The Italian Dom

Forbidden Cruel Italians #3

by N.J. Adel

She kicked me in the nuts at her sister's wedding. I vowed to make her my bride.
I'm a man who gets what he wants. No matter what it takes. Punto. And I want Nicky Baldi.
The only woman who said no to me.
The forced to become Mafia princess who hates our kind.
The firecracker that thinks she can burn me away.
She tries to play me, but she doesn't know what she's up against.
I'm Domenico Lanza, little kitten. Wait until you get a taste of what The Italian Dom can do to you...and your body.
And when she learns I'm the only winner in our hate game
When she submits to me, the only man she'll ever beg and purr under, I'll give her everything
But first...revenge is in order.

The Italian Dom is an enemies to lovers, age gap, forced marriage Mafia Romance. If you loved Enzio or Tino, you'll love Domenico, too.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Mafia Romance, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary Romance

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2021

About the author

Another psycho hiding in plain sight, pretending to be normal. Half Egyptian. Loather of cats. Allergic to fake sh*t. Lover of everything dark and spicy.

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Reviews

[rayhanah · Rating 2 out of 5]

naurrrrr what the fuck was this?! I picked it up to hopefully get out of a slump and also cause who doesn't like mafia and arranged romance. MY MISTAKE. I like to go in blindly with books cause I enjoy them more and that's the worst thing I could've done. To say this was dark would be an understatement. Maybe it's because I don't read a lot of this genre but this was FUCKED UP.
I didn't read the first two (thank god) so a lot of this was me trying to piece together information. The delivery was messy and sloppy. It felt like we were going so fast.
Now for the star of the show; the main couple. They 'hated' each other but secretly attracted to one another but the hatred disappeared faster than I could blink. I also couldn't find the tw list but it should be EXTENSIVE. Just to name a few: rape, incest, SA, graphic descriptions of the incidents, and I think the daddy kink should be thrown in there..i think that's self explanatory. The smut was repelling and this entire book was so off putting. I genuinely think this is one of the worst books I've read this year and just my luck that this is the shit i choose to pull me out of a slump. I'd never recommend any of you touch it. Instead avoid it like the plague, cause I wish I did. If y'all have any actually good romance, fluffy, smutty, (pls nothing dark cause I am traumatized) please send them my way <3 P.S the second star is only cause the last plot twist got my attention this book is still horrific.

[shereads.pang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc for a honest review.

OMG. SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS!!! Definitely dark and twisted.

Full Review.
If you love arranged marriages book, this one is totally for you!!! It was very unique and different from arranged marriages books that I've read before. NJ Adel is becoming one of favorite mafia authors really fast. I've enjoyed all the books I've read from her.

Dom and Nicky were both attracted to one another, but Dom was more invested into it, you can say. Nicky wanted to get out of the mafia world and just live her life freely, out of everyone's control, but it was not as easy as she thought. Dom wanted her so he'd do ANYTHING to get her. The things he does, I was caught off guard, and it was so dang clever. Lol I love how Nicky didn't gave up at all. My heart feels for her.

This book was pretty dark so make sure you read the triggers before you read it. That cliffy though. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!! Lol

[Joann Trevino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

It a dark read for sure , but it actually makes sense in a dark place where someone who gets raped as a child , and blocks things , and doesn't want happiness , its very well written it & kept me glued to each page , can't await for the next book , I thinks going to be a nail bitter for me lol

[Anika Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Dom by N J Adel

N K Adel's stories (especially this series) are not for everyone, so please read the trigger warnings carefully.

First off, even if this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, if you read The Italian Marriage and the Italian Obsession (in no particular order) first, and then read this one, your experience will be elevated. Atleast The Italian Obsession (Tino's book), coz the crazy psycho il Lupo, Sebastiano Bellomo plays a big role in this book, and knowing him and the situation they're in currently will elevate the experience of reading this book. Be warned, these two books come with their own share of triggers and t*boo situations. 😬

NJ Adel writes pure mindf*cks, and this one didn't disappoint. Domenico Lanza, Il Coyote is a Mafioso, enforcer to the legendary Enzio Il Tagliatore. He is drawn towards Nicky, having seen her at a wedding, and wants her. Does it matter that he is 23 years older than her!?! Not even once, in fact, ahem, it adds so much more to the story because of that. You'll know why when you read it 😬
Nicky may be only 21 years old, but she's way older and wiser than her age due to her circumstances. While she's struggling for her independence, she seems to have landed herself from the frying pan straight into the fire. Will the scorching il Coyote burn her or mould her into wrought iron?

** This book ends in a cliffhanger. Can't wait for The Italian son already. I need answers, N J Adel!L

[Minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Fantastic dark mafia romance.

Domenico’s and Nicky’s first meeting ends up with kicking Dom in the nuts by Nicky at her sister’s wedding. This situation, though, makes Domenico wanting to make Nicky his wife and nothing will stop him, even the stubbornness of Nicky who doesn’t want to be his.

This was a good story. There was a lot going on and it was more than only showing the relationship of the main characters and mafia. It was also about fighting with Nicky’s past and I loved the way Dom helped her in overcoming it.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I need the next book like right now… Dom and Nikky omg this book was 🔥🔥🔥 so many twists and turns. If you like dark romances this one will tick every box for you! It does end with a cliffy but the next book is coming soon thank god!! Dom is so twisted but I love it!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥💥

I love this author, I have enjoyed this series. I look forward to reading more of her books. 💖💖💖🔥! WOW

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom and Nikki's story is filled with heat and twists and turns. This is a dark mafia romance that keeps you reading. I like the intensity and the emotional rollercoaster. This is a entertaining read.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy heck I loved this story. 😍😍😍The back and forth between Dom and Nicky was awesome👍👍 The love/hate banter was sweet, kind of romantic and hot as well 👍👍 Nicky doesn't want to be the wife of a mafia enforcer,but Dom is just as stubborn and a war of hardheadness starts. I loved how determined Dom was and how sure he was about his choice in a wife. A hot older man with darker tastes and his younger woman. Age gap story with a HEA and a cliffhanger 😉 Can't wait for the next story 🥰🥰🥰 Great story with strong independent characters and with twists and turns... but so so good😍😍😍😍

[Shoshana Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️

I knew there was a cliffhanger but I’m still upset! I’m in awe of the twists and turns this book took. If I’m being honest I’m actually speechless. I think I may have to come back to this review. The trauma, the pain, the drama, the SEX, the plot?? Everything was psycho approved. This book goes PSYCHO! It’s dark and it pushes those kinky limits. I’m not surprised based on the other books in the series but THIS was a piece of work. I’m still digesting! I need to know what happens next though 😭

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooof if I thought the Italian obsession was a wowzer of a book then this one trumps it!!!

This is Nicky and Dom's story, they meet at her sister, Lina's wedding to Tino ( who appeared in Italian obsession ) he hits on her and she retaliates by kicking him in the nuts!!!! Dom will stop at nothing to get his little kitten and I mean nothing this man is PSYCHO!!!!!! but by god I thought Tino was messed up this guy is seriously messed up!! Nicky is one strong woman she's been through hell and back along with her sister by the hands of her father who raped her multiple times since then she's never let any other man touch her. So when Dom takes interest in her she really doesn't want to know and of Dom is the kinda guy that doesn't like it when a woman says no!!!

This story is dark, twisted, messed up, emotional and so damn sexy my kindle was on fire!!!!! There are triggers again but honestly you forget about them because the author is just so good at sucking you in to the story. Yes it's a Mafia, age gap arranged marriage story but it's one of the best I've read in a long time and will warn you it does end on a massive cliffhanger!!!!! I need part two like now!!!!!!

[britts.bookish.bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh!!!!

5/5 ⭐️ OVERALL
5/5 🌶 STEAM
5/5 🖤 DARK

First, I’m a little late with my ARC. Life happens along with natural disasters and here we are. BUT, I am so thankful that I was able to savor this book because it so deserved it!!

If you like:
- Dark Romance
- Big Age Gap (20+ years)
- J/P/O Hero/Anti-Hero
- D/bg relationship
- Super Steamy Dom/Sub

Okkkk. Woooo. I freaking love love love Dom and Nicky. ‘The Italian Dom’ was a dark emotional roller coaster of a read. It does end in a cliffy, but it’s a must read. This book contains some very triggering content that won’t be for everyone. With that said, if that’s you DO NOT read. If you like it DARK, I highly recommend. Please read ‘The Italian Obsession’ first, which is Nicky’s sister’s book and explains a lot.

I’m ending my review like this because I’m way to tempted to ramble and spoil. Just know, it was AMAZING and definitely bookshelf worthy!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

So twistingly bloody good!! Nicky & Dom (Domenico) have an instant attraction. One that Nicky tries everything she can think of to avoid. Dom is completely focused on getting what he wants and in this case its Nicky. Both have their own unhappy backstories that colour their points of view on things. The Italian Dom has some dark themes in it that might upset some folks. I genuinely loved Nicky & Dom's game of cat and mouse that they had going on. It was funny in parts but it was also heartbreaking as well. That cliffhanger ending was just killer!!! I cant flaming wait for the next book because this one was just brilliant

[Josey Pothier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhangers

First i want to say the story is gripping and quite dark and i gave 3stars because the author is a very good writer and this book is well written, but i don't like when the dominant wants to be called "Daddy" and the submissive "babygirl" it's like they are fans of incest so it did bother me and every time they had sex it was repelling because of it and i could not enjoy those scenes. Finally i hate cliffhangers and it is one.

[Literary Temptations · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING: 4*
RELEASE DATE: 03 September 2021
CLIFFHANGER: Yes


Seriously? What is it with authors and those freaking cliffhangers? I have been obsessed with this series from the jump; since Tino’s crazy obsessive days.

This is the story I’ve been waiting for without even realising. Nicole is the sister that everyone deserves. Honestly. The trauma that she has suffered, especially at the hands of the person who should have protected her the most is just heart breaking.

Riddled with self-loathing, hatred, fear, insecurities, the only thing she knows for sure is that she never wants to be at the mercy of any man again. Every man in her life has disappointed her in one way or another. All she wants is for her sister to be safe, get herself an education and a career so she can live her life…mob-free.

The problem is she doesn’t know how to live. Her 21 years of life have been made of nothing but survival. She is suspicious of every good deed and everyone. Especially when Dom seems to exhibit the same possessive and obsessive tendencies that she so hates in Tino with her. She fights. Does everything in her power to resist.

Unfortunately for her, Dom has decided he wants her. And he is prepared to play dirty to get her. And dirty he does play. He lies, manipulates every situation at his disposal to make her his. His demons recognise hers. And for the first time in his 44 years, he sees something akin to peace in her. And dammit he wants it all.

The trauma, the pain, the fear in this book was palpable. It was so intense, and I think Nicole’s character was written really well. While she came across as childish and almost unreasonable at times, it was believable considering her childhood. She craved emotional security that she was denied as a little girl, yet recognised that she wasn’t a little girl anymore and in fact didn’t know how to receive it. So often she struggled to reconcile the two. And it was believable.

Dom’s past was just as tainted. And I can’t help but wonder why he brought Nicole to that villa, especially with a secret he was harbouring there. Does Tino know? If not, what happens to Don? Ugggg so much potential. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've gone back & forth about how I feel about this story, and I don't know, I still have some issues with it. Despite my issues, I couldn't put it down for anything which is why it totally deserves the 5 star rating because this author is very talented & highly addictive to the point that when I was my most enraged (which was most of the story to be honest), I still couldn't stop reading to save my life. See, I'm one of those girls who won't put up with what Dom did to Nicky no matter if he thought it was best. The way he went about breaking down her walls was gross & uncalled for in my eyes but that's just me. At first, I was all about Nicky because she fought him tooth & nail which is a heroine I could get behind, but I felt like she forgave him too soon to be honest, and I wasn't behind what he forced her to call him. However, I'm all for the twists coming in hot because I'm all about some suspense, and that cliffhanger ending really has me impatient to see what will happen because I can see it going more than one way & I NEED TO KNOW. I WILL be reading the next book as N.J. Adel sucked me in completely despite some of my objections to what happened so BRAVO! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[One Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT WHAT WHAT that ending !! N.J Jadel that was just mean and I have so many more questions !!

I need to read book 1 which is Don & Lina's story. Lina is Nicky sister and this is her story.

I have never read a enemies to lovers dark romance like this. Nicky is a strong heroine and she isn't afraid to kick someone in the balls. Dom is a dangerous man and he is attracted to Nicky straight away. He ask Don permission and that was a complication itself I would't spoil way.

There is action and just suspense on will they or won't they. I love that she admitted that she is scared to fall for him and he was patient for her. And he saw right through her and you can feel off the page that she hated that he could read her so easy

AND when will that killer come to collect Nicky...no spoilers on who

AHHHHH that bloody "no spoliers" why is he there? Is what he saying true

YES that ending really got to me !!
I need next on now !!

☆MUST READ & FAV☆

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, twisted, intense and very delicious

The Italian Dom is the third book in the Forbidden Cruel Italians series. This story is about Domenico Lanza and Nicky Baldi and it is a and intense, dark and delicious forced marriage with some twisted stuff happening. Nicky is Lina's older sister, her and Tino's story is The Italian Obsession. She has been through some things that have affected her tremendously. Dom is a single minded, bullheaded and determined man who is dark and definitely has demons. When Dom sees Nicky he knows that he has to make her his wife, and that feeling only gets exponentially stronger as the story progresses. This story is a roller-coaster ride with some major trigger warnings at the entrance. But if you dare to step on then you know you are going to have a great time.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this dark story. Actually this whole series is amazing and you should read it in order but it is possible to read this book without reading the others and still pretty much know what's going on and follow along with the story but if you get to know the other character through the previous stories first, a lot more will fall into place for you while reading this story. It is very dark so please pay attention to the warnings. I love dark romances and this was just up my alley. Domenico was enthralled with Nicky when he saw her and her attitude and demeanor made him want her even more. She had been though a lot in her past and Dom helps her get through that trauma. This story was steamy and had me glued to the pages as soon as I started reading it. I can't wait for the next story! I received a review copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Please heed authors warnings this is a dark romance with triggers.

This book is also not a standalone and does end on a cliffhanger. Book 2 is coming soon ! Also The Italian Dom is best read as part of a series as some characters from previous books make appearances ….

Get ready for Nicky’s story …

Great cover and visual of Domenico Lanza ( Dom )
Age gap
Mafia arranged marriage
Both main characters very flawed , troubled pasts and unsolved issues
Lies and deception
One heck of a cliffhanger that I had to read a few times to make sure I wasn’t missing some clue as to where this story might be going

Great read and series can’t wait for Book 2

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the 5th book in this awesome series and the 1st part of a story about Domenico / Dom and Nicky. Nicky has had a tough life and is haunted by demons which have left her angry at the world as she focuses on vengeance. When Dom and Nicky meet at her sister’s wedding, she ends up kicking him in the nuts, which has Dom more determined than ever to have this stubborn little firecracker as his wife. Dom has his own demons from childhood, and he understandably is the only one who can get through to Nicky. This story ends with a whammy of a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read more about this couple. This is a well written story which is dark, twisted, raw, gritty, and with revenge, lies, deceit, passion, humor, and love, which leads to an entertaining and riveting page turner. I highly recommend this talented authors’ work.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW….I could not put this addictive book down once I started reading it! It is the dark story of Nicky Baldi, who was severely traumatized as a child which has affected her life choices as an adult, and Domenico Lanza, the enforcer and soon to be underboss in the Lanza Mafia Family. Domenico is captivated by Nicky and wants to marry her but she is resistant to his advances. This well written book is intense and emotional. Nicky and Domenico have a steamy attraction to each other but their turbulent relationship is full of ups and downs. The unexpected twists will keep you riveted to the storyline. This book ends in a cliffhanger and the series continues in the next book titled The Italian Son. I highly recommend this book as well as the complete Forbidden Cruel Italians series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Booksaddict2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is dark, twisted, intense, erotic and emotional. This is a dark, mafia, age gap, arranged marriage, romance novel that ends with a cliff hanger. The fiesty FC with her emotional baggage will make the hearts of its readers clench various times during the story. The story does feel like moving really fast in the middle but the end will make the readers shocked and want to read the next part immediately. This is a highly recommended book for readers who like this genre.

Personal Take:
I was waiting to read Nicky's story after the previous book and it didn't let me down. My heart clenched reading what she went through and not to forget the cliffhanger, I can't wait to read the next part now.

[Heather Chaotic Creatives · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a dark and twisted story that fed my dark soul. You get mafia, age gap, arranged marriage, and dark.
Nicky and Domencio's story is dark, has triggers, and is definitely not a light and fluffy. We have 2 broken souls that are perfect for each other. Their road to is rough, bumpy, and not for the faint of heart. Their initial meeting is not one that any man would forget. Nicky has left a lasting impression on Domencio and he has made it his mission to have Nicky as his wife. With everything that has happened in her past she is one that will avoid anyone who has anything to do with the mafia.... To her they are all bad and evil.
This story is a page turner, will leave you on the edge of your eat, and begging for the next book NOW!

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

Okay so this series just gets better and better with each book. I love an age gap romance throw in mafia and dark romance and this baby was my jammmm. These two were made for one another. They are both a bit broken but still managed not to let that weaken who they are and still came out on top. The fire these two have together is unmistakable and sexy AF. If you love all the twists and turns all the darkness and a story that will keep you guessing then you need to grab this one!! The author had my captivated from the very first page all the way to that cliffy!!! Thank the book gods we don’t have to wait too long for the next book!!

[Jeraca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this free eARC novel from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions. This is my honest review.

This is my second book by this author and I'm just as speechless this time as I was the first time at how INTENSE this story is. These stories are definitely not for the faint of heart and I'm always blown away by how deep and dark they are.

Nicky has been through a nightmare. How she's not crazy, I don't know, but I admire her determination and her passion, even though she's always so angry. I don't blame her anger or need for revenge. I do think she is not listening to her sister as well as she should and treating Lina like a child who doesn't know what she wants, but that might be the older, protective sister in her?

Dom has also had a terrible childhood and I see why he would be the only one who could get thrift to Nicky. He has his own demons, he is a demon to many, so to see him so enamored worth Nicky and how he was obsessed with her was a bit sweet. ... Who knew I would say that sentence. These books make me go a bit mentally insane when I do and think about it...!

I'm very interested to see what the next book brings and what Nicky's decision is because I can only imagine the drama and the tension that is about to happen!

[Lucid Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCUSE YOU!!

I'm....angry? Yes, but also no.

I wasn't ready for that cliffhanger, like at all. So many questions. What's going to happen with Dom and Nicky? What the heck will happen with Leo?? How will their stories be resolved?? GAHHHH!!

That was intense. Dirty, and intense. I have to say I liked their story much more than Lina and Tino's. Theirs was a dark that was hard to get over. This was dark as well but not in the same way. A lot of trauma and secrets uncovered here. Well that be enough for Nicky to forgive what she's uncovered? I'm nervous!!

I need the next book!

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say after that ending. This Nicky's story who is the older sister to Lina from the book Italian Obsession. She was severely traumatized as a child which has affected her life choices as an adult, and Domenico Lanza, the enforcer and soon to be underboss in the Lanza Mafia Family. Domenico has wanted Nicky from the first time he laid eyes on her at her sisters wedding. He is drawn to her and is willing to go to any lengths to show her. There are so many mind games not to mention twists and turns going on in here it is hard to keep up. I wasn't ready for that cliffhanger, like at all.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

And that's why I fell in love with N.J.'s writing.

Enemies to lovers on a whole different level🔥

This book was fire and certainly not for the faint-hearted.

I loved Nicky since The Italian Obsession and damn my girl kicks ass. I always love a feisty heroine and she is everything.💖

And Domenico just proved that Lanzas are superior🔥 and everyone knows I'm weak for heroes over 6'3 so yeah🔥(that's all I'm going to say)

Their story is wow, pure fire. And the hot scenes (Oh my God)

This is part 1, which means we have to wait for book two and I'm just so anxious about it.
I think I can't wait (N.J. what are you doing to me??)

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky and Dom are a couple that you love to see together. Sounds a bit strange since this is definitely a dark romance but then the story would be boring if it wasn’t. This is enemy to lovers book is definitely well worth the time to read. Dom is the perfect man to help Nicky overcome a very painful past that makes her inaccessible to most men.

All of the above pales when the reader dives in and eventually finds all the little twists and turns the book offers. That cliffhanger took me by complete surprise. Took the story to a whole new level that won’t be conquered til the next book..

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.