Tarnished Rings

by Simran Jean

The term bastard has followed Daivi “Dove” Wright since birth.

Running a bookstore that doubles as a mafia front isn’t every twenty-eight-year-old’s dream, but it’s the closest Dove can get to normalcy as a mafia princess. It shouldn’t matter that her only source of happiness is still under her family’s control. Or that her mother is barely talking to her, and that her only friend seems to be her brother-in-law. So why is she still surprised when she’s ordered to marry Will Marlowe, London’s most lucrative gangster and her childhood adversary?

As the child of a British mobster and an Indian immigrant mother, Dove has always existed on the fringes of the mafia world. But that wasn’t her choice; it was Will Marlowe’s. All those years ago, he suggested Dove be raised away from her family. So when he turns up years later with a proposal in hand, London in his grasp, and a grizzled look, why does he seem so irresistible?

Will Marlowe runs London’s largest criminal enterprise, trying to undo the cruel reign of his father. His new wife is a spoiled mafia brat, yet she’s more intelligent and spirited than he had prepared for. Even if the deepest part of him wants a true partner, having a weakness in this world is as good as death itself. A masked enemy is lurking from the outside, and by the time the two let hate turn to love, it might already be too late.
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TARNISHED RINGS is a standalone dark mafia romance, recommended for adult readers. This is a third-person dual-POV book.

Genres: Mafia Romance

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2026

Reviews

[Buffy・❥・ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

So first of all a super special thank you to the author for selecting me as an arc reviewer for this book! Secondly, I did like the story overall… I loved how possessive the MMC was towards the FMC… I also loved the spicy scenes- because of that I am excited to see what other books this author comes out with especially if it’ll be more mafia romances 👀
The only reason for my 4 out of 5 star rating is because of the writing style. This story is written in 3rd person- now that might be some people’s jam but it’s just not something I’m into personally 🤷🏼‍♀️ regardless I would recommend this book to my fellow mafia romance lovers!

[ꫂৎ irma · Rating 4 out of 5]

advanced reader copy. thank you simran! 🕊️

*mild spoilers

i’ve been waiting for this novel to be released for a long time. i remember when simran first started teasing snippets on tiktok months ago. a dark romance featuring a desi fmc was something i’ve never seen done in this genre. daivi wright ended up being everything i hoped she would be

daivi is a dove in the most literal sense. she desperately wants a ordinary life. but between her brother and her responsibilities towards her amma she has little other choice. she wants nothing to do with the mafia world but her circumstances pull her in. daivi is deeply compassionate and never helpless. she moves through her life with the need to protect those she loves.

and then there is will, who is so positively gone for her even when he refuses to admit it. watching him unravel after daivi is kidnapped was one of the more interesting parts of this novel. he prides himself on control and is finally forced to grapple with how much he needs his wife.

one of my favorite elements was how naturally daivi’s culture was woven into this story. the little details, from oiling her hair to will having a lehenga custom made for her, are just some that i appreciated as a south asian woman myself.

i would recommend this to readers who are tired of the usual optics of dark romance and mafia books. i loved that daivi had more autonomy than we usually see in these types of stories. she has her own boundaries and wishes that remain important to her throughout the story

and if this series ever continues i desperately need daivi to have the opportunity to make some girl friends. this line genuinely made me laugh: “it took a kidnapping for her to realize how much testosterone surrounds her.”

long story short daivi has my heart. i cannot wait to reread this!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarnished Rings by Simran Jean

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read Tarnished Rings in one day, which probably says everything you need to know about how quickly this story pulled me in.

I like to mix a little romance into my reading life every once in a while , and I really enjoyed the mafia aspect of this book.

Honestly, I was intrigued because when I was in high school, I had a writing assignment and I chose to write a story that was about a mafia daughter. My teacher said it was really good and wanted to see where it went. Well, it never went anywhere. So as soon as I saw that, I was hooked.

A little different from anything I’ve read. The relationship between the characters was compelling, and I thought the author did a great job weaving the romance into the darker world surrounding them without it being all romance. And just the right level of spice. The mafia elements felt important to the story rather than just being there for atmosphere, and I enjoyed watching the relationship develop within that world. I also liked that the main female character
had a mind of her own.

The story was very well thought out, especially knowing this is a debut novel. The pacing worked well for me and kept me turning the pages. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next—which is exactly why I ended up finishing it in a single day!

Overall, Tarnished Rings was an enjoyable read with romance, danger, complicated relationships, and plenty of drama. For a debut, I thought Simran Jean did a really nice job creating a story that kept me invested from beginning to end.

If you enjoy mafia romance with a darker edge and a relationship that develops against a dangerous backdrop, this one is worth picking up.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.

[ADHDRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like arranged marriage mafia romances with 3🌶️🌶️🌶️ you will love this book!!!

Thank you to Simran Jean for the advanced reader copy (ARC). This review contains NO SPOILERS.

What a wonderful surprise to discover a new author in the mafia romance trope. I look forward to reading her next book.

I began Tarnished Rings over my morning coffee and found myself finishing it really late at night, despite my busy day, because I just had to find out what happens. This story is so worth the sleep loss.

The arranged marriage contract that is to take place between the 2 rival mafia families is politically interesting. This is a romantic suspense so there is a backstory and a mystery to solve.

The FMC is beautiful, capable and very sassy. Her eldest half-brother is head of the Manchester mafia and is apologetic but needs her to accept this proposed marriage contract. Both the MMC and the FMC is fully aware that this arrangement is regressive and oppressive for women. And the MMC bates her on purpose to make her angry in an attempt to strategically gain the upper hand.

I loved how the author wrote both points of view in the couple ( 3rd person limited). There was no confusion who was thinking and each point of view moved the story forward. This is very hard to do - and the author achieved it! BRAVO!

The FMC is not a simpering helpless femme. And the MMC has depth and is not just a rich, scary, possessive, alpha-hole. The dialogue and connection between the two is a compelling love story; and the spice spices!!!! This story convincingly takes place in the UK.

Read this book ! Highly recommend!!!

[Redcurlsangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review, thx Simran Jean

Simon Jean is a new to me author, and it took me a long time to get into this story.
I never really understood—even by the end—why Dove’s brother forced her into this marriage. After all, he fully embraced the 21st century to live in a same-s@x marriage as a Don—which is already quite implausible in itself. So, he exercises that privilege for himself yet still forces his sister to marry the man she has hated since her teenage years. His motive remains unclear to the very end. She agrees out of gratitude because Patrick took her in and gave her a home years ago. Will needs weapons, sure, but Patrick? And the whole thing happens so quickly and hastily—even though Patrick seems to love his sister, Dove.
Furthermore, Will is far too soft. They live as a married couple for months without having s@x—just fooling around. Finally, they decide neither wants to bring children into the world of crime, so Xavier is to become the Don; even though he isn't a blood relative, he is a brother in heart to Will. This would clear the way for Dove and Will to have a family, yet Will secretly gets a vasectomy, meaning children are permanently off the table. Although the storyline improves in the second half, there are too many baffling elements for me, as described above.
Also, this is the first book in a long time that isn't written in dual POV, and I think that’s why the emotions of both protagonists are lacking.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 2/5

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book and some spoilers below.

I've only read one other mafia romance this year and this is my sign to read more!

The author did a great job with developing the characters and their relationships. I appreciated that Dove was a strong FMC. Unfortunately, in other mafia romances I've read, the FMC can be a bit weak. But not Dove. She was her own person and would talk back, which made her a great match for Will. He needed someone to challenge him. One of my favorite scenes was when he brought her to the library! It reminded me so much of Beauty and the Beast and the author also mentioned that the library looked like the Admont Abbey Library, which was actually the inspiration for the library in Beauty and the Beast.

I also loved seeing the older brother x younger sister dynamic between Dove and Patrick. Callum was also an unofficial older brother for Dove and I loved their little moments too.

Spoiler alert! The only part I thought wasn't well developed was the kidnapper. It wasn't anyone we knew in the book and it came off as random. *To clarify, the kidnapping itself didn't come off as random, but who the kidnapped turned out to be came off as random.

As her debut novel, the author did a solid job and I can't wait to read more from her in the future! I especially would love to see a book based on Patrick and Callum.

[foinst Loinst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simran is a debut author and I think did a fantastic job for her first novel! I had been following her writing process on social media so it was fun to read the fruits of her labor, which I enjoyed!

I am giving it a three star review because I felt that some of the relationships between the characters were a little underdeveloped which made it hard to understand their motivations. I didn’t fully understand the choice to make Xavier the heir and I think that could have been left out in favor of more scenes between Dove and Will developing their relationship. Which brings me to my next thought that the pacing was a bit off. I felt like the plot and romance were a little rushed and then there was a lull in the middle of the book. I am also just a big fan of slow burn romances and not the biggest fan of time jumps. However I know as a debut author you are facing a TON of constraints.

I do think Simran is great at writing dialogue. Espc in romance books, that can be hard to come by but she did a great job at making the dialogue between characters feel natural. I really enjoyed the overall concept of the book and would love dive more into the relationships and crime families of this world. I want to know more about these « Made » people. The spicy scenes were also tastefully done and not cringe.

Overall it was a fun read!

[WinkingReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started well with a steady building tension between two people who didn't like each other very much.

When Will is faced with attacks from unknown enemies and needs more weapons, he's forced to get into an arranged marriage with Dove, whose family could use the alliance with one of the most powerful families in the underworld.

The events in this book were interesting, and I loved Will for Dove! But the best part of reading this book was the banter between Callum and Xavier, they had me entertained. I really want to know why they can't stand each other... The multicultural aspect in this book was also amazing.

A perfect read for arranged marriage dark mafia romance lovers.

🎀𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
✨️“I hate you,"
“You love me,"
“I love you too, sweetheart. Have since the wedding, if we’re being honest.”

✨️“Marry me again. Just us, doing it because we can.”

✨️“I’d marry you in any universe. Flirt with you at the checkout counter. Find your favorite books and get the author to sign them. Bring back stories from foreign countries. You don’t know what I’d do to find you and keep you.”


💍Dark Mafia Romance
💍Arranged Marriage
💍Hate to Love
💍Mafia Princess x Mafia Boss
💍Age-gap Romance - 8yrs
💍K!dnappíng

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶

[Gianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!!!

I really enjoyed this book! I’m a huge dark romance fan, but I didn’t find this to be too dark so if that’s something you’re looking for then give this a read. It honestly got me out of a little reading slump! I felt the characters were engaging and had certain characteristics about them (specifically the FMC) that really made them stand out. You kind of get thrown into the plot and some of the world/story building seems repetitive compared to other mafia books, but it was still overall enjoyable. Lovvvvved the FMC and her attitude, she was definitely a baddie who stood on BUSINESS. Loved the representation for her culture and features. I didn’t like the MMC at first…but he grew on me and I ended up rooting for him towards the end LOL. I’m honestly excited to see how this author grows and what she decides to come out next. She’s so sweet and I can tell she put a lot of effort and soul into the book, which is something I always consider and appreciate. Getting the opportunity to write my first ARC was really special and fun!! I’m glad this was my first one :D

[Ange Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarnished Rings is told in a 3rd pov, to me I'd say it has a story telling pov as well. It took a bit of time to get into it with this type of pov. There is a bit of an age gap but not much.
Dove reluctantly gets married to a mafia leader due to an alliance that her half brother signed up. She could have just left but then she'd have to be financially responsible for herself and for her bookstore. I will say this is a slow paced action, with a slow burn steam. The author does convey the sexual tension between Dove and Will pretty well. Along with the beginning of their interactions being awkward and slow start.
I'll have to say I liked Will's character more than Dove.
I round this to 4 as it still kept me interested in finishing this book and knowing how it goes with Will and Dove. I do feel he fell for her first and harder. Dove is a bit stubborn so perhaps that's why it's hard to get into the book.

[Tandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thank you, Simran Jean for the ARC opportunity!

This is a Mafia arranged marriage book. Im a sucker for this type of book so I was super excited to get to read this.

The book is written in 3rd pov. I personally don't typically read books that are in this pov because I find myself getting confused. I will say i didn't really have that problem once I got into reading it.

The romance in the book is definitely a slow burn. Will decided to not force anything romantic on Dove. Which gave him major brownie points in my book.

Dove is very strong willed and you can tell she didnt grow up as a sheltered mafia princess. I love her relationship with her half brother and his partner.

Overall I did like this book I think it had potential to be more but I would definitely recommend giving it a read.

My review is voluntary and my honest opinion.

[RooBerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

was absolutely honoured to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book!

I have been so excited for this book since seeing the sneak peak on Simran Jean's tiktok.

This book grabbed my from the get go, it was brilliantly paced and as a south asian woman its so good to see representation in contemporary roamnces.

I chose to give this 4 stars as I am not a huge fan of 3rd person style of writing, I like the immersion of a first person account but I can see why the author chose this in alignment with the book.

But all in all, it was a really good book. A great arranged marriage/ forced proximity romance, I will be reccomending to other people when this releases and can't wait for the authors other works!

[Tracey Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hopeful in the beginning that this book would deliver. However I soon became disappointed. I'm not sure if the fact that this book is written in 3rd person and not dual POVs made for a lack of chemistry between the MMC and MFC or if it just wasn't there. The story in itself was inconsistent with Dove bouncing between being outspoken and independent and then very vulnerable and self doubting. Will was too soft to be a mafia boss and the marriage itself seemed to be like a side plot? Not to give any spoilers away but after a conversation about producing an heir and what Will did in secret afterwards was a bit perplexing really. There was little plot and it's not a book I enjoyed reading sadly.

[Ella P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly love mafia romance book because you never know what to expect because most books are all different. This book was really good the only thing that did make me struggle with finishing the book because of how the book was in 3rd person POV it did make it a little bit harder for me to read since I do like to feel like I’m in the characters head if that makes sense but this was a personal preference.

Other than that I really liked it because mafia and arranged marriage are my favorite tropes because I like reading how their love evolves to them really loving each other. I don’t want to spoil it but I will say I do recommend!

[Everlore Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

This deserves a 4.5 stars!!
I absolute loved the storyline!! It was so addictive and fun to read.

Both the characters absolutely were so adorable together. I had so many moments where I was kicking my feet’s with joy from all the cuteness. I loved Will possessiveness of Dove and the things he does for her!!! 🥹😍🔥🔥

Overall I had such a good time with this, I couldn’t stop reading and I just go so immerse in with the world. I would highly recommend this mafia romance to everyone. It is truly incredible!!

[Erin Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review -

I absolutely adored Will and Dove's story. The whole vibe of the book was giving Beauty and the Beast with a tad Romeo and Juliet, you know, without the curse and the double suicide.

Normally, I don't love dark romance, but this felt different. I could feel the love the two had for each other even from the beginning. The strength the two exhibit was inspiring, and Will may or may not be my new book boyfriend.

I am so excited for this book to be released, and so should everyone else. I highly recommend this 4.5 star read!

[Kelleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a little while to immerse myself in the story, but ultimately ended up enjoying it. The way it’s written makes it almost dreamy, and the relationship between Dove and Will is really lovely.

If you’re looking for a true enemies to lovers, this isn’t it. More childhood friends, to kind of enemies?, to lovers. It’s not an intense hate, but there is some angst there.

Mild spice, but worked into the story well.

[Shy-Anne Swavely · Rating 5 out of 5]

From overprotective brothers to an overprotective husband all of whom just have her safety at heart. I love the enemies to lovers and how she finally comes to terms with his not so real role in her past. I screamed when he finally realized that he was already in love with her even after he tried so hard to stay away. I can’t wait to have the chance to get this book in a hard copy and I would love to see more of their story together as a family.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very appreciative of Simran Jean and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Tarnished Rings!

This was such a fun, fast paced read! I loved the Indian culture representation (the Lehenga!!)! I really liked that Dove was a bookshop owner, that was a fun detail.

I enjoyed seeing Dove’s confidence and independence grow after she moved to London. The relationships she formed and strengthened were so sweet.

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tarnished Rings by @simranjeanwrites

Tarnished Rings was such a fun, dark mafia romance! I loved the enemies-to-lovers tension between Dove and Will, and their forced marriage made their chemistry even better. The mafia drama, family dynamics, secrets, and danger kept me hooked. Dove was such a strong, spirited heroine, and Will definitely grew on me. A steamy, suspenseful read with plenty of angst and tension!

Available on Kindle, August 29th!!

*ARC Reader*

[Nicole Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4

I love me a mafia tale. I love me a book nerd. This works.

I did not expect a slow burn but it played out really well. I appreciate that Will and Dove actually TALKED. Even their start wasn’t just bs you’re mine sign here.

The group of characters and how different they were was such a plus and how it was all respected.

I will say tho, that security team is straight ass cheeks lol I’m sorry.

I do wish we got just a little more on Doves mom and Xavier.

That said, very much enjoyed.

[Cyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.
If you loved the LORDS but wanted something a little bit shorter and sweeter read this book. An arranged marriage, he's pinning after her, she hates him in the beginning but ends up loving him and knowing he'll be there when she desperately needs him. The FMC was relatable with her love of reading but wanting true friendship with people around her.

[Sabrina Isu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been lucky with the books I picked lately. They swoop me into the story really quickly and I find myself reaching the end way too soon. Tarnished Rings is no exception.
I loved how everything happens naturally and with perfect timing. Will and Dove are a cute couple, reminding us gently about the importance of consent and communication.

[Hailey McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 I couldn’t put it down! The possessiveness that Will has for Dove from the very beginning really drew me in, and the spice was top tier! I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

[Abby Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book was such a good debut novel! If I could give it 4.5 stars I totally would! I loved everything about the pacing of the story and character dialogue, which I am normally really picky about. I can’t wait to read another book from this author!

[breezybri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book, let me just say wow! I read it in two days. I immediately fell in love with the FMC and her tough personality. This book at me at the edge of my seat and left me satisfied with the ending. I love a good enemies to lovers 🥰

[Leanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the concept behind it. But at times I felt like there was a lot going on and was a little lost at times. I thought dove was going to fight the marriage but didn’t. It will still a pretty good read!

[Lizett Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute love mafia story. Slow burn told in 3rd PV and thats hard for me to follow. But its definitely a good book you should give it a try. Debute author and I think she did a great job with this story.

[Sarah Redetzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Simran Jean is a new author to me. It's very well written and flows really well. The chemistry between between Will and Dove is amazing. Be prepared for surprises.

[Harini Hutti]

ARC Review
The third POV in Mafia setting is not something I personally enjoy so I couldn't connect with the story.