Television writer, Camilla Vilasi was happy to have her family’s mafia entanglements behind her. So, imagine her surprise when a mobster approaches her for an alliance, and rival gangs try to take her out, claiming she’s set to inherit the family business. Undercover army vet, Robbie Viano has been following Camilla for weeks. The uptick in threatening attention along with a growing crush prompts him to interfere, embedding himself as her personal assistant. Their forced proximity accelerates the mounting threats and attraction between them as they seek to uncover the secrets of Camilla’s family before they become collateral damage.
Bethany Cetti writes characters you wish you were friends with, doing things you wish you could get away with. Inspired by her favorite friendships, Italian family, and intercultural marriage, this native Oregonian adapted the television concept she most wanted to watch and wrote her favorite book.
An easy to read, funny, mafia romance that I really enjoyed.
The multi POV worked really well, giving extra depth to each character. The writing flowed beautifully, and I finished this book in two sittings.
I loved the dynamics between the family, and everyone in the Fearsome Fivesome. But I think Lottie was my favourite - laughed so hard when she had to unlock the door... IYKYK
Even though I am not a romance reader by nature, and I have a longstanding dislike of mob stories (ask me about that time I went to see GoodFellas at the movie theater. Grrr.), I really enjoyed this indie novel about a woman who is thrust into leadership of her connected family.
Snappy dialogue and the characters' awareness of their slightly ridiculous situation (he's an enforcer, she thought she'd distanced herself from her family's Mafia past), made this a delightful afternoon's read. Plenty of tension and no ick, laughs and heartfelt growth -- yes, please.
Sometimes, you just want them to take the gun and leave the cannoli: this novel fits the bill.
Great storyline. I was intrigued from the get go. The FMC is a strong and relatable. I very much loved the multiple POVs so you know exactly what people are thinking and were experiencing as the story progressed. I love this style of genre and seeing it from a female perspective was refreshing I found! Loved it!
I adored this book. The ensemble cast is wonderfully written, and the way all of the different characters and perspectives weave together is incredibly satisfying. Every POV adds something meaningful, which made the story such a joy to read.
The mafia romance setup is also so unique—it feels fresh and novel in a genre where that's not always easy to do. Add in dialogue that's genuinely funny and natural, and it's hard not to fall in love with these characters.
An absolute delight from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book.
I had the honor of reading an advanced copy of Vilasi and I can confidently say this is my favorite Mafia book yet.
What stood out to me most was the cast of characters. Every single one of them felt distinct, memorable, and human. There are so many personalities and subplots woven together that I genuinely think different readers will connect to different characters and that’s what gives this book such strong fandom potential.
But Adelaide? I absolutely adored her. She’s funny, chaotic, relatable, and somehow manages to be both strong and deeply human at the same time. The scene at the beginning where she’s literally threatened at gunpoint and blurts out “I’m not Italian” had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down for a second. And somehow Bethany balances that humor with emotional depth perfectly.
The diversity in this book also felt natural and authentic, which made the world and relationships feel even richer.
And Robbie? Obviously swoon-worthy. Sigh…love him…
One thing I always use to judge books is this: do I still vividly remember scenes and characters after finishing several other books? I read many books after Vilasi and I STILL randomly think about Adelaide eating jalapeño Cheetos with wine, the hilarious dialogue, and so many little moments throughout the story. That says everything.
Bethany Cetti created characters that feel like real people you want to root for, laugh with, and spend more time with. I genuinely cannot wait to own every version when this releases.
Easy 5 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love books where I can get lost in the characters and their world -but not be ripped apart by too much drama or sorrow happening to them! This book fulfilled that really well. I like Camilla's character and her friends and family (Adelaide is a scream!). The power of the family is rather female-centric too, which is nicely refreshing....without being too 'in your face' about it, so it feels realistic. This book makes me want to move to NY, eat Italian food (and Syrian food too!) and be friends with the characters.
I’m obviously biased but this is my favorite story. I’ve read it countless times in edits and it still makes me laugh and get swept up. If you’re looking for a feel-good action romantic comedy full of characters you won’t forget, give it a go. I can’t wait for you to meet all the entertaining voices in my head now immortalized in print
Fast-paced funny suspenseful romance! Culturally authentic Italian representation… New York setting with a lovable Mamdani-esque political hopeful.. lots of threads of romance woven through a family tapestry. What’s not to love?