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Marrying the Mobster
Raw. Visceral. Powerful. Victoria Vale brings a forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance to the Leave Me Breathless Black Rose Collection....
Elena
I never believed rumors of mobsters ruling the Miami underworld, until I came face to face with Diego Pérez—the ruthless head of a Colombian crime family.
He says my father will die if he cannot pay back a loan he defaulted on. Our family is bankrupt, and Diego will accept nothing as collateral … except for me.
My father has 30 days to pay up or I’m dead … unless I can convince Diego to spare me.
Diego
Elena Aguilar is a means to an end, and I won’t hesitate to put a bullet in her head if her father doesn’t keep his word.
But then, the head of the Russian Yezhov Family wants to impose a marriage on me as a condition for our alliance. I refuse to allow the man to control me in this way.
Turns out, the enthralling Elena can be of use to me. She may try to fight me, but in the end, I always get what I want.
Elena Aguilar is mine … whether she wants to be or not.
* TRIGGER WARNING: This story includes depictions of violence and sexual assault; may be sensitive for some readers.
Elena
I never believed rumors of mobsters ruling the Miami underworld, until I came face to face with Diego Pérez—the ruthless head of a Colombian crime family.
He says my father will die if he cannot pay back a loan he defaulted on. Our family is bankrupt, and Diego will accept nothing as collateral … except for me.
My father has 30 days to pay up or I’m dead … unless I can convince Diego to spare me.
Diego
Elena Aguilar is a means to an end, and I won’t hesitate to put a bullet in her head if her father doesn’t keep his word.
But then, the head of the Russian Yezhov Family wants to impose a marriage on me as a condition for our alliance. I refuse to allow the man to control me in this way.
Turns out, the enthralling Elena can be of use to me. She may try to fight me, but in the end, I always get what I want.
Elena Aguilar is mine … whether she wants to be or not.
* TRIGGER WARNING: This story includes depictions of violence and sexual assault; may be sensitive for some readers.
367 pages, ebook
Published May 4, 2021
95 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Vale
37 books575 followersVictoria Vale writes erotic romance that refuses to stay in its lane. She hops between history and suspense, blending danger with desire until the edges blur. Her stories are marked by bold heroines, irresistible heroes, and heat that never behaves the way it should. Love Me Darkly (2025) proves passion is always at its best when it misbehaves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 20, 2021
I can not like this book more than 3 stars. This is my first read by Miss Vale and I was expecting something way much darker. Unfortunately, Miss Vale is putting too much of everything in Marrying the Mobster.
There is aspect of mafia, BDSM romance in it. The story is not focusing on one particular. Everything is mixed together. The ending is rushed and anti climax.
I still can enjoy the story OK. But I still need more twist on it.
3 stars
There is aspect of mafia, BDSM romance in it. The story is not focusing on one particular. Everything is mixed together. The ending is rushed and anti climax.
I still can enjoy the story OK. But I still need more twist on it.
3 stars
March 29, 2022
Everyone knows that I'm a fan of Victoria Vale's historicals. But her foray into contemporary? How will Kat like this book? Holy Shit.
I'm not even sure where to start, but here goes.
It is a slow starting book. The tension, the suspense, the steam is a slow build up from the beginning to about halfway through the book. Those of us who know Ms. Vale can deliver the goods, stuck with this and discovered a really good story, well told, at the end. I'm impressed. I wasn't sure she could pull it off.
Switching from Regency to Modern Day isn't necessarily an easy jump. Everything changes. The nuances, the sexual tension, the clothing, the speech, the culture. And she nailed the Miami underworld pretty darn well. I never lost my interest in this book, not for one sentence (I wasn't sure that would happen either, this was new territory).
This is once again like being caught in a chemistry lab with a mad scientist as he mixes his potions. You never know when the explosion will come, but you know it will. Would I have liked more steam? Of course, but that's just me reading Victoria Vale.
The book was near perfect, like all of Ms. Vale's books. And no, I'm not just saying that. She knows, as does every author I've ever reviewed, that if I don't like a book, you'll know it. In this case, there was nothing that I could find to dislike. It was steamy, it had a strong plot, the characters were not only well developed throughout the book, they were also the same slow boil. Most of all, it was well written and totally entertaining.
Score another five stars Victoria, now let's do it again!
I'm not even sure where to start, but here goes.
It is a slow starting book. The tension, the suspense, the steam is a slow build up from the beginning to about halfway through the book. Those of us who know Ms. Vale can deliver the goods, stuck with this and discovered a really good story, well told, at the end. I'm impressed. I wasn't sure she could pull it off.
Switching from Regency to Modern Day isn't necessarily an easy jump. Everything changes. The nuances, the sexual tension, the clothing, the speech, the culture. And she nailed the Miami underworld pretty darn well. I never lost my interest in this book, not for one sentence (I wasn't sure that would happen either, this was new territory).
This is once again like being caught in a chemistry lab with a mad scientist as he mixes his potions. You never know when the explosion will come, but you know it will. Would I have liked more steam? Of course, but that's just me reading Victoria Vale.
The book was near perfect, like all of Ms. Vale's books. And no, I'm not just saying that. She knows, as does every author I've ever reviewed, that if I don't like a book, you'll know it. In this case, there was nothing that I could find to dislike. It was steamy, it had a strong plot, the characters were not only well developed throughout the book, they were also the same slow boil. Most of all, it was well written and totally entertaining.
Score another five stars Victoria, now let's do it again!
September 1, 2023
Very good mafia, with a h that isn't a frightened/bratty teenager. The h is 27.
The H doesn't cheat, doesn't force the h even with her being his captive.
No ow drama.
Nice twist in the end!
PS: cheesy title!
The H doesn't cheat, doesn't force the h even with her being his captive.
No ow drama.
Nice twist in the end!
PS: cheesy title!
May 25, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
So bloody good. Victoria never Ceases to amaze me with her writing.
She bounces from one genre to another with ease and every book is awesome.
This mafia, kidnap/ forced marriage is a perfect example of her talents.
It’s dark, mysterious, romantic, tense, thrilling, it’s everything you could possibly want or need from a book of this genre.
I wish I could give more than five stars, it doesn’t seem enough.
I really hope she writes more in the series. I’d love to see the others have some fun.
Highly recommend!!!
💋💋💋
So bloody good. Victoria never Ceases to amaze me with her writing.
She bounces from one genre to another with ease and every book is awesome.
This mafia, kidnap/ forced marriage is a perfect example of her talents.
It’s dark, mysterious, romantic, tense, thrilling, it’s everything you could possibly want or need from a book of this genre.
I wish I could give more than five stars, it doesn’t seem enough.
I really hope she writes more in the series. I’d love to see the others have some fun.
Highly recommend!!!
May 2, 2021
Elena Aguilar chooses totally the wrong moment to walk into her father's office where she comes face to face with Diego Pérez—the ruthless head of a Colombian crime family who's holding a gun to her father's head. She’s told father will die if he cannot pay back a loan he defaulted on. Diego will accept nothing as collateral … except for Elena. Diego sees Elena Aguilar is a means to an end, and won’t hesitate to put a bullet in her head if her father doesn’t keep his word. But then, the head of the Russian Yezhov Family Oleg wants to impose a marriage on Diego as a condition for their alliance.
I love the author’s historical romances so couldn't pass on her first contemporary. I was drawn in from page one until the lovely epilogue. The pace was good from the start but then it accelerated & the pages flew by. I liked Diego who was ruthless but gradually as his childhood was revealed it was easier to understand the man he'd become. I adored Elena an extremely strong intelligent, feisty woman who gave as good as she got. I loved their journey to their HEA it took me on a roller coaster of emotions, the chemistry between the pair was off the scale. There was a scene towards the end which I skimmed as not for me but no way did it detract from this five star read. I loved Elena’s taste in books!!!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I love the author’s historical romances so couldn't pass on her first contemporary. I was drawn in from page one until the lovely epilogue. The pace was good from the start but then it accelerated & the pages flew by. I liked Diego who was ruthless but gradually as his childhood was revealed it was easier to understand the man he'd become. I adored Elena an extremely strong intelligent, feisty woman who gave as good as she got. I loved their journey to their HEA it took me on a roller coaster of emotions, the chemistry between the pair was off the scale. There was a scene towards the end which I skimmed as not for me but no way did it detract from this five star read. I loved Elena’s taste in books!!!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 17, 2021
This book is a five star all the way. My 1st impression of this author is she's an excellent writer. I was so taken with Diego and Elena's story I simply couldn't put this book down. I didn't know what reaction would come from me next laugh, cry or hold my breath till that moment passed by. Allow yourself plenty of time cause once you start you won't want to stop.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2022
3/5 ⭐️
This was all over the place with moments I really enjoyed and others I felt didn’t belong in this story.
The initial plot of Diego taking Elena in place of her father’s debt was really intriguing (and the reason I picked this to read in the first place), but that plot almost immediately got thrown to the side in favor of a fake-dating plot that really did seem strange in this world. Add in the random flashes of BDSM, a rival cartel, and an out-of-left-field decision to have Elena’s character do a 180 in the last chapter of the book (suggesting her original personality wouldn’t hold up in Diego’s world…), and you’ve got a book that genuinely seems to have no idea what it wants to be.
Definitely not my favorite, but I did enjoy the initial premise of the story enough to check out more by this author in the future.
Spice: 3/5 🌶
**TW: Sexual Assault (the FMC is violently groped with the intent to rape her)**
This was all over the place with moments I really enjoyed and others I felt didn’t belong in this story.
The initial plot of Diego taking Elena in place of her father’s debt was really intriguing (and the reason I picked this to read in the first place), but that plot almost immediately got thrown to the side in favor of a fake-dating plot that really did seem strange in this world. Add in the random flashes of BDSM, a rival cartel, and an out-of-left-field decision to have Elena’s character do a 180 in the last chapter of the book (suggesting her original personality wouldn’t hold up in Diego’s world…), and you’ve got a book that genuinely seems to have no idea what it wants to be.
Definitely not my favorite, but I did enjoy the initial premise of the story enough to check out more by this author in the future.
Spice: 3/5 🌶
**TW: Sexual Assault (the FMC is violently groped with the intent to rape her)**
August 27, 2022
DNF at 60% due to a clusterfac of gigantic proportions.
Again with romantisizing beatings? Really this bs seems to sell more??
Dear VV, @Victoria Vale author #victoriavaleauthor #victoriavale
I sure hope I have your attention:
I'd like to wish you the BEST 14 leather belt lashes followed by a belt chocking till you see the light of ZERO sensation but the one to dial for 911 or any medical help you will surely need.
Shame on you for coating pure violance with sensuality.
Woman to woman - this is a disgrace.
Again with romantisizing beatings? Really this bs seems to sell more??
Dear VV, @Victoria Vale author #victoriavaleauthor #victoriavale
I sure hope I have your attention:
I'd like to wish you the BEST 14 leather belt lashes followed by a belt chocking till you see the light of ZERO sensation but the one to dial for 911 or any medical help you will surely need.
Shame on you for coating pure violance with sensuality.
Woman to woman - this is a disgrace.
May 6, 2021
Marrying the Mobster is an intense, dark story about an enemies-to-lovers connection that develops into a forced marriage, and ultimately leads to some very unexpected outcomes. I’ve enjoyed historical romances from author Victoria Vale. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from a very different type of book from her hands, although I did expect it to be well-written. Well, in addition to being well-written, it was startling, violent, passionate, and very entertaining.
Elena encounters Diego as he’s got a gun to her father’s head, fully intending to execute him for failing to pay back a huge debt. Diego is the merciless head of a Colombian crime family. He’ll accept nothing but the money he’s owed, and then he sees a chance to use Elena as additional incentive for her father to pay up. Diego expects he’ll have to kill her because he really doesn’t expect her father to come through. At Diego’s level in the world of organized crime, political type maneuvering and alliances can be as important as ruthlessness. When circumstances make it expedient for him to quickly find a bride, he decides that captive Elena is perfect for the role. Elena is no swooning, weak-willed miss. The way she handles her captivity and her changing circumstances is terrific.
This book caught my interest from the very beginning and kept it until the end of the epilogue. I thought the pacing was done well, and the intensity kept building to a fantastic finish. The author managed to make me like and even feel sorry for Diego, and I thought that was an impressive accomplishment. There were several very shocking moments, a little bit of humor, and scorching hot chemistry between Elena and Diego. The secondary characters were interesting, particularly Diego’s sister and his second-in-command. Overall, this was a very entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy.
Elena encounters Diego as he’s got a gun to her father’s head, fully intending to execute him for failing to pay back a huge debt. Diego is the merciless head of a Colombian crime family. He’ll accept nothing but the money he’s owed, and then he sees a chance to use Elena as additional incentive for her father to pay up. Diego expects he’ll have to kill her because he really doesn’t expect her father to come through. At Diego’s level in the world of organized crime, political type maneuvering and alliances can be as important as ruthlessness. When circumstances make it expedient for him to quickly find a bride, he decides that captive Elena is perfect for the role. Elena is no swooning, weak-willed miss. The way she handles her captivity and her changing circumstances is terrific.
This book caught my interest from the very beginning and kept it until the end of the epilogue. I thought the pacing was done well, and the intensity kept building to a fantastic finish. The author managed to make me like and even feel sorry for Diego, and I thought that was an impressive accomplishment. There were several very shocking moments, a little bit of humor, and scorching hot chemistry between Elena and Diego. The secondary characters were interesting, particularly Diego’s sister and his second-in-command. Overall, this was a very entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy.
May 11, 2021
Marrying the Mobster by Victoria Vale is an enemies to lovers contemporary romance. Diego is the titular mobster who goes to collect a debt from Elena’s father. When it becomes obvious there is no way to actually pay the debt back, Diego takes Elena as collateral and gives him a thirty-day deadline to pay the debt or his daughter forfeits her life.
I will start saying that I don’t read contemporary romances. I don’t like seeing romance tropes in modern day settings. That being said, I do love reading Victoria Vale’s writing, so I was willing to give this a shot. And oh schnikeys, I’m so glad that I did. I was amazed how easily Ms. Vale transitioned from historical romance to Modern day Mobster romance. It was so easy to read, I can’t wait to read it again!
I could not put the book down. Once you start, it’s a trip you don’t want to end, and when it does, you’re overwhelmed, out of breath and can’t wait to start again. The characters are fascinating. Diego is your typical alpha-mobster so he’s not quite sure what to do with Elena. It’s a constant power struggle, and one of them has to bend. Elena is willing to do anything for her family; her inner strength saves her. They’re perfect for each other. Now I need Jovan’s story!
I loved this book. Ms. Vale has turned me onto another genre! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will start saying that I don’t read contemporary romances. I don’t like seeing romance tropes in modern day settings. That being said, I do love reading Victoria Vale’s writing, so I was willing to give this a shot. And oh schnikeys, I’m so glad that I did. I was amazed how easily Ms. Vale transitioned from historical romance to Modern day Mobster romance. It was so easy to read, I can’t wait to read it again!
I could not put the book down. Once you start, it’s a trip you don’t want to end, and when it does, you’re overwhelmed, out of breath and can’t wait to start again. The characters are fascinating. Diego is your typical alpha-mobster so he’s not quite sure what to do with Elena. It’s a constant power struggle, and one of them has to bend. Elena is willing to do anything for her family; her inner strength saves her. They’re perfect for each other. Now I need Jovan’s story!
I loved this book. Ms. Vale has turned me onto another genre! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2021
There was a slow start to this story, but it eventually took off and what a ride. The romance was steamy and I liked how Elena grew throughout the story. I won't give away any spoilers, but the ending was amazing and a superior ending to the thrilling ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2021
I would give this book 3 1/2 to 4 stars. It was a rather slow start, but I eventually got into the story, and enjoyed it in the end
Elena rushes into her father office when her housekeepers tells her her father is in trouble, what she finds is her father in serious trouble with Diego a ruthless Mafia Don! She ends up being taken by Diego, giving her father 30 days to repay him the money he owes, or she dies!
Elena refuses to take things lying down and tries to escape. Diego realises that he could make better use of her, so tells her they will be married! The problem with being a Mafia boss is that they have many enemies, and when things go wrong, they go badly wrong.
Can Elena and Diego find their way together or will their actions tear them apart forever.
Elena rushes into her father office when her housekeepers tells her her father is in trouble, what she finds is her father in serious trouble with Diego a ruthless Mafia Don! She ends up being taken by Diego, giving her father 30 days to repay him the money he owes, or she dies!
Elena refuses to take things lying down and tries to escape. Diego realises that he could make better use of her, so tells her they will be married! The problem with being a Mafia boss is that they have many enemies, and when things go wrong, they go badly wrong.
Can Elena and Diego find their way together or will their actions tear them apart forever.
February 20, 2024
1 star
DNF
With this:
- very mediocre writing,
- highly unoriginal and dull storyline
- unlikeable characters
- romanticizing violence
- and heroine's very disturbing torture fantasies
I'd just say, skip it. You won't be missing out anything, believe me you.
It was all just boring, I didn't like the writing style, nor the characters.
No, scratch that. I didn't like anything.
Hence the DNF and the rating.
DNF
With this:
- very mediocre writing,
- highly unoriginal and dull storyline
- unlikeable characters
- romanticizing violence
- and heroine's very disturbing torture fantasies
I'd just say, skip it. You won't be missing out anything, believe me you.
It was all just boring, I didn't like the writing style, nor the characters.
No, scratch that. I didn't like anything.
Hence the DNF and the rating.
January 11, 2022
Promising start but it kind of lost steam half way through. Hard to believe that the author who brought us The Villain duology and repeatedly referred to it in this book, created this supposedly ruthless cartel boss. Then, the book completely went off the rails towards the end as the heroine decided to fulfill her potential and indulge her torture fantasies since that supposedly makes her cartel queen alongside her neutered husband. This one definitely didn't work for me, though I did finish, so there's that.
May 14, 2021
The addition starts with the book covers….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how much you hate and wish for harm on others or just a wakeup call, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! You will start it and You will not put it down until the last page has been turned.
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
(Believe me when I say you won’t put it down until the last page is read…you will find yourself getting upset cause someone called, texted or bothered you while reading this one, you will find yourself up at ungodly hours just to finish it knowing you have to be at work early (like 3am early) the very next day) YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Why is it the daughters end up paying their father’s debt in the form a marriage well when Elena meets Diego, he is holding a gun to her father’s head because he owed a rather large debt and will kill him for not paying it back. Diego is sexy as all get out head of the Colombian crime family and has not qualm with killing for monies owed so he thinks of using Elena to reinforce how serious he is to her father although, he doesn’t expect her father to be able to come up with the money. In Diego’s world political connection are just as important in the world of organized crime. But he has gotten himself in a position to where the one of the other bosses require him to get married and quickly and well Elena’s father owes him a lot of money why not use her to pay off his debt I mean after all she is being held captive right now. He thinks she is going to be compliant, easy to control but Diego didn’t expect a feisty, strong willed, not laying down allowing him to treat her anyway just because he took her captive and being forced to marry a low life like Diego, but what they underestimate the love a daughter has for a father. Although, the chemistry was intense between these two and the magnetic pull despite how hard they try can’t /won’t be ignored but can she forgive him for what he did to her father, is her father who she thinks he is or is he as bas as the rest of them I mean he does own the Colombian crime family a lot of money and can the two of them find happiness?
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how much you hate and wish for harm on others or just a wakeup call, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! You will start it and You will not put it down until the last page has been turned.
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
(Believe me when I say you won’t put it down until the last page is read…you will find yourself getting upset cause someone called, texted or bothered you while reading this one, you will find yourself up at ungodly hours just to finish it knowing you have to be at work early (like 3am early) the very next day) YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Why is it the daughters end up paying their father’s debt in the form a marriage well when Elena meets Diego, he is holding a gun to her father’s head because he owed a rather large debt and will kill him for not paying it back. Diego is sexy as all get out head of the Colombian crime family and has not qualm with killing for monies owed so he thinks of using Elena to reinforce how serious he is to her father although, he doesn’t expect her father to be able to come up with the money. In Diego’s world political connection are just as important in the world of organized crime. But he has gotten himself in a position to where the one of the other bosses require him to get married and quickly and well Elena’s father owes him a lot of money why not use her to pay off his debt I mean after all she is being held captive right now. He thinks she is going to be compliant, easy to control but Diego didn’t expect a feisty, strong willed, not laying down allowing him to treat her anyway just because he took her captive and being forced to marry a low life like Diego, but what they underestimate the love a daughter has for a father. Although, the chemistry was intense between these two and the magnetic pull despite how hard they try can’t /won’t be ignored but can she forgive him for what he did to her father, is her father who she thinks he is or is he as bas as the rest of them I mean he does own the Colombian crime family a lot of money and can the two of them find happiness?
January 3, 2022
Marrying the Mobster is a standalone set in the Leave Me Breathless World. Different Mafia couples and lots of steamy goodness.
Victoria’s installment was the ‘I owe the mobsters money so let me give them my daughter for collateral’ taken up a notch mixed with a fake marriage and some Bratava folks.
Elena’s father shows her he isn’t the loving man she thought him to be. She’s taken by the mob boss, but don’t get her wrong, she is a fighter. But can she fight the feelings that go through her body every time she sees him?
Diego doesn't want anything but what’s due him. That is until he’s ready to pull the trigger and Elena walks in. He takes her, giving her father time to pay him back if he wants the safe return of his daughter.
This was a bit of slow burn, it did take them time to get down, but it was perfectly paced with the story.
Although you don't need to start with book one, I have a feeling that each author's story will be equally unique as good, so why not give them all a try.
Audio was done by Elizabeth Russell and Jay Alder, and they played their part perfectly.
Audio ARC received courtesy of Pink Flamingo Production & Audiobook Obsession and I decided to leave an honest review.
Victoria’s installment was the ‘I owe the mobsters money so let me give them my daughter for collateral’ taken up a notch mixed with a fake marriage and some Bratava folks.
Elena’s father shows her he isn’t the loving man she thought him to be. She’s taken by the mob boss, but don’t get her wrong, she is a fighter. But can she fight the feelings that go through her body every time she sees him?
Diego doesn't want anything but what’s due him. That is until he’s ready to pull the trigger and Elena walks in. He takes her, giving her father time to pay him back if he wants the safe return of his daughter.
This was a bit of slow burn, it did take them time to get down, but it was perfectly paced with the story.
Although you don't need to start with book one, I have a feeling that each author's story will be equally unique as good, so why not give them all a try.
Audio was done by Elizabeth Russell and Jay Alder, and they played their part perfectly.
Audio ARC received courtesy of Pink Flamingo Production & Audiobook Obsession and I decided to leave an honest review.
January 24, 2023
This was very authentic as a mafia romance. The author actually took time to do some research. The challenges the hero and the heroine face are very realistic in the world they live in. She dod not try to sensationalize the plot she chose to approach it with a realisticand logical mindset. I don't know why it did not get critical acclaim but after some of the grim if not fantastical stories I have read lately I found this quite refreshing. I like that the heroine did not just accept her circumstances she fought back and tried to gain her freedom each and every time she was faced with adversity. I wasn't too pleased when Elena sought her revenge from Victor of course she left him alive but I would have been happier if she shot him point blank than the torture she dished out. If you shoot someone you should do so as expediently as possible.Torture on the other hand serves nothing but a sadistic desire within a person. I do not condone torture at all We must not be like our tormentors we must seek to be better than them. Othrr than that part good read 📚 a good ending and a great couple.
April 28, 2021
You remember when you went to the amusement park and got on the big rollercoaster and it inched up the big hill? Anticipation, right? And then the coaster went barreling down the first hill and, if you are like me, you had to hang on for dear life and it was thrilling and exciting and took your breath away. All of that to say, this story was thrilling, exciting, suspenseful, dramatic and super sexy. I love Victoria’s historicals and this first foray into contemporary and mafia no less was just WOW! I read her stories so fast they are that interesting. What will happen next, who will betray who, will Diego and Elena ever trust each other? I thought the interaction between the characters was genuine and so intense. An amazing story that I could go on and on about. What I want to know if will Victoria write more books with the secondary characters. Talk about super alpha men and strong women. This book should come with a testosterone warning.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
April 29, 2021
Elena lived it the real world or so she thought, she never gave a second glance to the rumors of mobsters running the Miami streets till Diego Perez, Head of the Colombian crime family. When Elenas father cant pay his debts, Diego decides using Elena as collateral should be the kick in the right direction her father needs, 30 days to pay or she dies. Only Elena could become more valuable to him alive when Oleg Yezhov leader of the Russians has plans for his allience with Diego that involve him marrying his daughter. Diego not a man to be trapped and controlled takes matters into his own hands whether Elena likes it or not she will become his bride. This is a well written captive cartel romance, with a engaging story line and character that develop well and bring the story to life. With vivid detailed descriptive scenes, filled with suspense, action, drama, jealousy, captive desires, hot scenes and more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2021
Victoria Vale is one of my all time favorite historical romance authors so when I heard she wrote a contemporary dark romance I had to read it. The story itself is loosely based on The Villian updated as a mob story. If you liked The Villian you'll like some of the little mentions of it.
The book really is so much more than a retelling and the plot is completely different places and not just because it's set in modern times. Elena and Diego are great characters. Diego really is a sexy brooding antihero with more to his personality than you realize at first. Elena is a smart, strong woman that's become an unwilling "guest" in Diego's home. The relationship that emerges spins, flows, and twists in many interesting ways. The sex scenes are firary hot. There is power exchange elemts, discipline (mostly spanking), and some kinky sex. This is a dark romances. There are some funny moments and very whitty dialogue but it doesn't change the fact that a large part of the plot is very dark. Personally I loved it. Diego's sister is awesome! His right hand man really interesting. Hopefully this is the first of many contemporary novels by Victoria Vale! Definite five star read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book really is so much more than a retelling and the plot is completely different places and not just because it's set in modern times. Elena and Diego are great characters. Diego really is a sexy brooding antihero with more to his personality than you realize at first. Elena is a smart, strong woman that's become an unwilling "guest" in Diego's home. The relationship that emerges spins, flows, and twists in many interesting ways. The sex scenes are firary hot. There is power exchange elemts, discipline (mostly spanking), and some kinky sex. This is a dark romances. There are some funny moments and very whitty dialogue but it doesn't change the fact that a large part of the plot is very dark. Personally I loved it. Diego's sister is awesome! His right hand man really interesting. Hopefully this is the first of many contemporary novels by Victoria Vale! Definite five star read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2021
WOWZA...I love Victoria Vale. I have to honestly say...I am not normally a fan of Mobster stories and usually don’t read them. But, I am a member of her review crew and I love her writings. Well...I’m hooked. This story starts of with Diego ready to kill Elena’s father because he owes him a HUGE sum of money. Elena offers to do anything to pay him back...little did she know what that would mean. I love that he really just means to keep her and not touch her but she keeps trying to escape and they are both attracted to each other and the fireworks start. This has the Russian mob, gun fire, and some very heartbreaking moments for Elena but holy shit the story comes full circle and has the best ending EVER!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
This was my first book from this author and I will definitely be reading more of her books, I loved this story. Elena was feisty and fought Diego every step of the way; Diego had no intentions of touching Elena, famous last words. There was action, drama, sizzling love scenes and lots more, right to very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2022
Love a Mafia romance and this one was a great one
Took a chance on an author whose books I've enjoyed immensely for years and gained a hard to put down, Mafia style dark romance that kept me glued to every page. A sexy, dominant anti- hero that checked off every box for lovers of this type of story and enough steam to fog up your glasses. A strong leading lady with a bad### attitude and a mouth that tells it like it is. This was an exciting, action packed story and with the addition of well thought out characters, it was the perfect combination for a thrilling read that I throughly enjoyed deeply diving into. A new Victoria Vale novel can't be missed.
Took a chance on an author whose books I've enjoyed immensely for years and gained a hard to put down, Mafia style dark romance that kept me glued to every page. A sexy, dominant anti- hero that checked off every box for lovers of this type of story and enough steam to fog up your glasses. A strong leading lady with a bad### attitude and a mouth that tells it like it is. This was an exciting, action packed story and with the addition of well thought out characters, it was the perfect combination for a thrilling read that I throughly enjoyed deeply diving into. A new Victoria Vale novel can't be missed.
May 4, 2021
Wow! just Wow!
What an absolutely cracking read. I really loved this book which was my first but not my last by Victoria Vale. A real depth to the story and well developed characters. Cracking!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an absolutely cracking read. I really loved this book which was my first but not my last by Victoria Vale. A real depth to the story and well developed characters. Cracking!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2021
I'm a fan of Victoria Vale's historical fiction and when she mentioned she would be writing a contemporary romance, I knew I wanted to read it. Vale is a great author, as she's not one dimensional. As I was reading Marrying the Mobster, it was like she pushed a button and activated my visual senses to their 10th power. I felt as if I was in each scene with the characters, not only observing what they were doing and saying but I could actually reach out and touch them, which I believe allowed me to understand their actions. I may not have agreed with them all the time but I understood them. With the way it was written, you won't be able to put it down. This story will keep you reading all night. You will be desperate to see how this story ends, and you won't be disappointed.
July 8, 2021
4 stars
It was a good read!
I would recommend it
It was a good read!
I would recommend it
May 8, 2021
The farther I got into the story, the more I was drawn into it, wondering what would happen next. Nothing is rushed in the story, it is full of descriptive text which gives you a very strong sense of what is happening. As strong and determined as Diego is, Elena is just as determined, he just doesn’t know it yet. The more I got into the story, the more I wanted them to have a HEA and eventually they do. But along the way, there is a lot of danger that surrounds which has resulted in injury to both of them. This is a great story and I would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book thru Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book thru Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2024
Glamorizing the Mafia
I have huge problem with the revenge torture and making Diego seem "not such a bad guy" because he treats Elena with tenderness after rescuing her. The Mafia and cartels are vicious and soulless organizations. The inhumanity they've inflicted on so many innocent people should not be glossed over for a villain turned somewhat "good" story.
I have huge problem with the revenge torture and making Diego seem "not such a bad guy" because he treats Elena with tenderness after rescuing her. The Mafia and cartels are vicious and soulless organizations. The inhumanity they've inflicted on so many innocent people should not be glossed over for a villain turned somewhat "good" story.
July 29, 2023
very shocked i managed to finish this seeing as i spent much of it cringing or rolling my eyes.
September 15, 2021
A Captivating Mafia Romance! Awesome Story & Listen🎧📚🎧
Marrying the Mobster
American Gangsters 1 (Leave Me Breathless)
By: Victoria Vale
Narrated by: Elizabeth Russell, Jay Alder
Victoria Vale leaves you breathless with this amazing enemies to lovers mafia romance, a dark and intense romantic suspense that has you to the edge of your seat at times. Victoria Vale is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style, she created an interesting and original story which grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it the entire book. The characters are complex and well developed, they are easy to relate to and connect with. Diego Pérez heads the Columbian crime family in Miami, he is a ruthless leader and does not allow anyone to get over on him. So when Santiago Aguilar cannot pay his debt, Diego pays him a visit with intentions of ending him. But all that changes when his daughter, Elena, walks in on them, she pleads for her father’s life and it buys him one month to come up with the money owed. But Diego is not a foolish man, he knows he needs to take collateral, so he takes Elena and brings her back to his compound, Elena may have gotten herself in to a bad situation but she was not ready to give up, she had a lot of fight in her and Diego got a lot more than he bargained for. Diego is also dealing with power plays in the underground crime world, the Russian boss wants him to marry his daughter to bond and strengthen both families against the others who are trying to infringe on their area and business. Diego comes up with a plan to avoid that marriage with a marriage of his own. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and some hot romance. Victoria Vale, thank you for this awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Elizabeth Russell and Jay Alder are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They did a terrific job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow and tell who is who. Their portrayal of the characters was spot on, they had a complete understanding of each role they played, sounding believable in that role and just as I pictured they would sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the fabulous listen🎧
Thank you @PinkFlamingoProductions @AudiobookObsession TheFlock AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧
Marrying the Mobster
American Gangsters 1 (Leave Me Breathless)
By: Victoria Vale
Narrated by: Elizabeth Russell, Jay Alder
Victoria Vale leaves you breathless with this amazing enemies to lovers mafia romance, a dark and intense romantic suspense that has you to the edge of your seat at times. Victoria Vale is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style, she created an interesting and original story which grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it the entire book. The characters are complex and well developed, they are easy to relate to and connect with. Diego Pérez heads the Columbian crime family in Miami, he is a ruthless leader and does not allow anyone to get over on him. So when Santiago Aguilar cannot pay his debt, Diego pays him a visit with intentions of ending him. But all that changes when his daughter, Elena, walks in on them, she pleads for her father’s life and it buys him one month to come up with the money owed. But Diego is not a foolish man, he knows he needs to take collateral, so he takes Elena and brings her back to his compound, Elena may have gotten herself in to a bad situation but she was not ready to give up, she had a lot of fight in her and Diego got a lot more than he bargained for. Diego is also dealing with power plays in the underground crime world, the Russian boss wants him to marry his daughter to bond and strengthen both families against the others who are trying to infringe on their area and business. Diego comes up with a plan to avoid that marriage with a marriage of his own. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and some hot romance. Victoria Vale, thank you for this awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Elizabeth Russell and Jay Alder are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They did a terrific job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow and tell who is who. Their portrayal of the characters was spot on, they had a complete understanding of each role they played, sounding believable in that role and just as I pictured they would sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the fabulous listen🎧
Thank you @PinkFlamingoProductions @AudiobookObsession TheFlock AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧
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