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Syndicate of Sin #1
Mafia Boss
I’m indebted to the cruelest mafia don in Manhattan.
He offers me a way to eliminate all my debt: leave my fiancé and marry him.
But when my fiancé forces me to skip town, I soon find myself standing in a cold, empty warehouse in front of a devil covered in the blood of my beloved. The mafia boss will stop at nothing to make me his.
He offers me a way to eliminate all my debt: leave my fiancé and marry him.
But when my fiancé forces me to skip town, I soon find myself standing in a cold, empty warehouse in front of a devil covered in the blood of my beloved. The mafia boss will stop at nothing to make me his.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2023
About the author
Emilia Rose
54 books1,343 followersWith over seventy million online story views, Emilia Rose is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves writing about dirty-talking bad boys and alpha-holes. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut USA with her husband, two cats, and cute little yellow ducklings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 27, 2025DNF at 12%
God, I cannot get over how pathetic this FMC is. Her fiancé has been out until 4am every night for weeks, but she hasn't confronted him about it because she keeps falling asleep before he gets back?! I'd like to think that if I thought my fiancé was cheating on me, I wouldn't be drifting off like that, but even if she was, then that's what alarms are for.
She finally manages to miraculously stay up to confront him and finds that his clothes are bloody. He won't tell her why. When she keeps asking, he slams her into the wall and she just... goes to bed. Like ma'am, he is clearly up to some shady shit, and now he's assaulting you? And this is on top of the fact that he was apparently a loser and she's been his doormat from the very beginning of their relationship.
THEN, she meets the MMC at a club and and manages to get more angry and fired up at him making a comment that (without context only the reader knows) just sounds like he's being an overconfident guy who plans to steal her from her fiancé. Where was that fire when fiancé was hiding shit from you for weeks and attacking you, girl?
Even better, the MMC reveals that he's a bad man and her fiancé has sold her to him, and even makes a point of flashing his gun at her when he walks away, and instead of getting the hell out of dodge when she seemingly has the chance, she stays there for another fucking HOUR and only tries to leave after his men come to grab her. Like when she's grabbed, she fully 100% believes she is going to be killed and is terrified, yet she made no attempt to avoid that for an entire hour? Why?!
I... It gets worse. For some fucking reason, the MMC lets them go for now, and FMC willingly goes home with the fiancé, even though he still won't tell her what's going on. When he runs off yet again at night, does she pack her shit and run? Does she call the cops? Does she reach out to a friend for help? No. She decides now it the best time to PULL OUT HER FUCKING VIBRATOR! Ya know, because she's stressed.
I usually refrain from calling an FMC too stupid to live, but this one is a fucking TSTL champion.
God, I cannot get over how pathetic this FMC is. Her fiancé has been out until 4am every night for weeks, but she hasn't confronted him about it because she keeps falling asleep before he gets back?! I'd like to think that if I thought my fiancé was cheating on me, I wouldn't be drifting off like that, but even if she was, then that's what alarms are for.
She finally manages to miraculously stay up to confront him and finds that his clothes are bloody. He won't tell her why. When she keeps asking, he slams her into the wall and she just... goes to bed. Like ma'am, he is clearly up to some shady shit, and now he's assaulting you? And this is on top of the fact that he was apparently a loser and she's been his doormat from the very beginning of their relationship.
THEN, she meets the MMC at a club and and manages to get more angry and fired up at him making a comment that (without context only the reader knows) just sounds like he's being an overconfident guy who plans to steal her from her fiancé. Where was that fire when fiancé was hiding shit from you for weeks and attacking you, girl?
Even better, the MMC reveals that he's a bad man and her fiancé has sold her to him, and even makes a point of flashing his gun at her when he walks away, and instead of getting the hell out of dodge when she seemingly has the chance, she stays there for another fucking HOUR and only tries to leave after his men come to grab her. Like when she's grabbed, she fully 100% believes she is going to be killed and is terrified, yet she made no attempt to avoid that for an entire hour? Why?!
I... It gets worse. For some fucking reason, the MMC lets them go for now, and FMC willingly goes home with the fiancé, even though he still won't tell her what's going on. When he runs off yet again at night, does she pack her shit and run? Does she call the cops? Does she reach out to a friend for help? No. She decides now it the best time to PULL OUT HER FUCKING VIBRATOR! Ya know, because she's stressed.
I usually refrain from calling an FMC too stupid to live, but this one is a fucking TSTL champion.
September 18, 2023
Stopped reading after the scene when the mafia boss asked his soldiers to abuse her, he obviously joined them and apparently she was enjoying it. I love Mafia romances but this 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
4 stars
Dark, Dark, Smexy, Hot, and Did I mention dark?
POV: dual
HUMOR: no
F BOMBS: yes
STANDALONE: yes
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: past child abuse mentioned throughout book, begins with graphic violence, lying, stealing, drugs (for selling), forced to watch murders, graphic/possibly disturbing torture scenes (other characters), graphic sex scenes (some rough scenes), hand necklace, MMFM (once), fifth base, OW, v-toy torture, knife play, impact play
AUTHOR's CONTENT WARNING (inside eBook): "This book is considered a dark romance and includes brutality, murder, mention of child abuse, and other gruesome topics. If any of these things makes you uncomfortable, I suggest not reading."
CHARACTERS: (1) mafia boss Cristian: obsessive, possessive, psychopath. 'touch her and die." (2) Tatted up and bratty mouth Roxie. They're both quite similar when you get to know them - wanting to be truly loved but not believing that they're worthy of it.
OVERALL: enemies to lovers, antihero, car chase excitement, lotsa hot smexy scenes, Good story about how they come together, but pay attention to TW/CW
PROS:
1. Roxie is not your typical barbie doll FMC. She is voluptuous with love handles and tatted up arms. She starts off like a doormat but grows to be a bad@$$
2. Chemistry between characters, growth in inner strength and confidence,
3. Author's easy to follow and great world-building writing style and the way story progressed kept me reading, plus a twist in character's behavior
CONS:
1. Some parts repetitive, quite a bit of "furrowed brows"
2. This one had quite a few inconsistencies which I haven't found in author's other books
3. No epilogue. More HFA than HEA so story feels a little unfinished/incomplete/left me wanting more. Since it's a standalone, but part of a series, maybe more of their story may show up in the next books of the series?
NOTEWORTHY:
1. Usually, there is an epilogue or bonus epilogue offer (upon signing up for author's newsletter) at the end of the eBook. Surprisingly in this eBook, there isn't one.
I received an advanced copy of this book and, as always, am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Dark, Dark, Smexy, Hot, and Did I mention dark?
POV: dual
HUMOR: no
F BOMBS: yes
STANDALONE: yes
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: past child abuse mentioned throughout book, begins with graphic violence, lying, stealing, drugs (for selling), forced to watch murders, graphic/possibly disturbing torture scenes (other characters), graphic sex scenes (some rough scenes), hand necklace, MMFM (once), fifth base, OW, v-toy torture, knife play, impact play
AUTHOR's CONTENT WARNING (inside eBook): "This book is considered a dark romance and includes brutality, murder, mention of child abuse, and other gruesome topics. If any of these things makes you uncomfortable, I suggest not reading."
CHARACTERS: (1) mafia boss Cristian: obsessive, possessive, psychopath. 'touch her and die." (2) Tatted up and bratty mouth Roxie. They're both quite similar when you get to know them - wanting to be truly loved but not believing that they're worthy of it.
OVERALL: enemies to lovers, antihero, car chase excitement, lotsa hot smexy scenes, Good story about how they come together, but pay attention to TW/CW
PROS:
1. Roxie is not your typical barbie doll FMC. She is voluptuous with love handles and tatted up arms. She starts off like a doormat but grows to be a bad@$$
2. Chemistry between characters, growth in inner strength and confidence,
3. Author's easy to follow and great world-building writing style and the way story progressed kept me reading, plus a twist in character's behavior
CONS:
1. Some parts repetitive, quite a bit of "furrowed brows"
2. This one had quite a few inconsistencies which I haven't found in author's other books
3. No epilogue. More HFA than HEA so story feels a little unfinished/incomplete/left me wanting more. Since it's a standalone, but part of a series, maybe more of their story may show up in the next books of the series?
NOTEWORTHY:
1. Usually, there is an epilogue or bonus epilogue offer (upon signing up for author's newsletter) at the end of the eBook. Surprisingly in this eBook, there isn't one.
I received an advanced copy of this book and, as always, am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 6, 2024
This is my first book by this author and while I normally love a good mafia book I nearly DNF’d after he had his men rape her. I carried on thinking I will give it a try but won’t be carrying on with the series.
I do think if that initial scene hadn’t happened I would have enjoyed this book a lot more than I did. Especially as it has the “touch her and die” vibe
I do think if that initial scene hadn’t happened I would have enjoyed this book a lot more than I did. Especially as it has the “touch her and die” vibe
October 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this mafia romance with touch her and you dye vibes.
I loved this couple, the spice, and this storyline. There were so many twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end.
I really liked how Emilia Rose built up their relationship, but then it felt like the ending was rushed. I felt like there was something missing.
Overall Mafia Boss was still a really enjoyable book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this couple, the spice, and this storyline. There were so many twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end.
I really liked how Emilia Rose built up their relationship, but then it felt like the ending was rushed. I felt like there was something missing.
Overall Mafia Boss was still a really enjoyable book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 8, 2024
I've never seen a protagonist so boring, pathetic and childish. Congrats Roxie.
August 22, 2023
Touch her and die vibes.
For the most part this book keeps your attention and keeps you invested. It is a little on the darker side of romance because he is the bad guy hero in this story that is also trying to be a good guy. A bad guy with a conscious is more like it. There are TWs, so be mindful. Child sexual assault, murder, torture, OW drama (no cheating), and aggressive sex scenes.
There are lots of twists in turns as you work through the starting relationship of Cristian and Roxie. It starts off rocky seeing as she is engaged to a man that Cristian is going to eliminate to get to her. She knows it and still pushes his buttons to make him snap. Then, you keep following the ups and downs of a relationship with a mafia boss, his jealousy, possessive nature, and OW drama. What makes Roxie snap and accept her place? Read to find out.
Biggest annoyance with this story is how these main characters were very immature. On several occasions the OW drama made both main characters unlikeable and also gave highschool drama vibes. His reasoning later on was flimsy at best and of course, she didn't really care because she was his.
I love the crossover with Chiara and Alessandro's characters.
For the most part this book keeps your attention and keeps you invested. It is a little on the darker side of romance because he is the bad guy hero in this story that is also trying to be a good guy. A bad guy with a conscious is more like it. There are TWs, so be mindful. Child sexual assault, murder, torture, OW drama (no cheating), and aggressive sex scenes.
There are lots of twists in turns as you work through the starting relationship of Cristian and Roxie. It starts off rocky seeing as she is engaged to a man that Cristian is going to eliminate to get to her. She knows it and still pushes his buttons to make him snap. Then, you keep following the ups and downs of a relationship with a mafia boss, his jealousy, possessive nature, and OW drama. What makes Roxie snap and accept her place? Read to find out.
Biggest annoyance with this story is how these main characters were very immature. On several occasions the OW drama made both main characters unlikeable and also gave highschool drama vibes. His reasoning later on was flimsy at best and of course, she didn't really care because she was his.
I love the crossover with Chiara and Alessandro's characters.
August 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! This is my first book by Emilia Rose but I enjoyed her style of writing!
Cristian is a Mafia boss, villain and Roxie is an innocent girl with a fiancé.
Cristian knows what he wants and he wants Roxie, always has, and when an opportunity comes up to have Roxie, he takes her without any remorse. Roxie doesn't know that her fiancé has got them mixed up in a lot of trouble and a lot of debt, which she is now collateral for.
I felt like there was a big build up to their relationship and then I was at the end. I feel like the last 25% of the book was quite rushed in comparison to the build up in the beginning.
I wish this book had just been a little bit longer and the end wasn't quite so rushed but overall I thought it was a very good book!
Cristian is a Mafia boss, villain and Roxie is an innocent girl with a fiancé.
Cristian knows what he wants and he wants Roxie, always has, and when an opportunity comes up to have Roxie, he takes her without any remorse. Roxie doesn't know that her fiancé has got them mixed up in a lot of trouble and a lot of debt, which she is now collateral for.
I felt like there was a big build up to their relationship and then I was at the end. I feel like the last 25% of the book was quite rushed in comparison to the build up in the beginning.
I wish this book had just been a little bit longer and the end wasn't quite so rushed but overall I thought it was a very good book!
August 6, 2023
I have been thinking of away to write this review and I am unsure where to start. Over all I enjoyed this story. I was expecting one thing and got something completely different this is one of Emilia Rose’s darker books. This may not before everyone. As always her spice was their. This storyline had my jaw on the floor as I was unsure what I read and was trying to process it all. I will give no spoilers I apologize for that. This story was beautifully written I laughed, cried and got upset I went through a variety of emotions while reading this book. In the end it comes down to you are going to really love this love story or really hate it. I for one am extremely humbled by this story. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and see where it goes from here.
August 11, 2023
Another great book written by one of my favourite authors Emelia Rose.
I look forward to reading her books and have been a amid follow of hers for a while. I just love the steam she writes in her storys.
This book is no different.Mafia Boss ia a mafia romance with lots of steam written in the pages. Loved all the characters especially Christian and the way her speaks wow, and Roxie is badass. Always gives as good as she gets in my opinion.
I don't want to give any spoilers away but if you love the dirty talk of an alpha male who is in charge and very possisve of his woman and a woman who knows just how to gives as much as she gets then you will enjoy this book.
I look forward to reading her books and have been a amid follow of hers for a while. I just love the steam she writes in her storys.
This book is no different.Mafia Boss ia a mafia romance with lots of steam written in the pages. Loved all the characters especially Christian and the way her speaks wow, and Roxie is badass. Always gives as good as she gets in my opinion.
I don't want to give any spoilers away but if you love the dirty talk of an alpha male who is in charge and very possisve of his woman and a woman who knows just how to gives as much as she gets then you will enjoy this book.
August 22, 2023
I devoured this book once I received my ARC. This hit all of my buttons with a mafia romance, the alpha male who will do anything for his love, the sgeam, the back and forth between them, the suspense with the protagonist, and the HEA they fight for. Emilia had me hooked from the very of this story and I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend reading by Emilia. She is one of my favorite authors. I do also recommend to check the trigger before reading, as this book does with some sensitive issues. I can't wait to read more in this world.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 15, 2023
Dark if you don't like to read dark romance this book will not be for you. Cristian is the darkest of morally gray. But he excels at everything surrounding his title.
Roxie who has not had an easy life challenges Cristian in a way he's not used to and in turn he protects her in a way that allows her to stay strong and fierce, yet she doesn't have to with him.
There is some triggering subject matter so be aware but if you like your hero's dark and your heroine's feisty look no further.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Roxie who has not had an easy life challenges Cristian in a way he's not used to and in turn he protects her in a way that allows her to stay strong and fierce, yet she doesn't have to with him.
There is some triggering subject matter so be aware but if you like your hero's dark and your heroine's feisty look no further.
I have voluntarily left this review.
August 23, 2023
This book is definitely a dark one and content warnings should be read. Roxie gets swept up in the world of Cristian Ricci thanks to her fiancé. However, Cristian seems to have had his eye on Roxie for longer than she’s even aware of. This book was a little slower to get going but once it did it definitely held my attention. There is graphic violence and other subjects that made it a tough read but it was overall good. The characters are intriguing and have growth, and if you like darker romances with unforgiving men and lots of spice then this is the book for you!
September 20, 2023
Did not make any sense she wants him but resists and he wants her and is possessive but then lets his men play with her. She has selective amnesia where she does not remember all the bad things in her childhood which is a joke and not even remotely true when you go through trauma it sticks with you and then I’m to believe she just forgot all her trauma and not only that but she only forgot her trauma ya no. This book was off did not make sense had to a of plot holes and I barely got through the whole thing I was so bored.
September 21, 2023
Yes ma’am!
This was one of those books that I bought on a whim. I am absolutely thrilled that I did because it was perfection. I loved that our main character did not just roll over and take it. Instead she fought for what she wanted and was a strong independent woman! The only scene that didn’t make sense was the group scene. I felt like after getting to know Christian- that he wouldn’t have allowed anyone to touch Roxie or would have felt greater remorse. Other than that it was soooo good!
This was one of those books that I bought on a whim. I am absolutely thrilled that I did because it was perfection. I loved that our main character did not just roll over and take it. Instead she fought for what she wanted and was a strong independent woman! The only scene that didn’t make sense was the group scene. I felt like after getting to know Christian- that he wouldn’t have allowed anyone to touch Roxie or would have felt greater remorse. Other than that it was soooo good!
August 10, 2023
I enjoyed the storyline and it kept my attention throughout.
There was lots of steam, OW drama and a bit of action and suspense.
There was also a few twists.
At first, I wasn't a big fan of either Roxie or Cristian. However, throughout the story I started liking them more and eventually loved them. Both characters grew and I think they are truly perfect for each other.
Overall, a great read with a very satisfying ending.
There was lots of steam, OW drama and a bit of action and suspense.
There was also a few twists.
At first, I wasn't a big fan of either Roxie or Cristian. However, throughout the story I started liking them more and eventually loved them. Both characters grew and I think they are truly perfect for each other.
Overall, a great read with a very satisfying ending.
August 24, 2023
By the end of the first chapter I was hooked. This dark romance has all the violence and smut that I love, great secondary characters, and a good plot. The first smut scene was rather intense, and I've only seen something like that in a couple of other books by different authors. I thought for a moment this was turning into a RH... not the case. Knocked it out in one day, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 9, 2023
5⭐️ 5🌶️
Lawd the amount of times I’ve had to fan myself in this book 😮💨 The mouth on Christian 🥵 I loved how possessive he was over Roxie 🫠 And Roxie was so fierce. She didn’t take no crap from anyone. And she gave it just as good as she got. By the end of the book she was bada$$. My heart broke hearing about her childhood. And that cliffhanger 😱 I need the next book now!!
Lawd the amount of times I’ve had to fan myself in this book 😮💨 The mouth on Christian 🥵 I loved how possessive he was over Roxie 🫠 And Roxie was so fierce. She didn’t take no crap from anyone. And she gave it just as good as she got. By the end of the book she was bada$$. My heart broke hearing about her childhood. And that cliffhanger 😱 I need the next book now!!
August 28, 2023
Spoilers below, I'll try to hide them, and if I don't, sorry.
Lol. Not sorry.
The book was full of dull evil idiots. I like my characters grey, but these ones were just all stupidly evil. Especially the victims of abuse.
I get that author is making a case against child abuse, however, the adult abuse is
Damn. I'm already tired of writing.
Lol. Not sorry.
The book was full of dull evil idiots. I like my characters grey, but these ones were just all stupidly evil. Especially the victims of abuse.
I get that author is making a case against child abuse, however, the adult abuse is
Damn. I'm already tired of writing.
August 27, 2023
Do you love your book boyfriends dark, morally grey, and with a possessive streak a mile wide? Well, Cristian Ricci is the man for you! A man in charge of his own dark kingdom and will do anything to protect it…and the one person he will do anything to keep. Roxie is stuck in a situation not really of her own making and once she’s in the sights of Cristian, his need to own her and never let her go knows no bounds!
From the very first chapter you know the vibes for this book: definitely dark and will keep you on your toes! This story takes so many interesting twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. Oh, and definitely full of steam because Roxie and Cristian are 🔥🔥🔥
Such a great mafia romance read from Emilia Rose!!!
💥Quick Notes💥
Dark Mafia Romance
Morally grey Mafia boss
Some topics that may be triggers
Standalone within a series
Dual POV
💥Ratings💥
💗💗💗💗
🌶🌶🌶🌶
From the very first chapter you know the vibes for this book: definitely dark and will keep you on your toes! This story takes so many interesting twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. Oh, and definitely full of steam because Roxie and Cristian are 🔥🔥🔥
Such a great mafia romance read from Emilia Rose!!!
💥Quick Notes💥
Dark Mafia Romance
Morally grey Mafia boss
Some topics that may be triggers
Standalone within a series
Dual POV
💥Ratings💥
💗💗💗💗
🌶🌶🌶🌶
January 6, 2024
My biggest issue with Emilia Rose books is that she doesn't finish writing her books and leaves plot holes. What happened with Christian and her sister???!!! If not the smut I wouldn't be giving her books the time of the day
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 15, 2023Not even going to rate this book because:
It's was so outrageous and ridiculous in every way, it was like watching a Z movie.
But hey, I did read it in one afternoon and wasn't bored so...
It's was so outrageous and ridiculous in every way, it was like watching a Z movie.
But hey, I did read it in one afternoon and wasn't bored so...
August 24, 2023
There is a lot of sex in it.
October 3, 2023
This book was all over the place and had so many plot holes. I'm not sure what the author was aiming for but the one thing I'm sure about is that every character in this book needed THERAPY asap!!!
October 4, 2023
It was awful.
The ‘story’ wasn’t a real story. Everything is glossed over, overal the story lacked depth.
The ‘story’ wasn’t a real story. Everything is glossed over, overal the story lacked depth.
January 14, 2024
This book was kinda boring (1.5)
February 5, 2024
didn’t know it was so fast paced even though it is 514 pages long
I finished it in an hour 🙃
I finished it in an hour 🙃
April 18, 2025
dang, that sex was gooood! awesome.
ugh, the transition into past trauma killed it for me. dang
ugh, the transition into past trauma killed it for me. dang
July 11, 2025
Finished it. Deleted it. Let's never speak of it again.
June 17, 2026
This was a great dark romance. Only problem is that the author over used the word sneered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews