What do you think?
Rate this book
His To Keep
Nina
He bought me at an auction.
I should hate him for it.
Instead, I can’t stop wanting the dangerously possessive man who watches me like I already belong to him.
Matteo Vittorio is everything I should fear. He is powerful, ruthless, and capable of terrifying violence with a single quiet command. In his world, people disappear, blood stains marble floors, and loyalty matters more than mercy. But behind closed doors, the man everyone fears treats me like something precious.
That should make me run.
Except every time he touches me, every time he calls me piccola vipera in that rough Italian accent, I forget I was ever trying to survive him in the first place.
The problem?
Men like Matteo don’t let go once they decide something is theirs.
And somewhere between fear, obsession, and the way he looks at me like I’m the only soft thing left in his world…
I think I stopped wanting him to.
Matteo
I bought her because I couldn’t walk away.
One look at Nina and every instinct I possess turned violent. Protective. Possessive. She was never supposed to matter. Never supposed to become the one weakness capable of bringing me to my knees.
But she did.
Now she’s everywhere in my house, my thoughts, my blood and losing her feels more terrifying than dying ever did.
I’ve built an empire through blood and fear. Men lower their eyes when I speak. Rivals pray they never end up on my bad side. I know exactly how to destroy threats before they ever reach my door.
What I don’t know?
How to survive loving a woman enough to let her break me.
Because Nina doesn’t belong in my world. She deserves peace, safety, freedom.
And I’m the man willing to burn cities to the ground to give it to her.
He bought me at an auction.
I should hate him for it.
Instead, I can’t stop wanting the dangerously possessive man who watches me like I already belong to him.
Matteo Vittorio is everything I should fear. He is powerful, ruthless, and capable of terrifying violence with a single quiet command. In his world, people disappear, blood stains marble floors, and loyalty matters more than mercy. But behind closed doors, the man everyone fears treats me like something precious.
That should make me run.
Except every time he touches me, every time he calls me piccola vipera in that rough Italian accent, I forget I was ever trying to survive him in the first place.
The problem?
Men like Matteo don’t let go once they decide something is theirs.
And somewhere between fear, obsession, and the way he looks at me like I’m the only soft thing left in his world…
I think I stopped wanting him to.
Matteo
I bought her because I couldn’t walk away.
One look at Nina and every instinct I possess turned violent. Protective. Possessive. She was never supposed to matter. Never supposed to become the one weakness capable of bringing me to my knees.
But she did.
Now she’s everywhere in my house, my thoughts, my blood and losing her feels more terrifying than dying ever did.
I’ve built an empire through blood and fear. Men lower their eyes when I speak. Rivals pray they never end up on my bad side. I know exactly how to destroy threats before they ever reach my door.
What I don’t know?
How to survive loving a woman enough to let her break me.
Because Nina doesn’t belong in my world. She deserves peace, safety, freedom.
And I’m the man willing to burn cities to the ground to give it to her.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
About the author
Alexis Noelle
102 books817 followersAlexis Noelle lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, and kids. She loves spending time with her kids, although she has to hide the computer from them when she is writing! She love being active and being outdoors, especially if it involves any kind of shopping.
She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Alexis believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.
She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.
She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Alexis believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.
She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 25, 2026
I haven't read many of Alexis's books but this book actually gripped me from the first page, and I'll certainly be reading more. Nina stands waiting to be sold in an underground auction. Yet she still keeps as much of her dignity and strength as possible. She won't act intimidated or weak. Not when whoever buys her, she has no idea what will happen to her. Matteo has lived most of his life by his father's rule. But now he's in charge, and now he will end alot of the despicable things his father encouraged. Ending the underground trafficking and auctions is high on his agenda. Helping one of the Deathstalkers MC find and take back his girl. Except seeing all these women and the names of men who just want to own and destroy them. Then she's there stood defiantly not looking weak. Straightaway he knows he'll do anything to protect her, no matter the cost. Except he knows that's all she'll focus on how much he's paid. This is the start of a story that just keeps you reading page after page. The chemistry between the characters is unmistakable. But can Nina ever trust him. He's just trying to make her feel safe. The separate room. The unlocked door. The clothes, books. Everything is to give a false sense of security. Matteo tries so hard not to be anything like his father. Except he bought her. Now how does he prove all he wants is her. Freedom comes at a cost, hus heart. Sometimes if you love someone you have to set them free. Can he be that selfless. Will he let her go after promising to protect her and always be there. The way he says MINE and calls her his Piccola Vipera can she really believe he won't hurt her but will protect her. This book just keeps giving and I look forward to reading more from Alexis
July 28, 2026
ARC review:
Alexis Noelle has outdone herself with this one. From the moment Matteo and Nina step onto the page, their story completely hooks you.
Matteo is the definition of a strong, complex hero—a leader trying to carve out his own legacy and undo the dark mistakes of his father. When he buys Nina at an auction, it starts as an act of salvation, but the connection is instant: the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he has to have her. Nina’s resilience is inspiring; having spent her whole life just trying to survive, watching her open up and find her footing is so rewarding. Their journey isn't easy, and both characters have to learn the hard way what love truly is—and what it isn't.
While the tension and emotional depth between the leads are top-tier, the side characters really steal the show in between the drama. Nico and Alessandro bring such fantastic levity and humor throughout the book, balancing out the darker, higher-stakes moments perfectly.
If you love deep emotional growth, intense chemistry, and characters you can't help but root for, pick this up immediately. Hands down my favorite book from this author so far!
Alexis Noelle has outdone herself with this one. From the moment Matteo and Nina step onto the page, their story completely hooks you.
Matteo is the definition of a strong, complex hero—a leader trying to carve out his own legacy and undo the dark mistakes of his father. When he buys Nina at an auction, it starts as an act of salvation, but the connection is instant: the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he has to have her. Nina’s resilience is inspiring; having spent her whole life just trying to survive, watching her open up and find her footing is so rewarding. Their journey isn't easy, and both characters have to learn the hard way what love truly is—and what it isn't.
While the tension and emotional depth between the leads are top-tier, the side characters really steal the show in between the drama. Nico and Alessandro bring such fantastic levity and humor throughout the book, balancing out the darker, higher-stakes moments perfectly.
If you love deep emotional growth, intense chemistry, and characters you can't help but root for, pick this up immediately. Hands down my favorite book from this author so far!
August 2, 2026
5⭐️ 1.5-2🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 His to keep 📖 by Alexis Noelle ✨
🖤Morally gray MMC
🖤”Mine” energy
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Protective obsession
🖤Found family
🖤Touch her and ☠️ vibes
🖤 He falls first
Fav quotes:
“You’ll be my queen,” I tell her quietly. “Not because I bought you. Because you stand beside me willingly.”
“You’re staring at me like you want to commit crimes.”
“You look like you might punch someone because you have feelings.”
I started this after Cobra to continue the storyline after the auction with Nina. I really was not sure what Mateo’s intentions were and if I would like him. I was pleasantly surprised. Mateo was beyond patience and kind to Nina and not a normal mafia boss.
Nina was very cautious at first but quickly realized his intentions were pure. Nina is a spitfire and a tough FMC. The misunderstanding was heartbreaking and devastating. Luckily it led to a beautiful ending.The banter between all the characters but especially Nico and Alessandro make the book perfect. I can’t wait til we get their stories next.
I laughed and definitely cried. This book was a unique twist on a mafia storyline and I loved it.
August 11, 2026
I absolutely love that this book intertwines with the Deathstalkers series and picks up right where Cobra's story ended. Always a plus when you get to see some of your favorites.
Oh Matteo, I don't know what to do with him. His heart is in the right place, but boy, does he make a mess of things. Seeing his internal struggle with what he did really shows his true character. My heart broke for him, but watching him go through the motions was heartwarming.
Nina was a spitfire and ready to raise hell—I can see why Matteo was instantly drawn to her. She had me cracking up and was definitely not afraid of anything. to. Their witty banter was by far my favorite part, and Matteo's reaction to her was the best—it made me like him even more.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to think of Matteo from Carter and Cobra's books, but I was pleasantly surprised. Also, Alessandro and Nico are hilarious with their constant ragging. The four of them made quite the team, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of them in the future!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh Matteo, I don't know what to do with him. His heart is in the right place, but boy, does he make a mess of things. Seeing his internal struggle with what he did really shows his true character. My heart broke for him, but watching him go through the motions was heartwarming.
Nina was a spitfire and ready to raise hell—I can see why Matteo was instantly drawn to her. She had me cracking up and was definitely not afraid of anything. to. Their witty banter was by far my favorite part, and Matteo's reaction to her was the best—it made me like him even more.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to think of Matteo from Carter and Cobra's books, but I was pleasantly surprised. Also, Alessandro and Nico are hilarious with their constant ragging. The four of them made quite the team, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of them in the future!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Matteo and Nina. Nina is a mess and about to get auctioned off. Mateo though tries to save her. He is a young man who is trying to be a leader. A better one than his father and is determined to carve out his own legacy. However, the second that he gets Nina home, he knows that he has to have her for himself. Nina is a girl that you are going to love if you love strong heroines in books. She has spent her entire life just trying to survive. But now she has the opportunity to find herself and see who she is or who she wants to be in this life. It was a thing of beauty to get to witness Nina come into her own. That is about all that I can tell you about this book and not give something away. I loved reading this book and I do have to say that the side characters in this book are absolutely amazing. They, at times, really steal the show and I can't wait to find out more about all of them. This is a book that you do not want to miss.
This is the story of Matteo and Nina. Nina is a mess and about to get auctioned off. Mateo though tries to save her. He is a young man who is trying to be a leader. A better one than his father and is determined to carve out his own legacy. However, the second that he gets Nina home, he knows that he has to have her for himself. Nina is a girl that you are going to love if you love strong heroines in books. She has spent her entire life just trying to survive. But now she has the opportunity to find herself and see who she is or who she wants to be in this life. It was a thing of beauty to get to witness Nina come into her own. That is about all that I can tell you about this book and not give something away. I loved reading this book and I do have to say that the side characters in this book are absolutely amazing. They, at times, really steal the show and I can't wait to find out more about all of them. This is a book that you do not want to miss.
October 19, 2026
I liked the story and the characters, but unfortunately, some of the writing choices made it hard for me to fully enjoy this one.
By about 20%, I was already getting annoyed with the constant use of single-word sentences. Annoyed. Irritated. Bothered. You get the idea… That, along with how often conversations ended with a character simply saying “fair,” started to drive me a little crazy.
Both were so overused that once I noticed them, I couldn’t stop noticing them. By the end, I was struggling to stay invested, not because I didn’t care about the story or the characters, but because those two writing habits kept pulling me out of it.
It’s frustrating because I genuinely liked so much about this book, and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if those stylistic choices hadn’t been so distracting
By about 20%, I was already getting annoyed with the constant use of single-word sentences. Annoyed. Irritated. Bothered. You get the idea… That, along with how often conversations ended with a character simply saying “fair,” started to drive me a little crazy.
Both were so overused that once I noticed them, I couldn’t stop noticing them. By the end, I was struggling to stay invested, not because I didn’t care about the story or the characters, but because those two writing habits kept pulling me out of it.
It’s frustrating because I genuinely liked so much about this book, and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if those stylistic choices hadn’t been so distracting
August 2, 2026
Alexis Noelle did it again! His to Keep completely pulled me in and refused to let go. The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts from the start, and the tension just kept building until I couldn't put it down.
I loved the possessive, protective hero and all the "touch her and regret it" energy. The spice was hot without overwhelming the story, and the emotional moments gave the relationship real depth. There was just the right mix of romance, drama, and suspense to keep me flipping pages.
If you love alpha heroes, intense chemistry, plenty of steam, and a romance that keeps you invested from beginning to end, definitely add His to Keep to your TBR. Alexis Noelle never disappoints!
I loved the possessive, protective hero and all the "touch her and regret it" energy. The spice was hot without overwhelming the story, and the emotional moments gave the relationship real depth. There was just the right mix of romance, drama, and suspense to keep me flipping pages.
If you love alpha heroes, intense chemistry, plenty of steam, and a romance that keeps you invested from beginning to end, definitely add His to Keep to your TBR. Alexis Noelle never disappoints!
August 1, 2026
New series Matteo is head of the Mafia who was asked to help in an auction which he sees Nina. ...His little viper.... Who he immediately has intense feelings for . Nina is trying to survive. This story was beautiful. It took two people who were trying to survive trauma and navigate through an intense connection that connected them. There was miscommunication and misunderstanding but they find their way through. I loved how the author interconnected other characters. Loved the side characters and their banter. Amazing book
September 3, 2026
You know a book is good when you finish reading and you one, want more. And two, run to buy a physical copy. This was that book. I loved Nina and Mateo from the first page to the last. Their chemistry was off the chart. His protectiveness over her. He was alpha male through and through. Except when it came to being with Nina. He was tender and loving. These two were fire. This had me glued to my seat with the intensity it brought. I devoured this one. The twists and turns, him wanting to build more in his life. Her being exactly what he needed. This was amazing.
August 29, 2026
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. In this story after Olivia and Nina are rescued from the auction by matteo vittorio and Olivia is back with cobra . this is Nina and matteo's book and you are going to love these characters and the emotional roller coaster
September 19, 2026
Just one look!!
One look on the auction floor at Nina and Matteos whole world shifted forever. Deadly, intense, possessive, and more, Nina does not belong in his world but hes not string enough to let her go. After a while Ninas feelings for him become mixed and she doesn't want to leave! Heat, chemistry, banter, choices, danger, desire and a lifelong love!!
One look on the auction floor at Nina and Matteos whole world shifted forever. Deadly, intense, possessive, and more, Nina does not belong in his world but hes not string enough to let her go. After a while Ninas feelings for him become mixed and she doesn't want to leave! Heat, chemistry, banter, choices, danger, desire and a lifelong love!!
August 12, 2026
Holy heck! Talk about feeling all the feels with this one. Ups and downs, suspense that keep the pages turning.
This he falls first mafia romance is definitely making me want to wait around for the next one.
This he falls first mafia romance is definitely making me want to wait around for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Highly recommended
This is a slow burn with no spice but a HEA. This novel had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I would highly recommend reading this one. I can’t wait for the next one.
This is a slow burn with no spice but a HEA. This novel had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I would highly recommend reading this one. I can’t wait for the next one.
August 17, 2026
This was so well-written, and full of spicy chemistry. Can't help but love this book. Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. This is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
One Angry Woman Standing in Front of a Pile of Sweaters
This was my first time reading this author.
Matteo is head of his Mafia Family and is trying to undue his father’s sins. Nina is a woman he attempts to save. She does not take to kindly to it – at all. She is feisty and holds her own with Matteo; Nico and Alessandro his mafia “brothers”. The banter and the one liners are hysterical. The relationship that builds between Matteo and Nina is sweet. They both try to understand their feelings for each other while dealing with their personal self doubt. She is trying to figure out if she’s there because of the situation while Matteo is trying to figure out if he deserves happiness.
There is some overlap with characters from her Death Stalker MC series, which has now been added to my TBR.
With lines like:
“You look like you might punch someone because you have feelings”
“Alessandro appears from somewhere in the house like an actual demon summoned by chaos”
This was my first time reading this author.
Matteo is head of his Mafia Family and is trying to undue his father’s sins. Nina is a woman he attempts to save. She does not take to kindly to it – at all. She is feisty and holds her own with Matteo; Nico and Alessandro his mafia “brothers”. The banter and the one liners are hysterical. The relationship that builds between Matteo and Nina is sweet. They both try to understand their feelings for each other while dealing with their personal self doubt. She is trying to figure out if she’s there because of the situation while Matteo is trying to figure out if he deserves happiness.
There is some overlap with characters from her Death Stalker MC series, which has now been added to my TBR.
With lines like:
“You look like you might punch someone because you have feelings”
“Alessandro appears from somewhere in the house like an actual demon summoned by chaos”
August 6, 2026
Well I started this book late at night (always a bad decision, as it ends up with me looking like 😴)
The book starts off with a bang and hasn't stopped...
I have read a couple of books that are similar themed... Forced proximity, alpha male, morally grey.
Out of these recent books, I like how the character development is organic,
The situation between Nina and Matteo, the attraction and the connection. The 🔥 scenes feel believable, that Nina could feel the attraction and act on those feelings.
Nothing too over the top for the sake of making it dark romance. (Thank you Alexis) I'm over reading books where the spice is more or less BDSM 🌽 with a semblance of a storyline.
Things are progressing nicely in the relationship...
But then we get to chapter 23 and the situation changes...
That's all I'm going to say... I don't want to spoil it.
I have enjoyed reading Nina and Matteos story, how they negotiated the highs and lows of finding love and family.
Honorable mention for Nico and especially Alessandro, these two are so entertaining. Can't wait for their books 😁
🚨 One of my Top reads for 2026 ❣️
The book starts off with a bang and hasn't stopped...
I have read a couple of books that are similar themed... Forced proximity, alpha male, morally grey.
Out of these recent books, I like how the character development is organic,
The situation between Nina and Matteo, the attraction and the connection. The 🔥 scenes feel believable, that Nina could feel the attraction and act on those feelings.
Nothing too over the top for the sake of making it dark romance. (Thank you Alexis) I'm over reading books where the spice is more or less BDSM 🌽 with a semblance of a storyline.
Things are progressing nicely in the relationship...
But then we get to chapter 23 and the situation changes...
That's all I'm going to say... I don't want to spoil it.
I have enjoyed reading Nina and Matteos story, how they negotiated the highs and lows of finding love and family.
Honorable mention for Nico and especially Alessandro, these two are so entertaining. Can't wait for their books 😁
🚨 One of my Top reads for 2026 ❣️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews