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The Fallen #2
When She Tempts
She’s eighteen. Innocent. Forbidden.
Martina De Rossi is off-limits, and not just because her brother is about to become the Don.
When I agree to protect her while he’s out waging a brutal war, it isn’t only out of loyalty.
It’s because Martina is the perfect pawn in my game of revenge.
Unfortunately, she’s also temptation personified.
Innocent eyes. A body to die for. Silky blond hair that begs to be wrapped around my fist.
I’m a master of staying in control, but with each day she spends with me inside the walls of my remote Italian castle, I can feel my resolve cracking.
My gaze starts to drift.
My touch starts to linger.
And when she tempts, I realize this game we’re playing might be one I won’t win.
Martina De Rossi is off-limits, and not just because her brother is about to become the Don.
When I agree to protect her while he’s out waging a brutal war, it isn’t only out of loyalty.
It’s because Martina is the perfect pawn in my game of revenge.
Unfortunately, she’s also temptation personified.
Innocent eyes. A body to die for. Silky blond hair that begs to be wrapped around my fist.
I’m a master of staying in control, but with each day she spends with me inside the walls of my remote Italian castle, I can feel my resolve cracking.
My gaze starts to drift.
My touch starts to linger.
And when she tempts, I realize this game we’re playing might be one I won’t win.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2023
About the author
Gabrielle Sands
13 books3,490 followersGabrielle Sands is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author of dark romance and mafia romance. With seven published titles across three series — and her eighth releasing in 2026 — she writes the kind of dangerous, addictive love stories that keep readers up way past their bedtime.
Her books are known for morally grey heroes, forbidden love, slow-burn tension, and heroines who never back down. Whether it's an arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers heat, or a possessive anti-hero who’ll burn the world down for the woman he loves — Gabrielle delivers high-stakes romance with emotional depth and serious steam.
The Fallen Series
Four interconnected standalones following powerful mafia men and the women who bring them to their knees. Features enemies-to-lovers, age gap romance, forced proximity, and arranged marriage tropes.
Fallen God Duet
A spinoff duet that begins as a small-town neighbor romance and shifts into a full-throttle mafia love story.
House of Ferraro Series
Interconnected standalones following the Ferraro brothers, where dark and sensual romance collides with family secrets and mafia intrigue. Featuring forbidden love and arranged marriage.
If you love authors like Cora Reilly, Neva Altaj, Sadie Kincaid, and Danielle Lori, you’ll feel right at home in Gabrielle’s worlds.
Before becoming an author, Gabrielle spent nearly a decade in business. She loves to travel and often writes her favorite destinations into her books. She currently lives in Portugal with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Gabrielle:
gabriellesands.com
Instagram: @authorgabriellesands
Her books are known for morally grey heroes, forbidden love, slow-burn tension, and heroines who never back down. Whether it's an arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers heat, or a possessive anti-hero who’ll burn the world down for the woman he loves — Gabrielle delivers high-stakes romance with emotional depth and serious steam.
The Fallen Series
Four interconnected standalones following powerful mafia men and the women who bring them to their knees. Features enemies-to-lovers, age gap romance, forced proximity, and arranged marriage tropes.
Fallen God Duet
A spinoff duet that begins as a small-town neighbor romance and shifts into a full-throttle mafia love story.
House of Ferraro Series
Interconnected standalones following the Ferraro brothers, where dark and sensual romance collides with family secrets and mafia intrigue. Featuring forbidden love and arranged marriage.
If you love authors like Cora Reilly, Neva Altaj, Sadie Kincaid, and Danielle Lori, you’ll feel right at home in Gabrielle’s worlds.
Before becoming an author, Gabrielle spent nearly a decade in business. She loves to travel and often writes her favorite destinations into her books. She currently lives in Portugal with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Gabrielle:
gabriellesands.com
Instagram: @authorgabriellesands
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,718 reviews
June 8, 2024
4.25 stars
nothing compares to the good ol’ " coldhearted, control-freak man who succumbs to the charms of the shy and delicate girl who’s gonna ruine his vendetta"
——————
jumping into book 2 😋😋
”your mind seduces me. your body tempts me. a single glimpse of you, and I lose my train of thought.”
nothing compares to the good ol’ " coldhearted, control-freak man who succumbs to the charms of the shy and delicate girl who’s gonna ruine his vendetta"
——————
jumping into book 2 😋😋
January 14, 2023
I want Giorgio to spank me.
That's all I have to say for now. Full review coming soon. Pun intended.
That's all I have to say for now. Full review coming soon. Pun intended.
February 9, 2023
3.5 stars.
Tropes:
❣️Forced Proximity
❣️Age Gap
❣️Mafia Romance
❣️Forbidden Love
❣️Not good enough for her (his pov)
❣️Hero is meant to protect her
❣️Touch her and die
Tropes:
❣️Forced Proximity
❣️Age Gap
❣️Mafia Romance
❣️Forbidden Love
❣️Not good enough for her (his pov)
❣️Hero is meant to protect her
❣️Touch her and die
April 15, 2026
If you thought Damiano was a problem, let’s take a moment for the ultimate silver fox, Daddy Giorgio.
I’ll be the first to admit I am a total sucker for a dangerous Italian man with a sharp suit and even sharper edges, and Giorgio De Luca? He is magnificent. He’s definitely got his flaws (to put it lightly), but the sheer presence and "boss" energy he radiates had me fanning myself through every single chapter.
The chemistry was scorching, and let’s be real—sometimes you just want a man who knows exactly what he wants and has the power to take it. While the plot was solid, I was truthfully just here for the Giorgio show, and he did not disappoint.
It’s a 4-star read because while I wanted even more of that intense psychological tug-of-war, the spice was absolute lava and the Italian setting remained top-tier. If you’re looking for a "he’s definitely a red flag but I love the color" type of read, Giorgio is waiting to ruin your life in the best way possible.
---------
Tropes:
🔥 Age Gap / Silver Fox
🔥 Italian Mafia
🔥 "He’s Obsessed"
🔥 Forced Proximity
I’ll be the first to admit I am a total sucker for a dangerous Italian man with a sharp suit and even sharper edges, and Giorgio De Luca? He is magnificent. He’s definitely got his flaws (to put it lightly), but the sheer presence and "boss" energy he radiates had me fanning myself through every single chapter.
The chemistry was scorching, and let’s be real—sometimes you just want a man who knows exactly what he wants and has the power to take it. While the plot was solid, I was truthfully just here for the Giorgio show, and he did not disappoint.
It’s a 4-star read because while I wanted even more of that intense psychological tug-of-war, the spice was absolute lava and the Italian setting remained top-tier. If you’re looking for a "he’s definitely a red flag but I love the color" type of read, Giorgio is waiting to ruin your life in the best way possible.
---------
Tropes:
🔥 Age Gap / Silver Fox
🔥 Italian Mafia
🔥 "He’s Obsessed"
🔥 Forced Proximity
December 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
''But the deeper I cut, the deeper you burrow''
Safety warnings:
- H 33 / h 18-19
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Violence/d*ath
- Trauma/PTSD
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of su*cide
- Mention of r*pe
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I must admit I put this series on hold after I finished the first book last year, part of me wanted to get into it but then I decided to wait until all the books were out to dive back in and thankfully I had the patience because the waiting for each book would have been hard.
Martina is the younger sister of the MMC from the first book and she has gone through hell prior to this book, we get to see what she went through in the first one so as much as this a standalone (concerning the couple) the storyline follows the events from book 1.
Giorgio is tasked to keep her safe until the war her brother is waging is over and she will not be used against him in the fight. He takes the opportunity to get her under his care as a way to seek his long-standing revenge on something/someone. At first I thought he was possibly seeking vengeance against her family, but it was quickly shown not to be the case and it is on the Don they are all trying to get rid of that is his main focus. The Don Sal is actually his biological father after he rapes Giorgio’s mother, she spends the time after he is born to be distant and cut off from bring his mother, sadly this makes Giorgio view himself as less and unloved. His mother then commits suicide when he is a child and this sets the course of his life, he plots to get rid of Sal to avenge his mother and her pain.
This book is slow burn as these two spend a lot of time denying each other but Giorgio does most of the pulling away. Martina is sadly deep inside her mind for a while as she struggles with the events that led to her best friend dying right in front of her.
Despite this being a slow burn, it felt like it was needed especially with the ghosts they each faced. It needed to happen gradually and on its own rather than something they seek out just for comfort.
I figured out that Polo would be an issue right away after he was introduced, and we find out his connection to Giorgio and the soon to be dead Don. I was sad that he chose the path he did and did not see how wrong he was. If he had just been patient and more understanding his life could have been so much more different but he fucked up and he found out.
It kind of bothered me how Giorgio was blinded by Polo and what he was capable of, it was hard to witness the aftermath of Polo’s insanity take over and cause havoc on everything since it could have been avoided if Giorgio was not blind.
Giorgio pulling away from Martina causes a lot of angst and pain but thankfully he gets his head out of his ass and claims her finally though the road to getting there was difficulty as his main issue was her brother finding out and losing his chance as vengeance. Which he stupidly chooses over her and that costs him (for some time anyways).
There are some sad moments in this book concerning some deaths and reveals but overall, I really enjoyed it but I did find it a bit slow at times however, I cannot wait to finish off the rest of the series!
''But the deeper I cut, the deeper you burrow''
Safety warnings:
- H 33 / h 18-19
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Violence/d*ath
- Trauma/PTSD
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of su*cide
- Mention of r*pe
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I must admit I put this series on hold after I finished the first book last year, part of me wanted to get into it but then I decided to wait until all the books were out to dive back in and thankfully I had the patience because the waiting for each book would have been hard.
Martina is the younger sister of the MMC from the first book and she has gone through hell prior to this book, we get to see what she went through in the first one so as much as this a standalone (concerning the couple) the storyline follows the events from book 1.
Giorgio is tasked to keep her safe until the war her brother is waging is over and she will not be used against him in the fight. He takes the opportunity to get her under his care as a way to seek his long-standing revenge on something/someone. At first I thought he was possibly seeking vengeance against her family, but it was quickly shown not to be the case and it is on the Don they are all trying to get rid of that is his main focus. The Don Sal is actually his biological father after he rapes Giorgio’s mother, she spends the time after he is born to be distant and cut off from bring his mother, sadly this makes Giorgio view himself as less and unloved. His mother then commits suicide when he is a child and this sets the course of his life, he plots to get rid of Sal to avenge his mother and her pain.
This book is slow burn as these two spend a lot of time denying each other but Giorgio does most of the pulling away. Martina is sadly deep inside her mind for a while as she struggles with the events that led to her best friend dying right in front of her.
Despite this being a slow burn, it felt like it was needed especially with the ghosts they each faced. It needed to happen gradually and on its own rather than something they seek out just for comfort.
I figured out that Polo would be an issue right away after he was introduced, and we find out his connection to Giorgio and the soon to be dead Don. I was sad that he chose the path he did and did not see how wrong he was. If he had just been patient and more understanding his life could have been so much more different but he fucked up and he found out.
It kind of bothered me how Giorgio was blinded by Polo and what he was capable of, it was hard to witness the aftermath of Polo’s insanity take over and cause havoc on everything since it could have been avoided if Giorgio was not blind.
Giorgio pulling away from Martina causes a lot of angst and pain but thankfully he gets his head out of his ass and claims her finally though the road to getting there was difficulty as his main issue was her brother finding out and losing his chance as vengeance. Which he stupidly chooses over her and that costs him (for some time anyways).
There are some sad moments in this book concerning some deaths and reveals but overall, I really enjoyed it but I did find it a bit slow at times however, I cannot wait to finish off the rest of the series!
January 31, 2023
It's been a hot minute since I stayed up all night to finish a book and OMFG THIS BOOK SMACKED THE SHIT OUT OF ME .
First of all , if you think the first book was good , this one is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY BETTER.I knew it from the start . Seriously grumpy x sunshine ALWAYS SLAPS .
Georgio motherfucking Girard. I- I'm speechless. He was the most incredible , jaw dropping , sheet gripping , mind blowing , toes curling , mouth drooling grumpy possessive made man i read this year . Man had me literally on my knees the moment he spoke like I knew you were hot but OMG. Don't even get me started on the steamy scenes , he made my throat dry , knees tremble and my pulse flutter (both of them). The way he was disgustingly soft for her and obsessed with her made tears run down my face ( WHEN IS IT MY TURN ?) I love this man and I have to have him . His backstory was heart aching and how he became the man who he is ugh couldn't be more proud of him. Although he fucked up but he groveled in the sweetest way possible. If I was Martina , i would have FOLDED instantly. ( I have a soft spot for rich , grumpy possessive man sorry not sorry )
And Martina , my girl was BOLD ASF and I couldn't love it more . She was such a badass, her character development ...OMG I felt that shit in my bones . She deserves the world and that was her husband Georgio . They were so perfect together. ( now move , my turn ). The way Martina dealt with her grief and how Giorgio helped her was just so beautifully written . It was AMAZING . I loved them as a couple and I loved them even more as individuals .
Their story was so good to read , i ADORED it
The plot was so INTERESTING like I was heavily invested . And THE PLOT TWISTS left me with a gaping mouth like HOLY FUCK . I never saw it coming . Seriously Gabrielle put her whole Gabussy in this book .
The side characters were amazing as always . If it wasn't for Vale , we wouldn't have gotten this happy ending though Damiano pissed me off sometimes . I'm so excited for Ras and Gemma's book . I just know it's gonna hit me HARD . i can even imagine their banter . Omggg can't waiiiiit !!
This book is by far my favourite book !!! 100000000000000 stars <3
This book got me out of my reading slump and I'm beyond happy !!
Keep up the good work author ! Can't wait for the next book and thank you for the arc xoxo
First of all , if you think the first book was good , this one is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY BETTER.I knew it from the start . Seriously grumpy x sunshine ALWAYS SLAPS .
Georgio motherfucking Girard. I- I'm speechless. He was the most incredible , jaw dropping , sheet gripping , mind blowing , toes curling , mouth drooling grumpy possessive made man i read this year . Man had me literally on my knees the moment he spoke like I knew you were hot but OMG. Don't even get me started on the steamy scenes , he made my throat dry , knees tremble and my pulse flutter (both of them). The way he was disgustingly soft for her and obsessed with her made tears run down my face ( WHEN IS IT MY TURN ?) I love this man and I have to have him . His backstory was heart aching and how he became the man who he is ugh couldn't be more proud of him. Although he fucked up but he groveled in the sweetest way possible. If I was Martina , i would have FOLDED instantly. ( I have a soft spot for rich , grumpy possessive man sorry not sorry )
And Martina , my girl was BOLD ASF and I couldn't love it more . She was such a badass, her character development ...OMG I felt that shit in my bones . She deserves the world and that was her husband Georgio . They were so perfect together. ( now move , my turn ). The way Martina dealt with her grief and how Giorgio helped her was just so beautifully written . It was AMAZING . I loved them as a couple and I loved them even more as individuals .
Their story was so good to read , i ADORED it
The plot was so INTERESTING like I was heavily invested . And THE PLOT TWISTS left me with a gaping mouth like HOLY FUCK . I never saw it coming . Seriously Gabrielle put her whole Gabussy in this book .
The side characters were amazing as always . If it wasn't for Vale , we wouldn't have gotten this happy ending though Damiano pissed me off sometimes . I'm so excited for Ras and Gemma's book . I just know it's gonna hit me HARD . i can even imagine their banter . Omggg can't waiiiiit !!
This book is by far my favourite book !!! 100000000000000 stars <3
This book got me out of my reading slump and I'm beyond happy !!
Keep up the good work author ! Can't wait for the next book and thank you for the arc xoxo
November 26, 2025
He would have dimmed your light, and I couldn’t allow that to happen. Not when I’ve seen how bright you can shine.
I love you, Martina. To call you my wife would be my life’s greatest honor.
★ᯓ 4.5 Stars ᯓ★
⤷Grumpy x Sunshine will always have my heart guys, I'm sorry it has to be said.🤌
This book was better than the other one by MANY levels, the plot, the romance, the mini plot twists. IT'S JUST SO DAMN GOOD.
I'm so sure if I wasn't sick, I would have cried at some parts.
✧ Giorgio: Oh. My. GODDD. The yearning he did for like a week straight had me speechless🧎♀️ like he did a major fuck up and I was like Uh-oh here comes the part where the book disappoints me BUT NOPEEE. again if I wasn't sick and dying I would have giggled 🤭
Like the letters???? and he's so hot and smart too I love me a smart genius man 🤌
𐙚 Martina: Okay Listen 🧍♀️ She wasn't very sunshine for like half the book but then she slowly started to become more sunshine-y so like she ate. God I was so proud of her in that one scene with Polo (ifykyk) I love her she's the best.
I am NOT excited for the next book the fmc in that one sounds like she'll give me a headache with her idiocy 😮💨
Anyways I highly recommend this one.
˚₊‧꒰ა Pre-read ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
⤷ Grumpy x Sunshine my fave 😮💨
I have a feeling this one is gonna be too good
I love you, Martina. To call you my wife would be my life’s greatest honor.
★ᯓ 4.5 Stars ᯓ★
⤷Grumpy x Sunshine will always have my heart guys, I'm sorry it has to be said.🤌
This book was better than the other one by MANY levels, the plot, the romance, the mini plot twists. IT'S JUST SO DAMN GOOD.
I'm so sure if I wasn't sick, I would have cried at some parts.
✧ Giorgio: Oh. My. GODDD. The yearning he did for like a week straight had me speechless🧎♀️ like he did a major fuck up and I was like Uh-oh here comes the part where the book disappoints me BUT NOPEEE. again if I wasn't sick and dying I would have giggled 🤭
Like the letters???? and he's so hot and smart too I love me a smart genius man 🤌
𐙚 Martina: Okay Listen 🧍♀️ She wasn't very sunshine for like half the book but then she slowly started to become more sunshine-y so like she ate. God I was so proud of her in that one scene with Polo (ifykyk) I love her she's the best.
I am NOT excited for the next book the fmc in that one sounds like she'll give me a headache with her idiocy 😮💨
Anyways I highly recommend this one.
˚₊‧꒰ა Pre-read ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
⤷ Grumpy x Sunshine my fave 😮💨
I have a feeling this one is gonna be too good
February 5, 2026
I wanted to love this book but it fell short for me in several ways.
While the premise had potential with Martina dealing with her trauma and Giorgio trying to protect her while battling his own attraction, the execution didn’t quite land. The age gap didn’t bother me as much as the pacing issues. The story dragged in places where it should have been tense and rushed through moments that deserved more development.
Martina’s character arc felt inconsistent. One moment she’s strong and independent, the next she needs saving. I appreciated the attempt to show her healing journey but it didn’t feel as authentic as it could have been.
Giorgio came across as too controlling for my taste. I understand the protective alpha trope but there’s a line between protective and overbearing that this book crossed too often.The spicy scenes were well written but they couldn’t make up for the lack of emotional depth in their relationship. I never fully bought into their connection. It felt more like physical attraction than genuine love.
The arranged marriage plot with Damiano could have added interesting tension but it was resolved too easily. The conflict with Mari felt forced and unnecessary as a plot device.
Overall it wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t memorable either. I might continue the series out of curiosity but this one didn’t live up to my expectations.
While the premise had potential with Martina dealing with her trauma and Giorgio trying to protect her while battling his own attraction, the execution didn’t quite land. The age gap didn’t bother me as much as the pacing issues. The story dragged in places where it should have been tense and rushed through moments that deserved more development.
Martina’s character arc felt inconsistent. One moment she’s strong and independent, the next she needs saving. I appreciated the attempt to show her healing journey but it didn’t feel as authentic as it could have been.
Giorgio came across as too controlling for my taste. I understand the protective alpha trope but there’s a line between protective and overbearing that this book crossed too often.The spicy scenes were well written but they couldn’t make up for the lack of emotional depth in their relationship. I never fully bought into their connection. It felt more like physical attraction than genuine love.
The arranged marriage plot with Damiano could have added interesting tension but it was resolved too easily. The conflict with Mari felt forced and unnecessary as a plot device.
Overall it wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t memorable either. I might continue the series out of curiosity but this one didn’t live up to my expectations.
May 12, 2024
Still on my mafia kick—I listened to this one and despite not rating the audio highly this book is my favourite so far in this series. I’m obsessed with Mafia Romances being set outside of the US. And this forced proximity set in a remote Italian Castello? Bro—I was EATING this up. The sex was impeccable. Chemistry off the chart. Ticked ALL the right boxes.
April 11, 2025
Giorgio, take me daddy.
February 13, 2023
4.5⭐
Much better than the first part of the series.
Much better than the first part of the series.
September 22, 2024
3.5 stars
A castle in the woods, a sunshine girl and her broody and dark bodyguard with a broken past? What else do I need in life?
Martina is a sunshine reincarnation in human form. Mari is one of my favourite female protagonists in this series. Her character has both fierce and soft quality with a little bit of craziness and mischief. She has trauma after the things that happened to her in previous book. She was broken and sad when she first came to live in a castle with Georgio but he helped her heal some broken parts of her and it was beautiful to see them explore each other's traumatic past to heal their present self.
“She’s come alive. Flourished. Come into her power. And now she’s ruthlessly exercising it over me.”
Georgio was hot. That's all I want to say about him. He is grumpy, broody, possessive and doesn't believe in love because he thinks there's no one on this planet who can fall in love with him and his broken and tainted past but Mari proved him wrong. Everytime he couldn't control himself around her just made me giggle and kick my feet in the air because he tried so damn hard to keep her away from him but he failed so miserably in the end.
“Every object under my protection is of immense value, Martina. And you might just be the most valuable of them all.”
Georgio and Mari's chemisty was undeniably hot. They had this emotional and vulnerable connection between them where they understood each other so effortlessly. Their banter was witty and the sexual tension was palpable throughout this book. I couldn't get enough of them. I liked how their relationship progressed and how Georgio helped Mari gain mental and physical strength and how Mari loved him even after knowing all about his tragic past. They are so perfect for each other.
This was so much better than When She Unravels. The plot was intriguing and the romance was charming and a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and emotional moments. I enjoyed every second of it and I can't wait to read all the other books in this series.
“Your mind seduces me. Your body tempts me. A single glimpse of you, and I lose my train of thought.”
A castle in the woods, a sunshine girl and her broody and dark bodyguard with a broken past? What else do I need in life?
Martina is a sunshine reincarnation in human form. Mari is one of my favourite female protagonists in this series. Her character has both fierce and soft quality with a little bit of craziness and mischief. She has trauma after the things that happened to her in previous book. She was broken and sad when she first came to live in a castle with Georgio but he helped her heal some broken parts of her and it was beautiful to see them explore each other's traumatic past to heal their present self.
“She’s come alive. Flourished. Come into her power. And now she’s ruthlessly exercising it over me.”
Georgio was hot. That's all I want to say about him. He is grumpy, broody, possessive and doesn't believe in love because he thinks there's no one on this planet who can fall in love with him and his broken and tainted past but Mari proved him wrong. Everytime he couldn't control himself around her just made me giggle and kick my feet in the air because he tried so damn hard to keep her away from him but he failed so miserably in the end.
“Every object under my protection is of immense value, Martina. And you might just be the most valuable of them all.”
Georgio and Mari's chemisty was undeniably hot. They had this emotional and vulnerable connection between them where they understood each other so effortlessly. Their banter was witty and the sexual tension was palpable throughout this book. I couldn't get enough of them. I liked how their relationship progressed and how Georgio helped Mari gain mental and physical strength and how Mari loved him even after knowing all about his tragic past. They are so perfect for each other.
“I crave you, Martina.” He slides his fingers into my hair and pulls me closer to him. “I’ve craved you from the moment I saw you, and I promised myself I’d carve that craving out of me. But the deeper I cut, the deeper you burrow. I’m afraid that if I don’t stop trying to rid myself of you, I’ll end up cutting out my own heart.”
This was so much better than When She Unravels. The plot was intriguing and the romance was charming and a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and emotional moments. I enjoyed every second of it and I can't wait to read all the other books in this series.
December 19, 2023
» Every object under my protection is of immense value, Martina. And you might just be the most valuable of them all. «
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂
This girl had to go threw so fucking much - poor Martina. She managed to go past her trauma and I loved her attitude and character.
❥ 𝑮𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒐
He‘s a big softie and I really liked him. He had his own secrets and goals but truly cared for Martina.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
It was a good book.
I enjoyed the tension and interactions between Mari and Giorgio. The plot was well thought out and entertaining.
But in my opinion the mental health from Martina wasn‘t mentioned enough, her „healing“ wasn‘t portrayed well.
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: forced proximity, camorra, mafia war, he keeps her safe, protective hero, age gap, forbidden love
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 When She Unravels ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 When She Tempts ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 When She Falls ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 When She Loves ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂
This girl had to go threw so fucking much - poor Martina. She managed to go past her trauma and I loved her attitude and character.
❥ 𝑮𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒐
He‘s a big softie and I really liked him. He had his own secrets and goals but truly cared for Martina.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
It was a good book.
I enjoyed the tension and interactions between Mari and Giorgio. The plot was well thought out and entertaining.
But in my opinion the mental health from Martina wasn‘t mentioned enough, her „healing“ wasn‘t portrayed well.
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: forced proximity, camorra, mafia war, he keeps her safe, protective hero, age gap, forbidden love
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 When She Unravels ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 When She Tempts ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 When She Falls ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 When She Loves ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 1, 2023
Really liked this one too. The heroine was a bit frustrating at times, but she made up for it by the end.
4.5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
4.5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
January 31, 2023
3.75 ⭐️, rounded up
Tropes:
- Mafia
- Forbidden
- Age gap
- Virgin fmc
- Forced proximity
Haunted by one of the worst nights of her life, Martina is listless, withdrawn, and barely leaves her room. Unfortunately for her, her life gets uprooted when her older brother entrusts her to the handsome Giorgio Girardi to watch over her and keep her safe while he wages a war against the current mafia Don.
Gio smuggles Martina away to the Italian countryside, and plans to do everything in his power to keep her safe and make her strong. What he doesn’t expect is how stubborn and sharp tongued she is, or how much he likes it—likes her. As Martina pushes his buttons, his willpower snaps… 🥵
Gio and Martina’s love story is a bit of a slow burn, but the wait was well worth it! The chemistry and tension between these two had me dying for the steamy bits to hurry up and happen, but lord they didn’t disappoint when they finally did. Gio has quite the filthy mouth!
Outside of that, I really loved their character growth as well. Martina finally decided to stop feeling powerless and use what happened to her to make herself stronger and more formidable was awesome! & seeing Gio go from being so angry and full of hate, to realizing that revenge was not what was the most important thing to him was *chefs kiss*
Tropes:
- Mafia
- Forbidden
- Age gap
- Virgin fmc
- Forced proximity
Haunted by one of the worst nights of her life, Martina is listless, withdrawn, and barely leaves her room. Unfortunately for her, her life gets uprooted when her older brother entrusts her to the handsome Giorgio Girardi to watch over her and keep her safe while he wages a war against the current mafia Don.
Gio smuggles Martina away to the Italian countryside, and plans to do everything in his power to keep her safe and make her strong. What he doesn’t expect is how stubborn and sharp tongued she is, or how much he likes it—likes her. As Martina pushes his buttons, his willpower snaps… 🥵
Gio and Martina’s love story is a bit of a slow burn, but the wait was well worth it! The chemistry and tension between these two had me dying for the steamy bits to hurry up and happen, but lord they didn’t disappoint when they finally did. Gio has quite the filthy mouth!
Outside of that, I really loved their character growth as well. Martina finally decided to stop feeling powerless and use what happened to her to make herself stronger and more formidable was awesome! & seeing Gio go from being so angry and full of hate, to realizing that revenge was not what was the most important thing to him was *chefs kiss*
August 12, 2025
What a delicious story with characters well built that show us a great time.
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
February 11, 2024
Im really enjoying this series. I was planning on giving this four stars but towards the middle i was hooked with the sexual tension and angst towards the end so i bumped it to 5
I love forbidden love & age gap. I think i liked this more than book 1.
I love forbidden love & age gap. I think i liked this more than book 1.
April 14, 2023
4/5 ⭐️
🤍 Virgin heroine
🤍 No manwhore
🤍 Forced proximity
🤍 Age gap ( 19 l 33 )
🤍 Forbidden
🤍 Touch her & you'll die
🤍 Mafia
🚩Safety - no OW/OM/cheating/ sharing
🤍 Virgin heroine
🤍 No manwhore
🤍 Forced proximity
🤍 Age gap ( 19 l 33 )
🤍 Forbidden
🤍 Touch her & you'll die
🤍 Mafia
🚩Safety - no OW/OM/cheating/ sharing
April 12, 2025
ilk kitap ortalamaydı bu daha iyi çıkıcak dedim ama malesef. Okunur mu evet ama çok bir şey beklememek lazım
July 20, 2025
3.5 stars
June 26, 2025
5 ⭐
fAV Quote :"Even the most broken of things can be mended by the right pair of hands "
Well I LOVE this book ,I LOVE these characters,I LOVE this setting ,I LOVE the chemistry, annnnnd I LOVE Soph
This was definitely more enjoyable than the first book , I loved both Martina and Giorgio's character developments and I was so invested in their romance and the plot and I just had an all-around great time reading this. This was hot and funny but I also loved the fact that they were able to help each other heal. Their chemistry is just on another level and I felt like this book had a lot I mean I know it's almost 500 pages but I feel like I lived with them through many things and that just made their story even more real and touching .🩷
I know I said this when I finished the first book but I'm sooo exciiiiiited for Gemma and Ras' book cuz I just know I'm gonna love it 😭
fAV Quote :"Even the most broken of things can be mended by the right pair of hands "
Well I LOVE this book ,I LOVE these characters,I LOVE this setting ,I LOVE the chemistry, annnnnd I LOVE Soph
This was definitely more enjoyable than the first book , I loved both Martina and Giorgio's character developments and I was so invested in their romance and the plot and I just had an all-around great time reading this. This was hot and funny but I also loved the fact that they were able to help each other heal. Their chemistry is just on another level and I felt like this book had a lot I mean I know it's almost 500 pages but I feel like I lived with them through many things and that just made their story even more real and touching .🩷
I know I said this when I finished the first book but I'm sooo exciiiiiited for Gemma and Ras' book cuz I just know I'm gonna love it 😭
August 17, 2026
*** 1.8 “Giorgio & Mari” Stars ***
¿Puede un libro entretenerte y al mismo tiempo yo estar consciente de que no es la gran historia?
La respuesta es sí.
Justo eso me pasó con este libro.
Vengo de leerme la historia anterior de esta serie, que, si no han leído mi reseña, se las linkeo acá: "When She Unravels (The Fallen, #1) by Gabrielle Sands", pueden ir y dejar un comentario o like.
Pero al terminar aquel libro, a pesar de todas mis opiniones negativas, quedé con la genuina y masoquista curiosidad de saber qué sucede con Martina y Giorgio.
Ya de entrada me dijo una amiga que detestó esta historia, mucho más que el libro anterior, y ella y yo tenemos gustos muy similares, así que, bajo mi total responsabilidad, me adentré en este bodrio.
Martina, después de los sucesos al final del libro anterior, queda como en estado de shock; totalmente inesperado, ¿cierto?
Damiano, que no sabe cómo manejar a su hermana pero que definitivamente tiene que irse a una guerra y rebelarse contra los que secuestraron a Martina, (una parte porque la otra es su querido suegrito y prefiere ignorar eso), decide enviar a su hermana con un protector llamado Giorgio Girardo o, en el bajo mundo de la mafia Casal, “Napoletano” .
Giorgio acepta con dos pequeñas condiciones: un favor que pedirá más adelante y que Damiano no pueda saber el paradero de su hermana por razones de seguridad.
Así que se la lleva casi a Italia a un castello cerca de Nápoles, y allí está relativamente protegida por un matrimonio que se encarga del mantenimiento de la finca y un apadrinado llamado Polo que funge como jardinero y vive allí también.
No quiero extenderme en el cuento, porque es hasta traumático lo malo que fue este libro.
Martina pasa de ser alguien en estado de shock y toda víctima por la muerte de su amiga (con justa razón) a ser una muchachita inmadura, caprichosa, calenturienta e irresponsable.
Lees esta historia y te da la sensación de que ella no dimensiona el problemón en el que está su hermano al irse a una guerra, y todo lo que hacen para protegerlo lo pisotea con las peores decisiones que toma.
“Martina, no puedes dar detalles de qué haces aquí y los reales motivos de tu estadía” ; y la carajita casi le dice a Polo todo, porque hasta el nombre y apellido del hermano revela.
“Martina, no puedes salir del castello” ; y ella que se va de paseo con Polo al pueblo, donde la captan cámaras de seguridad.
“Martina, por nada del mundo te adentres en el bosque que te puedes perder” ; y la inmadura que se adentra buscando al perro a pesar de que sabe que corre el riesgo de perderse, y nadie sabe que ella andaba por allí para empezar.
Y podría seguir así en toda la reseña…
En todo esto lo que lamento es que al personaje de Giorgio le dieran a una inservible inmadura como pareja; creo que Gabrielle allí se equivocó demasiado.
Y sin palabras, ni qué decir del supuesto amor que surge entre estos dos en menos de tres semanas en donde pasan una en un mete y saca por toda la propiedad.
Me da a mí que Gabrielle tiene un fetiche con los secuestros porque no veo de otra, pero Martina, logra huir de allí y se monta en un avión para irse con su hermano.
Entonces viene el drama de que Giorgio la trata distante y frío , que le debe explicaciones, que ella quiere estar con él; en fin, puras niñerías las de esta jovencita.
Luego viene el tira y encoge del triángulo Damiano, Martina y Giorgio, porque Giorgio quiere venganza por su madre, pero también quiere a Martina .
Después se van al último enfrentamiento y me parece que Gabrielle no ha visto suficientes películas de acción, porque según ella estos mafiosos van a darle de baja a un Don, pero a tantos kilómetros del punto de enfrentamiento se bajan a ponerse los chalecos y tomar las armas y municiones.
Obvio y es de lógica que lo debes hacer antes del salir de tu lugar seguro y un auto nunca es tan seguro como paredes de hormigón. Un sinsentido, amigos míos.
Imagínate que el paramédico vaya a ayudarte sin la camilla o el bombero sin el traje y el casco, jajaja. Demasiado patético lo de esta escena.
Ah, y la guinda del pastel, porque esto se ganó su única estrella cuando en un inicio iba a darle dos, es por lo siguiente:
En el libro uno manejamos todo el drama de que Damiano no quería irse a una guerra ni rebelarse por proteger a su hermana, e igual la inicia al darse cuenta de que de su mismo clan la mandó a secuestrar.
Todo ese drama en ese libro fue por allí; Damiano se tenía que enfrentar a su Don y derrocar su tiranía ahorcándolo con sus propias manos para que su reclamo fuera legítimo.
En este libro va del mismo drama:
Damiano ya se rebeló y aparte Giorgio es el que quiere el papel importante de aniquilar al Don por razones personales, aunque no haría el reclamo de Don solo le quiere dar de baja en la suscripción de vida, entonces está en ese tira y encoge de que si la venganza, que si la mujer que ama.
Gabrielle me da más de 650 páginas en sumatoria entre el libro uno y dos por una perra venganza y nunca me explicas esto. ¡Nmjds, Gabrielle!
Por estas cosas, no pienso leerme el libro tres y el libro cuatro está en “veremos”; por lo pronto, hasta acá me bajo de esta serie y estaré muy desocupada para considerar retomarla.
¡Hasta la próxima!
May 5, 2023
damn... sex scenes 🔥💥🔥💥🥵❤️🔥
взагалі не дуже люблю age gap, але тут з'їла та й ще й пальці облизала
взагалі не дуже люблю age gap, але тут з'їла та й ще й пальці облизала
May 7, 2025
Why are older men so hot
March 28, 2024
4⭐ / 3🌶️
— vibezz
🌤️ age gap [33H 19h]
💻 guardian/ward
🌤️ forced proximity
💻 past trauma
🌤️ grovelling
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After what happened to her, Martina is not the same she was before. She's lost interest in cooking, she barely talk and goes through life passively. Her brother would do anything to protect her, and with the things now in motion to gain finally the power in the organization he decided to entrust her to the best keeper he know, Giorgio.
Maybe the change of her surrounding would be good for her, because Giorgio still see the joy of summer sparkling trough the grey that surround her, and he would do anything to make her shine again as before.
//
I'm gonna be honest, I was not digging it at the beginning, it was a little slow for my likes, nothing much happened and it was pretty boring (Martina I feel you).
The story began interesting around 40/50% into it when finally we get to know more about the general plot of the story (👀 and those big revelations! omg) and finally the two of them bang (lmao).
Yes, Giorgio did a pretty shitty thing towards the end but I loved how it resolved in the book, Martina took no shit from him or her brother and let the man grovel and was so satisfying to read 10/10
— vibezz
🌤️ age gap [33H 19h]
💻 guardian/ward
🌤️ forced proximity
💻 past trauma
🌤️ grovelling
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After what happened to her, Martina is not the same she was before. She's lost interest in cooking, she barely talk and goes through life passively. Her brother would do anything to protect her, and with the things now in motion to gain finally the power in the organization he decided to entrust her to the best keeper he know, Giorgio.
Maybe the change of her surrounding would be good for her, because Giorgio still see the joy of summer sparkling trough the grey that surround her, and he would do anything to make her shine again as before.
//
I'm gonna be honest, I was not digging it at the beginning, it was a little slow for my likes, nothing much happened and it was pretty boring (Martina I feel you).
The story began interesting around 40/50% into it when finally we get to know more about the general plot of the story (👀 and those big revelations! omg) and finally the two of them bang (lmao).
Yes, Giorgio did a pretty shitty thing towards the end but I loved how it resolved in the book, Martina took no shit from him or her brother and let the man grovel and was so satisfying to read 10/10
“I hated myself, Giorgio.”
He clenches his jaw, clearly displeased at hearing that. “And now?”
“Now, I think even the most broken of things can be mended by the right pair of hands.”
I’m afraid that if I don’t stop trying to rid myself of you, I’ll end up cutting out my own heart.”
“Then let go of the knife,” I say, my lips close enough to brush against his, “and let me mend you.”
September 15, 2024
My Review:
I am going to keep this a bit shorter than I would have wanted. Now if I had actually enjoyed this book I would do a full length review but alas, I just didn't enjoy this one like I wanted to to be honest. There was just something that was so off about this book. Now keep in mind I absolutely LOVED the first book. So this one was just a bit of a disappointment. It had a great premise, and it started out really good. But then the pacing went way off, super super from the 30-65% of the story, the heroine became such a brat, very immature, and just rubbed me the wrong way. And there is a scene where she really shows an abusive side. And quite frankly, needed to do a better grovel than she did The hero I was totally fine with all the way through actually. And once you get to 65% that is where the story really picks up plot wise and I was really happy with how it was all resolved.
I am sure that this book will work for some readers though, it just didn't quite work for me. And while I still plan on reading more from this author, I might take some time before picking up book three.
I am going to keep this a bit shorter than I would have wanted. Now if I had actually enjoyed this book I would do a full length review but alas, I just didn't enjoy this one like I wanted to to be honest. There was just something that was so off about this book. Now keep in mind I absolutely LOVED the first book. So this one was just a bit of a disappointment. It had a great premise, and it started out really good. But then the pacing went way off, super super from the 30-65% of the story, the heroine became such a brat, very immature, and just rubbed me the wrong way. And there is a scene where she really shows an abusive side. And quite frankly, needed to do a better grovel than she did The hero I was totally fine with all the way through actually. And once you get to 65% that is where the story really picks up plot wise and I was really happy with how it was all resolved.
I am sure that this book will work for some readers though, it just didn't quite work for me. And while I still plan on reading more from this author, I might take some time before picking up book three.
April 15, 2023
Giorgio and Martina's story... and I really enjoyed reading this book! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
July 15, 2025
This one failed miserably, after Book 1 Which was a really good read.
June 29, 2026
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ .4 🌟
Forgot to update but this one was certainly way better than book one .
The plot was okay like in every predictable mafia romance , but the couple was mwah the tension between them was so good ngl 🤭
Forgot to update but this one was certainly way better than book one .
The plot was okay like in every predictable mafia romance , but the couple was mwah the tension between them was so good ngl 🤭
May 14, 2025
"But the deeper I cut, the deeper you burrow. I'm afraid that if I don't stop trying to rid myself of you, I'll end up cutting out my own heart."
En este segundo libro tenemos nuevos tropes que no decepcionan... age-gap (14 años), romance prohibido, guardián y proximidad forzada. Aunque continuamos la trama anterior, que parcialmente queda resuelta en esta entrega, se incorporan nuevas intrigas y se desarrolla la historia de Giorgio y Martina.
Giorgio debe proteger a Martina y ocultarla de todos los que quieren capturarla. Ella no está en un buen momento después de las dos situaciones traumáticas que ha vivido y cuando se va al castello, apenas es un cascarón de si misma.
Giorgio aspira a obtener algo a cambio de proteger a Martina, algo que pondrá fin a años en los que ha esperado poder vengarse de un hecho del pasado. Pero quizás la venganza no consiga salvarle, todo lo que ha pasado le ha dejado muchas huellas.
El romance entre los dos está muy bien llevado y realmente encaja en la historia.
Pero si hay algo que destacar es lo bien escrito que está el libro.
Y como desde el primer libro llevamos viendo detalles de la próxima pareja, pues no puedo esperar...
En este segundo libro tenemos nuevos tropes que no decepcionan... age-gap (14 años), romance prohibido, guardián y proximidad forzada. Aunque continuamos la trama anterior, que parcialmente queda resuelta en esta entrega, se incorporan nuevas intrigas y se desarrolla la historia de Giorgio y Martina.
Giorgio debe proteger a Martina y ocultarla de todos los que quieren capturarla. Ella no está en un buen momento después de las dos situaciones traumáticas que ha vivido y cuando se va al castello, apenas es un cascarón de si misma.
Giorgio aspira a obtener algo a cambio de proteger a Martina, algo que pondrá fin a años en los que ha esperado poder vengarse de un hecho del pasado. Pero quizás la venganza no consiga salvarle, todo lo que ha pasado le ha dejado muchas huellas.
El romance entre los dos está muy bien llevado y realmente encaja en la historia.
Pero si hay algo que destacar es lo bien escrito que está el libro.
Y como desde el primer libro llevamos viendo detalles de la próxima pareja, pues no puedo esperar...
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