Wicked

The Ruined Trilogy

by Nichole Rose

A curvy girl mafia romance

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Novella

149 pages, ebook

Published May 23, 2023

About the author

Four-time award-winning author Nichole Rose writes deliciously dirty rom-coms, sports, and small-town romance, featuring relatable curvy women and the devoted alpha men who can't live without them. From obsessed billionaires to over-the-top hockey players to the firefighter next door, no one is safe from the hilarious, sassy women she sets loose on the world. She loves delivering relatable characters, hilarious banter, and enough heat to make you squirm.

Nichole also writes dark romance as Nichole Fallon.

When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud ringleader in the world’s most ridiculous chihuahua circus. She and her husband live in central Arkansas.

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I believe this is the last in this series!! And it's Gabriel turn!!
We learn about this brother a few times in the other books, and his story is a bit more sadder. He still feels guilty for killing an innocent and angry at his family for covering it up. He would rather work and be alone he doesn't believe he needs a happy life until Genesis comes into his life when he catches her with her hand in the cookie jar.

That moment, their banter and sassyness was on point. Did he blackmail her into working for him? Yes, but honestly, she wanted to, lol. I loved that she made food bad just to annoy him, and he knew that and still ate it such a sweet heart.

We get the drama on why she ran away and who she's hiding from. Our man knew how to handle the problem with the help of his family!

Tiny Om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, sexy times, virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Slowinsta
Light push away from h
Age gap
22h/33H
light somnophilia
anal play
Spanking
light degradation
forced orgasms
powerplay
Sexual harassment
Touch of sucide thoughts
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is labeled as a dark romance but I didn’t find it really dark at all. Hero “soft” kidnaps her, as in demands she come stay at his home when he finds her snooping at his desk and I don’t really consider that kidnapping. Then he proceeds to be a totally devoted, obsessed and protective hero, which is great, but it’s not dark. It’s not an asshole hero falling, either.

I liked the heroine. She was sassy, mouthy, plucky, without being an obnoxious Karen. She was on the run, but was smart enough to know when to stop and let the hero protect her and I really liked that.

Safe. Dual virgins. Unwanted OM drama, no OW, no cheating or sharing. Some gore and discussions of previous physical assault by OM (groping.) HEA with epilogue years out.

[Cat H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Hot. Super hot.
And I really enjoyed Genesis’ brattyness.
Very amusing.
This was classic Nichole rose.
Insta-love
Possessive
OTT
Age gap
Little side of dominance and hints of kink
Sassy, plus size heroine

It was a good time.🤷🏻‍♀️

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genesis (22) is a cleaner for corporate offices and she was cleaning Gabriel (33) office when she saw a drawer full of cash. She touched some of it and got curious whether they were blood money. However, at the same time, Gabriel just finished taking a shower and he saw her thinking she was stealing from him. But he got captivated by Genesis, and he threatened her that he would rat her out to the police unless she works for him. She was running from someone in the story and she was afraid that, that person might find her if Gabriel included the police, so she agreed to be his personal maid. (But let's be honest, this is just his ruse so he can keep her for as long as he wants 😂)

This is a novella so it's fast paced and the relationship progress went from 0 to 60. Genesis was sassy and feisty but her hormones always win. As for Gabriel, he was all in immediately at the first meeting. He was caring, protective, and sweet with her. They were cute together and their argument/ foreplay can be adorable and cringey at the same time. 😅 But of course they were both attracted, obsessed with each other just as the same, and they fell in love so quickly in a matter of few days, ridiculous, but it is what it is.

Overall, this is still a good read with HEA and six years later in the epilogue (married with four kids).


Safety warnings:
- Dual virgin
- Violence
- Attempted SA (off page)
- Involuntary manslaughter

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I love these Valentino men😍😍😍 The last mafioso falls hard and fast for his One. Genesis is on the run from a corrupt cop that killed her father and had her deemed unfit to care for herself. One night she cleans at the Valentino company when she comes face to face with her future. Gabriel vowed to keep and love Genesis even if he has to play dirty to get her. Another awesome story in this fantastic series😍😍 I'm so sad it's over... I really hope we will get more mafia stories like this one. Instalove, sweet, steamy hot 🥵, romantic , fun to read, with action and totally safe (I freaking love that it was dual virgins 😍😍) with an awesome HEA 😍😍😍😍 Maybe we will get a second generation series 😉😉

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dfn. Off-putting writing and absolutely unrealistic

[Eveslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like my man sweeeet and obsessed, just like this one. 🫦
It had its cringey or cheesy lines but it wasn’t bad, it was tolerable.

“I regret it less in this moment than I ever have. Because of her. Because she doesn't need some pillar of society guarding her back. She needs a motherfucker like me, one willing to wage a war to keep her safe. One capable of murder.” SWOOOOONNN.

🥀Grumpy x sunshine
🥀Forced proximity
🥀He falls first and hard!
🥀Obsessed at first sight
🥀Insta love
🥀Age gap (22/33)
🥀Light somnophilia play (fmc secretly loves it)

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Gabriel and Genesis met when he comes back into his office after he's done taking a shower. Genesis is cleaning his office but when she went around the desk she notices a drawer open and see money inside. Genesis isn't sure she is going to take the money, she knows who's office she's cleaning, The Valentino Brothers. Gabriel catches her and assumes she is going to take the money but he comes out to his office naked not expecting someone to be there. Gabriel accuses Genesis of trying to steal, but she tells him she wouldn't. Genesis tells Gabriel she knows who he is and his brothers and she would never steal mafia money. When Gabriel blocks Genesis into a corner, she brings her knee up aiming hard, but he avoid her knee. Genesis slips around him, but Gabriel grabs her and pulls her to his chest. Genesis tries to fight Gabriel and he tells her to stop, she asks him to let her go. Gabriel tells Genesis she's not going anywhere, that he's calling the police. Genesis freezes, she doesn't want Gabriel to call the police, fear sets inside of her, she'd rather die first. Gabriel tells Genesis that she'll be coming to work for him, but she tells him she has a job. Genesis ask Gabriel to put on some clothes, but he tells her she's in his office. Gabriel realized when he told her he would call the police that Genesis is hiding something, he doesn't want to let her out of his sight. Gabriel knows that Genesis comes from money so he not sure why she's cleaning his office. Gabriel tells Genesis that she's his now, she goes where he goes. Genesis tells Gabriel she's not a dog, but he makes her to into the bathroom so that she doesn't run off, he needs to get dressed. Gabriel asks Genesis how long she's been working as a maid, she tells him for months. Gabriel tells Genesis that's he's going to fire the maid service. Genesis argues with him about her employer, then Gabriel tells her to kiss him. Genesis tells him no, but Gabriel tells her if she kisses him he won't fire the maid service. When Genesis brushes her lips against his, he tells her when she argues with him, he picks her up and kisses her consuming her. Gabriel takes Genesis to his home, when he tells her he's hungry she gets to work in the kitchen. Gabriel tells her that if she tells him who she's running from she doesn't have to cook. Genesis tells hi she running from him, but he knows she's lying. Gabriel tells her he can't help her if she doesn't tell him. Gabriel leaves Genesis to call his brother Rafe, Wrecked, he asks to have some of his bodyguards come to his home. Gabriel tells his brother the little he knows about Genesis. When Gabriel returns to the kitchen to asks Genesis what she's cooking, she tells him spaghetti, he looks at it like it may bite him. When Genesis sits it down in front of him some slops out over the side, hitting his jacket and shirt. Gabriel tells her she did that on purpose, she asks him what cook him spaghetti, she tells him he's Italian of course she did. Gabriel asks her why it's like soup, she tells him she added water, it was too chunky. When Genesis puts garlic bread on his plate more sauce splattering more sauce on him, Gabriel grabs her by her waist and pulls her close to him. Gabriel tells her to eat, but she tells him she not hungry. Gabriel tells her she's eating, so she grabs his fork and slowly eats. Soon they are talking, but when Genesis asks him a few questions he avoid them. Genesis tells him he's avoiding the question, so he tells her he'll answer any of her questions if she just answer one of his. Genesis considers his offer, but she tells him if she agrees to answer his question he must promise her something first. Gabriel tells her he will, Genesis tells him that he needs to promise to protect her even if it means killing her. Gabriel stands placing Genesis on the table, he tells her he'll burn the world to the ground to protect her, he'll kill anyone who comes for her, but he'll never raise a hand to her. Genesis tells him he might not have a choice, but he tells her there's alway a choice. Genesis tells Gabriel that he doesn't know what the future looks like for her, what he'll do to her, death is an easy comparison. Gabriel ask her what his name is, and Genesis breaths the monsters name for the first time in a year she tells him, Alexander Santorum. Genesis knows that Gabriel knows who Alexander is. Gabriel soon realizes that Genesis is a Burbank, she tells him she's not the mentally ill girl who's dad tried to execute the police superintendent.Genesis explains what her dad found, and what she seen. Then she tells him she has all her dad's files, they're locked away. Genesis explains that Alexander is trying to force her to sleep with him, so he petition the courts to award custody of her to him. Genesis changes the subject she doesn't even want to think about Alexander so she asks Gabriel about his brothers. Gabriel tells Genesis to get some rest, they can talk more tomorrow. The next day some of Rafe's bodyguards show up, Genesis finds out from them that Gabriel can cook. Genesis can't believe she fed him slop last night, Gabriel takes his guards into his office. As soon as they step into the office, they question Gabriel they know who she is. Gabriel fills them in on the information that Genesis has on Alexander. Gabriel tells his bodyguard he wants a sit down with his brothers, he wants the police superintendent in there back pocket. When Gabriel comes back to the kitchen he finds Genesis, she didn't run. Gabriel tells her he wants everything from her, down to her soul. Genesis asks him what if she doesn't want to give it to him, Gabriel tells her she will. Gabriel kisses her, then knocks everything off the table putting Genesis on top. Gabriel rips off her clothes, Genesis confesses she's never done this before, and he tells her he's never either, then pleasures her. Then Gabriel starts to pleasures himself but he can see that Genesis wants him, so she pleasures him. An hour later, they've cleaned up and Gabriel cooks them breakfast. Gabriel notices that Genesis is quiet, she confesses she was thinking about him. Gabriel introduces Genesis to her bodyguards, they take their position. Gabriel takes Genesis into his home office and she sees pictures of Gabriel and his brothers. Genesis tells him she forgot he has another brother, Nico Physical Science. Gabriel tells Genesis what happened to him six years ago, when he spend some time in the hospital. The Valentino's lawyer, Diego Irresistible shows up at Gabriel's home and soon Rafe and Luca Wanton are there as well. Gabriel tells his lawyer and brothers the evidence that Genesis has on Alexander, and they come up a way to get revenge for Genesis. Later Genesis is getting ready for bed the guest room when Gabriel storms in pick her up and takes her to his room. Gabriel tells her she's sleeping with him from now on, she asks him what if she doesn't want to sleep with him. Gabriel tells her she will when she tells him she won't he spanks her, Genesis realizes she likes it. Gabriel then pleasures Genesis, then they make love. An hour later Gabriel tells her about what his brothers and him decided to do with Alexander, and Genesis isn't happy. Genesis tells him she wants to be the one he fears, the one he wakes in the middle of the night in a cold sweat dreaming about. Gabriel swears he'll protect her, Genesis asks him why. He tells her because she's his, they have a whole lifetime to fall in love, but Genesis knows she's already fallen. When Gabriel sits down with his brothers they go through the evidence that Genesis has, they know it won't take much to get Alexander to agree to their terms. Rafe doesn't want Gabriel to be with him for the meeting, but he tells his brother he needs to be there. For the next three days they wait, Gabriel and Genesis make love, when she starts to tell him she loves him she stops, but he tells her to finish it. Genesis tells him she can't, it will be one more thing Alexander can take from her, and she can't lose him. Genesis breaks down telling Gabriel that Alexander has taken everything from her. When she is done crying Gabriel tells her to set herself free and tells him the words he's been waiting to hear, Genesis tells him she loves him. Gabriel takes Genesis with them when they met Alexander, Rafe doesn't think it's a good idea but he tells his brother she needs this. They arrive at the deli, a bodyguard goes in to find Alexander already there. When Alexander sees Genesis he assumes they are handing her back to him. Genesis stands by Gabriel, and Rafe tells Alexander they aren't hear to give her back to him. They explain to Alexander that there lawyer is with the judge that gave him custody and he'll be dissolving the conservatorship. Alexander sticks to his story about her father, Genesis tells him she never told her father. When Alexander tries to leave Rafe tells him he's not going anywhere, and give him the paperwork Genesis has on him. Alexander tells them it's all a lie, so Rafe tells him they'll be going to the FBI with all the information they have on him. Rafe tells Alexander he owns him now, and tells him to knee to him. Rafe tells him to plead for forgiveness from Genesis, she tells him he doesn't deserve forgiveness. Genesis tells him she'll never belong to him, she belongs to Gabriel. Then Genesis leaves she tells them she'll wait in the car, but Gabriel follow her outside. Gabriel tells her he'll wait with her, after fifteen minutes his brother comes out with his bodyguard. Genesis thanks Rafe for all he did for her, but he tells her she owes him no thanks. Soon there's movement behind them Genesis sees Alexander storming towards them with a gun in his hand. They hear gunfire and Genesis screams, someone throws her to the ground. Genesis sees that Gabriel is laying in a pool of blood but she can't get to him. Genesis screams, then elbows the bodyguard on her and gets free to crawl to Gabriel. She sees the wound but can't find the exit hole, so she puts pressure on the wound. Time passes in a blur, Genesis rides to the hospital with Gabriel. Soon they take Gabriel to the operating room, Luca and Nico arrive shortly after Rafe. Genesis learns that Alexander is dead along with one of the bodyguards that was protecting her. Soon the surgeon finally comes out to let them know that Gabriel is stabilized. Genesis's knees buckle but Gabriel's brother catch her before she hits the ground. When Gabriel wakes he can feel Genesis next to him, he says her name. When he looks at her he sees she's been crying. Gabriel tells her to come to him he wants to hold her, she tells him he needs to rest. Genesis hesitate but finally eases into his arms, he tells her he'll rest better now. Genesis tells him she loves him and Gabriel tells her he loves her. Gabriel finds out that he needed a blood transfusion, all three of his brothers gave their blood for him. Genesis tells Gabriel that she thinks that was Alexander's plan, he wanted to die that day. Two days later, Gabriel gets ready to leave the hospital, Genesis protest telling him he's not ready. Gabriel tell her he's going home to shower in his shower, and his bed where he can sleep next to her his future wife. In the morning they'll go ring shopping, Genesis is shocked he wants to go ring shopping. Genesis is a free woman now, the world knows she was a victim and Alexander was a villain. That to them is worth more than what they lost. Six years later, Genesis has learned Italian over the years, some she learns from her bodyguards, which Gabriel doesn't like. Gabriel has let go of his past and the demons that once haunted him. He's learned to forgive himself and Rafe, all four brother's are thriving now and the Valentino Empire has gone unchallenged. All of the brothers are where they want to be, they've all healed, they've all let go. Genesis has also let go, she's not the same person. Gabriel and Genesis have four kids now, he kisses her and sets he ablaze, he touches and ignites her.

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love rules without rules.”

I’ve never read a Nichole Rose book I didn’t love. Gabriel just might be my favorite brother. He’s dealing with demons of his own, when he see’s Genesis in his office. He decides from the moment he see’s her he’s not letting her go. She’s running from her own enemies and refuses to let anyone else think they can tell her what to do or own her. I absolutely loved her. Their banter and the way she sassed back at him every step was just perfect. Just as perfect as him saying all those sweet things to her in Italian. It was like they never knew they needed one another. I’m going to miss this series.

[MerReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nichole Rose outdid herself with this story! I could not put it down and it was the SEXIEST and HOTTEST most PASSIONATE love story I have read in recent memory! *swoooooon*
Safe
No cheating
NO OW/OM
No separation
HEA
Love is unwavering and passionate
Sex is some of the hottest I have read with kinks I knew I liked, (forced orgasms, spanking, rough sex, power play, dirty talk, biting) and one I did not know I liked but I REALLY do, (somnophilia).
DOUBLE VIRGINS!!!! *happy dance with goofy smile on my face*
Alpha OTT obsessed H
Feisty, small, sweet, swipes and bites and loves as fiercely as her man, h
*swoon*
This is the BEST in the series, and one of Nichole Rose's best heroes!
Gabriel is a filthy, dirty talking, kinky sex beast! He is delicious, but he is balanced well with being a loving, caring, man whispering sweet words of love and devotion in Italian to his amore. I have always believed that a hero in romance can be dark, kinky and dark in his desires if and only if he is madly in love with his woman and puts her above everyone else including himself. That is Gabriel, his love for Genesis never wavers, it only grows stronger and not once does he question it or fight it! Best of all, he makes sure she knows how far gone he is for her, how deeply in love to the point of madness he is for her! That there is no escaping it. Aside from a virgin hero (which are my personal favorite), who belongs ENTIRELY to his woman, I love, LOVE a strong, forceful alpha who never questions his love for his woman, and it only grows in obsession as the story progresses. So a hero with all of these elements combined in one! You have got yourself the perfect romance hero. OOOOFFF....someone get me a tall glass of ice water, it is getting hot in here! He is the SEXIEST hero Nichole Rose has ever written. Gabriel is just *sigh* everything.....EVERYTHING!
Now, Genesis, is a goddess in a 5'2 ft curvy body, she is as feisty as they come, always has a witty remark going toe to toe with her 6'4 mafioso. She can give as good as she takes and she bites! *wink* She is not afraid to be shy and demure at time, but make no mistake she is strong. But when she feels weak it is not beneath her to bury her face in her man's chest as he holds her and cries soaking up his strength. THAT is a real woman in my book! She is not afraid to need her man, just as he is not afraid to need his woman, hand in hand facing their enemies together.
I am gushing on this couple, this love story is in my top favorites! Here is a short summary on how they meet, to wet your palette. Genesis is a cleaning lady, and she walks into Gabrielle's office to clean it. She sees money in the drawer and without thinking, she touches it (she wasn't going to steal it), but it was just curiosity. Gabrielle walks out of the shower in his office wrapped in nothing but a towel, his sexiness and his scars. One look at her and he is a goner. He already claims her as his (in Italian) and says that she is going to work for him now. He does not let her out of his sight and even locks her in the shower with him to change. When her boss (Lydia an old lady) walks in on him kissing her, he openly tells her in Italian that she is his now. He takes her with him back to his home and they have been inseparable since! There is soooo much more, but you have to read it and be swept in their love story. I have to say, how they meet is the sexiest encounter I have read in recent memory! The somnophilia is a new to me and I really enjoy reading this kink. I only wish there was more of it.
Please, I implore you to read this love story. It can be read as a stand alone, but the other three in the "Ruined" series, "Physical Science", "Wrecked" and "Wanton" are also worth the read. They are very good and I have read them at least twice. (If I didn't write a review on them I will soon, I recommend all three). "Wicked" will be one I will reread over and over again, as it is my favorite in the series!
Happy Reading!

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel Valentino is part of La Costra Nostra. His older brother Rafe heads the family. Gabriel and his brother Luca have Rafe’s back in the organization. Nico is Rafe’s twin but he is not part of the life and he stays away only talking to them occasionally. Mattia Agostino is Rafe’s advisor, the consigliere.
Years ago, Gabriel was mad at Rafe and rode off on his motorcycle. He was going too fast, ran a red light and was in an accident. He flew one way and his bike flew another way. The bike smashed a young woman against a brick wall and she died instantly. Gabriel was in a coma and Rafe and Mattia made sure the driver that hit Gabriel was charged with the crime instead of Gabriel who was at fault. The woman’s death continues to haunt Gabriel.

Genesis Santiago is living with Lydia Kaplan and working for her cleaning company. Genesis is hiding from Alexander Santorum, the man who killed her father and then had the courts rule her as mentally unstable so he could control Genesis. Alexander is the Superintendent of the Chicago PD.

Valentino International is in a large building and Lydia sends Genesis to the top floor executive offices to clean them. She is in Gabriel’s office to clean and sees a desk drawer partially open and it is full of money. Gabriel catches Genesis looking in the drawer and he is immediately drawn to her. He senses that she is running from someone and hiding out. Since he wants her, he kisses her and takes her home.

Once Gabriel knows who Genesis is and who she is hiding from, can he keep her safe? Can they take down Alexander together?

I enjoyed all three books in the Trilogy about the Valentino brothers.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Nichole Rose gets a big old 5 stars from me.
This author is always an immediate one click for me, I just love how her writing is a mix of instalove, drama, suspense & just the right amount of steam, never enough to make it overpower the story & make it one note but actually enriches the story & adds further dimension to it. ‘Wicked’ is no different.
I started off the first chapter not liking Gabriel AT ALL but that’s on me, the situation described in the flashback portion has similarities to something I’ve been through with a family member so it hit a little close to home for me to feel any empathy for him at that point. However, as the story progresses, you see how much he actually tortures himself for his actions on that day & the lengths he goes to to atone for his actions
Genesis, LOOOOOVVVEEED HER! She’s had life utterly kick the shit out of her but she’s strong & takes no prisoners. Life hasn’t broken her, just made her more determined to survive.
The heat between these two is undeniable but it’s the heart behind the characters that drives the story forward. Gabriel thinks he’s saving Genesis when in fact it’s her that saves him. She becomes his redemption.
Lots of dirty talking, super steamy moments & a slightly darker edge to it than you’re used to finding from Nichole’s stories but it is a mafia romance so that’s to be expected.
If I could give this book a 100 star rating I would, truly saved the best for last

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked is the final book in the Ruined Trilogy and what a way to end the series!! Gabriel, in my opinion, is the most possessive, filthiest of all of Nichole Rose’s leading men. The mouth on him was something else, but Genesis gave as good as she got. She was such a strong female character and although it follows the instalove on both sides that Nichole is famous for, Genesis made him work for her submission. Which really only made him fall deeper and deeper. They were perfect for each other in all aspects of life. There were twists and turns, demons and side stories, and we finally get to see all the brothers come together. I loved getting those side stories, especially with Rafe, and seeing once again how much these brothers sacrificed due to their love for one another. Dual virgins, breeding kink, check trigger warnings, no cheating or OW/OM drama, insta love and the perfect epilogue 6 years later. Can be read as a stand-alone, but I’d really recommend starting with Nico’s book Physical Science and then starting the Ruined Trilogy with Rafe’s book Wrecked. Definitely a must read!

[Tracy Pulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Rose grabbed l my attention from the start! I was all in and couldn’t wait to see where she took us with Gabriel and Genesis. Gabriel carries so many feelings and Genesis embraces that and encourages him through it.

“But we all have demons, tesoro.”

How true is that! We all have something we’re fighting. That doesn’t mean we are bad.

There is a Content advisory at the beginning. It made me second guess reading it but since it’s Nichole Rose, I dove in anyway. I had to look up some of the words. I guess you could say while I read a lot of spice, it’s mostly tame or “main stream.” I didn’t have any issues reading the scenes Rose was referring to. I actually felt like they felt completely natural.

I know it isn’t Rafe’s book, but I love him so much. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. He loves his brothers so much. Even if they can’t or refuse to see it.

I HATE that this is the last book with the Valentino family. I adore them so much.

I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love RULES without rules (64)

These incredible quotes from within WICKED best express my five out of five rating!
"She led a lamb to a lion and didn't guard it closely enough. It belongs to the lion now (36)." "The truth blazes like holy fire in his eyes (47)." "Even afraid, she's a savage. Even angry, she's a fucking queen (105)." "She smiles with savage satisfaction. I kiss it from her lips, drinking her courage down my throat until my balls throb and my lungs burn (105)." "Tesoro," he whispers. "My brave little regina." "I love you, Gabriel." I press my face to his throat and let the tears come. They don't hurt this time. I think they wash away the stains Alexander left on my soul, healing the broken parts of me. Or maybe Gabriel's comforting embrace does that. He doesn't let me go. Not even when the tears dry. He just holds me right there on the sidewalk as if it’s the most important thing he has to do today (113)." "He's my favorite shade of night... (129)."
~Nichole Rose (Wicked ) Kindle Unlimited May 2023

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that this series is ending so could we find a long lost cousin or three?

Gabriel has been the mysterious Valentino throughout this trilogy. You don’t learn too much about him, other than he seems even more ornery than his older brothers.

Ornery doesn’t begin to describe this delicious, complicated, tortured-soul of a character. Thanks to a terrible decision Gabriel made in his past, he’s not willing to forgive himself or his brothers, until he stumbles upon Genesis, his Regina. Gabriel has met his match in Genesis, who makes him work for every piece of her, even as she succumbs to his love.

These two are perfect together and they will take you on a journey filled with drama, filthy-dirty $exy times, and the power of redemptive, all-consuming love.

This book was perfect.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I purchased a copy. 🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️ from me!

[Nelda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew as soon as I opened this book that I should’ve just DNF’d it. This is the story of the Baby Brother and last of the trilogy, so I said why not. Gabriel had this mystery about him in the first two books that left you intrigued to know more of his story.

To be honest, this book is far too short and quick to even be considered an #instalove. The entire book is over 8 days, including the epilogue. The MMC dropped the L Word in less than 24 hours, and there’s absolutely no build up to any of his emotions. Somehow their love is also so powerful that two virgins felt completely at ease and confident enough to try hardcore sex as they each lose their virginity.

This story is extremely short, so there’s no time to develop either main character. Somehow, there was time to destroy the character of Rafe, the eldest brother.

[Christina Ricketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be my favorite of the Valentino Brothers trilogy! It was definitely a little bit of a departure from Nichole's other books, but only in the best way possible. It was a darker, more gritty romance but still came with her classic HEA. Gabriel is a (very,VERY) dirty-talking, bossy, alpha man who, though similar to his brothers in a lot of ways, forged his own path and is haunted by his own demons. His story is touching and beautiful. Genesis is the savage queen who brought him back to life. I absolutely adore these two and how they interact with each other. The chemistry is off the charts, and love scenes are FIRE! Definitely loved this one, and I can't wait to read it again.

[Brittney Lathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!!

I freaking enjoyed reading this book. Gabriel Valentino is part of the Valentino family. He has three other brothers. He is also part of the mafia. But he doesn't want any part of it.

Genesis Burbank has been on the run for a year. She has been running from Alexander Santorum. Alexander is a dirty cop. When Gabriel and Genesis cross paths. Things get heated and twisted.

They have some what of a cat and mouse relationship. Genesis might be a virgin but she definitely knows what she wants. Between Gabriel hot Italian dark ways. Genesis sassy mouth. The sexual relationship between them is 🔥🔥🔥.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really liked this one. I have read all the previous books about the brothers and was interested in Gabriel but didn't expect to like his story the best. It was so good to get an understanding of why he was so tortured. Initially I was worried he would remain cold and aloof but I should have known better with him being a Nichole hero. I loved how fast he responded to Genesis when he found her snooping. These two really go from zero to sixty but I loved every second. We get some action and suspense, a great love story and the best sort of revenge. Great read.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked absolutely delivered. A perfect accompaniment to the Valentino Brother legacy.

Gabriel was every bit as wild as Nichole Rose warns. Darker than his brother’s, but delicious for it.

Genesis took no crap and gave Gabriel hell and it was hilarious. Their banter was top tier and their chemistry came off the page it was so combustible.

Nichole Rose will never not be someone I recommend and I love that for all of the many novellas I have read by her, she continues to bring something new to each story. Wicked was funny, sexy, and it hurt my heart in the best way.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! This was so, so good!!! Completely engaging, I couldn’t put it down. Genesis had been on the run from the man who killed her father for a year. She gets a job cleaning the Valentino building and meets Gabriel. Gabriel is totally captivated by her from first sight. He will love and protect her with his life. There was danger, suspense, a little violence, off the charts chemistry, a little kinky play, a sassy, fun heroine, a completely obsessed, protective, loving hero and a wonderful HEA

[Rmqbookqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one started out a little slower than usual for me, but then Gabriel and Genesis had me completely hooked on everything they said and did.😉These two were H.O.T. hot. I loved that they had this snarky banter, and both were so into each other but loved giving the other a hard time just for the fun of it all. When Nichole Rose gives us something a little darker than usual you just know she’s going to slay it, and she did. Great read, and I’d recommend binge reading all the Valentino brothers books to see them all find the love of their lives and become a family again.

[Nichole Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive Wicked as an ARC, and I could not put Wicked down. One of my most favourite things about Nichole Rose’s books is how they are all connected with previous books, that are not in the series. Gabriel is in pain, not physically, but he is haunted by his past. Genesis is on the run, she is in hiding from the man who killed her father and told everyone she was psychotic, which we all know she was not. Gabriel took one look at Genesis, even though he thought she was stealing from him, and decided she was his. From that moment on, nothing in heaven and earth could keep him away from Genesis. Genesis knew she loved Gabriel, but she could not tell him, because everything she loved had been ripped away from her, and she would not risk Gabriel. Genesis could no longer deny her feelings, but when death came calling, she was sure she had lost everything. I could not put this down, I loved Wicked from start to finish. Super spicy, and all the feels.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very hot book! I loved Genesis and Gabriel together with their instant and intense connection and chemistry. Gabriel is like a dog with a bone when it comes to Genesis. I loved the sweetness but also that the banter and teasing that Gabriel and Genesis have in this story. The drama and HEA in this book has me not so patiently waiting for Nichole’s next book.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insanely hot, NR saved the best brother for last! Gabriel is a dirty talking, slightly volatile head of the Valentino's legit businesses. When he finds Genesis in his office, suddenly everything is suddenly right in his world. Genesis is in trouble and her feisty nature entrances him. I fell in love with these two, they are the perfect match. I didn't want their story to end, not even a little bit. All the stars for Gabriel and Genesis!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please be warned of the trigger warnings for this book. I usually try to avoid books with those but I just HAD to read this book. Boy, am I glad that I did! Getting to know Gabriel and Genesis was definitely eye opening for me. They each had their own emotional baggage to carry.
This book was an incredible read. It’s not too long but just right for this couple and their backstories and present day life. I would definitely recommend this book!
I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* Gabriel meets his Regina, Genesis

Gabriel meets his Regina, Genesis, in his office as she is there cleaning it. Right off at their first encounter, Gabriel stakes his claim. He soon figures out Genesis is in hiding, and he's going to find out why and from whom.

I loved how the brothers banded together to help out! I truly enjoyed Gabriel and Genesis' banter.

I truly enjoyed this read 📚!

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite couple of the trilogy!!

Gabriel & Genesis set my kindle on fire!!!! She is hell bent on pushing him every chance she gets, and he loves her for it. They were meant for each other and you could tell from the very first time Gabriel laid eyes on her.

I’m all for an instalove but add in the fact that Gabriel is a made man and he bows down to his reigna, it makes it that much sweeter. This story was everything I was looking for an more!!!

[Kyareth14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of the Valentino brothers has enchanted me, I have fallen in love with each one of them, and now this story of Gabriel is my favorite. Gabriel has spent some years hating himself for an accident he had, and that kept him away from his brothers, but when he met Genesis he assumed that his life had a new meaning, to love and protect her. Genesis was running away but in Gabriel she found what she needed. This book has all the touches to enjoy reading, and HEA for everyone.