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My Father's Underboss: An Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Mafia Romance
I moved into my father’s underboss’s penthouse to prove he murdered Papa. Then I started wanting the man I came to destroy.
Zanetti is ruthless, controlled, and far too prepared when my father’s car explodes and a sealed letter makes him Don instead of my brother.
I don’t trust him.
I don’t trust the way he watches everything, says almost nothing, and somehow knows when danger is coming.
Then the Bratva comes for me, and he locks me behind his doors like losing me is not an option.
He teaches me how to survive. He shields me with his body. He touches me like he knows I want him, even when I swear I don’t.
And God help me, I do.
But someone inside my father’s house is feeding the Bratva.
Every trail they leave points straight at Zanetti.
And by the time I realize I’ve been looking at the wrong monster, the man I came to destroy is already walking into a trap meant to bury the only man I’m not sure I can survive losing.
A dark mafia romance featuring popular
Enemies to loversForced proximityMafia succession warFamily betrayalMorally gray heroTouch Her and Die PossessivenessHeroine with a spineDominant alpha maleStandalone - No Cliffhanger - HEA Guaranteed
Zanetti is ruthless, controlled, and far too prepared when my father’s car explodes and a sealed letter makes him Don instead of my brother.
I don’t trust him.
I don’t trust the way he watches everything, says almost nothing, and somehow knows when danger is coming.
Then the Bratva comes for me, and he locks me behind his doors like losing me is not an option.
He teaches me how to survive. He shields me with his body. He touches me like he knows I want him, even when I swear I don’t.
And God help me, I do.
But someone inside my father’s house is feeding the Bratva.
Every trail they leave points straight at Zanetti.
And by the time I realize I’ve been looking at the wrong monster, the man I came to destroy is already walking into a trap meant to bury the only man I’m not sure I can survive losing.
A dark mafia romance featuring popular
Enemies to loversForced proximityMafia succession warFamily betrayalMorally gray heroTouch Her and Die PossessivenessHeroine with a spineDominant alpha maleStandalone - No Cliffhanger - HEA Guaranteed
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 5, 2026
I tried to read this for a few days and I just couldn’t get into it. It’s slow then all of a sudden they’re going at it. No build up, no longing looks. Nothing to give us that they are into each other even when they aren’t suppose to be. We get one scene where he’s teaching her to fight and all of sudden they’re hot for each other and start banging. Be. Fucking. For. Real. I DNF at 30% and the only reason why I tried for this long was because there are so many five star reviews. I just thought I was missing something but I see most of them were given away for free. Do with that as you please.
July 12, 2026
This book is dangerous, addictive, and absolutely overflowing with forbidden mafia romance tension. 👀🖤🔥
The daughter of a murdered mafia boss?
Her father's mysterious underboss becoming the new Don?
The one man she believes is responsible... becoming the only man willing to protect her??
Yeah... I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
The FMC was SUCH a compelling heroine. 👀✨
Strong.
Determined.
Willing to risk everything to uncover the truth behind her father's death.
She walks into Zanetti's penthouse convinced he's the enemy...
Only to discover that nothing is as simple as it seems.
Then there's Zanetti.
And WOW. 👀🔥
Quiet.
Calculating.
Completely unreadable.
He's the kind of MMC who says very little but notices absolutely everything. Every protective instinct, every lingering glance, every silent promise had me falling for him right alongside her.
The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING.
Because while she's trying to prove he's a murderer...
He's already risking his life to keep her alive.
The forced proximity.
The slow-building trust.
The constant danger.
Every chapter had me turning pages faster.
And WOW. 🖤🔥
The mafia politics, betrayals, hidden enemies, and Bratva threats kept the suspense high from beginning to end.
Every twist made me question who could really be trusted.
✨ If you love:
🖤 Mafia romance
🖤 Father's underboss
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 Touch-her-and-die energy
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Morally gray heroes
🖤 Betrayal and family secrets
This one is suspenseful, emotional, addictive, and packed with mafia romance perfection that completely stole my heart. 🖤🔥✨
The daughter of a murdered mafia boss?
Her father's mysterious underboss becoming the new Don?
The one man she believes is responsible... becoming the only man willing to protect her??
Yeah... I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
The FMC was SUCH a compelling heroine. 👀✨
Strong.
Determined.
Willing to risk everything to uncover the truth behind her father's death.
She walks into Zanetti's penthouse convinced he's the enemy...
Only to discover that nothing is as simple as it seems.
Then there's Zanetti.
And WOW. 👀🔥
Quiet.
Calculating.
Completely unreadable.
He's the kind of MMC who says very little but notices absolutely everything. Every protective instinct, every lingering glance, every silent promise had me falling for him right alongside her.
The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING.
Because while she's trying to prove he's a murderer...
He's already risking his life to keep her alive.
The forced proximity.
The slow-building trust.
The constant danger.
Every chapter had me turning pages faster.
And WOW. 🖤🔥
The mafia politics, betrayals, hidden enemies, and Bratva threats kept the suspense high from beginning to end.
Every twist made me question who could really be trusted.
✨ If you love:
🖤 Mafia romance
🖤 Father's underboss
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 Touch-her-and-die energy
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Morally gray heroes
🖤 Betrayal and family secrets
This one is suspenseful, emotional, addictive, and packed with mafia romance perfection that completely stole my heart. 🖤🔥✨
July 5, 2026
My Father’s Underboss is a gripping mafia romance packed with suspense, danger, and a slow-burning enemies-to-lovers connection that completely pulls you in. Bianca and Giovanni’s story is full of tension from the very beginning—she enters his world convinced he’s the enemy, only to find herself drawn to the very man she’s determined to destroy.
The forced proximity setup in his penthouse heightens every interaction, especially as threats from the Bratva escalate and trust becomes a dangerous gamble. Giovanni is controlled, ruthless, and quietly protective in a way that makes him impossible to resist, while Bianca’s determination and emotional conflict give the story real depth. Their chemistry builds naturally amid betrayal, violence, and shifting loyalties, making every moment between them feel charged and meaningful.
With its twists, emotional stakes, and nonstop tension, this is a fast-paced read that blends romance and danger seamlessly. A thrilling mafia romance that keeps you hooked until the very last page.
The forced proximity setup in his penthouse heightens every interaction, especially as threats from the Bratva escalate and trust becomes a dangerous gamble. Giovanni is controlled, ruthless, and quietly protective in a way that makes him impossible to resist, while Bianca’s determination and emotional conflict give the story real depth. Their chemistry builds naturally amid betrayal, violence, and shifting loyalties, making every moment between them feel charged and meaningful.
With its twists, emotional stakes, and nonstop tension, this is a fast-paced read that blends romance and danger seamlessly. A thrilling mafia romance that keeps you hooked until the very last page.
July 3, 2026
"MY FATHER'S UNDERBOSS" was given freely for my honest opinion it hooked me from the start an intriguing, intense interesting suspense filled journey with secrets, surprises & twists that keeps you turning the pages.
Giovanni was the underboss to Don Giuseppe Conti who was Bianca's father when he dies hes elected to become acting Don which angers Valentino her brother.
Valentino isn't happy about the decision causing him to become erratic he wanted the job & blames his father's death on Giovanni.
Bianca decides to look into Giovanni behind his back & reports to her brother, she knows he's wanted her for awhile & she's attracted to him also.
Valentino takes off on his own getting shot then someone trys to kidnap Bianca ausing all kinds of suspense filled drama.
Will Giovanni & Bianca figure out who killed her father letting them hopefully be together & who shot her brother its a page turner you dont want miss so many twists I thoroughly enjoyed their journey.
Giovanni was the underboss to Don Giuseppe Conti who was Bianca's father when he dies hes elected to become acting Don which angers Valentino her brother.
Valentino isn't happy about the decision causing him to become erratic he wanted the job & blames his father's death on Giovanni.
Bianca decides to look into Giovanni behind his back & reports to her brother, she knows he's wanted her for awhile & she's attracted to him also.
Valentino takes off on his own getting shot then someone trys to kidnap Bianca ausing all kinds of suspense filled drama.
Will Giovanni & Bianca figure out who killed her father letting them hopefully be together & who shot her brother its a page turner you dont want miss so many twists I thoroughly enjoyed their journey.
July 3, 2026
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Story: 📖📖📖📖📖 (5/5)
Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Romance: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶 (5/5)
Slow burn, forced proximity, betrayal, protective alpha hero. All the ingredients to a great Mafia romance!
Wow, what a ride!
The story kicks off with the head of a Mafia family being killed, and from there, it plays out like a mystery unravelling with a massive plot twist at the end. It was a total page-turner because I was not only dying to know what happened next but also to see how the relationship between the FMC and the MMC was going to develop (and it didn't disappoint!). This was a very different kind of slow burn and I was totally hooked. The writing style is also unique compared to what I usually read: short, punchy sentences that get straight to the point and really highlight how calculative and observational the main characters are. I ended up flying through this in a single sitting and honestly cannot wait to read more from this mafia-romance author.
Story: 📖📖📖📖📖 (5/5)
Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Romance: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶 (5/5)
Slow burn, forced proximity, betrayal, protective alpha hero. All the ingredients to a great Mafia romance!
Wow, what a ride!
The story kicks off with the head of a Mafia family being killed, and from there, it plays out like a mystery unravelling with a massive plot twist at the end. It was a total page-turner because I was not only dying to know what happened next but also to see how the relationship between the FMC and the MMC was going to develop (and it didn't disappoint!). This was a very different kind of slow burn and I was totally hooked. The writing style is also unique compared to what I usually read: short, punchy sentences that get straight to the point and really highlight how calculative and observational the main characters are. I ended up flying through this in a single sitting and honestly cannot wait to read more from this mafia-romance author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is totally worth the read. It's a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Bianca's father, Don Giuseppe Conti, dies and the Commission elects Giovanni as acting Don. Bianca's brother Valentino has wanted that job and goes off the rails. He blames everything that's been happening on Giovanni. And when he takes off without proper back up he gets shot and it just adds to the confusion of Giovanni's investigation which is slowly coming in. When someone tries to kidnap Bianca things take a dramatic turn. This book has drama, action, mystery, death, danger, romance and everything in between. It will keep you up long past your bed time to get all the answers. You will not regret reading it. I give this book FIVE HUGE STARS.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2026
Bianca and Valentino are the children of Giuseppe Conti. When he is brutally murdered his underboss, Giovanni Zanetti, immediately steps in. Valentino is not happy about this as he feels that as the son he should be in charge.
There's more to this and as the story uncovers we suspect everyone in having a hand in arranging the murder, but who?
Meanwhile there's the ongoing tension between Bianca and Giovanni, both fighting the attraction between them.
I liked the premise of the story and thought the characters well written. Plenty of twists and turns and a great twist at the end that I didn't see coming and another one that I did.
What I didn't like was the writing style. I found it effective in tension building but found it irritating when it was throughout the book. I also found the repetition of phrases annoying after a while. Overall though, a good read.
There's more to this and as the story uncovers we suspect everyone in having a hand in arranging the murder, but who?
Meanwhile there's the ongoing tension between Bianca and Giovanni, both fighting the attraction between them.
I liked the premise of the story and thought the characters well written. Plenty of twists and turns and a great twist at the end that I didn't see coming and another one that I did.
What I didn't like was the writing style. I found it effective in tension building but found it irritating when it was throughout the book. I also found the repetition of phrases annoying after a while. Overall though, a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
No Seam
Gia has definitely given us a book that will keep you hooked and up all night reading it! The Conti Family story is as twisted as a snake and yet you can see so many emotions being played out if you look close enough. Bianca and Valentino are the children of the empire and yet are they just pawns in a very sick game? Giovanni is the right hand of the throne and yet he has his restrictions that No One Will Ever See until it’s too late! Drama, spite, love, deception and a code that very few people know how to live by are all woven throughout this story and yet it still gives you twists until the very end! I definitely can’t wait until I get another Gia Hartley book!!!
Gia has definitely given us a book that will keep you hooked and up all night reading it! The Conti Family story is as twisted as a snake and yet you can see so many emotions being played out if you look close enough. Bianca and Valentino are the children of the empire and yet are they just pawns in a very sick game? Giovanni is the right hand of the throne and yet he has his restrictions that No One Will Ever See until it’s too late! Drama, spite, love, deception and a code that very few people know how to live by are all woven throughout this story and yet it still gives you twists until the very end! I definitely can’t wait until I get another Gia Hartley book!!!
July 3, 2026
- M@f1@ romance
- He falls first
- Rivals to lovers
Wow, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. After Bianca loses her father, she finds out that his current right hand, Giovanni, has been named by her father as the successor. Bianca's brother does not take this well and proceeds to become more and more unh1nged as the story progresses.
Bianca doesn't know that Giovanni has wanted her for the last 2 years. She is attracted to him, but can she trust him?
The twists and turns this story took will keep you glued to your tablet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- He falls first
- Rivals to lovers
Wow, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. After Bianca loses her father, she finds out that his current right hand, Giovanni, has been named by her father as the successor. Bianca's brother does not take this well and proceeds to become more and more unh1nged as the story progresses.
Bianca doesn't know that Giovanni has wanted her for the last 2 years. She is attracted to him, but can she trust him?
The twists and turns this story took will keep you glued to your tablet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! Another great mafia book by Gia! Bianca is a strong woman who stands her ground in the family. She ends up falling for the underboss who she is thinking is responsible for her father's death. Giovanni on the other hand has had a thing for Bianca for two years and finally gets the chance to explore those feelings. While Giovanni is searching for the killer, Bianca is investigating Giovanni in secret, keeping tabs on him and reporting to her brother. There are twists and turns in the book that keep you hooked! I definitely recommend this book!
Review of advance copy
My Father's Underboss is a fantastic mafia story. Giovanni is the underboss for Bianca's father. Bianca's father dies and she's not sure if Giovanni is the good guy or the bad guy. There are alot of twists and turns in the story that will keep you intrigued and totally engrossed in the story. The storyline is everything you want in a Mafia story. Bianca and Giovanni's characters are perfect. It's a great day to read my Father's underboss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Underboss has a great plot! It took me a little while to get excited. About half way through, events started happening and then it was hard to put down! A page turner with a twist at the end! My favorite is when you can't see something coming!
The reason for my 3 Stars was because there was quite a bit of repetitive phrases and or sentences. This was my first Gia Hartley book but I have optimistic hopes and will definitely read another!
The reason for my 3 Stars was because there was quite a bit of repetitive phrases and or sentences. This was my first Gia Hartley book but I have optimistic hopes and will definitely read another!
July 2, 2026
A fast‑paced, dark mafia romance with a strong emotional core. The story centers on loyalty, danger, and forbidden attraction, delivering the gritty tension and high‑heat intensity typical of Hartley’s style. The dynamic between the heroine and the underboss is charged and addictive, blending vulnerability with power plays. If you enjoy morally gray heroes, family‑bound conflict, and a heroine who refuses to break, this one hits the mark with sharp dialogue and relentless suspense.
October 17, 2026
Different style of writing....
Which i found difficult to work through. There is nothing wrong with the writing style just not something I'm used too. For me it tried to be sophisticated, clever but came across clipped and thus I struggled. But that is my preference. The story, plot, characters etc were all great but just could get there with it to say it fantastic. Which is ashame.
Which i found difficult to work through. There is nothing wrong with the writing style just not something I'm used too. For me it tried to be sophisticated, clever but came across clipped and thus I struggled. But that is my preference. The story, plot, characters etc were all great but just could get there with it to say it fantastic. Which is ashame.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well written book showing the inside dealings of the mafia boss and other Dons as well as how succession of power is determined. Good drama and character development but took me a little bet to acclimate to her writing style. Does Bianca trust her brother or the ‘new’ underboss who she’s been checking out for 2 years?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌹. NO SPOILERS 🌹. I really enjoy ms Hartley’s mafia romance books. But this story was a real surprise. Her writing skill is progressing and maturing. From mafia type characters and actions, to sexy time 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️and everything in between you can see the growth. This was an exciting, finished in one setting, surprise around every corner, story. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
July 2, 2026
Whoa!!! It is imperative that you read this book by Gia. You will want to make sure you have zero plans because after reading one chapter I was not going to stop reading until I finished the book.
Trust me this book will make you have goosebumps on your arms and spine your heart rate a few extra beats.
This book is awesome and I loved how Gia weaves everything together.
Trust me this book will make you have goosebumps on your arms and spine your heart rate a few extra beats.
This book is awesome and I loved how Gia weaves everything together.
July 3, 2026
My Father's Underboss: An Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Mafia Romance (New York Mafia Kings) By: Gia Hartley. Giovanni Zanetti is one controlled individual until he is not. Don Giuseppe Conti has laid out a plan to bring out the truth. Valentino Conti is so insecure he does not realize how his actions will affect Bianca Conti. It’s one hell of book to read.
July 3, 2026
this was good nice and steamy no complaints about that I do recommend you read this book
Her father is gone he has died his underboss controls and takes over everything but she has to wonder did he kill her dad or is her protector keeping her safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her father is gone he has died his underboss controls and takes over everything but she has to wonder did he kill her dad or is her protector keeping her safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
NO SPOILERS!!!
First time reading Gia Hartley and a mafia book before.
Once I got into the characters I enjoyed reading the book.
The ending was a shock!! No spoilers!!!
You will have to read for yourself!!!
Very grateful for ARC that I was asked to give a honest review.
First time reading Gia Hartley and a mafia book before.
Once I got into the characters I enjoyed reading the book.
The ending was a shock!! No spoilers!!!
You will have to read for yourself!!!
Very grateful for ARC that I was asked to give a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gianna doesn't know whether or not to destroy the man that has taken her father's placeas the acting Don or stand beside him. This is a well written story with colorful characters that had me glued to the drama as it evolves.
I am voluntarily to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am voluntarily to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
July 2, 2026
This book was suspenseful with some spice. It has a HEA ending.The MMC and the FMC have lots of chemistry. If you like a good mafia romance this book is a must read. This whole series is great!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2026
This was an intense and captivating mafia story. It brought the action, chaos and an HEA. Loved the two main characters. They were fire once the FMC came to the realization that the MMC was trying to protect her, not harm her. An amazing read with a nice dash of spice.
July 28, 2026
Mafia romance chocolate!
Atmospheric descriptions put the reader in the tale.
Believable dialog worth hearing.
Flimsy plot but that's okay.
Hope to read more by Gia Hartley. She has a memorable voice.
Atmospheric descriptions put the reader in the tale.
Believable dialog worth hearing.
Flimsy plot but that's okay.
Hope to read more by Gia Hartley. She has a memorable voice.
Did Not Finish
July 22, 2026DNF - the writing style wasn't for me. No contractions and just...dunno.
Moving on.
Moving on.
August 1, 2026
Good read.
I enjoyed this story. The mystery and suspense were well written, and the steamy scenes were satisfying. 😁 I will read more by this author.
I enjoyed this story. The mystery and suspense were well written, and the steamy scenes were satisfying. 😁 I will read more by this author.
October 7, 2026
Loved it! A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great book with all the usual mafia romance drama. Let Biance take you on an emotional roller coaster. Plenty of fast action, danger, suspense. A page turner you'll love. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews