Valentino - The Ruthless Italian

by T.L. Swan

I find myself caught in between two powerful men.
The man I always wanted, the other from my past.

Valentino Leone and Carlo Bernetti.
Both dark, dangerous, and morally grey.

The kind of men that don’t share.

But there’s a problem with this story, and it beats inside my chest.
My heart remembers what I want to forget.

Two men, one prize.

This is not a triangle, no why choose.
This is a love so fierce it starts a war.

It’s a battle to the death where the winner takes all.
All of me.

570 pages, ebook

First published October 4, 2026

About the author

T L Swan is a #1 Amazon best-selling author and a professional daydream believer. Based on the scenic South Coast of NSW with her husband and three kids, she's seen her books take the romance world by storm with multiple #1 best sellers and translated editions of her books in over 20 languages.

Best known for "The Miles High Club" series, all of her books exist in an inter-connected universe that exudes luxury and desire. Her mission is crafting steamy, tender, and unforgettable romantic stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.

Reviews

[Luthfira Khantsa]

val and anna, you both give me a fucking headache

[Je Mogs]

Full of angst and wtf moments.

There is a lot of time jumps and I was confused by them a few times. I do think some of the jumps were unnecessary.

Normally books with lack of communication angst annoys me but I enjoyed it with this one. I kinda understood both their reasoning. I totally bought into their love for each other and was rooting for them both. Although I did want to bitch slap Val a few times.

What did confuse me was why he suddenly decided out of nowhere that he forgave her and believed she didnt betray him even though the last time they talked he hated her and was vile to her... I genuinely thought id missed a chapter and went back to check.

Dont get me started on the ending.. genuinely had me worried for a minute and thought id been played.... phew

Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

[Yasmin Lara]

How is this the same author that wrote the Miles High Club series??? I used to love this author. The MHC books were witty, romantic and funny. Even the Stanton series was good but these Italian books are just trash. Some authors just aren’t made for Mafia books.

[Angela M]

This was so bad. The plot was flimsy. The FMC was cringe. She gave females a bad name. There wasn't nearly enough depth or infatuation from either side.

[Geenuh]

Angst + romance + angst + angst…. Wow! This book is totally unputdownable. TL Swan does it again. I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed, but to have the thrill of this love story in my hands, I was really sorry to see the book end once I finished it. Our MMC and FMC in this book’s story is original in the twist and turns their story shapes into. Of course, there is an HEA, but the read it Anna and Val have to take to get there is one of love, laughter, spice and turmoil. So much heartache that the emotional roller coaster makes for one hell of a ride. TOTAL. RECOMMEND. I want more!!

[divyareads]

My thoughts are just as SCATTERED as this book’s storyline. I was both frustrated and entertained by Val and Anna but still having a hard time putting it down.
The saving grace was tl swan’s writing. She has a knack for pulling you into her characters very early on and that kept me invested even when the plot was all over the place.

This wasn’t life altering but it was entertaining and i had fun reading this.

[Get Smutty With It]

I never raged read before - but I’m determined to finish this book.
I like TL Swan too much to stop.

[Flippenpageswithlisa .]

@tlswanauthor is one of my favorite author's, so while I knew this book would leaving me reeling, I was not ready for just how much.

Since fererra I've been gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for Valentino, and this was worth every damn minute, a mafia book that doesn't play by the usual rules, but neither does @tlswanauthor she makes every damn MMC so good, toxic love in the best damn way.

From the beginning Valentino is in love with Anna, he falls hard and fast, and as the years pass and you see their journey it goes from a she's always been mine to touch her and die. He is absofriggenloutley feral for her.

They are toxic, they are messy, they have just about everyone against them but damn these two have a passion and chemistry that burns off the pages, its so visceral and the spice ohhhhh the spice amd mouth on that man will have your panties going poof...

I loved that while Valentino was trying to keep everything under control, our gorgeous anna just made her own rules up along the way.

Banter as usual in all Tee's books will have you laughing and routing for them all.

[Andrea L]

It was like Christmas morning waking up to the release of Valentino. I’ve been waiting years for their story and it did not disappoint. Anna and Valentino had a long journey to finally be together and at times it was frustrating watching them walk away from each other again and again. They have a soul mate energy to their story that not every author can make happen but TL Swan truly nailed this one. If you are a fan of this author then Valentino is a must read. The other two books in this series should be read before reading Valentino in order to really understand it. Tristan Miles will always be my number one mmc but Valentino is a close second favorite mmc. He adored Anna from the moment he met her. He never felt worthy of her and life got in the way of them being together. I loved watching them grow through the years. TL Swan’s books are the type of books I always go back and read again and again and Valentino will be added to that list.

[Hanan]

Valentino and Anna’s journey to their HEA is a road paved with pain, angst and heartbreak.
Nothing came easy for them. Obstacles, struggles and personal baggage at the forefront of their relationship.
Even while reading all the issues they were faced I always felt their deep feelings for each other.
That connection that was formed in that library many years ago never truly faded.
And the chemistry between them just kept getting more and more intense.
Their passion and lust sizzles and explosives and comes to life off the pages.
I adored Anna. Her inner strength and determination made her the perfect match for Val.
Valentino is stubborn and secretive but always protecting Anna. So he’s meet his match in her.
The banter between these two was witty and entertaining. Lots of lol moments.
All intertwined with suspense, drama and the dangers of mafia life.

[lashawn Newman]

The story so many of us have been waiting for is finally here and it does not disappoint. The ability that Tee has to make us both love and hate a MMC is astonishing. She can also give us an FMC that you just want to scream at through the pages. Valentino's story is everything I had hoped for and so much more. Valentino is a truly a Ruthless Italian but is also loyal to his core. His loyalty will be tested. This book is utter perfection. I don't want to give much away as this book is best if you go in blind, the surprises and suspense are all there. I honestly cannot even put into words how much I enjoyed this story. I so wanted to stretch this one out but read in less than 24 hours. Couldn't put it down.

[Emmanuelle Dominique]

I dont know how to feel about this book honestly. Like every Tl swan book i devoured it, but the plot and the back and forth was not for me. They got back together like five times they could not make up their minds, and there communication was severely lacking. And the way Carlo died? She could have just put a bullet through his head and be done with it, she did not have to remove their clothes and kiss him. The only thing I liked was that Enrico was more present in this book. But regardless im in too deep in this series can't wait for the final book !

[Amy Costa]

TL Swan sure knows how to write Bad men... Soooo Gooood... Valentino checks all the boxes😍 obviously we also have our FMC Anna who is also a badass... with No spoilers, like Tee said.. Go in Blind! Its beautiful, thrilling, and as Tee does.. a rollercoaster of emotions! Valentino and Anna are fire! This Italian series is just magnifico e spettacolare.... I hope we get more of them all soon! 😍🥰
5+ 🌟

[Lungu Gabriela]

This book is just perfect!
Tee made us wait 5 years for this book but it was so worth it.
I laughed, I was mad, I cried and in the end reading the last sentance, I had happy tears for this beautiful couple. Anna and Valentino you deserved this happy ending.
Thank you Tee for yet another amazing book.

[REBECCA]

We’ve waited so long for Valentino and boy was it worth the wait.
Wow. What a rollercoaster of a book.
Hearts breaking throughout. Families are not always made by blood. Unforgivable betrayals. Loyalty tested to its limits. Ultimately love is found but heartbreak remains in the background.
Valentino & Anna’s story is both tragic, dangerous and fiercely passionate at the same time.

[Hanh T]

Valentino baby you were worth the wait !!!! This book had me on the edge of my seat and stressed AF at one point . Ugh I’m sad I finished but it’s a story that’s gonna be in my heart and soon on my shelf forever .

[BookGirl]

Wrench. My favourite Tee word😂. Anyways…Anna stressed me the hell out, but then she surprised me and all was well. I love the Ferrara world and this is another hit for me. When you’re sad a book reached the end, then you know…

[Alannah]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely loved this one! 🔥 The chemistry, drama and tension had me hooked from start to finish. Valentino and Carlo were both impossible not to love, and the twists kept me wanting more.
Such a good read! ❤️‍🔥

[Lou_lovesreading]

Soooooo worth the wait!
Get ready for Valentino and Anna.
You will not be prepared and when you think they will zig they zag!
Absolutely loved it!
That’s all you get as I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone but I recommend getting your hands on a copy ASAP!

[Livy dow]

Okay technically haven’t finished this one. As I was just getting a bit confused as it was jumping around a bit much for me. I honestly might come back to it and give it another chance but for now I will be putting this one down.

[Elissa Newcomer]

I think I held my breath for the last half of this book! Wow! Just wow

[Jennifer Collick]

4.5⭐️

[Ismat Jahan]

My biggest pet peeves are dumb fmc and mmc being a player even after meeting the fmc. Could’ve been a lot better.

[Steph Reedy]

4⭐️4🌶

[Tina Howell]

This book was so worth the wait. I loved it so much! I definitely recommend!! A must read!

[Fina]

Valentino & Anna

These two people seem don’t have really story to get going

[BCBlondie]

I could not put it down! If you enjoyed the first two books The Italian and Ferrara you are going to love this one too! Happy reading. Thanks TL Swan for another hot adventure!

[Ren]

I was really excited for this book, it's one of T. L. Swan's books that I'm mostly anticipating but unfortunately it just didn't live up. The structure of the narrative is just all over the place.

[Lee]

Gave up 25% in. They were both annoying the absolute sh*t out of me. Terrible plot. Choppy writing. I’m not sure what happened here.