Anti-Heroes in Love Duet

by Giana Darling

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Giana Darling comes the Anti-Heroes in Love duet, a gripping mafia romance about the capo who will risk everything to keep the woman he loves safe... I am the hero no one wanted...

I was a murderer.

One of the cruelest and wealthiest men in New York City.

Dante Salvatore, capo of capos.

Yet I had one weakness.

Elena Lombardi, rising star attorney. Cold as ice and more beautiful than any woman should have the right to be.

I am everything she hates, yet she’s representing me in the biggest criminal trial of the decade.

For her, I would change everything – prove myself worthy of the heart she keeps guarded under layers of frost.

Loving her may cost us everything, but I will do anything to keep her safe even if she hates me more for it.

Even if Elena Lombardi must become my wife.

*The Anti-Heroes in Love Duet contains two full length books, When Heroes Fall and When Villains Rise*

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

814 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2022

About the author

Giana Darling is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Top 40 Amazon Best Selling Canadian romance author.

I love to write about all things dark, forbidden, and angsty.

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Reviews

[Debleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute master piece of a book/duet .
I loved loved and loved Elena, the beautiful,smart , strong and absolutely breathtaking woman. She suffered so much throughout her life, some of the worst by her own blood members, that it's a freaking miracle how she still has love and kindness in her heart.
I absolutely hated how she compared herself with Cosima, when all I found that woman a beauty with no brains type of girl(harsh but, when a woman goes back to her tormentor all because her vagina is doing the decision making, idk what to say other than call her a foolish pathetic doormat) , or how her mother only hid something crucial from her or the whole Giselle crap(Giselle is another loathsome character that should have been forgotten like Cosima)
She deserved a lot better than her family but her loyalty towards them teared me up(some angry years and some sad ones)

What can I say about Dante, he is absolutely breathtaking. I absolutely love his personality, certainly way way wayyyyyy better than his shit brother.
I won't lie I was sceptical on how the author would show Dante and his love story,since from the Enslaved duet we get to know that he had an infatuation for Cosima, and I would have literally thrown my Kindle if I even got the slightest inclination that Elena was a concession prize, the one who came second to Dante's loyalty and affection. Luckily my Kindle was spared from my wrath😅

The primary story line deserves an infinite amount of stars ♥️♥️✨✨✨✨♥️♥️

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Heroes Fall: 4 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this duet- other than the Giana characteristic emotional complexity, danger, and scorching chemistry. Because Giana had a tall task when it came to the characters- Elena in particular given the side of her we’d seen in prior books. And wow did Giana change my mind about her. Cleverly, Giana leans into what made us not like Elena to begin with. Instead of trying to soften or backtrack the parts of her that are hardest to like and understand, Giana amplifies them- but with new meaning, and in a way that humanizes her. Elena is still the ice queen, she still has her detached and bitter edge, but now we understand and empathize with her. Giana gives what made her villainous heartfelt meaning, and the prior manifestations of what we perceived as flaws come across now and heroic acts of coping and surviving. It still took me a bit to truly connect with her emotionally- because Giana slowly metes out the more vulnerable sides of Elena’s identity, but feeling by feeling we find a way to her heart. And we see the facets of her that we weren’t able to see through the eyes of others now- because we’re seeing them through the eyes of Dante now- a man who shrewdly discerns the subtlest of details in others. And he see’s Elena’s beauty, but most importantly, he sees her loneliness and pain, and instead of holding it against her like so many others, he treasures it.Dante is delicious- the fire to Elena’s ice. The “bad guy” that somehow is the beating heart of this story. At least in this first book, his character arc is more minimal, more so in the service of Elena’s evolution. This book is really about her character- her journey, a lost and sad woman finally finding her way. But Dante still shines- particularly in his contradictions. The murderer who gently helps heal the forgotten and hated sister, the criminal that sees more good in our heroine than anyone else who loves her has. He’s a perfect foil for her, and a beautiful and supportive soul. I can’t wait to get to know him better. This story very much is laying the groundwork for what is to come- more so a study of character transformation than anything- both exposing and connecting these characters so we can watch what happens when they lean into who they are. And, a story of contrasts- fire and ice, violence and peace, light and dark, pain and redemption. Bursts of violence and action with more slowly meted moments of emotional processing. The burn is slow, and the story is more about understanding the evolution of the players than understanding the game- but I can already tell their love will be tested in the second part of her duet. Good thing we don’t have long to wait!

When Villains Rise: 5 stars
What a powerfully emotive and grippingly suspenseful finale to perhaps the most epic love story from Giana Darling to date! Lush with emotions, enthralling and passionate from beginning to end, I never wanted Elena and Dante’s story to end. Yet I was desperate to know just how they’d find their HEA. Just what happens when two self-proclaimed villains fall in love? They become each other’s heroes.

Giana delivers yet another beautifully penned and poignant story of the catalytic power of love set amidst a dark and dangerous world. Foreign travels, complicated mafia politics and clever intrigue, long buried secrets and familial drama, dangerous double crosses, legal proceedings, and at the center, a powerfully transformative love story. Giana packs so much richness into this finale- and every element is perfectly wrought. Every moment, big and small, is so strategically created, a brilliant tapestry of words and moments that creates a story that is as exhilarating and it is emotionally resonant. Whereas book one felt more singular in focus, more insulated and meta, book 2 juxtaposes with a more expansive narrative and more divergent threads. Yet even so, the second book feels more accessible emotionally, somehow more intimate amidst all the action- and I found it even more compelling and more engaging than the first.

And that is because of the intimacy of the character growth. What a character journey! To be honest, I wasn’t sure Giana could fully thaw me to the ice queen- that the once villainized, cold and resentful eldest Lombardi sister could ever capture me. I could not have been more wrong- because Giana has saved the most compelling Lombardi sister for last. There is no greater testament to Giana Darling’s character writing capacity than Elena. Not only is her character growth beautifully penned, but Giana did the impossible- she didn’t just help me understand Elena, she made me fall madly in love with her. She reinvented her in a way that feels both recognizable and newly born - and I have never rooted for any Giana heroine harder than I did for Elena. Her inner strength, her heartfelt courage, her tenacity and new found fire- watching her unleash her true self because of the safety and unwavering love of her capo, seeing her open up her whole heart? Simply magnificent.

DANTE. MY GOD THIS MAN. Is there anyone who loves as profoundly as he does? This man is the epitome of dark romantic heroism - a man whose beautiful proclamations of love rival master poets’ in their romanticism, but a man who also delivers blood cold vengeance as a gift. SWOON- I’m so in love with this man and the way he loves Elena- the devotion, how he champions her and lifts her up. He’s the perfect encapsulation of what makes Giana Darling heroes so interesting and compelling- the way she writes broken, twisted, ruthless, hardened, and violent men infused with such emotional intensity and sincerity of heart. Dante is strong, powerful, truly unstoppable as a mafia force, but as a man, Giana gives him emotional complexity, vulnerability- she makes him a man who cares about family, oozes humanity, a man with a deep and profound desire to love deeply and unequivocally. It's an intoxicating mix- the swooniest capo you’ll ever read. The contrasts are perfectly crafted- his sweetness with violence, his resolute strength with tenderness, alpha possession with emotional availability. The “you do not need your armor...I will be your sword”- BE STILL MY HEART- I’m ruined for all other men.

THIS is how you write an epic love story-the unending devotion, poetic overtures, impossible odds, soulful connection, and an unwavering love. A love that could launch a thousand ships, a love that could vanquish an army, a love that makes a dead heart beat again, that makes a broken soul whole and healed. A love that captured my heart and soul, and a love that I’m not soon to forget. The villains rise, but it turns out they are heroes after all.

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante Salvatore ladies and gentlemen.
I would legit let Elena walk all over me and thank her

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

-When Heroes Fall (5 Stars)
Elena Lombardi from The Evolution Of Sin trilogy is here and finally gets her own story. She is a powerful criminal lawyer and now has to help mafia capo Dante Salvatore get out of trouble…well at least some of it…defending him. Elena loathes this devious and dark man. Dante knows this but can’t help to provoke his new spitfire attorney. Can she clear him on this charge without killing him herself? If you haven’t read the previous trilogy no worries, you are able to start with this duet. I wanted to give Elena a clean slate going into this so I too have not read the previous trilogy where she first appeared. As this is a duet it ends on a major cliffhanger. I loved Dante and Elena. Their chemistry and banter are a perfect combination. What a rush of intrigue, action and suspense that will have you counting down the days until book two. I’ve fallen Hard for this Capo!!! A Must Read Mafia Romance! Told in dual POV

-When Villains Rise (5 Stars)
Dante Salvatore, Be Still My Heart! 🖤Dante Salvatore and Elena Lombardi are back in this epic duet! Now that they have fled NY for Italy, what will happen to Elena and life as she knew it? With Dante, everything is exciting but being on the wrong side of the law for the first time could ruin her as well...right? Power…Revenge and so much heat you might melt! Dante Salvatore is what all Mafia Dons should be! Strong, confident, powerful and he eludes sexuality from his pores. Plenty of action, war, suspense and steamy moments to keep you turning the pages until the very end. Dante and Elena are on fire and I’m so here for every second of their chemistry. A perfect conclusion to this adventurous mafia romantic suspense. A definite Top Read! Told in dual POV

[Zatul · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's ok. i don't think i'll read any of the other siblings stories because i'm already iffy with how they've treated elena doesn't warant them any redemption arc imo

[melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
He grabbed my hand and pressed it hard over his madly beating heart. “This beats for you. It bleeds for you. I am yours. Your sword, your champion, your lover, and your home. You don’t understand this yet, but I will never hurt you, Elena. I only ever hurt for you because fuck me, you’ve been through too much already. I will only ever hurt those who hurt you because I love you, and I won’t let anyone else ever get away with putting pain in your heart without consequences. Mi senti?” Do you hear me?
“Yes,” I said through the silent tears that ruined my makeup. “I hear you, Dante.”
“I love you, Elena,” he said, the words like four punches straight to my chest. “Mi senti?”
“Ti sento,” I promised him. “I hear you.”
“You believe me?”
A sob wedged in my throat and moved painfully in my mouth where it exploded from my lips and fell between us, wet and ugly. “Yes,” I hiccoughed, clutching at his chest with one hand and his hand on my cheek with the other. At that moment, I couldn’t fathom him ever letting me go. “I believe you.”
He stared at me like some avenging angel, mad with powerful, vengeful rage, but slowly, breath by breath, he softened until he finally sagged against me, forehead to forehead. “Cuore mia, my heart breaks for you,” he whispered raggedly before kissing the tears from my cheeks. “I won’t let yours break again.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️

This is exactly the kind of emotion I like to read for. It's starting with 20% of the story where everything seems complex and having a hard time hanging on... only to end in tears at the epilogue.

I loved absolutely everything about this book. The main and secondary characters. The found family often found in mafia is perfectly executed here for a standalone.

Dante is a dangerous man because of his status, but he's a man with a huge heart, and a respect and admiration for Elena that knows no bounds. He's the perfect cross between Dante Cavallaro (Born in Blood) and Dante Maroni (DarkVerse). And Elena is an ambitious girl boss who, beneath her ice queen exterior, hides deep fissures that moved me deeply. Dante wants to be a better man. To deserve someone loyal like Elena. And Elena begins to live beside him again, to regain control of her body and release her emotions. To love someone devoted like Dante. At the end, they´re so much alike.

Their relationship develops crescendo, it may seem fast in the timeline of the book but when you read it, everything seems logical. Their love is undeniable, and Elena/Dante continue to choose each other every day, despite difficulties and trials.

[silent reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book :( Dantes love, protection and all those „tesoro“ nicknames for Cosima, was just an ick for me

[Akankhya Sahu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like it did not contain cheating and disloyality.

Honestly I loved the book so much it is one of the best book I read but only sore topic was Ellena Sister and her ex lover I hate them so much. They are the cheater and do not deserve what they got just like what Ellena did not deserve given by them. I don't know it's so annoying reading them behaving like victim as if the assholes didn't betrayed someone who only throughout the book loved and protected them. I really hated how Ellena had to struggle for her happy ending while these cheater driven by their lust got their's so easily. Thankgod I went for this book first because it was so pure and blissed unlike the Sinclair and Elle story sin and full of shit. I don't want to read something which defend cheaters.

[Venessa Ventura-Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this. Mafia is my jam but nope. I couldn’t. It was about the mafia life more than the love story for me. Honestly was bored through a lot of it. 🫣

[Melanie Nevermind · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Don't get me wrong, BUT there are some points that triggered my hate for some things in there. And that's being said AFTER I read it for a second time.

- Elena not being the bad bitch lawyer I LOVED in the first part. Like she was feeling like a side character straight out of another book. Didn't recognize her from the first book.
- The biggest hate I have is how fucking shit her family is treating her. I don't care that you had a threesome relationship with an actor and his wife but could you fucking apologize to your sister for treating her like everything that happened to her is her fault? Her cheating ex fiance being a happy family with her sister Giselle IS a good point to tell her to fuck everyone. Then there is her other sister constantly lying to her. And her mother WHO FUCKING started to be involved with the mafia? I am feeling for her for having a shitty family that she has to constantly apologize to and makes her feel like shit even though she was the one raising the siblings.
- Dante being in love with her sister Cosima, like okay I guess it was in the past?! But she still felt like she was a second option in this duet for every guy she had a relationship with. Including Dante of course.
- The absolute fucking tragedy the author is trying to sell us about Italy and it's culture. I mean Elena has a point for not wanting to having to do anything with the mafia or her family. And don't get me wrong it is her decision to never wanting to set a foot in Italy again, BUT the author, and I have to admit, maybe a small part of Americans, think that people from Europe seem to be living in the 18th century. Does she know that Italy and the whole continent has a massive amount of different cultures? Does the author actually know that women here ACTUALLY HAVE MORE RIGHTS THAN WOMEN IN THE US RIGHT NOW? It pissed me of how she was trying to justify her view of Italy with a backward culture from the 40s-50s where women had no rights whatsoever. And don't get me started on the italian. I am not speaking italian and I certainly am not italian but it really triggered something inside me that I felt I had to protect the people from Italy!?! Like whenever I was translating something italian from the book, google translator immediately corrected the phrase for me. It really is not that hard.
- the epilogue and ending was cute but it still felt rushed.
- the writing is worse in the first book. It really felt all over the place and because of her sisters and the background they have it felt a little of for a stand-alone duet. You will feel like there was something you didn't get to the root because you didn't read their books. Get's a tiiiiiny bit better in the second. But still there were phrases that left me cringing hard. But those were already said in other reviews.
All in all I can say, I will never be reading her other books. Sometimes I think I will actually come back to this duet but I definitely will not be reading it in the same light I did when I read it for the first time.

[Serenade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

When heroes fall book 1 :

I listened to the audiobook on audible, and I enjoyed it a lot. The narrators were good, and it was a nice experience.

So the first book in this duology was all about the world building of the mafia, the Italian famiglias, the history of the mafia, character developments, and some retelling from the evolution of sin trilogy for a better understanding. The world building, character development, and the progression of the story were done perfectly in this book. I loved how Elena and Dante gradually turned from enemies to lovers by the end, the chemistry, the slow burn, and the burning passion between them was perfetto. 🤌🏻

" Io sono con te "
" lottatrice Mia "
" cuore mia "

When villains rise book 2:

I LOVED THIS BOOK. Character developments, story progress, and everything in this book were pure perfection. In this book, we get more of the intense romance between Elena and Dante, more action, and a lot of secrets and bad blood unraveling between the Lombardis. The ending was a bit heartwrenching and somehow really deep and touching. This is what I love about giana darling and her stories, the depths, and all the emotional moments. There're just a kind of depth in her stories that get to you in the most crucial and unexpected way. ❤️‍🔥🙌🏻

Giana darling has become my most beloved author this year. There's just so much that I love about her books, her stories, and just everything. But what I love mostly in her books are her characters and they way she does character developments. Seriously, every single character she makes are just amazing and flawless, and the way she turns them into even better characters is really impressive. Dante and Elena were no exception. The way she kept developing them with each book, part, and chapters was bellissima e impressionante.

Reading this duology by giana darling was the best closure ever for my 2024 readings. Can't wait to read more of her books.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands Down Amazing

This duet is mafia romance literally at its best!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!

This story will captivate you from the beginning all the way until the very end. There are so many dark and delicious twists and turns that will have you staying up way too late, saying just one more chapter.

Elena is an attorney with an ice queen persona. Dante is the capo dei capi of the New York City Camorra. They both have pasts full of loss, betrayal, and hurt.

When Elena's sister/best friend asks her to help represent Dante, she agrees to do so because she feels that she owes this to her sister, even though she wants nothing to do with Dante and what he represents.

Dante is my new book boyfriend. He is 100% all alpha male, morally gray, and possessive, but is also genuine, caring, and protective. The way that he is with Elena just makes me swoon🖤❤️🖤.

The spice is this duet is ON FIRE 🥵🥵🥵. Dante and Elena’s chemistry will literally jump off the pages at you.

This duet delivers one epic love story. It shows that there is that one right person out there for you. The one who can pick up all your broken pieces and put you back together one piece at a time so that you are stronger and better than before. Their unwavering belief and devotion in you, makes you realize that you’re truly living for the first time. That without them, nothing makes sense.

This book is going on the list as one of my favorite reads. If you like mafia romance, you have to check this out!!!

[Books2lovenow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Duet

First Book

I love everything Giana Darling writes because she gives us books like When Heroes Fall. She takes a character like Elena who came across as very unlikable in the rest of the series and makes her not only relatable but lovable. Dante was easy to love but perhaps not always relatable in the other books now we start to realize why he's lovable and why he's a great man even if he's a mafia man. There isn't as much interaction between Elena and her family as I would've liked but given the fast paced nature of the narrative it was understandable. It's impossible to really talk about the plot without giving it away but it's compelling and hard to take a break from. Dante turns out to be just as dirty as we imagined if not more so. What ends up being amazing is how well Elena is his equal. I can't recommend this book enough. It is a cliff hanger but the second book is not far off.

Second Book

Although both Dante and Elena are big parts of the narrative in many ways this is Elena's book. Elena really comes into her own. With Dante's support she finally believes herself and honestly starts to kick ass.

Dante on the other hand shows how he's one of the smartest heroes in a Giana Darling novel. He and King both show exceptional abilities to twist things to their own benefit.

When Villains Rise is intense, very violent, and at its heart an epic love story.

[jps_steamyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante and Elena's story
Giana Darling's "Anti-Heroes in Love" duet. "When Heroes Fall"
This Mafia romance is about a larger than life, over confident, sexy AF Mafia Capo Dante Salvatore. He's in trouble with the law and has hired his good friend Cosima's sister as one of his lawyers. Elena Lomardi lives and breathes her job in the court room. After going through a heart breaking divorce Elena has turned to "Ice". She definitely finds Dante attractive but gives him a very cool shoulder and a hard time. The suspense and intrigue was constant, the angst penetrating, the fire in Dante's eyes scalding, just everything made this book unstoppable! I could not put it down!!
"When Villains Rise"
Giana Darling continues to WOW me with her extraordinary talent! Dante, our dark and sexy Mafia Capo brought me to my knees! Elena totally redeemed herself in this duet and I couldn't get enough of their love story. The action was intense, the steam scorching, exactly what I've come to expect from Giana's books. The chemistry between Dante and Elena was explosive. Dante was every girls dream lover. Elena was Dante's everything, he would do anything to protect her. Elena finally finds a love that fits her, that is all consuming and real. I'd give this duet a million stars if I could. I never wanted it to end!!

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

it seems i can’t form a coherent review due to my brain still reeling for everything that i have read. believe me when i say i have conflicted feelings with everything that happened to elena and dante. i feel like this two books are not enough for the both them but at the same time, i just want to be done with this because i feel like elena deserves the world so much that dante is nearly not enough.

my heart ache for elena up until now. i guess some part of me resonates with her that i perfectly understand what are her emotions. it’s hard what she has been through, so it made me proud when she finally have her happy ending with dante. she may not deserve the life that she is leading rightnow, but i know that lena is strong and can conquer whatever come in her way.

and i’m not going to deny but i’m still disappointed with her family, particularly with her baby sister giselle. i’m comforted that lena still not forgives her for what happened because it’s not something that can be brush off, and can be forgiven in a blink of an eye. i’m also glad that dante is devoted to her through and through because he too knows that our lena deserves all the good things here on earth.

all in all this is a fun read and definitely a palate cleanser. gianna darling has a knock for poetic writing.

➳ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ 4/5

[hp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a re reader at all because I have a fear that I’ll tarnish the memory of a book I loved by hating it the second time somehow. But 3 years on and I was STILL thinking of this series so I finally took the leap and re read it and oh my goodness it was just as good as I can remember.

Elena is this masterpiece of a character. So well written, with layers that just keep going, flaws and strengths and everything in between. She’s everything you want in your female leads. The character development was perfection. I adored her in the first book especially and to see the growth over 800 pages was amazing. I’m so glad she got her happy ending :,).

Dante is just magnificently portrayed. None of that “ice cold, too broody, too good for you” BS that every other book in the genre does for their male leads. Dante is charismatic, funny, and so well adjusted in his masculinity that you truly see how he suits the position he is in. He is the perfect complement to Elena’s icey, independent personality.

There is nobody more perfect for the other than these two are for each other in this series.

Beyond the characters and the relationship, the plot of the book was highly engaging as well! Especially the first book had me at the edge of my seat.

Overall - so glad I chose to read this again. Elena x Dante forever and ever.

[MATEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is why I love reading romance books with power couples as their main characters! Admittedly it took me a while to immerse myself in the story because it seems to have a lot of information interconnected to other books. Thankfully, once you get the hang of the whole situation, everything just goes smoothly after.
As I said, I love the main characters,especially Elena and her character development. And Hell yeah, I’m an Elena Lombardi apologist, in my eyes she did do no wrong. All her actions, reactions and feelings are valid and fck her sister and her cheating ass ex for hurting her!( imagine my shock when i found out theres a whole book about that mfing affair like, who tf wants to read that?! Ewww). Dante, with all his faults and flaws, im fine with him even tho its kinda icky how he gravitated to the sister of the woman he once fancied. But, with everything that happened and how things went, i kinda forgiven him for that. And hes hot, lol.
All in all, this is a well crafted mafia romance book. Only thing that i wished the story delved into more was with the diCarlos storyline and the thing with Bambi. Idk, a lot of time seems to be wasted on the Rocco situation in Naples. But i still loved this duology and i enjoyed reading this. Theres plot, action, drama, gore and, of course, spice. 😅

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'So alive I burn' Stars!

I can now say this is my favorite series about the Lombardis! The Anti-Heroes in Love Duet has completely captivated me from beginning to end, and Giana Darling has once again proven why she’s one of my top favorite authors. Her writing is as compelling and poetic as ever, drawing you in with the feels, unforgettable characters, and that perfect balance of darkness and passion. The chemistry between Elena and Dante was absolutely electric—delightful and just spicy as hell. Their journey was intense, layered, and deeply romantic in the most twisted, beautiful way.

One of my favorite things about this duet (and the Lombardi world as a whole) is how fully realized everything feels. Giana does such a phenomenal job developing each sibling's storyline without ever losing sight of the MCs. I adored getting more scenes with secondary characters—and now I’m even more excited to see how everything continues. As for the ending, it was everything I wanted! Emotional, satisfying, and absolutely the best possible conclusion for Dante and Elena. Giana sure gave them the ending I think they deserve. So, if you loved the other stories about the Lombardis and you haven't read this duet yet, this is an absolute must-read!

[thesmutreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝟒.𝟓/𝟓⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 (𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥/𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭)
𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤’𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚. 𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬, 𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢, 𝐚 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬.

𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐬𝐨 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈’𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄? 𝐑𝐚𝐰, 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This story gave me all the feels!Giana Darling is one of my go to authors, and she never disappoints. I absolutely love the push and pull between Dante and Elena. These two are just so powerful! Giana has such a beautiful way with her words, I felt every emotion she wrote! I highly recommend this book, I am looking forward to the next book!A stunning ending to the Anti-Heroes Duet! I absolutely love Dante and Elena. It was so fascinating to see the progression of Elena's character as the story continued. At first we see Elena as a very guarded and wary person, but over the progression of the story with Dante's help, we see Elena shining with love and passion! I loved getting a closer look into Elena, she is such a strong, fierce and realistic character!! Dante is such a beautiful character, he is strong, honest and unapologetically an antihero. These two are so amazing together!! They both brought out each other's strengths, and are an astounding couple. Giana darling brings all the feels, and I could not stop reading!! I highly recommend!!

[glen coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was surprisingly good! normally with mafia romance books, the female protagonist tends to be this shy, innocent and "pure" (🤮) thing and the male lead is a dominating, controlling and (slightly) abusive asshole, but here? no such thing.

elena is her own person, has ambition, is driven and strong. in the book she constantly refers to herself as an ice queen or even a bitch but i honestly didn't get those vibes. dante is not this entirely intimidating brute but has charm and warmth and, most importantly, he actually respects and treats elena right. the fact that this is such a big deal is sad because, again, in mafia romance books this is just not the norm lol

oh! and another thing! really liked elena's journey with her sexuality and gynecological issues cause i for one can relate to that 🥲

tis a good addition to the genre and i just know wattpad girlies could take a page from this 👌👌

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me everything I need and love in a mafia romance. It was so so good! The characters, the plot, the twists, the chemistry, the spice.. it was all there and so beautifully written. It had me turning the pages faster and faster as it went on. There were times where it was a bit of information overload, but it all fell into place, and I loved the banter and dialogue!

It was a beautiful story on how to love yourself and others despite the past, the traumas we’re battling and any flaws we might have. That someone can pick up all of your broken pieces and put you back together so you’re stronger than before.

Dante isn’t your typical ruthless mafia don, he’s soft on the inside and will make you melt and fall in love with him. It’s no surprise he melts Elena’s icy heart. Her character development was beautiful and so well done. The way Dante is with her, reassuring her at every turn will have you swooning.

Highly recommend 👌

[RoyalPlaty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average read

Trope: mafia/lawyer, forced close proximity, good girl bad guy, diet both books in one

Slow burn level: 39%

Heroine is an up and coming lawyer and is on the team representing the Mafia don on trial for murder. Heroine grew up in Italy on the shady side with mafia ties. She has been abused, her ex fiance left her for her sister. She comes off cold. Has female medical issues. She wants to be on the straight and arrow.

Hero is the don of New York Mafia family. He didn't kill the person he was accused of but his best friend did but he sacrifices for the ones he loves. Makes heroine stay with him while on house arrest to prepare for trial.

A couple lady in danger moments
Unfortunately I felt the heroine was awkward and didn't necessarily buy into her transformation. I felt that distance impacted how I felt about their chemistry.

HEA w pregnancy

Trigger Warnings: mention of sexual abuse, infertility and spontaneous conception

[Liberty]

The first book was good. The characters have depth and I liked the writing.
The second book is where it fell apart.

The suspense aspects of the book introduced in the first book magnificently fell apart in the second one.
I did not understand the reason for fleeing to Italy. If there was another head in Napoli, how did Tore have a mansion there where he lived peacefully; wasn’t he the head of NYC? The whole plot of marrying Maria in Napoli was so out of sorts, combined with the wedding of Dante and Elena was ridiculous and unnecessary. It felt like twists were added just for the sake of it.

The book was a mockery of law. So many mistakes and not at all well researched. I am not a lawyer and I could pinpoint a lot of problems with the legal plot of the storyline. The first book is still ok and smaller things can be passed as fiction and a romance bu the absurdities in the second book are just inconceivable.


The three stars are only for the first book.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words to describe the beauty of this love

I’ve read this duet before and that did not diminish its impact on me second time around. A beautiful, daring love story that made me weep, laugh, hurt and celebrate Dante and Elena.

Tangled in so many ways because of familial ties, Elena is asked to represent Dante in a number of charges, and there starts this love song. Fiery enemies at first, they keep head butting each other at every turn, but they are an equal match, both getting their hits in. However, when Dante forces Elena to live with him, it becomes the turning point in their story. Slowly they get to see the heart of each other and realize, the world isn’t black and white. Good people do bad things, and bad people do good things. There is an in between for anti-heroes

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously where do I begin?! This book was floating around BookTok and after seeing it recommended a few times I just knew I had to read it! This duet is one of those books that suck you in and leave you drenched 💦👀 if you know what I mean….. Not only is the spice a level 100 but the plot is just 👩🏻‍🍳💋 Elena is such a strong women and I love that she just sheds her skin like a snake to become who she was destined to be. She just needed her strong Capo to help her find her true self. Dante is such a big boy 😏🥵🤭 and we love a good possessive mafia man but knows how to take care of his family and women. This will definitely be a comfort read for me and one I will recommend over and over again. Try it, you won’t regret it 😉

[Lucy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread for me. I loved it just as much as I did the first time. I adore Dante and Elena so much. They are one of my all-time favorite mafia couples. I love how she changes so much and becomes so confident and and in control throughout the book. Also, Dante always lets her become who she is supposed to be without ever coddling her. They are truly perfect together. The King and Queen of New York. I cringe every time about the stuff with her sisters though. Why was that okay from either one of them? I guess she's happy now and that's all that matters, but I would have lost it on my family.

[Bose Néné · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭😭😭
I spent a lot of this book anxious, laughing, in pain and in tears.
Ms. Giana Darling what have you done to me😭
I read that ending so many times in tears because there is nothing I want more for Elena and Dante than happiness, family and so much love.
Wow... I don't even know what to say.
I think I have to reread to get a proper review out of myself but I will say that Elena's strength, fierceness and love is all encompassing. She is actually perfect in the best broken way.
Dante is a king and if he was real I would want him with his queen ruling with his wisdom, possessiveness, kindness and loyalty. He is now my absolute favourite Mafia/dark romance MMC.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing more satisfying than reading a book that delivers everything you could possibly want. Giana Darling's books do this time after time. If you haven't read her stories yet, you are seriously missing out. If you love a great Mafia romance, this book should be on your TBR list, at the top. The Anti-Heroes in Love Duet is a MUST-READ tale that will surely thrill and captivate you. Once again, just when I think Giana Darling can't possibly outdo her last book, she raises the bar and blows you away with a love story for the ages! I LOVED this duet! YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS IT!!!