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Playing With Fire
Althaia grew up protected and sheltered, not knowing about the Mafia World, despite her father being a Mafia Boss. Her mother took her away when she was younger to protect her from the dark world.
However, at her cousin's engagement party, she met... him. Damiano Bellavia. The ruthless and powerful Mafia Boss. The one her father had desperately tried to hide her away from.
But fate brought them together, and he got drawn to her big, innocent green eyes. And she was fascinated and curious about the dark, unknown world he was coming from.
Gunfire and murder, family and profit. Could their love just be a conspiracy?
However, at her cousin's engagement party, she met... him. Damiano Bellavia. The ruthless and powerful Mafia Boss. The one her father had desperately tried to hide her away from.
But fate brought them together, and he got drawn to her big, innocent green eyes. And she was fascinated and curious about the dark, unknown world he was coming from.
Gunfire and murder, family and profit. Could their love just be a conspiracy?
Unknown Binding
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About the author
Mariam El-Hafi
3 books327 followersMariam El-Hafi, a passionate and visionary author, dives deep into the realms of imagination. With her debut work, The Devil's Fire, Mariam swiftly captured millions of hearts and minds of readers worldwide.
Mariam's love for literature began at a young age when she devoured books, fostering a lifelong passion for storytelling. As her journey as an author is just beginning, with many more stories waiting to be told, Mariam continues to explore the boundless possibilities of storytelling, and she invites readers to join her on an unforgettable odyssey through the power of words.
Find her on Facebook: Author Mariam
Find Bonus Chapters of her work on ko-fi: Author Mariam
Mariam's love for literature began at a young age when she devoured books, fostering a lifelong passion for storytelling. As her journey as an author is just beginning, with many more stories waiting to be told, Mariam continues to explore the boundless possibilities of storytelling, and she invites readers to join her on an unforgettable odyssey through the power of words.
Find her on Facebook: Author Mariam
Find Bonus Chapters of her work on ko-fi: Author Mariam
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
September 2, 2024
Edit 2/sep/24: If you have read the book as Playing With Fire (previous title) then I highly recommend you read the edited version as The Devil's Fire that can only be found on Amazon! It's a new reading experience with added scenes and a tightened plot. ONLY AMAZON has the fully edited version, not even those pirating sites have the original version, so don't hate when you haven't read the final version 😆
Edit 10/march/24: You can now pre order the ebook of The Devil’s Fire on Amazon! Paperback will be available later this week!
The Devil's Fire is currently undergoing edits to be published in paperback in 2024!
Currently, it's only available on apps where you pay per chapter; this is not something I can do anything about as it is the work of the platforms. If you don't like to read on the apps, please be patient while I work to make the book perfect for you to have in a printed form.
And yes, it is in need if very much HEAVY editing. I am completely aware of it now. I wasn't aware of how much unnecessary sh*t was written, but hey! I am a first timer writer and I'm still learning a lot.😆
Thank you!
Best,
Mariam ☺️
Edit 10/march/24: You can now pre order the ebook of The Devil’s Fire on Amazon! Paperback will be available later this week!
The Devil's Fire is currently undergoing edits to be published in paperback in 2024!
Currently, it's only available on apps where you pay per chapter; this is not something I can do anything about as it is the work of the platforms. If you don't like to read on the apps, please be patient while I work to make the book perfect for you to have in a printed form.
And yes, it is in need if very much HEAVY editing. I am completely aware of it now. I wasn't aware of how much unnecessary sh*t was written, but hey! I am a first timer writer and I'm still learning a lot.😆
Thank you!
Best,
Mariam ☺️
August 25, 2022
Wanting to read it again and again
January 17, 2025
If you can only read one mafia book, please read this one.
This is a book that has been living in my head for years rent free and I will die with this book in my hands!
I'm a 100% diabolical-dark romance reader but this book is everything! Only problem with this book is that it's too short. I need more.
Spoilers!!
Damiano and Althaia.... amazing dynamic
"Althaia was mine, and I wouldn’t let anyone take her away from me. I would make sure of it. No matter what it takes, even if I had to burn the whole fucking world."
“She’ll come back to you. You can’t separate two souls meant to be together.”
"I hope I can find it in myself to truly release you. Because forgetting you is a torment my soul refuses to endure."
"How are you killing me, yet keeping me alive at the same time?"
"Ask me to destroy the entire world for you, and I will happily oblige. If you want me to put their heads on a fucking flagpole, or serve them to you on a gold platter, I will. Whatever your heart desires, consider it fulfilled."
"I don’t know about you, Tomasso, but I was raised by women. In my family, we don’t fuck around when it comes to our women. We value them. We kill in their names. So, tell me, was I not right in getting rid of your daughter who harassed my wife and mocked her for miscarrying my child? For killing your son, who demanded my wife’s head for defending herself?"
"My love, you'll never have to worry about it. If you die, I will simply die with you. We will never be separated. I will follow you from this life into the next. Wherever you are, I'll be there."
And the the Russian... I don't know if he was meant to be funny but he was to me, I loved it! "That damn Woman!" hahaha I can see him and hear him in my head, the passionate frustration....
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I NEED ANOTHER 1000 PAGES!!! PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
This is a book that has been living in my head for years rent free and I will die with this book in my hands!
I'm a 100% diabolical-dark romance reader but this book is everything! Only problem with this book is that it's too short. I need more.
Spoilers!!
Damiano and Althaia.... amazing dynamic
"Althaia was mine, and I wouldn’t let anyone take her away from me. I would make sure of it. No matter what it takes, even if I had to burn the whole fucking world."
“She’ll come back to you. You can’t separate two souls meant to be together.”
"I hope I can find it in myself to truly release you. Because forgetting you is a torment my soul refuses to endure."
"How are you killing me, yet keeping me alive at the same time?"
"Ask me to destroy the entire world for you, and I will happily oblige. If you want me to put their heads on a fucking flagpole, or serve them to you on a gold platter, I will. Whatever your heart desires, consider it fulfilled."
"I don’t know about you, Tomasso, but I was raised by women. In my family, we don’t fuck around when it comes to our women. We value them. We kill in their names. So, tell me, was I not right in getting rid of your daughter who harassed my wife and mocked her for miscarrying my child? For killing your son, who demanded my wife’s head for defending herself?"
"My love, you'll never have to worry about it. If you die, I will simply die with you. We will never be separated. I will follow you from this life into the next. Wherever you are, I'll be there."
And the the Russian... I don't know if he was meant to be funny but he was to me, I loved it! "That damn Woman!" hahaha I can see him and hear him in my head, the passionate frustration....
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I NEED ANOTHER 1000 PAGES!!! PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
April 12, 2025
Okay here I go....
I've bought this book because it was recommended over and over again after reading Devil Mine and I was looking for recommendations. I never like to leave a negative review because I understand that an author puts his/hers entire soul in a book. And some people are very quick to leave a negative review simply because the story is not for them.
So I'm going to leave a very honest review about this one.
The storyline ticked all the boxes for me. It's exactly what I'm looking for in a Mafia book. Because it's also my favorite trope. I liked the humor in the book. I even LOL'd a couple of times with it. The author did a really good job at bringing the MFC and the MMC to life in my imagination. The same for the side characters. They were awesome.
However....
I'm a tough crowd.
I know.
The writing itself.. I didn't really like it. It seemed kinda childish to me at certain points. I don't know how to describe it. It didn't naturally flow. It was a little chaotic. And just not really mature. You really have to get into a 25/30/whatever years old mind to make their thoughts believable. But I cringed at a lot of parts because it looked like I was dealing with teenagers. Especially the MFC.
There were mistakes in the story. Things didn't add up. And when I notice something like that (also in movies) I can't get past it.
To give an example: early on in the book the MFC is thinking to herself that she hasn't seen the MMC for over 2 weeks. On the exact same page she says something like "when he touched me a week ago". It's something SO small but I see those things. I went back and checked it like a billion times to make sure. You cannot say (on the exact same page) it was 2 weeks and then 1 week ago. It just doesn't add up.
There were more mistakes like this in the book.
The humor in the book was funny, but also made me cringe a couple of times. Because it felt like it was forced to much.
I've read soooooooo many mafia stories. Like A LOT. And I've really liked a lot of them when their reviews haven't always been the best. So I just don't understand why I feel this way when apparently a lot of other people beg to differ.
Maybe it's me. Maybe other people agree with me. However you have to find out for yourself ofcourse.
This author has some serious potential. And after learning this was her first book I'll seriously keep an eye out for her...
But for me this just wasn't a 5 star read. So I'll give it a 3,5 star!
I've bought this book because it was recommended over and over again after reading Devil Mine and I was looking for recommendations. I never like to leave a negative review because I understand that an author puts his/hers entire soul in a book. And some people are very quick to leave a negative review simply because the story is not for them.
So I'm going to leave a very honest review about this one.
The storyline ticked all the boxes for me. It's exactly what I'm looking for in a Mafia book. Because it's also my favorite trope. I liked the humor in the book. I even LOL'd a couple of times with it. The author did a really good job at bringing the MFC and the MMC to life in my imagination. The same for the side characters. They were awesome.
However....
I'm a tough crowd.
I know.
The writing itself.. I didn't really like it. It seemed kinda childish to me at certain points. I don't know how to describe it. It didn't naturally flow. It was a little chaotic. And just not really mature. You really have to get into a 25/30/whatever years old mind to make their thoughts believable. But I cringed at a lot of parts because it looked like I was dealing with teenagers. Especially the MFC.
There were mistakes in the story. Things didn't add up. And when I notice something like that (also in movies) I can't get past it.
To give an example: early on in the book the MFC is thinking to herself that she hasn't seen the MMC for over 2 weeks. On the exact same page she says something like "when he touched me a week ago". It's something SO small but I see those things. I went back and checked it like a billion times to make sure. You cannot say (on the exact same page) it was 2 weeks and then 1 week ago. It just doesn't add up.
There were more mistakes like this in the book.
The humor in the book was funny, but also made me cringe a couple of times. Because it felt like it was forced to much.
I've read soooooooo many mafia stories. Like A LOT. And I've really liked a lot of them when their reviews haven't always been the best. So I just don't understand why I feel this way when apparently a lot of other people beg to differ.
Maybe it's me. Maybe other people agree with me. However you have to find out for yourself ofcourse.
This author has some serious potential. And after learning this was her first book I'll seriously keep an eye out for her...
But for me this just wasn't a 5 star read. So I'll give it a 3,5 star!
March 25, 2024
I got 100 pages into this book before I realized how absolutely massive it is, however I was already committed to it and in my 31 mafia book in 31 days challenge, so I took on the task of completing it in under 24 hours anyways.
Let me tell y’all, I started this book in the evening, and then I read this book till 6:15 in the morning till my eyes burned and I couldn’t read any more, paused at 80% took a 1.5 hour nap and immediately came back to finish it.
I can’t wait for Cara’s story.
Let me tell y’all, I started this book in the evening, and then I read this book till 6:15 in the morning till my eyes burned and I couldn’t read any more, paused at 80% took a 1.5 hour nap and immediately came back to finish it.
I can’t wait for Cara’s story.
April 3, 2024
All Consuming!
It’s really hard to believe that this is this author’s first book. This book is sooo good! It completely consumed my life. The dialogue was so great and so funny at times. I’m officially a fan!!
It’s really hard to believe that this is this author’s first book. This book is sooo good! It completely consumed my life. The dialogue was so great and so funny at times. I’m officially a fan!!
September 7, 2022
I love this book
November 12, 2024
An absolute must read!! My favourite mafia book!!
May 9, 2023
Just finished this book. It was absolutely one of my favorite books I've read. I will re read this book and buy it as soon as it comes out in print. Can't wait to read other books of hers as her writing is phenomenal. Highly suggest checking this book out if you are into romance. I'm not usually huge into mafia or action but this one was amazing.
March 24, 2024
This was an amazing book
Wow! I really never leave reviews but this book just sucked me in and gave me everything. I loved every part of it from the characters to the plot. I thought with how long it was that it would drag and I wouldn’t finish it. But this book had me up all night trying to finish it. It’s definitely 10/10 for me. I definitely recommend to anyone.
Wow! I really never leave reviews but this book just sucked me in and gave me everything. I loved every part of it from the characters to the plot. I thought with how long it was that it would drag and I wouldn’t finish it. But this book had me up all night trying to finish it. It’s definitely 10/10 for me. I definitely recommend to anyone.
May 5, 2024
I absolutely LOVE this book. I love Althaia’s personality, and the change in Damiano when he’s with her. The characters all have sooo much personality. I felt like I actually knew them all. Raffael was hilarious and so was Clara. This is a mafia romance. It does have a warning for those who may have certain triggers, but if you don’t have any, definitely worth a read!!
February 8, 2025
Wattpad book with no plot lollll
January 31, 2025
3,5 stars
I was very interested in the hype around this story and I had to read it out of curiosity. Anyway, the story is not something we haven't read before, I can't say it's bad, but it's certainly not the best either. I assume this is a story from some app because it's this long. I found it interesting in some parts and boring in others, some situations were repeated and I simply skipped them .All in all, the story is ok if you don't have any high expectations and it will definitely keep you busy for a few days .
I was very interested in the hype around this story and I had to read it out of curiosity. Anyway, the story is not something we haven't read before, I can't say it's bad, but it's certainly not the best either. I assume this is a story from some app because it's this long. I found it interesting in some parts and boring in others, some situations were repeated and I simply skipped them .All in all, the story is ok if you don't have any high expectations and it will definitely keep you busy for a few days .
October 6, 2024
What a wonderful book! Read it in two days!
Read
July 29, 2022I can't find anywhere to finish reading it but i like it so far
November 12, 2023
I legit wrote a whole essay review about this book and this app crashed on me and lost everything I wrote. Guess it don’t want me to write a good review but oh well Imma still do it. Where do I even begin, since day one of reading it to the last day of reading this book, I was MAD OBSESSED. OMG I cannot shut up about this book like I have became such a huge fan of this author after finishing this story because mannnn it was so freaking good. I recently started going back to reading around april and ever since I’ve been reading nonstop to Colleen Hoover books, Ana huang, Penelope Douglas, Elle Kennedy etc. However I don’t think none of them can compete after what I just read from Mariam el hafi. For this being her first book I can confidently say she absolutely DEVOURED this story. I told all of my friends once the actual copies of the book comes out I’m buying each of us one so we can all read together. Ahhhhh I can’t wait til she releases, Mariam el hafi if you are reading this just know continue doing what you love and just know you have many of us supporting you through this new journey you have created. I know we may be a small community now but I promise you it’s going to get a lot better than this I guarantee it🥹Supporting you always and praying your career in this industry takes off🙏💖
October 21, 2024
Severely overhyped. I love smut don’t get me wrong but dude…every chapter had 2-4 sex scenes like I get it everyone’s horny and every joke is a sexual one but damn. did nothing for me towards the end I just wanted the book to finish. Rip.
February 1, 2025
5 ⭐️- 3 🌶️
WHAT A RIDE! It was amazing, well written and with great character development for main and side characters as well. Just check my activity! The book was so good that I had to update my status every 2%. It would be a crime to keep these feelings all to myself.
"Fucking brave of you to say that with my hand around your throat."
Damiano Bellavia , the MMC, the one and only, my love, is described as the Devil himself AND HE DELIVERS. He is smart, always one step ahead and don't get me started on his actions when someone he cares about gets hurt. Even if you hide on Mars, he will find you and you better be dead before he catches you. Ruthless doesn't even start to describe him. There are some scenes with detailed (not that much) violence, but lets be realistic; we love darkness for a reason.
He knew what she meant to me, but I knew how to play games as well. And I fucking always win. GREAT SCENE. WELL DONE.
I LOVE HIM. He is THE MAN, keep all the boys for yourself. He has the courage to express his feelings but also to show them with actions. He is jealous and possesive, but he knows when to express it and when not to. For him, she is always the number one priority, even when she made him mad. He didn't scream, he didn't yell. He checked that she was ok and then asked her why. They had a discussion. So yes, you can be the devil yet talk with respect. I couldn't find one red flag. Even when he hide the truth, there was a pretty good damn reason for it and anyone who disagrees puts their ego above the safety of a love-one.
I LOVE HIM. Bring him to life N O W.
Altaia , the FMC, was nice but I liked her more towards the end. Loved her humor and the nicknames she came up with (Tank Man for the win).
"I stared at him unable to speak. What was I supposed to say anyway? Tea or coffee? I was sure he preferred blood".
The dynamic between these two is amazing, cute and chaotic all at once. The Devil and the naughty Angel. They changed each other, not for the better neither for the worst. They saw the world through each other's eyes and kept the elements they needed to grow together. As I read their story I remembered the following quote:
We don't fall in love with people because they are good people. We fall in love with people whose darkness we recognize. When you fall in love with a person because your monsters have found a home in them, that's the kind of love that owns your skin and bones.
PLOT - spoiler free:
Not too authentic, nothing you haven't seen in other books, but how the dots are connected was well thought. Even from the very first chapters you have some clues you need to understand what's going on in the end, or at least to help you predict what's coming. I loved that all the questions I had were answered with reason, not just to serve the plot.
Sex scenes:
There are many, but nothing extreme.
Lorenzo, Tank Man, be my brother!
Giovani, Luca, Antonio and Raffael you have a special place in my heart.
Arianna, if Damiano refuses to train me, you are the one who will.
Mariam El-Hafi In Greek (native speaker here) the end of the adjective is different when talking for a male or to a female person. So in the epiloge, in stead of "Eísai dikós mou gia pánta", it should be "eísai dikí mou gia pánta". In order to have the accurate translation from google, one should write "he said to her, you are mine forever".
WHAT A RIDE! It was amazing, well written and with great character development for main and side characters as well. Just check my activity! The book was so good that I had to update my status every 2%. It would be a crime to keep these feelings all to myself.
"Fucking brave of you to say that with my hand around your throat."
Damiano Bellavia , the MMC, the one and only, my love, is described as the Devil himself AND HE DELIVERS. He is smart, always one step ahead and don't get me started on his actions when someone he cares about gets hurt. Even if you hide on Mars, he will find you and you better be dead before he catches you. Ruthless doesn't even start to describe him. There are some scenes with detailed (not that much) violence, but lets be realistic; we love darkness for a reason.
He knew what she meant to me, but I knew how to play games as well. And I fucking always win. GREAT SCENE. WELL DONE.
I LOVE HIM. He is THE MAN, keep all the boys for yourself. He has the courage to express his feelings but also to show them with actions. He is jealous and possesive, but he knows when to express it and when not to. For him, she is always the number one priority, even when she made him mad. He didn't scream, he didn't yell. He checked that she was ok and then asked her why. They had a discussion. So yes, you can be the devil yet talk with respect. I couldn't find one red flag. Even when he hide the truth, there was a pretty good damn reason for it and anyone who disagrees puts their ego above the safety of a love-one.
I LOVE HIM. Bring him to life N O W.
Altaia , the FMC, was nice but I liked her more towards the end. Loved her humor and the nicknames she came up with (Tank Man for the win).
"I stared at him unable to speak. What was I supposed to say anyway? Tea or coffee? I was sure he preferred blood".
The dynamic between these two is amazing, cute and chaotic all at once. The Devil and the naughty Angel. They changed each other, not for the better neither for the worst. They saw the world through each other's eyes and kept the elements they needed to grow together. As I read their story I remembered the following quote:
We don't fall in love with people because they are good people. We fall in love with people whose darkness we recognize. When you fall in love with a person because your monsters have found a home in them, that's the kind of love that owns your skin and bones.
PLOT - spoiler free:
Not too authentic, nothing you haven't seen in other books, but how the dots are connected was well thought. Even from the very first chapters you have some clues you need to understand what's going on in the end, or at least to help you predict what's coming. I loved that all the questions I had were answered with reason, not just to serve the plot.
Sex scenes:
There are many, but nothing extreme.
Lorenzo, Tank Man, be my brother!
Giovani, Luca, Antonio and Raffael you have a special place in my heart.
Arianna, if Damiano refuses to train me, you are the one who will.
Mariam El-Hafi In Greek (native speaker here) the end of the adjective is different when talking for a male or to a female person. So in the epiloge, in stead of "Eísai dikós mou gia pánta", it should be "eísai dikí mou gia pánta". In order to have the accurate translation from google, one should write "he said to her, you are mine forever".
April 19, 2025
I first read this book on the Alphanovel App, and let me just say… I have not been the same since. I cannot stop thinking about it. I’m fully, completely, obsessively hooked. I had to go buy it on Amazon and reread it immediately—and yes, a physical copy is absolutely being added to my cart next. That’s how deep this book got me.
This book did things to me. Like, changed-my-entire-reading-life kind of things. I hadn’t picked up a book in 10 years, and this was the first one I reached for in August 2024 after getting bored with movies and TV shows. And wow—what a way to come back to reading. Mariam’s writing?? For this to be her debut book?! Absolutely unreal. She pulled me in and did not let go.
Now let’s talk about Damiano and Althaia—chef’s kiss. Their dynamic was EVERYTHING. The tension, the chemistry, the raw emotion, the slow-burn angst—it was so perfectly balanced. If you’re only ever going to read one mafia romance in your life, let it be this one. I mean that.
I honestly thought the book might be too long when I first started, but I was hooked from the first line of the prologue. And it never dragged. I love dark romance—I want my stories twisted, intense, and a little soul-destroying—and this one delivered on all fronts. It gave me a solid plot, characters to fall in love with, and the kind of emotions that linger.
This story has taken up permanent residence in my brain—and honestly? It can stay as long as it wants. When I first read it, I was staying up way too late just to keep going, and the only reason I’d stop was because I literally passed out reading. That’s the level of grip this book had on me.
I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you don’t usually read dark romance or mafia books—read this anyway. Just trust me.
This book did things to me. Like, changed-my-entire-reading-life kind of things. I hadn’t picked up a book in 10 years, and this was the first one I reached for in August 2024 after getting bored with movies and TV shows. And wow—what a way to come back to reading. Mariam’s writing?? For this to be her debut book?! Absolutely unreal. She pulled me in and did not let go.
Now let’s talk about Damiano and Althaia—chef’s kiss. Their dynamic was EVERYTHING. The tension, the chemistry, the raw emotion, the slow-burn angst—it was so perfectly balanced. If you’re only ever going to read one mafia romance in your life, let it be this one. I mean that.
I honestly thought the book might be too long when I first started, but I was hooked from the first line of the prologue. And it never dragged. I love dark romance—I want my stories twisted, intense, and a little soul-destroying—and this one delivered on all fronts. It gave me a solid plot, characters to fall in love with, and the kind of emotions that linger.
This story has taken up permanent residence in my brain—and honestly? It can stay as long as it wants. When I first read it, I was staying up way too late just to keep going, and the only reason I’d stop was because I literally passed out reading. That’s the level of grip this book had on me.
I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you don’t usually read dark romance or mafia books—read this anyway. Just trust me.
Read
June 19, 2025Okay, here’s me being completely honest because that’s what my reviews are all about. I took the risk and bought The Devil’s Fire after seeing it everywhere. Tiktok recs, Facebook groups, people raving about how intense and unputdownable it is. And listen, I’m a dark romance girlie through and through… but this one just wasn’t for me.
I DNF’ed it. And not because I didn’t try—I did. I picked it up multiple times hoping it would finally hook me, but it never did. The pacing didn’t pull me in, the characters didn’t connect for me, and honestly? it put me in the worst slump. And y’all know how painful that is when you want to love a book so badly.
That said, I’m genuinely happy for everyone who did love this book. If it hit for you? That’s amazing. Stories resonate differently for all of us, and that’s the beauty of reading. But for me? It fell flat. And that’s okay. Not every book will hit the same for everyone.
So if you’re thinking of picking this up, I still say go for it—especially if the blurb speaks to you. But if it doesn’t work out, just know you’re not alone. It’s okay to DNF and I hope y’all respect it. Cos for me, it’s okay to not vibe with a book everyone else seems to adore.
Reading is personal. And even as a diehard dark romance lover, sometimes a book just doesn’t click—and that’s valid too. Still proud I gave it a shot.
But I want to make this very clear: I absolutely do not mean to offend anyone especially not the author. This isn’t about the writing being “bad” or the story lacking value. It just didn’t resonate with me. And that’s okay.
I DNF’ed it. And not because I didn’t try—I did. I picked it up multiple times hoping it would finally hook me, but it never did. The pacing didn’t pull me in, the characters didn’t connect for me, and honestly? it put me in the worst slump. And y’all know how painful that is when you want to love a book so badly.
That said, I’m genuinely happy for everyone who did love this book. If it hit for you? That’s amazing. Stories resonate differently for all of us, and that’s the beauty of reading. But for me? It fell flat. And that’s okay. Not every book will hit the same for everyone.
So if you’re thinking of picking this up, I still say go for it—especially if the blurb speaks to you. But if it doesn’t work out, just know you’re not alone. It’s okay to DNF and I hope y’all respect it. Cos for me, it’s okay to not vibe with a book everyone else seems to adore.
Reading is personal. And even as a diehard dark romance lover, sometimes a book just doesn’t click—and that’s valid too. Still proud I gave it a shot.
But I want to make this very clear: I absolutely do not mean to offend anyone especially not the author. This isn’t about the writing being “bad” or the story lacking value. It just didn’t resonate with me. And that’s okay.
September 25, 2023
Honestly, the characters are really complex and relatable, and there’s enough going on in the story not to be bored when the author sets up their character building chapters. Some of the big reveals are predictable, but in that satisfying way instead of being boring. And honesty, it’s nice to read a mafia romance novel where the lead isn’t a just a total controlling jerk to the female lead (and the female lead is just some submissive abused doormat only present to show the male lead that he can be loved no matter how abusive and toxic he is) in which the story just relies on an author’s egregious misinterpretation of bdsm culture to “carry it.” The characters have complex emotions, battling anxiety, fear, love, etc in a way that feels authentic to the reader. And there were numerous intimate and sexual encounters that didn’t get repetitive or stale, which imo is the hardest part- along with creating authenticity- about writing a lengthy romance novel. Well done.
Tbh it’s hard to impress me. As an author and former editor, I’m more critical than most. But this book makes my list as impressed, esp for the author’s first book. If the author gets an editor, this book could make a killing in publication. I’d love to see other related stories that flesh out the sub characters’ stores (Cara and Lorenzo esp.). I’ll definitely be following To see what else she puts out. Good job.
Tbh it’s hard to impress me. As an author and former editor, I’m more critical than most. But this book makes my list as impressed, esp for the author’s first book. If the author gets an editor, this book could make a killing in publication. I’d love to see other related stories that flesh out the sub characters’ stores (Cara and Lorenzo esp.). I’ll definitely be following To see what else she puts out. Good job.
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July 31, 2025I’m about 70% through and I’m struggling to finish. There’s so much unnecessary detail. This happens a lot with books that are published on pay per chapter reading apps. It often feels like you’re reading the same scene two or three times. There were also a lot of inconsistencies, timelines that just don’t add up, and things that honestly didn’t make sense. While I’m not opposed to smut, the amount of sexualization in the book was too much. Not only were there sex scenes every few chapters, most of the jokes and conversations were about sex. I think that’s what made the book feel very immature. Even though I liked the MFC at the beginning, by the end, I found her very annoying.
I know this is a first time author, and I think she has a lot of potential. This was one of the better books that I’ve read from an app.
I know this is a first time author, and I think she has a lot of potential. This was one of the better books that I’ve read from an app.
June 7, 2024
wow
I've never read a book with 124 chapters in it, it's taken me a few days to read but it was well worth it. I loved everything about this book the main characters Damiano and Althaia love for each other was lovely to read and all the secondary characters were amazing, and so hilarious with one liners. The story was so good and I'm really glad I read this book and that the author although took her a long time to write this did finish it for this book is so good and well worth a read. This story was so interesting to read with all the family members and Damiano's men I couldn't put it down and read well into the night. Looking forward to Cara's book. Thank you Mariam for a fantastic read. ❤️ worth more than five stars
I've never read a book with 124 chapters in it, it's taken me a few days to read but it was well worth it. I loved everything about this book the main characters Damiano and Althaia love for each other was lovely to read and all the secondary characters were amazing, and so hilarious with one liners. The story was so good and I'm really glad I read this book and that the author although took her a long time to write this did finish it for this book is so good and well worth a read. This story was so interesting to read with all the family members and Damiano's men I couldn't put it down and read well into the night. Looking forward to Cara's book. Thank you Mariam for a fantastic read. ❤️ worth more than five stars
June 8, 2024
The Devil’s Fire by Mariam El-Hafi is a 5 ⭐️ read.
I just want to say I originally read this book on one of those pay by chapter ads and spent a fortune (but it was worth it). So when I heard the author was releasing it on traditional platforms I knew I wanted it again.
This book kept my attention right from the start, I loved the dynamics between Damiano and Althaia their relationship had its issues but they made it work, you could feel the love they had for each other through the pages, this author has done amazingly with this book and I can’t wait for Lorenzo and Cara’s story.
I would highly recommend this book.
I just want to say I originally read this book on one of those pay by chapter ads and spent a fortune (but it was worth it). So when I heard the author was releasing it on traditional platforms I knew I wanted it again.
This book kept my attention right from the start, I loved the dynamics between Damiano and Althaia their relationship had its issues but they made it work, you could feel the love they had for each other through the pages, this author has done amazingly with this book and I can’t wait for Lorenzo and Cara’s story.
I would highly recommend this book.
June 25, 2025
This felt straight out of Wattpad with all the fillers, drag & on average side. I would’ve quit in between but sadly by then I liked other characters aswell & wanted to see how it all ends. It didn’t hold me.
MC was good & so was FMC, chemistry was fine humor felt a bit forced but atleast it wasn’t right on “my forever” since day one. Every character was involved & the unraveling was interesting. I would’ve liked more on Jancita’s background tho. I liked Antonio & Ellie more tbh, hope they get a story of their own.
MC was good & so was FMC, chemistry was fine humor felt a bit forced but atleast it wasn’t right on “my forever” since day one. Every character was involved & the unraveling was interesting. I would’ve liked more on Jancita’s background tho. I liked Antonio & Ellie more tbh, hope they get a story of their own.
June 17, 2023
OMGGGGGGGG I absolutely LOVE LOVE This book, I love how your write so beautiful and ooh wait.. I laugh and laugh and cried this is my number 1 book to read I finished the book yesterday took me 3 days read it on Storyaholic paid over $60 but it was worth it! I’m in love with all the characters you did awesome Job on writing this Novel I can’t wait to get in a paperback so I can send it to my sister-in-law! You’re my number 1 Author love love you!
March 19, 2024
I rarely write reviews or give a 5 star rating but the way this book had me cackling and engaged for 100+ chapters, chef’s kiss. The interaction between the characters, the plot, and the suspense had me in my feelings the whole time. The characters were relatable and complex. Their stories felt real and contained serious and sensitive topics that aren’t easy to write about. I loved this book from page 1 and can’t wait to see this author flourish.
April 13, 2024
READ IT…..You’ll love it!
It was addicting and hard to put down….so make sure you have enough time to read it. The characters are amazing and make you feel like you know them and love them. The main characters love makes you feel like anything is possible! The story keeps you on your toes and it’s amazing written! Would love another book with the point of view of her parents love story.
It was addicting and hard to put down….so make sure you have enough time to read it. The characters are amazing and make you feel like you know them and love them. The main characters love makes you feel like anything is possible! The story keeps you on your toes and it’s amazing written! Would love another book with the point of view of her parents love story.
April 27, 2024
MY FAVORITE MAFIA ROMANCE! THE DEVIL KNOWS WHO HE WANTS
This is my first time writing a review, this book grabbed my attention on the first page and I couldn't put it down, you will laugh, cry and get angry. You will fall in love with the characters, I felt like I knew them, the love Althaia and Damiano have for each other is like no other. The devil gets what he wants. I can't wait for the next book
This is my first time writing a review, this book grabbed my attention on the first page and I couldn't put it down, you will laugh, cry and get angry. You will fall in love with the characters, I felt like I knew them, the love Althaia and Damiano have for each other is like no other. The devil gets what he wants. I can't wait for the next book
November 2, 2024
Awesome book!!!
I must confess that I almost gave up at 20% - not because the story, but because I found out it was a book with over 800 pages...
I'm so happy I didn't stop reading... because all the turns and plot twists were awesome..
Loved Damiano and Althaia - and all the second characters...
Not sure if I'll read Cara's book cause I'm fearing it'll be the same story from a different POV... but I'll see when Cara's book is released...
I must confess that I almost gave up at 20% - not because the story, but because I found out it was a book with over 800 pages...
I'm so happy I didn't stop reading... because all the turns and plot twists were awesome..
Loved Damiano and Althaia - and all the second characters...
Not sure if I'll read Cara's book cause I'm fearing it'll be the same story from a different POV... but I'll see when Cara's book is released...
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