part of an alliance between the two mafia families.
This is an easy romance book to read, Sophie focuses on the love, yearning, devotion without complicating it. 🩷
Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
Valentina returns home to New York from Rome, where she has been living in a convent for fourteen years. She learns that she is to be married to Luca Argenti from Chicago as part of an alliance between the two mafia families.
This is an easy romance book to read, Sophie focuses on the love, yearning, devotion without complicating it. 🩷
Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
July 13, 2026
A quiet and tender love story of Davide and Valentina. This story captured my attention and delivered emotionally without being loud or obvious. There were a lot of “looks” and without dialog that allowed the character development and relationships to grow organically.
July 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There's something incredibly quiet about Valentina. It's not the kind of mafia romance filled with endless action, betrayals, or dramatic declarations of love. Instead, it's built on lingering glances, meaningful silences, and emotions that are felt long before they're ever spoken. If you're someone who enjoys slow, character-driven romances where every interaction carries weight, this book will likely work its magic on you.
Valentina was such a refreshing protagonist. After spending fourteen years in a convent, she enters a world that's completely unfamiliar, yet she's never portrayed as helpless or naïve. She's observant, thoughtful, and quietly resilient. Watching her find her place within the Morelli family while holding onto the kindness that shaped her was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And then there's Davide... the definition of "actions speak louder than words." He isn't overly possessive or constantly reminding us how dangerous he is. His restraint is what makes him so compelling. Every glance, every small act of care, every conversation felt intentional, and the slow burn between them had me completely invested.
One thing I wasn't expecting was how much I would enjoy the family dynamics. Paolo and Saverio ended up being far more layered than I initially assumed, and Rosa completely stole my heart. Some of the most emotional moments weren't even between the main couple but between family members learning how to love each other after years of distance.
That said, I do think the pacing could have been tighter. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric, but certain phrases and sentence structures are repeated quite often, making some scenes feel longer than they needed to. I also wish the mafia side of the story had been explored a little more because it mostly serves as the backdrop rather than driving the plot.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, emotionally rich slow burn that prioritizes tenderness over spectacle. It won't be for readers looking for fast-paced mafia romance, but if you love yearning, quiet intimacy, and characters who say everything without saying much at all, this one is definitely worth picking up.
There's something incredibly quiet about Valentina. It's not the kind of mafia romance filled with endless action, betrayals, or dramatic declarations of love. Instead, it's built on lingering glances, meaningful silences, and emotions that are felt long before they're ever spoken. If you're someone who enjoys slow, character-driven romances where every interaction carries weight, this book will likely work its magic on you.
Valentina was such a refreshing protagonist. After spending fourteen years in a convent, she enters a world that's completely unfamiliar, yet she's never portrayed as helpless or naïve. She's observant, thoughtful, and quietly resilient. Watching her find her place within the Morelli family while holding onto the kindness that shaped her was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And then there's Davide... the definition of "actions speak louder than words." He isn't overly possessive or constantly reminding us how dangerous he is. His restraint is what makes him so compelling. Every glance, every small act of care, every conversation felt intentional, and the slow burn between them had me completely invested.
One thing I wasn't expecting was how much I would enjoy the family dynamics. Paolo and Saverio ended up being far more layered than I initially assumed, and Rosa completely stole my heart. Some of the most emotional moments weren't even between the main couple but between family members learning how to love each other after years of distance.
That said, I do think the pacing could have been tighter. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric, but certain phrases and sentence structures are repeated quite often, making some scenes feel longer than they needed to. I also wish the mafia side of the story had been explored a little more because it mostly serves as the backdrop rather than driving the plot.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, emotionally rich slow burn that prioritizes tenderness over spectacle. It won't be for readers looking for fast-paced mafia romance, but if you love yearning, quiet intimacy, and characters who say everything without saying much at all, this one is definitely worth picking up.
July 10, 2026
Sophie Reid opens this series with a heroine caught between two worlds that were never truly hers to choose. 💫 Valentina Morelli spent fourteen years shaped by convent walls, only to be pulled back into a family built on power and violence, and handed off in a marriage arranged without her knowledge. That premise alone sets up a story about identity and agency, not just romance, and Reid leans into that tension well.
The dynamic between Valentina and Davide Bruni is what carries this book. He is her father's enforcer, dangerous by profession and reputation, yet the story is careful to build something slower and more human underneath that danger. 🔥 Their connection does not feel rushed. It feels like two people circling something they both know is reckless, which makes the eventual pull between them land with real weight.
What stood out most to me is how the book frames choice. Valentina has spent her whole life being decided for, first by the convent, then by her father's plans for her marriage, and watching her slowly claim a sense of agency, even in small moments, is the emotional heartbeat of the story. 🕊️ Davide's willingness to risk decades of family alliance for her only deepens that theme, since his choice mirrors hers.
Fans of high stakes mafia romance with a slow burn and real emotional stakes will find a lot to love here. 📚 The world building around the Morelli and Argenti families feels layered enough to promise a lot more in future books, and the tension between duty and desire is handled with care rather than melodrama.
A strong opening to a series I am already excited to keep reading. ✨
The dynamic between Valentina and Davide Bruni is what carries this book. He is her father's enforcer, dangerous by profession and reputation, yet the story is careful to build something slower and more human underneath that danger. 🔥 Their connection does not feel rushed. It feels like two people circling something they both know is reckless, which makes the eventual pull between them land with real weight.
What stood out most to me is how the book frames choice. Valentina has spent her whole life being decided for, first by the convent, then by her father's plans for her marriage, and watching her slowly claim a sense of agency, even in small moments, is the emotional heartbeat of the story. 🕊️ Davide's willingness to risk decades of family alliance for her only deepens that theme, since his choice mirrors hers.
Fans of high stakes mafia romance with a slow burn and real emotional stakes will find a lot to love here. 📚 The world building around the Morelli and Argenti families feels layered enough to promise a lot more in future books, and the tension between duty and desire is handled with care rather than melodrama.
A strong opening to a series I am already excited to keep reading. ✨
July 18, 2026
Valentina by Sophie Reid was such an enjoyable read. I was drawn into the story almost immediately and found myself completely invested in Valentina's journey. Watching her struggle between duty, freedom, and love made her easy to connect with, and I couldn't help rooting for her.
The chemistry between Valentina and Davide was impossible to ignore, and their relationship added so much emotion and tension to the story. The blend of romance, family loyalty, and mafia drama kept the pages turning, and I was eager to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy emotional mafia romance with compelling characters and a slow-burning love story, I definitely recommend this one. I'm really looking forward to continuing the series.
The chemistry between Valentina and Davide was impossible to ignore, and their relationship added so much emotion and tension to the story. The blend of romance, family loyalty, and mafia drama kept the pages turning, and I was eager to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy emotional mafia romance with compelling characters and a slow-burning love story, I definitely recommend this one. I'm really looking forward to continuing the series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews