Midnight Rose

The Italian Mafia Princesses #1

by Kaci Rose

She's the mob boss's daughter. He left everything to build his own empire... for her.
When a rival family tries to lay claim on her he will tear the city part and everything in his way to protect her.

Growing up I had one friend.

One person brave enough to befriend the Mafia Princess.

Then one day it all went away I was locked in a tower on my family estate.

I know the deal.

I'm nothing but a bargaining chip in a contract for the better good of the family.

Then I get a taste of freedom.

My first day out in town one family tries to kill me and another kidnaps me.

Why is this my life?

Now I sit in front of that brave little boy who made friends with me all those years ago.

Only he's head of his own family now and he says I'm his.

The problem?

My dad will burn the town down to find me and he says he will burn the town down to keep me.

And I just want my freedom.


A Dark Mafia Romance, Rapunzel Retelling.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Dark Romance, Novella

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2022

About the author

Join Kaci's VIP mailing list and get 2 FREE Novellas at
http://www.kacirose.com/free-books

Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.

Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.

Follow Kaci Rose
Facebook @KaciRoseAuthor
Instagram @KaciRoseAuthor

Reviews

[Michele McMullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaci has done a great spin on the Rapunzel fairytale.
Ruby and Orlando were childhood friends but when tragedy strikes her family, she is locked away by her father the mob boss. He thinks that he is protecting her, but he is taking away everything that she loves.
Orlando has never forgotten his childhood friend and when he went away, he has worked tirelessly to grow his own empire to come back for her. Now he is back and ready to fight for her. This couple has such great chemistry and I truly loved that their basic foundation was formed as childhood friends.
~~Michele McMullen~~

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me some modern day fairy tales with a mafia twist so Midnight Rose was perfect in my eyes. Ruby is our heroine who has never had any control over her life since she was born a girl to a powerful mafia family, but it only got worse after tragedy struck & her father ended up locking her in a tower until he let her out. Orlando & Ruby were friends when they were kids but they were separated without kindness. Orlando has had serious determination so he comes back as an adult as she's the one for him. Now, he's the head of his family, but he's not as powerful as her family but while her father will burn the world to the ground to get her back after she breaks free, he's equally determined to burn it down to keep her safe & with him. This was a fast paced page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat as I devoured it in short order, and yet, was sad when it was all over. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific novella with a Rapunzel spun. Ms. Rose always delivers a story that is so enjoyable to read and Midnight Rose is just that. This story is a friends to lovers romance with a mafia twist. Midnight Rose is the first book in her Fabled Mafia Wars series and if thus book is any indication of the series, it will be a must-read series.

Ruby and Orlando her best friends as children but the death of her brother changed everything. Ruby or Rapunzel as Orlando calls her, is locked away from everyone and everything that a girl would ever want in her life. Well going to college was a dream come true until she was in danger. However, being in danger brought back the boy, Orlando, who she loved and is now a man that is definitely grown up. Secrets are revealed, promises are made and love blooms. But is this her HEA?

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a short novella where it’s almost complete but with some skipping around to make you use your imagination to fill in the blanks but it does have a Great ending with is read for novella to have.

Locked in a tower, never aloud outside, speak to others or even allowed to live for herself. Ruby aka Rapunzel is literally locked in a tower, her conditions… but no matter what she deals with a boy she became friends with when she had freedom still is on her mind.
She’s 18 and finds a midnight rose (black ones), her favorite rose around her tower, thinking of who the mystery man is. Orlando he’s a mysterious man who has power but not of a family point of power, but his true power is not money but his true heart.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love Like No Other -
All I can say is that this is not your typical mafia romance story, as it is more about a love story between childhood sweethearts. Orlando and Ruby were forcefully separated as children, but Orlando’s perseverance and determination brought them back together as adults, to give them a chance at their forever happiness. It is a story about a man determined to do everything within his power to make his dreams come true.

This was a heartfelt and steamy romance that had me glued to the pages, right from the beginning. If you are looking for a moving story, with an interesting storyline and engaging characters, then I suggest you click on the ‘Buy Now’ button immediately.

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

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby has spent her life under her father's rules, being locked away for years because of a tragic accident, she lives a lonely life. She dreams of a freedom she will never have because being a daughter of a mafia leader her future has been predetermined. Night after night she dreams of the boy who stole her heart and planned a great future together, even if her dreams seem fruitless, she never stops hoping. Orlando has been spending all these years plotting, planning, and trying to find ways to get his girl back because his life is incomplete without her. After an incident that sends hi Rapunzel on the run, he finds his opportunity to set all these plans into fruition. Soulmates who are meant to be having to find a way to fight for each other in a world of brutality and find their happiness. This quick read was full of action, hot steam, and passion I loved it.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great crime family romance. It was a twist on the Rapunzel fairytale and I loved that. Ruby and Orlando were childhood friends and I loved that the romance was built on that foundation. They had such a great chemistry and the story had just enough steam to keep it spicy but it wasn’t overpowering. I loved the story.

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

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This is about Mafia actions and how they are dealt with where Ruby was caught in the middle because of her father. Her only best friend, Orlando looks out for her even when she can't see him and leaves her a Midnight Rose to remind her he is there. I wasn't sure about this series but it could turn out to be a good one still.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect (I loved the Oakside Military Heroes Series) but I was thrilled with this story. Ruby, a Mafia princess, leads a fairy tale existence (princess in the tower). This is a page turner as Ruby finds her prince, her dragon killer, her dream. Bravo!.

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

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun retelling of the story of Rapunzel, it’s also not your typical mob story but it was a great read. Kaci always delivers a good story.
Orlando and Ruby have loved each other since they were kids but didn’t admit it to each other. His way of showing that he loved her was so sweet, I would love to find my favorite flower everywhere.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby and Olando had known each other since they where kids, but once incident and her father locked Ruby away. Olando grew an empire to protect her but first he had to get her. well written take on the Rapunzel fairytale. engaging. sweet, steamy action and more!.

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

[Shavonne Belford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends since childhood Orlando went away to build the empire he needed to ensure his beloved Ruby would have everything her heart desired, preparing for the faithful day he would reveal himself and assert his right at her side however outside forces threaten her and force his hand this was a romantic suspenseful story of long held and cherished love and a man willing to do literally everything to see the woman he loves is taken care of and happy in the life he wants to give her

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the newest book by the amazing Kaci Rose. This was such a fun retelling of Rapunzel, Ruby is the daughter of the Russo mob family. She has loved Orlando her whole life and now he is the one who can make all her wishes come true. A fantastic story and one of my favorite of Kaci's story by far.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and fast-paced mafia romance. What I loved most about Orlando and Ruby's story is how their friendship still stands, even developed into a love for both of them. I loved that Orlando will do anything to free Ruby from her tower and give her the life she wants even though it took him to be in the mafia. I think their story is a sweet one.

[Becky Hedge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Excellent story line and characters. The story held your interest and attention ma!ing it hard to put down. Loved it. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I really enjoyed it

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

She's the mob boss's daughter. He left everything to build his onw empire....for her. When a rival family tries to lay claim on her he will tear the city apart and everything in his way to protect her.
Growing up I had one friend. ON person brave enough to befriend the Mafia Princess. Then one day it all went away. I was locked in a tower on my family estate. I know the deal. I'm nothing but a bargaining chip in a contract for the better good of the family. Then I get a taste of freedom. My first day out in town one family tries to kill me and another kidnaps me. Why is this my life? Now I sit in front of that brave little boy who made friends with me all those years ago. Only he's head of his own family now and he says I'm his. The problem? My dad will burn the town down to find me and he says he will burn the town down to keep me. And I just want my freedom.

This is the retelling of Rapunzel with a Mafia twist. This is not a super long book either so things move.
When Orlando and Ruby were kids, they became the best of friends. He was basically the only friend she had and then they were forced to no longer be friends. However Orlando never forget Ruby and he was determined to have her back in his life. He just wants them to have the chance they could have had when they were younger but never got. I loved that about Orlando. He is just super focused and knows where his happiness is going to come from and isn't afraid to go for it and reach for it no matter what. Ruby is a mafia princess and she has to deal with overprotective people all around her. Or people that want to take everything from her. It makes for quiet the story and I really liked it. It is a really sweet love story.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby was a princess in her crime family. Her childhood started out happy and her best friend was Orlando who was also best friends with her older brother. Then tragedy struck and her brother was kidnapped and killed. Ruby's father locks her up in a tower to keep her safe until she is old enough to be traded in marriage with another family. She spends her days alone in her tower but occasionally she finds a midnight rose at her window. Only Orlando knows that is her favorite flower.

Orlando has been in love with Ruby since they were children. When her father locked her up in the tower, Orlando's life changed. Now he only has one goal which is to become head of his own family and force Ruby's dad to give her to him in marriage. With the turmoil in the city, he quickly becomes successful. When he is given Ruby, he tries to give her some of the freedom she has been lacking but his possessiveness and protectiveness make it very hard. He never wants to lose sight of her again.

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

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Rose is a modern retelling of Rapunzel with a mafia princess as a twist. It is a short story but filled with action, romance, and steam. It’s a real page turner, with a fast paced and action packed.

I read the book in one sitting because I just could not put it down! My only complaint was that it ended too quickly. I really wanted to see more development and more details.

Ruby is so sweet and intelligent. I loved her immediately and felt her loneliness after being locked away in a tower for years. She was instantly so likeable.

Orlando is strong, determined, and dangerous, exactly what you would expect of the head of a mafia family. With Ruby you see a whole different person, though, the boy who fell in love with Ruby. He’s determined to make Ruby his, to keep her safe, and to give her everything her heart desires.

I truly enjoyed this book, especially the epilogue. I hope the author will write more modern fairytales!

[Readers Are Leaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning sweet romance
mild heat level
dual pov
no cheating HEA.
Did you know Petronella is the Italian name for Rapunzel?
Orlando is a planner, lover, architect of destiny
Team builder of a family not born of blood, Mafia
Indefatigable
determined to play the long game and capture his queen
Easy to read page turner
Shadow nemesis
Delicate but determined iron willed heroine
Good attitude but the men in her life still do the heavy lifting
Some of the things I really enjoyed about the book I will withhold so that you future reader will be as pleasantly surprised as I was. I’m satisfied with the ending and epilogue. I’m looking for the bonus epilogue to seal the deal. In general I enjoy Kaci Rose’s contemporary romances. Whatever appealed to me from the blurb was fulfilled in this ARC. It did not disappoint.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome book. To its very core, it’s a retelling of Rapunzel. Ruby is a mafia princess locked away for her own protection. When she was a child, she had a friend named Orlando. After her brother was killed, Ruby’s dad went into overprotective mode and kept her locked away.
She gets basically anything she wants but her freedom. She misses her old friend, Orlando. She misses her freedom too. She misses simple things really. Then, Ruby experiences her freedom and all sorts of things happen. Orlando wants Ruby back.
This was a novella but it definitely held my interest and I thoroughly enjoyed it!.

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

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LOVED LOVED this story. She is the mafia boss's daughter who just wants to be free. She's been locked in a tower for too long and she has a plan. Convince her dad to let her go to college. What she doesn't expect is to actually have her dreams come true. The only thing missing is the boy she fell in love with her best friend Orlando. Orlando left as a boy to make something of himself and to destroy those who took from him. Now he's ready to make a move and that move is protecting the one woman he has always loved. When someone comes for her, he's about to show his hand. Can he save her and prove to her that he is the man of her dreams? This book had everything you could want in a mafia story. Fall in love.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was locked away in the tower, until her father could use her to his advantage. He will always love her and will move mountains to show her.

After the death of her brother, Ruby's life changed. Her freedom was taken away and the one friend she had was gone. When she wanted to go to college, Ruby was shocked she was allowed, but that ended quickly when she was attacked.

Orlando has always loved Ruby, and everything he did was for her. After the attack at school, Orlando came out of the shadows to come to her.

Midnight Rose is a hot steamy story with an intense suspense twist that grabs you with each page that is turned.

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

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Rose by Kaci Rose is the first book in her Fabled Mafia Wars, A Dark Mafia Romance series. I was pulled into the story from the very first sentence. What I loved about Midnight Rose by Kaci Rose are the glimpses we see of how the heroine and hero have fallen in love with each other over the years. Although this has mafia elements sprinkled throughout the book they aren't difficult to read or graphic in nature. There are a few sex scenes in this book but I am glad they don't distract from the main plot of the story. Overall I would give Midnight Rose by Kaci Rose 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to read more books in this series and also more books by Kaci Rose.

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

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a good mafia romance, so when I read the blurb, I was all for reading and reviewing. I’ve also read and reviewed a couple of books by the author, so I knew I was in good hands with this one, and the author didn’t let me down.

I’ve never read a “retelling” novel before. I will admit I avoid them because they’re not just for me, but I was curious to see what the author would do with a Rapunzel retelling. I must say I enjoyed it.

Ruby aka Rapunzel was best friends with Orlando when her powerful mafia father separated them and locked Ruby in a tower. But she has hope because someone always leaves a midnight rose for her, what Orlando used to do when they were kids. She has no escape until given a chance to further her schooling.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-7LV

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the short story of a mafia princess and her soulmate. Orlando and Ruby were very close when they were young. Forced apart and then locked away, Ruby has no idea that he has been working hard and gathering his strength just for her. Orlando has vowed to protect and get his girl back. Ruby has always had his devotion even when she couldn't see it. This has its share of drama, conflict and heartache but shines thru with a love that was never meant to end.

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

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mafia fairy tale retelling. I can't wait to see what other fairy tale retelling stories that will come out. I couldn't wait to see what happened with Ruby and Orlando.

Ruby has spend her life in a tower after her brother's death. She knows that her father will give her to another mafia family in marriage. She just wants freedom and she misses her childhood friend, Orlando. Orlando has done what he must in order to be in a position to claim Ruby. When her life is threaten, he finally steps out of the shadows. Will they fall in love and have a chance at happiness?

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby and Orlando were childhood friends. When her brother was killed by a rival family her father locked her in the house to keep her safe. Orlando loved Ruby and was going to make her his, he left her a midnight rose to show her he was still there despite not seeing her for 4 years. He had had time to make a plan. When her life was in danger his plan was accelerated. She was the love of his life and her would keep her safe. Beautiful romance with amazing chemistry, some danger and suspense and a real, true and deep love between Ruby and Orlando. The HEA was amazing.

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

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Fabled Mafia Wars Series by this author. It is a dark second chance romance between former childhood friends, Ruby and Orlando. These likeable souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. Once they reconnect, it is an emotional roller coaster filled with combustible attraction, frustrating moments, mafia dynamic, danger and violence, twists and turns. Overall, it has sexual tension and chemistry, drama and passion, and appealing secondary characters. A good series beginning.

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

[Laura Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Rose tells a fable story about Rapunzel with a mafia twist. Ruby has known for years about her father’s connection to the mafia. All she has ever wanted was a normal life. After her brother’s death, her father put her away in the family’s tower. Her greatest hope is for childhood friend, Orlando, to rescue her one day.

Orlando knew what actions had to be taken to achieve his dream. He learned at a young age the importance Ruby was to play in his happiness. He spends his life getting ready to rescue Ruby from her father’s plans. Will Orlando’s plan rescue the love of his life?.

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