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Miami Mafia #1
Roman: A Zambrano Crime Family Novel
It might have started out as me wanting her building, but now I wanted her.
And I was going to claim her.
Izzy was mine the first time she rolled her eyes at me and stabbed my ego with that sharp tongue of hers.
But she was running from something - from someone - and I was going to make sure she ran to me.
Our family wasn’t the only one who wanted what she had. The families of the criminal underground were after her building. It was all about territory.
But then she was threatened and ripped from me.
And I was going to tear Miami upside down to find her.
Merciless. Ruthless. Vicious.
I was all that and more.
And I was going to end him.
Sit back, relax, grab a mojito, and wait for it…
This was my city.
We were the Cuban mafia, and we protect what’s ours.
Roman is a full-length, 83,000+ word novel.
No cliffhangers No cheatingThis is a mafia crime family series where each book builds on the mafia storyline. While the Miami Mafia Series books can be read as standalones, they are best enjoyed in order.
Not intended for readers under the age of 18.
***Carlos, Book 2, is available!
***Marco, Book 3, was just released!
Want to know more about the Miami Mafia Series and the families, or when the next book will be released? Want extras, or playlists? Visit me at Oliviadeici.com and Spotify!
- GenresRomance
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
384 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 12, 2020
Surprisingly good
I would give this 3.75 . I love a good mafia romance, but this one was little different. The heroine Izzy wasn't some damsel in distress , she was real woman with flaws insecurities that I can I relate to as woman. I love that the heroine is in her 30's, as single woman in my 30's doing this dating thing. I can relate to her need of taking care of herself and really on depending on yourself and that small group friends, who are more like family then friends. So, when one of those members betrays you the effect it can have on other relationships. I like how author mixes humour into storyline. Now for the Alpha lead Roman, he's an Alpha without beating you over the head with it. He realized Izzy, had a past & was willing to work with her. He took his time to get to know her and form a relationship. This story just felt like real life and it wasn't far fetch like some crap that's been coming out lately because someone knows difference between a verb an adjective they think they can be author. Olivia Deici seems like she's going to be no joke and hopefully she bring some life back in to the genre.
I would give this 3.75 . I love a good mafia romance, but this one was little different. The heroine Izzy wasn't some damsel in distress , she was real woman with flaws insecurities that I can I relate to as woman. I love that the heroine is in her 30's, as single woman in my 30's doing this dating thing. I can relate to her need of taking care of herself and really on depending on yourself and that small group friends, who are more like family then friends. So, when one of those members betrays you the effect it can have on other relationships. I like how author mixes humour into storyline. Now for the Alpha lead Roman, he's an Alpha without beating you over the head with it. He realized Izzy, had a past & was willing to work with her. He took his time to get to know her and form a relationship. This story just felt like real life and it wasn't far fetch like some crap that's been coming out lately because someone knows difference between a verb an adjective they think they can be author. Olivia Deici seems like she's going to be no joke and hopefully she bring some life back in to the genre.
August 16, 2019
A really good read. I like Roman and I can relate to him, because I am the baby of the family and I am constantly having to solve everyone else's problems in the family. I enjoyed that the relationship went slow, it seemed more realistic to the story. Izabella was something else. She was enjoyable because she always put Roman in is place when he seemed to get a tad arrogant. I also liked that she didn't rely on Roman to save her she was smart and strong.
It is a good set up to the series and the next book was set up at the end of this one. I am all on board.
It is a good set up to the series and the next book was set up at the end of this one. I am all on board.
September 21, 2017
Sweet baby Jesus! Where can I get me a Roman? Awesome read, well written, and gripping from the first chapter to the end. Definitely marking my calander for the next and future books in the series! Five stars!!
January 20, 2022
Parts were brilliant, should have been five starts.
Parts of this book were brilliant, but it dragged on and on, sex scenes were totally ridiculous, and Spanish and Italian sentences throughout the book, that took me out of the story to translate it aaaargh!
Helpfully (not!) they did put translations at the end. What use is that??
Izzy is doctor who runs a clinic in a run down area. When Romans family tries to buy her building, she storms round to Roman’s office to tell him off. I’m really confused why she did that, as she didn’t have to sell it. And she she was getting offers from other people as well. She didn’t storm round to the Russians! But anyway, Roman is intrigued by her and later on when he sees her running home, as her car broke down, he runs with her. He has her car fixed and taken back to her. Which is really sweet. They start dating and everything is brilliant. Then it jumps all their dates, to a few months later! That was annoying!! As I wanted to get to know them. Anyway, Izzy is being threatened and stalked by someone who she obviously knows who, but she doesn’t tell Roman or the police. She doesn’t tell Roman who she actually is, as she changed her identity at 18. Poor Roman is guessing at all these awful scenarios that aren’t true!! At one point he’s guessing that her brother raped her!!!
So the inevitable happens and she’s taken by the man who was stalking her. And because Roman didn’t know who he was, he wasted a lot of time trying to find out anything! When he could have known it all!!! 😡😡😡
One huge inaccuracy in this book, which is annoying!!! MEN DON’T ORGASM AND THEN INSTANTLY BECOME HARD AGAIN, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!! Unless they are taking viagra! And how much pain would she be in if that was possible? Ow ow ow ow!!
There are some spelling mistakes, not a huge amount. Overall it is a really good book, but I’m not reading anymore of them as I can’t tolerate sex scenes like that!!! And having to translate sentences is a massive annoyance.
Parts of this book were brilliant, but it dragged on and on, sex scenes were totally ridiculous, and Spanish and Italian sentences throughout the book, that took me out of the story to translate it aaaargh!
Helpfully (not!) they did put translations at the end. What use is that??
Izzy is doctor who runs a clinic in a run down area. When Romans family tries to buy her building, she storms round to Roman’s office to tell him off. I’m really confused why she did that, as she didn’t have to sell it. And she she was getting offers from other people as well. She didn’t storm round to the Russians! But anyway, Roman is intrigued by her and later on when he sees her running home, as her car broke down, he runs with her. He has her car fixed and taken back to her. Which is really sweet. They start dating and everything is brilliant. Then it jumps all their dates, to a few months later! That was annoying!! As I wanted to get to know them. Anyway, Izzy is being threatened and stalked by someone who she obviously knows who, but she doesn’t tell Roman or the police. She doesn’t tell Roman who she actually is, as she changed her identity at 18. Poor Roman is guessing at all these awful scenarios that aren’t true!! At one point he’s guessing that her brother raped her!!!
So the inevitable happens and she’s taken by the man who was stalking her. And because Roman didn’t know who he was, he wasted a lot of time trying to find out anything! When he could have known it all!!! 😡😡😡
One huge inaccuracy in this book, which is annoying!!! MEN DON’T ORGASM AND THEN INSTANTLY BECOME HARD AGAIN, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!! Unless they are taking viagra! And how much pain would she be in if that was possible? Ow ow ow ow!!
There are some spelling mistakes, not a huge amount. Overall it is a really good book, but I’m not reading anymore of them as I can’t tolerate sex scenes like that!!! And having to translate sentences is a massive annoyance.
June 3, 2017
My new obsession
This review may contain spoilers
Stars: 5
Creativity: 3
Steamy scenes: 5
Plot: 4
Ending: 5
Characters: 5
Cliche scenes: 3
Warnings: profanity (in English, Spanish, and Italian), sexual abuse mentioned, kidnapping, sexual content
Now, onto the review.
I don't know where to start with this book. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading. It's like a vortex I was sucked into. There are over fifty chapters. Yes, over fifty chapters which is unheard of with books.
Cubans, Italians, Russians, and more are all here. The change of scenery was refreshing. Many mafia stories take place in New York, Chicago, New Jersey. This story is set in South Florida.
Roman is a different character than other mafia characters I've read. He's smart, the clean one, the responsible one, the family lawyer.
Izabella is a woman that's been running from her past for the last fifteen years. Betrayal and abuse are just the beginning of the horrors in her life.
They meet under different circumstances, but realize they are the one for each other.
I loved how the story played out. From day one to the final chapter. I will say that Izzy isn't a wilting flower, she's a fighter.
I've been glued to this book the entire day...to the point of obsession that I was reading while my husband did our food shopping, at the salon, in the car...anywhere I could get a quick fix.
It's engaging, it's traumatic, it's witty, and it's only the beginning.
I can't wait to read more about this family.
This review may contain spoilers
Stars: 5
Creativity: 3
Steamy scenes: 5
Plot: 4
Ending: 5
Characters: 5
Cliche scenes: 3
Warnings: profanity (in English, Spanish, and Italian), sexual abuse mentioned, kidnapping, sexual content
Now, onto the review.
I don't know where to start with this book. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading. It's like a vortex I was sucked into. There are over fifty chapters. Yes, over fifty chapters which is unheard of with books.
Cubans, Italians, Russians, and more are all here. The change of scenery was refreshing. Many mafia stories take place in New York, Chicago, New Jersey. This story is set in South Florida.
Roman is a different character than other mafia characters I've read. He's smart, the clean one, the responsible one, the family lawyer.
Izabella is a woman that's been running from her past for the last fifteen years. Betrayal and abuse are just the beginning of the horrors in her life.
They meet under different circumstances, but realize they are the one for each other.
I loved how the story played out. From day one to the final chapter. I will say that Izzy isn't a wilting flower, she's a fighter.
I've been glued to this book the entire day...to the point of obsession that I was reading while my husband did our food shopping, at the salon, in the car...anywhere I could get a quick fix.
It's engaging, it's traumatic, it's witty, and it's only the beginning.
I can't wait to read more about this family.
July 19, 2017
Fantastic read
I am new to this author but I loved this book! Just enough suspense and drama and great romance. No over the top angst. Everything was just right. But what a cliffhanger...I can't wait for Marco story
I am new to this author but I loved this book! Just enough suspense and drama and great romance. No over the top angst. Everything was just right. But what a cliffhanger...I can't wait for Marco story
September 16, 2021
The author is skirting the lines of HFN/Cliffhanger. I definitely wouldn't consider this a standalone AT ALL. I don't like it when authors try to trick you.
As far as mafia romance goes, it was decent. I liked that it was balanced with a good storyline with romance and mafia drama.
As far as mafia romance goes, it was decent. I liked that it was balanced with a good storyline with romance and mafia drama.
May 23, 2017
Very good
I really enjoyed this book very much, I think it definitely is a five star rating! Hope more to follow
I really enjoyed this book very much, I think it definitely is a five star rating! Hope more to follow
July 6, 2021
Well hell... Sorta kinda a cliffhanger.
March 7, 2020
Wow, Wow, Wow. Cannot say enough good things about this book. There are definitely no cliffhangers but you do want to start with this book because the next book Carlos revisits Roman and Izzy. I do not like review that give spoilers so I can't say too much without giving it all away. Both have lost much in their lives but the perseverance and self preservation causes two unlikely matches to come together and beat the odds. I love the banter between both the main characters and how the author branches out with story lines so you know more books will be coming to explain things that are left a mystery. Olivia does an awesome job incorporating songs into her books and it makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. I finished this book in one afternoon, I couldn't put it down. Olivia is very detailed and her awesome writing skills will have me coming back for me to see what else she comes up with. This is an awesome mafia romance with action, love and drama. Loving this series and cannot wait for the next installment.
June 10, 2021
Although Roman is the second son in his family they all rely on him for something. Keeping him busy with his lawyer workload during the day plus family business long into the evenings. With the two roles crossing over regularly, especially now as he is fighting a bug case on behalf of his youngest brother. Diego.
Izabella (Izzy) has worked hard and ploughed all her savings into setting up and running a free community clinic. Having received several offers to buy her building she opts to visit Roman late one evening to tell him once and for all that she is not selling up. Their meeting doesn't quite go as planned but she hopes that he listened to her.
Driving home from the office after a last-minute job for his father, Roman spots someone out running in a bad neighbourhood and is shocked to discover it is Izzy. Going toe-to-toe again over her safety, her car and her building there is something about her that makes Roman's heart wake up and take notice of the first girl (woman) to test him in so many ways. Making sure their paths cross again and again a relationship forms between them.
Taking things slowly as Roman can see that there are hurts and secrets in Izzy's past. things that start to make themselves known, however, will Roman discover what's happening too late?
Izabella (Izzy) has worked hard and ploughed all her savings into setting up and running a free community clinic. Having received several offers to buy her building she opts to visit Roman late one evening to tell him once and for all that she is not selling up. Their meeting doesn't quite go as planned but she hopes that he listened to her.
Driving home from the office after a last-minute job for his father, Roman spots someone out running in a bad neighbourhood and is shocked to discover it is Izzy. Going toe-to-toe again over her safety, her car and her building there is something about her that makes Roman's heart wake up and take notice of the first girl (woman) to test him in so many ways. Making sure their paths cross again and again a relationship forms between them.
Taking things slowly as Roman can see that there are hurts and secrets in Izzy's past. things that start to make themselves known, however, will Roman discover what's happening too late?
February 10, 2022
The jury is out on exactly how i feel about this one. I need to read more to have a better feel for how the author writes. It was a good, easy, quick read. Plot line was good. It wasn't very dark in the sense that it was a Mafia book. But it had some illusions to the dark side. It's like the author stayed on the surface of the darkness and just dipped a toe in every now and then. I liked the relationship build up, it was a bit more realistic, as opposed to the claiming of a woman, and her having zero say in the relationship. I like the introduction of the "next" characters; the ending definitely left you wanting to move onto book #2.
November 10, 2019
4 close to 4.5
I needed this to go just a tad deeper, the it would’ve been a 4.5 or a 5. It was written really well, it had all the key elements of a goof mafia read. I’m a dark read gal myself, so having this lovey dovey perfect couple was cute, varied from my norm. The world around them was the chaos, but they were rock solid from the beginning. I usually like my H a little more alphaholeish but Roman and decent guy worked. I’m interested enough that I’ll read on, because all the brothers seem fascinating.
I needed this to go just a tad deeper, the it would’ve been a 4.5 or a 5. It was written really well, it had all the key elements of a goof mafia read. I’m a dark read gal myself, so having this lovey dovey perfect couple was cute, varied from my norm. The world around them was the chaos, but they were rock solid from the beginning. I usually like my H a little more alphaholeish but Roman and decent guy worked. I’m interested enough that I’ll read on, because all the brothers seem fascinating.
April 20, 2021
A love for a lifetime
Is led a quiet life always hiding and not taking a chance of being noticed. She ran her clinic and barely had enough money to eat. But she loved what she doing. Until she met Romano. Her world turned upside down. He was gorgeous but also the enemy. He was of the life she had run from and he wanted he building where she had everything. But slowly he edged himself in her life and became everything she dreamed about in a husband. But they had ups and downs and so many twists so much danger for her
Is led a quiet life always hiding and not taking a chance of being noticed. She ran her clinic and barely had enough money to eat. But she loved what she doing. Until she met Romano. Her world turned upside down. He was gorgeous but also the enemy. He was of the life she had run from and he wanted he building where she had everything. But slowly he edged himself in her life and became everything she dreamed about in a husband. But they had ups and downs and so many twists so much danger for her
January 5, 2022
What a book!!
Never read any of Olivia's books just saw this book on a list of books I might like and OMG I was hooked within a few pages and couldn't stop. It was for me an absolutely perfect book, a fantastic love story. The characters were perfect together and I loved the gritty back story of her past and present . I could read these types all the time as there was no nastiness between them.. Loved how she highlighted the music to watch and listen on you tube also. Roman was awesome.. going straight on to book two and I'm so looking forward to it!!
Never read any of Olivia's books just saw this book on a list of books I might like and OMG I was hooked within a few pages and couldn't stop. It was for me an absolutely perfect book, a fantastic love story. The characters were perfect together and I loved the gritty back story of her past and present . I could read these types all the time as there was no nastiness between them.. Loved how she highlighted the music to watch and listen on you tube also. Roman was awesome.. going straight on to book two and I'm so looking forward to it!!
September 12, 2023
3.5⭐️
I really liked the main characters. Roman & Izzy are both strong personalities that just worked together. There were some editing and pacing issues, but this looks like the author’s first book, so it was understandable. There was also some time between this book and the second book and I’m excited to see how the writing evolves. I’m invested in the Zambrano brothers and the overarching plots that are happening outside of the main conflict in this story.
*The 80s song references and Dezi the Bulldog were shining stars
I really liked the main characters. Roman & Izzy are both strong personalities that just worked together. There were some editing and pacing issues, but this looks like the author’s first book, so it was understandable. There was also some time between this book and the second book and I’m excited to see how the writing evolves. I’m invested in the Zambrano brothers and the overarching plots that are happening outside of the main conflict in this story.
*The 80s song references and Dezi the Bulldog were shining stars
April 27, 2024
Fantastic from first page
Roman is the perfect leading man. Handsome Intelligent, witty, and a badass! But with Izzy he totally melts. Izzy is the perfect leading lady, intelligent, beautiful, and full of spunk! This story has humor, suspence, Romance and plenty of spice! This is a mafia story, but their love for each other , the love of family and their bond reals you in leaving you full of emotions. This book is book I happily stumbled across and I highly recommend you take a chance on.
Roman is the perfect leading man. Handsome Intelligent, witty, and a badass! But with Izzy he totally melts. Izzy is the perfect leading lady, intelligent, beautiful, and full of spunk! This story has humor, suspence, Romance and plenty of spice! This is a mafia story, but their love for each other , the love of family and their bond reals you in leaving you full of emotions. This book is book I happily stumbled across and I highly recommend you take a chance on.
February 10, 2022
Roman
Izzy is a bada$$ woman and doctor that doesn't take any crap from Roman or anyone else trying to steal her building from her. From the very first meeting Roman is taken off guard and isn't quite sure what to think about this sassy mouthed tiny female. I loved their story and Roman, though full alpha male, shows a true soft spot for Izzy. I'm curious about his sister and if there will be an underlying story coming.
Izzy is a bada$$ woman and doctor that doesn't take any crap from Roman or anyone else trying to steal her building from her. From the very first meeting Roman is taken off guard and isn't quite sure what to think about this sassy mouthed tiny female. I loved their story and Roman, though full alpha male, shows a true soft spot for Izzy. I'm curious about his sister and if there will be an underlying story coming.
October 24, 2017
Very Good
She is a new author and this being her first book I really enjoyed it... She brought her characters to life. Even though it's a mafia story the family stucked together during times of trouble. I really hope she will have book 2 cause Roman's brothers have got me thinking about what they are going to do next.
She is a new author and this being her first book I really enjoyed it... She brought her characters to life. Even though it's a mafia story the family stucked together during times of trouble. I really hope she will have book 2 cause Roman's brothers have got me thinking about what they are going to do next.
October 6, 2018
I really loved this book. It's a lighter mafia romance, but still has some action and suspense. Roman and Izabella are really great characters. My favorite part of the book was the 80's scene.
I love the links to the songs in the book, that really rocked!! I would highly recommend checking out this book, it's a really great read!! Kim L ~ Wonderful World of Books
I love the links to the songs in the book, that really rocked!! I would highly recommend checking out this book, it's a really great read!! Kim L ~ Wonderful World of Books
July 24, 2020
Great new author for me and will read more!
Great mafia story. Loved the detail, story, characters, and the sizzle! I haven’t had something catch my eye in a while but this one did so I was immediately looking for other books before the end of this one. Loved it and highly recommend for mafia lovers!
Great mafia story. Loved the detail, story, characters, and the sizzle! I haven’t had something catch my eye in a while but this one did so I was immediately looking for other books before the end of this one. Loved it and highly recommend for mafia lovers!
August 2, 2020
Roman and Izzy
Good read. Roman and Izzy fell hard for each other. I liked the fact that they didn't try to really hide the attraction. But, their world was violent and treacherous. Izzy was a fighter. I liked the fact she was not a damsel in distress. She had to learn to fight for herself.
Good read. Roman and Izzy fell hard for each other. I liked the fact that they didn't try to really hide the attraction. But, their world was violent and treacherous. Izzy was a fighter. I liked the fact she was not a damsel in distress. She had to learn to fight for herself.
January 9, 2021
I loved it!
This my first book I read from the author I really enjoyed it! I always love Mafia stories but this one set in Miami and a Cuban family I was intriqued I couldn't put it down I loved Roman and Izabella story and steamy hot scenes I highly recommed it I can't wait to read Carlos story loved it!
This my first book I read from the author I really enjoyed it! I always love Mafia stories but this one set in Miami and a Cuban family I was intriqued I couldn't put it down I loved Roman and Izabella story and steamy hot scenes I highly recommed it I can't wait to read Carlos story loved it!
March 21, 2021
Roman was fantastic
He loved with his whole heart. I will give him that. He’s close with his family and they fight for each other. When he found out what happened to his Izzy; it was all the way on! For me it started out slow because the foundation had to be set. Once those formalities were out of the way I burned straight through to the last page. Definitely worth the read.
He loved with his whole heart. I will give him that. He’s close with his family and they fight for each other. When he found out what happened to his Izzy; it was all the way on! For me it started out slow because the foundation had to be set. Once those formalities were out of the way I burned straight through to the last page. Definitely worth the read.
May 13, 2022
Great start
Roman lawyer trying to stay clean and out of the family business when it comes to dirty wotk. Isabella doctor trying to save her community clinic and home. Which the Zambrano family wants. Isabella is also hiding her past and her family ties. Isabella and Roman story was great on how she stood up and fight for her clinic against the mob.
Roman lawyer trying to stay clean and out of the family business when it comes to dirty wotk. Isabella doctor trying to save her community clinic and home. Which the Zambrano family wants. Isabella is also hiding her past and her family ties. Isabella and Roman story was great on how she stood up and fight for her clinic against the mob.
September 10, 2018
Oh, this was so good!!
This was so freaking good! I have been on an mafia kick lately and this was exactly what I am looking for. A good story, amazing characters, well written, hot sex and left me needing more! Loved it!!
This was so freaking good! I have been on an mafia kick lately and this was exactly what I am looking for. A good story, amazing characters, well written, hot sex and left me needing more! Loved it!!
January 19, 2020
Pretty good
Good start for a series. Family seems a tad messy and uncontrolled, then again they’ve been through a lot. I just hope we see more of the controlled mafia come out. Enjoyed the characters and their banter. Story kept me reading and staying up late to do so.
Good start for a series. Family seems a tad messy and uncontrolled, then again they’ve been through a lot. I just hope we see more of the controlled mafia come out. Enjoyed the characters and their banter. Story kept me reading and staying up late to do so.
October 7, 2020
Okay
This wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad either. Some grammatical errors and some repetition, but overall it was okay. I don’t regret reading it and I might read it again in the future, but I won’t mark it as my favorite.
This wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad either. Some grammatical errors and some repetition, but overall it was okay. I don’t regret reading it and I might read it again in the future, but I won’t mark it as my favorite.
November 5, 2020
A good story
Izzy and Roman are good characters. They have good chemistry togeth. Izzy suffered a great tragedy 15 years earlier, and is hiding from her family. Izzy is strong and a doctor. There are steamy scenes and action. There are triggers.
Izzy and Roman are good characters. They have good chemistry togeth. Izzy suffered a great tragedy 15 years earlier, and is hiding from her family. Izzy is strong and a doctor. There are steamy scenes and action. There are triggers.
March 18, 2021
Unexpected thrill ride!
Easy to read, flawless really. I was skeptical about the ethnic representation, it was spot on. Roman and Izzy were written beautifully. Family loyalty was depicted perfectly.
Do not hesitate to read this, it is worth it.
Easy to read, flawless really. I was skeptical about the ethnic representation, it was spot on. Roman and Izzy were written beautifully. Family loyalty was depicted perfectly.
Do not hesitate to read this, it is worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews