Alora Some girls get a loving father to tuck them in at night, read them bedtime stories and protect them from evil. I did not. Growing up with his cruelty and the ruthless men at his side molded me. My father took everything I loved in this world to teach me a lesson I learned well. There Is No Love.
Luka I knew how bad things were, but at fourteen I learned just how vile the men in our world can be. La famiglia è tutto, for my brother Arturo and I family truly was everything, but not for our father. We no longer looked at him the same and Someday, we would make him pay.
On one hand, I felt deeply for each of the characters and everything they’ve been through.
My heart broke for Alora and how she was forced to grow up too soon. I felt like she was a strong woman who more than earned her place as the head of the Volantes. I admire her strength and how she found the courage to face the cruelty and darkness of her world, especially when she was face to face with her “father.”
However, there were times where I felt like she was trying too hard to show that she was strong. It felt off and made me lose some of the emotions I felt for her. It also felt like she wasn’t able to control her emotions at certain points. While I understand the severity of her situation, her lack of control during certain points in the story made me feel like she wasn't as strong of a woman as she made herself out to be.
My heart also went out to the Rossi brothers. I loved how strong their bond was, and I admired the way they were always there for each other.
Luka was a character I liked. I liked how levelheaded and strong he was and how he was able to go after what he wanted. I especially wanted to applaud him when he called out Alora for her hot and cold personality.
I felt the chemistry between Alora and Luka in the sense that they wanted to step away from the violence and cruelty of their father’s rules. However, I didn’t feel that same level of chemistry between them romantically. For me, it felt like they were just starting to feel something for each other, but I wasn’t able to feel the passionate chemistry between them.
Overall, the story kept me interested and engaged. However, there were parts where I wanted more, especially when Alora was face to face with her “father.” I felt like there wasn’t enough tension between them before she ended his life. There were also parts where I wanted less, such as when Alora was explaining why she couldn’t fall for Luka. It felt like she was trying too hard to drive home the idea of “there is no love in our world.” I feel like it would have been better to show her struggles between maintaining that mantra and allowing herself to develop feelings for Luka instead of her telling him.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the grammar and sentence structure. There were grammatical errors in every one of the chapters, which made it difficult to read and follow along to the story. There were commas in places where there should have been a period and vice versa on top of other punctuation and capitalization errors. These grammar and punctuation marks made some places contain a lack of or excess emotion. There were also places where one idea, scene, or dialogue bled into another and that continued on throughout the story. It made me want to step back from the story and made me lose interest in what was being told.
Overall, I liked the story itself. However, the grammar and sentence structure made it difficult to get through to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
Please read TW/CW because this book isn't for everyone and contains darker themes. So if it's not for you, it's not for you. ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Edits are mine, but pictures from the 2nd slide are not. They are for fangirling purposes only.
Thanks so much for the ARC! Ahhh this book is so much fun to read. I loved the FMC so much more than the FMC, to be honest. Alora was just so badass. If you love FMCs who just will kick ass, are strong, and don't give AF about the men around her who bring her down, then this is the book for you.
This book is a kind of lowkey grumpy-sunshiney trope where the FMC is grumpy and the well the Luka is a bit sunshine, but a sexy ass mf with a lot of tattoos. They are rival families, but they gotta marry for the show you know? It is what it is.
The banter between the two is just ahhh lovely, lovely, lovely. It's just fun to read and it does have darker themes. Alora be savage AF ya'll. Lots of action and plot twist too. 🔥
I actually really liked this book and all the plot twists but I can't give it more than 3.5 stars. I loved Luka, than man never gave up on her and always there for her. He was so good to her, really devoted. He tried so hard and so many times to make them work, he deserved a f*cking award for it. I didn't like Alora, I understand she had traumas and all that, and it was serious, I do get that, but the way she treat Luka? There's no excuse for that. She treated so badly, even at the end. That man worshiped the ground she walked on and she didn't give a sh*t. He should had given up on her, she didn't deserved all that love and devotion. The way she treated him? That'a not how you treat someone you love or even like. She hurt time and time again and he took it. That man was a freaking saint. I just couldn't with her. The plot twist of her biological father being her uncle was good, I guessed it at some point. But the plot twist that she the Wrath? Swear to God, never saw it coming, I honestly thought it was Charlie, but it was very good. Now I can't for Arturo's book and he better find and end up with Charlie or I will riot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
'There Is No Love" is book one in Sabrina's "Consortium Wars" series. It's a dark mafia romance that gives us arranged marriage, forced proximity, praise kink, enemies to lovers, and a bada** heroine.
Alora and Luka's story wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Each character having forced to grow up way too quickly due to the nature of their environment and the cruel upbringing by their fathers. Especially being mafia heirs. I felt so deeply for Alora and just wanted to step into the story and give her a hug. But despite her traumatic past, she grew up to be a brilliant, fierce, and all around bad a**. As for Luka and his brother Arturo? It pained me to have read what they've endured as they grew up. I too, wanted to give them the biggest hugs. Their trauma is something I was able to relate to, and to be able to see that they still had a heart despite it all, brought tears to my eyes.
Now, due to an unknown threat, the head of the families arranged a marriage between Alora and Luka, to present a united front and to end the rivalry between the Volante and Rossi families. Having come to terms with their arrangement, Alora and Luka come to an agreement of sorts while being married.
I enjoyed the banter and tension between the MCs, but wasn't fully able to feel the chemistry. Maybe that's just me. Yes, we get to see the hero slowly fall first, but I felt that for the heroine, she was barely starting to realize how she felt for him by the end of the book. Maybe intentional, due to her cold exterior, but then again, that's just me. There were also parts of the story that I could've done without, and others that I wished more of. (I.e. more vulnerable moments between the MCs to have a more genuine and raw connection with each other.)
Overall, I liked the plot of the story, especially those twists, and the emotional connection I felt with the MCs individually. Despite it being the end of Alora and Luka's story with this book, I am eager to see more of them in the next book or so. Especially after that cliffhanger.
I was given an Arc by the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 & 🌶🌶🌶/5
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I was instantly pulled into the story of Alora, Luka, and Arturo.
⚠️Check the trigger warnings as this is a dark mafia romance. ⚠️
Tropes: 🖤Mafia Romance 🖤Enemies to lovers 🖤Forced proximity 🖤Arranged Marriage 🖤One Bed 🖤Touch her and you die 🖤Praise Kink
Alora, Luka, and Arturo have grown up in a dark world where there is no love, because love makes you a target, weak, and less than. In a world where cold heartless men rule Alora has grown into strong, independent, fearless woman. She doesn’t need a savior, she has learned the only one she can rely on is herself. However, when an unexpected twist happens in their world, she finds herself being drawn into the arms of her enemy.
The chemistry between our FMC and MMC is *Chef’s Kiss* and the tension….ugh it’s perfection. And when the tension breaks….and the dirty talk happens. I have quite the bit of sexy lines flagged.
The overall story is great! With the right amount of darkness, tension, spice, and plot twists.
This is my first read by this author and I’m so eager to read more from her in the future.
The characters and the storyline were so well written that I felt an honest connection to the characters and their story. I really enjoyed the small childhood glimpse we got from both Alora and Luka. I am always drawn to dark mafia romance and this book did not disappoint- the FMC is fierce, she is not only goals but I’ve got a major girl crush. And Luka is so swoony! I mean who doesn’t love an alpha who is super soft when it comes to his woman.
There is the perfect amount of suspense and mystery in this story that kept me engaged and flipping the pages- just when you think you’ve got it figured out…BAM. Amazing job- can’t wait for book 2 in the series.
First off, this is a dark mafia romance, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before you start reading.
Having read a lot of mafia romance I tend to look for and latch onto badass female characters when they pop up in these books. And y’all…that is exactly what I get with Alora in this book. I love her character so much! She is such a badass who fights for what she wants, what she believes in, and to do things her own way. I honestly don’t think there is anything that could make me love her even more than I already do. Not to mention the sexual tension and chemistry between her and Luka is just mmmmm *Chef’s Kiss* phenomenal. And of course Luka is just amazing. I’m a sucker for the protective male character that is basically a cinnamon role when it comes to the female character. I love, love, love that he refused to give up on Alora, even when she kept trying to push him away. Characters aside, I also really enjoyed the story that we get in this book and I’m excited for Arturo’s book next!
*I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review and I can not recommend this book more. This is the first book I have read from this author and I can't wait to read more of her work. What to say but go read it, now! You will not be disappointed. I was hooked from the first few chapters. I could not put it down. I laughed, I cried, I went through all the emotions with the characters. The plot was just fabulous and you fell in love with Alora, Luka and Arturo right from the start. Such unique and beautiful names, not the same ones you hear from book to book. Can't wait for Arturo's story.
Check the Trigger Warnings!! This is a dark romance. 4/5 stars - 2 /5 spice
Honestly, I DNF’d this book which made me sad. The reason for a 3 star rating is I know how hard the authors work on their books. The only reason I couldn’t finish the book is the sentence structure and grammar. It read like a wattpad book in my opinion. Choppy sentences, grammar didn’t make sense in spots. I just got more and more confused. I think it would have been a really great book with better sentence structure and grammar. If those things improved I’d definitely give this book another try.
I read this in anticipation of the BBM tour for Book 2, There Is No Forgiveness.
I felt for Luka and Alora. They each have been through a lot when it comes to their hardcore upbringing from their "hardass" fathers.
It was nice to see that, even when forced, they still ended up being there for each other through their forced arrangement. And in the end, they ended up being so much more for each other.
Another character I loved was Arturo. He was the big brother anyone would be lucky to have. I also felt his pain too. 🖤
I am curious to see how the ending plays into book 2.
where to start... this book was everything anyone could've asked for. it fit the tropes perfectly, as if they were made for it.
how did sabrina just... nail it? i'm literally thankful for your existence.
enemies to lovers ✔️ dark ✔️ sPiCy ✔️ mafia themes ✔️ marriage of convening ✔️
it's dark and just crushes you and puts you back up together with tears welling up in your eyes! i am a SIMP for Alora & Luka.
meet Alora, the most badass and no-nonsense fmc you'll ever come across! she's fierce and strong. just maybe she needed a little love in her life, but does she believe she is loveable and can love? Meeting Luka might just cause her walls to break down, and she'll have her answer...
now let's talk about mr. Luka, hot asf, sinister & a walking talking wet dream! he's had such a hard time growing up, he submerged in his demons but never let them take him away from his true self. Luka is forced to marry the enemy but does he actually, like genuinely, start falling for her? he wants to make Alora believe in herself and build her back up, will he succeed?
the writing is very well done and honestly love how dreamy yet realistic this book was. oh and brb gotta do something important... *the something important i'm doing while reading this book* :: "alexa, play Sucker by the Jonas Brothers!" i'm lowkey in love with their names themselves- SO hot! omgg and i live for their banter & Luka's clever jokes with Alora's signature eye rolls!
this is just completely unputdownable & makes you feel every single emotion and feeling all at once.
wanna talk about the smut, baby? oh how we love that the kindle can be held in one hand ;) short but well composed, hot, make you sweat kinda scenes!
overall, i couldn't have asked god for anything else! all my favourite tropes and so SO well done!
to Sabrina, i'm so very proud of you, you did it and it was the best thing in the world. you're so talented and hardworking, i admire you and wish to be like you one day.
Tropes/Triggers: Mafia Romance, Arranged Marriage, He Falls First, Touch Her & Die, Grumpy/Sunshine—She's grumpy but reasons, Found Family. Pet death, sex trafficking, physical & mental abuse by a parent, graphic violence, graphic murder, mention of drugging, there's one scene I consider dub-c0n. • 100% transparency, Mafia Romance is not one of my go-tos. I ✨️DO✨️ read it but I'm more inclined to reach for pitch black, forbidden, taboo, or forbidden & taboo first. I was actually surprised at how well Sabrina grabbed my attention and kept me engaged with this Mafia Romance. I finished the book yesterday & I was so invested that I kept taking breaks from working on my finals to read. 😅🙈 When it ended I had a mixture of "nooo" and "what the fuck" moments. Until I turned the page and saw the epilogue. And that epilogue made me tear up.
We meet Alora and Luka young. Both children growing up in rivaling families. Both children go through terrible things in their childhood. But where Luka had a soft place to land in his mother, every soft landing was stolen from Alora. Her dad is a piece of shit. You learn that very early on, so it's not really a spoiler.
"𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓐𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓪."
Because of her trauma, she has massive walls around a heart she thinks is dead. But it's not. And the amount of times I yelled, "GODDAMMIT ALORA" is absurd. She's a strong-HEADED FMC. Yes she is strong, capable, a total badass... but she's pig-headed. THERE ARE REASONS! So, if you're like me and you struggle with the blurring of strong and obnoxiously obstinate... 👏🏻DON'T👏🏻GIVE👏🏻UP👏🏻ON👏🏻HER!👏🏻
“𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓾𝓹 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝓮. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮?”
Luka... he is... something else in such a sexy way. Like *hearteyesmuthafucka* sexy. He absolutely worships the ground Alora walks on. And she does everything in her power to shove him away. But he never gave up on her. And fucking swoon, I loved it.
I was rooting so fucking hard for these two & I think you will too. And omfg the TWISTS in this book! Even if Mafia Romance isn't your thing, I highly recommend you pick this up. 🖤
Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Old-fashioned Mafia world? Check.
Badass female character? Check.
Smoking hot male character? Check.
What else do we need? Hmmm… how about an arranged marriage between two opposing factions in a Mafia world that forces a badass grumpy woman into the arms of a smoking hot bubbly sunshine of a man? Caught your interest?
Pick up "There Is No Love" and you'll get all of the above and so much more!
I went into this already totally sold by the summary, the character spotlights and having already adored Sabrina's other work. But this book took me on such a wild ride through a dark world full of violence, mystery and desperate shows of force. Sabrina really brought the tension with this and the depictions of violence were so intense. The fight to end sex trafficking and the depictions of survivors was truly well done, and I'm so anxious to see more in the world and how our heroes make further strides.
But enough about that. I know you want more info about the couple. Luka and Alora. I want to protect them with my entire soul. They have both experienced and seen so many things even at the start of this novel, and the plot takes them through so much. But in the end, they always have each other (even when Alora is being a grumpy party pooper lol). The story of their love is truly so pure and full of so many scenes that had me tearing up. Luka is so sweet and caring, and even when Alora isn't receptive, he still tries his best. He's a gem. An absolute gem. And the sex scenes… they are written with so much care and sensitivity, but are also very raw and felt so real. Luka is just… *swoon*
There are so many interweaving plots in this book and I cannot wait to read book 2.
I like this story. The plot is great, I like the twists and turns, and the characters are superb.
Alora is a strong badass of a woman, but we still see glimpses of the traumatised and brainwashed child she used to be. She does come across as cold and bitchy at times, but that does correlate with her upbringing.
Luka is level-headed and stubborn. He knows what he wants and he goes after it with everything he's got. I love that he doesn't give up on Alora, but he doesn't just take all her crap either.
My heart bleeds for Alora, Luka and Arturo, for the trauma they lived through and their lost childhood.
The story could benefit from another round of editing as there are few grammatical errors and strangely constructed sentences. It's a fast-paced story and easy to read. I did wish that some parts were a bit more fleshed out as they ended up feeling a little rushed. Such as the warehouse scene and the scene in Gabriele's bedroom. The opportunity for really action-packed and nerve-wrecking scenes was missed there. I also wish I could see more of the internal struggle in Alora, between her heart and her head regarding Luka. That would probably help convince me more of the tension between them.
I also could help but notice how many times they showered. I have never read about characters showering this much in one book.🚿 I get it, they are clean people. But I don't need to read about it repeatedly.
This was a really great beginning to what is sure to be an exciting and thrilling series. I was hooked right from the start on Alora and the emotional trauma that she was consistently put through by her own father. The repeated lesson of “There is no love” was heartbreaking as Alora shows us many times throughout the story that, that is all she wants and needs. But her life is not fair and she is growing up in a very harsh mafia world.
I absolutely loved Alora’s badass self and how strong she is. She is a fierce woman that has quite the backbone and isn’t afraid to fight back. When she gets forced into an arranged marriage with Luka, my heart soared hoping that he would finally show her that she was worthy of love and that she could finally let go and love someone back. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions between them.
I really enjoyed this story as it kept me riveted to my seat wanting to know exactly what was going to happen next. It was filled with action, suspense, violence, murder and mayhem, plus some very steamy moments. There were also many little twists and turns throughout keeping me guessing on the outcome of the story, making it entertaining to read.
After the way things ended, I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
There Is No Love by Sabrina G is book one in The Consortium Wars Series. This is the first book I’m reading by this author and what an immediate impression it made! I love reading a good mafia romance and this one was definitely a good one. When I read the blurb on this book, I just knew I had to read it and I’m so glad I did. I believe I found a new author to be a fan of. This writing was so well done and the plot kept me hooked until the final line of the book. I don’t think I wanted to put my kindle down once. I will say to check your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. There are some intense moments.
This book shattered my heart in so many different ways. The characters of Alora and Luka were written so well with such an emotional range. My heart really went out to them considering everything they both had to go through. I could feel the struggles they went through. But it was great to see the couple realize that some people are just meant to be together. That last chapter… This book was so well done and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I love me some Mafia romances. I’ve read plenty of mafia books over the years and this one just hits differently. Alora is a force of nature. Luka is loyal in a different way then most made men are. Their dynamic was amazing from their first meeting.
This book has everything mystery, trauma, and amazing supporting characters. You see so much go on with Alora and Luka and I was sitting there the whole time just waiting until they saw what I saw all along. Some people are just meant to be together. Even with their harsh upbringings they still make their relationship work.
Like all my reviews this will be spoiler free because as a reader I want you to experience it the way it should experienced. That is going in somewhat blind to what this story fully has to offer. Until the next book. Happy Reading.
***Read Trigger Warnings before reading this book***
This was my first book by Sabrina and it did not disappoint! The plot and the characters were extremely well written. I felt a connection with the characters and loved Alora and Luka. They both grew up in the cruel dark mafia world but did not let that break them. Alora is a strong, bad ass, fearless and caring woman. Luka is a tough, savage and protective man but also such a sweet softy. The tension and banter between them is just perfect. I was completely swooning over Luka and the way he supported Alora, his patience with her and how he wanted her just the way she is. This book is dark and full of tension, spice, mystery and plot twists! It will truly keep you guessing. I cant wait for the next book! I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
This story was marvelous. It has a badass FMC, who as a child had to learn that life is cruel and had to grow up so soon. Luka and Arturo are brothers. They both had to grow up fast as well, when their father showed them the consequences when they disobey him. Alora and Luka get an arranged marriage by their parents but not because they wanted too. They both hate each other and had to do it because of someone higher than them. Neither Luka or Alora knew each other. It came by surprise to them and they had no choice but to married each other. Alora did warn Luka to not fall in love with her. I enjoyed reading it, the story is great and very hard to put down. It’s also made me cry sometimes so be prepared. I honestly recommend this book but please check your triggers.
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this jaw dropping mafia romance and I was obsessed from page 1.
Alora is the definition of a strong independent woman who doesn’t need a man, but when an unexpected turn of events occurs, the girl who thought there was no love in her world, starts falling for her enemy.
Luka is the superior Rossi in my opinion (😉), he’s sweet, caring, and doesn’t try to tone down Alora’s badassness.
With equal parts darkness, spice, and mystery it is FANTASTIC. Beware though, when you think you’ve got it all figured out, guess again.
This book is a dark mafia romance. I loved it and it kept me wanting to keep reading. Luka and Alora had to grow up faster than they should have being and having to deal with being heirs to their mafia families. But Alora will come to find out why she never got the love from her "father" like she always wanted... Luka had to deal with his father selling his brothers gf. So they both came from messed up situations. They are forced to get married so Luka can take over Aloras family since women aren't aloud... (blah blah blah We have heard that a million times) but in the end it will surprise you.. I cant wait to read the next one.
Alora has been raised by her father since her mother’s death. Luka was raised in a rival family. The main man, Vigo, decides they will marry to join the families and stop the feuding. Things are more complicated than they seem and secrets are revealed. All is not as it seems. Alora was taught there is no love in their world so Luka must fight to prove to her that there is room for love.
The story was good. I loved Luka and Arturo. The father’s were terrible to treat their children the way they did. The spicy scenes could’ve been a bit more detailed and the story of Wrath a bigger part. Overall I enjoyed this book.
The story was interesting but I felt the main characters were not fully developed and there were too many men’s names being thrown in the last fourth of the book. I hate to say it but this read had a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors that kept taking me out of the story. The changing of scenes was off at times, taking place within the same paragraph. Throughout the story I was scratching my head if there were any beta readers or editors or if it was self-published. To read in the Acknowledgments that there were was surprising. I won’t be reading the second book.
I enjoyed the playful banter in this book. The different perspectives were refreshing as they toyed with each other due to the arrangement. I loved how she was able to open up. I understand her reservations and why she refused to get close to anyone but I am glad Luka was able to see the good in her. I loved the story line. I think the rescue scene was a little played down and I felt it was too easy for them to rescue them but I am hoping to learn more about Lukas brother. He was a great addition to the main characters. Over all, I enjoyed reading and I couldn't stop flipping the pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There Is No Love by Sabrina G is a dark mafia romance with arranged marriage. Alora is the FMC we all want and love in a book but her past and life has been hard and heartbreaking growing up with her Father. Luka is the hot eye candy MMC we want, he grew up in the dark rough of life but is against it. This is fast paced, heart wrenching with the amount of twists and turns Sabrina delivered was crazy. Loved the banter between the MC’s and how quickly and easily Sabrina pulled in her audience with her writing.
Wow! I mean wow! When I first started reading this, I was thinking “this probably isn’t gonna be my thing”. Boy was I wrong! Once I got started I couldn’t stop. Alora, the MC, is a bada*s and I think I’m in love! I felt for her, I cheered for her, and I called it (not telling)! And Luca was just the perfect blend of bada*s and teddy bear. I fell for the two of them and I was not let down one bit! This will be a purchase print copy book for sure and most definitely a recommend!! Can’t wait for book 2!!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Mafia has been my favorite, but after a while all the books start having the same plot. Not this one though, this one was different. It had many surprises I never expected and kept me on my toes. I found this book from her instagram and finally got around to it. Best decision ever! Finished it in a day. Will definitely recommend this book to others that ask from now on.
Alora and Luka are arranged to be married to stop a family feud. Both have secrets, and both have lost and been through a lot in their lifetime. Can they learn to love each other in a world where there is no love.. Alora is told this throughout her entire life while Luka is told to try and love Alora. Please read the trīĝĝer warnings. Such a good read..
This is an enemy to lovers, arranged marriage, mafia dark romance. This was a three star until the plot twist started then that took it to a 4 star. It was a three on the spice scale. This was a good book but it was a slow burn for sure. This book had some good plots and you got to know so many characters that could have a story all on there own. I can't wait to read more.