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Mazzone Mafia #3

Scared to Love

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The third and final book in the Mazzone Mafia series.

Serena has felt trapped her entire life, living a lie because it was demanded of her.

Years of torture at the hands of her sadistic husband have left her battered and bruised, but not defeated. She needs to stay strong for her children, and she’s determined to reset her future.

The future she has all thanks to Alessandro.

He saved her that fateful night when her husband died, and he continues to save her as she struggles to piece her life back together.

Yet the closer they get, the more it terrifies her because no man has ever made her feel like this.

It can’t work.

She’s too broken.

He’s too young.

And she’ll never trust a made man again.

Women never get under Alesso’s skin—until Serena. They share an intense connection that can’t be ignored, no matter how hard she tries to push him away.

He knows she’s scared. He is too, but she’s worth the risk. Alesso vows to be patient, until danger resurfaces and now all bets are off. Serena needs to understand how much she means to him and he will do everything to protect her.

The situation grows more tense as the DeLucas plot against Bennett Mazzone and the surviving mafia heirs. But Alesso will lay down his life before he lets Serena get hurt again.

Now his walls are lowered, the gloves are off, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Even if it means letting her go.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2021

875 people are currently reading
3314 people want to read

About the author

Siobhan Davis

112 books9,476 followers
Download a free copy of Tell It to My Heart: https://bit.ly/TITMHDLGR

Siobhan Davis™ is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Top 5 bestselling romance author. Siobhan writes emotionally intense stories with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She has sold millions of books, and her titles are translated into several languages.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.

Siobhan currently lives with her husband in Cyprus while their two grown-up sons reside at the family home in Ireland.

Connect with Siobhan:

Website: www.siobhandavis.com
Facebook: AuthorSiobhanDavis
Instagram: siobhandavisauthor
Email: siobhan@siobhandavis.com
TikTok: @siobhandavisauthor
Readers Group: https://bit.ly/35yTX14

I don't read messages on Goodreads or check my inbox. If you need to contact me, email is the best.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
2,088 reviews36.1k followers
dnf
April 29, 2022
DNF @ 13 %

I’ve tried getting into this on multiple occasions and it’s just not holding my attention. There is little to no mafia in this mafia book and the constant self-reflective conversations about childhood trauma and spousal abuse just feel forced…and not like conversations real people actually have with each other.

Maybe I will try to pick this up another day, especially since I loved books one and two so much…but I doubt it. I just have no interest.
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,940 reviews2,674 followers
January 7, 2022
Life in the mafia is definitely no walk in the park!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚🖤❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: ☺️😭😢😳😊

The heroine: Serena - her father married her off knowingly to a sadistic Mafia Kingpin and she had two children with him. Her husband and her father both recently died and she is afraid that someone might come after her in retaliation. She is staying with her sister Sierra and Sierra’s husband Ben who is the Mafia Don and believes herself to be to broken for Alesso despite being attracted to him.

The Hero(s): Alessandro (a.k.a. Alesso) - Bodyguard to Sierra. Alesso also watches over Serena and her children when they are with Sierra. Alesso has been watching Serena for years and knows what her husband did to her.

The Story: Alesso has always been attracted to Serena and they become good friends, often spending evenings together after she puts her children to bed. As they become closer, plans are put into place to make Alesso into Ben’s consigliere. But obstacles are in the way and danger is on the horizon.

I liked the storylines in this book, the one about Serena overcoming her trauma, the search for Alesso’s father, the commission with Ben at the helm trying to consolidate all the Italian mafia within the United States. However, I did get quite confused at times when different mafiosos were mentioned. There were so many different Italian names mentioned at times and most weren’t characters, just mentioned for background information on the issues Ben and Alesso were dealing with, so it was hard to keep them straight and understand exactly what was going on at times.

The romance was a slow burn, which makes sense when the heroine is overcoming rape and abuse. Alesso was a terrific Hero with a good heart and the patience of a saint. Serena was a broken heroine who was determined to build herself into something stronger no matter the odds. I thought I didn’t like her much at the beginning because she was so down trodden, but when she starts to put herself back together, she shows that she has a backbone and isn’t afraid to use it.

I have to admit, I was a bit bored at times as I read this, but like most mafia romances there was a killer ending which I really enjoyed and I did really like the romance between Alesso and Serena, though there could have been more chemistry between them at times.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own

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Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
1,197 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2021
This was a slow burn read but so very worth it!
Serena and Alesso circled each other for a few years. An attraction from the start but Serena had been married off to a monster by her own father several years before she met Alesso. She has to endure so much for years before she’s free. She’s not ready for the next steps, she has to work on herself. She is older then Alesso and with 2 kids plus a ton of emotional baggage she feels unworthy.
The love Alesso has for Serena was so beautiful and enduring. He was so gentle and patient with her.
This story was filled with trials, errors and of course the action of being in the mafia.
Bullets are flying, lives are taken and out of the ashes rises a beautiful strong woman who is pretty badass by the end of the book.
What a great conclusion to this series!
I was so happy to see that there will be a spin-off and I can not wait!!
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,430 reviews32 followers
December 19, 2021
These characters grab your soul ✨

I'm a huge fan of this series, and although parts are indeed dark...they're there for a reason. You see the immense growth of a certain character. Although she endured immeasurable pain/suffering for years...that time is now over. She's rising like a mythical phoenix from the ashes of her past. There's tons of FAMILY... both by choice and by blood, and all with love. Danger is woven throughout the pages as a game of hide and seek, searching for the mysterious player(s). Secrets are revealed, pasts come back to haunt, and family will do whatever it takes to protect those they love 😉. These alpha males know the women they love are no wilting flowers... thankfully they've helped them grow into rather formidable, fierce opponents too. I pity the fool(s) that take them on.

Although technically this is a standalone book, I STRONGLY recommend reading the previous two in the series to give you a broader understanding of all the complex character relationships and world building. Plus their just friggin BRILLIANT and I dare ya **not** to love them 😉. This latest book in the series was just phenomenal! It had my adrenaline running all throughout the book. There was action, suspense, alpha males galore, mafia drama, treachery, strong women, family, and a sense of even MORE to come... And for that I can't wait!!!! Bring it on!!
164 reviews
December 18, 2021
I have to begin this review by saying I so loved this story. I have read Condemned to Love and Forbidden to Love. Scared to love is Serena's (Sierra's sister from Condemned To Love) story and continues after her husband, Alfredo, is killed. Serena and her children are living with Sierra in her Greenwich, CT estate. Serena's children are attending school in CT and adjusting to a new life. Alesso is Ben Mazzone's trusted bodyguard and friend. Alesso saved Serena during the shootout that killed her husband. Serena is attracted to Alesso but does not feel as if she deserves him. Serena is suffering from PTSD from her horrific years married to Alfredo. As Serena grapples with her guilt (she feels as if she is not doing enough for her children), she refuses to believe she deserves happiness. The attraction between Serena and Alesso is strong and Alesso has the patience of a saint as he loves Serena and is willing to wait for her to be ready to love him. This story, for me, was about redemption, and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This was a wonderful ending to the Mazzone family.
Profile Image for Dawn Clements.
327 reviews25 followers
December 18, 2021
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Scared to love is the third & final book in the Mazzone mafia trilogy. Full of danger, twists & turns that will have you completely engrossed.

Book 1. Condemned to love (Ben & Sierra)
Book 2. Forbidden love (Leo & Natalia)

I absolutely loved Serena & Alesso, the perfect ending to this gripping, rollercoaster series.

I love the way Siobhan isn’t afraid to tackle hard storylines. She sucks you in & takes you on a thrilling ride.
She doesn’t shy away from hard hitting, controversial subjects. She tackles them head on. Giving the subject, characters respect without diluting the seriousness of subject matter.

Serena has had to endure years of psychological, sexual & physical abuse at the hands of her husband. Living only for her children Elisa & Romeo.
She’s now free from his clutches but still living her own personal nightmare. She moves into the Mazzone mansion with her sister Sierra & brother in law (Don) Bennet Mazzone.
She’s now facing the fight of learning to heal, to love herself before she can contemplate letting anyone else into her life.
Like a phoenix she rises from the ashes, stronger than ever !

Alesso has loved Serena from the shadows. He is a bad ass alpha mafia made man, around Serena, her two kids he’s the sweetest, most patient & understanding man. Giving Serena the time to heal.

Their love is truly so special. My favourite thing about reading a really good book is loosing myself in the author’s words, when I actually forget that I’m reading it, when I’m so lost in the book I’m reading about.
Siobhan Davis is that author that completely captivates me.

I completely loved the Mazzone collection & can’t wait for the Accardi twins Caleb & Joshua’s book. I’ve got a feeling those boys will be trouble.


Profile Image for Samantha.
441 reviews
December 29, 2021
I absolutely loved being back in this world with this amazing group of characters.

Scared to love is the third book set in this mafia romance world all interconnected stand-alone a that can be read in any order but for the best results it’s best to read them in the order of release.

I love Serena and Alesso’s relationship the way they are together is beautiful. Siobhan has a way of drawing you in with her world building and character development. We get to understand both of their past and the strength they come out the other side with is amazing.

This story is gritty, it has its dark moments and it’s swoony, if I had to choose any of Siobhan’s worlds to be dropped into I would have to choose this family because they love unconditionally and they have each other’s backs! Always fighting together as one!!
Profile Image for Stacie R..
691 reviews24 followers
December 15, 2021
I didn’t want this book to end!! I have been so intrigued by Serena since the beginning and ‘Scared to Love’ just showcased what an amazing character she is! She’s so much stronger than she gives herself credit for, and this book really shows her coming into her own. Let me also say that Alesso is one of the swooniest characters EVER! The sweetest and most understanding man, but he’s got an alpha side too.

This book is jam-packed with action, and a whole lot of love. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire story. I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep going to find out what was going to happen next. And just when I thought I had it figured out, Siobhan threw me a curveball! This book was absolutely freaking phenomenal.
Profile Image for Samantha Hickey.
1,963 reviews47 followers
December 17, 2021
I absolutely love this world so much!!

I am so excited to havr Serenas story. If you have read CTL and FTL, then you know, and STL was the perfect story for her!

This book really showed Serena growing into the strongest version of herself. Serena and Alessio grow separately and when they are together they grow even stronger. And can I just say, I swooned over Alessio so many times!! He is so freaking dreamy!!!

I have no words for how much I love Siobhans writing. Her stories pull you in and have you feeling like you are a part of the world she built! You can tell she puts her all into her books and I am a forever fan of hers.

Read this book, read the whole series, and fall in love with this world with me!! All the stars to you Siobhan on another masterpiece!!!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,822 reviews116 followers
December 30, 2021
Scared to love is a high intensity, angsty mafia romance that will keep you intrigued till the last word! This story rounds out the first part of this stand alone series and really brings everything full circle!

Serena and Alesso’s story picks up where the events in the last book left off! This are definitely not easy for these two and as new foes come to light they will have to fight for more than a happy ending.

If you love books full of action, drama and high angst then do not miss out on this love story!
Profile Image for Giorgia Reads.
1,331 reviews2,238 followers
May 6, 2022
3 stars

Not memorable but a cute slow burn with a swooney hero and a very sweet relationship development.

Loved to see all the couples living it up and the kids were a nice touch to soften me to the story.

The epilogue was equally nice and set up some possible next generation books.

Profile Image for bookish_ashley90.
217 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2021
Title : Scared to Love
Author : Siobhan Davis
Rating : *****
Series : Mazzone Mafia #3
Trope/s : Mafia : Forbidden Love

I'm at a lost for words, I knew Siobhan could write. Oh she can write alright and she pulls you in. She pulls you in until your sucked dry and throws you back out. Her writing is just that good, that you want, no need more. She throws so much into her stories, so much raw emotions.

I have typed out my review and erase it now, a handful of times. I don't believe I can give a justified review of the book. Like I mentioned above, Siobhan can write an amazing story and this one isn't any different.

How she wrote the main characters was just astounding. You read how they grow as people as well how they grew together. Through everything that they have been put through, they came out stronger and more powerful.

If you were thinking about reading Scared to Love, please don't think no more. Go and get the book and read it. You will not be let down if you read the book. You will end up wanting more.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
December 17, 2021
The final book in the Mazzone Mafia series, Scared to Love is a well written, action-packed, slow-burn mafia romance with the perfect mix of danger, angst, drama, unexpected twists, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of heat.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
156 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2021
I have absolutely loved this mafia world that Siobhan has introduced us to and I very sad to see it end. I didn’t want to put this book down. I read it in one sitting basically. Just when you feel you have things figured out in normal Siobhan fashion you get a curveball! Alesso has intrigued me from the first book so I’m glad he was included to get a story.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2021
I have to say this story was well worth the wait. Alessandro and Serena were so hot together. The sexy alpha male and the female who had been through 9 years of abuse who didn't let it ruin her. This book has given us another look into the mafia world siobhan has created and I hope we get to see more
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,573 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2021
Fantastic story highlighting Serena’s strength and commitment to overcoming her past even when it keeps coming for her. But with Alesso at her side they make the perfect team. He’s so patient with Serena, he definitely has a spot in my heart.
Profile Image for Shelly Diguer.
566 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2021
OMG 😱 WOW 🤩 again i was completely hooked from the beginning to end and couldn’t out it down ….it has everything treat keeps you completely engrossed, with drama ,action , twists and turns through out , lots of steamy sexy time 😋great sizzling chemistry that just gets hotter and hotter 🥵🔥The world 🌎 of the mafia , the importance of familia , the strength , love ❤️, determination and the strive to survive the horrid life Serena was forced into , the abuse she suffered was disgusting , but she is a survivor, and grows stronger through out this book 📕 Alesso and Serena share love 💕,friendship and a bond that grows , it is sexy, and dam hot hot hot 🔥 i love them 😍 the ending too the Mafia series is perfect , and so well written you can not help but full in love 🥰 with this series , seriously go download and read it 😍
Profile Image for Natasha Anslow-Garnham.
Author 4 books11 followers
December 29, 2021
First of as always let me just say how much I adore Siobhan’s work and am honoured to be apart of her elite street team and therefore leaving an honest review in exchange for an ARC 🥰.

This is Alesso’s and Serena’s story and the final installment in the Mazzonne mafia world. And as always Siobhan has left me wanting more!

This is a slow burn almost painfully slow but in the best way possible.

You feel Serena’s pain and anguish over her trauma and you can believe in Alesso and his love.

This is honestly such a good read. And I’m eagerly awaiting the next masterpiece from Siobhan.

Congratulations Siobhan on another amazing book. Your words are truly a work art! 🥰🥰🥰
Profile Image for Samantha Barnett.
176 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2021
I couldn't put this book down! I hoped for Serena's story since the end of "Condemed to Love" and this was more then I had imagined. These characters have so much chemistry and love. Serena is such a strong female! Alesso is so swoony, protective and sweet. They are just perfect for each other.

There's so much action and plot in this book but it is a sweetest love story. I went through a range of emotions, from angry to sad to happy and teary. It was a terrific book that I didn't want to end.
Profile Image for Court Small.
635 reviews36 followers
December 31, 2021
This whole series is superb!
Siobhan certainly understands the brief when it comes to dark mafia.

First I want to start by saying, although this is a standalone and can be read as such there is a little bit of cross over from Forbidden To Love and Condemned To Love, especially with character back story and relationships. I feel you definitely need to read both books first as it will give you a richer story.

This book has it all, including a complex plot, action, drama, family issues, abuse, trauma, revenge, betrayal, angst, plus plenty of steamy bits. Although this has dark and heavy subject matter, Alesseo is just so sweet.

Cannot recommend this highly enough for mafia readers!
Profile Image for ABookLover73.
375 reviews210 followers
January 5, 2022
FIVE EMOTIONAL STARS for Serena and Alesso 🧡🖤🧡🖤!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

What can I say that I have not already mentioned in previous reviews for Siobhan's books?!

Well, I can't say anything new, except that it still delights me with its writing style and interesting work, which kept me also this time awake until late at night.

I look forward to Siobhan’s next book, and to all those who haven’t had a chance to read Serena and Alesso’s story, I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Bre-Book Bre- Landers.
408 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2021
Oooh Alesso!!!

***Trigger Warnings***

Alesso and Serena are so perfect for each other is insane. Soul Mates at their finest.
The feels that you get from this book are intense and everywhere. One sec your swooning the next you’re raging. There is so much mystery and character development, I loved their story.

A perfect story for Serena and an amazing partner for Alesso. I love this world and hope for more!!!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
862 reviews36 followers
December 18, 2021
This is the third book in The Mazzone Mafia Series and Scared to Love is a slow burn that builds and builds between these two characters that you know whatever comes there way is going to be worth it in the end.
Serena has endured a lot in her past and her trust is something that is going to take the right person to help her achieve again and knowing that Alesso just might be that man who she is willing to take a chance on.
Alesso is devoted to the Mazzone family and will do whatever to prove that to them but when Serena catches his eye he finds himself only having eyes for her and knowing he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and in his life.
This couple will have to endure a lot of ups and downs but you can’t help cheer them on to hopefully find that HEA that they finally deserve.
Profile Image for The Lushy Reader.
971 reviews25 followers
December 18, 2021
Beautifully brilliant, grab at your soul kind of love story!

This is a sloooowwww burn, but well worth it. There’s so much unpacked, but at the root of it, I get brought back to the age old saying - love is patient.

There is an undeniable attraction between Alesso and Serena, but life… And the world they live in, doesn’t always make it easy. Add in heartache and trauma, you know it takes special people to break through walls. Alesso is EVERYTHING. His swoon factor is off the charts. At the heart of it all, he is simply a good man. And Serena deserves nothing less.

I love them and this entire mafia world! Siobhan has another winner on her hands!
Profile Image for Amberleigh  King.
97 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2021
Scared to Love is the 3rd book in the Mazzone Crime family series. These books do need to be read in order as they follow each other in story and character storyline. Scared to love follows Serena(Sierras sister) and Alessandro.

I LOVED Serena, we learn more about her precious marriage and the trauma she went through. But her character growth/development is sooo soooo good.

Alessandro was very swoony and supportive and adorable with her kids.

Overall, story isn’t very spicy, but does have its moments. I loved getting life updates from the other characters from the previous books.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,109 reviews33 followers
December 19, 2021
Siobhan has done it yet again with this book. I could not put it down. I just love this world! Serena and Alesso ugh they are perfect! Siobhan never disappoints with all the action twists and turns she put in to everyone of her books! This story was the perfect end to the mazzone mafia series! I can not wait to see what else she has in store for 2022! You will not be disappointed with this one!!
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
December 30, 2021
Scared to Love was another delicious and consuming story from Siobhan Davis. Once again this author delivered an addicting romance that had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. I loved Serena and Alesso and how devoted they were to one another!

This story is emotional and powerful and I loved how all enthralled they were with one another. Alesso was sweet, caring and so caring of Serena's children. This was a heartwarming read with powerful emotions that had me gasping and loving every second. 5 stars! ~Ratula
Profile Image for Vanessa Booked Up.
1,076 reviews479 followers
December 29, 2021
3.75 Rounded to 4 Stars

"Broken parts can be glued back together."


9102081

Yay, I read my first book by Siobhan Davis and of course it was from her dark mafia series...duh! Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen this author's Sainthood series mentioned on TikTok, Bookstagram, etc. And while I'm super intrigued by that series, the size of it makes my OCD go twitchy, so I wanted to start with another book from this author. So when I saw Scared to Love, I knew it would be that book for me.

Here's what you can expect:

- Emotional
- Angst
- Second chance
- Friends to lovers
- Unrequited love
- Suspense/ Dark mafia romance
- Age gap

This book hits the ground running. In the prologue, we meet Serena's jerk husband, at the time, Alfredo. They are at a party when Serena catches him having a very X-rated moment with someone else. For Serena, this is ultimately frustrating. He's abusive, a terrible husband, clearly cheating on her...but she's stuck in this marriage from hell. So when Alesso comes around the corner, she grabs him, backs him into a corner, and takes a little something good for herself.

Fast forward to three months later and her husband is dead and she's now a single mom left with a ton of emotional baggage to deal with. Oh, and she's pretty sure someone has been following her.

Alesso is her sister's bodyguard who is the wife of Ben, the current president of The Commission and in charge of The Outfit in Chicago. So he's definitely still around. He watches her from afar, plays with her kids, protects her family, and is generally just her guardian angel. Alesso was a total cinnamon bun hero. I love me a good, scarred anti-hero in my mafia romances, but it was so nice to read about someone like this for a change. He's fiercely protective, supportive, and respectful of her boundaries.

"I would wait until the end of time for you, Serena."


One thing I really loved about this book and that I think the author did an exceptional job with was Serena's character. She took painstaking care to have this character have the healing she needed. So many times we see heroines who have suffered similar abuse just up and having hot sex a few chapters into the book. And while that's all hot and steamy, it wouldn't feel authentic for someone who endured years of rape and abuse.

823575

I also adored how patient Alesso was with her, even though we know he was dying inside.

Something I did struggle with a bit is that this book is said to be a stand alone in a series of stand-alones. It is recommended that you read the first two books in the series, Condemned to Love and Forbidden to Love but not required. Ok, I really have to disagree. The timeline of events over particularly the second and third (this) book is completely intertwined. And while the author did a good job of bringing the reader up to speed with events (apparently from the other book) that had just transpired, there were SO many characters to keep track of and soooo much page time was spent on this.

So, in my opinion, this book is NOT to be read as a stand-alone and should be read in order to get a full understanding of the overall story and the characters.

That was really my only bit of criticism. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. The author's note at the end states that this was the last book in the Mazzone Mafia series but that there will be a couple of spin offs coming in 2022. I, for one, cannot wait to read more about those Accardi Twins!!

"You were worth the risk, Serena. You will always be worth the risk."


I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,247 reviews1,529 followers
December 29, 2021
Very poignant ❤

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Trope: friend to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Triggers: past sexual abuse by a spouse

Super poignant tale about a woman trying to overcome past abuse and move on with a good man who wants to love and cherish her. Characters were wonderful and while the storyline was slow in spots, there were tons of twists and turn that kept you hooked till the end. Definitely a slower burn, expected due to the subject matter, but tons of chemistry throughout the whole story.
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