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Italian Protectors #1
My Fake Mafia Daddy
Italian mobsters make the best fake boyfriends.
I don’t do relationships.
Being cheated on will do that and besides, in my line of work, partners only draw bad attention from the mob.
I have no time for anything serious with guys.
Like… Arlo.
I should avoid the blond twenty-one-year-old angel who trips in the club at all costs.
But the moment I rescue him from the floor, I doubt my ability to resist.
He’s clumsy, adorkable, and in serious need of a protector.
He'd also make an excellent fake boyfriend to take to my cousin Michael's wedding.
And when Arlo turns his teary blue eyes up to me and thanks me for saving him… I have no choice but to make him mine.
This is a super swoony, full-length MM Mafia romance with a happily ever after and lots of warm fuzzies!
I don’t do relationships.
Being cheated on will do that and besides, in my line of work, partners only draw bad attention from the mob.
I have no time for anything serious with guys.
Like… Arlo.
I should avoid the blond twenty-one-year-old angel who trips in the club at all costs.
But the moment I rescue him from the floor, I doubt my ability to resist.
He’s clumsy, adorkable, and in serious need of a protector.
He'd also make an excellent fake boyfriend to take to my cousin Michael's wedding.
And when Arlo turns his teary blue eyes up to me and thanks me for saving him… I have no choice but to make him mine.
This is a super swoony, full-length MM Mafia romance with a happily ever after and lots of warm fuzzies!
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2022
510 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews
July 1, 2022
3 kinky weird stars!! 😱 😱 I went on a whim and got this book on KU just because of the name. I thought it would be serious and maybe a little naughty... OMG!! 🙈 this was super weird and kinky. Can't say I have ever read anything like this before.. 🙈
August 21, 2022
I'm keeping the kink out of this review.
I think there were other things that took away from the story a little.
1. The author could have chosen a bit more clever name for Constantine and his brothers. I get Ferrari is an actual last name, but there's also how many other other Italian names?
2. Constantine tells Arlo he had a concussion after watching Arlo trip. I've had one; you need to knock your head a bit harder than that and you can't tell just by looking at someone. AND THEN
Constantine takes Arlo to his brother Gianluca, who is a doctor. He says, 'He'll take your temperature and make sure you're all right." ???? What does his temperature have to do with anything and that still won't say if he has a concussion or not.
3. Constantine calls Arlo the love of his life within five minutes of knowing him. Now, I don't really mind an insta-love story, but I need it to be at least mildly realistic.
4. There's a lot of weird contradictions or characters just not knowing basic facts that detracted from the story for me. For example,
Arlo says he has never seen a skyscraper before. Already, I'm trying to figure out how considering he lives in Harlem, New York City. However, Arlo then says a page later that he has been to Chelsea to see the Christmas Parade. Chelsea is in Manhattan. Obviously this man has seen skyscrapers then.
Also, Arlo asks what Constantine's foreskin is called. What 21 year old man doesn't know what foreskin is? It's like one of the main debates around dicks. Circumcised or no circumcised? And speaking of circumcision, Arlo then informs Constantine that circumcision is common amongst the Jewish population and even Muslims. Constantine's response is, "Wow, I didn't even know that. Arlo is so smart." ?????????? Maybe people don't know that about Muslims, but it's common knowledge that the Jewish practice circumcision. What 38 year old wouldn't know that?
5. The whole mafia angle was entirely unnecessary. Besides it being mentioned that they are a mafia family, not once do any of the characters do anything remotely mafia related. Why add it to the story? It did not add anything of worth. And not only that, Constantine is upset that Arlo grew up in a tough neighborhood, showing sympathy at Arlo having a mother addicted to drugs when his own uncle was an addict.
Constantine literally says, "Queens? I've heard of that section of New York. It's where hoodlums engage in criminal activity." One, Queens is a huge section; it's the largest borough in New York. I'm sure he's more than heard of it. Even I know it and I don't live there. And two, engage in criminal activity? He's the head of an organized crime family. He should know of at least some of the criminal activity happening. In fact, it is quite normal for mob families to be in drugs, so I don't understand why Constantine is acting so pure around drugs and criminal activity. In reality, he would probably have a hand in something whether that be drugs, trafficking, prostitution, guns, etc.
The only mention of mafia activity is them needing to fight their 'mortal enemies.' I don't know anyone who says this unironically, but it felt like a really juvenile take on what the mafia does.
6. In regards to Queens being labelled as an area for criminal activity (which is a crazy stereotype to make considering every area has crime and Queens is such a large area to stereotype), Harlem is labelled as a pretty rough area too. Arlo says, "There were no gangsters outside my bedroom window firing bullets at each other, or whack jobs screaming bloody Mary."
Now, I could be reading into this but why put such harsh stereotypes on Harlem, which is commonly known as a black community. Why not pick a different suburb?
7. Now, about this whole fake relationship angle. THIS WASN'T A FAKE RELATIONSHIP!!! A fake relationship implies they do 'couply' thing out in public in front of people they know to sell the idea that they are in a relationship and then have no connection outside of that. They acted like a couple from literally the first moment they saw each other. They were in way too deep. I don't quite understand why Constantine put this weird time limit on a 'fake' relationship when he let Arlo live with him, took Arlo to the doctor, went on dates with Arlo, and then proceeded to fuck Arlo. That ain't fake babe. You just haven't labelled it yet.
And the amount of pressure he put on Arlo to earn his way out of being in a fake relationship was honestly a little gross. Constantine pretty much says that if you don't impress my family then we can't be a couple; if that's your thing then think it in your head, but DON'T FUCKING TELL ME AND THEN ADD TO MY STRESS!
And then the family constantly mentions Carlos, Constantine's ex, to Arlo's face. That is just fucking tacky and honestly a big red flag.
8. This family is too sexually comfortable with each other for my taste. If that didn't bother you, cool, but I don't need to know my brother's kink. And I ESPECIALLY don't need to know my grandmother and mother are dominatrixes (which yes, Constantine knows that about his family).
And then Arlo just casually calls Constantine his daddy to Constantine's whole family. And honestly literally anyone that listens actually. Some things don't need to be shared with everyone, and I say this as someone who likes kink.
9. I'm trying to be cautious around my confusion for this point because I know the author says they went through Arlo's condition, but as a reader, I could not understand Arlo's reluctance to share his medical condition with Constantine. If you look it up, it's considered a chronic form of acid reflux, just not always accompanied with the burning sensation like heart burn. So many people experience acid reflux so I was confused as to why Arlo would be embarrassed to share.
10. There was a lot of recapping that was very unnecessary. Let me explain. A sexual encounter would be in one POV, and then when the POV switched, the other person would then recap what just happened in the sexual encounter. That doesn't need to be done. We just read it; we know what happened.
11. I wanted to pass on a lot of the dirty talk. Willy, wee, weiner, rod, cummies, water gun (use your imagination) and berry were all immediate no's for me.
12. Constantine tells Arlo, "My dick has been inside countless assholes." Now, I don't know about you, but that would be an instant mood killer for me. Knowing your partners sexual history is one thing, but to be told this IN THE MIDDLE OF SEX, is a bit too far in my opinion. Have some respect.
13. Is this alien museum supposed to be the paranormal museum in Pine Bush, New York because otherwise there is no alien museum.
Though I did like a gay couple finally using a douche. Why don't more gay novels talk about dudes douching their asses? Seems like an important step.
I think there were other things that took away from the story a little.
1. The author could have chosen a bit more clever name for Constantine and his brothers. I get Ferrari is an actual last name, but there's also how many other other Italian names?
2. Constantine tells Arlo he had a concussion after watching Arlo trip. I've had one; you need to knock your head a bit harder than that and you can't tell just by looking at someone. AND THEN
Constantine takes Arlo to his brother Gianluca, who is a doctor. He says, 'He'll take your temperature and make sure you're all right." ???? What does his temperature have to do with anything and that still won't say if he has a concussion or not.
3. Constantine calls Arlo the love of his life within five minutes of knowing him. Now, I don't really mind an insta-love story, but I need it to be at least mildly realistic.
4. There's a lot of weird contradictions or characters just not knowing basic facts that detracted from the story for me. For example,
Arlo says he has never seen a skyscraper before. Already, I'm trying to figure out how considering he lives in Harlem, New York City. However, Arlo then says a page later that he has been to Chelsea to see the Christmas Parade. Chelsea is in Manhattan. Obviously this man has seen skyscrapers then.
Also, Arlo asks what Constantine's foreskin is called. What 21 year old man doesn't know what foreskin is? It's like one of the main debates around dicks. Circumcised or no circumcised? And speaking of circumcision, Arlo then informs Constantine that circumcision is common amongst the Jewish population and even Muslims. Constantine's response is, "Wow, I didn't even know that. Arlo is so smart." ?????????? Maybe people don't know that about Muslims, but it's common knowledge that the Jewish practice circumcision. What 38 year old wouldn't know that?
5. The whole mafia angle was entirely unnecessary. Besides it being mentioned that they are a mafia family, not once do any of the characters do anything remotely mafia related. Why add it to the story? It did not add anything of worth. And not only that, Constantine is upset that Arlo grew up in a tough neighborhood, showing sympathy at Arlo having a mother addicted to drugs when his own uncle was an addict.
Constantine literally says, "Queens? I've heard of that section of New York. It's where hoodlums engage in criminal activity." One, Queens is a huge section; it's the largest borough in New York. I'm sure he's more than heard of it. Even I know it and I don't live there. And two, engage in criminal activity? He's the head of an organized crime family. He should know of at least some of the criminal activity happening. In fact, it is quite normal for mob families to be in drugs, so I don't understand why Constantine is acting so pure around drugs and criminal activity. In reality, he would probably have a hand in something whether that be drugs, trafficking, prostitution, guns, etc.
The only mention of mafia activity is them needing to fight their 'mortal enemies.' I don't know anyone who says this unironically, but it felt like a really juvenile take on what the mafia does.
6. In regards to Queens being labelled as an area for criminal activity (which is a crazy stereotype to make considering every area has crime and Queens is such a large area to stereotype), Harlem is labelled as a pretty rough area too. Arlo says, "There were no gangsters outside my bedroom window firing bullets at each other, or whack jobs screaming bloody Mary."
Now, I could be reading into this but why put such harsh stereotypes on Harlem, which is commonly known as a black community. Why not pick a different suburb?
7. Now, about this whole fake relationship angle. THIS WASN'T A FAKE RELATIONSHIP!!! A fake relationship implies they do 'couply' thing out in public in front of people they know to sell the idea that they are in a relationship and then have no connection outside of that. They acted like a couple from literally the first moment they saw each other. They were in way too deep. I don't quite understand why Constantine put this weird time limit on a 'fake' relationship when he let Arlo live with him, took Arlo to the doctor, went on dates with Arlo, and then proceeded to fuck Arlo. That ain't fake babe. You just haven't labelled it yet.
And the amount of pressure he put on Arlo to earn his way out of being in a fake relationship was honestly a little gross. Constantine pretty much says that if you don't impress my family then we can't be a couple; if that's your thing then think it in your head, but DON'T FUCKING TELL ME AND THEN ADD TO MY STRESS!
And then the family constantly mentions Carlos, Constantine's ex, to Arlo's face. That is just fucking tacky and honestly a big red flag.
8. This family is too sexually comfortable with each other for my taste. If that didn't bother you, cool, but I don't need to know my brother's kink. And I ESPECIALLY don't need to know my grandmother and mother are dominatrixes (which yes, Constantine knows that about his family).
And then Arlo just casually calls Constantine his daddy to Constantine's whole family. And honestly literally anyone that listens actually. Some things don't need to be shared with everyone, and I say this as someone who likes kink.
9. I'm trying to be cautious around my confusion for this point because I know the author says they went through Arlo's condition, but as a reader, I could not understand Arlo's reluctance to share his medical condition with Constantine. If you look it up, it's considered a chronic form of acid reflux, just not always accompanied with the burning sensation like heart burn. So many people experience acid reflux so I was confused as to why Arlo would be embarrassed to share.
10. There was a lot of recapping that was very unnecessary. Let me explain. A sexual encounter would be in one POV, and then when the POV switched, the other person would then recap what just happened in the sexual encounter. That doesn't need to be done. We just read it; we know what happened.
11. I wanted to pass on a lot of the dirty talk. Willy, wee, weiner, rod, cummies, water gun (use your imagination) and berry were all immediate no's for me.
12. Constantine tells Arlo, "My dick has been inside countless assholes." Now, I don't know about you, but that would be an instant mood killer for me. Knowing your partners sexual history is one thing, but to be told this IN THE MIDDLE OF SEX, is a bit too far in my opinion. Have some respect.
13. Is this alien museum supposed to be the paranormal museum in Pine Bush, New York because otherwise there is no alien museum.
Though I did like a gay couple finally using a douche. Why don't more gay novels talk about dudes douching their asses? Seems like an important step.
September 15, 2023
I've read this book as a part of my reading goal of reading 1 book / month completely out of my comfort zone.
I'm giving this book 3⭐, althoug objectively speaking for someone into this kink, I think the book could reach 4⭐, although it's sometimes written more hilarious than not, but for a fan, I can see it happening.
Age regression, little play, binkies, stuffies and potential diapers are very, very far out of my comfort zone and to think KU recommended this book to me! 😆
🟢 Age regression - Little / Daddy
🔵 Age gap - 17 years
🟣 Size difference (tall, muscular / twink)
🟡 Rags to riches
🟠 Mafia romance
🌶️ Spice was pretty awesome; t/b
Wow, where do I even begin?
I've read a book that had a mild age - regression trope in it a while ago, but it was nowhere this kink-heavy and it was a part of a very funny vampire series.
I've read a lot about the little/daddy dynamic, so I'm very much aware of what it's about.
This story was about Arlo, a 21 - year old (white) guy from Harlem, an alien lover, who's had a pretty terrible life. He was born to a junkie mom in Queens, he was always poor, is living in a hostel in a particular bad part of town and just lost his job, when he finally made it into the Little's club for a fun day of play - something he never does, because he just doesn't move around in those circles, doesn't have the money, is a complete virgin on top of it all, but he really needed the company and was hoping to find his Daddy.
Constantine is a 38 - year old billionaire hitman for a very infamous italian Mafia family, he himself is a very soft, nurturing Daddy, who's been cheated on and is alone, not really believing much in love.
Arlo and Constantine meet and somehow immediately fall in love. How is that possible, I can't say, because I can't really talk about an insta-love here. This came just 2 seconds into them knowing each other;
"I've met the love of my life and he's into alien stuffies. That's not all. This angel has braces. That speaks to your inner protector."
No, it's not believable, but bear with me, I had fun reading this, so I'm going to share it.
🔵 Their arrangement was to be together for a month in Constantine's apartment, for Arlo to help around the household and maybe do some cleaning to earn his keep (??? weird) and then after 30 days when they'd see if they're compatible, they'd make it permanent.
That, of course, doesn't happen, Arlo is being spoiled, they both immediately go to bathing with rubber ducks, building pillow forts, Constantine baking heart waffles for the guy and in the process sucking him off like there's no tomorrow - which I loved!, I loved that, I just had a little problem with Arlo apparently being in this littlespace all the time.
I felt no switch whatsoever to the adult-sex side, so at times it felt a little weird for me, one minute talking about a binkie and another minute being completely filthy, but I guess that's also normal, since Arlo could actually be in this space the whole time - I get that.
🌶️ The spice was really good. And I mean really good. What I'm giving you here is the funny stuff, you need to read the rest.
The dirty talk was on point and I'd personally want to read more about their sex life than alien stuffies that Arlo loved, but hey, I can't have everything.
One of the things I found interesting, was this;
"Arlo blows out a breath. "When I get horny, I put my dick inside Mr. Green! It's silly and stupid, but it makes me feel so safe.""
Mr. Green is his alien stuffie.
I mean yeah, whatever floats your boat, Arlo.
Constantine aka Daddy is an ass-man. 😏
"Arlo pushes his ass up, moaning as he clenches his cheeks. "Yes, Daddy, I scrubbed so you could eat my special treat."
"Daddy," Arlo whines, quivering on the sofa. "You gave me cummies! I let out so much."
To tell you the truth, it was happening so much with that alien plushie that at the end I found it pretty hot, you know when they go to that alien museum and he whips out his dick, takes that alien plushie right there with people around and just goes at it, you know?? Yeah, that was pretty cool.
An interesting choice of words, but hot at the same time, you know?
🟡 What I found weird was how Constantine was producing stuff he picked out for his ex, but the ex didn't want it, so now he was giving this stuff to Arlo, and I'm like - really? Oh, here's something that was a gift for my ex and it's in my closet, but now it's yours, if you want it (and it's like a pacifier). No, you don't do that, especially if you're a billionaire, Constantine. You throw that pacifier out of your penthouse's window and buy another!
🟢 The fake boyfriend thing that was supposed to happen between them was completely unnecessary, I mean they were living together, getting to know each other and then Constantine said he needs a fake boyfriend to the wedding he's going to. It made no sense, it was like he was leading the poor guy along. Here's Arlo, poor and in need of a solid support and it almost felt like Constantine is playing around a bit, because even though Constantine fell head over heels for him, Constantine would never be with Arlo, if his family wouldn't approve. So yeah, that didn't sit right with me.
🟣 Hilarious little snippets that made me LMAO and I'm going to share it, I mean it was entertaining! 😄
"Listen, angel." I tilt Arlo's chin up and stare into his eyes. "My dick has been inside countless assholes. With and without my piercing, I've never had so much as a scrape."
"Yes." My breath hitches as I stare into Constantine's eyes. "I want it. Please. In my berry."
But I found this one pretty damn hot. Arlo uses "berry" for his ass, so that's what I'll be using from now on.
"Arlo's so fucking special. And I can't believe he's into pillow forts too."
"Arlo is so precious. Yet at the same time, the idea of an alien invasion is concerning, even for a badass Mafia killer like me."
"If I don't put on private fireworks displays at least four times a month for Arlo, I've failed as his Daddy."
This was an interesting step for me into completely untested waters, but I really liked the setting and the 3 mafia brothers, so to keep up with my reading goal, I'm going to finish this series.
I think the trope was a little too cringe/funny to me in this book, it maybe lacked some depth with those sentences I wrote from the book, so I'm hoping the doctor's story gets a bit more deep with more spice.
July 24, 2022
You know chocolate lava cake? The ooey goey center? That’s like this whole book 😂. So sweet, I feel like I had a sugar rush. It was OTT and insta love with purple prose but I actually enjoyed reading it!!
October 5, 2022
loved it🖤
This was pure perfection 🖤 Absolutely loved it🖤 The characters had fantastic chemistry, their beautiful dynamic was wonderful to observe.🖤
This was pure perfection 🖤 Absolutely loved it🖤 The characters had fantastic chemistry, their beautiful dynamic was wonderful to observe.🖤
July 12, 2023
wtf
This may sound dramatic and maybe it is but the thing is there is age play and there’s borderline pedophilia. This book made me want to vomit. I don’t know what the heck happened, but there were also so many really cringy lines that weren’t fun cringe they were bad cringe. This was borderline pedophilia. It was really weird at parts, and it was really uncomfortable as well.
This may sound dramatic and maybe it is but the thing is there is age play and there’s borderline pedophilia. This book made me want to vomit. I don’t know what the heck happened, but there were also so many really cringy lines that weren’t fun cringe they were bad cringe. This was borderline pedophilia. It was really weird at parts, and it was really uncomfortable as well.
June 17, 2022
My Fake Mafia Daddy is a new series and the first book in the Italian Protector series. Arlo is a lonely boy that hasn’t has the best care from his parent in his upbringing. He just wants someone to care for his health and wellbeing. When he goes to a newer club he trips and falls and is rescued by Constantine. Constantine has been cheated on and is wary but instantly falls in love with Arlo. My Fake Mafia Daddy was a sweet, instalove with great characters. There is some crossover to the Russian Protectors series. Overall a great read, well written with great pacing!
June 18, 2022
Absolutely loved Arlo and Constantine story. It follows on from previous books mentioning characters like Christian, Rowan. Arlo has had such a rough life . Not having friends being the strange boy. But a trip to Bunny land changes his life where he falls and is rescued by Constantine. A man who never thought he would have a boy again. Their relationship is slow, built up with trust . Constantine is the perfect daddy for Arlo and Well is exactly what a had been looking for.
Enjoyed , great start to new series
Enjoyed , great start to new series
June 21, 2022
Sweet
So sweet and fluffy. I loved that Arlo is obsessed with aliens. They are out there. Constantine is the perfect daddy: protective, nurturing, and loves to play with his boy. I seriously want to build a pillow fort now. A great story with lots of familiar faces and places. Loved Nana and I want her garlic bread recipe. I liked the introduction of the Little Bunny Club and hope to see more of it in the future books of this series.
So sweet and fluffy. I loved that Arlo is obsessed with aliens. They are out there. Constantine is the perfect daddy: protective, nurturing, and loves to play with his boy. I seriously want to build a pillow fort now. A great story with lots of familiar faces and places. Loved Nana and I want her garlic bread recipe. I liked the introduction of the Little Bunny Club and hope to see more of it in the future books of this series.
July 15, 2022
2 stars
DNF at 20%...so why 2 stars, you may ask. Cause the last 2 books I read from this author I only gave 1 star! I applaud this author on changing up their writing style, from the part I did read it was soooo much better! I didn't feel like I was reading someone's first draft but rather the finished product. So yay on that!
Here is why it's still only 2 stars....
1.) Too much detail on stuff that could be condensed but was made way too long.
Ex: waffle making. I don't need to know all the ingredients or how to make them. All I need to know is Daddy made his boy waffles with a side of fruit and whipped cream.
You have a good waffle recipe in real life? Great! Add it in at the end of the book as an extra little surprise for your readers.
2.) Medical conditions. I get that the author struggles with this particular condition in real life. Tell me the struggles the MC would go thru on a daily basis BUT I don't need to know a crap ton of medical terms to make it relevant to the story. Again too much detail. Give me enough but not so much I feel like I'm reading from a medical journal.
3.) Medical issues. For me if a Daddy is going to leave a boy cause he has to pop some Tums (I know they aren't Tums) then is he really a Daddy worth having? If it's gonna be too much to handle make it a reason that is actually too much to handle. In no way am I trying to downplay this type of reflux but make it a medical condition that someone's partner/Daddy would have a hard time dealing with.
4.)Instalove makes me cringe...unless it's done fabulously. Here it was not....it's like the author spent all their time on irrelevant stuff vs scenes between the 2MC's. I wanna read about the Daddy holding his boy while the doctor checks him out. Write the scene where the Daddy and boy have a movie night, where the Daddy is super sweet to his boy and they fall asleep all snuggled up.
Don't tell me about it after the fact.
Reading these scenes help me build that Instalove relationship in my head and you can see it unfolding on the pages.
Will I continue to pick up books by this author, absolutely! Cause I love the plot and storylines and I'm always hoping they got it right this time.
Will I ever finish one? Eh......here's hoping!
DNF at 20%...so why 2 stars, you may ask. Cause the last 2 books I read from this author I only gave 1 star! I applaud this author on changing up their writing style, from the part I did read it was soooo much better! I didn't feel like I was reading someone's first draft but rather the finished product. So yay on that!
Here is why it's still only 2 stars....
1.) Too much detail on stuff that could be condensed but was made way too long.
Ex: waffle making. I don't need to know all the ingredients or how to make them. All I need to know is Daddy made his boy waffles with a side of fruit and whipped cream.
You have a good waffle recipe in real life? Great! Add it in at the end of the book as an extra little surprise for your readers.
2.) Medical conditions. I get that the author struggles with this particular condition in real life. Tell me the struggles the MC would go thru on a daily basis BUT I don't need to know a crap ton of medical terms to make it relevant to the story. Again too much detail. Give me enough but not so much I feel like I'm reading from a medical journal.
3.) Medical issues. For me if a Daddy is going to leave a boy cause he has to pop some Tums (I know they aren't Tums) then is he really a Daddy worth having? If it's gonna be too much to handle make it a reason that is actually too much to handle. In no way am I trying to downplay this type of reflux but make it a medical condition that someone's partner/Daddy would have a hard time dealing with.
4.)Instalove makes me cringe...unless it's done fabulously. Here it was not....it's like the author spent all their time on irrelevant stuff vs scenes between the 2MC's. I wanna read about the Daddy holding his boy while the doctor checks him out. Write the scene where the Daddy and boy have a movie night, where the Daddy is super sweet to his boy and they fall asleep all snuggled up.
Don't tell me about it after the fact.
Reading these scenes help me build that Instalove relationship in my head and you can see it unfolding on the pages.
Will I continue to pick up books by this author, absolutely! Cause I love the plot and storylines and I'm always hoping they got it right this time.
Will I ever finish one? Eh......here's hoping!
June 17, 2022
Aster Rae has written a very Exceptionally Heartwarming book. This book is by far the best he has written yet. Arlo is a lonely boy just looking for a loving, understanding and caring Daddy. That is where Constantine comes in. They have so much love for each other that you will feel the emotions deep down inside your soul.
June 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. When Constantine helped Arlo off the floor when he fell, it was love at first sight. Loved the way there was open communication between them and the chemistry was off the charts. Loved how Constantine helped Arlo become more. Looking forward to reading Gianluca’s book.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
June 18, 2022
Aster Rae did it again! I love reading their books and this one is no different. From start to finish this book had me hooked. This was such a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see what comes next.
June 18, 2022
More stars needed
A new author to me but I've got to say I really enjoyed this book. Hooked from start to finish. Can't wait for the next book
A new author to me but I've got to say I really enjoyed this book. Hooked from start to finish. Can't wait for the next book
July 5, 2022
The sick boy.
Arlo has always been the boy who was to sick to take on. Constantine finds him adorable. Can they take care of each other?
Arlo has always been the boy who was to sick to take on. Constantine finds him adorable. Can they take care of each other?
June 21, 2022
My Fake Maffia Daddy is the first book in the Italian Protectors series by Aster Rae. It's the story of Arlo and Constantine. We see lots of new faces but also some old faces making an appearance.
I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
August 28, 2022
1 star
- possible spoilers -
This book isn't for me;
- Somehow, almost every mobster is into kink. Whether they are Italians or Russians, they are first and foremost Daddies. My Fake Maffia Daddy takes the piss out of real-life gangsters, which is very disappointing. Especially because lots of MM writers seem to use this formula these days. It can't get more unrealistic than this. Give me a dark Mafia story any day!
- Arlo is pretty cute, but it's a shame that he spends most of his time as a Little.
- I very much dislike those two doctors claiming that Omeprazole is a harmless and effective drug. They also talk about so called 'health nuts' telling people this drug has some serious side effects, which are obviously scare tactics used to sell their 'alternative medicine programs'.
I googled it out of curiosity. According to pretty much every Dutch mainstream website (not just alternative health websites), Omeprazole does indeed have quite some nasty side effects and shouldn't be used long-term. So, either the US/FDA has a different view on this, or Rae did not do proper research while writing this book.
- possible spoilers -
This book isn't for me;
- Somehow, almost every mobster is into kink. Whether they are Italians or Russians, they are first and foremost Daddies. My Fake Maffia Daddy takes the piss out of real-life gangsters, which is very disappointing. Especially because lots of MM writers seem to use this formula these days. It can't get more unrealistic than this. Give me a dark Mafia story any day!
- Arlo is pretty cute, but it's a shame that he spends most of his time as a Little.
- I very much dislike those two doctors claiming that Omeprazole is a harmless and effective drug. They also talk about so called 'health nuts' telling people this drug has some serious side effects, which are obviously scare tactics used to sell their 'alternative medicine programs'.
I googled it out of curiosity. According to pretty much every Dutch mainstream website (not just alternative health websites), Omeprazole does indeed have quite some nasty side effects and shouldn't be used long-term. So, either the US/FDA has a different view on this, or Rae did not do proper research while writing this book.
June 29, 2022
This has got to be the most poorly written book I have ever read. It was redundant and all over the place. These characters kept going back and forth and back and forth in their own freaking minds. I couldn't even finish this book.
Hey there boy, good job boy, touch my weiner boy, boy boy boy.
I want you, you're perfect for me, the best boy ever, no I can't let you get to me that easy. Wtf.
Literally every page you got to read what happened from one point of view and then immediately again from the other point of view.
Oh adult braces! No daddy has ever loved braces!!! Wtf
I'm so ugly and so skinny and I'm poor from queens my mom is a druggie. I am not a charity case but I literally don't eat or have a job or any money to live by and you're a billionare
Do yourself a favor and don't read this book.
Hey there boy, good job boy, touch my weiner boy, boy boy boy.
I want you, you're perfect for me, the best boy ever, no I can't let you get to me that easy. Wtf.
Literally every page you got to read what happened from one point of view and then immediately again from the other point of view.
Oh adult braces! No daddy has ever loved braces!!! Wtf
I'm so ugly and so skinny and I'm poor from queens my mom is a druggie. I am not a charity case but I literally don't eat or have a job or any money to live by and you're a billionare
Do yourself a favor and don't read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
I was thoroughly disappointed. Ugh. Mafia plots usually tickle my fancy but this is no mafia business and all bullshit. The daddy plot is also very weak. I pushed myself to finish it because I’m stubborn as fuck, but it was a waste of my time.
July 14, 2023
Not my cup of tea.
March 29, 2023
How people can give this book 5 stars is beyond me. It s like ot was written by a teenager that dosen t know anything about life or how people behave or anything.
June 21, 2022
M/M
DD/LB
Hurt/comfort
Mafia
Rich/poor
Opposites attract
This was so stinking cute. This is definitely my favorite book by this author. If you loved the Russian series you will love this even more. It has those same themes but is not OTT crazy like it was and the physical acts are told in a matter that was fantastic (there were some things said in the Russian series that were too ick for me but that could be just me). This was a very sweet, no angst and no drama read. It was well written with plot that made me not want to put it down from start til finish. I absolutely loved both of the MCs and they had amazing chemistry. They did have an instant connection but it didn't come off as instalove to me cause the relationship was well developed gradually.
Arlo is a sweet little who grew up poor from a drug addict mom. He has adult braces and is insecure about that and another health issue. He's had trouble with bullies and Daddies who can't handle his issues so he just spends casual nights at clubs. He also loves aliens.
Constantine is a Mafia boss. His ex cheated on him and he avoids dating due to that and the fact he has a hard time finding a Boy that puts up with his lifestyle. Despite this harsh lifestyle he just wants a boy to snuggle. His plan for going to the club is to find a Boy who will agree to be his fake boyfriend to present at a family wedding to shut his family up. Once he meets Arlo though the sparks are instant and that plan goes out the window.
Now, I love fake romance tropes so the title intrigued me but then I quickly realized this wasn't so much fake vs real as it was temp vs permanent cause right away the attraction is mutual and Constantine asks to be his very real Daddy but just for 30 days. So this may or may not disappoint some. I still really loved the story. I also loved the side characters and the world built and can't wait to read the next one.
DD/LB
Hurt/comfort
Mafia
Rich/poor
Opposites attract
This was so stinking cute. This is definitely my favorite book by this author. If you loved the Russian series you will love this even more. It has those same themes but is not OTT crazy like it was and the physical acts are told in a matter that was fantastic (there were some things said in the Russian series that were too ick for me but that could be just me). This was a very sweet, no angst and no drama read. It was well written with plot that made me not want to put it down from start til finish. I absolutely loved both of the MCs and they had amazing chemistry. They did have an instant connection but it didn't come off as instalove to me cause the relationship was well developed gradually.
Arlo is a sweet little who grew up poor from a drug addict mom. He has adult braces and is insecure about that and another health issue. He's had trouble with bullies and Daddies who can't handle his issues so he just spends casual nights at clubs. He also loves aliens.
Constantine is a Mafia boss. His ex cheated on him and he avoids dating due to that and the fact he has a hard time finding a Boy that puts up with his lifestyle. Despite this harsh lifestyle he just wants a boy to snuggle. His plan for going to the club is to find a Boy who will agree to be his fake boyfriend to present at a family wedding to shut his family up. Once he meets Arlo though the sparks are instant and that plan goes out the window.
Now, I love fake romance tropes so the title intrigued me but then I quickly realized this wasn't so much fake vs real as it was temp vs permanent cause right away the attraction is mutual and Constantine asks to be his very real Daddy but just for 30 days. So this may or may not disappoint some. I still really loved the story. I also loved the side characters and the world built and can't wait to read the next one.
October 14, 2022
It's not a fake daddy it's a fake mafia...there is nothing mafia about this guy or his family other than the author saying they are mafia. Towards the end, at a large wedding, Arlo says, in front of everyone and god, something about them being mafia and all of the tough mafia dudes and dudettes are all "teehee, he's so cute, but that's a secret baby"...wtf?
and it really bugged me that Arlo is adamant that he is an adult and that he can take care of himself, etc etc, at the beginning and then he just basically goes little and never comes out again, and he just seems to regress more and more and by the end I really felt that he needed a therapist more than a daddy. and I'm not trying to kink shame, but some of the baby talk during sex was super uncomfortable for me, if that is what gets you off and you are both (or all) consenting adults, then more power to you, I promise I am going to support your right to have that safely but "cummies" and words for butt and penis my little brothers used when they were toddlers kind of totally freak me out. Maybe if I wasn't so much older and helped raise my brothers, but my only experience with people using those words in real life are with young kids, mostly my brothers. So, yeah, that was...not a good thing for me. But, I often skim sex scenes anyways, so Arlo basically turning into a full time toddler and knowing that he is supposed to keep the mafia thing a secret and then blurting it out at the wedding, and all of the actual mafia people talking about how it needs to stay quiet, just thinking he is adorable when he is announcing their mafia-ness to the world, was more of a book killer for me.
This is the second (well, technically it was the first of the two) book I've read by this author and I think it is best for all that I step away. I picked both of the books up because they were mafia which to me says at least slightly darker, but there is zero darkness. Obviously I am not the right audience for this author.
and it really bugged me that Arlo is adamant that he is an adult and that he can take care of himself, etc etc, at the beginning and then he just basically goes little and never comes out again, and he just seems to regress more and more and by the end I really felt that he needed a therapist more than a daddy. and I'm not trying to kink shame, but some of the baby talk during sex was super uncomfortable for me, if that is what gets you off and you are both (or all) consenting adults, then more power to you, I promise I am going to support your right to have that safely but "cummies" and words for butt and penis my little brothers used when they were toddlers kind of totally freak me out. Maybe if I wasn't so much older and helped raise my brothers, but my only experience with people using those words in real life are with young kids, mostly my brothers. So, yeah, that was...not a good thing for me. But, I often skim sex scenes anyways, so Arlo basically turning into a full time toddler and knowing that he is supposed to keep the mafia thing a secret and then blurting it out at the wedding, and all of the actual mafia people talking about how it needs to stay quiet, just thinking he is adorable when he is announcing their mafia-ness to the world, was more of a book killer for me.
This is the second (well, technically it was the first of the two) book I've read by this author and I think it is best for all that I step away. I picked both of the books up because they were mafia which to me says at least slightly darker, but there is zero darkness. Obviously I am not the right audience for this author.
Read
October 29, 2023DNF 43%
I had high hopes for this series since I loved the authors other works but I don’t know what it was about this story. Maybe it was that they breathed the same air and were instantly like “hot dog, that’s the one.”
Maybe it was that they didn’t really have any issues. They both are like “golly gee it would be horrible if I feel for the hottest most green flag man in this club.”
Or maybe it was the stiff ass dialogue. Legit read like “would you like a glass of water.” “Oh my goodness thank you so much for valuing my opinion and hoping that perform the basic human function of hydrating my body, yes of course I would love to partake in the drinking of water that you so graciously will gift to me bff we cause you’re so gosh darn handsome and perfect” yikes.
I tried to power through because I was worried it was new-series stiffness, nope. Idk all I can say was I was disappointed.
I had high hopes for this series since I loved the authors other works but I don’t know what it was about this story. Maybe it was that they breathed the same air and were instantly like “hot dog, that’s the one.”
Maybe it was that they didn’t really have any issues. They both are like “golly gee it would be horrible if I feel for the hottest most green flag man in this club.”
Or maybe it was the stiff ass dialogue. Legit read like “would you like a glass of water.” “Oh my goodness thank you so much for valuing my opinion and hoping that perform the basic human function of hydrating my body, yes of course I would love to partake in the drinking of water that you so graciously will gift to me bff we cause you’re so gosh darn handsome and perfect” yikes.
I tried to power through because I was worried it was new-series stiffness, nope. Idk all I can say was I was disappointed.
June 20, 2022
so cute
This booked ticked all my boxes
✅ Daddy/boy
✅insta love
✅big bad mafia daddy
✅boy who needs “saving”
I read the “Russian protector” series: they all caught my attention and I gave them each a try, some I finished, a few I did not.
The author mentioned they were trying out a new style of writing. And I loved it. I am so excited for this new series. I loved arlo and Constantine!
The s3x scenes were pretty hot, and didn’t have most of the cringy descriptions like the past books I read by this author. Which was the main reason a just couldn’t with the other series. As much as the description caught my attention and I wanted to love them, I just couldn’t get past the cringy descriptions.
I am so excited for “my straight mafia daddy” July 28th can’t come soon enough. On top of all this you add GFY to the mix! 🤯 I am 💯 percent in.
This booked ticked all my boxes
✅ Daddy/boy
✅insta love
✅big bad mafia daddy
✅boy who needs “saving”
I read the “Russian protector” series: they all caught my attention and I gave them each a try, some I finished, a few I did not.
The author mentioned they were trying out a new style of writing. And I loved it. I am so excited for this new series. I loved arlo and Constantine!
The s3x scenes were pretty hot, and didn’t have most of the cringy descriptions like the past books I read by this author. Which was the main reason a just couldn’t with the other series. As much as the description caught my attention and I wanted to love them, I just couldn’t get past the cringy descriptions.
I am so excited for “my straight mafia daddy” July 28th can’t come soon enough. On top of all this you add GFY to the mix! 🤯 I am 💯 percent in.
December 27, 2022
Arlo is a Little and has a chronic medical condition which means finding a Daddy is much harder. He visits the Little Bunny Club and trips over a toy racecar only to wake up in Constantine Ferrari's arms. Constantine owns the club with his two brothers and they all look as if they are in the mob together. Constantine patches up Arlo's boo-boo and takes him to his penthouse to care for him and give him a proposition - become his fake Little on a trial basis and judge how things go after a month.
I enjoyed this story with the brave Arlo, and the kind and compassionate Constantine and the way that they fell in love with each other as they got to know each other much better. I loved the way that it was critical that Constantine's family loved Arlo and accepted him. As for Nana - just wow! Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM BDSM-like DDLB relationship story.
I enjoyed this story with the brave Arlo, and the kind and compassionate Constantine and the way that they fell in love with each other as they got to know each other much better. I loved the way that it was critical that Constantine's family loved Arlo and accepted him. As for Nana - just wow! Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM BDSM-like DDLB relationship story.
February 19, 2025
Don't bother
I rarely leave a negative review. However, this is so bad I couldn't not and I'm amazed there are so many good reviews.
I skimmed through the last 50% hoping it would get better but it didn't.
The mafia angle is pointless and adds nothing.
The speech is stilted and doesn't sound like real conversation.
One of the MC's is little the entire time, from before they meet.
The back story of how one survived makes no sense given his personality and there is no reference to his old life.
The 'fake dating' was also bizarre, there was never a pretence it was fake.
There is insta love and then there is this, moving someone in 30 seconds after meeting.
Also, the awareness of kinks between family members and behaviour at a wedding is just too much and unnecessary.
Basically, this is terrible don't waste your time like I did.
I rarely leave a negative review. However, this is so bad I couldn't not and I'm amazed there are so many good reviews.
I skimmed through the last 50% hoping it would get better but it didn't.
The mafia angle is pointless and adds nothing.
The speech is stilted and doesn't sound like real conversation.
One of the MC's is little the entire time, from before they meet.
The back story of how one survived makes no sense given his personality and there is no reference to his old life.
The 'fake dating' was also bizarre, there was never a pretence it was fake.
There is insta love and then there is this, moving someone in 30 seconds after meeting.
Also, the awareness of kinks between family members and behaviour at a wedding is just too much and unnecessary.
Basically, this is terrible don't waste your time like I did.
August 1, 2022
My Fake (Not) Mafia Daddy
Nothing fake here! And oh boy I love Daddy m/m romance. This was a little bit more to the little side. What I did enjoy was I was able to connect back up with Christian, Rowan, and, Karter. It was nice to read about them all meeting Arlo for the first time. They were super excited to have someone in their group who loves aliens.
I really enjoyed the love between Constantine and Arlo even before they said "I Love You". Constantine fell immediately. Constantine constantly did big and small things for Arlo because it was things like pillow forts together that made him happiest when he wasn't being "naughty" with Daddy.
Can't wait to read about Gianluca.
Highly recommend.
Nothing fake here! And oh boy I love Daddy m/m romance. This was a little bit more to the little side. What I did enjoy was I was able to connect back up with Christian, Rowan, and, Karter. It was nice to read about them all meeting Arlo for the first time. They were super excited to have someone in their group who loves aliens.
I really enjoyed the love between Constantine and Arlo even before they said "I Love You". Constantine fell immediately. Constantine constantly did big and small things for Arlo because it was things like pillow forts together that made him happiest when he wasn't being "naughty" with Daddy.
Can't wait to read about Gianluca.
Highly recommend.
June 20, 2022
Arlo has faced hardships throughout his life and he needs a break. He wants to find a Daddy who will protect him, help him face his fears and cuddle him when he needs comfort. He hasn't yet found any person who is willing to stick with him, especially considering his chronic health condition. They always find him to be too much work. His life changes when fate brings him to the attention of Constantine.
Chronic illness is a theme in this book that is dealt with sensitively, and in a way that communicates the pain and frustration that comes along with it.
This is a silly and fun read, but still has depth from dealing with health issues and insecurities.
Chronic illness is a theme in this book that is dealt with sensitively, and in a way that communicates the pain and frustration that comes along with it.
This is a silly and fun read, but still has depth from dealing with health issues and insecurities.
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