Flawed

Mafia Wars New York #5

by Maggie Cole

One wild night and failed birth control gifted me with an accidental pregnancy.

I’m not telling the father.

Luca’s mesmerizing and charming, but he isn't just a lot older than me.

After our hot night, I found out he's my family's enemy.

It leaves me no no choice but to keep him in the dark.

If his family found out my baby’s freedom would be at risk.

My family would disown me.

So I disappear for years, leaving him with no trace of where I am.

Except fate isn't my friend when a chance encounter brings him into my life again.

Age has only made him more irresistible.

Still, I know he's wrong for me—for my daughter.

But his wicked ways are too hard to resist…

(FLAWED is book five, and the final installment in Mafia Wars New York. It’s an accidental pregnancy, secret baby, forbidden love, age gap, Dark Mafia romance, interconnecting stand-alone, and guaranteed to have an HEA.)

Genres: Mafia Romance, Second Chance, Dark Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2022

About the author

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Secret baby, second chance, deception
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I absolutely adored this book! Definitely my favorite one of the series and made my fave list of 2022! Flawed is the 14 year, heart-wrenching journey of Luca and Chanel trying to find their way to happiness, but being kept apart by secrets, lies, and dangerous men. Maggie Cole has crafted a perfect darker mafia romance with all my favorite things: well written with a great storyline, characters you absolutely fell in love with, tons of action and suspense that kept me literally on the edge of my seat the entire time, and the secret baby was just just the cherry on top, lol! Absolutely recommend!

Flawed is the 5th book in the Mafia Wars New York series by Maggie Cole and is told in first person, from dual perspective. Flawed is a standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order and is in the same universe as her other Mafia Wars series.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching You Watch

This book is good, really good, but the last quarter of it had my heart pounding and tears falling! ❤️‍😢 I've been looking forward to Luca's story since we first met him and I would've happily read another hundred pages.

I tested fate. Now I'm in the devil's lair, and there's no way out.
-- Chanel Moulin

Luca really is pretty fantastic and I love the push and pull between him and Chanel. The secrets and lies of omission are tough, but justifiable. While that spins a good tale, their chemistry really steals the show. I admittedly love their scenes in the club, even when there's nothing more than heated stares or stolen glances. I also love how he takes care of her without expectations.

(Don't worry Gianni, of all of the Marinos, you still have top billing for me!)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.


UPDATED 11/2022:
The upside of the audio release being delayed is that there was more time between reading the book and listening. It was worth the wait!



This just might be my favorite audio recording for one of Maggie's books! ❤️💙 Luca and Chanel are even more amazing to listen to than I anticipated.

As for the overall story, it is full of so much heartache and despair, but also hope and love… and a snarky teenager.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators, Zachary Johnson and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker, both bring accents to the line-up which is a big part of what makes this so fabulous! ❤️🎧 Only duet narration could've made it better. 😘

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the storyline and the characters of this book. However, what I don't really like was the time jumps. I just think the time jumps were too far and too much time has passed. It's not that realistic. I would've loved it if it had only been a few years. I truly concur with what Chanel's daughter felt about it. And I also think the end was wrapped up too quickly. But still, I enjoyed their story.

[peggylovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Gap
Secret child
Dark Mafia Romance
Luca and Chanel are two people who totally deserve a HEA. Luca is trying to take down the Abruzzo’s and is deep undercover to do it.
Chanel thinks he is the enemy but the forbidden aspect of their intense desire for each other keeps her coming back.
Will lies tear them apart or will fate have another say in the matter and let these two come together.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawed by Maggie Cole is an age gap mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker and Zachary Johnson. This is the fifth and final book in the Mafia Wars New York series.

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

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

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, accidental pregnancy romances, forbidden romances, age gap romances, or romantic suspense.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another spellbinding book that draws this segment to a close in a beautiful second chance romance. This is a story showing the strength of a single mother who has protected her daughter for years from the unknown father who is employed by the enemy. Strong emotions abound and will keep you on the edge of your seat praying for the stars to align for the two lovers.

Luca and Chanel had one night together that bound them together even though they spent the next fourteen years apart. They keep crossing paths but nothing has changed about their lifestyles. Being part of the mafia means living with lies and subterfuge and neither of them has been completely truthful with the other. Luca works for the Abruzzo family, the enemy, and he should be off limits. He is certainly a dangerous man for Chanel to know. Chanel gets the surprise of her life when she discovers she is pregnant with the older man's child from their only night together. She debates telling him the news but withholds this information from him and, with the help of her Marino boss, disappears from his life. Time and time again over the next few years, Luca and Chanel find each other in places they shouldn't be and the fire that has only been banked flares to life threatening to burn them alive when they get too close. Chanel pushes him away each time, saying no more, trying to make a life without him for herself and their daughter. Until the day when the safety net she built around them disintegrates and her worst nightmare comes true.

What a way to end the New York section of the Mafia Wars with the Italian faction. Bravissimo!!

[Sandra Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawed, book 5 and the final book of the Mafia Wars NY series is phenomenal! Luca Marino the cousin of the sinfully delicious Marino brothers. If you have read any of the other four books of mafia wars ny you have a glimpse of who Luca is, but in this book you really get to know him and all of his deliciousness. And of course you meet Chanel and you get to know her a little in book 3 (Crazed) and in Flawed you really get to see different side of her.
Luca and Chanel story is a heart wrenching love story. Two people who love each other from the beginning but secrets keep them apart. Of course, what’s a mafia love story without drama. I honestly have to say I love this book, I love the chemistry between Luca and Chanel it’s fiery, angst, and most of all hot and sexy as hell. I don’t know what other way to explain but just brilliant and awesome. Mafia Wars NY is an awesome series to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little harder for me just because it broke my heart that they were both hiding the truth from each other. You could read the pain in Luca's struggle and how he was torn between loyalty to his family and his attraction and ultimately his love for Chanel. At one point I wanted to hit both of them and just get them to be honest but I know it doesn't work like that. I really struggled with Chanel's family, especially Zara because Chanel sacrificed so much for her. I loved the end and how it all came together. This has a lot of emotions in it and it was worth it all!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marina Mariles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca is a sexy, distinguished older gentleman. Chanel is a young, sweet, innocent girl. That is until they cross paths. What should have been one night of passion has turned into a lifetime of love. The only problem is, how can you love the enemy? Luca Marino has dedicated his life to taking down the Abruzzos. Chanel is Massimo's stewardess. How is that they have never crossed paths to that one fateful night. Chanel fully believes Luca is an Abruzzo but can't help but love him. Luca knows he should stay away to keep Chanel safe. Flawed is a modern day Romeo and Juliet!! Bravo!!

[Jessica M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chanel and Luca’s story completely blew me away! I love how Luca kinda came outta nowhere. Chanel intrigued me previously in the series, so I was thrilled she got her story.

The pair overcome intense, complicated obstacles and overwhelming secrets but ultimately find what they both always knew was meant to be.

[Jo Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last in the New York mafia series and in my opinion the best. Luca and Chanel’s story is full of it all love,hate, deception and a whole lot of sexy. Luca and Chanel love each other but can’t trust in the other to tell the truth. She believes he belongs to the Abruzzi family and he doesn’t want them to know anything about her. She falls pregnant after their fiery first night together and doesn’t tell him. They loose 15 years but finally the truth comes to light and they finally get their happily ever after. I didn’t want to put this book down nor did I want it to finish.

[Booze Boobs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved and devoured this story. I was hookd from the very beginning and could not wait to see what was going to happen. I loved that it started in the past and gave us all the background on Luca and Chanel's story before bringing us back to the present. It was steamy, emotional and thrilling. I couldn't imagine a better way to close out the Mafia Wars NY series!

[Laura Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection. Luca and Chanel were the perfect couple to end the Mafia Wars New York series. You know that this couple has amazing chemistry, heat, and pure sexiness. Maggie Cole is a genius to keep this series going so strong and keep you on the edge of the seat. The ending didn’t leave any remaining questions and it was a perfect goodbye to the characters and families we have come to love. I can’t wait for Maggie’s next book!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Cole is one of my very favorite authors of all time, so I'll never get enough of her books that's for sure. Flawed had all her suspense & twists coming in hot, heat, and a couple to root for, but it also had more of an emotionally charged feel that spanned over a decade which seriously ripped my heart out completely before it was put back together. Luca & Chanel were our couple who found each other when she was barely eighteen years old, and they had such a connection that they set the sheets on fire very early on. She learns she's pregnant, and she is scared of who Luca is so she never tells him. They do run into each other over the years, and those sparks ignite every time, however, she knows it's a mistake since he's a very dangerous man & she still won't tell him. It's really hard to actually write this review without spoilers so I'm not going to say anything else except read it for yourselves, just don't start it before bed because you won't be able to put it down and be prepared for emotional terrorism at its finest. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kelli Miller a_brunette_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. This was a perfect end to the MWNY series.

Luca and Chanel’s story really brought this series full circle. Luca was definitely a hidden gem when it comes to the Marino family. I also wasn’t sure how
I would feel about Chanel but she was a
very strong women put in a very difficult place with a difficult decision to make. But I loved her. She was so strong through so many things that could have torn her down!

Maggie Cole’s writing just keeps getting better and better and I believe some people are sleeping on her books. You are missing out if you don’t start any of series. I can’t imagine not reading her books. I am very excited for what she does next. Be on the lookout because she is going to surprise you and make you fall in love with her writing!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ialways fret about how a series as good as this will end...and it didn't disappoint! Luca and Chanel's story was well worth waiting for! Both of them are on opposite sides of the coin...working for each other's enemies,after one night together Chanel knew they shouldn't fall back into the rabbit hole of the fire and passion they had when together,but each time it became harder and harder. Luca knew what he wanted and that was his previous "stellina" .So many secrets,so much agony,so much action and love was on every page of this book and it was a perfect end to the series! I'm looking forward to what comes next from Maggie!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawed by Maggie Cole is book 5 in the Mafia Wars New York Series. This is the story of Luca and Chanel. Luca is a older man who of course is in the Mafia. Chanel is a younger women who around 14 years ago she had a one night stand with Luca. When she discovered she was pregnant she was scared of the man Luca seem to be. With help she was able to relocate but through the years she has run into him but nothing further. Then in her present day danger has come for her and she needs help which starts their story.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawed by Maggie Cole is book 5 in the Mafia Wars New York Series. This is the story of Luca and Chanel. Luca is a older man who of course is in the Mafia. Chanel is a younger women who around 14 years ago she had a one night stand with Luca. When she discovered she was pregnant she was scared of the man Luca seem to be. With help she was able to relocate but through the years she has run into him but nothing further. Then in her present day danger has come for her and she needs help which starts their story.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, angst and love!

[Rena Spensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending to MWNY, absolutely loved this series. If you love age gap, accidental pregnancy, dark mafia romances then look no further.

Luca and Chanel's story spars over the course of 15yrs and its heartwarming, heartbreaking, and brings a lot of heat. Luca is enduring and charismatic and driven on revenge. Chanel is strong, independent and very stubborn, but when they get together sparks fly.

Maggie is phenomenal at what she does, and she just keeps getting better and better with each book she writes. If you haven't had the luxury of reading any of her books, what are you waiting for? I highly recommend any and all of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawed

Last in this great series Mafia Wars New York, we follow Luca and Chanel this has to the most heart wrenching one of the series of how these two have to live there lives apart keep the horrible Abruzzo's Finding out about there relationship .We finally fine out why Luca hates the Abruzzo’s after he tell Chanel some of his truths🙁💔.
My heart broke with the scene when it’s finally comes out about Zara, Chanel and Luca , secrets are never the best.
Maggie has written yet another fabulous book with dark scenes mix with a lot of heat 🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥.
Definitely a must read 5⭐️

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

One of the best books I have read this year. Luca and Chanel have been through so much and now years later, the truth is goi g to explode. Excellent writing.

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for SNS

One of the best books I have read this year. Luca and Chanel have been through so much and now years later, the truth is goi g to explode. Excellent writing.

[Marcella Gillespie thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Cole saves the best for last! This book was filled with so many emotions and so much drama I couldn’t put it down! It’s simply the best book Ive read!

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like a secret baby mafia book and it was 500 FUCKING PAGES WHAT KIND OF SURFACE LEVEL MAFIA IS 500 PAGES??? Needless to say it dragged and I give it a 2.5 but rounded up to be nice but some stuff I didn’t like: we don’t need a repeated observation of how he smells like musk and weed every time she gets a whiff of him jesus also I actually loved Chanel and I’ll defend her w my life but Zara was SUCH A FUCKING BRAT and I’m glad that was addressed and Luca talked to her but like why make her a brat??? I hate reading abt ungrateful children. Adding on to the fact that it dragged there were 999900000 time skips and SPOILER the secret baby plot is figured out when Zara is like 15 ????? AT THE END OF THE BOOK LUCA IS LITERALLY 50 like why did sm time need to pass??? Also I literally skipped every part they started talking abt actual mafia plot bc it was so boring also he must’ve been shit at his job since it took him 15 YEARS to wrap everything up… Luca was a sweet guy and I’m glad the fact that Chanel always had to be the bad guy was addressed too but ugh I just lowkey feel like Chanel deserved better. Also the voyeur part was kind of like randomly thrown in Idk I skimmed that as well. All in all it was mid

[Justadele · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to 65% and then had to give up!

How long do you want to drag this on they have been apart for 14 years surely he could have killed Jacapo by now it’s RIDICULOUS and totally unbelievable he wasted 14 years of his life for what?!

Zara has turned into the biggest brat ever and the time jumps just don’t work.

What a huge disappointment this book was 2 very generous stars

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart broke for luca and chanel. I thought this book would pick up after the 4th book but we didn't get there until the 70% ish mark. That was a little disappointing. I wish we could have seen more of them together as a family.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle of the road

I found this story was too drawn out. There was a lot of repetition of things that the reader already knew. For me the angst was over done. There was no ‘beauty of the pen’. I won’t read any more in this series.

[Elsa]

There was no growth for the h. She never really had a part in the book, except to agonize over the H. The mafia men didn’t really seem like tough guys. A character needs to demonstrate who he is. In this case he isn’t tough just because the author says he is.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf, just couldn't get past the second chapter, not sure if it was the story or how it was written but it just wasn't for me