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Ghosted
Dante was the son of New York’s most notorious modern-day godfather, Vincent Santino. At 16 Dante was banished for an attempt on his father's life after discovering he had killed his childhood sweetheart Rylee Bane and her entire Irish mafia family. Ten years later Dante returns to take over the family business, but it isn't the business he wants, it's revenge. There's just one problem, he isn't the only one.
As with most Dark Mafia Romance stories there is violence against all sexes and ages, bloodshed, torture, death, and sex, but Ghosted is not for the faintest of heart. Deaths include a child, and an unborn. Attempted murder on a young teen and pregnant woman and talks of rape, miscarriage and abortion.
But don't worry there is also some humor and as with all of my books there is always an HEA.
As with most Dark Mafia Romance stories there is violence against all sexes and ages, bloodshed, torture, death, and sex, but Ghosted is not for the faintest of heart. Deaths include a child, and an unborn. Attempted murder on a young teen and pregnant woman and talks of rape, miscarriage and abortion.
But don't worry there is also some humor and as with all of my books there is always an HEA.
389 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Gray
26 books90 followersJust an Indie Author trying to bring happiness to dark-minded readers one page at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 25, 2023
This book was really good. This is a Mafia, revenge, 2nd chance romance story what was really enjoyable to read. I thought the characters were really complex and even the side characters were interesting in their interactions with the main characters. Like Gram we should all have a gram in our lives. A bodyguard/mentor/father figure who protects us and teaches us to be b@da$$es. I also love how even though Dante and Rylee were separated, and Dante thought Rylee was un@lived he still carried his feelings for her and knew he would always love her so when he figures out, she is alive it is just so heartwarming to see them together in their love for one another. Dante was also great to read in that he recognized Raylee's albitites to handle her business and even though he wanted revenge on the same people he recognized that he needed to let her have the final "blows" because it was her family that was affected. He did what he could protect her but still let her handle her business.
Raylee was a strong FMC who I did enjoy reading but I will say at times I did shake my head as she was a trained un@liver but sometimes would get distracted allowing someone to get the drop on her. But other times she was more than capable of handling her assignments and it did seem like the times people were able to get the drop on her were to further certain plot points.
I think the plot was really interesting to read about them taking revenge on those that un@lived those they both cared about and taking her family's kingdom back bit by bit. I will say that for a romance they find each other relatively quick, and the story is about them working together as a team which was great to read. But if you're looking for a slow burn, angsty they are circling each other but keeping missing one another because she wants to keep her identity/mission hidden that is not what this story is. I also loved the epilogue as it made me tear up seeing them truly get their happy ending that they both deserved.
What stop this from being a 5 for me is that for me at certain spots the writing could have been a little smoother. To me it felt certain parts could have used more details when talking about the scenes and interactions as well as the transitions to the scene. But for the most part the writing was really well done and easy to read with a great plot to keep you entertained.
This is a story of revenge where Dante the son of a modern-day godfather, who wants to get back at his father and associates. The reasoning being is they are responsible for the un@aliving of his best friend and secret love Raylee when they were both teens along with her whole family. He is back in NY after being banished and he is looking to work on his revenge list. However, it seems like those on his list are seemingly to be running into some bad luck and ending up in the ground before he has the chance to do it himself. As he is trying to figure out what is going on, he runs into a woman that he can't get out of his mind and reminds him in some ways of his old love but that is impossible...or is it?
A great book if you are looking for a mafia revenge story.
Raylee was a strong FMC who I did enjoy reading but I will say at times I did shake my head as she was a trained un@liver but sometimes would get distracted allowing someone to get the drop on her. But other times she was more than capable of handling her assignments and it did seem like the times people were able to get the drop on her were to further certain plot points.
I think the plot was really interesting to read about them taking revenge on those that un@lived those they both cared about and taking her family's kingdom back bit by bit. I will say that for a romance they find each other relatively quick, and the story is about them working together as a team which was great to read. But if you're looking for a slow burn, angsty they are circling each other but keeping missing one another because she wants to keep her identity/mission hidden that is not what this story is. I also loved the epilogue as it made me tear up seeing them truly get their happy ending that they both deserved.
What stop this from being a 5 for me is that for me at certain spots the writing could have been a little smoother. To me it felt certain parts could have used more details when talking about the scenes and interactions as well as the transitions to the scene. But for the most part the writing was really well done and easy to read with a great plot to keep you entertained.
This is a story of revenge where Dante the son of a modern-day godfather, who wants to get back at his father and associates. The reasoning being is they are responsible for the un@aliving of his best friend and secret love Raylee when they were both teens along with her whole family. He is back in NY after being banished and he is looking to work on his revenge list. However, it seems like those on his list are seemingly to be running into some bad luck and ending up in the ground before he has the chance to do it himself. As he is trying to figure out what is going on, he runs into a woman that he can't get out of his mind and reminds him in some ways of his old love but that is impossible...or is it?
A great book if you are looking for a mafia revenge story.
January 1, 2024
Ghosted is a dark mafia romance! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book!! I was hooked from the start and I could not put this book down!
Dante is the son of a notorious mobster. When Dante is 16 he finds out that Rylee, his childhood sweetheart, and her entire family were murdered by his father. He is banished after he tries to k!ll his father. 10 years later Dante finally returns to take over the business, but he also wants revenge.
For the past 10 years, Rylee has been a ghost. Everyone thinks she died, but she is coming back to seek her revenge.
I loved Dante and Rylee's story! They have so much chemistry! They were the perfect pair. Rylee was such a strong fmc!
This book also had such an excellent plot. You will not want to put this book down! I truly just love their story. Ghosted is one of those books you wish you could go back and read for the first time.
I really loved Shelly’s writing and storytelling! This was my first book by her and I’m definitely going to be reading more!
I highly recommend Ghosted if you love mafia, 2nd chances, and revenge romances! Ghosted released today and I can’t say enough great things about this book!
*thank you so much Shelly for this paperback arc🫶🏼🖤
Tropes:
♡ Mafia
♡ 2nd chance
♡ revenge
♡ strong fmc
♡ touch her and 💀
♡ childhood sweethearts
February 7, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. The FMC was probably one of my favorite so far. This is a dark mafia romance with all kinds of twists and turns it has laughter. It has heartbreak. It has touch her and you know. I can’t recommend this enough. If you haven’t read it, it needs to be on your TBR or in your hands. Shelly Gray knocked one out of the park with this one.
February 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Remember your childhood crush/sweetheart? Now imagine that your Mafia boss father has the entire family unalived, this is what Dante Santino's life has turned into. At 16 years old he is distraught and makes an attempt on his father's life after finding out what he had done, to which his father (Vincent) ships him off to Italy.
Flash forward 10 years and Dante is still filled with rage for what his father did and wants revenge for him taking his sweetheart away from him. Plot twist, he's not the only one looking for revenge though...
Tropes:
- Childhood Sweethearts
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Mafia Romance
- Rival Families
- Soul Mates
TW:
- Violence against all ages and sexes
- Bloodshed
- Torture
- Death
- Death of a child and unborn child
- Attempted unaliving on a young teen
- Talk of r@pe
- Miscarriage
- Abortion
- Explicit Sexual Content
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Remember your childhood crush/sweetheart? Now imagine that your Mafia boss father has the entire family unalived, this is what Dante Santino's life has turned into. At 16 years old he is distraught and makes an attempt on his father's life after finding out what he had done, to which his father (Vincent) ships him off to Italy.
Flash forward 10 years and Dante is still filled with rage for what his father did and wants revenge for him taking his sweetheart away from him. Plot twist, he's not the only one looking for revenge though...
Tropes:
- Childhood Sweethearts
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Mafia Romance
- Rival Families
- Soul Mates
TW:
- Violence against all ages and sexes
- Bloodshed
- Torture
- Death
- Death of a child and unborn child
- Attempted unaliving on a young teen
- Talk of r@pe
- Miscarriage
- Abortion
- Explicit Sexual Content
December 8, 2023
I loved everything about this book. Rylee took her pain and used it in the best way possible. Dante did as well. The two of them were the perfect pair for each other. This book was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I loved how the past and present came together to make this story. This is one I would recommend to anyone wanting to read a mafia romance. Rylee the strong and ever cleaver FMC. Gram was my favorite character out of the book because of his love for Rylee. Dante was the best MMC for Rylee and the love they gave to each other. I think Dante and Rylee got so well with each other. Having Gram the brut father figure was also a great asset to the story. This one is one of my favorites this year for sure!
December 1, 2024
What more could you ask for? Mafia✔️ Murder✔️ Revenge✔️Love✔️Spice✔️Don't touch her, shes mine✔️Protective and posessive✔️HEA✔️ Allllll the things you'd expect from the mafia for sure
Dante and Rylee both have a reason to come back home...but one doesn't know the other is still alive. And when they figure it out...whew does this book get better! This is my first read by Shelly Gray and I am so ready for book 2!! I was hooked from the WARNING page with "It is purely a fantasy for those who like dark romances by authors with a dark side, twisted mind, and who like to push limits"....yes please!!!!!!
Dante and Rylee both have a reason to come back home...but one doesn't know the other is still alive. And when they figure it out...whew does this book get better! This is my first read by Shelly Gray and I am so ready for book 2!! I was hooked from the WARNING page with "It is purely a fantasy for those who like dark romances by authors with a dark side, twisted mind, and who like to push limits"....yes please!!!!!!
October 29, 2024
I need all the mafia dark romance now! Loved reading this! Rylee and Dante were in love. They were in high school. Both were in Mafia families. Dante’s father had Rylee’s family murdered. Dante was heartbroken. His father banished him and sent him away. 10 years later Dante comes back for revenge. And guess what he’s not the only one.
October 13, 2025
Shelly Gray can do no wrong. While I have found my favorite and its is by far a five star this was soooo good! Dark romance readers NEED to read her books. Perfect blend of dark and suspenseful with so much love and spicy but still sweet romance. Absolutely love!
January 2, 2025
I loved so much about this book! The book is a page turner all throughout. The pacing is perfect and steady from chapter 1 to the end.
You have a mafia princess that found true love as a teenager. They were to be married before tragedy within her family. He loses her for 10 years and is on a mission to avenge her death. It's just so good morning, not sharing anymore. I want you to experience the love between Rylee and Dante for yourself.
You have a mafia princess that found true love as a teenager. They were to be married before tragedy within her family. He loses her for 10 years and is on a mission to avenge her death. It's just so good morning, not sharing anymore. I want you to experience the love between Rylee and Dante for yourself.
December 2, 2023
This book is by far the best dark mafia romance book I have read. I love the characters not just the MFC Rylee and MMC Dante but all of them. This book is well written and the story is fantastic. The love between Rylee and Dante is the type of love we all wish to find. My heart broke for Dante thinking he lost the love of his life when Rylee and her entire family were murdered by his own father ordering their deaths. But fate had other plans. Rylee grew into a strong and skillful woman and she took down so many of the men that were there the night her family was murdered. I love that even though they had been apart for so long and she changed her appearance, Dante just knew she was the love of his life. I’ll quite spoiling it for y’all but please go read this book I promise you will not regret it. Check your trigger warnings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
Omg the writing style in this story is amazing. She has became one of my authors if she writes it I am going to buy it. This is the 4th book that I have read by shelly and I haven't be disappointed what so ever. I can't wait to get my hands on another one of her book.
Second read: I can say I am still obsessed with Riley and Dante story. Riley is such a strong MFC. . She come back and take back what was supposed to be her live and gets her revenge for her family. I would love a bite of Dante. I don’t want to give to much away. I love the story, the twist and turn. The spicy 🥵 is chefs kiss I will so read this book over and over again. I will still buy anything she write. 10/10 recommend!!!
Second read: I can say I am still obsessed with Riley and Dante story. Riley is such a strong MFC. . She come back and take back what was supposed to be her live and gets her revenge for her family. I would love a bite of Dante. I don’t want to give to much away. I love the story, the twist and turn. The spicy 🥵 is chefs kiss I will so read this book over and over again. I will still buy anything she write. 10/10 recommend!!!
December 30, 2023
Can I just say wow!! This book was amazing! I loved everything about it! This tells the story of Dante and Rylees epic love story. The book starts when they were kids attending the same school and their parents had an arranged marriage set up but something devastating happens. Fast forward 10 years and Dante is out for revenge. Little does he know Rylee is after the same thing! This book had me in all my feels. If you’re looking for spice action suspense and an amazing love story this book is for you. I highly recommend and as always check your triggers this book has a lot in such a great way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
This was a page turner! I am a sucker for any type of romance, but this one goes to the top. Dante's and Rylee's story is so beautiful but shattering at the same time. I was cheering for them both from the very beginning. And my heart broke for them at every bump in the road.
A bit of a spoiler here...
I always see a lesson in every book. Here, no matter how much time as passed, the world will
always bring you back to the one that you are supposed to be with. Will the road be easy? No, life is never that easy. But with a love like Dante's and Rylee's, you fight till your last breath to hold onto it.
Well done to Shelly on this book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel!
A bit of a spoiler here...
I always see a lesson in every book. Here, no matter how much time as passed, the world will
always bring you back to the one that you are supposed to be with. Will the road be easy? No, life is never that easy. But with a love like Dante's and Rylee's, you fight till your last breath to hold onto it.
Well done to Shelly on this book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel!
December 12, 2023
I devoured this book. It was sooo good with how the past and present came together.
Rylee and Dante have a past together, but ever since Dante found out what happened to Rylee, he has plans for his family.With her past, Rylee wants revenge for what happened to her family.
The two of them were the perfect duo. You can feel in this book how much they were really meant to be together. They overcome so many obstacles together, and it has strengthened their relationship. It's such a great mafia romance read.
Rylee and Dante have a past together, but ever since Dante found out what happened to Rylee, he has plans for his family.With her past, Rylee wants revenge for what happened to her family.
The two of them were the perfect duo. You can feel in this book how much they were really meant to be together. They overcome so many obstacles together, and it has strengthened their relationship. It's such a great mafia romance read.
January 5, 2024
Dark Mafia Romance
Tropes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Second Chance
Touch her & d!3
Revenge
Action
Spice
Loved it! I love a strong FMC and you definitely get one here.
Riley and Dante were childhood sweethearts until sometime tragic happens. Dante is devastated when he learns what happens and lashes out at his father and in doing so causes him to be banished.
Can he avenge his childhood sweetheart?
Tropes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Second Chance
Touch her & d!3
Revenge
Action
Spice
Loved it! I love a strong FMC and you definitely get one here.
Riley and Dante were childhood sweethearts until sometime tragic happens. Dante is devastated when he learns what happens and lashes out at his father and in doing so causes him to be banished.
Can he avenge his childhood sweetheart?
February 1, 2024
Who doesn’t want a Dante in their life?!? Girl! This book was everything. It was the first dark mafia romance I have read, and let me tell you, I will be coming back for more! The action and the spice in this book is on point! It’s a definite must read!
November 24, 2024
Why I love Shelly Gray’s books, the MC’s are absolutely devoted to each other and these two are even more so despite being separated while young.
When the need for revenge ultimately brings Rylee and Dante back together have their feelings stayed the same? Can they trust one another???
My favorite part of this book was the FMC, she’s strong, she’s powerful, she protective and she loves fiercely.
Definitely don’t sleep on this one!
When the need for revenge ultimately brings Rylee and Dante back together have their feelings stayed the same? Can they trust one another???
My favorite part of this book was the FMC, she’s strong, she’s powerful, she protective and she loves fiercely.
Definitely don’t sleep on this one!
November 29, 2024
The fmc (rylee) is strong and is an independent woman with the mmc (dante). This is the second chance romance . And the fmc trains to unalive all that was responsible for her family's death. Her and Dante were sent to Italy, but he went and came back to take out all that was involved with rules for family death.
December 2, 2024
Omg this was sooo good!! The ending has a twist I totally did not see coming at all! The story was fantastic. This was my first dark mafia romance and it makes me excited to read more! Way to go Shelly this was amazing
November 16, 2024
This second chance, mafia romance story is a must read! Rylee and Dante do not let their past trauma keep them apart, on the contrary it makes them even stronger individually and together.
This story has smut, revenge, suspense, drama, & yes, it ends with a HEA! I can’t wait to read more.
This story has smut, revenge, suspense, drama, & yes, it ends with a HEA! I can’t wait to read more.
November 25, 2024
I’ve been in a bit of a book slump as of late, like it’s taking me weeks to get through a book, but i picked this book up at 10:30 am this morning and couldn’t put it down. I finished it about an hour ago. It has a bit of everything i love in it. And the end had me tearing up. 5 start from me!
November 27, 2024
This is my first book by this author, and it's a 10 out of 10 read. This book 100% keeps you on your toes. It takes you through all the emotions. In some parts, you can absolutely FEEL what the character is feeling. I can't wait to read another book!
November 30, 2024
I absolutely loved this book, Dante and rylee are 🤌 I love me a strong FMC, if you like dark mafia books with revenge, love, spice, and a good ploy, then I highly recommend this one! Shelly knew what she was doing and absolutely nailed it.
November 29, 2024
I was invested in this story! I couldn't put this book down. I loved Dante and Rylee's story. The revenge they doled out was chefs kiss! And what a plot twist!
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
September 10, 2025
This was a mafia second chance romance story. It was phenomenal i loved Raylee and Dante’s story, they were in love with each other as teenagers both growing up in mafia families till Dante’s father had Raylee’s family murdered. Everyone thought Raylee didnt make it either but was saved by her trainer and took her to safety. She was plotting to get her revenge on Dante’s family. They end up falling love again they got their second chance!! This was a great story line loved it!! I love me some mafia romance with second chance romance well yes please!!
WARNING: As with most Dark Mafia Romance stories there is violence against all sexes and ages, bloodshed, torture, death, and sex, but Ghosted is not for the faintest of heart. Deaths include a child, and an unborn. Attempted murder on a young teen and pregnant woman and talks of rape, miscarriage and abortion.
WARNING: As with most Dark Mafia Romance stories there is violence against all sexes and ages, bloodshed, torture, death, and sex, but Ghosted is not for the faintest of heart. Deaths include a child, and an unborn. Attempted murder on a young teen and pregnant woman and talks of rape, miscarriage and abortion.
January 2, 2024
This is a really good dark Mafia romance! I really enjoyed the plot and the fact that the FMC is a BA.
There were some moments I felt like she wasn't living up to the trained assassin character. But she was really dynamic and I enjoyed her relationship with the MMC and Gram.
Overall this was a great spicy read but check content warnings, there's some heavy topics!
There were some moments I felt like she wasn't living up to the trained assassin character. But she was really dynamic and I enjoyed her relationship with the MMC and Gram.
Overall this was a great spicy read but check content warnings, there's some heavy topics!
March 7, 2024
Tropes: Mafia romance. Revenge. Second chance. Touch her and 💀vibes. Strong FMC and MMC.
The way I could not put this book down. Rylee is searching for revenge after the death of her family 10 years ago. Dante’s bidding his time to claim his revenge after the death of his best friend and his best friend’s family. The love of his life. One day out of chance they meet again, and the story that follows is not only heartbreaking, but also heartwarming.
I received this ARC read for a fair and honest review.
The way I could not put this book down. Rylee is searching for revenge after the death of her family 10 years ago. Dante’s bidding his time to claim his revenge after the death of his best friend and his best friend’s family. The love of his life. One day out of chance they meet again, and the story that follows is not only heartbreaking, but also heartwarming.
I received this ARC read for a fair and honest review.
February 2, 2025
It's one of the best mafia romance books I have read. Fast-paced, great banter, entertaining, and good romance content.
March 23, 2025
Rounded up to a 4.5 star rating.
February 26, 2024
Absolutely 100 % gold
Shelly Gray is quickly becoming one of my top authors. This is my 3rd read by her and it's another 5 stars for me. I love her writing. She really makes you feel like you're there with the character experiencing what they're going through. I felt gutted when she lost the baby and then was so happy.at the end when they got their happy ending. I can't wait for my next read by Shelly.
Shelly Gray is quickly becoming one of my top authors. This is my 3rd read by her and it's another 5 stars for me. I love her writing. She really makes you feel like you're there with the character experiencing what they're going through. I felt gutted when she lost the baby and then was so happy.at the end when they got their happy ending. I can't wait for my next read by Shelly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews