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The Suits #1
Spades
Better the devil you know than the devil in disguise . . . Born into a Mafia family, Nina Romano has no choice but to respect her papa’s honor, even if that means marrying a man she doesn’t love. It’s a business transaction, but Nina knows how to drive a hard bargain. In exchange for two years of freedom, she’ll marry whoever her papa says without argument. It’s a deal with the devil, and freedom tastes sweet . . . until time’s up, and Nina’s suddenly consigned to a marriage from hell. Giovanni Genovese is back in town for his cousin’s wedding, but little does anyone know, he arrived with a darker to figure out who killed his mother all those years ago. He’s stayed away from Nina for reasons he’ll admit to no one else, but now she’s his main distraction again, he needs to find a way to avenge her too. It’s a dangerous game, but Gio’s got some dark tricks up his sleeve. Just how many cards can he lay on the table before he’ll stake a claim on the woman he loves?
270 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
September 14, 2022
I’m debating between 2.5 ⭐️ or 3⭐️.
It’s not bad I don’t hate it but I do feel like it’s not a well finished book. It feels like I’m reading a draft. It is the authors first book so it really is a good start. I’ve read A LOT worse, I still have nightmares because of The cruel prince. BUT I do hope the next books will be more structured.
The base of the story is good the plot and storyline is there but it’s in desperate need of more details and development.
I also feel like the mafia is not a well known subject of the author. It’s very cliché, kind of in the background you don’t know anything about their “business”.
All the characters have personality and stands out, they are interesting and that’s one of the most important thing about a book in my opinion.
There are some dialogues in Italian and French. The French part was not always correct so I’m guessing it’s probably the same with the the Italian part. How do I know that? I speak French, so yeah that kinda bothered me.
Some parts didn’t really made sense because of the lack of development and details some things were really rushed and not always easy to understand. It’s a lot of dialogue and not a lot of explanations and story telling. We are jumping very quickly from hate to love and that was confusing again because it needed more details. It needed at least 150 to 200 more pages of pure explanation.
Overall it has a lot of potential, I will read the next one because it peaked my interest enough to want to but if it’s the same style as the first one I’m probably not going to continue the rest of the series.
It’s not bad I don’t hate it but I do feel like it’s not a well finished book. It feels like I’m reading a draft. It is the authors first book so it really is a good start. I’ve read A LOT worse, I still have nightmares because of The cruel prince. BUT I do hope the next books will be more structured.
The base of the story is good the plot and storyline is there but it’s in desperate need of more details and development.
I also feel like the mafia is not a well known subject of the author. It’s very cliché, kind of in the background you don’t know anything about their “business”.
All the characters have personality and stands out, they are interesting and that’s one of the most important thing about a book in my opinion.
There are some dialogues in Italian and French. The French part was not always correct so I’m guessing it’s probably the same with the the Italian part. How do I know that? I speak French, so yeah that kinda bothered me.
Some parts didn’t really made sense because of the lack of development and details some things were really rushed and not always easy to understand. It’s a lot of dialogue and not a lot of explanations and story telling. We are jumping very quickly from hate to love and that was confusing again because it needed more details. It needed at least 150 to 200 more pages of pure explanation.
Overall it has a lot of potential, I will read the next one because it peaked my interest enough to want to but if it’s the same style as the first one I’m probably not going to continue the rest of the series.
Read
August 20, 2022DNF on page 76. I truthfully was hyped for this story and expected a good, slow burn romance with a hot Italian man who will have me in a choke hold- but it just lacked in every aspect. You get thrown into the story that consists of basically dialogue and don't get a description of the scenario because the main character vaguely tells you about it. I kept pushing through in hopes that the story will develop but sadly, it did not.
Did Not Finish
March 14, 2023everything felt rushed and it would jump from scene to scene
October 11, 2022
this book has the charisma of a crying baby and the finesse of a middle schooler.
September 21, 2022
baby… u r a victim…
February 14, 2024
2.5/3 ⭐️
This was short, easy to read, and fun in a trashy, not particularly good way. Giovanni can boss me around any day 😘 I'm definitely interested in reading the others' books, especially max!
This was short, easy to read, and fun in a trashy, not particularly good way. Giovanni can boss me around any day 😘 I'm definitely interested in reading the others' books, especially max!
August 15, 2022
Uhm not me wanting a tattoo of a spade ♠️ to match Nina’s. Another booktok babe that wrote an absolute banger of a book. The slow burn immaculate the spice perfection and the attitude on the main character flawless. do yourself a favor and read this one ;)
September 14, 2022
First book I read after 2 months!!
I rly liked it but the ending was rushed
I rly liked it but the ending was rushed
September 5, 2023
it wasn't too bad ngl
September 17, 2022
i would not recommend this to anyone bc it’s kinda like a draft of a book. i mean i literally found a typo😭 i blame booktok bc i blindly trusted them, which was my mistake, but i was bored and needed something to read. if you’re looking for something with a few plot holes or something very unserious and cliche, then this is for you LOL
September 2, 2022
I loved this debut novel!
I loved Nina and Giovanni! The way these two were together was absolute perfection! I love that even though it was a mafia romance it still had the romance elements and want too mafia focused!
I honestly can’t wait for the next book.
I loved Nina and Giovanni! The way these two were together was absolute perfection! I love that even though it was a mafia romance it still had the romance elements and want too mafia focused!
I honestly can’t wait for the next book.
May 26, 2022
3.5⭐️
kyra wrote a frickin’ book!! 😭😍👏🏽 i’m so excited for the rest in this series! very very very proud of you, meatball! 🖤
kyra wrote a frickin’ book!! 😭😍👏🏽 i’m so excited for the rest in this series! very very very proud of you, meatball! 🖤
January 2, 2024
That sucked.
March 2, 2024
𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡
3.5 ⭐️
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞, 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚.”
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I enjoyed reading it but at the same time it has its flaws. firstly everything seemed rushed? The chapters seemed disconnected from each other so it was a little complicated for me to follow and understand.
It really disturbed me.
There were times when I had to reread the beginning/end of a chapter several times to understand. Another point that I didn't really like is that everything lacks depth? the characters, their story? All ??
I think it would have been possible to do lots of things with all these characters and even more with the story in general. What is a shame is that the mafia/clan war aspect is not exploited to the end or at least it is not developed 100%.
Regarding Nina and Giovanni's relationship, I think that's what made me like the book. I really liked the tension between them.
On the other hand, I had the impression that Giovanni's interest in Nina appeared overnight? It would have been better if there had been more development on this before Giovanni decided Nina was his.
Besides, sometimes he was a caveman??? I really like possessiveness but sometimes it was too much? at least too weird?
I've already started the second volume and frankly this one seems really better. The writing style seems to have evolved and from the little I have read the characters have the depth I am looking for and are developed quite correctly.
I would say that this volume is almost an introductory book for the second volume.
—
“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨, 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭, 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞?”
“𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.”
“𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚?” “𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐨?”
“𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.”
“𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬.”
3.5 ⭐️
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞, 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚.”
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I enjoyed reading it but at the same time it has its flaws. firstly everything seemed rushed? The chapters seemed disconnected from each other so it was a little complicated for me to follow and understand.
It really disturbed me.
There were times when I had to reread the beginning/end of a chapter several times to understand. Another point that I didn't really like is that everything lacks depth? the characters, their story? All ??
I think it would have been possible to do lots of things with all these characters and even more with the story in general. What is a shame is that the mafia/clan war aspect is not exploited to the end or at least it is not developed 100%.
Regarding Nina and Giovanni's relationship, I think that's what made me like the book. I really liked the tension between them.
On the other hand, I had the impression that Giovanni's interest in Nina appeared overnight? It would have been better if there had been more development on this before Giovanni decided Nina was his.
Besides, sometimes he was a caveman??? I really like possessiveness but sometimes it was too much? at least too weird?
I've already started the second volume and frankly this one seems really better. The writing style seems to have evolved and from the little I have read the characters have the depth I am looking for and are developed quite correctly.
I would say that this volume is almost an introductory book for the second volume.
—
“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨, 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭, 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞?”
“𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.”
“𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚?” “𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐨?”
“𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.”
“𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬.”
November 20, 2023
I’ve been in a reading slump and I thought reading this would get me out lol… this is like the adult equivalent of mafia Wattpad and I lowkey hated it because possessive men are so icky but it was also like… fine. Will I read the rest of the series? Maybe (I have a Capricorn rising aka the inability to not finish things). Would I recommend? No<3
December 8, 2025
The ideas were there but it was unfortunately poorly written. I loved the plot of it though! However, I did find a typo and I feel like it was very confusing a lot of the times. The epilogue especially felt rushed and the author could have described more instead of just telling us exactly what the characters were doing show not tell if ykwim. They jumped from disliking each other to liking each other, there wasn't really a gradual change like it just happened. The couple is very cute!! I just wish it was written better.
September 10, 2022
3.5 stars!! Only because this book wrapped up so quickly. Other than that, good book!
June 2, 2025
So unserious lol
December 27, 2023
No bc why did I actually enjoy this book. I did feel like it was a bit rushed and felt like stuff was just happening all at once. BUT GIO OMFG. DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED W THIS MAN… ("my favorite day is the 8 of October, they say I knew you’re be mine”) LIKEE OOKAAYYY. okay but anyways I feel like the plot COULDVE been developed a bit more buttt overall it was a pretty good book:)
January 25, 2024
it was good
then went to shit
then went to shit
March 27, 2024
I was really conflicted on how I should rate this book, because overall, I really liked the themes, tropes, and the plot. I do think this book needed some work in the editing department. I think that a lot of times the chapters jumped around or the scenes jumped around, and it was a little hard to keep up with.
Overall I really liked the story though and I was intrigued, and I read it in one sitting. I’m looking forward to the next book as well, I liked all the characters i’m really excited to see more of Gio’s sister and uncover that plot line. I thought that the overall plot was really good. I just think that the foundation needs a little bit more work this in no way shape or form was a bad read, but this was also not a four or five star read.
I’m really hoping that the next book is better, because I’m really looking forward to reading it. I love a good mafia romance so I am hopeful that the series gets better. I want to give it another chance. This book was not horrible by any means, but it definitely was lacking in a lot of areas.
Overall I really liked the story though and I was intrigued, and I read it in one sitting. I’m looking forward to the next book as well, I liked all the characters i’m really excited to see more of Gio’s sister and uncover that plot line. I thought that the overall plot was really good. I just think that the foundation needs a little bit more work this in no way shape or form was a bad read, but this was also not a four or five star read.
I’m really hoping that the next book is better, because I’m really looking forward to reading it. I love a good mafia romance so I am hopeful that the series gets better. I want to give it another chance. This book was not horrible by any means, but it definitely was lacking in a lot of areas.
August 23, 2022
4.5 stars
My tiktok gal did it! What a phenomenal mafia dark romance. Giovanni and Nina are EVERYTHING! Also thank you for giving us dual pov.
Giovanni is an example of a mafia man done correctly. He’s possessive and will harm or unalive anyone who even looks at Nina the wrong way. Also his banter is *chefs kiss.* He may be a ruthless killer but he has a soft spot for Nina and always has. Also the fact that he literally claimed her and calls her Donnina, ahh!!!!
Nina is feisty and stubborn and the perfect fmc. She’s strong and can easily hold her own. Gio is her weakness, but she’d be damned if she ever let him know that. Their sexual tension is so good omg!
It’s hard to make mafia romances unique. They tend to carry a lot of the same characteristics but this book found a way. There was a scene where Nina’s family was hosting their annual masked murder mystery party. It was probably my favorite moment from the book and the Gio Nina tension there was off the charts.
I really really loved this book and I can’t wait for the next!
My tiktok gal did it! What a phenomenal mafia dark romance. Giovanni and Nina are EVERYTHING! Also thank you for giving us dual pov.
Giovanni is an example of a mafia man done correctly. He’s possessive and will harm or unalive anyone who even looks at Nina the wrong way. Also his banter is *chefs kiss.* He may be a ruthless killer but he has a soft spot for Nina and always has. Also the fact that he literally claimed her and calls her Donnina, ahh!!!!
Nina is feisty and stubborn and the perfect fmc. She’s strong and can easily hold her own. Gio is her weakness, but she’d be damned if she ever let him know that. Their sexual tension is so good omg!
It’s hard to make mafia romances unique. They tend to carry a lot of the same characteristics but this book found a way. There was a scene where Nina’s family was hosting their annual masked murder mystery party. It was probably my favorite moment from the book and the Gio Nina tension there was off the charts.
I really really loved this book and I can’t wait for the next!
August 21, 2022
Spades, I had very high hopes for this.
The story felt under developed and the pacing as a bit off, a lot of the chapters ended in the middle of a scene. It lacked depth, we got a very superficial view of Nina and Gio. This felt like it was trying to be the sweetest oblivion but a watered down version. I felt like a lot of the language and backstory could have been stronger or more descriptive. This has potential to be better if the writing went a bit deeper into the story. I felt like some of the development of us getting to know the characters was quite rushed and I didn’t feel like we got to connect with who they were.
Some scenes threw me off, I think the author was trying to point out how Gio had money… but him throwing down a black card at the tattoo studio really wasn’t impressive. There were quite a few little moments where it felt like the author was trying to say something more or make it larger but fell flat.
The story felt under developed and the pacing as a bit off, a lot of the chapters ended in the middle of a scene. It lacked depth, we got a very superficial view of Nina and Gio. This felt like it was trying to be the sweetest oblivion but a watered down version. I felt like a lot of the language and backstory could have been stronger or more descriptive. This has potential to be better if the writing went a bit deeper into the story. I felt like some of the development of us getting to know the characters was quite rushed and I didn’t feel like we got to connect with who they were.
Some scenes threw me off, I think the author was trying to point out how Gio had money… but him throwing down a black card at the tattoo studio really wasn’t impressive. There were quite a few little moments where it felt like the author was trying to say something more or make it larger but fell flat.
February 3, 2024
This book is ridiculous. For one, the MFC and the MMC had absolutely no chemistry, 0, none, nada, RIEN. Secondly, each and every time they argued or fought, there was no standing point, it was just absolutely pointless and quite frankly absurd; if you could even call what they did arguing , one minute they fought and the next they act normal. WHAT THE HELL. And let’s not talk about the fact that google translate was a major sponsor for this book. As a french speaker, i genuinely laughed so hard every time they attempted to speak in french, BECAUSE THE SENTENCES DO NOT MAKE SENSE. I can’t help but think it was the same way with italian too. Authors should stick to English if they don’t have anyone they PERSONALLY know to help out . Oh and lastly, the last sentence of this book is a prime example of how you should ABSOLUTELY NOT end a book.
August 16, 2022
The minute I saw the cover of Spades, I was sold! From the title to the synopsis I just knew it would be good. This book is a perfect mafia romance. I couldn’t get enough of how protective Giovanni was of Nina 🫶🏽 Did I mention he handed his card TO HER and told her to GO SHOPPING. No ifs ands or buts!🧎🏽♀️😌 I lived for their banter and how Nina was always pushing his buttons. Every single time this man said “Amore mio” I simply passed away. You will not be disappointed once you pick up this book. Highly recommend 4.5 ⭐️ ♠️
June 11, 2022
Amazing. Beautiful. Sexy. Dangerous. Everything you could want in a mafia romance. I’m literally foaming at the mouth waiting for the sequels. I’m shocked my kindle didn’t crash from all the highlights. So proud of you Kiki ❤️
September 16, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ I only wish it was longer ⚡️
October 31, 2023
some people just shouldn’t be authors
December 20, 2023
it was alright but too fast paced
May 12, 2024
Mafia easy read - very wishy washy love interest “she needs to stay away from me”… “but i need her”…
Read this in a night
Read this in a night
Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews