What do you think?
Serafina
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2026
About the author
Lise Gold
57 books779 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 21, 2026
This is an ambitious book, and it delivers. Though I see it listed as erotica, personally, I think that is misleading. I'd call it romantic suspense with some heat. Erotic implies the s3x drives the story, but this is about so much more and is richer, deeper than outright smut.
In fact, considering this is penned by both Lise Gold and her pseudonym Madeleine Taylor (known for her spicy work), I expected a lot more heat.
The reason I'm giving this 4 instead of 5 stars is the ending made me go, "Wait? What? No, no, no. This is supposed to be sweet but is a bad idea on so many levels."
On that cryptic note, I'll leave you to decide for yourself. The ending is still sweet...just. Sorry, no spoilers.
In fact, considering this is penned by both Lise Gold and her pseudonym Madeleine Taylor (known for her spicy work), I expected a lot more heat.
The reason I'm giving this 4 instead of 5 stars is the ending made me go, "Wait? What? No, no, no. This is supposed to be sweet but is a bad idea on so many levels."
On that cryptic note, I'll leave you to decide for yourself. The ending is still sweet...just. Sorry, no spoilers.
September 5, 2026
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I am crying happy tears at the ending.
What a wonderful book. As a reader of many sapphic books and an old lesbian who missed her happy ending, I can truly say that this book captures the deep love two women share when they both fight for each other. The story is gripping, with frightening turns and a building sense that Serafina won’t escape her Italian mafia family. But Reba’s strength and steadfast love for her keeps giving hope that they will survive and find a life together after Sera’s testimony against her family is over. This is a book I could not put down, and I am so glad I didn’t.
What a wonderful book. As a reader of many sapphic books and an old lesbian who missed her happy ending, I can truly say that this book captures the deep love two women share when they both fight for each other. The story is gripping, with frightening turns and a building sense that Serafina won’t escape her Italian mafia family. But Reba’s strength and steadfast love for her keeps giving hope that they will survive and find a life together after Sera’s testimony against her family is over. This is a book I could not put down, and I am so glad I didn’t.
September 20, 2026
4 - 4,5 ⭐️
September 17, 2026
Okay 😮💨 gah, you know when you read a book and the the last handful of pages are creeping up and all you can think is “No, no, noooo..it can’t end like this 😭.” Gold/Taylor really pulled on the heart strings with that one and it was perfect.
If you love Italian women (and I certainly do, ‘cause I married one), highly competent woman, a mafia adjacent storyline and bubbling chemistry…well this might be the read for you.
Gaaahh, the push/pull between these two in the beginning was absolutely delicious. The way it went from simmering to sizzling to downright HOT to deep care to devotion was so satisfying. I loved Serafina’s bravery and absolutely adored the way Reba cared for Serafina. 🐚
And can I just say, I LOVE the way that Gold/Taylor infuses kink into her all her romances. It’s my perfect blend of romance, devotion and spice. I can’t quite put my finger on it but any story I’ve read of Gold/Taylor’s I walk away with a warm, radiant feeling.
A wonderful read ☺️
If you love Italian women (and I certainly do, ‘cause I married one), highly competent woman, a mafia adjacent storyline and bubbling chemistry…well this might be the read for you.
Gaaahh, the push/pull between these two in the beginning was absolutely delicious. The way it went from simmering to sizzling to downright HOT to deep care to devotion was so satisfying. I loved Serafina’s bravery and absolutely adored the way Reba cared for Serafina. 🐚
And can I just say, I LOVE the way that Gold/Taylor infuses kink into her all her romances. It’s my perfect blend of romance, devotion and spice. I can’t quite put my finger on it but any story I’ve read of Gold/Taylor’s I walk away with a warm, radiant feeling.
A wonderful read ☺️
September 6, 2026
A Slow Burn Worth the Wait
So, in full transparency, I am not a fan of the slow burn traditionally, and in my defense I will say it’s because some books advertise themselves as being a slow burn, which sometimes just turns out to be a fizzle, no offense. I’ve read quite a few Lise Gold books at this point, but was unfamiliar with Ms. Taylor. All I can say is, they did their big one with this book. It’s mysterious, and sensual, and heartbreaking, and triumph. Once you get to know the characters, you’re rooting for them and you’re never quite sure that they’re going to get that happy ending, but you damn sure want them to. At first, I honestly didn’t know how they were going to make the plot work when much of it was going to take place in a singular space because that’s heavy on character development, but dammit if it didn’t work and then some. I love this book; truly, I also have to say this is one of the WLW books where I genuinely enjoyed the male characters and the whole dynamic around platonic and respectful relationships between men and women. I just love the way they went about this love story; this unfathomable love that fights to survive against all odds. And let me tell you they did not skimp on the spice to do it. Humph, is all I can say.
So, in full transparency, I am not a fan of the slow burn traditionally, and in my defense I will say it’s because some books advertise themselves as being a slow burn, which sometimes just turns out to be a fizzle, no offense. I’ve read quite a few Lise Gold books at this point, but was unfamiliar with Ms. Taylor. All I can say is, they did their big one with this book. It’s mysterious, and sensual, and heartbreaking, and triumph. Once you get to know the characters, you’re rooting for them and you’re never quite sure that they’re going to get that happy ending, but you damn sure want them to. At first, I honestly didn’t know how they were going to make the plot work when much of it was going to take place in a singular space because that’s heavy on character development, but dammit if it didn’t work and then some. I love this book; truly, I also have to say this is one of the WLW books where I genuinely enjoyed the male characters and the whole dynamic around platonic and respectful relationships between men and women. I just love the way they went about this love story; this unfathomable love that fights to survive against all odds. And let me tell you they did not skimp on the spice to do it. Humph, is all I can say.
September 25, 2026
(rounded down from 3.25)
This was fun and light, which was a bit unexpected for a Mafia romance. Despite the premise, not much exciting happens, so the whole thing felt a bit tame to me (which you may enjoy, I found it a bit slow to engage me).
This was fun and light, which was a bit unexpected for a Mafia romance. Despite the premise, not much exciting happens, so the whole thing felt a bit tame to me (which you may enjoy, I found it a bit slow to engage me).
September 12, 2026
Lise Gold never disappoints!
Serafina is a sapphic romance gem set against the ridiculously gorgeous backdrop of Monaco, complete with danger, forced proximity, a bodyguard-ish trope, and two women with enough chemistry to set the Mediterranean on fire.
Sera is a witness in protective custody. Her life has essentially been put on hold while she waits for the trial that could finally set her free.
But being protected also means being isolated.
Her days are long. Her nights are lonely. She’s locked away for her own safety while the rest of the world keeps moving without her.
Cue Reba.
Technically, Reba is Sera’s personal concierge, not her bodyguard, but when part of your job involves keeping someone safe, the line gets a little blurry.
Reba quickly becomes Sera’s friend, her connection to the outside world, and the person who makes her isolation a little less lonely.
Except…
The chemistry between Sera and Reba is palpable from the beginning. Add threats to Sera’s safety, close proximity, and an increasing inability to pretend they aren’t wildly attracted to each other, and that tension starts to build.
And build.
And BUILD. 🔥
But there’s always an expiration date hanging over them.
The trial.
As it approaches, reality comes crashing back, and their whirlwind romance hits the smooth rocks of a Mediterranean beach.
Because what happens when the circumstances that brought two people together are about to disappear?
Do you run away together?
Do you walk away before it hurts even more?
Or do you take the chance that somehow, somewhere, you’ll find your way back to each other?
Sera and Reba had me rooting for them from the beginning. There’s danger, tenderness, passion, gorgeous scenery, and that delicious we really shouldn’t be doing this tension I apparently cannot resist.
Will they run away together before the trial?
Will they find each other again?
I’m not telling. 😉
You’ll have to read Serafina to find out. 🇲🇨🌊❤️🔥📚
Serafina is a sapphic romance gem set against the ridiculously gorgeous backdrop of Monaco, complete with danger, forced proximity, a bodyguard-ish trope, and two women with enough chemistry to set the Mediterranean on fire.
Sera is a witness in protective custody. Her life has essentially been put on hold while she waits for the trial that could finally set her free.
But being protected also means being isolated.
Her days are long. Her nights are lonely. She’s locked away for her own safety while the rest of the world keeps moving without her.
Cue Reba.
Technically, Reba is Sera’s personal concierge, not her bodyguard, but when part of your job involves keeping someone safe, the line gets a little blurry.
Reba quickly becomes Sera’s friend, her connection to the outside world, and the person who makes her isolation a little less lonely.
Except…
The chemistry between Sera and Reba is palpable from the beginning. Add threats to Sera’s safety, close proximity, and an increasing inability to pretend they aren’t wildly attracted to each other, and that tension starts to build.
And build.
And BUILD. 🔥
But there’s always an expiration date hanging over them.
The trial.
As it approaches, reality comes crashing back, and their whirlwind romance hits the smooth rocks of a Mediterranean beach.
Because what happens when the circumstances that brought two people together are about to disappear?
Do you run away together?
Do you walk away before it hurts even more?
Or do you take the chance that somehow, somewhere, you’ll find your way back to each other?
Sera and Reba had me rooting for them from the beginning. There’s danger, tenderness, passion, gorgeous scenery, and that delicious we really shouldn’t be doing this tension I apparently cannot resist.
Will they run away together before the trial?
Will they find each other again?
I’m not telling. 😉
You’ll have to read Serafina to find out. 🇲🇨🌊❤️🔥📚
September 12, 2026
A book I totally recommend to anybody that enjoys realistic mafia books with a refreshing lesbian romance!
I loved this book so much. The plot of Serafina being in hiding awaiting trial to testify against her father, brothers, and many other men for their crimes was very interesting; the snippets of what her life was like in Italy and living in a house where she knew what was taking place but never had any concrete evidence was also so good.
It took a bit for me to get into the book at first, the beginning of her being stuck in a hotel room with no access to the outside world and unable to open the curtains at times was a little bit monotonous, but it also made it much more exciting when Reba was introduced and their connection began developing. I think my only grief with this story and why I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because there wasn’t much detail on the trial itself which I would have loved to read, the story was building up to the trial and was an emotional process, and in the end there wasn’t nothing on the trial apart from her being sworn in which was disappointing.
I loved that they reunited in the end, at first their connection was based around their desire for each other, and in the end I could have cared less for any of the intimate scenes because I was more interested in their relationship and love for each other, so I was very happy to see they ended up together.
I loved this book so much. The plot of Serafina being in hiding awaiting trial to testify against her father, brothers, and many other men for their crimes was very interesting; the snippets of what her life was like in Italy and living in a house where she knew what was taking place but never had any concrete evidence was also so good.
It took a bit for me to get into the book at first, the beginning of her being stuck in a hotel room with no access to the outside world and unable to open the curtains at times was a little bit monotonous, but it also made it much more exciting when Reba was introduced and their connection began developing. I think my only grief with this story and why I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because there wasn’t much detail on the trial itself which I would have loved to read, the story was building up to the trial and was an emotional process, and in the end there wasn’t nothing on the trial apart from her being sworn in which was disappointing.
I loved that they reunited in the end, at first their connection was based around their desire for each other, and in the end I could have cared less for any of the intimate scenes because I was more interested in their relationship and love for each other, so I was very happy to see they ended up together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2026
At this point Lise Gold is just an automatic 5 star read for me, and Serafina absolutely did not disappoint.
Honestly, Serafina and Reba may be one of my favorite book couples. I LOVED them together. Their chemistry, the tension, the way their relationship builds… all of it. Give me a woman hiding from her powerful criminal family and an ex-Army night concierge who absolutely should not be getting involved with her, and apparently I’m sold. And the spice as always spot on!!!
It’s a slow burn, but once we get there, it is absolutely worth the wait. The tension between these two made it even better. I also loved watching Serafina start figuring out what she actually wants. There’s danger and suspense throughout, but the relationship between Serafina and Reba was what completely sucked me in.
Another easy 5 stars. Lise Gold continues to be an automatic read for me, and Serafina and Reba have officially taken up residence in my brain.
Thank you so much!
5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Honestly, Serafina and Reba may be one of my favorite book couples. I LOVED them together. Their chemistry, the tension, the way their relationship builds… all of it. Give me a woman hiding from her powerful criminal family and an ex-Army night concierge who absolutely should not be getting involved with her, and apparently I’m sold. And the spice as always spot on!!!
It’s a slow burn, but once we get there, it is absolutely worth the wait. The tension between these two made it even better. I also loved watching Serafina start figuring out what she actually wants. There’s danger and suspense throughout, but the relationship between Serafina and Reba was what completely sucked me in.
Another easy 5 stars. Lise Gold continues to be an automatic read for me, and Serafina and Reba have officially taken up residence in my brain.
Thank you so much!
5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 11, 2026
This may be my favorite book by Lise Gold. Reading this was an emotional experience. I cried happy tears for the love Sera and Reba shared. Just absolutely beautiful.
Sera was to be a witness in the prosecution of her mafia father, four brothers and others. She was placed in a safe, controlled location, isolated to a hotel room. Reba was the night concierge who brought up her dinner, etc. Yes, they fell in love and their love story was incredible.
I remember reading a post on social media where the author told of how hard she worked and the research she had to do to write this. She expressed being nervous over the release of this book, but this reader recognizes and completely appreciates that research because, wow, the results show what a winner this book is.
Sera was to be a witness in the prosecution of her mafia father, four brothers and others. She was placed in a safe, controlled location, isolated to a hotel room. Reba was the night concierge who brought up her dinner, etc. Yes, they fell in love and their love story was incredible.
I remember reading a post on social media where the author told of how hard she worked and the research she had to do to write this. She expressed being nervous over the release of this book, but this reader recognizes and completely appreciates that research because, wow, the results show what a winner this book is.
September 16, 2026
*4.5🌟
☘ “What I wish for is this again, somewhere else, in a new life. Just her hand in mine, a sky over us and nothing that's going to take her away in the morning. Somewhere with no walls around it. A place we could walk out of. I want years of it, a lifetime.”
so heartwrenchingly beautiful!!!! i was a bit skeptical about this because i thought this was a mystery and it would override the romance but im so glad i was wrong. we also got a found family aspect of it with cassius & stan (i chose to believe all of them can reunite someday) but really, at its core, this is a love story between sera & reba. the romance between them was everything to me. i can feel the love they held for each other pouring through the pages. just brilliant, i love love loveee this so much
☘ “What I wish for is this again, somewhere else, in a new life. Just her hand in mine, a sky over us and nothing that's going to take her away in the morning. Somewhere with no walls around it. A place we could walk out of. I want years of it, a lifetime.”
so heartwrenchingly beautiful!!!! i was a bit skeptical about this because i thought this was a mystery and it would override the romance but im so glad i was wrong. we also got a found family aspect of it with cassius & stan (i chose to believe all of them can reunite someday) but really, at its core, this is a love story between sera & reba. the romance between them was everything to me. i can feel the love they held for each other pouring through the pages. just brilliant, i love love loveee this so much
September 20, 2026
Excellent
This book maybe a slow burn but not really. MS Gold and MS Taylor did a wonderful job with this story that you believed it's real. The MC are well done you can picture them in your head as they developed into two women that are trying to live with guards around them 24/7. Sera is in protection to testify against her family. Reba is an ex military but now a night concierge that knows confidentiality is important. You want to keep reading to see what happens. A very well defined story you can't put done.
This book maybe a slow burn but not really. MS Gold and MS Taylor did a wonderful job with this story that you believed it's real. The MC are well done you can picture them in your head as they developed into two women that are trying to live with guards around them 24/7. Sera is in protection to testify against her family. Reba is an ex military but now a night concierge that knows confidentiality is important. You want to keep reading to see what happens. A very well defined story you can't put done.
September 10, 2026
I really loved this book. It’s a beautiful story filled with passion and love, with an intriguing storyline in the background surrounding Serafina’s life that added an extra layer to the whole book.
As so often with Lise Gold/Madeleine Taylor, this one gets another well-deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. She really knows how to deliver the perfect combination of romance, passion, and an engaging story.
As so often with Lise Gold/Madeleine Taylor, this one gets another well-deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. She really knows how to deliver the perfect combination of romance, passion, and an engaging story.
September 14, 2026
If I open a book and find that it uses dual perspectives, I will not read it. As English is not my native language, dual perspectives make it hard for me to tell who is speaking. Yet I have read two books by this author, and both use dual perspectives. This book is truly wonderful. I wish their story would never end.
September 15, 2026
Inattendu / unexpected
Un travail pour répondre à des demandes particulières. Un sujet grave. Une rencontre improbable.
Intense, drôle, touchant et sensuel. Très bon livre.
A job answering specific tasks. A serious matter. An unexpected encounter.
Sharp, deep, funny and sensual...
Excellent book.
Un travail pour répondre à des demandes particulières. Un sujet grave. Une rencontre improbable.
Intense, drôle, touchant et sensuel. Très bon livre.
A job answering specific tasks. A serious matter. An unexpected encounter.
Sharp, deep, funny and sensual...
Excellent book.
September 11, 2026
The codfather, corny but funny. A very good story that Lise could've drawn out over a few books but I'm glad she put it into one because I couldn't wait to see what happened at the end. That is all I will tell you about Sera and Reba.
September 12, 2026
Fantastic story!
What a cute love story. I loved the characters and the storyline. Support the author’s books and make sure you leave your reviews.
Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
What a cute love story. I loved the characters and the storyline. Support the author’s books and make sure you leave your reviews.
Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
September 13, 2026
A Fantastic Story
This was such a great read. It was well-written and I was hooked from the first page. I got so attached to these characters. This is definitely something I will read again.
This was such a great read. It was well-written and I was hooked from the first page. I got so attached to these characters. This is definitely something I will read again.
September 9, 2026
Made me cry, the ending ❤️🥹
September 10, 2026
Another fabulous read
This author never disappoints, and this is yet another book I could not put down book after starting. Well done 👏🏻
This author never disappoints, and this is yet another book I could not put down book after starting. Well done 👏🏻
September 11, 2026
loved this
Exquisite read! I love Lise Gold books and this is one of my new favorites. The storyline pulls you in immediately and I stayed up way too late reading.
Exquisite read! I love Lise Gold books and this is one of my new favorites. The storyline pulls you in immediately and I stayed up way too late reading.
September 14, 2026
It was fast paced, fun to read and get immerse into the story easily. I like how it was simple but somehow interesting.
September 28, 2026
Intense plot-line.
Well written . Tight plot. Really felt the intensity . Great characters to get involved with . Loved the parts about cooking in the safe house .
Well written . Tight plot. Really felt the intensity . Great characters to get involved with . Loved the parts about cooking in the safe house .
September 9, 2026
It started like a classic Lise Gold novel. A nice setting (French Riviera), and a rich client-employee relationship. The mafia story brought an original (for this author) action element, but without making Reba an unbelievable superhero.
What made me pay attention was the first sex scene; it was meaningful and made the MCs likable. Their chemistry was great, but it went beyond that, and a true love story took shape.
The second setting, in the abandoned farm, was refreshing and highlighted the MCs' resourcefulness. And Lise Gold avoided the trap of having a second action sequence that would have felt like too much. However, the second sex scene seemed out of place; I don't think they needed the spice of dom roleplay at this point, given where they were mentally and in their relationship. And there was no other sex scene afterward; I think it was meant to be a hot Madeleine Taylor book, but the relationship became so good that the erotica was forgotten.
The separation was expected, emotional, and handled well.
This story went beyond the normally entertaining Lise Gold book and became a deeper love story.
I loved it.
What made me pay attention was the first sex scene; it was meaningful and made the MCs likable. Their chemistry was great, but it went beyond that, and a true love story took shape.
The second setting, in the abandoned farm, was refreshing and highlighted the MCs' resourcefulness. And Lise Gold avoided the trap of having a second action sequence that would have felt like too much. However, the second sex scene seemed out of place; I don't think they needed the spice of dom roleplay at this point, given where they were mentally and in their relationship. And there was no other sex scene afterward; I think it was meant to be a hot Madeleine Taylor book, but the relationship became so good that the erotica was forgotten.
The separation was expected, emotional, and handled well.
This story went beyond the normally entertaining Lise Gold book and became a deeper love story.
I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews