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Reign of Vengeance
Single mom Emilia Lombardi escapes from the clutches of her daughter's abusive father and is staying with her childhood friend until she can get back on her feet. They feel like they are safe, but they catch the attention of the Italian Mafia Boss, Mateo De Luca. He is known as a ruthless beast.
Mateo had everything he could want. He is the Boss of the Italian Mafi, he has his family and woman at his disposable. Until his father comes to him and tells him he has one year to pick a bride or his choice or one will be picked for him. Emilia catches Mateo's attention and he decides she can be the solution to his bride problem. He figured this single mother will be an easy arranged marriage.
But Mateo has no idea what this mother and daughter duo are about to flip his world upside down.
Mateo had everything he could want. He is the Boss of the Italian Mafi, he has his family and woman at his disposable. Until his father comes to him and tells him he has one year to pick a bride or his choice or one will be picked for him. Emilia catches Mateo's attention and he decides she can be the solution to his bride problem. He figured this single mother will be an easy arranged marriage.
But Mateo has no idea what this mother and daughter duo are about to flip his world upside down.
626 pages, ebook
Published March 25, 2022
30 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Annalynn Nicole
18 books323 followersAnnalynn Nicole is a mother of two autistic boys and a wife to her high school sweetheart. Every day she is determined to be the best wife and mother for her family. Even though our life is different and unique, our house is full of love. In her free time she emerges herself in writing her books of strong heroine characters with crazy plots.
Annalynn Nicole is a dark mafia romance author who loves to keep her reader's on the edge of their seat as she takes them on an emotional rollercoaster.
**Annalynn Nicole's books are filled with trigger warnings**
Annalynn Nicole is a dark mafia romance author who loves to keep her reader's on the edge of their seat as she takes them on an emotional rollercoaster.
**Annalynn Nicole's books are filled with trigger warnings**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
April 11, 2022
2.0 for mistakes
2.5 for overall storyline
Reign of Vengeance has a fair amount of elevated attributes. The plot has bones- an admirable foundation.
The major and minor characters are all very affable and when needed they are loathed. The FMC was very indestructible and had a good character development. The MMC was just as deadly without a good character development in this story. The reader wants them to conquer all but wants it believable.
The minor characters also have a big influence on this story. They contribute well to this book.
The reasons for the low stars is:
1) Repetitive- book could be shorter, much was repetitive. Phrases repeated numerous times.
2) Distractions- misspelled words, grammar, the translation of Italian to English at the bottom of the page and not knowing in spots whom was in some of the dialogue. All the above was very distracting for the reader. Some scenes were very impractical and far fetched.
This author has a good storyline mapped out, just needs fine tuning. Reader wanted to give it more stars.
This reader wishes this author the best in her future endeavors.
2.5 for overall storyline
Reign of Vengeance has a fair amount of elevated attributes. The plot has bones- an admirable foundation.
The major and minor characters are all very affable and when needed they are loathed. The FMC was very indestructible and had a good character development. The MMC was just as deadly without a good character development in this story. The reader wants them to conquer all but wants it believable.
The minor characters also have a big influence on this story. They contribute well to this book.
The reasons for the low stars is:
1) Repetitive- book could be shorter, much was repetitive. Phrases repeated numerous times.
2) Distractions- misspelled words, grammar, the translation of Italian to English at the bottom of the page and not knowing in spots whom was in some of the dialogue. All the above was very distracting for the reader. Some scenes were very impractical and far fetched.
This author has a good storyline mapped out, just needs fine tuning. Reader wanted to give it more stars.
This reader wishes this author the best in her future endeavors.
August 11, 2022
Oh, what a hot mess.
This book has great bones but the way it was built up is lacking. So many editing and formatting mistakes. This story has true potential but in need of a very good editor. Fiancé is spelled many ways, words are spelled wrong, wrong words are used entirely, and periods, quotations, and proper format are all in need of help.
My next complaint would be the dialogue. You know that scene where Bella, Mike, and Jacob all go to see Face Punch? "Put your gun down." "No you put YOUR gun down." "No! How about BOTH of your put BOTH of your guns down."
Yeah. That is how this book feels. Nothing comes off organic. The dialogue is awful. I could picture this being a very fast-paced soap opera rather than a book. Or a D list actor movie made by Lifetime that people watch because it is hilarious when it isn't supposed to be funny.
I continue on because the plot line is interesting enough, but I struggle to keep interested because any time they talk I roll my eyes. I mean, this is our Prince Charming???
"I call one of my whores to meet me at my penthouse to come suck me off. She is eager to please me, it's not like I must try hard to have a woman pleasure me. Women drop to my feet. My short dark brown hair is buzzed on the side and the front is barely spiked. Women always want to touch me, but they are forbidden to."
Yes, because who can't resist short barely spiked hair? Please, do me asshole man.
Also, why do we have to hear about how abused Emilia is over and over and over? Seriously. It gets tiring. We hear it from all of the characters so much that I am convinced it is her only personality trait. That, and stupidity. Why would someone supposedly running for their life tell a random waitress where they are going and what they are doing simply when she asks, "Do you need help?" I would assume she would want to keep a low profile to be forgettable, but nope. She lays it all on this waitress she just met and trusts her enough not to tell anyone where she is going should someone come asking. When in reality, she'd tell. AND she gave their REAL NAMES??? This chick is dumb.
And don't get me going on the dialogue when she leaves. The heartfelt goodbye and hug to the woman she has known 30 minutes. WHY???? Then the doctor talks to her like he knows her entire life story, sympathizing with her on how great she was to get beat the shit out of instead of letting them hurt her daughter. Bravo. Thanks for taking the hits. And she answers EVERY question he has like she isn't cautious or suspicious or ANYTHING. She is so stupidly trusting of EVERYONE and keeps getting hurt for it. So I don't feel sorry for her. She goes from being this simpering abuse woman to a old hearted crazy woman that will beat the shit out of people. Why didn't she do that years ago to escape then? HMM? If she knew how to fight and knock people out why was there NEVER an opportunity to escape Seth and Boris but within the first 24 hours Mateo has her she is able to get away and leave the whole ass country without a passport????
Then Mateo, the idiot. This guy hears she was abused and raped for 7 years and thinks, "Cool. I will force her to marry me. Let's go pay her a visit with a bunch of my scary mafia dudes... surround her house and block her from being able to call out for help." Oh, not to mention he knows her injuries. He knows her ribs are broken yet he ties her torso to a chair until she agrees to marry him.
How charming.
The whole book is disconnected and not engaging in a way a story should be. It is a little juvenile, not believable, and has no heart. I don't care whatsoever what happens to these people. I don't care if any of them die, not even the daughter, because I feel nothing for them. I am so disconnected from the story because the writing is poor.
The daughter is selectively mute, yet when someone is TALKING in the room they ask the mom to translate via sign language to the daughter so she will understand as if she hasn't been listening and replying to them talking this whole time. SHE CAN HEAR YOU. Yet the mom doesn't correct them, no. She fucking signs for her daughter what they are saying even though her ears work fine. A good editor would have caught these types of things. If you are going to use sign language in a book do it right.
I have only made it 28% into the book but I am done. I don't see a reason to finish when I know the writing isn't going to get better. This author just isn't it for me. She has great ideas, but she doesn't have the ability to execute to make the hours it would take to finish it worthwhile.
I will leave you with this lovely comment from our FMC about herself...
"It is not easy being with an abused woman."
Because that is all she is, apparently.
This book has great bones but the way it was built up is lacking. So many editing and formatting mistakes. This story has true potential but in need of a very good editor. Fiancé is spelled many ways, words are spelled wrong, wrong words are used entirely, and periods, quotations, and proper format are all in need of help.
My next complaint would be the dialogue. You know that scene where Bella, Mike, and Jacob all go to see Face Punch? "Put your gun down." "No you put YOUR gun down." "No! How about BOTH of your put BOTH of your guns down."
Yeah. That is how this book feels. Nothing comes off organic. The dialogue is awful. I could picture this being a very fast-paced soap opera rather than a book. Or a D list actor movie made by Lifetime that people watch because it is hilarious when it isn't supposed to be funny.
I continue on because the plot line is interesting enough, but I struggle to keep interested because any time they talk I roll my eyes. I mean, this is our Prince Charming???
"I call one of my whores to meet me at my penthouse to come suck me off. She is eager to please me, it's not like I must try hard to have a woman pleasure me. Women drop to my feet. My short dark brown hair is buzzed on the side and the front is barely spiked. Women always want to touch me, but they are forbidden to."
Yes, because who can't resist short barely spiked hair? Please, do me asshole man.
Also, why do we have to hear about how abused Emilia is over and over and over? Seriously. It gets tiring. We hear it from all of the characters so much that I am convinced it is her only personality trait. That, and stupidity. Why would someone supposedly running for their life tell a random waitress where they are going and what they are doing simply when she asks, "Do you need help?" I would assume she would want to keep a low profile to be forgettable, but nope. She lays it all on this waitress she just met and trusts her enough not to tell anyone where she is going should someone come asking. When in reality, she'd tell. AND she gave their REAL NAMES??? This chick is dumb.
And don't get me going on the dialogue when she leaves. The heartfelt goodbye and hug to the woman she has known 30 minutes. WHY???? Then the doctor talks to her like he knows her entire life story, sympathizing with her on how great she was to get beat the shit out of instead of letting them hurt her daughter. Bravo. Thanks for taking the hits. And she answers EVERY question he has like she isn't cautious or suspicious or ANYTHING. She is so stupidly trusting of EVERYONE and keeps getting hurt for it. So I don't feel sorry for her. She goes from being this simpering abuse woman to a old hearted crazy woman that will beat the shit out of people. Why didn't she do that years ago to escape then? HMM? If she knew how to fight and knock people out why was there NEVER an opportunity to escape Seth and Boris but within the first 24 hours Mateo has her she is able to get away and leave the whole ass country without a passport????
Then Mateo, the idiot. This guy hears she was abused and raped for 7 years and thinks, "Cool. I will force her to marry me. Let's go pay her a visit with a bunch of my scary mafia dudes... surround her house and block her from being able to call out for help." Oh, not to mention he knows her injuries. He knows her ribs are broken yet he ties her torso to a chair until she agrees to marry him.
How charming.
The whole book is disconnected and not engaging in a way a story should be. It is a little juvenile, not believable, and has no heart. I don't care whatsoever what happens to these people. I don't care if any of them die, not even the daughter, because I feel nothing for them. I am so disconnected from the story because the writing is poor.
The daughter is selectively mute, yet when someone is TALKING in the room they ask the mom to translate via sign language to the daughter so she will understand as if she hasn't been listening and replying to them talking this whole time. SHE CAN HEAR YOU. Yet the mom doesn't correct them, no. She fucking signs for her daughter what they are saying even though her ears work fine. A good editor would have caught these types of things. If you are going to use sign language in a book do it right.
I have only made it 28% into the book but I am done. I don't see a reason to finish when I know the writing isn't going to get better. This author just isn't it for me. She has great ideas, but she doesn't have the ability to execute to make the hours it would take to finish it worthwhile.
I will leave you with this lovely comment from our FMC about herself...
"It is not easy being with an abused woman."
Because that is all she is, apparently.
March 16, 2024
I would 100% rec this book AND read the rest of this series. I’m invested in the De Luca fam!
This review is my opinion, and I’m being absolutely honest so don’t fucking come for me okay?
This book is difficult to rate so I’m going to break it down.
I give it 4 stars for the amazing blurb that pulled me in and is the reason I signed up to read it in the first place. I also give it 4 stars for the feels, my favorite quotes, the premise of the book, the bones of the book, the tropes, the diversity representation, the obvious research the author did on not only spoken languages but signed languages around the world, and the FUCKING DRAMA!!! This book was like a telenovela, soap opera, kdrama, etc. it was sooooo over the top crazypants but I FUCKING LOVED IT!!! Some would say it’s unbelievable but it’s fiction and it’s based on the organized crime world so really it probably is believable.
When I say feels I mean it. This book gave me alllllllll the feels! As a mother, a daughter, wife, friend, etc. all the feels okay!
I might’ve found my next quote I’m going to get tattooed from this book. There are some really awesome quotes in this book!
I give it 2 stars for inconsistencies, formatting, grammar, words that give me the ick during sexy times, and for overdoing the first person POV. I LOVE first person POV’s, the author just had a tendency to be overly detailed to the point where it became too much at times. The overly detailed first person POV would take me out of the story sometimes. If you’re someone who cannot get past errors, grammar, etc. this book might not be for you. I recommend reading it with an open mind. If you don’t mind the word boobs being used during sexy times then definitely read this. Boobs just make some think of 12 year old boys and children. I cannot get with that during sexy times. It completely pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall, I really liked this book. The characters are unforgettable, it’ll make you feel all the feels, and it’s crazy and over the top. I’m definitely reading more of this series!
This review is my opinion, and I’m being absolutely honest so don’t fucking come for me okay?
This book is difficult to rate so I’m going to break it down.
I give it 4 stars for the amazing blurb that pulled me in and is the reason I signed up to read it in the first place. I also give it 4 stars for the feels, my favorite quotes, the premise of the book, the bones of the book, the tropes, the diversity representation, the obvious research the author did on not only spoken languages but signed languages around the world, and the FUCKING DRAMA!!! This book was like a telenovela, soap opera, kdrama, etc. it was sooooo over the top crazypants but I FUCKING LOVED IT!!! Some would say it’s unbelievable but it’s fiction and it’s based on the organized crime world so really it probably is believable.
When I say feels I mean it. This book gave me alllllllll the feels! As a mother, a daughter, wife, friend, etc. all the feels okay!
I might’ve found my next quote I’m going to get tattooed from this book. There are some really awesome quotes in this book!
I give it 2 stars for inconsistencies, formatting, grammar, words that give me the ick during sexy times, and for overdoing the first person POV. I LOVE first person POV’s, the author just had a tendency to be overly detailed to the point where it became too much at times. The overly detailed first person POV would take me out of the story sometimes. If you’re someone who cannot get past errors, grammar, etc. this book might not be for you. I recommend reading it with an open mind. If you don’t mind the word boobs being used during sexy times then definitely read this. Boobs just make some think of 12 year old boys and children. I cannot get with that during sexy times. It completely pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall, I really liked this book. The characters are unforgettable, it’ll make you feel all the feels, and it’s crazy and over the top. I’m definitely reading more of this series!
May 1, 2022
Another book that got me in my feelings but was super good! I get somewhat Nicholas Sparks vibes but a better point of view as it’s a book by a female perspective. The book follows Emilia and her daughter Alessia getting away. I will be adding this book to my shelf!
I will say read trigger warnings, I have no triggers. I am stating to read trigger warnings because some people come at reviewers for not stating this.
I will say read trigger warnings, I have no triggers. I am stating to read trigger warnings because some people come at reviewers for not stating this.
September 4, 2023
Great book. This was a very thick book and so much happened. This had a lot of characters in this book. Let’s start with Emilia. She had a great childhood until one day in her late teens that all changed. Her entire family was dead due to a fire in her home. You didn’t find out until later in the book what really happened. Very sad! One day while she was dealing with all of that she met Seth whole partying and they got together multiple times and she found out that she was pregnant. She told Seth and she went to live with him. She had a rough 6 years there. She was given no medical help while giving birth. She gave birth to a little girl. One day 6 years later after all of the things she suffered at the hands of Seth and his associates especially Boris she was told that she needed to start preparing her 6 year old daughter to become Boris’ wife. He was much much older. She told him no and he got physical with her and she fought back when he grabbed her daughter. When Boris went to attack her she fought him too and grabbed Alessia and some things and ran. She ended up in Italy with a childhood friend. Things were great for a while until Mateo showed up. She ended up in Italy on his plane that is how he found out about her. He went to house where she was living and talked to her. He ended up taking them to his house where he promised they would be safe. That didn’t happen because Alessia was mute and when she didn’t answer Zaira she slapped her. Emilia lost it and beat up Zaira. Emilia had a feeling things were not going to be good for her so she asked one of the guards to stay with Alessia if anything happened. Mateo’s stepmother and 2 guards came into the room and took Amelia away and hurt her. Well they ended up leaving her in the basement with the door open and she escaped by knocking out one of the guards and went to her room to get Alessia. She ended up knocking out the guard watching her daughter and they left. She left a note for Mateo saying their arrangement was over. She ended up getting to Spain to be with her godmother. She was there for 6 months until Mateo found her again. She ended up going back to Italy and living with Mateo. They ended up getting married months later. It was originally a business transaction but then they actually fell in love. Emilia trained with her godmother to protect herself. She was a tough woman and she handled her business. She ended up getting vengeance for her family. And so much much more. I don’t want to tell the whole book but it gets very dark. Great read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
October 6, 2024
Reign of Vengeance by Annalynn Nicole
I started this book Yesterday morning and I could not put it down because from the opening sentence I was hooked into this book like I didn't want to do any work that day at work because I wanted to read this book and see what was going to happen next with the character in this book
This book took me two days to read because I was at work when I was reading it and I had to be an adult and work. I mean I could have finished it yesterday but I need a day to get my thoughts together on what was going on within the whole book.
This story was written so good and it broke down each part of the story line so I could understand where each person was coming from and it was sad that the main female had to go through all of that bad to get to the good and find the person that was going to hopefully love for the rest of her life. But the two main character had to go through some very tough time to get where they want to be because of past and what happened to her and her daughter like i was to want to punch her ex-boyfriend in the face and do some other thing too but how could do that do your girlfriend like what kind of man are you. Like I’m glad he got what was coming to him at the end of the book and they find each other because she devise to happy and treat like a queen she is and he did that thought out the whole book and treat her daughter like a princess she was im glad she got to called him papa after everything she has saw and got talking again and acting like a kid because before she couldn't do that because she afraid of what could happen to her mommy. I’m glad she did not throw any punches when it came to him at the beginning of the book and throughout the whole book. I’m glad they got their family back and members backs also sorry for the little bit of spoiler and I can’t wait to see what happen next for them.
I started this book Yesterday morning and I could not put it down because from the opening sentence I was hooked into this book like I didn't want to do any work that day at work because I wanted to read this book and see what was going to happen next with the character in this book
This book took me two days to read because I was at work when I was reading it and I had to be an adult and work. I mean I could have finished it yesterday but I need a day to get my thoughts together on what was going on within the whole book.
This story was written so good and it broke down each part of the story line so I could understand where each person was coming from and it was sad that the main female had to go through all of that bad to get to the good and find the person that was going to hopefully love for the rest of her life. But the two main character had to go through some very tough time to get where they want to be because of past and what happened to her and her daughter like i was to want to punch her ex-boyfriend in the face and do some other thing too but how could do that do your girlfriend like what kind of man are you. Like I’m glad he got what was coming to him at the end of the book and they find each other because she devise to happy and treat like a queen she is and he did that thought out the whole book and treat her daughter like a princess she was im glad she got to called him papa after everything she has saw and got talking again and acting like a kid because before she couldn't do that because she afraid of what could happen to her mommy. I’m glad she did not throw any punches when it came to him at the beginning of the book and throughout the whole book. I’m glad they got their family back and members backs also sorry for the little bit of spoiler and I can’t wait to see what happen next for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
First off, I want to say that I found the story great. The reason I gave it 3 stars, is because... the amount of errors I found, was ridiculous. Spelling of simple words, missing letters, missing Punctuation and things that didn't make didn't make sense to me. Ex how can one be blindfolded and maintain eye contact? That is one example. There were a few others. Other than all the errors, I felt that the characters were well written. The spice was a 4/5. I will read the second book, because I am curious on how the rest of the story goes. I just hope there isn't a lot of errors.
March 31, 2022
Emilia takes her daughter Alessia and runs away from her abusers. They go to Italy to see Theo her best friend, but while there the head of the Italian Mafia Mateo De Luca is interested in her. Mateo doesn’t realize Emilia and Alessia are going to be more than he bargained for. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. There are so many twists and turns. The character development is amazing. Make sure you check the trigger warning there are a few.
August 7, 2022
I really wanted to love this book, but I just can’t. The plot kept me interested enough to power through. Unfortunately, the writing was stilted and awkward. The author continuously contradicted herself and had multiple inconsistencies throughout the book. It detracted from the storyline.
April 3, 2024
Wow, this book packs a punch from start to finish!
Emilia is living a horrible existence with her young daughter. She witnessed her family dying in a house fire and when she gets pregnant and moves I. With her boyfriend and his boss, it starts years of a living nightmare for her. Finally, she finds a way to escape with her daughter and is able to get them to Italy where she meets Mateo, the Don of the Italian Mafia. What’s starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into real feelings and the healing process begins for her and her daughter.
There are so many twists and turns throughout the whole story, you don’t know what will happen next. Sometimes it was so frustrating that I wanted to tell at them for not thinking things through or to just communicate with each other.
Emilia really comes into her own and Mateo and her are a perfect match for the other and getting revenge is amazingly powerful and perfect for both of them.
There are times I felt some parts were somewhat repetitive and drawn out, but it didn’t take away from the story. I was invested in them and all the extended family and want to know more about them !
I’m excited to read the next book in the series and find out what will happen next!
It does end in a HEA and there are trigger warnings to be aware of before you start reading.
Emilia is living a horrible existence with her young daughter. She witnessed her family dying in a house fire and when she gets pregnant and moves I. With her boyfriend and his boss, it starts years of a living nightmare for her. Finally, she finds a way to escape with her daughter and is able to get them to Italy where she meets Mateo, the Don of the Italian Mafia. What’s starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into real feelings and the healing process begins for her and her daughter.
There are so many twists and turns throughout the whole story, you don’t know what will happen next. Sometimes it was so frustrating that I wanted to tell at them for not thinking things through or to just communicate with each other.
Emilia really comes into her own and Mateo and her are a perfect match for the other and getting revenge is amazingly powerful and perfect for both of them.
There are times I felt some parts were somewhat repetitive and drawn out, but it didn’t take away from the story. I was invested in them and all the extended family and want to know more about them !
I’m excited to read the next book in the series and find out what will happen next!
It does end in a HEA and there are trigger warnings to be aware of before you start reading.
May 3, 2024
Hooked from the start!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Th story was fantastic. The spice level was… spicy!
***Make sure that you check out the Trigger Warnings before you start the book***
I LOVE that the author has taken time to research the different languages used throughout the book and different aspects of the story (how one might grieve, or how people with different types of trauma would react in situations, etc.). They’ve developed the characters so that they seem real - It literally gave me all the feels - every single one of them!
I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn’t highlight my favored quotes - and there are a bunch!
I can’t wait to read the next one to see where the De Luca Family goes from here…
Would I recommend this book??? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!!! 100%
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Th story was fantastic. The spice level was… spicy!
***Make sure that you check out the Trigger Warnings before you start the book***
I LOVE that the author has taken time to research the different languages used throughout the book and different aspects of the story (how one might grieve, or how people with different types of trauma would react in situations, etc.). They’ve developed the characters so that they seem real - It literally gave me all the feels - every single one of them!
I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn’t highlight my favored quotes - and there are a bunch!
I can’t wait to read the next one to see where the De Luca Family goes from here…
Would I recommend this book??? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!!! 100%
March 24, 2024
It took me a little while to get into this book as the writing is hard to follow in places and doesn’t flow as well in others. However, I am glad I pushed through as the story was really good. I love Emilia, she is a strong sassy female who doesn’t let what she has been through dull her shine. She certainly met her match in Mateo and despite initially not being romantically involved you can see how they develop so much love for each other throughout the story. I love how Mateo is her protector even when she is able to protect herself. I also loved how the whole family welcomed her and Alessia into their fold and how much they all came to mean to each other. Great read.
December 10, 2025
Wow, absolutely loved. It was a much more intense in depth Mafia Boss romance book. That was the definition of protecting one’s family. I really enjoyed Queen Amelia’s transformation from the captive overused unwanted piece of flesh but a useless excuse for a male. To becoming the Queen of the Italian Mafia. What she did for everyone else, just because it was right and knowing that as long as her daughter was okay, then they could never actually break her.
I will be continuing this story. I can’t wait to read what happens next in the Mafia world.
I will be continuing this story. I can’t wait to read what happens next in the Mafia world.
March 25, 2025
This is my first book from this author and she did not disappointed me at all.
This is Emilia and Mateo’s story. It’s the introduction to an incredible mafia series. No matter what was standing in their way they fought for each and their family. Emilia is one of my favorite fmc in a series. If you love chaos, soulmate who has incredible chemistry, and an intense adventure then this book for you.
This is Emilia and Mateo’s story. It’s the introduction to an incredible mafia series. No matter what was standing in their way they fought for each and their family. Emilia is one of my favorite fmc in a series. If you love chaos, soulmate who has incredible chemistry, and an intense adventure then this book for you.
March 23, 2024
Must read!
This book is dark, but Emilia's story is heartbreaking. She's been through a lot and has had to save herself and her daughter many times. Mateo is there to attempt to keep them safe as well, but they have a long way to go.
I love this family and can't wait to read more about them!
This book is dark, but Emilia's story is heartbreaking. She's been through a lot and has had to save herself and her daughter many times. Mateo is there to attempt to keep them safe as well, but they have a long way to go.
I love this family and can't wait to read more about them!
July 31, 2022
A single mom and a hot mafia boss? Yes please!
“Mateo doesn’t call me his diabolical wife for nothing” -Emilia. One of my favorites quotes from the book!
The spice was hot!
Check your triggers with this story as it has abuse and violence!
This woman has kept this man going! Just when he thought he wanted one thing, he got her and her daughter. He fell in love with this small family and made it his. This woman has seen and went through so much for her daughter due to an ex! Without giving to much away, you’ll have to read it to find out!
This story is filled with so many twist and turns that it’ll leave you wanting more!
Her and her daughter are survivors of domestic abuse and due to Mateo she became better.
He was very protective of his little family and the way he loved Alessia and Emilia was perfection.
#Thebookishgirlreviews #Thebookishgirls
#thebookishgirlsteam
#Thesmuttyreadersclub
“Mateo doesn’t call me his diabolical wife for nothing” -Emilia. One of my favorites quotes from the book!
The spice was hot!
Check your triggers with this story as it has abuse and violence!
This woman has kept this man going! Just when he thought he wanted one thing, he got her and her daughter. He fell in love with this small family and made it his. This woman has seen and went through so much for her daughter due to an ex! Without giving to much away, you’ll have to read it to find out!
This story is filled with so many twist and turns that it’ll leave you wanting more!
Her and her daughter are survivors of domestic abuse and due to Mateo she became better.
He was very protective of his little family and the way he loved Alessia and Emilia was perfection.
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March 10, 2024
Damn! This is one strongly independent woman written in this story. The saying “I don’t need a man” is definitely the basis of Emilia. She has had a very traumatic and torturous past few years but this hasn’t stopped her resilience. Mateo is a strong man but he definitely gets put in his place a lot by Emilia.
This was a long read at over 600 pages but it was filled with a lot of story and detail. It introduces you to the DeLuca family and is the start of the series. Definitely a great way to start off the series!
This was a long read at over 600 pages but it was filled with a lot of story and detail. It introduces you to the DeLuca family and is the start of the series. Definitely a great way to start off the series!
April 27, 2024
Great Intro into this World!
This is our first glimpse of the DeLuca family and I loved it. I loved the depth of the story, I loved the issues that were tackled and most of all, I love all of the characters - not just the 2 main characters. The world building was awesome and the heat was high! I would recommend an edit be done, but this did not take away from the story. I can’t wait to dive into the next story in this series!
This is our first glimpse of the DeLuca family and I loved it. I loved the depth of the story, I loved the issues that were tackled and most of all, I love all of the characters - not just the 2 main characters. The world building was awesome and the heat was high! I would recommend an edit be done, but this did not take away from the story. I can’t wait to dive into the next story in this series!
March 16, 2024
This is one of my favorite reads of 2024! It was a delicious, bloody dark mafia romance. I loved all the characters. The story was written with great detail of pain, torture, love, and loss. There was a perfect balance of drama, betrayal, and heat between these pages. I found myself hooked on this story. I found myself thinking about this story when I had to set it down and counting the moments until I could return to these morally grey characters and their world of vengeance. I highly recommend this dark mafia romance. Please read trigger warnings and do not take them lightly.
April 5, 2024
Emilia, a brave mother, flees from her abusive partner with her daughter, Alessia, and starts a new life. Little did she know that her arrival in a new city would catch the eye of Mateo, the mafia kingpin. His father demands he marry, or he'll choose a bride for him, so he sets his sights on Emilia for an easy arranged marriage. But, things don't go as planned. The desire and attraction between them grow stronger by the day, and danger is always lurking in his world. The book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with steamy scenes, action, violence, and more. However there are spelling mistakes, robotic character dialog. The plot could have been top tier but there are pages that could have been taken out as it can be quite representative hence the lower stars. If this book went through another stage of editing with all the feed back taken into consideration then this book would be a 5 star!!
July 30, 2022
5 stars!!!!!! Wow!!! Emilia and Mateo are EVERYTHING!!!
If you want MAFIA DIRTY ROMANCE here it is!!!! AnnaLynn brought it in this first book. This book will have you all over and I mean all over emotionally.. The hurt the happiness the shock of it all.. And its not even complete!!! There is more!!! I couldn't put this down.. I definitely can't wait for the next book and what there worlds will turn next.
If you want MAFIA DIRTY ROMANCE here it is!!!! AnnaLynn brought it in this first book. This book will have you all over and I mean all over emotionally.. The hurt the happiness the shock of it all.. And its not even complete!!! There is more!!! I couldn't put this down.. I definitely can't wait for the next book and what there worlds will turn next.
July 16, 2022
Oh my, I absolutely loved this book. I did not shy away from the triggers, and they made it all the better! Emilia and Mateo chemistry is off the charts and I love that she didn’t make it easy for him. This books keeps you hooked with the twist and turns and you won’t put it down until you finish it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. AnnaLynn did such a great job with this book, she is definitely a new favorite.
May 8, 2023
I am at utter words of loss. When I went into this book I wasn't sure what I was going to expect. Lets just say that Mateo and Emilia crushed my heart and brought it back to life.
Not even the into chapter two and I was bawling my eyes out. Annalyn wasn't joking when she said to have a handy tissue box around. The way she wrote Emila and Alessia's story before they met Mateo was not only heart breaking but was written with so much intention and grit behind it. Seeing a mother willing to give up everything to make sure that her daughter didn't get the darkness that was filled within Seth's home.
Emilia is the definition of badass bitch, and I am not sure if I love her or Mateo more. Did I mention their is a beautiful and witty little girl name Alessia.
Words can't express how much I loved this book. It was absolutely perfect, and I am so excited for the rest of the series.
Not even the into chapter two and I was bawling my eyes out. Annalyn wasn't joking when she said to have a handy tissue box around. The way she wrote Emila and Alessia's story before they met Mateo was not only heart breaking but was written with so much intention and grit behind it. Seeing a mother willing to give up everything to make sure that her daughter didn't get the darkness that was filled within Seth's home.
Emilia is the definition of badass bitch, and I am not sure if I love her or Mateo more. Did I mention their is a beautiful and witty little girl name Alessia.
Words can't express how much I loved this book. It was absolutely perfect, and I am so excited for the rest of the series.
May 8, 2023
Reign Of Vengeance by @author.annalynn.nicole
A very interesting mafia novel!
PLOT: The plot is gripping from the very beginning. Leaving you the reader, with bulging eyes and the need to know what happens next. Every chapter is interesting and every chapter is unique.
CLIFFHANGERS: The novel is filled with many cliffhangers. From bullets flying through the air, to the very emotional moments between the characters in the novel. Many of those cliffhangers had me pulling my hair out.
SPICE: The novel isn't a read that's just spice. IT IS ACTION AND SPICE! And boy did I love it and love every moment of it!
DETAILS: I was living in the De Luca household for the past week now. I love their love. I love them. I love their bond. I love the fact that the author never left anything hanging like a detail. UNLESS TO BE USED IN THE SEQUELS. But the details really did have me imagining those torture scenes.
EMOTIONS: I cried practically throughout the whole book. What do ya'll want more?
The novel itself is very empowering. Not a moment where you feel like this is where the book ends. The book was filled with many twists and turns and many scenes where you would wonder how do bad people walk the earth and get away with it? If you ever felt you wanted revenge. This is the book for you. It will let your anger out. It will let it out and you will be very satisfied. Along with all that. The romance between the characters is so beautiful. I never realised that such a mafia novel could exist. A mafia novel where it is both full on mafia and full on romance.
I loved the FMC and MMC but the FMC so much. SHE IS THE BADASS IN ALL OF US. We all need to read this book and celebrate this piece of writing, as it is one of the many masterpieces that the world must get to know.
Of course, as warning. You must read the trigger warnings as this novel contain themes and content that is not suitable for someone who would be triggered by them.
This book is a forced proximity trope and a man who treats his woman like the damn Queen. SO GO READ IT.
Reign Of Vengeance-Special Edition
Annalynn Nicole
A very interesting mafia novel!
PLOT: The plot is gripping from the very beginning. Leaving you the reader, with bulging eyes and the need to know what happens next. Every chapter is interesting and every chapter is unique.
CLIFFHANGERS: The novel is filled with many cliffhangers. From bullets flying through the air, to the very emotional moments between the characters in the novel. Many of those cliffhangers had me pulling my hair out.
SPICE: The novel isn't a read that's just spice. IT IS ACTION AND SPICE! And boy did I love it and love every moment of it!
DETAILS: I was living in the De Luca household for the past week now. I love their love. I love them. I love their bond. I love the fact that the author never left anything hanging like a detail. UNLESS TO BE USED IN THE SEQUELS. But the details really did have me imagining those torture scenes.
EMOTIONS: I cried practically throughout the whole book. What do ya'll want more?
The novel itself is very empowering. Not a moment where you feel like this is where the book ends. The book was filled with many twists and turns and many scenes where you would wonder how do bad people walk the earth and get away with it? If you ever felt you wanted revenge. This is the book for you. It will let your anger out. It will let it out and you will be very satisfied. Along with all that. The romance between the characters is so beautiful. I never realised that such a mafia novel could exist. A mafia novel where it is both full on mafia and full on romance.
I loved the FMC and MMC but the FMC so much. SHE IS THE BADASS IN ALL OF US. We all need to read this book and celebrate this piece of writing, as it is one of the many masterpieces that the world must get to know.
Of course, as warning. You must read the trigger warnings as this novel contain themes and content that is not suitable for someone who would be triggered by them.
This book is a forced proximity trope and a man who treats his woman like the damn Queen. SO GO READ IT.
Reign Of Vengeance-Special Edition
Annalynn Nicole
August 23, 2024
I want to start by giving a more accurate rating to this book overall,
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story Line: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dialog between characters: ⭐️⭐️
Beginning of the book: ⭐️⭐️
Middle of the book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
End of the book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first started reading the book there were times I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish it. The interaction between characters sometime felt more like a screenplay table read where I was reading the script rather then a book with dialog between the characters in that book. While I did find the small touches of Italian dialect cute, when it came to the full sentence were then right after it was translated into English I found myself not even reading the Italian part and just reading the English. I feel it would make more sense if it were just in English and then perhaps put something at the end say “yelling in Italian” or (in Italian). Now I am not saying that for everything as I do love the small touches like how the young one Alessia calls her aunts, uncles and grandparents by their names in Italian I just don’t see the point in reading it.
Now as far as the story. Once I got past the slow beginning I was hooked right in. Emilia really is a diabolical queen and she is referenced too as a few times thru out the book. Without giving anything away, but to come out so strong yes maybe still have a few moments of weakness I mean what woman wouldn’t she is still presented in such a way that have grown men afraid to hear her name. And once she finally lets Mateo in you know that the two of them together will be unstoppable. To work against them is to be an enemy which is the last thing you want to do. What makes it even better is the fact that this big and strong Mafia king becomes mush when it comes to his wife and “daughter” (you have to read it to see why I say it like that) he is a big teddy bear who would burn the world to protect them. As I kept reading I became so invested in their story that I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. And I still can’t wait to see what happens next with all the different people that helped them thru out this book to reach one end goal. I don’t know who I’m more excited to continue reading about. The Italians or maybe the Irish only cuz I’m Irish 😂😂. But I can’t wait for the next book!!
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story Line: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dialog between characters: ⭐️⭐️
Beginning of the book: ⭐️⭐️
Middle of the book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
End of the book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first started reading the book there were times I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish it. The interaction between characters sometime felt more like a screenplay table read where I was reading the script rather then a book with dialog between the characters in that book. While I did find the small touches of Italian dialect cute, when it came to the full sentence were then right after it was translated into English I found myself not even reading the Italian part and just reading the English. I feel it would make more sense if it were just in English and then perhaps put something at the end say “yelling in Italian” or (in Italian). Now I am not saying that for everything as I do love the small touches like how the young one Alessia calls her aunts, uncles and grandparents by their names in Italian I just don’t see the point in reading it.
Now as far as the story. Once I got past the slow beginning I was hooked right in. Emilia really is a diabolical queen and she is referenced too as a few times thru out the book. Without giving anything away, but to come out so strong yes maybe still have a few moments of weakness I mean what woman wouldn’t she is still presented in such a way that have grown men afraid to hear her name. And once she finally lets Mateo in you know that the two of them together will be unstoppable. To work against them is to be an enemy which is the last thing you want to do. What makes it even better is the fact that this big and strong Mafia king becomes mush when it comes to his wife and “daughter” (you have to read it to see why I say it like that) he is a big teddy bear who would burn the world to protect them. As I kept reading I became so invested in their story that I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. And I still can’t wait to see what happens next with all the different people that helped them thru out this book to reach one end goal. I don’t know who I’m more excited to continue reading about. The Italians or maybe the Irish only cuz I’m Irish 😂😂. But I can’t wait for the next book!!
March 12, 2023
“We are all searching for someone whose demons play well with ours. I found mine.” – Mateo De Luca
Reign of Vengeance is a dark mafia story that revolves around the Italian Mafia, the De Luca. Mateo is searching for a wife. Emilia Lombardi is trapped in a world of abuse and does anything to protect her six-year-old daughter. One night, she escapes after her abusers tell her to start grooming her daughter to marry a sick 40-year-old pedophile. She runs away to Italy on Mateo’s private jet and that’s when he sets his eyes on her. The story then proceeds to unravel with dark secrets, treachery, love, spice, and death.
Oh. My. God. I absolutely love this book! I enjoyed reading every single part of it! This was sent by the lovely and talented Annalynn Nicole as an ARC. Emilia is such a badass! I really loved her character and the pain she went through is indescribable. What I loved the most, was how every person in the De Luca family learned sign language to be able to communicate with her selectively mute daughter. Each chapter brought more secrets that were unraveled in the one after it.
This book is definitely dark. It was so dark to the point that I had to stop reading some chapters just to process what was happening. Even though I was grimacing at some scenes, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by how much power they held. I enjoyed seeing Emilia and Alessia’s character growth. How they were at the beginning is entirely different than at the end. I finished this 700-page book in under two days only! It sucks you in. You can’t leave it alone; you have to find out what happens. The erotic scenes between Emilia and Mateo were extremely spicy and I loved how Mateo gave Emilia all the time she needs to battle through her demons.
Esmeralda Garcia is definitely someone I would love to know in real life. Her spirit and love were so contagious! Honestly, this author knew how to give us the details we need in a story like this. Can’t wait to finish Ruthless Retribution!
Reign of Vengeance is a dark mafia story that revolves around the Italian Mafia, the De Luca. Mateo is searching for a wife. Emilia Lombardi is trapped in a world of abuse and does anything to protect her six-year-old daughter. One night, she escapes after her abusers tell her to start grooming her daughter to marry a sick 40-year-old pedophile. She runs away to Italy on Mateo’s private jet and that’s when he sets his eyes on her. The story then proceeds to unravel with dark secrets, treachery, love, spice, and death.
Oh. My. God. I absolutely love this book! I enjoyed reading every single part of it! This was sent by the lovely and talented Annalynn Nicole as an ARC. Emilia is such a badass! I really loved her character and the pain she went through is indescribable. What I loved the most, was how every person in the De Luca family learned sign language to be able to communicate with her selectively mute daughter. Each chapter brought more secrets that were unraveled in the one after it.
This book is definitely dark. It was so dark to the point that I had to stop reading some chapters just to process what was happening. Even though I was grimacing at some scenes, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by how much power they held. I enjoyed seeing Emilia and Alessia’s character growth. How they were at the beginning is entirely different than at the end. I finished this 700-page book in under two days only! It sucks you in. You can’t leave it alone; you have to find out what happens. The erotic scenes between Emilia and Mateo were extremely spicy and I loved how Mateo gave Emilia all the time she needs to battle through her demons.
Esmeralda Garcia is definitely someone I would love to know in real life. Her spirit and love were so contagious! Honestly, this author knew how to give us the details we need in a story like this. Can’t wait to finish Ruthless Retribution!
December 22, 2025
There's a lot to unpack here so buckle up. 😂
I absolutely loved Emilia and Alessia!!! They stole my heart right away! Everything that they went through was a punch straight into the heart. 😭 Emilia is such a force to be reckoned with and Alessia (her daughter) is just the sweetest ever. ♥️
This book is THICKKK and A LOT happens. The plot is plotting 🤣 I absolutely loved the entire premise of this. The entire family captivated me. I fell in love with so many characters. Loved ALL the different POVS. Nonna is fantastic and so funny. This story has a ton of ingredients for it being absolutely fantastic. Great characters, fantastic premise, tons of action, excellent spice, elements of shock and surprise, tons of twists and turns.
Mateo our MMC wasn't my favorite in the beginning but as the story progressed he honestly had me swooning. I loved how protective he was of the girls though and how patient and respectful he was to Emilia from day one. When Alessia called him papa omg. My heart. 😍
The flow of the book, character build up etc was awesome. So many things happened that added so much depth to the story. I also feel like this was a couple books in one because of how much happened 😂 so so much happens.
I definitely reccomend this... it is the foundation for the entire series (which I'm excited to read in its entirety) this is not a quick read but the twists and turns and surprises that you discover as the book progresses is 🤯 chefs kiss.
There were def a lot of errors (grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentencing structure...) and some repetitive/drawn out things. (Esp in the first half) (It was a rough start, I won't lie.. but I'm glad I kept going) Could it use some polishing? Yes. Am I going to overlook all of that because of how amazing this story was? Also yes. I know some of those issues are tough to overlook sometimes but this one is worth it. ♥️
✔️Single mom with traumatic past
✔️Italian Mafia boss
✔️arranged marriage
✔️diabolic heroine
✔️Touch her and 💀
✔️HEA
✔️Eccentric spoon wielding grandma
I absolutely loved Emilia and Alessia!!! They stole my heart right away! Everything that they went through was a punch straight into the heart. 😭 Emilia is such a force to be reckoned with and Alessia (her daughter) is just the sweetest ever. ♥️
This book is THICKKK and A LOT happens. The plot is plotting 🤣 I absolutely loved the entire premise of this. The entire family captivated me. I fell in love with so many characters. Loved ALL the different POVS. Nonna is fantastic and so funny. This story has a ton of ingredients for it being absolutely fantastic. Great characters, fantastic premise, tons of action, excellent spice, elements of shock and surprise, tons of twists and turns.
Mateo our MMC wasn't my favorite in the beginning but as the story progressed he honestly had me swooning. I loved how protective he was of the girls though and how patient and respectful he was to Emilia from day one. When Alessia called him papa omg. My heart. 😍
The flow of the book, character build up etc was awesome. So many things happened that added so much depth to the story. I also feel like this was a couple books in one because of how much happened 😂 so so much happens.
I definitely reccomend this... it is the foundation for the entire series (which I'm excited to read in its entirety) this is not a quick read but the twists and turns and surprises that you discover as the book progresses is 🤯 chefs kiss.
There were def a lot of errors (grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentencing structure...) and some repetitive/drawn out things. (Esp in the first half) (It was a rough start, I won't lie.. but I'm glad I kept going) Could it use some polishing? Yes. Am I going to overlook all of that because of how amazing this story was? Also yes. I know some of those issues are tough to overlook sometimes but this one is worth it. ♥️
✔️Single mom with traumatic past
✔️Italian Mafia boss
✔️arranged marriage
✔️diabolic heroine
✔️Touch her and 💀
✔️HEA
✔️Eccentric spoon wielding grandma
March 27, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
Characters:
The characters in "Reign Of Vengeance" are richly developed and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and desires. From the resilient and determined Emilia to the enigmatic and formidable Mateo, the characters leap off the page with their complexity and depth. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into their tumultuous journey, rooting for them to overcome the obstacles standing in their way and find happiness amidst the chaos of the Mafia world.
Themes:
At its core, "Reign Of Vengeance" explores themes of power, loyalty, and redemption, as well as the complexities of love and family. Through Emilia and Mateo's evolving relationship, the novel delves into the intricacies of trust and forgiveness, highlighting the transformative power of love in the face of adversity. As secrets are revealed and alliances are tested, the characters are forced to confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will shape their futures.
Writing Style:
Nicole's writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The author expertly weaves together suspenseful plot twists, steamy romance, and gripping action sequences, creating a story that is impossible to put down. With its vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose, "Reign Of Vengeance" immerses readers in the dangerous and seductive world of the Italian Mafia, where danger lurks around every corner and nothing is as it seems.
Conclusion:
"Reign Of Vengeance" by Annalynn Nicole is a captivating and compelling read that will appeal to fans of Mafia romance and contemporary fiction alike. With its well-drawn characters, suspenseful plot, and steamy romance, the novel offers a thrilling glimpse into the dark and dangerous underworld of the Italian Mafia. Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers or swoon-worthy romances, "Reign Of Vengeance" is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.
Characters:
The characters in "Reign Of Vengeance" are richly developed and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and desires. From the resilient and determined Emilia to the enigmatic and formidable Mateo, the characters leap off the page with their complexity and depth. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into their tumultuous journey, rooting for them to overcome the obstacles standing in their way and find happiness amidst the chaos of the Mafia world.
Themes:
At its core, "Reign Of Vengeance" explores themes of power, loyalty, and redemption, as well as the complexities of love and family. Through Emilia and Mateo's evolving relationship, the novel delves into the intricacies of trust and forgiveness, highlighting the transformative power of love in the face of adversity. As secrets are revealed and alliances are tested, the characters are forced to confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will shape their futures.
Writing Style:
Nicole's writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The author expertly weaves together suspenseful plot twists, steamy romance, and gripping action sequences, creating a story that is impossible to put down. With its vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose, "Reign Of Vengeance" immerses readers in the dangerous and seductive world of the Italian Mafia, where danger lurks around every corner and nothing is as it seems.
Conclusion:
"Reign Of Vengeance" by Annalynn Nicole is a captivating and compelling read that will appeal to fans of Mafia romance and contemporary fiction alike. With its well-drawn characters, suspenseful plot, and steamy romance, the novel offers a thrilling glimpse into the dark and dangerous underworld of the Italian Mafia. Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers or swoon-worthy romances, "Reign Of Vengeance" is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.
July 27, 2024
*Overall Book Rating: 3.5
*Book Tropes
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Badass FMC
- Touch Her and Die MMC
This book is not for the people with weak heart (There are a lot of chapters that describe r*pe, torture and abuse)… The whole story revolves around how Emilia (the FMC) and Mateo (the MMC) take revenge against people who have done wrong by Emilia and her daughter…
Emilia and her daughter Alessia have been through a lot physically, emotionally, mentally and sexually before they meets Mateo, the King/Don of Italian Mafia… Emilia’s journey started with being helpless victim to being a badass Queen of Italian Mafia who isn’t afraid, scared or embarrassed to talk about what she has been through and is actively working towards healing all sorts of wounds… Along with being a badass Queen of Italian Mafia who everyone fears, she is also a fiercely loyal,loving, caring and protective person who would go to any lengths for her family…
Mateo is the King/Don of Italian Mafia who decides to help Emilia and Alessia by giving them his name which in turn will protect them from Russian Mafia… Mateo is a brutal beast for anyone who betrays him or hurt his family in any way but when it comes to his family he is a giant marshmallow… He helps both Emilia and Alessia with their healing journey, respects their wishes and does everything in his power to make them happy, feel safe and protected…
I definitely loved how Mateo’s family accepted both mother and daughter without any hesitation and loves them unconditionally… I also enjoyed reading funny banter amongst family members…
With that being said, there are few things that I didn’t like about the book… First being there is a lot of repetition about Emilia’s abuse story… Second, Mateo’s abduction was unnecessary and didn’t bring any real purpose to the story… It felt like it was added to show how badass Emilia is which wasn’t needed…
To sum up if you enjoy Dark Mafia Romance give this book a read… You would definitely enjoy it…
*Book Tropes
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Badass FMC
- Touch Her and Die MMC
This book is not for the people with weak heart (There are a lot of chapters that describe r*pe, torture and abuse)… The whole story revolves around how Emilia (the FMC) and Mateo (the MMC) take revenge against people who have done wrong by Emilia and her daughter…
Emilia and her daughter Alessia have been through a lot physically, emotionally, mentally and sexually before they meets Mateo, the King/Don of Italian Mafia… Emilia’s journey started with being helpless victim to being a badass Queen of Italian Mafia who isn’t afraid, scared or embarrassed to talk about what she has been through and is actively working towards healing all sorts of wounds… Along with being a badass Queen of Italian Mafia who everyone fears, she is also a fiercely loyal,loving, caring and protective person who would go to any lengths for her family…
Mateo is the King/Don of Italian Mafia who decides to help Emilia and Alessia by giving them his name which in turn will protect them from Russian Mafia… Mateo is a brutal beast for anyone who betrays him or hurt his family in any way but when it comes to his family he is a giant marshmallow… He helps both Emilia and Alessia with their healing journey, respects their wishes and does everything in his power to make them happy, feel safe and protected…
I definitely loved how Mateo’s family accepted both mother and daughter without any hesitation and loves them unconditionally… I also enjoyed reading funny banter amongst family members…
With that being said, there are few things that I didn’t like about the book… First being there is a lot of repetition about Emilia’s abuse story… Second, Mateo’s abduction was unnecessary and didn’t bring any real purpose to the story… It felt like it was added to show how badass Emilia is which wasn’t needed…
To sum up if you enjoy Dark Mafia Romance give this book a read… You would definitely enjoy it…
December 9, 2025
⭐ ⭐⭐️ ARC REVIEW
A strong premise buried under frustrating choices and a painfully slow pace
Reign of Vengeance had the bones of a powerful, gritty mafia romance, but the execution left me struggling—and ultimately unable—to finish.
The FMC’s situation is undeniably tragic: years of sexual and physical abuse within a marriage she stays in “for her daughter.” But this is where the story began to unravel for me. If she truly wanted to protect her child, the moment she was forced to give birth alone in a bathtub should have been her breaking point. Instead, she remains in this environment for seven years, allowing her daughter to witness and absorb unimaginable trauma to the point of becoming selectively mute.
What made this harder to accept is that early on we learn she does have people who could have helped her escape. The logic behind her staying so long never felt convincing, and it made it difficult to root for her choices.
The pacing is another major issue. The story is extremely repetitive, dragging its feet through scenes that circle the same emotions and events. I kept putting the book down, picking it back up, trying again—and eventually reached the point where I simply couldn’t push through. This became a DNF for me despite genuinely trying.
There were also moments that felt unrealistic—for example, how quickly she bonds with the café owners while on the run, as if they’d known each other for years despite barely exchanging a handful of lines. These interactions pulled me out of the story instead of grounding it.
My view: I did see potential here. The plot framework is solid, and the author clearly had an impactful story in mind. It just never fully came together, weighed down by its pacing, repetition, and character decisions that were hard to believe.
I’m genuinely sorry to say this, because I hoped to love it—but this one wasn’t for me. A very soft two stars.
A strong premise buried under frustrating choices and a painfully slow pace
Reign of Vengeance had the bones of a powerful, gritty mafia romance, but the execution left me struggling—and ultimately unable—to finish.
The FMC’s situation is undeniably tragic: years of sexual and physical abuse within a marriage she stays in “for her daughter.” But this is where the story began to unravel for me. If she truly wanted to protect her child, the moment she was forced to give birth alone in a bathtub should have been her breaking point. Instead, she remains in this environment for seven years, allowing her daughter to witness and absorb unimaginable trauma to the point of becoming selectively mute.
What made this harder to accept is that early on we learn she does have people who could have helped her escape. The logic behind her staying so long never felt convincing, and it made it difficult to root for her choices.
The pacing is another major issue. The story is extremely repetitive, dragging its feet through scenes that circle the same emotions and events. I kept putting the book down, picking it back up, trying again—and eventually reached the point where I simply couldn’t push through. This became a DNF for me despite genuinely trying.
There were also moments that felt unrealistic—for example, how quickly she bonds with the café owners while on the run, as if they’d known each other for years despite barely exchanging a handful of lines. These interactions pulled me out of the story instead of grounding it.
My view: I did see potential here. The plot framework is solid, and the author clearly had an impactful story in mind. It just never fully came together, weighed down by its pacing, repetition, and character decisions that were hard to believe.
I’m genuinely sorry to say this, because I hoped to love it—but this one wasn’t for me. A very soft two stars.
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