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A Valentino Princess: A Valentino Empire Short Story
Helena
Three facts of life you will never convince me aren’t true.
One, cats are the best pets ever.
Two, a pair of red-bottomed shoes can fix any bad day.
And three, if growing up the way I did taught me anything, it’s that you should never marry a made man. No matter how good-looking he may be.
But then again, I’d also never met anyone like Marco Vitale before.
Marco
When you’re told not to touch something, you don’t touch it. Especially when it’s the underboss of one of the five families of New York giving you the order.
You should especially heed his warnings when the thing you’re not supposed to touch is his little sister.
Some rules were made to be broken, though. And Helena Valentino is the kind of woman worth breaking those rules for.
Three facts of life you will never convince me aren’t true.
One, cats are the best pets ever.
Two, a pair of red-bottomed shoes can fix any bad day.
And three, if growing up the way I did taught me anything, it’s that you should never marry a made man. No matter how good-looking he may be.
But then again, I’d also never met anyone like Marco Vitale before.
Marco
When you’re told not to touch something, you don’t touch it. Especially when it’s the underboss of one of the five families of New York giving you the order.
You should especially heed his warnings when the thing you’re not supposed to touch is his little sister.
Some rules were made to be broken, though. And Helena Valentino is the kind of woman worth breaking those rules for.
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
75 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Kylie Kent
95 books3,201 followersKylie made the leap from kindergarten teacher to romance author, living out her dream to deliver sexy, always and forever romances. She loves a happily ever after story with tons of built in steam.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 9, 2026
I love these Valentino Empire short stories.
"I just want to fall. NO, I want to leap over this cliff. HEADFAST."
"I just want to fall. NO, I want to leap over this cliff. HEADFAST."
June 19, 2026
“A Valentino princess” is the story of Helena and Marco.
A sexy prequel of sort to the series with a spirited heroine, protective hero and loads of sex. Short novella.
Safe..ish
3/5
A sexy prequel of sort to the series with a spirited heroine, protective hero and loads of sex. Short novella.
Safe..ish
3/5
June 9, 2026
It was so nice to finally get Helena’s story and revisit the characters that started it all. One of my favorite things about this novella was getting that nostalgic feeling of being back with the original crew while still getting a romance that felt complete and satisfying.
At only 75 pages, this is absolutely a fast-fall romance. There isn’t a lot of time for a slow burn, so the connection develops quickly, but that’s exactly what makes it such an easy and enjoyable read when you’re looking for something you can finish in a single sitting.
Kylie packed several popular tropes into this short story, including forced proximity, boss’s sister, and a touch of enemies-to-lovers energy—even if they weren’t truly enemies. The chemistry was there from the start, and the shorter format kept the story moving without any unnecessary filler.
If you’re a fan of the Valentino world, this novella is a fun addition that gives Helena her moment in the spotlight while letting readers catch up with some familiar faces along the way. It’s quick, entertaining, and perfect for when you’re craving a little mafia romance fix but don’t have time to commit to a full-length novel.
At only 75 pages, this is absolutely a fast-fall romance. There isn’t a lot of time for a slow burn, so the connection develops quickly, but that’s exactly what makes it such an easy and enjoyable read when you’re looking for something you can finish in a single sitting.
Kylie packed several popular tropes into this short story, including forced proximity, boss’s sister, and a touch of enemies-to-lovers energy—even if they weren’t truly enemies. The chemistry was there from the start, and the shorter format kept the story moving without any unnecessary filler.
If you’re a fan of the Valentino world, this novella is a fun addition that gives Helena her moment in the spotlight while letting readers catch up with some familiar faces along the way. It’s quick, entertaining, and perfect for when you’re craving a little mafia romance fix but don’t have time to commit to a full-length novel.
June 26, 2026
**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) — A fun, fast-paced mafia bodyguard romance that left me wanting more!**
This was a fun, short read! I'll be honest, because Kylie Kent's interconnected universe is so incredibly massive with so many characters and books, I completely forgot who Helena, our FMC, was at first! Lol. It took me a minute to remember that she owns the diner where Theo and Holly first met in *Devilish King*. She is also the younger sister of Neo and Lola.
Marco, our MMC, is a made man who works for Neo. He is given the job of watching over Helena because her ex-boyfriend has turned into a dangerous stalker and is threatening her. Naturally, while he is watching over her, sparks absolutely fly between the two.
Like I said, this is a short story, and it was really fun for what it was. I just wish there was more of it! Helena, Marco, and even her stalker had so much story to tell and a ton of character potential. It was a little bit of a bummer that we only got a fraction of that depth because of the novella length.
That being said, I am still a massive fan of Kylie Kent. That will never change, and I will always eagerly read whatever she puts out!
This was a fun, short read! I'll be honest, because Kylie Kent's interconnected universe is so incredibly massive with so many characters and books, I completely forgot who Helena, our FMC, was at first! Lol. It took me a minute to remember that she owns the diner where Theo and Holly first met in *Devilish King*. She is also the younger sister of Neo and Lola.
Marco, our MMC, is a made man who works for Neo. He is given the job of watching over Helena because her ex-boyfriend has turned into a dangerous stalker and is threatening her. Naturally, while he is watching over her, sparks absolutely fly between the two.
Like I said, this is a short story, and it was really fun for what it was. I just wish there was more of it! Helena, Marco, and even her stalker had so much story to tell and a ton of character potential. It was a little bit of a bummer that we only got a fraction of that depth because of the novella length.
That being said, I am still a massive fan of Kylie Kent. That will never change, and I will always eagerly read whatever she puts out!
May 13, 2026
I always wanted to know what happened with Neo’s other sister. I thought Kylie just forgot about her and she pops up with this unexpected drop. I like Helena because she was one of the few women in these books who is somewhat relatable by actually working and not living off the millions she has. I always loved Neo and how protective he was. Marco’s loyalty was inspiring honestly. He had enough cojones to straight up tell his boss and lived to see another day. I enjoyed this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
Marco and Helena
It's a novella. However, I like the short ones quite often. Get in, get it read, and move on to the next. It is a mafia plot, ok, I'm a fan of them. This novel was just mediocre for me, but due to length, it was easy to see it through to the end. I suspect these were cross-over characters, and I have read none of the previous series, which might have helped my interest if I had done so.
If you have, and are familiar with this family, read on!!
It's a novella. However, I like the short ones quite often. Get in, get it read, and move on to the next. It is a mafia plot, ok, I'm a fan of them. This novel was just mediocre for me, but due to length, it was easy to see it through to the end. I suspect these were cross-over characters, and I have read none of the previous series, which might have helped my interest if I had done so.
If you have, and are familiar with this family, read on!!
May 18, 2026
This was my first time reading any of Ms. Kent's stories and I enjoyed it!!! The main characters were Helena the sister of a mob boss and made man Marco who was assigned to keep her safe. The book was fun, romantic and a wonderful short story. Thank you Ms. Kent, I will be looking for more of your books!!!
June 25, 2026
Home
The perfect treat for Valentino family fans.
Truly reading anything with Kent's Valentino's always makes me feel like I've came home and this book is no different.
Possessive, protective men. Strong female leads. Chemistry and steam. Addictive page turner.
Thank you for giving us Helena's story
The perfect treat for Valentino family fans.
Truly reading anything with Kent's Valentino's always makes me feel like I've came home and this book is no different.
Possessive, protective men. Strong female leads. Chemistry and steam. Addictive page turner.
Thank you for giving us Helena's story
July 4, 2026
Short but good!!!!
This was a very short story, sweet story.... The story follows a couple whose relationship is tested as they navigate the expectations of being part of a powerful mafia family. Despite the danger surrounding their lives, the heart of the story is about love, trust, and proving that they're willing to fight for each other. It was good....
This was a very short story, sweet story.... The story follows a couple whose relationship is tested as they navigate the expectations of being part of a powerful mafia family. Despite the danger surrounding their lives, the heart of the story is about love, trust, and proving that they're willing to fight for each other. It was good....
July 20, 2026
Review...
I'm so glad Helena got her story. After the stories of Neo and Lola her siblings this was perfect. My only complaint is that it was a short story, I need more! A great addition to the Valentino series.
I'm so glad Helena got her story. After the stories of Neo and Lola her siblings this was perfect. My only complaint is that it was a short story, I need more! A great addition to the Valentino series.
May 12, 2026
short and hot
If Kylie writes it, I’m reading it!
Going after what you really want and keeping her safe. This was short but oh so good! I loved it!
If Kylie writes it, I’m reading it!
Going after what you really want and keeping her safe. This was short but oh so good! I loved it!
May 16, 2026
short & smexy
I’ve always loved the peeks of Helena in the other Valentino book so I’m so glad she got her own story. Instalove at its finest with a little danger thrown in the mix.
I’ve always loved the peeks of Helena in the other Valentino book so I’m so glad she got her own story. Instalove at its finest with a little danger thrown in the mix.
May 16, 2026
4 stars for the short story
I love this series… The Valentino’s are one of my favorite . My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough.
I love this series… The Valentino’s are one of my favorite . My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough.
May 16, 2026
5 stars
I love absolutely everything Kylie writes! My only complaint about this one?....It was way tooooo short! I wanted more! 😊
I love absolutely everything Kylie writes! My only complaint about this one?....It was way tooooo short! I wanted more! 😊
May 19, 2026
Quick read that has all the KK magic. I loved the eff it moment which came sooner than I expected. However, considering it's a short story it made sense for the plotline.
May 24, 2026
Marco and Helena- bodyguard romance. Cute short novella.
May 25, 2026
The Valentino family are so special... I love the close connection and how much they care...
Great short story, loved it
Thank you Kylie
Great short story, loved it
Thank you Kylie
May 25, 2026
Valentino
I love everyone of her stories!. Keep writing. My favorite is the Russian and Italian. Definitely a possibility that some large unknown creature.
I love everyone of her stories!. Keep writing. My favorite is the Russian and Italian. Definitely a possibility that some large unknown creature.
June 5, 2026
Good story
Good story but to short. Loved Marco and Helena together. Also loved this series and family.I really like the mafia series.
Good story but to short. Loved Marco and Helena together. Also loved this series and family.I really like the mafia series.
June 11, 2026
another Valentino short
Helena is independent and fierce..
Has a stalker ex so her brother puts Marco on to protect her … what she doesn’t expect is to fall for him
Helena is independent and fierce..
Has a stalker ex so her brother puts Marco on to protect her … what she doesn’t expect is to fall for him
June 21, 2026
🧡
I always love Kylie Kent’s books, this one was short and sweet, would’ve liked more to their story but for a quick read it was nice. Look forward to reading more of her books
I always love Kylie Kent’s books, this one was short and sweet, would’ve liked more to their story but for a quick read it was nice. Look forward to reading more of her books
July 5, 2026
Quick read! 1 hour and 30 done! Nothing exciting or ground breaking. Storyline lacked depth but it was short read.
I don’t think I will read the others in the series
I don’t think I will read the others in the series
July 14, 2026
❣️❤️
Wonderful story. Love, sex, danger, strong personality characters 👏🏻👏🏻. A quick read that has you wanting more. Must read Kylie Kent🥳
Wonderful story. Love, sex, danger, strong personality characters 👏🏻👏🏻. A quick read that has you wanting more. Must read Kylie Kent🥳
July 20, 2026
Marco Vitale + Helena Valentino
July 25, 2026
Another great Kylie novella!!
July 25, 2026
Short but sweet
Short and sweet. Just a bit too short, I think this could have been fleshed out a bit. I enjoyed it though.
Short and sweet. Just a bit too short, I think this could have been fleshed out a bit. I enjoyed it though.
August 6, 2026
Average
Okay story. It’s a short so everything happens rather quickly. Found it hard to gel with Helena, unlike her appearances in previous stories.
Okay story. It’s a short so everything happens rather quickly. Found it hard to gel with Helena, unlike her appearances in previous stories.
August 24, 2026
good for a novella! i have a love/hate relationship with these, they’re so short it feels so fast paced but i still enjoyed.
-forbidden
-mafia
-touch her and die
-bodyguard
-forbidden
-mafia
-touch her and die
-bodyguard
May 20, 2026
I’m glad we were able to get Helena’s story. She really tried to stay away from the mafia life but true love has a way of not caring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews