Italian King

Micheli Mafia #1

by Zoe Beth Geller

When you're looking for your long-lost father...
but you get kidnaped by the mafia don who knows exactly who your family is. I have two rules. The family business comes first, and never get let a woman get attached. When I find my biggest rival’s long-lost daughter, I have every plan to barter her for the advantage I want. She is naive and creative and sweet. Everything I'm not. The last thing I need is feelings for her. If you need to escape into the fast-paced mafia world of kidnappings, femme fatales, arranged marriages, and delicious age-gap relationships, you’ll get all that and more in Italian King, book one in the Dirty- A Dark Mafia Romance Series.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published July 20, 2021

About the author

Zoe Beth Geller, a captivator of hearts and a master of suspense, has a penchant for crafting mafia romances laden with unexpected plot twists and thrilling surprises. Her literary journey doesn't stop there; she also delves into the vibrant world of sports, creating enthralling hockey and football romances that never fail to score a touchdown or shoot a hat trick with her readers. A proud resident of Southwest Florida, Zoe cherishes the sun-kissed life alongside her loving family. When she isn't weaving romantic tales, Zoe revels in family get-togethers, enjoying the playful company of her two cherished labs, and indulging in the rich allure of a well-brewed espresso. Each story she writes is a passport to adventure, with a hearty serving of love and excitement that ensures her readers are always coming back for more.
Each story she writes is a passport to adventure. She is the author of over 24 books. Join her on social media or sign up for my newsletters with excerpts and behind-the-scenes of the author.
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Reviews

[Janice M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really bad

Another badly written book. A shame really, the plot looked interesting and the story takes place in Italy. BUT, the first thing that annoyed the heck out of me was, in the first paragraph, was the mention of which designer shoes the main male character was wearing. Huh? Why? I know this guy is rich. I’m not an idiot. Then, when meeting the main female character, I learn what designer purse she’s carrying and the designer bag for her art supplies. Okay, knock it off already. Then it goes on and on and on. Did the author get a cheque from these designers to mention them in the book? Seems like it.

Next: this book needs a beta reader badly. Sentence structure, weird out of place words etc. The dwelling on food and coffee consumed. Oh good grief can we get on with the story please. I know everyone in Italy consumes espresso, eats cannoli and drinks red wine. Boring and unnecessary. Enough of the food descriptions.

Anyway, the awful editing, the endless food descriptions and product placement really soured me on this book and I DNF. Hopefully someone else will be able to over look the flaws and find enjoyment in the story. I sure didn’t.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

This was actually my first read from this author and I have to say it’s a great introduction into the mafia world. Dante is a Don set on getting what he wants by any means necessary from another Don who just happens to be a complete cray cray. I’m order to do this he plans to kidnap Juliet the daughter of said Don…. What I don’t think he anticipated was how much he would feel for her. Juliet is feisty, sassy, independent, beautiful and a talent artist with a passion for life. You can feel their instant chemistry from their very first meeting. The sexual tension is off the charts. As these two spend more and more time together their feelings grow for one another going from a business transaction to the real thing something Dante has never wanted. The threat of Juliets dad Looms and so they need to get it handled. Over all this was a quick read and I liked the storyline and all of the secondary characters I am really looking forward for their story. If you like a good mafia story that isn’t so dark this will be your jam. I definitely recommend reading Italian King!

[Suze Prescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Mafia Romance

Enjoyable Mafia romance set in Italy. Dante is a Mafia don, Juliet an art student who is unaware that her real father is a criminal. Only four stars as I found the escalation of the relationship towards the end a little bit unbelievable.

[Serlina Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll begin by saying, the book title was very interesting and made me wish to read it. Then i'll continue with - it has great potential to being an amazing story. The MMC sounds arrogant and determine to get what he wants however he wants. The MFC sounds like all she wants is to achieve her career prospects while she doubts herself. What I gathered from this intro is that there is some bad blood and revenege is to take place.

[Abbella DiNoto · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Got so dark then so boring and on chapt 5 it jumped ahead to what should have been chapter 13 .. and then chapter 13 picks back up where chapt 6 should have been . It’s like editing drop several chapters of this book on the floor and scrambled to put it back together and. Got it all wrong . So chapt 4 ends with. Dante. About to kidnap the girl .. and chapt 6 begins with her in his shirt with nothing on underneath walking around his villa as his girlfriend.. huh? I was like I KNOW I MISSED SOMETHING!! Went back .. can’t find it . It’s like when a movie starts at a place plays through for a while a few scenes then says .. rrrrrrrrrrrreck! Let’s fast forward then rewind! Huh?
And chapter 12/13. He is about to kidnap her .. wha??.? I’m done. If you can’t get your story together properly. Why should I bother? if you don’t care? Why should I???

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 overall rating
Dante and Juliet's story had its moments but fell short in it's general presentation. I have read numerous stories from Mafia genre so my expectations from a novel in this genre is very high. There was allot of name dropping in this book that describes the wealth of Dante's family. Most authors use this as a way of painting a picture for the reader but this book seemed almost excessive in the use of it.

The concept/plot was pretty straight forward as well as the setting. Many authors have set their stories in Italy or the home country of the organization, i.e. Russia, Ireland etc. I liked Dante's character allot because he was a 21st century Don vs. a 19th century Don in his thinking and how he ran his family. Unlike his father he was a forward thinking Don who focused on his legal business' as much as his illegal money laundering etc., and avoided war amongst the other families as much as possible. He was a Don with a conscious and killed if necessary but didn't live for the kill as some characters in this genre do. The author got that part of the story right and should be applauded for her efforts to bring this genre into the 21st century.

Juliet is a college art student who was the illegitimates daughter of a deplorable enemy of Dante's family and gets caught up in a kidnapping to convince her father to play ball. She has no idea she is related to this horrible man. She has been raised by her adoptive parents who are middle class people.

My issue with this story was the insta-love infatuation between Dante and Juliet, which started with day one of her captivity. Her captivity was more like a trip to Fantasyland as she was treated like a Princess. Juliet's character came over as immature and childish even though the author tried to make her look strong with a sassy mouth and attitude. She apparently was really young and it showed. She was not as worldly, nor a "think on her feet kind of character" as the author tried to portray her. She apparently wasn't a virgin and had experienced her share of sex, so she certainly hadn't grown up in a convent. She had her moments where she came around, but overall her character just didn't do it for me. I like strong minded, smart women who can think and act when faced with adversity or love. She fell too quickly for Dante, getting caught up in the clothes, the beautiful homes and furnishings. Their relationship seemed rushed.

Dante was definitely the hero in this book and made the read interesting enough to finish the book. Juliet and Dante get their HEA once Dante is able to outsmart her father and put an end to him with the hope that whoever takes over as Don cleans up her father's legacy and brings his family into the 21st century.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

Very easy to get involved with the story. A lot of really typos, and wrong wording in the first part of the story. I found that surprising, and a little annoying. I did like how fast paced it was.

[Daniela Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I liked that the this story is actually in Italy because usually we have a Don but living in America so I really appreciated this and also I really liked the characters.

Dante is a Don of the famiglia and he thinks that having a girlfriend or a wife is a liability in his world so he’s cold towards women and only uses them when he feels like it.

Then we have Juliet who’s Italian and a college student with a past that she doesn’t know all at.
When she meets Dante they have this chemistry that she doesn’t what to make of but she thinks that she’s never gonna see him again. Little did she know what was in store for her.

I liked their relationship but I feel like it could’ve have more depth to it. Granted, she saved his live which was a great choice in my opinion, I love when a heroine takes matters into her own hands. Plus they understand that they have great sexual chemistry and they know that they have to stay together to survive and then this lust turns into love which I felt like it was to quick to happen but then again I really enjoyed this book.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the mafia world , I feel like this book is a great place to start because it’s not too dark for a mafia book.

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Accordi is an art student in the city of Florence, Italy. Dante Micheli is the young don of the local Mafia family. Juliet comes from a regular family with few resources, while Dante is used to the best having been raised by the previous don. But little does Juliet know that her parents adopted her at birth. It’s been kept a secret that she is the illegitimate daughter of the don of a rival family. But Dante has found the info and is determined to use Juliet to force her biological father’s hand in a business deal. So, Dante and his men kidnap Juliet! Needless to say she is floored by the news that she is a Mafia princess who has never met her real dad!
During the struggle for power between the battling families Dante and Juliet are drawn to each other. Having vowed to never marry or have children, Dante is at an impasse.
I am not usually a fan of Mafia romance, but I truly enjoyed this first book in the Micheli Mafia series. I am anxiously awaiting the second one!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book very much! It is more about romance with the mafia being the hero’s line of work as a side plot. Most mafia books include a lot of fighting with guns, leaving behind dead bodies. But Dante is a different kind of don, he doesn’t want to kill unless absolutely necessary and he is also against human trafficking unlike other dons. He does however, kidnap Juliet but it’s for leverage against her biological father.

Juliet is a strong, independent, beautiful young woman who is studying art at a local university. She is proud to not rely on her parents for clothing and other necessities. When Dante takes her, she uses her smarts to get him to trust her which allows her freedom to move about the house.

Together, the two of them face her biological father and end up in grave danger afterwards, but they work together to survive the threats.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily giving an honest review

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Known for her amazing Hockey series, Zoe Beth Geller has taken a step into the dark world of the Italian Mafia and she does not disappoint. The Italian King is the first book in the Micheli Mafia series that will pull you in from the moment you read the first line and leave you on the edge to the end.

Dante has be raised to his position. There is a beauty in his ruthlessness and passion is his strength. and heat in the way he gets what he wants. Juliet is a strong women, she may seem innocent and naïve, but deep down she can go head to head with the best. With this strength makes her perfect for the man you always believed he was going to be alone.

I love the intense and dangerous ride the story take you on may it be the heat of danger or the lust filled connection, it will be hard to put this book down,

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost this wasn't a dark Mafia story. I would classify it as a "nice" mafia story. The plot was actually not bad, it could have been a little darker. What I mean is, the bad guy wasn't bad enough. He was kind of predictable in a way. The MC knew all of his moves which was kind of unbelievable. The bad guy would have disguised himself and his plan a little better. The MC knew all of his moves before he made them. Not really believable. I wanted something to happen to the FC. I don't know like maybe her father snatching her and the MC having to track her down. All the MC did was mope and complain that he was never getting married nor was he getting a girlfriend because his life was too dangerous. Well there was never any danger to begin with LOL! Even the sex scenes were "nice". UGH!! I don't know if I'll read any more of her books.

[Peni]

Dante Micheli walks into my life and turns it upside down. He’s way older, far more experienced, with a body made to tempt me.
Juliet
But, as much as I hate him for kidnapping me, I crave him even more. When danger stalks me, my enemy becomes my only hope for survival. The thing is – I’m not sure whether my Italian King wants me for business or love.
Dante
When an unfortunate tragedy, makes me Don before my time, it becomes my duty to ensure the survival of my family. In order to do that, I have to kidnap the daughter of the one enemy who could destroy us all. The problem is? She doesn’t know who her father is. The even bigger problem? She is hot, feisty, and smart. Wanting her could be my destruction, but with our enemies closing in, I can’t afford to lose her. I'll do whatever I need to do to save her.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Micheli Mafia Series and my first read by this author. I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is a dark romance between mafia don Dante and art student Juliet. These flawed characters and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. What starts out as a kidnapping turns into something more. Seriously entertaining, it is an intense love story with drama, danger, suspense, secrets, action, sizzle, humor, frustrating moments, sweetness, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. A fast-paced page turner.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Gwendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, it was what I like to think of as what readers want, fantasy and HEA. I will read the rest of the series and see if they evolve a little more. It was a really good introduction into the world of Mafia for 1st time readers of this genre. I would tell people that if they want to read Mafia books they should start here and go from there! Dante is a Don in Italy and wants to have use of another Don's property or waterway. Julia comes on his radar and he kidnaps her to use her, they come under the attention of the other Don and now they have to hide. Not a lot of violence but enough. Lots of little surprises.

[Lynnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. It had all the makings of a Mafia romance.

However, there were a few things that really threw me off. First, the execution was lacking. Even when there was a shootout, it was like hearing it after the fact. It was slow and monotone.

Second, it was placed in Italy, but it was like if Italy bore all the customs and mannerisms of the USA. It did not make sense.

Last, there were too many missing parts. There needed to be fillers to keep the plot and storyline whole.

I can say, though, I LOVED the cover art. It is what all books should strive for. The perfect balance between what the story is about and creativity.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have avoided Mafia books in the past,. But I won't avoid Zoe's Mafia books here on in! The story took place in Italy, rather than the usual U.S., which was unusual. Juliet is a student, kidnapped by a much older man, The Italian King. She's torn between hating him and being attracted to him. Dante is the unexpected Don of his family, who has no choice but to hunt down and capture and keep Juliet. A romance, Mafia, hot men. What more could you want? A great read. This book is as entertaining as her hockey series!!!

[Kenzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly written and edited is all i have to say.... you can't just go into many useless details like the name of the street the MC is on, then have the MC name written wrongly in the Chapter title... felt like there was a word count the author needed to hit 😅 Also im not sure if there's a chapter out of place or if it's intentional cos it makes no sense .... why would you tell me she's kidnapped, he's falling for her and she seems fine with it... without actually telling me the plans to kidnap, show me the kidnapping and an interaction between them first 🤣

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give it 4.5 stars actually.. Love Dante and Juliette their chemistry is steamy. Each denying there is something there except internally they know differently. He starts off using her to get Conti to do what he wants but soon realizes there is more there they cares to admit. They go into a sort of fake engagement to keep them both alive. That becomes real but not without some complications. It was a good read cannot wait to dive into part two.

I received this ARC for my honest review.

[Chanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I loved Dante and Juliet they had a rough start but the love story was hot with passion and all of the twists and turns made the book engaging, I loved that Dante and his family treated her with respect, and didn't treat as a hostage. It was also nice that she wasn't a wall flower this the first book I read from this author will definitely read the rest of her books. loved it!

[Mikki D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't for me. The insta love had me eye rolling and gagging. The long character monologues were painful. Show who they are via scenes and situations, don't have them tell the reader through monologues! The misspellings were irritating. I won't go any further with this series. I gave 2 stars because it's still a book and I appreciate the effort.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and different kind of mafia romance.

This is not as dark as alot of mafia romances . It takes place in Italy instead of in US . I like Juliette. She goes through alot, but comes out stronger. I like Dante and his family. This is more of a romance. The action and mafia are not as prominent. There is some action and violence. There are steamy scenes.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Juliet is an art student living abroad in Italy. She is wanted by mob boss, Dante, to both possess and protect her from her biological father, another mob boss. I didn't find either of these characters particularly interesting. They seemed pretty flat and dull. I was actually more intrigued with Dante's bodyguard!

[Catie Busen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 51%

Child like writing. Too much emphasis on the brand of clothing they are wearing. Some conversations were incredibly irrelevant. One second she’s wanting to meet her real father and the next she’s sharing ice cream with her captor like they’re on a date? Just horrible characters

[Paperback Princess]

DNF @46%

This book reads very immature…a little silly and the male pov doesn’t sound like a man is talking. I’ve never in my life heard a man use the word naughty to describe himself or what’s he’s doing to a woman in bed…sigh!!! At this point I think I’ve read all the good mafia romance…theres none left!!

[Nancy LeBel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Since a first for this author in the mafia world or that I read from her.

Story of art student Juliet shy but strong character meets Dante don of mafia in Florence Italy.

Like it, light not to gruesome. A good read

[KRISTY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 interesting

I liked this story a lot, book 1 ended in a cliffhanger. Book 2 didn’t carry enough excitement to make a duet worthwhile. She could have been said in one book. The writing was good, and I loved the characters.

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers

A mafia king will do whatever they habe to to get control over port including kidnapping the daughter of a rival king falling in love was not part of the plan, but love won out.

[Joan Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finding the past

Started out as a means to a end, it dawned as to what could happen to a young woman who knew nothing of her pass and the danger that was forced into her calm life.
As the saying in their world goes, "I always get what I want".
True, but at what cost.

[Leslie Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dante is a playboy mafia king who is trying to get some property from another mafia Don. He will not give him rights to property so Dante finds out tge other don has a child he put up for adoption she is 21 he kidnapps her to get what he wants.