Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Une banale réunion de travail a déclenché une obsession à laquelle aucun de nous ne pouvait se soustraire. Le frère de mon patron était un ami... jusqu’au jour où il a posé ses yeux ténébreux sur moi. Pendant des années, j’ai étudié Tristano au club. J’imitais ses ordres, dominant les hommes les plus puissants et les plus dangereux. Maintenant, il veut que je me soumette à lui – l’opposé du rôle que je joue habituellement. Nous concluons donc un accord. Mais les pulsions que nous pensions pouvoir maîtriser nous submergent. Lorsque nous finissons par accepter notre secret, son ennemi tente de nous détruire. Puis je me réveille un jour, ne me souvenant de rien. Et l’homme qui prétend que je suis à lui me provoque des sueurs froides. Si seulement je pouvais comprendre les flashbacks de l’homme aux cheveux noirs et au visage ciselé… (CHARNEL est le quatrième tome de Guerre des Mafias New York. Une histoire d’alliance secrete autour du frère du patron, une romance mafieuse, interconnectée mais indépendante du reste de la saga, avec une fin heureuse garantie.)

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2022

1192 people are currently reading
923 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Cole

64 books2,302 followers
Join Maggie Cole's newsletter for exclusive updates and material: https://www.authormaggiecole.com

Grab e-books, paperbacks, special editions, and audio at discounted prices!
Visit https://maggiecolebookstore.com/

Hang out with Maggie in her reader group: https://bit.ly/3cGMxIw

Instagram: @maggiecoleauthor

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3i5zmSk

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiecole.au...

Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.

She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.

Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.

Her current series were written in the order below:
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)
Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)
Mafia Wars
Mafia Wars New York
Club Indulgence Duet
Mafia Wars Ireland
Wilted Kingdom Duet
The Underworld
The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,034 (59%)
4 stars
489 (28%)
3 stars
162 (9%)
2 stars
29 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,720 reviews204 followers
August 25, 2022
Battle to Be the Top

I think the prologue did too good of a job pulling me in. All I wanted was to see what came next from there. Instead, we stepped back in time a little and played catch up. It was good - the story, the writing, the setups. It was H-O-T - I'll get to that in a moment. But I was itching to return to where the prologue brought us. (We do get there, just not right away.) 😉

Back to the heat. What do you get when you cross a Dominatrix with a Dom? That's right, one crazy hot ride! Neither wants to submit but their need for the other makes it a must. It's a real switch-up, if ever there was.

The hairs on my arms rise. I turn toward her. "You know I'm a Dom, not a sub."

"So are a lot of men I take into the dungeon."

"Yeah, well, I'm a Dom."

"How do you know?" she asks.

I grunt and tap my fingers on my thigh. "Because I know."

-- Tristano Marino and Pina dela Cruz


There are some seriously sweet and tender and tear-inducing moments. Who knew Tristano had it in him? While I'm giving fair warning on that, I should also mention that heartbreak and a BIG cliffhanger are also coming your way! *commence nail biting*

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.


UPDATED 8/2022: . It's time for some audio, folks.

Adding audio enhanced the experience. Tristano and Pina are an unlikely match, but I love the battles for dominance. I would've liked to see more of that. Perhaps another time?

This was my first time listening to the narrators, Kelsey Navarro and Gregory Salinas. I enjoyed both, even if they weren't the voices in my head. I'm not really sure who's in there so these two work. 😘

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,256 reviews1,526 followers
August 4, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: friends to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Carnal is hot mafia perfection with everything I love: strong, independent alpha heroine and an alpha hero that can "handle" her, action and suspense, and smexy times so hot they nearly lit my kindle on fire, lol. Pina has been working for Tristano's brother for years. She knows him from work, but also from watching and learning from him as a Dom at their sex club. Something shifts in their relationship and there starts to be a budding attraction to Tristano that Pina fights. As someone who's pulled herself up from nothing, she's worried about her how her relationship with Tristano will affect the respect she's worked so hard for. Despite their smoking hot chemistry, Pina's also worried about their sexual relationship and who will ultimately submit to whom.

Carnal is definitely one of my favorites of the Mafia New York series! Maggie's series are a little unique since most of the books run concurrently from each other time-wise, rather than linearly, so if you've read the other books, you kind of know where the storyline is heading. Because of this, I was really looking forward to Tristano and Pina's story and Maggie definitely did not disappoint. I will say that the story is really BDSM heavy with a major thread being their emotional journey to submit to each other (or as much as Tristano can, lol). I would have preferred it to have some of the other parts be more dominant, but it was an interesting dynamic to read about and definitely made the book super hot. There's still great action, an evil guy, amnesia, and a dash of suspense - so definitely don't be worried you're going to be bored between all the super hot smexy, lol. A definite recommend!

Carnal is the 4th book in the Mafia Wars New York series by Maggie Cole and is told in first person, from dual perspective. It can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers



The sexual power play between the two of them played a starring role in the book.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,714 reviews1,125 followers
November 25, 2022
Carnal is the 4th installment in the Maggie Cole series. I absolutely adored this book so so much! I would say this is probably one of my favorites of the series. This series has been on another level from the Mafia Wars, and you can really see how much her writing has grown. There is so much more intensity in these, more vibrant emotions in the relationships, and I just love this family despite the challenges that they have. But seeing how much closer that they are to each other, is so wonderful to see in this book. In the previous books, we have seen so much more conflict between the family members. But in this one, it seems like everything just comes together here.

I absolutely adore Pina and Tristan and just seeing so much more to their relationship was so much better! I absolutely loved the way in which we get everything that comes together. Especially with what was hinted at in the previous books. The story just start off super intense, with the present day where Pina has been kidnapped, and been slipped a drug that has caused amnesia by an Abruzzo. And then we get taken to seeing the growth of their relationship. And Maggie Cole really delivered on a intense ride.

Overall I had a blast with this installment, I am nervous about book 5 as it has a secret baby trope, so I honestly don't know when I will pick that up, I have a feeling I will hate the heroine lol but we shall see.
15 reviews
August 16, 2022
Tristiano is too hard to forget!!

This is the 4th book of the NY Mafia series by Maggie Cole. The story line is by far the best of the series!!! The struggles that Tristiano and Pina go through is heartbreaking AND heartwarming! Tristiano is willing to sacrifice his dominance to make Pina happy. He puts Pina first in everything he does. Pina is a strong woman and fought to get where she was in life. When you think they will share their Love with their family tragedy strikes. The strength Pina continues to show through the ordeal is amazing. Tristiano never gives up on their love. I loved this book!!
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,793 reviews400 followers
August 3, 2022
Mafia romance by Maggie Cole means sparks will fly, cities will burn and we will be taken on the wild ride. Carnal is no exception. Pina and Tristan's story was irresistible from every side. The steam. The action. The feels.

Pina works for the eldest Marino as his assistant but no Marino can survive without her excellent management skills. The youngest Marino, Tristano is fascinated with her but she won't let her attraction dictate her moves. Because she has worked hard to reach at this level. But he is a persistent one and their chemistry is a nuclear bomb ready to explode. With the enemies lurking, they are playing a dangerous game. And just when they think they have found a way to be together, tragedy will strike.

Pina is a boss babe! She is fierce and feisty and fearless. I love her attitude. She doesn't take s*1t from anyone. Not even from the all powerful Marinos. I love a bold alpha heroine. But she also has her share of fears and vulnerability that makes her real and relatable. I won't lie. I was not too happy when she kept on pushing back Tristano's wish to tell everyone about their relationship. But I do understand her reluctance. And the enemies almost made it too late for her to make everything right. But our man is something else. He is cocky, arrogant, dominating and just everything you love in an alpha hero. He is also most emotionally stable and open among all Marino brothers. Yes he is cold hearted and ruthless in business but when it comes to Pina, he is soft to another level. His love and dedication helped to get over the heartbreaking pain. The chemistry in this book is filthy hot. All Marino brothers are dirty in bed but the BDSM scenes in this book..perfection! The twists and turns kept the story interesting till the last page. The action packed sequeneces mixed perfectly with the sexy and emotional times.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,147 reviews107 followers
August 18, 2022
Carnal by Maggie Cole is a dark friends-to-lovers mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Gregory Salinas. This is the fourth book in the Mafia Wars New York series.

I absolutely love Maggie's books! She does an amazing job pulling me into the story. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Pina and Tristano. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait for the final book in the series Flawed to be released on October 15, 2022 so I can get Luca and Chanel's story.

Kelsey and Gregory did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, mafia romances, friends-to-lovers romances, boss's brother romances, or romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Booze Boobs Books.
667 reviews
August 2, 2022
This has to be one of my favorite stories in the Mafia Wars New York series so far. I felt every single emotion with every new page. The heat and action were there as always but the intensity of this story is unmatched. I loved every second of this book and kept trying to turn the page even when it was finished. I’m on the edge of my seat already waiting for what’s to come!
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
August 20, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Tristano has his work cut out for him in this brilliantly written book of Maggie’s.
First controlling his affection and pass for Pina, his brothers assistant. Then keeping her happy and sated once he has her.
Their journey is beautiful and dangerous,
Though it’s always been destiny.
A wonderful read.
Profile Image for Kelli  Miller  a_brunette_bookworm.
317 reviews14 followers
June 28, 2022
Tristano is my fave Marino brother. I always have to read all of the stories before I choose my book boyfriend for each series. Carnal is going to sneak up on you and you are going to love every minute of this book. With it being the fourth book of the series, it will sneak up on you and you will fall in love with Pina and Tristano.

This story has pretty much anything you can ask for as far as a mafia book goes. There is kidnapping, near death, families fighting, memory loss, steamy times and romance.

This was a five star read the moment I got through the prologue. It will pull you in and not let go and then all of a sudden you will be at the epilogue. The main characters are so intriguing that you need to know what happens with them. Maggie Cole has stepped up her game with this series and this book does its job by keeping your interest and makes you want the next book!
Profile Image for Marina Mariles.
103 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2022
This is by far my favorite of the NY series. Reading this book was like watching a movie in full technicolor. The steam factor was through the roof. I did not want this book to end. Once I started reading Carnal, I was instantly drawn in. Tristano and Pina were meant for one another. I can't imagine a better couple. Tristiano may be the youngest Marino but his brothers have nothing on him. Tristiano has met his match in the head strong Pina. They are a dynamic force to be reckoned with. This series is so fire!
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,553 reviews53 followers
August 16, 2022
3.5⭐️

This is not my favourite book out of the series. I definitely did not like Pina. I couldn't relate to her at all. I hated that she was being wishy-washy about telling people about her and Tristano's relationship, especially his family. She's always making excuses but she actually has no intention of doing so. I don't think her excuse is justified too. And Tristano is just amazing and so patient with her, he gave her so much time for her to come to terms with their relationship. But still, I think Tristano could have done better than her.
Profile Image for Lyrik.
900 reviews71 followers
September 14, 2022
Fantastic! The heart, the spice, the drama! Everything was on point! I have enjoyed the previous Mafia Wars NY books, but this one reminded me why I fell in love with Maggie Cole's books.

Pina is a boss, knows her worth, and won't put up with BS. It does take her some time to give in to her heart's desires. Tristano's vibe is a lighter than his brothers. He's still serious about his work, but was more jovial with Pina. They were both in need of what the other offers: she needed someone that appreciated her strength but who is also strong enough to hold her up when she's vulnerable; he needed someone to recognize his value and accept him for who he is - both light and dark sides. Pina really struggled with idea of Dante finding out of the two of them. This part of their relationship was addressed, but not as fully as I'd hoped.

I'm excited to see what the series finale has in store for us!
Profile Image for Laura Ann.
104 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2022
Carnal is another epic story from Maggie Cole. Tristano and Pina are the strong couple we needed. Pina is a strong woman who can take care of herself without the help of anyone. Tristano is a Marino all the man that a woman could need and more. When you put them together it’s simply the best fireworks show around! And who doesn’t love a friends to lovers story?!? This story quickly became one of my favorites in the series. I love the thrills and chills that Maggie throws at us throughout the book! I’m not so patiently waiting for the next book!
Profile Image for Clare.
297 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2022
Wow,if you thought the other books in the mafia war series were hot...then Carnal is completely off the scale. The heat between Tristiano and Pina knows no bounds,and it left me wanting even more after it had finished. This is a story of lost memories,action,family loyalty and so much more! Maggie has done it yet again...put her phenomenal spin on mafia life within the book world,I'm looking to seeing what comes next!
Profile Image for Ansruta(Adulting wont let me read).
185 reviews15 followers
January 2, 2023
This book would have been perfect had there been more discussion on their dom sub dynamic. I really liked the direction they were going with being a switch but everytime fmc tried to dominate, mmc would break his word and take charge which put me off a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,816 reviews14 followers
October 5, 2022
Good enough to get through
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
August 14, 2022
Carnal by Maggie Cole is book 4 in the Mafia Wars New York Series. This is the story of Tristan’s and Pina. Pina works for Tristan family so they know each other but this book opens them up to so much more. Enjoyed this book and series.


Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,048 reviews65 followers
August 18, 2022
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)


With the ending that we got in the previous story, I could not wait to get my hands on this story! This story proved that it was worth the wait; the drama, danger, the fact that Tristano and Pina's whole relationship was a secret, don't get me started on the naughty bits that were on FIRE! Maggie Cole hit this one out the park, I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jo Turner.
138 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2022
Omg Maggie Cole has done it again. I couldn’t put this down. Tristano’s and Pina story has you hooked from the start. Again the Abruzzi family features and the consequences are dire. Biagio kidnaps Pina and ensures she can’t remember who she really is. However she knows in her heart that she would never fall for such a brute as Biagio. I recommend this book and am looking forward to the 5th book in this series.
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,079 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2022
The story between Tristano and Pina was as steamy as what I was expecting but I will admit that I was slightly disappointed that Pina didn't get to dominate Tristano like she wanted to. These men are so over the top dominant that I think it would have been interesting to read about one who was a switch or enjoyed submitting to his woman. I loved how the story weaved in and out of the previous 3 books and filled in some of the backstory and gaps.

The one thing I didn't like was how indecisive Pina was. Her justification for her actions didn't make sense with how successful that she had become and to have her struggle so much to admit her feelings for Tristano is the opposite of who I felt she was as a character. She is this powerhouse of a woman - keeping Dante and the other brothers in line, owning property, dominating men and for her to have such a hard time recognizing her relationship with Tristano doesn't match up to who she is. That was something that I was greatly disappointed in because I thought that this was a woman who would hold her own and that's not entirely how it played out.

Fantastic ending that really had me guessing as to what was going to happen. Another great addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,125 reviews55 followers
August 23, 2022
Carnal
Mafia Wars New York, Book 4
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Gregory Salinas

What can I say? Maggie Cole is amazing. Each book she writes is original, exciting and has a romance that is unbeatable. I have listened to all that she has released in audio and this one by far is my favorite! Tristiano and Pina. Enough said. Well, I can elaborate! Pina works for Dante, and Tristiano is Dante's brother. Not the ideal situation, but the attraction is undeniable. What should they do? Keep it secret from Dante! But someone else has his eyes on Pina, and with the last name of Abruzzo, it can't be good. Suspense, excitement, spice and a story that had me on the edge the entire time, Cole has a winner with this story. She seamlessly tells her stories synchronizing times and we get to visit scenes from previous books from a different point of view. It's fabulous, and my favorite of all the Mafia Wars books.

To make it even better for me, Kelsey Navarro and Gregory Salinas tell the story and give a fantastic narration. Navarro brings attitude, brains and passion to Pina. She is the perfect fit for this character, with her love shining through the stubbornness she has. Salinas brings the velvet tone for Tristiano, strong, confident and romantic. I love how he can be the strong Mafioso in one scene and the intimate lover in the next. Wonderful, amazing listen!
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,324 reviews146 followers
July 31, 2022
I really don't know what to say with this book.
Was it a unenjoyable badly written book? No
Did it live up to my expectations after such a gut wrenching ending of the last book? Also no
Don't get me wrong, I adore this author when she gives us dark and gritty suspense, but with the past few books having major BDSM elements, I personally find the epic plot I'd been looking forward to gets lost amongst all the steam.
That and we are near the end of the series so was expecting more present/future events and more depth of tying up loose ends, but like I said earlier the steam seemed to be main focus, so by the time we got to the actual storyline I had almost lost interest.
Which is a shame.
Anyway I'll just shut up and let all you heat lovers enjoy as I know many who will, and cross my fingers that I get my suspense fix with the next book.
275 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
From the first word of the prologue to the HEA, Carnal takes you on a thrill ride that can’t be missed. Tristano may be the youngest, but his determination to protect and dedication to love Pina show a maturity that was unexpected. Based on the prologue, my nerves started on end and the anticipation of the middle and final resolution due to the horrific Abruzzo family sent me on a tailspin. This book offered more intensity and eroticism than it’s predecessors.
Tristano and Pina only find their true selves in each other. A romance for the ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bette.
3,288 reviews24 followers
August 17, 2022
Outstanding Story & Listen🎧 Amazing & Steamy🔥Hot!

Carnal
Mafia Wars New York, Book 4
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Gregory Salinas

Maggie Cole never ceases to amaze me with her creative mind and impressive writing skills, she writes stories that grab her readers’ attention and holds it hostage the entire book. She masters dark mafia romance like no other, creating a complex mafia world with many layers and world building and character development that is phenomenal. It seems like I say the same thing every time she releases a new book, that this is my new favorite and her best work, in reality they are all my favorite and her best work. This book is Tristano and Pina’s story, Tristano is the youngest Marino and Pina is his oldest brother, Dante’s assistant, the acting boss for the Marino family. Pina is great at what she does, handles Dante like a pro and gives as good as she gets, yes she is a complete badass. She always admired Tristano from a far and he did the same, the chemistry between them is electrifying and undeniable. He finally makes a move on what he wants, but she is reluctant, does not want to piss off her boss and ruin a good thing. But Tristano does not give up on her and the two finally get together and wow, just wow, two dominates battling it out for power in the playroom. Besides the back and forth between these two there is trouble brewing at the club and with the Abruzzos again, they are looking to make another power play. This brilliantly plotted mafia romance has the perfect balance of drama, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, a touch of angst and some steamy hot scenes and loving. Maggie Cole, thank you for another amazing story and the wild and thrilling emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧 📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Maggie Cole always casts the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. Kelsey Navarro and Gregory Salinas are versatile voice artist and possess a natural talent that allows them to fall in to any role with ease. They have a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying and give each a voice that fits that character perfectly. I love how they take each role, run with it and make it their own while sounding believable in every role they played. Navarro killed it as Pina grasped all sides of her personality, all her strengths and her vulnerability, Salinas did the same for Tristano’s role playing the perfect swoon worthy alpha. Both were great covering the roles of the secondary characters as well. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhances an already brilliant story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,491 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2022
Once again Maggie Cole has written a suspense filled, edge of your seat story centered around the Moreno Mafia family in New York. The Moreno men are dark, ruthless, protective, and Alpha. They protect their family and those they deem family ruthlessly and tirelessly.

Tristano is the youngest and the one with the most personality. He loves hard and fights hard. He has never really noticed his brother, Dante’s assistant in any way except as a friend and trying to steal her away from Dante. However, one day while in a meeting, he sees Pena for the beautiful woman that she is and now he can’t seem to get her out his head.

Pena has worked for Dante Moreno since she was eighteen years old. She’s fought her way to the top and out of the trenches she lived in as a child. She has great parents, but they worked their fingers to the bone to try to provide for their family and now Pena has a life she always dreamed of. She has watched Tristano at the club, as a Dom, for years, and she has used his techniques while overpowering the powerful men that frequent the club. Can she let herself be overpowered by Tristano, or will they fight for dominance over each other.

I loved this story of friendship becoming so much more. The danger that Pena’s life is in just being a part of the Moreno world has snuck up on her and now she’s fighting for her life, but is what she’s living now her reality or is it the reality of the Moreno enemy? Can Tristano and the Moreno family save Pena before it’s too late? I loved the story of these two fighting for dominance and their power struggles were entertaining most of the time. I love Pena and this story showed so much more of her and her personality. She’s bigger than life and the perfect partner for Tristano. I can’t wait for more of the Mafia Wars New York series and Luca’s story. I give this book a 5-star review and am waiting patiently for more Maggie Cole stories to come.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews23 followers
August 18, 2022
This book is filled with domination, dedication, lust, spice, passion, & love. This is Book 4 of Maggie’s amazing Mafia Wars Series. This book focuses on Tristano and Pina. Tristano is the youngest of the Marino family and has been struggling to figure where he belongs in the family. He’s loyal and does what is asked of him but something is missing and he can’t figure out what it is. He has always had a dominating personality in and out of the bedroom. He never saw his need and want for Pina to be so overwhelming and all consuming but from that first moment he had to make her his.

Pina has known the Marino family forever and she is Dante’s right hand in all things. She knows in order to keep her focus she cannot get involved with Tristano. She thinks she can avoid him and keep it professional but the draw to him is unmistakable. She’s nervous to admit her feelings for him because she can’t lose her job or Dante’s respect she has worked so hard to earn. However, Tristano is a Dom and so is so she not sure how this work because they are both too stubborn to submit. She can’t keep herself away and when trouble hits the family she is now entrusted in Tristano’s care to keep her safe. The temptation is too much and when they give in it is explosive. The heat will radiate off the page and you will be fully satisfied.

Watching them find their needs met within each other is completely sinful. Tristano & Pina will be your new favorite couple because they are so great together but they have struggles that could make or break them. You will love seeing their transformation and commitment for each other throughout their fights, their passion, & their desire. As always, this book is filled with danger, suspense, & secrets. You will be consumed until the end. Also, Book 5 is coming soon so as always Maggie leaves us with a jaw dropping sneak peak at what’s to come for Luca & Chantel. I have no doubt this will be your next favorite read. Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,171 reviews30 followers
August 15, 2022
FINALLY HERE cause that cliffhanger and teases of what happened with Tristano & Pina & their secret love makings from her boss and his brother, yes it does mean trouble

We start with Pina and it was scary cause she has no memory and she is in enemies hands. Her sense are telling her this isn't right and I was just hoping that Tristino and his brother will find her !! My skin was crawling with Pina since page one Maggie has done a brilliant job on that to make use feel what Pina feels

We see how Tristano & Pina started and it all started with Deal🔥 I loved Pina even more with this book she worked and her parents story was a surpise. Maybe that's why she was draw to the forbidden nature of her relationship with Tristano BUT she has so much respect and loyalty to her boss Dante. Which to me makes a great role model worked hard from nothing to a safe stable life and more family called The Marino’s how wouldn't what to be part of there family just over look the blood & dungeon

Tristano OH BOY he really really wanted Pina so much he was willing to let go of control...no spoilers 🔥 Just like all Marino men they a handsome alpha men and they do not mess around when someone hurts or kidnaps someone they love

I don't know how Maggie keeps the time line perfectly. We see their whole relationship from beginning to Katiya & Massimo's story and then we are up to date

More action and heart breaking suspense that will keep you at the of your seat!! I am glade that the present time was not rushed after such a big build up of their love story and villians obsession over Pina and what he did to her in the present...no spoilers

Best one yet in my opinion and I can not wait for the audiobook and there are few scene I can not wait to be performed and some scene I be having a shot of whiskey...

☆MUST READ & FAV☆
Profile Image for Nicole A.
487 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2022
Carnal is book 4 in the Mafia Wars New York series. It’s is a dark mafia romance with BDSM elements.
What do you get when you have an alpha Dom and an alpha Dominatrix together in a relationship? You get the hottest smutty scenes and the kinkiest power struggles!!
Pina is the hot assistant of Dante. She has worked with him for years and doesn’t back down to the Marinos. She is strong, smart and independent. She is also a Dominatrix, bringing powerful men to their knees, literally.
Tristano is the youngest of the Marinos. He’s a cocky alphahole. But as we get to know him throughout the book, he’s also sweet, funny and really smart. He’s laid back and relaxed, but takes his role in the family very seriously.
Tristano and Pina have known each other a very long time. Pina has been Dante’s assistant for 2 decades. They have always had a working relationship and Pina has always been thought of as family. But once Tristano and Pina actually look at each other, the chemistry and attraction goes through the roof. They start a physical relationship, thinking it will be short lived. They have a power struggle and Pina struggles with what submission to Tristano could mean for her. Their relationship is full of turmoil and spicy times that are off the charts hot!!
Carnal starts off with an exciting twist that keeps you reading on. It takes you from their present situation, then flawlessly slips into the past to set up their storyline and relationship. The book then leads you through surprising plot twists and great character development, emotional and sexual struggles and the building of an alpha power couple, to the exciting and beautiful HEA. The Marino men just keep getting hotter and this is the best and hottest book in the series! I can’t wait to read the next one! Mafia Wars NY is a must read, dark mafia series!!
Profile Image for Kernia_Reads.
158 reviews
November 20, 2025
Carnal took me by surprise.

I would have never expected Tristano Marino and Pina De La Cruz be lovers. They were only mentioned in Crazed.

Pina is this strong, fiery woman who craves dominating men, which was weird to me. She has been Dante's assistant since she was 18...okay, we get it, so why does she deserve a trophy for that? Every time the Marino brothers get together, they try to "steal" Pina from Dante. If Dante's book wasn't first, I'd think he would marry Pina. I get tired of the constant repetition for wanting to steal this woman.

Tristano...what did Tristano do for work? I recalled an Abruzzo tried to grope Pina and Tristano managed to beat the man up, or forcefully yanked him off Pina...Pina got upset, stating that the men wanted to control her...If she worked for Dante since she was 18, and was aware of their conversations in Italian, then why would she think they want to "control" her?

I didn't like the arguments these two had. It could have been avoided. It didn't feel like they were compatible or that the chemistry was there. Pina and Tristano had one thing in common and it was to dominate. It only started because of s3x, so when Tristano told Pina, I love you, I couldn't blur the lines as to when it happened.

I loved that Tristano got upset with Pina because she kept the secret from Dante. It was pointless because Dante knew all along. The man didn't even care. I understood that she didn't want to lose the respect Dante gave her, but what does your personal life have to do with him?

The BDSM was better and felt safe in this book. I don't know what the 4ss was that in Crazed because it was painful to read.

An extra star because of the ending. It's the only time I felt chemistry between the two. After everything.

4/5 stars. The girls who love BDSM will eat this book up.
Profile Image for Michelle Mulvey.
1,152 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2025
Carnal is book 4 in the series and was so good.

Pina Dela Cruz has been working as Dante’s right hand for close to 20 years. She totally changed her life around from how she grew up. She’s basically part of the Marino family even though she isn’t blood related. The entire family loves her and treats her amazing. She strong, intelligent and loyal. During one conference Tristano really notices her and she happens to notice him. He can’t seem to get her out of his mind. He thinks he just needs one night with her and he will get over it once he scratches that itch. Well after careful consideration, the two plan to meet up but both of them want to dominate the other. These two are explosive from the get go. The amount of steam in this book is off the charts! Tristano falls for her so quickly and she keeps leading him on saying she’s not ready to tell
People about them and they need to keep dating in secret. When she finally decides to come clean, there is an accident and she is taken. Tristano is left for dead on the side of the road and Pina is taken and held captive by the abruzzo’s. Biagio wants Pina as his and he keeps having her injected with something called “forget” she loses her memory and when she is told she’s engaged to him, she believes him even though she can’t stand the thought of even kissing him. Pina is missing for months when they finally realize where she is and how to get to her. Will they be able to rescue her? Will Pina and Tristano get their happily ever after like all the other brothers have? This series is just simply amazing!!! Loved every single page!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.