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Dark Royals #5

Dark Castle

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A mafia fairy tale romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2021

117 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Shanna Handel

80 books847 followers
Shanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.

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https://www.shannahandelromance.com/



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5 stars
143 (56%)
4 stars
66 (26%)
3 stars
34 (13%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
7,070 reviews175 followers
September 27, 2021
PERFECT FIT, CINDERELLA

Once again, Ms. Shanna Handel has spun an intriguing tale, a mafia ‘Cinderella,’ with an exciting cast of characters. The saga continues from the previous books but could be read as a stand-alone—but I would recommend reading in their written order. The story is a tale of two reigning families, the Russo and Romano families. Trouble is coming—the Meralo-Bianchi families are out for blood.

“Obsession is not love. Obsession is what started this war. Love is loyalty, fidelity, sacrifice.”

“You don’t choose when you’re ready to love. Love tells you, demands it from you, stamping its seal like a burning brand on your brain, making you unable to think of anything else.”

Willow Rosa is quiet, unassuming, always willing to lend a hand, but she also has secrets, like lusting after Santo as she reads her racy romance novels. Santo Russo is the opposite of her—between his fast cars and women—he probably doesn’t even know she exists. But the quiet ones are the ones to watch out for—and Willow proves to be a handful—taking one of Santo’s cars for a spin to meet up with someone else. This will be the beginning for them.

“He’s the dark prince of the family, a bad boy who likes fast cars and fast women. Not innocent little virgins like me who were raised in the woods baking bread and making fairy gardens.”

“Always doing what needs to be done with a smile on my face. I’m the chore girl. The Cinderella of the castle, dutifully running about helping anyone in need.”

“Knowing she wants me makes the temptation that much sweeter. She’s Eve in the garden. Her innocence is a shiny red apple in her hand. She holds it up to me, hoping I’ll take it from her. One bite and I’m a dead man. Aldo’s made as much clear.”

The story is a continuing saga, and now with Aldo and Briar married—once again, the girl’s father is requesting the marriage of Willow to Leo Russo. There are secrets that Willow has been keeping—someone she is meeting—and it will be Santo that uncovers the truth. Willow is so confused, she craves Santo—but knows he is a playboy—and yet, Leo isn’t the man for her. The story is caught up with feuding families, discovering missing family members, secrets, powers, danger, and eventually, it will all cumulate into good versus evil. The Russo family is all about family, doing what is right, protecting the ones they love—and that includes those who come into their family.

“Tano’s chosen the wrong brother to do the job. Leo’s a great guy. Nice enough, easy on the eyes, loyal. But nice isn’t what Willow needs. She needs an edge in her life. Rough hands. A little danger. Someone to make her blood run hot, to make her feel alive.”

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of mafia families, especially with a long-time lovers' deadly feud. It has its secrets, mystery, suspense, danger, and then a romance and passion. It will have two people, Santo and Willow, breaking away from what was chosen and forging their own path, finally coming together as lovers—but that isn’t without them fighting it first.

“This thing between us? It’s not meant to be.”

“There is no going back once you’ve crossed this line. I give him my body. I give him my heart. I give him all of me.”

“Willow, it’s your choice. Follow your heart.”

“Now that you’re my wife, everything I do, it’s all for you.”

While the story does not end on a cliffhanger, it does have a teaser in the epilogue that leads into the next story. I’m hooked on this new series and look forward to the next book, which will bring Rocco back. These stories have minor violence, explicit sex scenes, power exchange, dominance, and submission.
Profile Image for book_fairy13.
523 reviews12 followers
October 25, 2021
I really liked Willow in this book!
She will do anything for her family and is so much stronger than she seems.
Santos will do anything for Willow, ever since she moved in she is always on his mind.

The drama was intense!! Secrets revealed and leading you to want to know more!
3,293 reviews
September 28, 2021
Second book in this series, simply wonderful read, tremendous plot and characters
This was another simply wonderful read I loved the way in which the traditional fairy-tale has been written as a reverse harem read and I just know that like myself you will be blown away by the characters, the storyline and the plot.
This book was based on Cinderella with two reigning families the Meralo and the Bianchi and as it is so often said they were out for blood. However, when love is in the mix it fails to pay attention to family rivalry and hate and it still manages to thrive in the younger generation.
Willow Rosa is a very quiet and reserved individual with a kind heart and a loyalty anyone would be honoured to share in, she as been attracted to Santo for many years and it has become almost an obsession so that she feels as though she eats, sleeps, dreams and thinks of him constantly and she knows her family would not stand for it.
Santo is the opposite to her he is known as the Bad Prince, he like fast cars and beautiful women and has never heard the word no and she knows that she is a passing fancy, a taste of something usually out of reach and knows he could easily break her heart if she lets him get close.
Unfortunately for Willow Tanto has chosen for her to marry Leo to bring the families together, he is not the brother for her and she knows that this marriage would be a disaster. However, trying to get the arrangement changed is an impossibility and they know that rules will have to be broken, will their families still accept them if they go ahead with their desires and cross the line by being with each other?

You will have to read this book and discover for yourself. It is filled with intrigue, honour, love and laughter, sadness and frustration. Murder and loyalty and two families that would die for each of their individual members. However, can two families as strong as this, that have despised each other for generations really come together by marriage, play nice so that any children that come along will have a safe and strong loving family around them. An unbreakable bond between the Meralo and Bianchi can this happen, or is it a fairy-tale?

Discover for yourself by reading this wonderful story, written so expertly by author Shanna Handel.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
585 reviews10 followers
September 24, 2021
This is Willow’s and Santo’s story in the continuing series of the Russo and related clans. As with all of Ms. Handel’s stories it can be read on a completely stand-alone basis, but it is a so much more rewarding experience if you have been able to read the entire series. Willow is the “good girl” middle sister of the Rosa girls, a reluctant virgin. Santo is the resident bad boy younger brother of Aldo and is the heartthrob of all the ladies. Two people who are so different but as you know, opposites attract! When Willow ventures out of the castle on her own, at the risk of her own safety, Santo follows her and ultimately delivers the first spanking of her life (but it won’t be the last). Even after promising never to sneak out again, she knows she will, he knows she will, and the reader knows the sexcitement is about to heat up! She is drawn to the forest, he is drawn to her, and trouble is drawn to both of them. Lots of intrigue and action as past characters (a father thought dead, a mother previously missing) bring the clans to near war. Lots of twists, even a little paranormal activity, and a first class spanking romance all rolled into one. The HEA is as beautiful as can be imagined and the set up for the next book is, well read the book and find out! 5 Stars
I received an ARC of the book from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.
177 reviews
September 26, 2021
This is the second book of the Rosa Royal's series and it tells the story of Willow "the good daughter" and Santo, the playboy Russo brother.
Willow was always the good daughter, the one who always does what is expected of her, who lives to help and serve others. Once she and her sisters move to the Russo castle, she is determined to make herself useful and cause no trouble. But even very good girls want to be bad every so often...
From the moment Willow came to live at the castle, Santo couldn't help but noticing her, but she is too pure and good hearted for the likes of him. For the good of the family, he will keep his hands off her. But when the enemy strikes and he and Willow are on the run, all bets are off and he will stop at nothing to claim her. In order to defeat the enemy, the Rosa girls will need to trust people who had wronged them in the past. Will there by a happy ending? Will the Russo-Rosa prevail? Read this lovely book and find out.
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
798 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2021
This story by Shanna Handel bleeds raw passion from the first page.A
contemporary romance first with dark and mysterious elements. Add a compelling hero and heroine who ooze so much emotion that you will
quickly find yourself saturated in their lives. This is Santo and Willows
story. A story filled with danger, drama, passion, secrets, steamy sex
scenes, and a touch of magic.

Santo lived up to his playboy image until Willow wormed her way under
his skin and into his heart. Oh, he desperately tried to resist her, but for
once, Willow was sick of being a good girl and went after Santo with all
her heart. She caught him hook, line and sinker.

I loved how Santo took control. He was fascinated by her Willow and
ultimately ruled by his heart, he kept her. I admired Willow’s resilience
and strength. She was determined to live the life she deserved. The
secondary characters were pivotal and added complexity to the storyline.
Good concept. Well written with we'll drawn out characters.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,181 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2021
This story is my FAVORITE of all the Russo/Romano bunch!!!!

Willow Rosa, the middle child, do-gooder, helps everyone but herself...it's the quiet one's you've gotta worry about 😏. She's got some secrets I NEVER saw coming!

Santo Russo, he's a ladies man but loyal to his soul for his family. And I will say this, he can surely drag his feet when it comes to his feelings 🙄.

To see these two come together, pure magic! Willow has always been the good girl, but she keeps Santo on his toes. There's this one thing with his car...OMG, I wanna do all of that!!!!!

Now this is a stand-alone, you can read and fully enjoy it. However, you'll be getting some juicy answers to questions we've all been holding onto for a while. Like some heavy duty answers that I am still processing!

Do yourself a favor and read all the books!!!!

Oh yeah, and you'll DEFINITELY want to read the epilogues!!!!!
665 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2022
Willow and Santo's story, apparently, from among a larger collection of tales of the Russo and other mafia type families in long-term conflict with one another. It half reads like a fairy tale, and then the other half reads like a mafia/dom/caveman thing... with some fast cars thrown in for good measure, except that we're talking castles and forests, walls and towers. Not really a clear genre for me to recognize but "family" is the thing, and choices for family outweigh choices for self... until they don't. Then there's the "magic" element that I am still struggling to understand. I guess I'd say it was enjoyable, for what it was, and yet it was difficult to get a clear sense of just what it was. [And I suppose if I'd known there were other stories that came before this, I might have figured out that some things might have been explained in earlier portions of a larger story?]
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,956 reviews
September 30, 2021
I loved this latest story by Shanna Handel. I couldn't put it down. I was caught up in the action from the first page. I have really enjoyed this series.

Willow has been sneaking out to meet someone. She takes a car one day which changes her life. Santo is very possessive about his cars and goes after his stolen car. He is surprised to see who stole it. He wants Willow but has been warned away from her by his brother and her sister. Willow has always been a good girl but Santo brings something out in her. The war is heating up and secrets are revealed. Will Santo and Willow get the chance to find a happily ever together?

I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Justine Freund.
52 reviews
January 14, 2022
Wow I absolutely loved this book. Thank you so much for gifting me this book it was a really great read. I hope that will be another book to this series it seems like there will be and I can not wait. I loved that willow didn’t let her sister or her brother in law try to control her life I loved that she put her foot down telling them I’m a grown women. I was all for that saying heck yes you tell them you mean business loved that she stood her ground. And their mother coming back into the picture I was kinda mad at that but she helped get rid of the problem Demi. I was kinda hoping that she would change her ways and try to be in her daughters life without leaving again but I guess she had other plans. This was a amazing book I loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
337 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2021
This was an interesting continuation of the lives of these women. She wasn't supposed to be with him, but they couldn't fight off the inevitable. He protected her, from both near and far, and she kept doing things she wasn't supposed to, but she never did so just because. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed and seeing how he had to put his foot down to get her to accept gifts.
Unforntunately, I did not find it as good as Dark Forest; it wasn't badly written or anything like that, it just didn't quite grab me as would normally be the case with Shanna Handel's books. But please, don't let this put you off this book, as one non-five-star review shouldn't put you off. Enjoy!
50 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2021
ARC received
This was another book by Shanna in the series Russo Royals. Although it can be read alone, I would recommend to read all thr previous books to understand the background. Santo was a player, parading a new girl each day. But after he committeda to Willow, he became such a sweetheart. The way he did everything for Willow was sweet. Willow was a shy virgin with an inner wild side. They both matched perfectly. The plot was phenomenal as there are more secrets revealed with a touch of mystery. Anticipating to know what will happen in the next book.
26 reviews
September 27, 2021
This book continues the saga following the Russo family! Santos is a playboy who has been around with all the ladies at the palace. Willow is innocent and Santos has been told she’s off limits. Willow’s sister, Briar, is married to Santos’ brother, Aldo. Their romance is forbidden. Is there anything more tempting? This installment has romance, suspense, and a little black magic. This is a hot read, so clear an afternoon and enjoy! As usual, Shanna Handel brings the heat! I recommend reading the books in order to get to know the entire family!
Profile Image for Anna.
790 reviews
September 29, 2021
So the beginning of the book throws you right into the action. It’s totally HOT, but frankly also a little confusing. But of course, Ms. Handel didn’t leave me hanging; all questions are answered in due time. And in the meantime, we get to know the lovely Willow and learn all about her crush on player Santo. There are so many cute places in this story. And it’s also full of chemistry between Santo and Willow, even while he pushes her away. The book also reveals much more about the overall storyline. Great series. Perfect addition!
1,554 reviews13 followers
September 29, 2021
I loved this one. It's a fairy tale or is it. It's very well written and described as expected from this talented author. There are plenty of different elements that make this a real page turner. I loved sweet and helpful Willow. It tock me a while to warm up to Santo but he is just what she needs. They have heat. All the characters are well done, they grow and evolve. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. This story is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone but I recommend the whole series and all of this author's work.
2 reviews
October 8, 2021
Almost dnf

I felt like I was missing something with this book. I was confused on some aspects and had I read the previous books then I may have known more of what was going on. I personally don't like books where the h is a virgin and the H sleeps with any woman he comes across. It's not my cup if tea and I would not have read this had I known. This author's writing style was also something I didn't like. I felt like this story was disjointed. 6 pages of sex scenes is not my thing. I ended up skimming most of this book.
315 reviews
October 12, 2021
A little bit different but exciting as always, enjoyed the book

A mafia fairytale with a twist. Dark Castle is the second story of the Rosa Royal Series. A beautiful fairytale with a wonderful happily ever after. This is the story of Santo and Willow who was instantly attracted to each other. Santo believed he had to protect Willow. He was known for his fast cars and womanizing but Willow was the woman who tamed him. I just enjoyed reading this series and looking forward to the other books associated in part with this series.
Profile Image for Jess.
1,094 reviews22 followers
September 17, 2022
Characters = 4/5
Plot = 3/5
Romance = 4/5
Hotness = 4/5
Mystery = 4/5
Action =  4/5
Drama = 5/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 0/5
Stars =  3 ☆ ☆ ☆
Cliffhanger = no
Would I read future books by this author = Yes

Things I really liked:
✔️Mafia
✔️Spur of the moment marriage
✔️Characters
✔️Family
✔️Hotness


This book of the series makes me think I'm watching a soap opera with witch craft. Starting to lose interest unfortunately. The first books of this series was amazing though.
1,946 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2023
Santos is a strong Mafia leaders and the playboy of the brothers. He is instantly attracted to Willow when she sees the trio of sisters come on their land. She is sheltered, intelligent, innocent and a bit magical. He accepts her and enjoys the whimsy that she brings. Their family is fearful that he is too wild for her but he is also protective and loving. The Rosa sisters bring a lot to the stories and are very well written.
Profile Image for Heather Blitz.
231 reviews15 followers
September 23, 2021
Willow is supposed to be off limits to play boy Santo. She watches him parade his night time escapades in and out of his room. A war is brewing and Willows family is smack dab in the middle. A fathers betrayal. A mothers abandonment. Willow and Santos will fight against their desire for each other, until they hit a boiling point. She will be his good, bad girl! Yum!
Profile Image for Pat.
1,078 reviews36 followers
September 26, 2021
Willow and Santos book, the good girl and the bad boy. Is he able to take her impulsive way of sneaking out of castle? Family drama continues with surprises and twists. This is better than any soap opera today! Santos is take charge alpha tied into the Bachman family.
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,802 reviews63 followers
September 27, 2021
Shanna Handel is one of my favorite authors. This is Willow and Santo's story. With him being a playboy, he's told to stay away from Willow but do you think that is going to stop either of them? LOL I loved the suspense and drama of the story. And it was awesome to see them fight for what they wanted!!! Can't wait for the next one!
354 reviews
October 7, 2021
I was excited to read Willow's story. She's sweet and seemingly innocent but definitely attracted to the bad boy. Santo is super alpha and sexy, but falls hard for the sweet girl from the woods. The development of their relationship was well written. I love the way these books are intertwining the different families. This series is a good mix of mafia, magic and fairy tale.
27 reviews
October 31, 2021
Dark Castle

This book is about Willow and Santo. Willow is the shy, nurturing sister and Santo is every girls dream bad boy. Willow and Santo have a chemistry that’s undeniable. They experience trails and tribulations and overcome it all. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more books from this serious.
634 reviews
December 9, 2022
Forbidden.

Willow and Santo's story is immersed in a conflict between rival families, shocking secrets, magic, arranged marriage, dominance, passion, danger, romance and some surprises. It's a quick, short read, only 175 pages. You'll definitely want to read this series in chronological order.
587 reviews
July 25, 2025
LGJ

Parents leave their children for reason of their own; but when it matters they come together to protect their own through arranged marriages and killing the ones who holds the most threat over their lives. There may be others but their husbands, extended family, and parents will always be there in the background for protection.
2,680 reviews49 followers
September 23, 2021
I was happy the two lovers had the strength to be together despite the wishes of others. They felt fated to be. Was Stefano actually worth all this betrayal???? No man is, imo.
Smh. Some fresh blood coming into the picture according to the teaser!!!! Anxiously awaiting it.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,671 reviews36 followers
September 28, 2021
I loved revisiting this world with its intriguing characters and dark romantic, tantalizing scenes. I loved how Santos and Willow made me feel their emotions and I could relate to their drama. Nicely done. I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.
254 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2021
Dark Castle was just WOW!! I could not put it down! The story of Santo and Willow was amazing! I just finished and want to read it again! They so belong together but what a ride they go through.
Shanna Handel does it again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews