Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Moreno Mafia #1

Charity's Torment

Rate this book
All I wanted was to find my brother after he disappeared. I didn't plan on somebody trying to make me disappear, too. 

All in a day's work for the Moreno Family's feistiest enforcer.

When the twists begin to fly and I'm turned in new directions, I realize there's more to my brother's sudden disappearance than meets the eye. Thankfully, I've got plenty of knowledge, and muscle, in my corner:

The Underboss, ruthless and protective.

The Consigliere, my calm in the storm.

The Capo, my wild ace in the hole.

 As if I didn’t have enough to deal with trying to find my brother, somebody is also trying to kill me. Are they trying to stop me from finding my brother? They picked the wrong enforcer to mess with.

NOTE: This book is written in Charity's POV. The books following this will be multi-POV and go up in spice.

Warning: This reverse harem mafia romance may contain scenes or situations not suitable for all readers.




It's recommended that you read His Obsession before beginning this series.

200 pages, ebook

Published February 1, 2021

275 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read

About the author

Ann-Marie Davis

12 books313 followers
Born on the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Ann-Marie grew up learning from strong, confident influences which translates in her writing today.

She acquired the love of writing when she was just 12 years old and at 19; she wrote her first novel, which remains under lock and missing key.

When she’s not writing international bestselling books, she’s traveling around the USA with her 3 children and a camper, tending to her garden and chickens, or fixing something on her mini-ranch. All with the wonderful support of her amazing husband.




★CONNECT WITH ANN-MARIE★
WEBSITE: www.authoramdavis.com
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3tyZjzY
FB READER’S GROUP: https://bit.ly/2QmXasJ
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3vLucmu
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/3tUgFrl
IG: https://bit.ly/3lIYEt6 | @authoramdavis
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/4190Kqb


Ann-Marie loves to hear from her fans. So email your questions or comments at AnnMarieDavis88@gmail.com.

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 (42%)
4 stars
230 (27%)
3 stars
171 (20%)
2 stars
56 (6%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2).
970 reviews995 followers
April 14, 2021
Update 4/14/21, I have reread and rewrote parts of my review. Still a great book. And recommend it

I have seriously been living under a rock when it came to this series. I am mad at myself for not reading it sooner.

Ann-Marie Davis wrote an amazing heroine, well, anti-heroine. That girl is one smart mouth, push all your buttons, unhinged, independent women. The one you envy, want to be her best friend but afraid I’d what she will do. Then add in The Moreno Brothers, all unique in their own way. I love all three. Luca is my favorite. Cool, calculated, and you don’t know when or what he is going to do. That is authentic Italian mafia romance. The author did her homework.

Luca stayed unpredictable, so his enemies couldn’t get the upper hand. How could you predict someone’s moves when they didn’t know them until it happened

It made his capos and soldiers fearful, but his enemies even more-so

I was hooked from that moment on. Let me tell you; I have high standards when it comes to mafia romance, basically Italian ones. Charity’s Torment is spot on. We are giving a unique POV in this book; we only have Charity’s; we read her journey and execute her orders. I would have loved to have read the guy's POV, especially Luca’s. I need to know how he thinks. My only other constructive criticism is the flow of Italian wording, though the grammar is correct, I think I just expected more. Which is on me. It did not take away from the story. On my dark scale, it's dark gray. Some parts are black.

Profile Image for Caitlan 🌺.
205 reviews17 followers
January 26, 2021
Review in ten words: Finished in two days. Quick, brutal and addictive. Bella. 3/5
How to consume: With an icy cold gin and apple juice, of course. But if that doesn't do it for you just grab something sweet and cozy on in.

Synopsis:

After her brother goes missing, Charity must rely on her position within the Moreno Mafia to help find him, whilst trying to stay alive and hide her real life from her parents. Charity balances the affections of Luca, Max and Nico whilst maintaining her deadly role as the mafia's enforcer.

Charity's Torment is a reverse harem, dark, mafia romance. It contains some pretty heavy content (torture, blood and violence) which readers should be aware of before reading.

It is the first installment in the Morena Mafia series and will be released on 1st February.


(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am providing an honest review.)

My Thoughts:
I finished this book in two days. I feel like that is a pretty good indicator of how addictive Ann-Marie's writing style is. Although some of the content is heavy and not recommended for some readers, I found the writing to flow well and it kept me captivated. The romance was a little bit of a slow burn but the story more than compensated to keep my attention. It's cleverly written and it's steamy.

My final note reads "You cannot leave me like thisssss." I am dying to know what happens next! If you are looking for something to fly through and something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is for you.

Although the plot was mostly well established I wanted more of the characters and their motivations. I would have loved more description of the three love interests to give me a clearer vision of them in my head. This is further hindered as the entire book is from Charity's POV. However, even with the description lacking, subtle differences in interactions between Charity and Luca, Nico and Max kept each of the relationships very distinct from one another.

I enjoyed Charity's character. She is a refreshing change to your average romance genre protagonist. There is an element of control the Moreno men have over her but it was clear she also holds power of them and she has some deep, twisted parts of her which I would love to see be explored further in the additional books.

As much as I enjoyed her relationships with the men of the Moreno mafia (Luca especially) I didn't believe in the authenticity of Charity's relationship with her brother. I wasn't convinced she cared about him enough to warrant risking so much to find him. I would love to see more about their relationship in the next books.

The author recommends "His Obsession" is read prior to Charity's Torment. Though I didn't read it and still found the story to be captivating.

Review has also been posted on my blog: https://redheadragereads.wordpress.co...

Profile Image for G.
516 reviews205 followers
February 6, 2021
“Emotions are a gauge or metric between knowledge and obedience. They were never meant to lead.”

Quick read, cant wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,180 reviews413 followers
February 22, 2021
Addictive, suspenseful

Remarkable romantic suspense within a mafia setting, Charity was a self-reliant, take-no-prisoners heroine working as an enforcer for the Morena family. This story deliberately unfolds presenting her quest to find her druggie brother while developing budding relationships with three key men in the Famiglia. Reverse harem? Maybe. Great portrayal of fierce yet vulnerable, Charity is certainly strong, shaken by her past, and ruthless in taking care of business -- the bloodier, the better.

Though I couldn't really gauge character descriptions, character development was good. One could genuinely like the mafia family, and Charity's family was portrayed endearingly -- a caring father and a meddling mother, with the usual family issues. The story is told in first person but only Charity’s point of view, which created some disconnectedness.

The book was a slow burn, not a pace that I typically favor, but it was clear it was laying the foundation of the story to come. Good balance of prose to dialogue, with some reticent on the love scenes. Given the fiery chemistry and sexual tension built between the characters, the love scenes left me wanting for more passion and detail and came somewhat late in the story. Besides timing, the length and detail would have more closely aligned the story to romance / erotic romance rather than suspense thriller.

Still, there was a lot to like -- creative storyline with biting suspense, great mafia themes including violence and the illicit, likable characters, convincing pace, well-written, adventurous plot. Definitely curious to know what happens in book 2.
Profile Image for Josie.
75 reviews29 followers
January 28, 2021
I started reading this particular genre on wattpad, and I immediately developed a thirst for it, however there was always a pattern. The main female protagonist, was always this small girl that needed defending and put herself in constant danger...But this story is so refreshingly different, the main female- Charity, to put it lightly, is a badass. She kills, she defends, she loves, her dialogue is witty and intelligent, I found myself laughing out loud.

The plot was thrilling and the intimate scenes were definitely a heart-racer and stomach butterflies were in fact present.

Amazing writing Ann-Marie, can’t wait to read more of your work and discover the cliff hanger your 1st book gave me.
Profile Image for Dora.
Author 1 book7 followers
January 2, 2021
This is the first book I've read from this author and it pulls you in from the very beginning. I do love a good dark romance but had no idea what "reverse harem" means. I still don't think I fully understand what that looks like yet since this is part of a trilogy but I'm willing to read on to find out! If you like suspense and romance you will love this book. The fast pace will keep you engaged- it is such a page turner I finished it in one go. I can't wait for book 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
155 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2020
OMG... totally loved this book, I found I couldn’t put it down. This book left me wanting more and can’t wait for the next 2 books in the trilogy.
Profile Image for Lottie’s.
272 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2021
A diamond in the rough.

Have you heard of the Author, Ann-Marie Davis?

Well, I hadn’t, but now, I’m going to send her name out into the universe, hoping it will shine bright, because, I’m her new favorite stalker, can’t get rid of me now.

*evil snigger*

I had an absolute-devilishly-sinful-pleasure, of getting my sticky hand on an advance copy of her up and coming book, releasing on the 1st of February, add, it to your date planner, because, this book ‘Charity’s Torment’ is a book, I predict, with a side of ice-cold gin and apple juice, will be a favorite, among our mafia lovers.

It’s a new twist on a dark mafia romance, in the most thrilling way, torn between two worlds, the light, and the darkness.

It’s from Charity's point of view, I think in this particular case it works, why you may ask? Well, we get to wonder especially what the boss-man is thinking, it’s the thrill of the unpredictability, the unknowing, and then the wanting, waiting and holding my breath because we just can’t see what comes next.

Charity is an enforcer for the mafia family, which means she gets her hands very bloody, knows how to defend herself, and sometimes lets emotions cloud her judgment; this girl rocks!

She also had a police officer as a father, and an overbearing mother who’s life's gaol has taken on her love life and keeps setting her up on dates, then, let’s not forget the missing brother, who got her in this whole mess to start with; I predict he the bad guy somehow, something fishy about him, I could be wrong.

I don’t want to spoil the book, because it’s such a delicious read, I couldn’t put it down, I screamed on the cliffhanger, so be warned there is one, also theirs a few triggers ‘heed’ them.

I’m very excited to see what Ann-Marie Davis will bring us next.


XOX Lottie.
51 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2021
First book by this author and will now be stalking her everywhere!! I binged this book over 2 days - I just couldn’t put it down. Love the world building, the FMC Charity you will fall in love with immediately, the men and their sexual tension are just delicious! Definitely a must read, can’t wait for book 2!!!’
32 reviews
January 11, 2021
Charity is my spirit animal!! Seriously! Even down to her fear of elevators and her dislike for the hippy guy!
I've read enough mafie stories to be a bit burnt out on them. But this one is different! She wasn't born into, nor was she sold to pay someone else's debt. She made the choice to protect her brother and that led her to where she is, and she never blames anyone else. Nor does she regret it. Charity is the ultimate badass heroine we are all looking for!
And she has 3 drop dead gorgeous men fighting along side her.
My 1 complaint... this author knows how to write a cliff hanger! OMG, normally I HATE cliffhangers, but this one is just juicy and tantalizing and I already want to read it again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marcie.
1,123 reviews57 followers
January 4, 2021
Okay - I thought I knew what was coming when I started this book but Ann totally surprised me. She brought the intensity and suspense ten fold with this beginning (it does end in a cliffhanger) and I have no shame in begging for the next installment. Charity is one bada** (squeals with delight) enforcer for the mafia Don Luca...yes you read that right, she’s an enforcer. Luca is ruthless and mysterious; his brother Nico is smart, gentle, and caring; and Max is one of his underbosses that is protective, friendly and mysterious as well. These three have a bond with Charity that isn’t just a boss/employee kind and their chemistry is insane. When Charity’s brother Josh goes missing, she’s not a over torturing any potential leads that may give his whereabouts while handling business - but as the story progresses, her 3 bosses/partners become increasingly protective. From what? Don’t know...but I want to. I am completely ready to see where this story goes, because Ann wrote this perfectly - she left me wondering what the h-e-double hockey sticks Charity (or her brother) has got into, where/what her brother is, and where her relationship with Luca, Nico, and Max are going. I really am excited to see where Ann takes this story.

Profile Image for Melissa Howse.
87 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2021
This book was seriously awesome! I was drawn in from the first page and couldn't put it down. Charity is a very strong, sarcastic and brutal MC and is an enforcer for the Moreno family mafia. Luca, Max and Nico all bring something different to the table and there's a lot of emotional build and tension between the very different and distinct relationships. There is a lot of action and many very close calls in this book that will keep you on your toes and some steam to keep things heated up. This is a dark mafia RH with past abuse, torture and murder so use caution if you have triggers. If that's your thing you will LOVE this book. Very well written and great world building.
Profile Image for Heather Hahn.
189 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2021
Charity is a smart, strong, bad@ss woman! Could NOT put this one down.

Charity has found herself entwined with the Moreno family, all due to the sins of her brother. He is now missing and she needs to find him. In this book, we also meet the three main men- Luca, Max, and Nico. Each brings something dark and sexy to the story. While each man plays a role in the "family business", Charity is the enforcer- a wonderful changeup from the stereotypical "male" role. She's ruthless and cunning. I love the fact that the men are all in awe of her in some way- some more open about it than others. The storyline itself is intense and the descriptions are very on-point, sometimes quite graphic- all adding up for a wonderful reading experience that leaves you panting for more! I'm waiting impatiently for part 2. Highly recommend this one for a dark mafia romance with an incredible heroine!
Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,517 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2021
Great book, I didn’t stop reading it until the covert last word. It’s well written with such detail you fall into the book and want to stay there along side Charity.
Charity is a fantastic main character, loved her strength, her kick ass attitude and her grit.
Charity is looking for her brother that has gone missing and runs into lots of trouble searching for him. Charity has some hit AF sex scenes throughout the book.
Overall a great book, will definitely read the next book to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jessica Ziola-Simpson .
15 reviews
December 27, 2020
This book left me needing more. It does have some dark notes and some of the descriptions are not for the faint of heart however it just adds to the suspense. Charity's journey is a roller-coaster of events, and it has just enough sexual tension mixed in with the Italian Mafia. Great read cant wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three.
1,254 reviews109 followers
March 28, 2021
Charity’s Torment is everything you want in a mafia romance with the added bonus of 3 anti-heroes winning you over with their panty melting protectiveness(ish).

Charity doesn't really need anyone to watch out for her; she is a fierce force of nature with a bloodlust that could put a vampire to shame. I loved her instantly, she wasn’t one to back down and she seemed to have a knack for pushing Luca’s buttons.

I loved each of the guys, Charity and Luca appeared to have the strongest connection but it felt like Luca held back which has my curiosity at an all time high.

Her connection with Nico is just as palpable but their connection feels like he’s the calm to her storm.

Her connection with Max was full intensity and a unyielding loyalty.

This introduction to the Moreno Mafia is consuming from the first word to the last. It’s nonstop action that makes your pulse race one minute and your heart stop the next, witty banter, wicked chemistry, and steam.

I can’t wait for the next book, I have questions and am in desperate need of answers.
Profile Image for Rhiannon.
35 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2021
Charity's torment is not for the faint of heart.. luckily for me I'm not faint of heart. This book is a Reverse Harem and is about our main character Charity who works for the Moreno family and is trying to find her brother who has disappeared. This book really got me hooked from start to finish and is a great start to a trilogy. I love the sass of our main character and how strong she is. This had such great suspense and although it is steamy in certain parts, it isn't heavily romance based and the book focuses more on the suspense of Charity trying to find her brother, and the many twists and turns. This book is the first in a trilogy so it does end on quite the cliffhanger. Although I would have liked a bit more on the characters description on what they looked like I did really enjoy this and can't wait to continue on with this series.

*I was sent an ARC through booksprout for an honest review*
Profile Image for Renee (BookLoveWithRenee).
273 reviews16 followers
January 30, 2021
Charity's Torment
*ARC Review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@authoramdavis

Charity is a bad b*tch who works as an enforcer for the Italian mafia. Charity's brother disappears, so she works to find him- except she encounters many more obstacles than she anticipated. Naturally, she's surrounded by some hot, dominant men- Luca, Nico, & Max.

Charity is a confident, fiesty chick who doesn't hesitate to say and do what she wants, when she wants it. She's not your typical role model/superhero, but damn if I don't want to be her when I grow up 😉 Plus, I totally wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of 3 sexy, Italian men being into me.

This is my first read by Ann-Marie & I loved it! The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and deliciously steamy. However, this book ends with a cliffhanger that made me want to throw my Kindle across the room! Anxiously awaiting book 2.
Profile Image for Kayla.
22 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2021
Ann-Marie Davis did it again. Charity's Torment was freaking great.

Charity is the badass FMC I've been looking for. Daughter to a cop father and overbearing mother, she struggles to juggle hiding her violent job as the Moreno family's enforcer, searching for her missing brother, and surviving the man tasked with killing her.

This reverse harem mafia romance is 🔥🔥🔥

If you're looking for a book to start, go download the first book of Charity's story.

If you're already in the middle of a read, add this to your TBR list, because you don't want to miss this one.
Profile Image for Amy Thomas.
179 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2021
This is the first of Ann-Marie Davis’ books that I’ve read and it did not disappoint.

The author’s writing style is very easy to read, the chapters flowed well, and the dialogue felt authentic. Ann-Marie did well in balancing out descriptive, giving enough to help the reader to start to paint a picture in their head, but not too much to stop/hinder the reader’s own imagination.

I enjoyed the relationships between the characters and look forward to seeing how these develop in further Moreno Mafia books.

The book does include some quite violent scenes, which fits the story well. Without these I think the story would not have seemed genuine.
Profile Image for Charlotte 🦋.
196 reviews95 followers
April 10, 2023
1st book of 4 and it started off with a bang.

Our leading lady is an enforcer for the Italian mob. She has jobs to kill anyone who does Luca (H) the boss of the family dirty. Charity is on a mission to try and find her older brother who has fallen off the face of the earth, she gets the help from our hero’s Luca, Nico and Max.

Heroine: Charity
- strong and independent
- killer

Hero’s
- Luca Morneo: Boss of the Moreno Crime Family
- Nico Moreno: Lawyer for the Crime family
- Max Moreno: Enforcer for the crime family


This book has me hooked. I’m really enjoying it so far!

•Touch her and I’ll kill you
• Mafia
• protective alphaholes
Profile Image for Cheryl Sedman.
1,159 reviews11 followers
January 31, 2021
Each page of this of this book will pull you in fast, hard and deep that I finished it within a few hours.
With so much heat and tension between Charity, Luca, Nico and Max. While we see Charity go through many twists and turns as she tries to find her brother. With a few steamy scenes added into the mix to create a great read. Totally can't wait for book 2 now
Profile Image for Laurie Reads Reverse Harem.
283 reviews
November 22, 2024
Well, shit. Now I've got to read the remainder of the series because with a book like that and an ending so abrupt, I need answers. Damn.

I have so many ARCs to read and I do not have time for this series but I have started it now and I must continue! Why do I sign up for so many books?

Charity, you absolute maniac. I need more.
I need Luca to be so enamoured by you, he can't help himself.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,507 reviews107 followers
February 3, 2021
Okay, I REALLY liked this book. Once I started it I read the whole thing in one sitting. Hooray for a good dark romance. I can’t wait for book 2! While you’re waiting on book two check out His Obsession. It’s a stand-alone but is connected to this book by the characters.

This is the first kind of “reverse harem” book I’ve read and I’ve always been a bit skeptical about them. I really enjoy the guy and girl finding “the one”. However, it totally works in this book! Charity is messed up, and not the kind of messed up that can be fixed with therapy. This girl has some faulty wiring in her head and I can totally feel how she would need these different things from different guys. I can’t wait to get more of the men’s (brothers) motivation. I have so many questions! Why her? Why now? Is there like some kind of agreement? Do they not get jealous (though I saw a bit of a glimpse of that)?

Besides the love and sexiness it also has a great storyline that kept me intrigued and on my toes! It’s definitely dark, I mean hey, she’s the enforcer for a ruthless mafia family. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away here with giving you all the questions I need answered in the coming books. Just know you’ll be on the edge of your seat, won’t stop reading, go to sleep at 4am, and be grumpy on your first work conference call of the morning.

**trigger warnings I can remember because I finished at 4am**
Multiple sex partners (not at once)
Violence
Blood
Torture
Crime
Murder

In full transparency I received this as a free ARC for my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
April 9, 2021
Okay yesssss to all of the dark deliciousness! Charity is my freaking complete girl crush! She is strong independent and a complete badass like how can you not fall for her! Then there’s Luca, Nico and Max three of the sexiest, deadliest rusty less men... There is some shady crap going down and with all the twist and turns this one keeps you guessing from beginning to end. I love seeing the development of the “relationship” between Charity and the guys. I didn’t realize how protective and how much they secretly care for her but watching them slowly start to shine was great. There are still secrets being kept like where the heck is her brother and why so much betrayal. I am very invested and looking forward to the next book!!!
Profile Image for Hannah Wenna.
Author 12 books81 followers
February 14, 2021
Oh yes

From the very first page I was riveted... I loved that it dove right into the action. I’m seriously in awe of this author and plan to read all her books... stat
Profile Image for Micah Boudreaux.
3 reviews
January 14, 2021
Talk about suspense! From page one this page turner sucks you into Charity’s crazy world. The suspense and constant build up makes you not want to put it down, and the ending just has you craving for more. The writing is intelligent and well thought out with just the right amount of lust, action, complexity, and grit that evens each of the aforementioned categories out. Never a dull moment.
Profile Image for E.
768 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2021
Three hot men one badass woman, what more could you want in a book! Great characters, brilliant storyline, I was hooked from the very first page, so much so I read it in one sitting. Charity is a great female MC and shes a breath of fresh air compared to the other leading ladies in some books these days. I'm excited for book 2.
214 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2020
Well written, action packed. Charity is smart, tough, strong and bad a**. She got stuck in a life of crime because of her brother but now she embraces it and even loves it. Now he is missing again and she is looking for him. Will she find her brother? Will she let herself love not one but three men? Can’t wait for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.