Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Sofia
I only had to follow two rules.
Don’t talk to the cops.
Don’t leave Brooklyn.
Then I meet him.
I didn’t know who he was, but I knew he was dangerous.
Yet, I couldn’t help, but gravitate towards him.
When my past comes back to haunt me, my life starts to crumble.
Will I be able to escape the sins of my past, or will they ultimately bring me down?
Bastiano
I only had to focus on one thing.
Be the best Don the Catalini’s had ever seen.
That was, until I met her.
She changed everything.
One look and I was under her spell.
She was different, refreshing.
When things in my world begin to change, she is caught up in the chaos.
Will I be able to save her or is there more at play then I realize?

In a world full of crime and passion, will Sofia and Bastiano survive the fall out?


**Some subjects in this book may be triggering. For more information please check our website.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2018

332 people are currently reading
720 people want to read

About the author

Cala Riley

61 books763 followers
Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
355 (43%)
4 stars
238 (28%)
3 stars
153 (18%)
2 stars
51 (6%)
1 star
27 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for 100sweet.
1,602 reviews
December 25, 2018
DNF @ 24%.

So the h is in hiding from an abusive ex but upon meeting the scary H she is giving him attitude and talking back in a way that has everyone shocked. It made no sense for her to be so outspoken when she was determined to keep herself out of trouble. It was even more ridiculous that the H couldn't help but be attracted to her. This is after constantly stating that if it was anyone else that spoke to him in such a manner, they would be dead. Let me end with a mention of one scene: the h is a waitress and walks in on the H shooting a man. Her response is to complain that she does not want to clean the room from the mess he makes.
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,530 reviews322 followers
July 22, 2021
This was book 1 in the "Mafia Royalty " series and my first time reading this author. These two meet at a party at her uncles restaurant Bastiano has just became the Don of his family when they meet. Sofia had to leave her ex who abusive. She reaches out to her uncle who lives in Brooklyn for help. She has a problem following rules and she speaks her mind. I really liked both of these characters Bash is a hot sexy alpha male. Sofia is sassy and very strong and independent. This was a good read with a lot going in it. Bash will do anything to protect Sofia. When drama starts happening she proves that she can handle it. This was a good read and my first time reading this author but not my last. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,848 reviews369 followers
May 21, 2023
3 - 3.5 stars!

Bastiano Catalina (Bash) is the new King of the Catalini family and with that comes enormous responsibility and danger. Bash is a Mafia king and he is both feared and respected. Sofia is a strong and tenacious woman on the run from her abusive FBI ex-boyfriend.

Bash and Sofia clash in the best of ways and despite the fact that they both either live in a dangerous world or have danger chasing them, they're willing to explore their chemistry. However, the longer Bash is with Sofia, the more he finds her strength and "take no shit" attitude is what he has always been searching for.

“I mean it, Sofia. You’re mine. I will kill anyone who lays a hand on you. If they even blink at you wrong, I will have their eyes. I’m extremely protective of what’s mine.”


Bash wants to claim the fiery beauty but Sofia wants to claim the King right back and stand by his side as his Queen.

“I’m okay with that. You’re mine too, though Bash. That means I have no problem shanking a bitch if she comes close to you. You think you’re violent? Let a hooker step up to you. I swear to Jesus they will never find the body and I won’t even need Fox’s help.”


This story had a bit of angst, some good action and violence, steamy moments and a wonderful ending. I really liked Bash and his domineering ways and Sofia was a refreshingly independent heroine. Cala Riley has created a great world with these characters but I felt like there was something missing with this story. I'm just not sure what. I didn't really enjoy Sofia's friends all that much but maybe their stories will be better.
Profile Image for Louise  O.
863 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2018
Riley has started off the Mafia Royalty series with a bang, the book follows the story of Bastiano ‘Bash’ and Sofia; This story takes you on a ride of crime, friendships and love.

Bash has cemented his place as my newest book boyfriend.

Bash has big shoes to fill taking over from his father he has his 2 loyal friends by his side to help shape the future of their organisation. Sofia is running away from her past, when she finally lands with her Uncle she comes face to face with Bash, the one and only head of the Mafia.

From the moment that Bash and Sofia met there was no doubt they had chemistry, sparks start to fly and Bash finds himself unable to stay away, he has only 1 option and that is to claim her as his own. When danger arises is it Bash’s enemies or the past Sofia was trying to outrun?

I personally loved this book, Riley’s writing style made this book one that I couldn’t put down, the steady pace and stamina kept me glued to screen until the final words. Bash and Sofia’s characters were on point and the minor characters have also had their moments to shine which has made me even more excited to read Mia and Lorenzo’s story, Mafia Underboss.

This is a fantastic break out novel for Cala Riley.


Ratings;
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Profile Image for Ashley Estep The Art of Reading .
788 reviews36 followers
January 4, 2020
Love!! Mafia King is my first book by Cala Riley and it will not be my last! I love everything about it! This book is such an amazing start to the Mafia Royalty series!

Bastiano Catalina is the tall, dark, sexy, deadly Mafia king. He’s the new head of the Catalini family. Sofia finds herself in Brooklyn after her uncle helps her escape her abuse, FBI ex boyfriend before he kills her.

Sofia is the kind of h I love. She’s sassy, strong, independent, strong willed and loyal. She doesn’t bow down to the king and his minions. Every chance she gets she speaks her mind. Bash is used to getting what he wants when he wants, and no one anywhere speaks back to him, which is why he can’t get enough of Sofia.

The push, pull of their relationship along with the violence and action kept me turning each page. Riley filled the book with enough sexual tension to require a fan to cool off while reading. Even the H knew the tension between the two of them would create an explosion. Add the man trying to take Sofia back, a capo that’s pissed he isn’t the head of the family and you get a book I couldn’t put down. Once this two finally got together, they couldn’t stop and then I needed a cold shower. Bash is a dirty talking, and knows what he’s doing.

I love the big, bad Mafia king being brought to his knees by a badass sassy woman, who refuses to be kneel down to Mafia Royalty, well she kneels when it’s the right time.

Bash and Sofia’s book is an absolute amazing read and a phenomenal way to start the Mafia Royalty series. Mafia King was the best introduction to an author! I loved everything about this book, and she did a great job setting up the next books in the series! I can’t wait to se what else she gives us!
Profile Image for Larissa Rye.
1,392 reviews18 followers
October 25, 2020
Okay I absolutely loved Sofia. Not only that, I loved this entire crew of characters. I’m addicted & now I must read the entire series.

Sofia was a badass fit to be a mafia queen. I loved how she was so sassy, strong & could look out for herself. Bash was her perfect king. I can’t wait to dig more into this mafia.
Profile Image for Louise Seraphim Reviews.
498 reviews25 followers
November 27, 2018
Badly need to put in a proper review on this one, when I get 2 seconds but just wanted to start by saying.......... OMG! Steamy, tense, gripping, gritty epicness! Badly needs to be read by anyone who loves their book men dark and unforgiving and stupidly hot, asap!
Profile Image for Zara McCormick.
Author 2 books1 follower
September 19, 2021
Amazing. Slow burn but a great story. Loads of smut. I loved all the characters and can’t wait to read more
422 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2021
GREAT START

I read Matteo story first and back track to the beginning. Loved the story how Bastiano and Sofia. Bastiano is attractive to Sofia on her sassy attitude towards him. Not realizing he is the Mob Boss in NY. Soon the attraction grows and not able to keep their hands off each other. Loved the story on how the relationship start as nd involved with friends. 🔥🔥😎👍👍👍
Profile Image for Gina Leaver.
38 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2019
Amazing

This is an amazing read by a new author.
You'll fall in love with the feisty Sophia, the sweet Mia and the stubborn Izzy.
The Boys aren't to bad either.
This is a lovely romance book with a bit of a steamy scene or two.
It's a most read if you like mafia stories, it's well written minus a couple of spelling mistakes.
I can't wait for the next book
311 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2019
The book needs to be edited.
There were lots of inconsistencies.
I didn’t really care for the h’s friends: Mia and Izzy. I mean, I get the h being able to defy/talk back to the boss, but the two side characters? It didn’t make sense. Honestly, they just threw the story off and made it more ridiculous. The book would’ve been a solid 4 without them.
Profile Image for Pamela Landry lemoine.
32 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2021
Awesome

This book is really good keeps you turning pages the characters are really interesting would highly recommend it love it
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,834 reviews44 followers
January 21, 2020

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
description


Mafia King was a great 5 star read and book one in the Mafia Royalty series.
This is my first read from Cala Riley, I was pulled in right from the beginning.

Sofia, OMG where to start with this girl. She had to flee a very dangerous and abusive relationship before it killed her. She reaches out to her uncle who lives in Brooklyn for help. She is now working at his restaurant living with his family, she has rules that she has to follow but she’s not always good at that.

Bastiano has taken the Don position in his family and he is very hot and dangerous. When his family holds a party at Sofia’s uncles restaurant these two meet. And lets just say this girl has no filter and doesn’t care who she is talking to, I loved how she stood up to him even being the dangerous man that he is. And this appealed to Bastiano and angered him at the same time. Something about her gets his attention.

As we move forward Bastiano has men watching Sofia. Things take a dangerous twist and Sofia proves to Bastiano that she is a strong woman and certain things don’t affect her like typical women. Bastiano doesn’t want a woman, he only wants one night but the more he is around her, things start to change. Can he keep Sofia safe from his dangerous world? Can they have something more?

There is so much more to this read. Sofia’s past comes back to haunt her and we see more twists and turns that add great elements to the story. All of the secondary characters were great. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, I need to see where their story goes from here. 1-click and get started today.

Alpha Book Club
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Gwen.
578 reviews
December 1, 2018
Solid four stars! Arrogant mafia boss falls for sassy outsider...did I mention this is my favorite mafia sub trope? This book had all the ingredients: the H is deliciously alpha, arrogant and mysterious but also cold and calculating. h is different and catches him off guard...peeks his interest and intrigues him. H falls hard for h. There is a threat from outside pushing them together and boom...

I enjoyed this story a lot and this series has a lot of potential to develop into a great series. All the mandatory hooks for the side characters to evolve into their own stories are present...perhaps a bit too obvious but I understand.

My biggest problem with this book was all the errors: this book needs better editing. It happens in the best of books, a mistake or typo but there were just a few too many up to the point I was wondering if the author was native English (I am not). And that's a shame because it can easily be avoided. The story is well written and the writing itself is mature.

Profile Image for Charlotte Everett -  Graceful Angelz.
173 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2022
Wowzerz, I totally loved this! I've not heard of this writing duo before, but saw it on my goodreads timeline and decided to give it a go. Boy am I glad I did! I can't believe it doesn't have more reviews and love on booktube.

Here we have a womab who has escaped her abusive ex, and has come to New York to live with her Uncle who owns an Italian restaurant. When she starts waitresses there, she catches the eye of the new mafia Don, and he is not shy about his attraction to her. I absolutely love that she isn't scared of him, and is sassy with him from the get go.

We get some good action with the mafia world, and of course the violence. What's really interesting is her involvement and feelings towards his world... No spoilers, but it was fab!

The steam is definitely on point too if that's what you're looking for I your search for a new book. You will not be disappointed, your kindle will be on fire.

This world the authors have created is exciting and the found family aspect is one that I love with this kind of book. Looking forward to all of the other love stories in this world.
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,139 reviews52 followers
December 25, 2019
I just devoured this book in 1 sitting. There is something about a good mafia read that just pulls me straight in.
Sofia is a strong sassy woman splashed with all kinds of sarcasm. I absolutely loved her. She has been through an horrific event and comes home in hopes of rebuilding her life. She keeps her head down and nose clean, but her sarcastic nature is what brings her to Bastilo's attention. Bash is intrigued with her and can't help the attraction that is there. As danger follows Sofia, Bash does everything in his power to keep her safe. You can just feel the heat between these two as they fight the inevitable. Follow along on their journey as they discover just what it means to find your 1true love.
These 2 characters are well written, as were the secondary characters. I am a sucker for a good series, and I'm pretty sure I just found another series to fall in love with. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for caffe.and.books (Aimee).
570 reviews52 followers
April 10, 2022
I absolutely love how well this duo writes a strong FMC!

Bash and Sofia are pure 🔥. I am a huge fan of this duo so I absolutely had to dive into their backlist and I was 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗!

I loved this couple so much- the fierce dynamic of their relationship hooked me from the start. I really liked how Sofia challenged Bash- and how much he enjoyed it 😉 The banter and the chemistry was **chefs kiss*. Meeting the characters that I’ve come to love in subsequent series was so great too- doing it backwards isn’t always a bad thing 😂

Plot flow and development of characters was well done- this is a great option for mafia fans, there is the perfect amount of alpha men, strong woman, drama and dark elements. I think it’s also important to note that this book has clearly gone through some editing since originally published as I didn’t see a lot for the errors that previous reviews mention.

As always this duo remains and automatic one click for me.
Profile Image for Page .
83 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2024
MUST READ WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

⭐️ You Need To Read This Book ⭐️

Ok so Mafia King was a Recommendation to me so Cala Riley was a new to me Author and she did not disappoint, I loved that I got both points of views.

So we have the Main Woman Sophie who had escaped her abusive ex boyfriend, and came home to live with her uncle, and then start working at he’s Italian restaurant.

Then you have the new mafia Don Bash who is taken back by her smart mouth and is instantly attracted to her and he’s not shy about it, he loves that’s she not scared of him and that she so daddy with him from the start.

This book has everything you need got a great plot has great sexual tension, friendship, love everything you would need, you will not be disappointed it is a must read the world that Cala has created is everything you could need its exciting and has the family aspect init I can’t wait to dive into the next one!!
Profile Image for Jacinda Rose.
218 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2024
Great start to series

I started to read Matt's book after finding it on a Indie Adult Book list; but quickly realised I wanted to know about Sofia, Izzy & Mia. So I went back to the start.

A great lead-in to the series. It's different to other Mafia books in some way but I don't know what it is.
We get more than halfway through before any sexiness happens; which I thought I would get annoyed with, but the books doesn't need it.

The sexual tension and the teasing, the action and build up of the plot and storyline make that you are enjoying the tension as much as the characters would.

I do wish that we got a rear scene instead of a one line mention in the Epilogue. Only because of the teasing and the way it was worked into some scenes.

One thing I would've liked to know is a bit more description of facial features and ages. We never find that out.

But next up I think Mia & Lorenzo.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
935 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2024
Sofia and Bastiano are just so much fun, but their meet cute might be one of my favorites. She is hiding from a horrible ex and was told to mind her manners around the “suits” only to get caught in the crosshairs of one of the capos. Bastiano steps in and she gives him sass. Oh, did I mention that he is also the Don? Yeah, not someone to cross but this just starts the back and forth between these two. This is a mafia book, so you know all those things already, but it is how we watch this man who has vowed to never fall for anyone, is all about ensuring she is protected and that only gets stronger when her ex’s name comes up and they start to figure out how to keep her from him again. She might be full of sass, but she also knows when to keep quiet and I love that Bash doesn’t want to clip her wings but allow her to be free.
Profile Image for Mar-Mar bookaholic.
1,033 reviews111 followers
January 16, 2019
Soooo how to begin. The writing style got better after 50% bit still it did not flow. Sofis behavior was sometimes very childish and too stupid. Second she was in a relationship where she got mental and physical abuse. It will take a lot of time to trust men and often those women are more quiet and submissive. So her personality did not add up what she went through. Then there were those prep talks to your men thank you and bla bla... I mean it sounded more like CIA went to get Bin Laden and gave a a talk of thank you what you do... I dunno, did not add up with Mafia. The plot was actually really good but was hoping a little more serious action. Ending should have been also better. Italians are known of marrying soo.. Overall I would give it 3,5*.
Profile Image for Mar-Mar bookaholic.
1,177 reviews27 followers
February 17, 2024
Soooo how to begin. The writing style got better after 50% bit still it did not flow. Sofis behavior was sometimes very childish and too stupid. Second she was in a relationship where she got mental and physical abuse. It will take a lot of time to trust men and often those women are more quiet and submissive. So her personality did not add up what she went through. Then there were those prep talks to your men thank you and bla bla... I mean it sounded more like CIA went to get Bin Laden and gave a a talk of thank you what you do... I dunno, did not add up with Mafia. The plot was actually really good but was hoping a little more serious action. Ending should have been also better. Italians are known of marrying soo.. Overall I would give it 3,5*.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,291 reviews34 followers
October 22, 2018
The debut book Mafia Kings by Cala Riley is not what I expected.   

I fell in love with the Alpha, Bash and his sassy heroine, Sophia. 

When their worlds collide it's game over man!  Bash can't let her go.  So what's an Alpha supposed to do?  He claims Sophia as his own, to protect, love, and do all sorts of wickedly naughty things too.   Only Sophia isn't going to roll over and play nice, she is a fighter - which I love about her.  

This book has a great flow and amazing characters.  The chemistry between Bash and Sophia was perfect.  She fought him and she loved him.  Sweet balance.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for queen_of_the_books_18.
894 reviews242 followers
January 8, 2022
I love Cala Riley’s Mafia books and I’m kicking myself that I’ve never read their Mafia Royalty series before even though I’ve met and loved the characters in later books.

Mafia King follows Bastiano Catalini. Head of the Italian Mafia and Sofia the girl running from her past. After everything Sofia had been through I didn’t expect her to be as a strong as sassy as she was but that girl was taking no prisoners and I was here for it!!

Cala Riley brings you a fast paced, suspenseful Mafia book that will keep you flipping the pages until the very end.

Now I’m off to binge book 2 and 3 because I need Mia and Izzy’s stories asap!
195 reviews
November 3, 2018
Would have been 5 Stars

I always love a strong heroine and Sofia delivers she is feisty snarky and capable! Bash is tough hard and so sexy as only mafia royalty can be. The side characters are wonderful. I had a hard time with to many typos of words being wrong and a few times a sentence was wrong (anyways)....... (read it you will understand) I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series. I offer to read and catch those simple errors because I know sometimes you read/write it you miss those because you read what is supposed to be written.
Profile Image for April.
1,204 reviews25 followers
October 12, 2018
Bad Editing.

This was a good read. Good characters, good storyline, but bad editing. It wasn’t to the point you didn’t understand it, but it was to the point where it was annoying. This could potentially have been a 5 star book, but the work my mind had to go through to read it knocked it down a bit.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
January 23, 2020
This is the 1st on a new series and Sofia and Bash’s story is the perfect introduction. Bash is the new of the family, and Sofia is escaping from an abusive FBI ex-boyfriend. This is a well written story which is action packed, thrilling, raw, gritty, steamy and with sizzling chemistry. I was hooked and intrigued throughout and recommend for all.
25 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2020
Good

Good read. Some grammatical errors and some spots seemed rushed. Overall it was good. There were some loose ends that hopefully will be finished in the second book. I do wish there was a little more, but oh well. I’ll check other works from this author to see if her writing has improved some.
89 reviews
November 17, 2020
Couldn't finish it

Talk about immature writting, I just couldn't finish this book. I mena common Bash is supposed to be a mafia boss, he killed a man in front of Sofia and he acts like a total immature child and Sofia gets turned on when he killed a guy in front of her?? Sorry but not wasting my time on this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.