The Capo

The Valentini Family #5

by Serena Akeroyd

Kitty Frasier has no idea I’ll be sitting next to her on the plane when she comes onto me in the first-class lounge…

…our engagement ring burning a hole in my pocket.

In her opinion, spring break with her sisters in Mexico sounds like a good time.

But because I was too late to kidnap them from the airport, we’re flying into the epicenter of an underworld war.

No matter what she thinks, her ties to the Irish Mob put her in danger.

With only my alliances to keep us safe, Kitty’s about to learn what it means to be with the Capo of the Sicilian mafia.

And by the end of spring break, my ring will be on her finger.

Part One of THE SALVATION DUET

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2026

About the author

USA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe. 


Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.

She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family. 



In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. 
HEA guaranteed!

When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring. 





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Reviews

[Christina Delong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan Valentini.
That’s it. That’s the review. 😩🔥

Okay, fine — I’ll elaborate.

The Capo absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Kitty Frasier thinks she’s heading off for a carefree spring break in Mexico with her sisters… meanwhile, Stan is boarding that same plane with an engagement ring in his pocket and a whole Underworld war about to explode around them. Casual, right?

From the very first interaction, this wasn’t just insta-love or insta-lust. This was insta-connection — and you could feel it. That magnetic pull. That inevitability. The kind of chemistry that vibrates off the page. I know some readers hesitate with fast-burn relationships, but Serena makes it believable because the emotional depth is there. The intensity isn’t rushed — it’s fated.

And Stan? Oh man. He is officially my favorite Valentini. The way he balances ruthless Sicilian Capo energy with absolute devotion? That protective, “burn the world down for her” vibe? You already know that’s my weakness. The man came prepared to put a ring on it and also ends up navigating cartel-level danger to keep Kitty safe. The loyalty. The alliances. The sheer dominance. I was DONE. 🫠

What continues to blow my mind about Serena Akeroyd is how she intertwines her worlds so seamlessly. Every book connects, every thread matters, and yet you can still read them as standalones. That kind of layered storytelling takes serious talent. I will literally drop whatever I’m reading the second she releases something new — and The Capo is exactly why.

And that ending?!
HOLY. CRAP.

Things got REAL real. The tension, the implications, the “wait… that can’t be happening” moment? I need the next book like yesterday. And if the person everyone thinks is dead is actually dead??? I refuse. I simply refuse to process that possibility.

If you love:
• Mafia romance
• Alpha heroes who are obsessed in the best way
• Fierce heroines tied to dangerous legacies
• High-stakes Underworld drama
• Devotion that feels like destiny

…then The Capo needs to be on your TBR immediately.

Serena did it again. And I am not okay.

Review is of an Advanced copy received.

[Jemma Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG , OMG ,OMG. What am I going to do now. I NEEEEEEED more. My mind is scrambled , my heart is aching and I need answers now. Wow once again I devoured this book and it as blown me away. I've always been excited for Stans book/duet and this did not disappoint. It was action-packed and filled with plenty of WTF moments throughout. Kitty is definitely one of my favourite FMC's i just love her and I think she is exactly what Stan needs, I think she will be the perfect addition to the Valentini Family. I'm keeping everything crossed we get to see more from the rest of the Fraiser siblings , i just love them all. Phenomenal addition to this incredible universe and im sat here desperately waiting for the conclusion to this duet , even though its going to be bittersweet knowing that the Valentini duets are nearly complete. If I could give it more than five stars i would , I just love this whole universe is may just start my reread allover again.

[Samantha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review comes with a warning! YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!! Stan and Kitty, my word!! Oh, the end too, dear me. I really can’t say more as I can’t honestly think of anything to write that won’t inadvertently spoil things! Just gotta wait for the next book now!!
I received an advanced reader copy.

[INeedABookBreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing start to spicy mafia duet

The Capo was one of my most anticipated releases of the entire year! The Valentini family series is one of my all time favorites! This book is everything that I love about mafia romance. The Capo is suspenseful, spicy, and there is so much sass especially from our FMC.

Kitty’s family has affiliations with the Irish mob, but she and her sisters have largely tried to stay away from all of that business. She works as a nurse in a hospital. When Stan comes in as a patient, she immediately recognizes him. Stan is a bit of a mad scientist in addition to being the Capo of the Sicilian mafia. He was rushed to the hospital after self trialing a new medication that he created.

Stan and Kitty have some of the best banter and chemistry. I couldn’t get enough of them. Their meet cute involved a hilarious helicopter (IYKYK) where Stan made a very LONG lasting impression on Kitty!

In so many ways, this book felt like coming home for me. I just have so much love for the Five Points Mob universe. Long time fans will love the appearances of the other Valentini family members & the Feckers. My forever favorite, Jen (The Don/The Lady) had some amazing moments and rallied to help bring Stan and Kitty together.

There is a darker suspense plot that had me in an absolute chokehold. I’m anxiously awaiting the solution to that as it will span the duet.

The book ends on a pretty shocking cliffhanger and now I’m anxiously awaiting the second half of the Salvation duet! While you don’t need to read the others in the series before this, I definitely recommend it for the best reading experience.

[cloudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

the author herself knows i’m biased and that conor and star are my favorites, so it’s to no one’s surprised that if you make them the most prominent side characters in a book i’ll be sat and eat it up. however, it is a testament to her craft and brilliance that even with my favorites having such an active role in this story, they didn’t manage to stole the show from the main couple (even though that scene of conor psychoanalyzing stan is one of my favorites on this entire universe, so what if it left me in tears). i’ve been waiting and wanting stan’s duet for years, and i do mean years. the fact that neither the wait nor knowing everything the author went through with this story diminished in any way the final product, quite the opposite, this book surpassed any expectations i might’ve had for it. who would’ve thought (me) that the baby brother would give luc a run for his money, but he did and i loved every second of their dynamic. i will say though, i missed my babies hunter and aurora the most, hopefully they’ll have a bigger part in the second half of the duet. (now if dead to me is actually dead, we’ll be having words, miss serena.)

* i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for a honest review

[Jodie Mihas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Back in the wonderful mafia world of Serena Akeroyd. Kitty is a feisty girl who won’t put up with any of Stan’s shenanigans and Stan is a cupcake eating force of nature that every reader is going to fall in love with. Stan tests his own medicine he is making on himself and ends up in the ER where Kitty who is a nurse first comes across him,we get all the crazy family members in this book and some characters from books in the other universe’s of Serena’s. All the feels are in this one and I highly recommend this to everyone 🖤❤️ I received an Advanced Reader Copy

[liz_loves_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy received from Author.

The youngest Valentini gets his time to shine in this emotional, thrilling, suspenseful and humorous first book in The Salvation duet.

Stan, the Sicilian Capo, is developing and self-testing a drug which lands him in the hospital on numerous occasions.
Kitty Frasier is the hard-working nurse who captivates Custanzu /Stan Valentini and becomes his obsession and in some ways his saviour.
   "My angel haunted my waking hours. She made me hope."

When Stan discovers that Kitty and her sisters (who are both a hoot) are off to Mexico for Spring Break, he decides to intervene with their travel plans...

What follows is a masterclass of storytelling, with thrills and spills involving Cartels, explosions, the underworld and navigating through dangerous times. With Stan using his connections and influence to keep them safe.

Stan and Kitty were incredible characters and their banter and on page presence snared me from the get-go. Add in the supporting cast of players from old favourites to new faces and this was pure entertainment from beginning to end.

I'm on tenterhooks to read the next book after that cliffhanger of an ending!

[Joanne K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Capo is book one of the final duet in the Valentini Family series.

I am so happy to go back into this Mafia world, I’ve missed it so much. I’m also loving the crossover with the Five Points!
Stan wasn’t one of my favourites in the series but after reading this book, he definitely is now! I’m loving the connection between Stan and Kitty. They are the perfect couple!!
The story is superb and with a cliffhanger ending I can’t wait for book 2!!

Review of ARC copy received from the author

[Marianne Tuakoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book six stars I would. As soon I read the first chapter my thought was ‘yes she’s back!’ this long anticipated book was everything it promised to be. Stan, as misunderstood as he was, needed his own story. Stan needed to find his salvation and he found it in Kitty.

if you are a long time reader of Serena’s you know how her mind works. She is the absolute best author out there in terms of connecting the dots, the characters, and the story lines - tying them all together to make us all happy. I don’t know how she does it but I am so glad she does.

Kitty is the perfect woman for Stan - she is strong but soft at the same time. She is what he needs to shake his guilt from his past and watching it his mind struggle thru it … loved it!

Part 1 of this duet gives us so many cameos of characters past and Easter eggs for the future. However, in true form, she leaves us on a cliff hanger that hurts the heart. If Stan can’t fix things it could lead to an all out war between factions and we can’t have that - for everyone’s sake, and his sanity.

[Sarah Poulton-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an epically teasing and all consuming work of beauty. It feels so good to be back in this world with Stan and Kitty and so many familiar faces that tie the Valentinis and the Five Points together. I wanted to race through every page but I forced myself to slow down and savour the slowburning (yet action packed) part one of this love story.

it is hard to summarise as this book feels big. Stan and Kitty's narrative feels like it is going to answer a lot and tie up some loose ends (and probably throw out some new threads if you've read Serena before). But we're not there yet. The Capo is Stan's journey past grief into a certain future with Kitty. He just needs to get her on board. She is his Angel and his lifeline. She will be his and she will have his protection (no matter the crazy situations she and her sisters find themselves in). But we are a way off a HEA. And this book has a big old cliffhanger to leave you desperate for book 2.

Serena's voice has grown and matured since the last outing into this world. I cannot emphasise enough how delicious this teasing tension is between Stan and Kitty. There is so much chemistry and verbal foreplay that when it gets physical they ignite. This book is heated. But in a deliberately consuming and intentional way. The tease solidifies these two as meant to be. And they both discover some unexpected kinks along the way.

If you love this interconnected world of the Serenaverse then Stan is a must read. He has taken the crown as my favourite Valentini and Kitty is, as with all Serena FMCs, feisty and independent and an all round kick ass woman. Freaking brilliant five star read.

[Heather Stobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

STAN!! I have been waiting a long time for this story and it does not disappoint! Jump back into the Valentini Family with Stan’s story. Stan is everything I knew he would be and he finally gets his story told!

[BookishLeoReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been along for this ride since Nyx, and this Capo has kept me in the Serena hive. I’m known to be a chronic DNF’er, I will abandon a book on book 3 if I have to. No other author I’ve read has managed to create a bookverse like this, that just continues to GROW. The Sinners x Feckers world will forever have a place in my bookworm heart. 10/10 no notes Serena!

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even with this book. It's a mind-blowing story. The narrative was perfection. I liked all the action that went down and the revelations. Stan and Kitty are incredible characters. And I feel that these two characters are well matched to each other, that they complement one another. This book really packs it in with all the details. I just could not put this down. I was on the edge of my seat flipping those pages. There were even some moments that I was literally holding my breath waiting for that proverbial shoe to drop. Loved the banter too. And that ending I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it. So darn good. This is an addictive read that left me satisfied for the moment and has me looking forward to the next part. I cannot recommend this more than enough. If you love mafia romance with tension, that's loaded with action, has suspense, and two characters with crazy chemistry, then grab a copy of this.

Favorite moment:
"These were my lips. My tongue. They belonged to my Pandora, but she'd opened the box--they were mine now. She was mine now. They'd know no other. She'd know no other.


A huge thank you to the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I love being back in this world. I missed this family so much. Serena always has such amazing character and world building. I love how she weaves all of her characters together leaving little Easter eggs everywhere, and tying things together. It’s just brilliant.
Stan and Kitty were explosive together. I loved their connection and how you do feel everyone of their emotions
This is definitely a five star read for me now I need the next book because that cliffhanger OMG!

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the C A P O did I just read?? Okay, first of all, this is part of a duet, which means a cliffhanger, and that’s partially responsible for my WTH reaction. But, holy wow, it's so worth it!

Non-stop action from beginning to end with a mafia backdrop and raw, gritty romance in between. And it is fabulous! I went into this blind, which I highly recommend, and I couldn’t have had a better reading experience.

If you’re at all a mafia romance fan, or just a SA/GAM fan, you’ll love every second of Stan and Cat's romance. Read it now, so you can be on tenterhooks with the rest of us anticipating the sure-to-be amazing second half of this epic romance.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to getting my hands on another book in this series. Ill be honest and say that I get mental grabby hands when any book from the 5 pointers, Valentini, Sinners......etc gets released because I know that they are going to be a bloody good read. The Capo did not disappoint. Yes it's a standalone duet but trust me it's best if you try to read the other interwoven/connected books because they give you more background to this story.

The Capo - Stan's duet is a bittersweet read. Sad in places, emotionally touching, a few laughs and plenty of steamy scenarios between Stan & Kitty. I loved that Kitty was a strong FMC within this book which she needed to be with Stan I thought. More so with everything she went through in this book including that cliff-hanger ending. I'm dying to see how that will play out in the 2nd book in this duet now.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan's story is one I've been eagerly waiting for for years at this point and being swept up into this heavily layered and interconnected world of Serena Akeroyd's again felt like coming home.

There is so much going on with this plot I can’t even begin to explain it but I do think it's best read as part of the reading order to get the full grasp of things.

That said I adored Kitty and her dynamic with her sisters. It was comedic gold and Stan is SO down bad I was swonning left right and centre for this man.

And that ending? I NEED part two now!!

5/5 stars

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inter-connected book in the author's world, and I highly suggest it not be your first book from this author in this world, because it will leave you confused.
Stan is the brother to past characters in the Valenti world, and he is obsessed with Kitty, a nurse he's seen frequently due to well ... he is a Capo!
This book ends in a cliffhanger so BE PREPARED - side note - you are NOT PREPARED for that cliffhanger!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I need part two of this duet ASAP! Stan and Kitty's story gets off to a seductive and absolutely consuming start that pulled me right down a rabbit hole without encouraging even the tiniest desire to escape. Off the chart's chemistry, jaw on the floor twists, intense emotions along with generous amounts of tension, action and pulse-racing danger are combined smartly and skillfully with feels, a touch of sweetness and a touch of humor to create a romance that is just, WOW!

[Kelsey Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Stan’s book for a loooong time and I’m telling you right now that it was worth it! It’s series adjacent but Finn has honestly always been my favorite mod guy and then Conor kind of snuck past and I thought, this is it. They can’t get any better. And then the Sicilians showed up and that thought went out the window! Stan is just.. ugh. I don’t even know how to describe him. Obsessed in the best way. Kitty is pretty great too though! I love that she’s a PA. I also love that she is kind of hard on the guys she dates. She’s not a pushover and she knows, for sure, what she’s not looking for in a man. Stan has a big brain and a big heart and I love that he’s able to show emotion in a way a lot of men aren’t. Kitty is such a great sister and I love, both, that she does anything and everything she can for her sister and Stan does anything and everything for her sisters because it pleases Kitty. They’re both so family centered and it shows. I don’t know how any one of their family members could dislike the other because Stan and Kitty are goals. A bear perfect pair. I’m DYING for the 2nd book because that cliffhanger is sending Stan and I both into a spiral!

[Audrey Krofchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does Serena do it? Each book is better than the last. This book is so action-packed, it keeps you guessing on what will happen next. I absolutely loved Stan and Kitty. He’ll burn the world down for her, so they better watch out. It ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book! It will be soon, right?!

[Vanessa Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨
***
The Capo was so good!! I loved Stan so much. He was a but dark, a bit broody, a bit intense, but so amazing. His care and attention with Kitty was so sweet and perfect. I loved Kitty. She was tough and kind and so easy to like. The writing was perfect like always and so good. I was addicted from the start. The spice was hot! I need book 2 now!!! The ending was so good.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
***

[Larissa Rye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man I love coming back to this world. Plus I absolutely loved that we seen so much of the Five Pointers as they are my favourite! But I’m also loving Stan & Kitty so much! & lets be real I’m also enjoying the hell out of Kitty’s sisters, chaos queens for sure. This book is throwing it back to all the different series/books that all tie together & currently it’s a messy knot but I can’t wait to see how it all unravels. That ending made me so mad but also desperate for the next book. I’m not ready for this world to end but man I want some answers haha. Just another amazing addition to this series & I’ll be waiting on pins & needles for book two!

[Bbbbb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prefacing this with a warning, back away slowly from this book until you've completed the chronological reading order [recommended], the series-by-series reading order, or any other reading order within which you choose or end up reading.

This book is the 5th of 6 books in the Valentini series, the 3rd and final duet of the Valentini Family series, and the 35th book written in a major story-arc spanning multiple series*, multiple geographic locations, and multiple families (be they found, blood, or otherwise).

If you haven’t touched the universe before, before you even think about reading this book; please commence your reading with All Sinner No Saint and then Nyx, then follow through the chronological order; found on either Serena's author website or in Serena’s fb book group (within the Divas group; Welcome posts are very common when people join the group, and these posts usually have attached an infographic detailing each book cover in their chronological order). That said, let us proceed to the next order of business, the review:


The much-anticipated third duet of the Valentini family, begins with an opening scene that will never be forgotten, similarly as unforgettable as Luc and Jen’s introduction scene, though for other reasons entirely. Stan and Kitty’s intro scene has a lot more multiple layers to it; a lot of silly, a lot of sad, and a lot of ++I will never forget this or you because of what is happening right now++.

This book duet was hard on our fav author; she mentions Stan's The Capo giving her a hard time. Some of that trouble may be due to how many loose-ends needed to be tied-up before we can all move onto the second generation of our favorite families, while she also ran into some technical issues and life situations along the way. All of which got in the way of her muse. So far, from The Capo, her intentions have been met and exceeded with tying up loose ends imo, can't wait to see what is in store for them next.

Being able to touching base with and say goodbye to so many of our favorite characters [even if their book isn’t currently shelved]. A quick pop-in soothes our grief of leaving them in the current era and moving on towards a hopefully brighter future. A fetching transition era. Also, seeing them again brought up and renewed our love for these beloved characters in our hearts and minds.

The rest of the storylines, centered around Stan and Kitty, are hilarious, harrowing, and heartrending in all the best ways; family members interruptions [siblings are always the funniest, when does not involve yourself], unexpected life and death situations, political machinations, hope against all odds, horror of discovery, moral anguish, and desire to rectifying mistakes.

I am ecstatically anticipating the rest of this duet; to see what will be tied up, what discoveries will be wrought, and how the horrors of the world-at-large will find a satisfying conclusion, and transition to the adult lives of the kiddos in the current generation**.

Let me talk a minute about that cliffhanger, OMG, at least we know what’s happening, but still, I want to scream for many different reasons. First, the teasers of certain people attached to this writing of this book. Explosive is one word alluded to for the beginning of the next book. The way this book ends, I hope that descriptor tells us what is going to happen next story-wise and will blow our mind rather than what we know might happen. Several beloved characters need to be where we all believed them to be, well and truly whole, if not a little worn.


I must mention again the genius that is our fav author, her amazingly realistic world-building, fleshed-out realistic characters who you want as your ride and die, if you were in that world, and characters that seem like real-life fleshed-out humanity, though from a tangential dimension, not ours, of course for legal reasons. I feel like our fav author has a wormhole to that other dimension and is tied-in somehow to the feelings, minds, and tangible lives of our characters to an eerily degree, many of her characters must agree, let us just say we have insight into the grumblings of certain concerned partners due to Easter eggs and other treats Serena and her people have spread throughout her socials, spoiling us in the interim between books.

How can you not love Serena’s little treats she gives us in her book groups, little tidbits that spoil her ardent followers. You’ll see book characters show up in the comments of post on social media, videos of text chats between characters, and bonus scenes between our fav author, her PA, and the characters, the story edging in the comments. Not to mention, the family tree/cast cards, the map of Pigeon Creek, the Insta accounts of characters, and the I Told You So gossip column found on their author website irl. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the song playlists beautifully crafted and intimately tailored for each book.

I’m going to reiterate how much of a darling our dear author is and a quote myself from another review says this more succinctly and precisely than ever. My words back then are so much more fitting today than anything I can come up in my disgruntled-by-the-state-of-the-irl-world mindset. These words describe and fully encompasses our love for our fav author and how much she gives her all, to us and her muse, every single day she writes; though life may wear away our edges, tear up our lives, and whisks away bits and bytes without our approval nor consent, in the end it matters not what mistakes, what darkness life throws at us, or our mental health...what matters is the humanity that encompasses what we do with all that negativity and how we turn it around for the betterment of ourselves, our loved ones, and of all:

“Our fav author gives us so much of herself, her words, her characters, and her worlds every single time that it is like being dropped into a canvas, a movie, a theatre all rolled into one. She draws our imaginations in, scribes and paints vivid stories onto not just the paper and screens we read, but seems to bypass those mediums entirely and just paints straight into the canvases of our minds.

We find an absolute treasure in each and every book in her collection, whether written with ink and paper or with bit and bytes, whether a new story released on wings into the world or a new iteration of a beloved story meshed out even moreso, so that you [may] see further into the land beyond the looking glass to the Wonderland that is her mind.” ~from my review of Broken, by Serena Akeroyd



*Serena mentioned that the Salvation duet ties up a whole story-arc [iykyk] that weaves through all of the books in the Five Points Mob Universe; Five Points' Mob Collection, the Dark & Dirty Sinners' MC series, The Valentini Family series, 7C’s Pigeon Creek, The New York Stars, The Forgotten Boys, and several other odds and ends*** [see author's website for details]. Though there are several already-published books that are chronologically after Stan’s Salvation duet, 6 specifically according to the official chronological infographic, but those 6 books only allude teasingly to current events, while Capo ties them all up in neat little bows, as much as humanly possible.

**especially since there has been such a tie-in to rl to a very scarily degree. The irony is that the tie-in was unintentional, when initially written by the author. May there be a reckoning to all irl, as in her fictional world.

***not included in this story-arc, but recommended by Aoife to her besties; an Inception-layered story within the Five Points Mob Universe, the Quintessence Universe: Quintessence and Veronia Collections with The Intern and the subsequent 2nd generation Quintessentially Theirs MF Series.

TW: allusions to grief, survivors’ guilt, and an existential crisis about existence, amongst many others in-universe, iykyk [see other TW in book or on author’s website].

I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A massive thank you to Serena Akeroyd for the eARC of The Capo.

As always before starting please check the trigger warnings to make sure this book is for you. If you’re a returning reader to the Valentini family, welcome back to the chaos.

I don't even know if I can put what I feel about this book into a review worthy of it, but I'll try my damnedest to do so. From being on Serena's Pateron, I know what a struggle it's been for Stan to be completed with many set backs, as is evidenced by her authors note in the beginning. But if you're ready for all the feels you need to dive into the beginning of the Salvation Duet. I mean with lines like this how could you not?

“You can’t tie angels down… They fly away.”

I've been eagerly awaiting Stan's books and have been super excited since getting the notification it would be coming soon! It's always a pleasure to dive into the Valentini family and getting the story of the youngest one seems fitting for the series to be completed.

We've seen Stan in the previous four books and got slight glimpses into his life, but this one has him full centre as the MMC. Kitty the FMC is not one to take any of Stan’s sh!t and definitely calls him out on it. I cannot tell you how many times I did burst out laughing when reading part one in the Salvation Duet. Mostly from the first few chapters in the hospital and seeing what Stan has done. It’s also been a pleasure to have the other characters we know and have grown to love make appearances in this duet.

Stan is a man who knows what he wants and when he finds his àncilu he’s not going to give her up easily. He will fight hard to prove to Kitty that despite everything he is the one for her.

“Kitty Frasier has no idea I’ll be sitting next to her on the plane when she comes onto me in the first-class lounge…
…our engagement ring burning a hole in my pocket.”

You know the man is absolutely obsessed with her and will do anything to make her his. I also absolutely love the fact that right from the start he takes on a brotherly role to Kitty’s younger sisters. Jumping right into the fray that is Neev, Raisin and Kitty- especially when they get together.

I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for book two because of how book one ended and I’m hoping (with all my fingers crossed) that part two is not too far behind.

Kudos to Serena for an amazing start to the Salvation Duet.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Capo is the long awaited 5th book in the Valentini Family series, but beware it is the first part of the duet between Stan and Kitty. I did not pay attention at all that this was a duet, so I was dying when I got the cliffhanger at the end, so I want to warn you. Despite that, I absolutely loved this one.

Custanzu, aka Stan is the Capo and brother to Luc Valentini. He is putting his life at risk by testing the drug he is creating to fight heart disease on himself. He ends up in the hospital a couple of times because of this. Kitty is a nurse at the hospital, but she is also the sister of lower ranking member of the Irish Five Points mafia. Stan becomes obsessed with her after she helped him in the hospital, and he thought she was an angel. He has not felt this way about a woman since the death of the woman he loved and he is determined to make her his woman.

Things get complicated when he realizes Kitty and her sisters are lying to their brothers about their vacation spot. He is worried about her safety, so he gets them moved to first class and sets up Kitty to sit next to him on the plane.

Stan and Kitty had insane chemistry, and I actually loved how fast things developed between them. Kitty was such a bold and feisty heroine. She was the perfect match for Stan. Unfortunately, their mafia ties lead them into dangerous situations, and I was shocked with all the twists their journey took them on.

One thing I truly appreciated about this book was the fact that Serena didn't mix in a bunch of other character's POV's like she usually does. I loved that we just got to focus on this couple.

Another reminder, this is a vast world Serena Akeroyd has created, and I do think you should read it in the reading order she has listed on her site.

I am literally counting the days till the next book after that cliffhanger.

Thank you to Serena Akeroyd for providing the ARC.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐨 by Serena Akeroyd is the first book in the final duet of the Valentini Family series (Salvation Duet), featuring a high-octane, high-passion Sicilian Mafia romance for Stan and Kitty. Words fail me at the moment, as I try to process what I just read.😅 It was like a girls’ trip gone wrong on steroids after Stan inserted himself into Kitty’s Spring Break trip with her sisters! I was riveted by the non-stop mafia-style action, twists, layers of alliances and enemies, banter, and yes, the fiery tension and chemistry between our main duo that blazed off the pages, despite all the chaos happening around them. I have read all the previous Valentini books, but I’m still behind on some of the Five Points’ Mob series, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story at all. I might be missing some backstory, but I love all the character crossovers and interactions that add to the complexity of the world and inspire me to find the time to finish that backlist! Stan has been that enigma of the Valentinis, now moving through grief and going full protective alpha for Kitty throwing out those obsessive vibes that we love in our darker romance! I couldn’t get enough!! So broken, yet now he has found his reason in his Angel. And Kitty was written as a good girl with fears like everyone else, but she also showed strength and courage when it mattered. I loved her dynamic with her troublemaker sisters, who made me laugh. You never know what’s around the corner in the underworld, and when I say the ending left me shellshocked, I mean I stared at my iPad like I didn’t know what to do with myself for an embarrassingly long amount of time!! I need the conclusion, like now!!😂

I received a review copy from the author, my opinions are my own.
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[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty is an overworked nurse, mob-adjacent due to her brother working for the Irish mob, but she does no harm, and keeps herself on the straight and narrow. Only she can't seem to stay away from Stan, Sicilian Capo, and a frequent flyer at her hospital. Now he's decided she's going to be his, whether she's ready or not.

****

I've been waiting forever for Stan's book and this was SO GOOD!

I loved seeing how deeply he cared. His lifelong focus on solving Evangeline's health issues - even after losing her, his devotion to his brother and sister, and even Kitty's siblings once he met them. They all became a tapestry of a man who felt deeply, while he quietly berated himself with his own guilt and regret. It made him a complex and entertaining lead, especially when we got to him following the girls on their secret vacation to Cancun.

I genuinely cackled more than once at Neev and Roisin's balance to Kitty. A solid part of the book was dedicated to Stan corralling "future SIL's" like he was herding cats. His ability to take everything in stride made him such a green flag and added a lightness to the book that I wasn't expecting. Kitty was also such a great lead. Complex, kind, but with an edge and brazenness that kept her from being overshadowed by Stan's larger-than-life character. I loved how she fully admitted she was crazy for liking how fast they were progressing, but had her own f**k it moments, and just leaned into it. It made their chemistry feel authentic, even while we as a reader knew she'd secretly been his focus for longer than she ever knew.

I also didn't realise it was going to be a duet at first! I was thrilled when development was happening at a steady pace, but it was clear we weren't done with their story yet. Then we get hit with that cliffhanger!! It immediately had me desperate for book two, which I'm going to be devouring the moment I get my hands on it.

*****

I was sent an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long-awaited first instalment in a new duet set in the Valentini world, The Capo delivered everything I could have hoped for in a mafia romance and more as Stan Valentini finds himself falling for the fiery Irish heroine Kitty Frasier. Sparks flew from the moment they first meet, their connection immediate with chemistry that practically sizzles off the page.

Although her family has ties to the Irish mob, Kitty has done everything she can to keep both herself and her sisters out of that life. Instead, she she’s carved out her own path as a nurse, which just so happens to be how she initially crosses paths with Stan. Alongside being his brother’s capo, Stan has a bit of a mad scientist streak and a habit of testing his creations on himself, which ultimately leads to what could best be described as an unconventional “meet-cute.” Their banter is sharp and playful, and their interactions endlessly entertaining, making them feel like a perfect match from the start.

As expected from this author, the story blends tension, thrills, and suspense while still delivering plenty of emotional depth. There is also a strong thread of humour woven throughout, particularly whenever Kitty and her sisters are involved. Their dynamic is pure comedy gold, and at times it’s hard not to feel a little sorry for Stan when you imagine what his future surrounded by them might look like. The appearance of some familiar characters is a nice bonus for longtime readers.

If you enjoy mafia romance filled with morally grey heroes, fiery heroines who bring them to their knees, and plenty of underworld drama and suspense, The Capo is definitely one book you need to add to your TBR.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5

The time has finally come where we get to meet and dig into Custanzu (“Stan”) Valentini! When I first met him in The Don - I jut knew he was going to a charmer. And boy is he ever. What I was unprepared for was the depth of his heart, the level of genius he possesses, & the absolute obsession he develops for his ancilú! I’ve said this before & I’ll say it again — these Sicilians are NEXT level in every, single way!

And Kitty?! She’s perfection - independent, fierce, hilarious, loyal, patient, confident. Can I be her when I grow up?! After a chaotic long “vacation” with her sisters, Kitty finds herself face to face with the Sicilian who is OBSESSED with her & she doesn’t even realize the depth that obsession runs.
These two are absolute endgame (haha) & soulmates. I can’t wait to see what happens in part 2 of this duet! The ground work is laid — now what’s to come..though, I have a feeling it’s going to be a tough road for our Sicilian siren (& YES, this man is definitely a siren!!).

But what always strikes me about Serena’s writing is that no matter the story, no matter the characters I am ALWAYS sucked right in from the get go. No build up to connect with the characters — I just get to jump right back into this wonderful, complex world & experience it for what it’s. I love this whole universe!! She is one of my heart authors — I love everything she writes!