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Castoff Empire #1
Tainted Princess
Francesca De Marco dedicated her life to the Mafia.
And the Mafia took without shame.
It took her mother. It took her brother.
It took everything.
And still, she gave.
But no matter her hard work and commitment,
A woman would never be taken seriously in a man’s world.
To the Family, her only use was her ability to be married off.
To use her as a pawn, when she was born to be a Queen.
But Francesca De Marco is done giving.
This time, it’s her turn to take.
********
Tainted Princess is Book 1 of a Duet, and ends on a cliffhanger. Book 2, Bastard Prince, will follow shortly.
• Arranged Marriage
• Enemies to Lovers
This book contains scenes of violence, strong language, and explicit sexual content. It is recommended for readers over the age of 18. Reader discretion is advised.
Possible triggers include:
• drug use
• homicide
And the Mafia took without shame.
It took her mother. It took her brother.
It took everything.
And still, she gave.
But no matter her hard work and commitment,
A woman would never be taken seriously in a man’s world.
To the Family, her only use was her ability to be married off.
To use her as a pawn, when she was born to be a Queen.
But Francesca De Marco is done giving.
This time, it’s her turn to take.
********
Tainted Princess is Book 1 of a Duet, and ends on a cliffhanger. Book 2, Bastard Prince, will follow shortly.
• Arranged Marriage
• Enemies to Lovers
This book contains scenes of violence, strong language, and explicit sexual content. It is recommended for readers over the age of 18. Reader discretion is advised.
Possible triggers include:
• drug use
• homicide
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2021
43 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Dove Cavanaugh King
14 books130 followersBooks have always been the compass of Dove's life, but it wasn't until she picked up her pen that she found her true north.
Now that she's discovered the magic of writing her own tales, she's found her true calling. Her versatile imagination roams from gritty mafia underworlds to the electric pulse of rock star life, but at the heart of each story lies what she loves most—the intricate dance of relationships and the raw power of romance.
When she's not immersed in the world of books, you'll find her with her husband and son, embracing the serene beauty of Canada's west coast, where the peaceful landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for her creative endeavors.
Now that she's discovered the magic of writing her own tales, she's found her true calling. Her versatile imagination roams from gritty mafia underworlds to the electric pulse of rock star life, but at the heart of each story lies what she loves most—the intricate dance of relationships and the raw power of romance.
When she's not immersed in the world of books, you'll find her with her husband and son, embracing the serene beauty of Canada's west coast, where the peaceful landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for her creative endeavors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 10, 2023
3 Stars
I liked this, but it wasn't heavy enough on the romance for my taste. In fact, the H and the h don't really even spend all that much time together, which is a bummer as the potential here was thick.
I also thought the speed with which Frankie supposedly got her fingers into the Las Vegas underworld was a little too easy, too convenient, too contrived. Yes, I know this is a romance novel and I sound like an asshole, but I read a lot of romance and it IS possible to have great romance AND great/realistic-ish world building. A lot of times, some really good smut/chemistry can offset a lack of the latter, but since that wasn't here for me either, this book just lands in lacklusterville for me.
Which is a shame as Frankie was a badass heroine. I think had there been more of a realistic time frame in regard to her getting started in Vegas, combined with a little more steam/connection with Enzo, this would have been a slam dunk for me. As it stands, I am not even interested in reading book two. Oh well, no big deal. Next.
I liked this, but it wasn't heavy enough on the romance for my taste. In fact, the H and the h don't really even spend all that much time together, which is a bummer as the potential here was thick.
I also thought the speed with which Frankie supposedly got her fingers into the Las Vegas underworld was a little too easy, too convenient, too contrived. Yes, I know this is a romance novel and I sound like an asshole, but I read a lot of romance and it IS possible to have great romance AND great/realistic-ish world building. A lot of times, some really good smut/chemistry can offset a lack of the latter, but since that wasn't here for me either, this book just lands in lacklusterville for me.
Which is a shame as Frankie was a badass heroine. I think had there been more of a realistic time frame in regard to her getting started in Vegas, combined with a little more steam/connection with Enzo, this would have been a slam dunk for me. As it stands, I am not even interested in reading book two. Oh well, no big deal. Next.
January 19, 2022
3,5 🖤💖💖🌟s❗️
Great badass mafia heroine!! 🤩
“No longer the lamb, I was ready to live as the wolf I was born to be.” Francesca
I went into this blind and without high expectations!
However, best things happen unexpectedly!!!
I was reading page after page and I was fascinated!
The story absorbed me and as soon as I had finished it I was onto the next part immediately!!
Francesca and Enzo had an arranged marriage where both of them were not thrilled with that situation, but some slight sparks were there!!!
Their story was very intriguing, I enjoyed so much Francesca’s development, she definitely had it in her!!!
While the mafia aspect was very good, the romance was lacking.
I would have liked Enzo more if he had not been so indifferent to Francesca or if he had been more possessive.
Great badass mafia heroine!! 🤩
“No longer the lamb, I was ready to live as the wolf I was born to be.” Francesca
I went into this blind and without high expectations!
However, best things happen unexpectedly!!!
I was reading page after page and I was fascinated!
The story absorbed me and as soon as I had finished it I was onto the next part immediately!!
Francesca and Enzo had an arranged marriage where both of them were not thrilled with that situation, but some slight sparks were there!!!
Their story was very intriguing, I enjoyed so much Francesca’s development, she definitely had it in her!!!
While the mafia aspect was very good, the romance was lacking.
I would have liked Enzo more if he had not been so indifferent to Francesca or if he had been more possessive.
January 8, 2022
Badass Girl-power porn. 🙌🏻🎉🎉🎉🙄
This book is well executed for the most part, if you like this sort of dynamic.
If you’re into an h who fights all her battles, does her own protecting and killing, doesn’t need a man… yadayadayada… and a passive Beta male who isn’t her equal, this one is for you. This h is such an independent badass and “down with the dudes” that she’s super ok with husband’s porn business amd questionable “nightclubs”, and being surrounded by his slutty bed buddies nonstop. He never lifts a finger to do anything about it either. Sure, he doesn’t cheat on her, but she doesn’t know that. Nor does she ever ask questions. She just tells him at the end that she won’t put up with cheating.
The H is bested by his wife and made to look like a bumbling amateur repeatedly. He’s the sweetest most conscientious mob dude I’ve ever come across. He keeps his hands respectfully to himself. 🙄 Besides their terrible cringy wedding night, they share one kiss and have REALLY BORING sex 1 time at the very end. He’s super turned on by his wife’s badassery and he’s content to step back and let her do everything herself. He never once sees to her needs or protection, or really thinks about her at all, unless she’s in the room with him.
My only other real complaint was that the h and H barely have page time. They don’t communicate hardly at all and I didn’t feel any real chemistry or sexual tension between them. They spend most of the book doing their own thing. I’m pretty sure this is supposed to be a romance, so I found that annoying and boring. Her relationships with the random side-characters she picked up along the way were way more interesting than anything she had going on with her passive dud of a husband.
He’s not even remotely jealous or possessive. Meh.
Bottom Line? This ain’t my thing 😅 But that only takes away 1-star. The writing is fine but felt more like Chic lit or or Women’s Fiction rather than a Mafia Romance, and that is why it gets 3-stars. The MCs in a Romance Novel need page time. I was not feeling the romance. 🤷🏼♀️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - the H’s bed partners are hanging out at all his places of business. He doesn’t encourage them after he is married, but he also doesn’t raise a finger to make his wife more comfortable either. One of them even manages to hit her over the head with him sitting right there. That’s how concerned they were about him caring about his wife
- no OM drama - it desperately needed some
- the H is a manwhore
- the h is a 23 yr old virgin - but she’s sexually experienced in other ways
- no dubcon
This book is well executed for the most part, if you like this sort of dynamic.
If you’re into an h who fights all her battles, does her own protecting and killing, doesn’t need a man… yadayadayada… and a passive Beta male who isn’t her equal, this one is for you. This h is such an independent badass and “down with the dudes” that she’s super ok with husband’s porn business amd questionable “nightclubs”, and being surrounded by his slutty bed buddies nonstop. He never lifts a finger to do anything about it either. Sure, he doesn’t cheat on her, but she doesn’t know that. Nor does she ever ask questions. She just tells him at the end that she won’t put up with cheating.
The H is bested by his wife and made to look like a bumbling amateur repeatedly. He’s the sweetest most conscientious mob dude I’ve ever come across. He keeps his hands respectfully to himself. 🙄 Besides their terrible cringy wedding night, they share one kiss and have REALLY BORING sex 1 time at the very end. He’s super turned on by his wife’s badassery and he’s content to step back and let her do everything herself. He never once sees to her needs or protection, or really thinks about her at all, unless she’s in the room with him.
My only other real complaint was that the h and H barely have page time. They don’t communicate hardly at all and I didn’t feel any real chemistry or sexual tension between them. They spend most of the book doing their own thing. I’m pretty sure this is supposed to be a romance, so I found that annoying and boring. Her relationships with the random side-characters she picked up along the way were way more interesting than anything she had going on with her passive dud of a husband.
He’s not even remotely jealous or possessive. Meh.
Bottom Line? This ain’t my thing 😅 But that only takes away 1-star. The writing is fine but felt more like Chic lit or or Women’s Fiction rather than a Mafia Romance, and that is why it gets 3-stars. The MCs in a Romance Novel need page time. I was not feeling the romance. 🤷🏼♀️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - the H’s bed partners are hanging out at all his places of business. He doesn’t encourage them after he is married, but he also doesn’t raise a finger to make his wife more comfortable either. One of them even manages to hit her over the head with him sitting right there. That’s how concerned they were about him caring about his wife
- no OM drama - it desperately needed some
- the H is a manwhore
- the h is a 23 yr old virgin - but she’s sexually experienced in other ways
- no dubcon
May 12, 2022
Mafia romance.
The heroine is a strong character.
Her father taught her to appear to be the perfect mafia wife to be, dressing correctly and cooking etc but also secretly taught her all about the business, they worked together, plotting and he even set her up financially.
Things go awry and she faces either a bullet or an arranged marriage.
The Hero is living his bachelor life, he is a bastard son and his father makes him offer to join as a made man by marrying the heroine.
He owns several clubs in Vegas.
The book has scenes of violence.
The heroine is a virgin, though she has shared some intimacy with a man, it is alluded to rather than described.
The Hero works with a woman who he is having sex with and he realises she is expecting more.
She is constantly trying to throw herself at him.
There are references to quickies in the past, with the abundance of offers he had. He owns several clubs as well as a porn business.
The Hero, despite offers is only with the heroine after his news of his marriage, though he comes home early hours of the morning and traces of scent of women's perfume.
It takes the couple a little while to get on the same page but by the end of the book they are together and wanting to make a real go of things.
I believe this book is a duet, it ends with them together but a cliffhanger.
It has enemy threats to be dealt with, including the other work colleague woman to still be put in her place and a secret is revealed at the end.
Dual POV.
No sex other than the Hero and heroine.
Interesting side characters, especially Rock his bud.
The heroine is a strong character.
Her father taught her to appear to be the perfect mafia wife to be, dressing correctly and cooking etc but also secretly taught her all about the business, they worked together, plotting and he even set her up financially.
Things go awry and she faces either a bullet or an arranged marriage.
The Hero is living his bachelor life, he is a bastard son and his father makes him offer to join as a made man by marrying the heroine.
He owns several clubs in Vegas.
The book has scenes of violence.
The heroine is a virgin, though she has shared some intimacy with a man, it is alluded to rather than described.
The Hero works with a woman who he is having sex with and he realises she is expecting more.
She is constantly trying to throw herself at him.
There are references to quickies in the past, with the abundance of offers he had. He owns several clubs as well as a porn business.
The Hero, despite offers is only with the heroine after his news of his marriage, though he comes home early hours of the morning and traces of scent of women's perfume.
It takes the couple a little while to get on the same page but by the end of the book they are together and wanting to make a real go of things.
I believe this book is a duet, it ends with them together but a cliffhanger.
It has enemy threats to be dealt with, including the other work colleague woman to still be put in her place and a secret is revealed at the end.
Dual POV.
No sex other than the Hero and heroine.
Interesting side characters, especially Rock his bud.
October 18, 2021
4,5stars
Great mafia book, well thought!! With a strong h that has a perfect balance of mafia wife / mafia boss!
The H was a jerk several times, but he was also faithful and supportive.
The Ex-Ow drama was a little too much IMO.
Great twist at the end.
Hope there's a Mia + Rocco book
Great mafia book, well thought!! With a strong h that has a perfect balance of mafia wife / mafia boss!
The H was a jerk several times, but he was also faithful and supportive.
The Ex-Ow drama was a little too much IMO.
Great twist at the end.
Hope there's a Mia + Rocco book
March 13, 2023
Tainted Princess is book 1 in the Castoff Empire. Unfortunately, I was too lazy to write a review as soon as I was done and at this point this book is kind of fuzzy for me. What I remember is that this book had potential and I liked Francesca. She was strong in a man's world, and I loved her connection to her father even after everything exploded for her, she stayed strong. I also enjoyed Enzo, but everything happens so fast in this book that it was hard to form any kind of connection between the two.
November 28, 2021
Holy hell.in a hand basket, I loved this book! The author is new to me, but I love the style of writing and the steady pace of action, romance and badass main characters!
Here we have Francesca, a beautiful mafia princess, Father the underboss and Grandfather the Boss of the DeMarco crime family. On the surface she was raised to be the perfect wife to her husband and do her duties of heir making and taking care of the home etc. Under the surface though, her Father has been training her to be a badass! She can hold her own with the rest of the made men.
After an incident at her engagement party, her part of the family is in disgrace and she is then arranged to marry a son of a Capo who was born out of wedlock...
Enzo lives his life in Las Vegas, King of Sin City, running clubs and having his own unofficial crew, but when the chance to become a made man, despite him being born out of wedlock, he goes for it.
I love the set up of this, and the fact neither of them wanted to be in this position. But the sparks of sexual tension fly pretty much straight away, but neither of them can admit it to themselves, let alone each other. I was absolutely here for their journey, and loved how Francesca didn't stand for his crap.
Great twisty cliffhanger at the end too. It's a good job the next book is out already or I would have been shouting even more at my kindle.
Here we have Francesca, a beautiful mafia princess, Father the underboss and Grandfather the Boss of the DeMarco crime family. On the surface she was raised to be the perfect wife to her husband and do her duties of heir making and taking care of the home etc. Under the surface though, her Father has been training her to be a badass! She can hold her own with the rest of the made men.
After an incident at her engagement party, her part of the family is in disgrace and she is then arranged to marry a son of a Capo who was born out of wedlock...
Enzo lives his life in Las Vegas, King of Sin City, running clubs and having his own unofficial crew, but when the chance to become a made man, despite him being born out of wedlock, he goes for it.
I love the set up of this, and the fact neither of them wanted to be in this position. But the sparks of sexual tension fly pretty much straight away, but neither of them can admit it to themselves, let alone each other. I was absolutely here for their journey, and loved how Francesca didn't stand for his crap.
Great twisty cliffhanger at the end too. It's a good job the next book is out already or I would have been shouting even more at my kindle.
November 5, 2021
I'm not a fan of this genre but something about that storytelling sucked me in. Enzo and Francesca are underdogs who are thrown into an arranged marriage. Their physical attraction is electric. They just need to get over suspicion and hurt to allow themselves to click. I'm loving their journey...until that knock on the door.
October 6, 2021
Holy smokes! This book was so good. I couldn't put it down.
It was dark and raw and sexy. Two underdogs, Francesca and Enzo, find themselves forced into each other's lives and they are so not happy about it... at first. Even though how they came together isn't something they chose, neither of them can deny the intense sparks between them.
Frankie is a mafia princess, though she isn't what she appears to be. She's tough and knows more than a woman in her world should know, though she does hide it well. But then life comes crashing down on her and she has no choice but to take the only option that's offered to her. She holds her head up high and makes the most out of any situation. Frankie takes no crap, but it's also beautiful to see that she has a soft side that unfolds as her new friendships unfold.
Enzo, the bastard son, hidden away in Vegas and left to do his own thing. He's ruthless and smart. "Relationships were not for me... Having to answer to a woman? No, thank you." Needless to say, he isn't happy about his new arrangement.
But there is an undeniable pull between the two of them.
Frankie knows the life and isn't afraid to get dirty- and Enzo is very dirty (if you know what I'm saying).
There were so many things I loved about this book. Frankie and Enzo were the stars, but there is a whole cast that you can't help but fall in love with.
It was dark and raw and sexy. Two underdogs, Francesca and Enzo, find themselves forced into each other's lives and they are so not happy about it... at first. Even though how they came together isn't something they chose, neither of them can deny the intense sparks between them.
Frankie is a mafia princess, though she isn't what she appears to be. She's tough and knows more than a woman in her world should know, though she does hide it well. But then life comes crashing down on her and she has no choice but to take the only option that's offered to her. She holds her head up high and makes the most out of any situation. Frankie takes no crap, but it's also beautiful to see that she has a soft side that unfolds as her new friendships unfold.
Enzo, the bastard son, hidden away in Vegas and left to do his own thing. He's ruthless and smart. "Relationships were not for me... Having to answer to a woman? No, thank you." Needless to say, he isn't happy about his new arrangement.
But there is an undeniable pull between the two of them.
Frankie knows the life and isn't afraid to get dirty- and Enzo is very dirty (if you know what I'm saying).
There were so many things I loved about this book. Frankie and Enzo were the stars, but there is a whole cast that you can't help but fall in love with.
March 14, 2023
Oh, man! I loved this book so much that I don't know where to start with this review.
Frankie isn't your every day mafia princess. Betrayed by the man she was to marry, she finds herself married off to anyone who puts their hand out. When there are no takers, a man of the family has a solution for her...his bastard son, Enzo.
Not going to lie, when Enzo showed up at the church, I was smacking him around a bit in my mind, and their wedding night... yeah, I envisioned Frankie stabbing him lol!
Frankie is smart and skilled (thanks to her father) and knows how to push back when she starts "Walkin' the walk." She also has the most amazing sense of humour that I often found myself in fits of giggles with.
(CINDY - amIright??) 🤣 🤣
Side characters were AMAAAAZING.. OMG Everyone needs a Lexi in their life! I want ALL of them to have their own stories now!
I've seen some people mention OW drama, but I didn't feel that it was? I might be weird, but it was more OW annoyance. Enzo never cheated on Frankie.
If you want OW drama this is more like: your bf got a drunk dial from his ex but he hung up on them, type of OW drama. This is not "Sparrow", or "Undeniable" (if you know, you know) OW drama at all. Just a dumb chick who feels entitled to more than she is...oh, and she's a bit unstable..
The OW was told it was a "buddy" thing from the get go with Enzo, and Enzo's POV even mentions this. I was prepared.
OHH that cliffy!
I don't often find books where I just wish I was a fly on the wall all the time with every character, but this is definitely one of them.
It was fun, it was sexy, it was laugh out loud funny, it was sneer at Enzo when he does dumb things lol, and it had steam *chef's kiss*
I need the second book. PLEEEAAASE!!
Highly recommend <3
Frankie isn't your every day mafia princess. Betrayed by the man she was to marry, she finds herself married off to anyone who puts their hand out. When there are no takers, a man of the family has a solution for her...his bastard son, Enzo.
Not going to lie, when Enzo showed up at the church, I was smacking him around a bit in my mind, and their wedding night... yeah, I envisioned Frankie stabbing him lol!
Frankie is smart and skilled (thanks to her father) and knows how to push back when she starts "Walkin' the walk." She also has the most amazing sense of humour that I often found myself in fits of giggles with.
(CINDY - amIright??) 🤣 🤣
Side characters were AMAAAAZING.. OMG Everyone needs a Lexi in their life! I want ALL of them to have their own stories now!
I've seen some people mention OW drama, but I didn't feel that it was? I might be weird, but it was more OW annoyance. Enzo never cheated on Frankie.
If you want OW drama this is more like: your bf got a drunk dial from his ex but he hung up on them, type of OW drama. This is not "Sparrow", or "Undeniable" (if you know, you know) OW drama at all. Just a dumb chick who feels entitled to more than she is...oh, and she's a bit unstable..
The OW was told it was a "buddy" thing from the get go with Enzo, and Enzo's POV even mentions this. I was prepared.
OHH that cliffy!
I don't often find books where I just wish I was a fly on the wall all the time with every character, but this is definitely one of them.
It was fun, it was sexy, it was laugh out loud funny, it was sneer at Enzo when he does dumb things lol, and it had steam *chef's kiss*
I need the second book. PLEEEAAASE!!
Highly recommend <3
October 16, 2021
Oh Yeah This is a Wonderful Mafia Book
I really love Mafia Romances and this is an outstanding example of why I love them like I do. There is an Arranged Marriage Trope, there is action, there is danger, steamy parts, and pretty much everything I like in a Mafia story. This book does not have an HEA yet, but it does end on a terrific cliffhanger which surprised me. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you like Mafia stories like I do you don't want to miss this book.
I really love Mafia Romances and this is an outstanding example of why I love them like I do. There is an Arranged Marriage Trope, there is action, there is danger, steamy parts, and pretty much everything I like in a Mafia story. This book does not have an HEA yet, but it does end on a terrific cliffhanger which surprised me. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you like Mafia stories like I do you don't want to miss this book.
January 11, 2022
Wow!!!
Ok, where to begin. I loved this book. I didn't know what to expect when I started thus book. Honestly, mafia books are not my normal type of read. I am so glad I picked this up. I loved Francesca and couldn't wait to read what would happen next. Now I have to download book 2 to see what happens next. Excellent read, I highly recommend
Ok, where to begin. I loved this book. I didn't know what to expect when I started thus book. Honestly, mafia books are not my normal type of read. I am so glad I picked this up. I loved Francesca and couldn't wait to read what would happen next. Now I have to download book 2 to see what happens next. Excellent read, I highly recommend
January 5, 2022
Damn! This was amazing. True mafia king and queen of Las Vegas! And the h is strong without being stupidly "bad@ss" or feisty.. H is also awesome - not OTT, not full psycho - but still so.so.good!
The plot is so nicely crafted that I have devoured this with almost no sleep😅
Onto book 2...
The plot is so nicely crafted that I have devoured this with almost no sleep😅
Onto book 2...
December 4, 2021
Wow! What a cliffhanger! I have no choice but to immediately pick up the next book to know what happens next. This was my first mafia book, but will not be my last.
January 29, 2022
I was absolutely invested in this story!! I love how tough the h is, and how the H has no clue who she really is!
I am absolutely excited to get some side characters stories too!!
I am absolutely excited to get some side characters stories too!!
September 3, 2022
Francesca is a force to be reckoned with! She may present as a buttoned up, ever composed mafia princess, but behind closed doors, she’s a queen, secretly trained by her father to be Made. All I want in life is more FMCs like this! She is Melanthe tier and I really hope her badassery carries over into the continuation. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a mafia romance this much.
When Francesca’s life goes sidewise after her fiancé turns out to be an undercover cop trying to take her family down, her grandfather and his associates give her the choice of an arranged marriage or death. She’s going to make the best of things with Enzo. But neither of them are prepared for inconvenient feelings and attraction, no matter how much they try to ignore it. I ate this up, especially the way Francesca kept surprising Enzo. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE FRANKIE. You will lose every time. I do adore a man who is completely befuddled and amazed by the woman in front of him.
Enzo and Francesca are better matched than they realize in this gritty contemporary and it was pure delight to watch them slowly move toward one another. Enzo isn’t quite a typical mafia MMC—he does the dishes after she cooks!—but he’s not completely free of sexism either. Luckily, Francesca is there to school him.
The romance is on the lighter side in this installment. These two are pretty determined to live separate lives and Frankie in particular has big plans for taking over Las Vegas. (I am truly obsessed with her.) But they really know how to bring the heat and by the time this book ends, they’ve given into their burgeoning feelings. I cannot wait to see where it develops from here, especially with the big revelations at the end. Bring on book 2!
Characters: Francesca is a 23 year old white mafia daughter with her own plans in the works (aka ) and a virgin. Enzo is a white Capo and club and underground casino owner in his 30s. This is set in NYC and Las Vegas.
Content notes: , murder, attempted vehicular manslaughter, physical assault, drug dealing and use (secondary characters), sexism, misogyny, slut-shaming, Evil Ex, FMC’s father arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison (RICO), FMC arrested for accessory after the fact (released), infidelity , parental infidelity (MMC’s mother was his father’s mistress), concussion/head injury, past death of mother and brother (car accident; , teen secondary character in foster care, secondary character’s father was an alcoholic (deceased), secondary character’s mother has diabetes, underground fighting, porn business (cam girls), fatphobia, diet culture, p-in-v is the only real sex (FMC says she’s a virgin but she’s had oral sex), unsafe sex practices (rips condom wrapper with teeth, MCs have sex while FMC has a head injury and had recently passed out), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover (secondary character), cigar (secondary character), cigarettes (secondary character), genitalia-related insult, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, references to sexual harassment, reference to intimate partner violence (secondary character’s father)
When Francesca’s life goes sidewise after her fiancé turns out to be an undercover cop trying to take her family down, her grandfather and his associates give her the choice of an arranged marriage or death. She’s going to make the best of things with Enzo. But neither of them are prepared for inconvenient feelings and attraction, no matter how much they try to ignore it. I ate this up, especially the way Francesca kept surprising Enzo. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE FRANKIE. You will lose every time. I do adore a man who is completely befuddled and amazed by the woman in front of him.
Enzo and Francesca are better matched than they realize in this gritty contemporary and it was pure delight to watch them slowly move toward one another. Enzo isn’t quite a typical mafia MMC—he does the dishes after she cooks!—but he’s not completely free of sexism either. Luckily, Francesca is there to school him.
The romance is on the lighter side in this installment. These two are pretty determined to live separate lives and Frankie in particular has big plans for taking over Las Vegas. (I am truly obsessed with her.) But they really know how to bring the heat and by the time this book ends, they’ve given into their burgeoning feelings. I cannot wait to see where it develops from here, especially with the big revelations at the end. Bring on book 2!
Characters: Francesca is a 23 year old white mafia daughter with her own plans in the works (aka ) and a virgin. Enzo is a white Capo and club and underground casino owner in his 30s. This is set in NYC and Las Vegas.
Content notes: , murder, attempted vehicular manslaughter, physical assault, drug dealing and use (secondary characters), sexism, misogyny, slut-shaming, Evil Ex, FMC’s father arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison (RICO), FMC arrested for accessory after the fact (released), infidelity , parental infidelity (MMC’s mother was his father’s mistress), concussion/head injury, past death of mother and brother (car accident; , teen secondary character in foster care, secondary character’s father was an alcoholic (deceased), secondary character’s mother has diabetes, underground fighting, porn business (cam girls), fatphobia, diet culture, p-in-v is the only real sex (FMC says she’s a virgin but she’s had oral sex), unsafe sex practices (rips condom wrapper with teeth, MCs have sex while FMC has a head injury and had recently passed out), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover (secondary character), cigar (secondary character), cigarettes (secondary character), genitalia-related insult, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, references to sexual harassment, reference to intimate partner violence (secondary character’s father)
May 11, 2024
Dove has done it again! Holy cow! This book was absolutely amazing. It hooked me in and I was obsessed. The storyline and the plot 10/10, the romance mingled in 10/10, but the character development of Frankie and Enzo was 100000/10! I cannot wait to start book two!
I also loved the dual POV of her books!
Definitely recommending this to my friend group who reads.
I also loved the dual POV of her books!
Definitely recommending this to my friend group who reads.
October 19, 2021
Tainted Princess is book one of the Castoff Empire series and wow what a start! Dark, dangerous and sexy a book that grabs your attention from the first sentence and doesn't let go.
Francesca De Marco has dedicated her life to the Mafia, to her family, it has taken nearly everything from her, her mother and her brother and still she gave. But in this ultra patriarchal society she will only ever be seen as a pawn, when she is a leader, a boss a Queen and she's going to take what should be hers.
The sparks really start to fly when she moves from the city that never sleeps to the Bright lights of Vegas and meets Enzo, the tension mounts between the two a friction that threatens to burn all around them. This is an adult book no doubt with bad language, sex and violence by the bucket load. But for all that it's a love story, if only the two lovers could get past what society, family and history says should happen. The plot is a clever one, the dialogue is by turns sultry and hot and feels real. The action is handled brilliantly and is hard, fast and brutal, the pacing perfect. But where this book excels is the characters... Francesca 'Frankie' is a strong powerful and clever woman wrapped up in a form that sees her constantly underestimated which both has its advantages and is a constant frustration to her. She has been written perfectly a person that has gone almost unseen all her life, but has never missed a thing. Enzo could of been a stereotypical brute of a Mafia son, but the author gives him a depth, a surprising vulnerability considering his ability to resort to explosive violence. But all the characters get a back story, fleshed out to perfection, my favourite being Vinnie, who is so good, bless him. The sex in the book is hot and in your face but never once does it feel unbelievable. Oh and did I say, it ends on one hell of a cliffhanger. Roll on book two.
Francesca De Marco has dedicated her life to the Mafia, to her family, it has taken nearly everything from her, her mother and her brother and still she gave. But in this ultra patriarchal society she will only ever be seen as a pawn, when she is a leader, a boss a Queen and she's going to take what should be hers.
The sparks really start to fly when she moves from the city that never sleeps to the Bright lights of Vegas and meets Enzo, the tension mounts between the two a friction that threatens to burn all around them. This is an adult book no doubt with bad language, sex and violence by the bucket load. But for all that it's a love story, if only the two lovers could get past what society, family and history says should happen. The plot is a clever one, the dialogue is by turns sultry and hot and feels real. The action is handled brilliantly and is hard, fast and brutal, the pacing perfect. But where this book excels is the characters... Francesca 'Frankie' is a strong powerful and clever woman wrapped up in a form that sees her constantly underestimated which both has its advantages and is a constant frustration to her. She has been written perfectly a person that has gone almost unseen all her life, but has never missed a thing. Enzo could of been a stereotypical brute of a Mafia son, but the author gives him a depth, a surprising vulnerability considering his ability to resort to explosive violence. But all the characters get a back story, fleshed out to perfection, my favourite being Vinnie, who is so good, bless him. The sex in the book is hot and in your face but never once does it feel unbelievable. Oh and did I say, it ends on one hell of a cliffhanger. Roll on book two.
September 11, 2022
An amazing read. I loved the storyline and flow of this story. Francesca is more than meets the eye that's for sure. Action packed, a bit of suspense, danger, and some surprises. Mafia romance with a slight twist that'll have you turning pages.
January 10, 2022
I stumbled on this book in one of my FB book groups, and I loved it!
This was arranged marriage, but with a twist. I loved Francesca, the female MC in this book, she was a breath of fresh air. Enzo, our male MC completely underestimates her and just assumes she is a typical mafia wife only wanting to cook and go shopping. Little did he know she had been training with her dad for years to be a mafia queen. Every time he underestimates or puts her down, she shows him up. While he ignores her, she is creating her own army of misfits and getting business done.
There was a great amount of humor in this book, which I loved. The side characters were fabulous and I'm hoping some of them get their own books.
Yes, there is some OW drama, and Frankie hilariously refers to her as "Club Crawl Barbie." But we also get a nice dose of OM drama as well, to equal things out.
Book one ends on a cliff, so dive on in to book two, Bastard Prince, where all the loose ends will be tied up!
This was arranged marriage, but with a twist. I loved Francesca, the female MC in this book, she was a breath of fresh air. Enzo, our male MC completely underestimates her and just assumes she is a typical mafia wife only wanting to cook and go shopping. Little did he know she had been training with her dad for years to be a mafia queen. Every time he underestimates or puts her down, she shows him up. While he ignores her, she is creating her own army of misfits and getting business done.
There was a great amount of humor in this book, which I loved. The side characters were fabulous and I'm hoping some of them get their own books.
Yes, there is some OW drama, and Frankie hilariously refers to her as "Club Crawl Barbie." But we also get a nice dose of OM drama as well, to equal things out.
Book one ends on a cliff, so dive on in to book two, Bastard Prince, where all the loose ends will be tied up!
October 26, 2021
Brilliant!
I don’t even know where to start with this one. FINALLY a mafia read that offers a bad a$$ h. Francesca is everything we need on a h, feisty, strong, tough the list goes on and what a story line. Add in an Alpha H and you have a brilliant read all round. Only regret is not waiting for second book to be released to read them back to back
This is on my top 5 reads of 2021!
If you like mafia, OW drama and a kick a$$ h this is a must read!
I don’t even know where to start with this one. FINALLY a mafia read that offers a bad a$$ h. Francesca is everything we need on a h, feisty, strong, tough the list goes on and what a story line. Add in an Alpha H and you have a brilliant read all round. Only regret is not waiting for second book to be released to read them back to back
This is on my top 5 reads of 2021!
If you like mafia, OW drama and a kick a$$ h this is a must read!
November 11, 2021
Wow, what a ride! Francesca is such a great mix of strong, vulnerable, smart, and badass. Enzo is sexy, gruff, and intimidating. Opposites with chemistry.
Tainted Princess has a well thought out plot with mystery, a great cast of characters, twists, and a touch of humor. I really enjoyed reading Francesca's transformation to her true self. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I need some more of Francesca's and Enzo's crew.
Tainted Princess has a well thought out plot with mystery, a great cast of characters, twists, and a touch of humor. I really enjoyed reading Francesca's transformation to her true self. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I need some more of Francesca's and Enzo's crew.
January 2, 2022
Wow … why doesn’t this have more reviews??
I stumbled upon this book and wasn't expecting much. But it was so well-written. I loved the realistic take on the mafia, arranged marriage trope. And I especially loved seeing Francesca blossom out of the demure mafia woman shell. I only wish there was more romance. Enzo tried to keep his distance from Francesca for most of the book, but I’m hoping that changes in Book 2.
I stumbled upon this book and wasn't expecting much. But it was so well-written. I loved the realistic take on the mafia, arranged marriage trope. And I especially loved seeing Francesca blossom out of the demure mafia woman shell. I only wish there was more romance. Enzo tried to keep his distance from Francesca for most of the book, but I’m hoping that changes in Book 2.
November 8, 2021
An articulate powerful woman who hides under the perfect exterior of a New York mafioso princess. A stunning book, introducing an elegant ball buster who does not take prisoners but falls in love with the wrong man. When he turns out to be FBI and her father is sent down for 35 years she finds herself alone and adrift with the familia seeking her death.
Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended!
Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended!
October 20, 2021
What did I just read? This book sucked me in right from the beginning and did not let me me go. I am all in with Frankie and Enzo! Both are amazing characters with flaws but completely relatable. I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 25, 2021
What a fantastic read. This was a new to me author and I was blown out of the water.
The writing was fantastic. The characters had depth and layers. It was well paced and just such a great read.
I was pleasantly surprised with this story and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!!
The writing was fantastic. The characters had depth and layers. It was well paced and just such a great read.
I was pleasantly surprised with this story and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!!
October 18, 2021
I wish the book for longer but it’s a really good book. I would definitely put this as a top book for fall.
January 24, 2022
Loved it!!!!!
A different take on the typical mafia books. Loved having a boss ass female taking the lead. 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
A different take on the typical mafia books. Loved having a boss ass female taking the lead. 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
February 15, 2022
I could not put this book down! It was so good. Loved the story and the characters.
March 16, 2022
Creative story with wonderful characters
Now that I have read both books, I am going to leave this review here, with Book 1. This story turns the forced marriage trope on its head! The heroine is a perfect balance of sweet and bada$$ without being a b*tch. I loved Enzo so much! He is an alpha, but at the same time, he isn’t super-controlling. The plot has a lot of action and will keep you guessing. It has some steamy scenes, but not very many, and interestingly, all within marriage. Great cast of characters who I can only hope and imagine will get their own stories! Can’t wait for more!
Now that I have read both books, I am going to leave this review here, with Book 1. This story turns the forced marriage trope on its head! The heroine is a perfect balance of sweet and bada$$ without being a b*tch. I loved Enzo so much! He is an alpha, but at the same time, he isn’t super-controlling. The plot has a lot of action and will keep you guessing. It has some steamy scenes, but not very many, and interestingly, all within marriage. Great cast of characters who I can only hope and imagine will get their own stories! Can’t wait for more!
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