Grumpy Mafia Boss and the Cleaner

by Sam Crescent

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Mafia Boss and the Cleaner is an engaging mafia romance that combines danger, devotion, and heartfelt moments into a story that's impossible to put down. Beneath the suspense and possessive romance is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the person who quietly stands beside you every day is the one who changes your life forever.

Harper is a character who immediately earns your sympathy and admiration. She works hard, asks for very little, and has spent years living under the control of a father who sees her as nothing more than a source of income. Despite everything she's endured, she remains compassionate, resilient, and willing to help someone in need—even when that someone happens to be one of the most feared men in the mafia.

Enzo is exactly the kind of gruff, protective mafia boss readers love. Feared by nearly everyone around him, he trusts almost no one after years of betrayal. Yet he's quietly been watching Harper, recognizing her kindness and strength long before she realizes she's captured his attention. When circumstances finally bring them together, it becomes clear that while Enzo may rule his criminal empire with an iron fist, Harper is the one person capable of reaching the man beneath the ruthless reputation.

I especially enjoyed how their relationship develops through trust rather than instant declarations. Harper's instinct to care for Enzo when she discovers he's injured creates the perfect turning point, allowing both of them to lower the walls they've carried for so long. Watching Enzo slowly open his heart while fiercely protecting the woman he refuses to lose made their romance incredibly satisfying.

The family drama adds another compelling layer to the story. As long-buried secrets come to light and painful truths are revealed, both Harper and Enzo are forced to confront the past before they can fully embrace the future. These revelations add plenty of tension while giving both characters opportunities to grow stronger together.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was Enzo's unwavering loyalty. Once he decides Harper belongs in his life, there is never any question about where his priorities lie. His determination to protect her while encouraging her to finally live for herself makes him a wonderfully devoted romantic lead.

If you enjoy protective mafia bosses, workplace romance, possessive heroes, found trust after betrayal, family secrets, and stories where love becomes the path to freedom, Grumpy Mafia Boss and the Cleaner is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Sam Crescent delivers a romance filled with danger, passion, and heartfelt moments that remind us the strongest relationships aren't built on power—they're built on trust, loyalty, and finding the one person who sees your worth long before you believe it yourself.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy Mafia Boss And The Cleaner - By - Sam Crescent

I loved this story by Sam Crescent. It was so well written and the story covers so many emotions. It goes from loss and grief of loved ones,  abuse from those supposed to love and protect you above all others to heartbreak and doubt. All leading to an undeniable connection between the hero and heroine that is equally tender and possessive through out, showing total trust and spicy passion that will steam up your kindle! It really has it all in my humble opinion. Harper Taylor has a live in position as a cleaner for
Enzo Castelli one of the Capos that belong to the Villa Mafia and has worked for him for the past two years. Harper loves her job and takes great pride in her work. She also loves the freedom and escape this job has provided her away from the evil clutches of her father, Bradley Taylor, who is controlling beyond belief, abuses his power and doesn't even let her access her own money that she works so hard for, or even allow her to attend college. He thinks her only purpose is to provide for him and his lavish lifestyle. When Enzo is injured Harper doesn't think twice about helping him. She doesn't ask questions and gets on with her task at hand. What she doesn't realise is that Enzo has been watching her constantly for the last two years. Harper intrigues Enzo unlike any other woman. She has an innocence to her that draws him but also gives him her trust and in return Enzo feels he can trust her. That is something beyond rare in his world. They share an undeniable connection that once they act on it they can't go back. They make the other whole in ways they have never experienced before with abyone else. Even though Harper feels her position as a cleaner is below someone of Enzo's Capo status he never agrees with it. Even when Marcus Villa the head of the Villa Family has other ideas. Enzo never wavers and proves his love and loyalty again and again when he doesn't let Harper hide and claims her in every way imaginable. Enzo is so scary to others, just his name instills fear yet with Harper he is sweet and tender, possessive and protective and loyal to her in ways no one else has even come close to. He is one helluva book boyfriend, no question in my mind. #TeamEnzo! He is definitely a keeper and guaranteed to go on my re read list again and again no question. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[A.L.Z. · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review

Grumpy Mafia Boss and the Cleaner by Sam Crescent is violent story with some small parts of romance. It is an ägẹ-gäp (for a few pages you believe Harper is still in high school, but then she tells us she is 20 and been working for Enzo for 2 years previously.)

🚨This Author continues to refuse to list CWs and TWs Lists. And what she uses for shock value is pretty devastating to your mental health. *SHAME ON HER & EVERNIGHT!! I have read quite a bit of Sam's Books and not once was TW or CW Lists ever included. After Evernight *edited* 😒 this book, they should have included them.

⚠️SPOILERS - AND BE WARNED - PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH!!

pg 22 - Off scene death of Enzo's Parents mentioned

🚨 pg 34 - Detailed account of Enzo's Parents & Isabella's Parents dying at a Halloween Dinner Party - murdered (poisoned) by Enzo's pyscho wife Isabella.

🚨 pg 34 - SHE drowns their two young kids.
Sam's words - "she had taken them out to the pool … and … they couldn’t swim. Mateo tried to save his sister, and my wife just watched them flail and beg their mommy to stop.” 😧😭

Why would you not warn us?  Absolutely horrific! 💔

pg 48 - Spanking for Harper's punishment- no safe words discussed, no amount of spanks discussed - first time for Harper

pg 84 - Harper's Father visits and starts to physically & verbally attack Harper. Harper is pregnant.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Taylor has never really seen here boss. Enzo Castelli is always gone when she starts her day cleaning his home. When he surprises her by coming home early, she doesn’t know what to do. But when she sees he is bleeding she springs into action. She does all the right things but now what. Enzo has been watching Harper. He had a few employees but are now all gone. Harper is a beautiful woman that he can trust. Her father is a piece of work. He cares nothing about his daughter but as a cash cow. Stealing her money and telling Enzo he can do whatever he wants with her. Enzo saw beyond all that. Harper is a woman that cares and deserves a happy life. He able to open up to her. I was shocked and saddened to learn about his family. I just could not believe it. And than there was more to that story. Harper was there for him and that started their romance. I love that he stood up for her. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another engaging mafia romance that brings quiet Harper and grim capo, Enzo, together. Her father basically sold her to him to be his cleaner and 'anything else he needed her to be'. Yuck. Her family is truly awful. Enzo observes her to see if she's the same as her family and what he finds is a completely loyal person that has morals, compassion and other fab traits. He quickly finds himself obsessed with her despite his terrible past with his first wife - she was completely unhinged and unalived his parents, her parents and their two children. Be prepared for this gritty situation and read safely. When his boss decides to test Enzo, he finds his top capo more than ready to do anything to keep Harper by his side. Love this! This is a dramatic read with danger, suspense, emotions, heart and heat as they work their way to a fab HEA.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam has done it again. This story grabs you from the first page and takes you on a wonderful journey. Harper is yearning to get away from her horrible father. He gets her a job cleaning for a man she never sees. Enzo Castelli, the most feared boss in Villa Mafia: There's more to Enzo than just being ruthless and dangerous, it's the betrayal by someone near him that is part of the reason he is like he is. Harper loves her job and the people she works with. When she comes face to face with Enzo and discovers he's bleeding. Once she calls the doctor for him, she begins to take care of him until he comes. This is a turning point for her and her life will change forever. When enemies and family secrets try to tear them apart,  Enzo will stop at nothing to keep her. Another Must Read! I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing story. We are taken into the lives of Enzo and Harper. Life with her father is not easy, and partly because of that, she hasn't had an easy life, and her bright spot in life is her job as a cleaner for Enzo. He is not a man, and certainly not a mafia boss who deals with emotions, but as soon as he sees Harper, everything changes and he goes for her. And what he never expected was that he would be possessive towards her, taking everything and everyone, and even setting the world on fire if they touch her or try to harm her, because she belongs to him. Super story with plenty of passion, romance, action, danger, and much more.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I have read other novels by this author and enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this novel and it did not let me down. I love a good mafia novel where the hero trusts no one and is brought to his knees by a heroine who is kind, loving and has integrity. This novel checked so many boxes for me. I loved Enzo and Harper. Their chemistry was so good! My heart hurt for Harper and how badly her father treated her and for Enzo and all the betrayal in his past. I loved them together. I loved how protective Enzo was once he lowered his walls and defenses and let Harper into his heart. So so good! Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novel down. I can hardly wait to see what this autor has coming next.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little like pygmalion only they both change. Enzo is a Capo, a man to be feared and Harper is his cleaner. Her father is a wannabe hang around, an evil , despicable father and violent. He has no love for her. Harper is quiet, calm and efficient. Enzo has cameras around his house and knows everything, intrigued by the young woman who has been completely loyal.
Both have reasons to hate people and circumstances that surround them create various events that encourage it. It is a love story between two individuals who genuinely enjoy each other despite scorn or disapproval from others.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fabiola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story that gets straight to the point and is packed with classic tropes from dark romance and mafia fiction.
The story follows Harper Taylor, a young woman trapped under the thumb of a controlling father who provides her with stability whilst exuding danger. Harper earns a living cleaning for the most feared boss in Villa Mafia: Enzo Castelli.
Enzo is a ruthless man, scarred by betrayal and trapped in his own ‘grumpy’ mindset. However, Harper becomes his only weakness. When family secrets and enemies threaten to tear them apart, Enzo will make it clear that he does not share what belongs to him.

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it seemed to read quickly for me. It wasn't a can't put it down kind of read just the pages turned easily. For a mafia type book there wasn't a lot of violence, a broken bone here or there and talk of ending someone done off page. Harper and Enzo's connection had previously been building before this story began so we get right into an already charged atmosphere. There are plenty of steamy scenes. I could see this being the first of a series of this mafia family. At least I'm curious to read about Enzo's boss now too. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the elements I enjoy in a crime family story. First, a woman who needs rescuing, second, the extreme OTT guy who steps up for the woman. I know that doesn't fit with many women's opinions nowadays, but I like what I like. Harper has basically been sold to Enzo as his cleaner. What he doesn't know is that her horrible father has stolen all her paychecks for the last two years. You know he will handle that issue when he finds out. The backstory on Enzo is so sad, and I love the connection he has with Harper. There is plenty of steam and, best of all, a fantastic happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enzo doesn't trust anyone, understandable given what his previous wife had done, but Harper has proven herself to him over the last two years.

Harper has had a crap life. Her father uses her to get what he wants and would give her to anyone who wanted her. He wouldn't care if she as hurt or abused.

With Enzo, Harper is getting to spread her wings a bit and and they begin to fall in love. There is no way Enzo would give Harper up or leave. He will fight his mafia boss to make her his and keep her safe.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Harper finds herself caught between the life she's always known and the man who refuses to let her go.
Because Enzo doesn't share.
And once he decides Harper belongs to him, he'll destroy anyone who tries to take her away.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down, began to read and didn’t even realize how much time passed as I’ve finished it in one sitting. I was so absorbed in a world full of betrayal, danger, connection, innocence, grief, pain, emotions love and steam.

Harper is amazing. She is sweet, caring and kind, despite her family and upbringing.

And Enzo is amazing. He is loyal and stands to her and for their love, despite every hurdle. He fights for them against the whole world if he has to.

Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire and Cleaner Trope with a Mafia Twist

Harper’s innocent and hardworking. She is taken advantage by those who are supposed to keep her safe.

Enzo is a Mafia boss with a grumpy disposition and tough exterior. When he gets injured one night, Harper is the only one who can take care of him. This sudden close proximity creates an environment where they get closer and romance builds.

Overall, this was a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper has been cleaning for Enzo Castelli and never sees him until today. He is injured and she patches him up and calls the doctor. Enzo trusts no one after the betrayal of his wife that resulted in the loss of his children and parents. The more Enzo learns about Harper the madder he gets at he low life father. Now that he has acknowledged her, things heat up between the pair. Can he trust Harper? She might be the only one he can.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilly Romine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim after seeing it recommended somewhere, and honestly, it ended up being exactly what I needed.

I've been fighting a bit of a reading slump lately and was looking for something shorter that I could fly through without having to fully commit to a huge world or complicated plot. This was the perfect palate cleanser.

Overall, this was a quick, entertaining read that pulled me out of my slump. If you're looking for a fast romance with a premise that immediately grabs your attention, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unexpected
This one sit read felt so good. Really. Father dearest... who needs enemies.
The girl from the otherside of the tracks so to speak. Her innocence is with an edge. He definitely the right arm of the "family" neither has a simple life. Her family are pigs. The Villa family has rules.
So what happens when your family expects things from you? How far are you willing to go? Against your Father.... Against you boss?
A bunch of feels. Some heat. Great characters and good story

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chemistry and Devotion

I loved this mafia read from Ms Crescent. It had everything you could expect from one of her reads, drama, danger, betrayal, passion and love.

He was older than her, but the chemistry was off the charts and once he claimed her, he would never let her go.

A super-HOT read with a swoon-worthy HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper is the cleaner for Enzio the ruthless mafia boss, she was sold to him by her father. Enzo has not bothered with Harper at all and that suits her just fine. That is until the night he comes home injured and she tends to his wounds. Enzo decides she is his and he won't let anyone tell him differently even his boss.
This is an age gap romance with chemistry that is really hot. Another great Sam Cresecent read.

[Dawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo & Harper

Oh Sam, I loved this! It was the perfect combination of sweet, angst and dark. I hate what happened to Enzo’s family. That broke me. I was bawling 😭! I’m glad Harper gave him the time he needed to be able to open up to her about them. I don’t like what Marcus did to Harper though. That was just cruel. But I love that when Enzo saw her, he immediately jumped to her defense! Absolutely no hesitation! Another great book Sam!

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. I was curious about how our main characters would find their happily ever after given all the challenges they faced, but the MMC turned out to be a strong and capable man who could make things happen. The ending was truly satisfying and brought a joyful conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book until something I wasn't prepared for happened. I love dark romance, but never have I read one that had children being drowned by their mother. After that, I just wanted to get it over with. That left me with the ick.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!!
Loved reading Grumpy Mafia Boss and The Cleaner, this book was so good I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. The chemistry between Harper and Enzo was super HOT and loved the ending!!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper hadnt had an easy life but being a cleaner for mafia boss Enzo was at least a break from her controlling father. Enzos drawn to Harper, he doesnt trust easily but for her he will burn the world around them to keep her safe. Well written fast paced, steamy, age gap romance

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick mafia romance that is so much more. Enzo is so sweet considering his role in the mafia and Harper is so innocent but is soooo good for him. Violence on page but lots of heat!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one. The way Harper and Enzo connected was great. There was some violence, so consider that your warning. And the spanking as her punishment was got. There’s clearly an age gap. No issue there for me. But I really loved the action, danger, and chaos. And of course the spice was nice.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately for some reason it rubbed me the wrong way that there were 20 years apart. That she was biologically 20 but had no experience in life in general and he was a 40 year old capo. That’s all.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the chemistry and intensity in this read. Sam always brings it to the table and leaves you anxiously waiting for the next read. I loved every moment of this story. You won't be disappointed!!