Velella

by C.W. Farnsworth

Secrets are essential for survival.

Carina Caruso learned this as a child. Now, living far from family, under an assumed name, anything approaching a ‘normal’ existence feels impossible. Retreating into music as a violinist in Chicago’s symphony orchestra, she remains hidden on the periphery of her own life.

Only one secret is exclusively hers … and his name is Lev Sokolov. Mysterious and undeniably dangerous, he’s her closest confidant—and, if he knew her real identity—her most formidable adversary.

When Carina’s father breaks a sacred promise, upending the careful balance she’s struggled to maintain, she retaliates in a desperate attempt to change his decision. Armed with stolen leverage, she runs from everyone and everything that once protected her…

But how far, or fast, can you run from those you also run to?

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Forbidden Romance, Dark, Forced Proximity, Marriage Of Convenience

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

C.W. Farnsworth is the author of numerous adult and young adult romance novels featuring sports, strong female leads, and happy endings.

Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepherd.

Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth) and check out her website www.authorcwfarnsworth.com for news about upcoming releases!

Reviews

[Lilyya ♡]

i inhaled it in one sitting, absolutely loved it.

[Em (semi-hiatus)]

This author’s writing just works for me. Every book of theirs pulls me in, and this one was no different. I was completely engrossed from start to finish and ended up inhaling it in a single sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. The characters were compelling, and the story kept me invested throughout. My only real gripe is the romance. I felt like the book relied a little too much on telling me how deep the connection was instead of letting me experience it. A few more intimate glimpses of their past together, along with a better look at their future, would have made the emotional payoff even stronger.

Even so, I had a great time with this. I can already see the potential for this world to grow beyond this story, and I hope the author explores it further. I’ll happily pick up whatever they write next.

[Corina]

I'm no stranger to mafia romances, and I've enjoyed C.W. Farnsworth's books before—but the combination of her writing and the mafia genre was absolutely fantastic.

I had such a great time with Velella.

What I loved most was the connection between the main characters. Their chemistry was fantastic from the very beginning, and their dynamic immediately gave me major Heated Rivalry vibes—which, if you've followed me for a while, you know is one of the highest compliments I can give a romance.

Reading this book also reminded me why I've enjoyed C.W. Farnsworth's writing in the past. The story flowed effortlessly, the banter kept me turning the pages, and I was invested in the characters from start to finish.

If you're a fan of mafia romance with fantastic chemistry and characters you can't help but root for, you definitely need to give Velella a try.

[dee☁️]

“What if I wanted to sleep with someone else? Hypothetically?”
“I would kill him. Literally.”🔝🔝

[felicia]

July 28th is today!
I’m savoring this piece by piece

a Romeo and Juliet inspired mafia romance story
🍒 fmc running away from an arranged marriage
🍒 he falls first
🍒 forbidden, opposing side romance
🍒 childhood strangers to lovers to enemies


pre-read
First ever personal widget arc from the publisher! I am glad it’s C.w farnsworth. Your first is special and Farnsworth, you pop my cherry 🍒

The cover is sweet and demure and I can’t wait to be surprised by the opposite dark vibe of its contents.

[Dahlia]

DNF. in love with each other since they were teens and yet, are nothing more than occasional fuck buddies for 12 YEARS.


AND they sleep with other people. the only reason they actually get together is cuz she needed a marriage for protection 🥴

[joni ౨ৎ]

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
cw has quickly become one of my auto read authors this year, esp after reading two second chance books from her 🙂‍↕️ this one is a bit different, but i know it'll be amazing!! her writing is so addictive and bingeable <3


tropes
- romeo juliet / forbidden relationship
- mafia romance
- rival families
- "my wife"
- on the run

out now


thank you c.w. for the e-arc

[Kristin]

The most addicting book I’ve read all summer—I literally could not put it down!
I went into this book no clue what I was getting and found the most beautiful, passion filled love story that had action, twists, family drama, and so much suspense. It’s one of those books you finish and immediately want to read it all over again books.

In Velella, we meet Carina, a talented violinist in Chicago’s symphony orchestra, and Lev Lincoln (Lincoln like the car, not the President ). Lev is dark, broody, mysterious, and the absolute definition of “touch her and ☠️” vibe. After a chance encounter one summer, they spend twelve years trapped in a cycle of silent love, intense yearning, and stolen single nights—with Lev desperately trying to keep her shielded from his dark world.

Think Romeo and Juliet meets a high stakes arranged marriage type of love story.

[TyJ]

Not My Favorite

This is one of my least favorite books by C.W. I was pretty bored reading this. I didnt believe the love between Carina and Lev. They met up once or twice a year to sleep together and he'd leave before she woke up. What was there to love? This book was pretty long, which is annoying because I feel like there were some unresolved issue that were presented, mainly the maid, what of her musical career and whether they'll have kids. The book felt like there was a lot going on, but not enough at the same time. I often go back to read C.W.'s books a few times. That won't happen with this book.

[Soph]

Thank you to C.W. Farnsworth for this ARC!

This was such an addictive and exciting mafia romance. It’s not usually my go to genre, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

I really loved the dynamic between the characters and their development throughout the story was great. There were also a few twists that completely caught me off guard.

The banter and chemistry between Carina and Lev were my favorite parts. I especially loved that Carina was the only person who could stand up to Lev, talk back to him and even be a little bossy and sassy, and he accepted and liked that about her. Their relationship felt balanced despite the power dynamics.

The yearning and longing between them were so well done and it was clear they would both risk everything for each other.

Overall, this was an engaging, emotional and surprisingly enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a mafia romance with great character development, strong chemistry and unexpected twists, I’d definitely recommend it.

[che]

i really enjoyed this author’s approach. it often feels like this type of romance requires to be explicit and salacious, and although there was still on-page violence and sex, this didn’t feel vulgar. in fact, it was very quiet and peaceful, despite the chaotic events occurring. that dissonance paired with how the story unfolded in which the majority of important events to their relationship were not shown on page and rather the reader is only privy to the precursor or the aftermath, made the romance feel more special ‘cus you literally experience how protective they are of their secret trysts. really sweet and felt so genuine—which is not something i often witness in this genre.

[Sára Leschová]

I immediately want to start it all over again.

[cajareads]

DNF @ 41%

The premise is interesting and not like your typical mafia books but I don’t feel the connection between the two main characters because wdym they’re in a situationship for over a decade and you want me to believe the love they have for each other is real?

It’s so easy for him to toss her away and ditches her and the thoughts of her never even crosses on his mind, not before he finds out about her real identity. If it isn’t because of what happens to the revelation of her real identity, he’s not even going to look for her anymore.
And of course I can’t say the same about the fmc because of course she’s always thinking about him. Mind you the last time she sees him, he’s with another woman and then he goes MIA and decides to cut her out completely from his life.

Long story short, apart from the opening chapter (which is fun and intriguing btw) I’m bored out of my mind and reading the mmc’s chapters especially, feels so bland and boring. Just like him as a whole character.

Also they are both with other people during their situationship. Another reason why I’m not even going to attempt finishing this.

[A's reads]

this was so so good!!

[diona ⋆.&#x1065a; ̊]

ts couple were having sex for 12 years on and off thats all my explaination

[Courtney]

I loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down. The book is told in two POVs, and both Lev and Carina’s POVs were equally as engaging. Even the flashback chapters that gave more insight into the 12 years they’ve known each other added a nice touch to the story, showing us vs. simply telling us about the history they shared. Each of their families were pretty dynamic, and if Charlotte ever decided to expand this standalone into a series and follow anyone else, I’d be first in line to read it. I don’t normally seek out mafia books, but if any others are as good as Velella, I just might need to start reading that genre more.

I read this one directly after finishing the final book in Charlotte’s Kluvberg soccer romance series, and this one is definitely different, but still contains everything I love about her books and writing. I liked that there were a few little twists in the story, and at one point it felt like normally a book would be coming to a climax and could start winding down after that, but I was only about halfway through! This left a lot of room for more character development and story building, which made the book that much more fun to read. Carina and Lev’s relationship develops satisfyingly, and I really loved their dynamic together. It’s also very much so an adult book, not a new adult book, with the characters being in their late twenties, which was refreshing to read instead of characters who are typically in their early twenties - Carina is 28, and Lev is 29. Their siblings are mostly within a few years of them, too.

The only thing I wish would’ve been explored a little bit more was - trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible - Nico’s motivations for wanting to have Carina in his possession. I understand the power grab, but especially later on in the story, I’m curious why he does what he does. Plus I did think Carina would acquire another violin of her own at some point, although her skills are brought up a few other times later in the book even after it’s more of a focal point more towards the beginning. To find out what I mean, I guess you’ll just have to read the book!

Overall, this was a great read, and I’m sad it’s over - I wish I could read it again for the first time. Special thanks to Charlotte for providing me with an early copy to review. Velella is out now!

[LilyHaleReads]

I knew that a book from C.W. Farnsworth would take me out of my reading slump. There is not one book of her I don’t love. Immediately 5 stars, this was so good and also different from other mafia books I loved it.
I read it one setting that didn’t happen for so long I love this 🤍

[Emily]

a mafia romance with depth

I’m in love!!!!

Every new book by C.W. Farnsworth introduces me to my new favorite couple. Carina and Lev, though an unlikely match, are absolutely delectable.

C.W. Farnsworth has a writing style that makes certain tropes I’m not usually drawn to approachable and enjoyable for me. First it was billionaire romances (I love the Kensington family!!), and now it’s mafia! I love how Lev is from an influential Russian mafia family with ties all over the world. The way he navigates all types of situations across multiple countries really shows the power he and his family hold.

Carina is a very interesting and complex character. Though Lev has the secondary POV throughout the story, it takes longer to get a complete picture of Carina and her background. Every time I formed an opinion about who she was, I was shown the error of my ways.

I am so titillated by this book. The story immediately pulled me in, and I finished it in an afternoon. C.W. Farnsworth is absolutely an autobuy author for me. I don’t care what the tropes are. Her books are magic, and I’m here for it.

Thank you so much to C.W. Farnsworth for the opportunity to read and review this book as an e-ARC.

[Baron]

This was so gritty and propulsive I could not put it down. This is not a tropey or glamorized mafia romance I am used to seeing. Lev and Carina are addicted to each other, the one vice they allow themselves, but there are so many secrets between them and they hold each other at arm's length for most of it. That slow, guarded quality to their relationship won't be for everyone but it absolutely wrecked me.

[Khushi]

This book reminded me why the hell I love reading. Lev and Carina were EVERYTHING and I fear no couple will be topping them anytime soon. I didn't want this book to end which is something I almost never say about a book or an ARC! Charlotte's writing deserves so much more love!!! She is one of my most favourite authors because the way she writes the angst, the history, the banter, the passion... it's EVERYTHING!!!

If you trust one book rec from me this year... make it Velella.

[Megan]

Beta read review: it’s perfect. If there’s still time to sign up for the ARC, run.

[&#x1f353;&#x1f353;&#x1f353;]

5 🌟

First and foremost I would like to express how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to read Velella before its release, thank you thank you thank you!

The last time I enjoyed a mafia romance this much was when I read Pretty Ugly Promises by C.W. Farnsworth herself. It’s hard to come across a book in this genre that doesn’t make me want to scream and tear my hair out in a negative way. Velella is proof that you can write a book with a dark romance aspect without making the mmc a misogynistic tool who disrespects and abuses the fmc and excuses it because that’s “what dark romance is about” when it absolutely is not and a lot of authors and readers have forgotten that, so thank you C.W. Farnsworth for remedying that!

I liked that Carina, who grew up sheltered from the mafia lifestyle wasn’t naive about it. She’s a confident and intelligent woman living her life with as much normalcy as possible as the “forgotten daughter” but still being aware of the dangers coming from that side of her world. When her freedom was threatened she didn’t sit and wait for help that wouldn’t come, her only savior at that point was herself and she fled knowing the consequences . She had to learn to be independent but I loved that when Lev came into the picture she was able to let her guard down and trust that he would keep her safe. I could appreciate the fact that Lev didn’t view that as weakness, and while taking on the role of her protector he still saw the fighter in her and worked with her to build up her own strength. Lev carries a lot of responsibilities and loyalties for his family but when it came to Carina all of that was thrown out the window. To ensure her safety he put himself in another line of danger by going against his family and marrying her.

Although the book started off with their fwb arrangement already established I thought the flashback chapters were a nice touch that allowed us to see a peek of their past and read just how down bad Carina and Lev were for each other and why it was so hard for them to break it off because there’s no way they should be in a 12 year situationship at their big age if the circumstances were different. It really added a different kind of buzz on top of their more intimate moments. And of course I am a big advocate of the marriage of convenience trope especially if the characters are already in love with each other but haven’t admitted yet, it just serves another level of yearning. If you’re looking for a book with an intense and passionate romance, thrilling mafia drama, and messed up family dynamics pick Velella as your next read!

[Jen Teeter]

It’s Heated Rivalry + Romeo & Juliet (minus the poison) + “daddy I love him” and I couldn’t read it fast enough.

It was just really delightful.

Her biting his hand when he’s trying to save her from down.

Him smiling at her annoyance and smoking anyway.

Her running to him to save her when she’s offered up as a bride to a psychopath.

Him refusing to give her up.

Her slowly breaks down the walls of his cold family and shows that they do love him.

Him teaching her to protect herself even though he plans on taking any bullets that come her way, AND believes she’s the strongest woman he’s ever met.

Why do I now want to run through field of chamomile with this man?

It might be a top read of the year for me.

[Jordan Vogel]

It’s Velella release day!!

I don’t tend to seek out mafia romances, but if @authorcwfarnsworth is going to write one, you can bet I’m going to read it! This story was such a wild ride and I was hooked from the very first page.

For over a decade, Lev and Carina have floated in and out of each other’s lives. Seeing each other briefly a few times a year, so much of their lives is kept hidden, and them both belonging to rival mafia families is a topic that was never brought up. But when Carina’s dad is forcing her to marry a man she’s never met, she runs away and Lev’s family becomes determined to find her before her family does.

This story was suspenseful and action packed- in true CW fashion, I was fully immersed in these characters and couldn’t put the book down. I am one of the biggest fan of her stories and how diverse her plot lines are! From billionaires to athletes to small towns to country stars- CW takes up every lane in romance and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next 🤗

Out on KU now!

[Sab]

Aw :(((( I loved this, I think this is the first situationship I’ve seen that gets their happy ending LOL. Kinda loved this short sweet and not too bad. If I had someone like this for 12 years and kept coming back to eo I would just die but hey! At least it worked out for them! Yay!

[Alessandra]

3 stars ⭐️

[M Guardino]

Despite being a mafia novel, the story felt surprisingly authentic and realistic. I appreciated that the romance developed gradually, rather than falling into instant love. The way the characters' lives intersected repeatedly over the years added depth and emotional resonance to their relationship.
Grateful for the ARC>

[Mish]

LEV. SOKOLOV. 😝

[Oana]

A violonist from a mafia family and a second son from the bratva?? What exactly can go wrong? no such thing as choosing who you love rationally when your heart already decided.
Lev and Carina were everything I ever wanted in a mafia romance, from the tension, the history, they way they circle and the way they pivot to each other is so well done that when i finished the book i still searched for more pages to read😭
We also have character development, finding your way and your own path in life, making your own choices and setting boundaries with the fam.

And you better believe i am asking and begging for Maksim’s own book😭😭🥹👉🏼👈🏼

Go pick this one right now if you are in the mood for a great mafia romance.
Thank you to the author for the arc.

[Morgan]

I’ve read Velella four times now, which probably says more about how I feel about this book than any rating could.

C.W. Farnsworth has a particular reread quality for me. Once I know where her characters end up, I want to go back and watch the tiny shifts happen again—the moments when curiosity becomes attraction, attraction becomes attachment, and attachment becomes something much harder to walk away from. Velella especially rewards that kind of reading because so much of what I love about Carina and Lev is in the tension between who they are when they meet and what loving each other eventually requires of them.

My one persistent complaint is almost comically superficial: I cannot picture these people.

Four reads later, Carina is still mostly “Italian” in my head, and Lev, though somewhat better described, is largely “Russian.” I wanted a stronger visual identity for both of them, but especially for Carina. It’s strange because physically they’re blurry to me.

As people, they’re anything but.

Carina has spent much of her life almost as a ghost—growing up away from her family and home, her very existence kept secret for reasons she doesn’t entirely control. There’s something fascinating about watching a woman who has spent so much of her life hidden finally try to become a person on her own terms. She isn’t simply sheltered. She’s trying to construct an identity without much of a weathervane for what a normal, independent life is supposed to look like.

And then there’s Lev, who may be the worst possible person to teach anyone about normalcy.

Lev is ruthless, but Farnsworth never treats ruthlessness as the absence of humanity. His fierce dedication to the people who have served his family lets little slivers of light into the darkness of his work. His capacity for care doesn’t feel added to make a mafioso more romantically palatable. It comes from the same place as so much of what makes him dangerous: loyalty, responsibility, possession, protection.

And he is so wonderfully, obviously smitten with Carina.

He knows he’s attracted to her. He knows he wants her around. He knows her safety matters to him with an increasingly unreasonable intensity. Yet there’s something delightful about watching a man who is usually so certain recognize every individual symptom of being in love while remaining somehow oblivious to just how far gone he actually is.

Most importantly, loving Carina doesn’t turn Lev into a different man. He’s still ruthless. Still controlling. Still someone whose natural response to danger is to take command of the situation and remove the threat. Farnsworth doesn’t soften him so much as show us how those qualities change when they’re turned toward someone he cares about.

The last 30% of this book is gold for me.

Without getting too far into spoiler territory, Lev eventually runs headfirst into the contradiction at the center of the way he loves Carina. He desperately wants to protect her, but Carina has spent a lifetime having other people make decisions about her life in the name of keeping her safe. At some point, protecting her and loving her can no longer mean the same thing.

His instinct is control. Carina needs agency.

And eventually Lev has to reckon with the possibility that his love for her can only be pure if it includes something that is almost antithetical to his nature: choice.

What I love is that the book doesn’t make that realization painless. Giving someone freedom means accepting that they might use it in ways you wouldn’t choose for them. They might make decisions you hate. They might even put themselves in danger. Lev is perfectly equipped to protect Carina from almost anyone; what he has to learn is that he cannot protect her from having a life of her own.

That’s what elevates their relationship for me beyond the usual possessive-mafia-hero dynamic. Lev’s question isn’t simply whether he loves Carina enough to protect her. That’s easy.

It’s whether he loves her enough to let her be free.

And Carina’s story can’t end with her simply trading one set of people making decisions for her for another, however much that person loves her. She has to become the person making the decisions.

There are so many strong scenes in this book, particularly toward the end, that I’ve wanted to experience them again and again. Somehow, even knowing exactly what’s coming hasn’t diminished them.

Four reads later, I still wish I knew exactly what these people looked like.

But I know exactly who they are.

And apparently, for me, that’s the part that matters