Revenge and Honor

by Lia Lamar

HE DIDN’T SAVE ME, HE CLAIMED ME.

At sixteen, something broke inside me. Something that turned touch into fear and desire into a curse I carried for years. I always thought the right man would fix it. I was wrong.
My boyfriend stole from the most dangerous man alive and ran. He took something priceless with him and left me behind. Now I am trapped in the hands of a ruthless mafia Don with a shaved head, cold eyes, and a reputation soaked in blood. The Wife Killer.
He looks at my bruised body and sees only what he’s owed. But the way his gaze lingers, possessive and unrelenting, tells a different story. No one touches what’s his. And now, I’m his.
Two months. That’s the ultimatum.
My fear. My body. My surrender.
I am his compensation. The one woman he has sworn to claim and protect with lethal force.
And the worst part? My fear of being touched has never been stronger, while he’s the one man I cannot escape and the only one who makes my broken parts ache for more.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2026

Reviews

[Tay's Reviews🔥🌶📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟
5🌶🎆

I recommend reading the trigger warnings for this one🖤

Where to begin...?

This was honestly one of the most brutal but beautiful stories I have read yet to date. Its not just another mafia affair; it's a heartbreaking, gut wrenching map of lives, drawn through many ranging routes and reasonings.

I may be a bit bias as Carlo similarly resembles my own amore mio-The way he's described to everyone is heartless, uncaring, stone.
But to the one who has his heart, he is gentle, loving, and considerate.
Even though these new emotions are confusing to him, the great Don Carlo does what any man would in his uprising of situations.

This was such an affecting narrative that captured just about every personal emotion from me; that alone deserves a 5🌟However, I would rate this particular novel a 10 if I could🖤

A special thanks and gratitude to the very generous Author Lia Lamar, thank you for allowing me to be an arc reader on your new fabulous release. 🥂

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, congratulations, Lia, on your debut!! This new cover is absolutely stunning.

I was fortunate enough to read Revenge & Honor before it was released to ARC readers, and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The storyline immediately held my interest, the characters were engaging, and the action was riveting.

If you love dark romance and aren't afraid of trigger warnings, I highly suggest going in blind- you definitely won't regret it. If you have triggers then review the list beforehand.

This book is an absolute must‑read, and I cannot wait for the next installments in the series.

✔️Dark Mafia Romance
✔️Possessive MMC
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Trauma & Healing

[Sundy Tr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlo (28) & Emily (20). A mafia don and an outsider.

It’s the first book of a mafia series by a new author and I can say I found it quite enjoyable and read it in a couple of days. It’s a bit darker than my usual mafia reads but I liked it.

I can’t say I was thrilled with the FMC. She was too naive, sometimes boring and also we didn’t get to know much about her past, it felt like something was missing.

The MMC was definitely a morally grey character who had troubled admitting his feelings; feelings that did not just appear by looking at Em. I liked him more than Em because he was what I expected him to be, ruthless and harsh at first.

There were some plots and twists and things got more intense after 60-70%. I think there should be some more development in the final incident, it felt a bit rushed.

I will be reading the next one for sure though.

-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall: 3.5/5 ⭐️ for me.

I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.

[Tatiana Sayodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d say it was sort of a mafia-style Beauty and the Beast😏😋. Our Beauty, Emily, after a traumatic experience that leaves her with a bitter taste in her mouth, meets the guy every girl dreams of—but appearances can be deceiving, and she ends up in the lair of the Beast, Carlo, a man born and raised on violence, for whom terror is a second name... Will the beauty be able to save the beast’s soul?
“I believe that every man, no matter how ruthless he may be, has a heart that one day might beat for someone.”
……This girl was incredible. In less than two months, everything she knew had been taken from her. Her home, her friends, her country—everything was gone. She had been beaten nearly to death, handed over to a man like me under threat and fear. And now she sat beside me in silence, offering me solace for a storm that hadn’t even broken yet. She didn’t know it, but she was a fighter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Will the beast be able to resist the beauty?🫦❤️
🔥💥

[Rylee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this an ARC and all I can say it Immediately yes! Hooked from the start. Definitely didn’t go where I thought it would but so glad it went where it did. The chemistry is chefs kiss. You have a brooding grumpy Italian mafia man and a naive American woman could it get much better?!? Carlo definitely sends us on an emotional rollercoaster but Emily rolls with it and handles it all with grace. Will definitely be reading the next book!!!

[Martina Peeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I truly appreciate being able to dive into the story early.

I’m giving this one 4 stars because there were a few things that felt a little off to me. The first couple of chapters were slightly confusing (the horseback scene, which suddenly felt like we were transported somewhere completely different). It took me a bit to find my footing but once the story started unfolding, it really began to shine.

I’ve been reading mafia romance for quite a while now, so I’d say I’m pretty familiar with the genre. This book definitely delivered strong emotions and high tension from both main characters.

Carlo’s transformation was one of my favorite parts. At first, he’s introduced as this ruthless, coldblooded mafia man with the infamous nickname "The Wife Killer" (thanks to his two deceased wives and the rumors surrounding them). And yet, from the very beginning, you can see his interest in Emily. The subtle gestures, the way he watches her, the protectiveness - it was all there under the surface.

I especially liked the way he helped her work through her fear of intimacy. It wasn’t rushed, and it added emotional depth to their relationship. Watching him slowly fall for her while being in complete denial about it was really entertaining to me. And by the end? Total teddy bear energy.

Maxim and Brando were also such fun additions. Their dynamic brought lighter moments into an otherwise intense story. Based on the epilogue, I’m guessing the next book will focus on Maxim, and I’m already curious to see what happens between him and the mysterious redhaired girl.

One thing I’m still wondering about is Tony and Lucia. I’m not sure if their story is being saved for another book, but I definitely felt like there was more there.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on edge, was packed with action and strong emotions, and held my attention the whole time. I’m excited to see where this series goes next.

[Khadejah Ibrahim]

DNF at 25%
I love dark romance, and I read it a lot, so I was really excited about this book. The blurb immediately hooked me, which made me even more eager to start it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed.
First, Emily (the FMC) is unbelievably dumb. Like… what?! You’ve only known this man for three months, and you’re already traveling with him??
She witnessed a rape and yet she blindly trusted a man she knew nothing about him?
And he is 10 years older than her, while she is still a teen!
Which leads to the story itself, which felt confusing. In the early chapters, the FMC is 17 (while her supposed boyfriend is 29), but later she is suddenly 19. The timeline and details didn’t make much sense to me. Also, the family tree is confusing.

I’m thankful to the author for the opportunity, but this book was not for me. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was the danger she should’ve escaped, and the one she couldn’t leave.

Emily spends years trying to live around the damage one night leaves behind, hoping the right man might finally loosen fear’s grip. Instead, the man she trusts pulls her into a brutal world built on lies, control, and blood, then leaves her trapped with the person she’s warned to fear most, a man with reputation as brutal as the world that made him.

Mafia Don Carlo is ruthless, cold, and used to being obeyed, but the moment Emily lands in his path, something shifts. What begins as fear and forced proximity turns into a darker pull, where every look feels loaded, every touch means too much, and protection starts blurring into possession as neither of them can ignore what’s growing between them.

As betrayal closes in, the bond between them changes from raw tension into something more intimate and harder to escape. She starts to see the man beneath the violence, and he finds the one person who makes power feel less important than devotion. What starts in fear becomes a connection shaped by pressure, vulnerability, and the slow understanding that neither of them comes away untouched.

Emily learns to stop living only in survival mode, while Carlo reveals a deeper capacity for attachment, vulnerability, and devotion. Their relationship shifts from fear and coercive proximity into a dark, deeply charged bond where trust is earned slowly and intimacy becomes inseparable from protection, surrender, and love.

A dark, ultra-steamy mafia romance where fear, coercion, and buried family secrets reshape a woman’s sense of self, and a brutal power imbalance slowly turns into something more intimate, loyal, and consuming. It’s about trauma and recovery, possession tangled with protection, and a love forged in violence, trust, and emotional survival.

The Elevator Pitch: A traumatized young woman is pulled into a violent mafia world after the man she trusted betrays her, only to find herself trapped in the orbit of a feared Don whose brutality is matched only by the force of his claim. What begins as terror and control turns into a charged, dangerous bond where fear, desire, and protection keep shifting shape. Beneath the blood, secrecy, and power, it becomes a story about a woman fighting to reclaim herself and a man learning that devotion can cut deeper than violence.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

[Javiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

CONCHETUMARE. BECAUSE I HAVE NO WORDS IN ENGLISH TO DESCRIBE MY REACTION 🤯

First of all, thank you very much Lia for the opportunity. You really surprised me, and I enjoyed so much this book 🫢

SIN EMBARGO, AUNQUE ES MAFIA Y POR ENDE, OSCURO, CON ADVERTENCIAS Y DEMÁS. LEÁNLAS, PORQUE YO QUEDÉ🫣⚠️

So, esta es mi primera vez leyendo a la autora y fue un total acierto para mí, realmente me atrapó desde el momento uno con el drama de que Carlos (el diablo de la mafia) tiene una leyenda que lo precede en donde todas sus esposas mueren. Sin embargo, cuando Emilia viaja junto a su pareja y conoce a este hombre, quién iba a pensar que encontraría que su pareja le es infiel con la esposa de ese señor mafioso, iniciando un juego de venganza y honor 🤯

Y CONCHETUMARE. OSEA LITERALMENTE ES MI FRASE DEL LIBRO JAJAJA.

Carlos es un maldito bastardo, en donde realmente presiona (tenemos actos sin consentimiento⚠️) a Emily de una manera que me tenía gritando y chillando, pero a la vez, ella le respondía, le hacia frente, a pesar de que terminaba en crisis de pánico y con el otro arrepintiendose de todo, pero no queriendo "demostrar" que esta muchacha ya estaba en lo profundo de su corazón😔

Sin embargo, más allá del drama romántico, también estaba toda la situación del mito de Carlos, la traición de la ex esposa, las bandas rivales y todo un dramón que me tenía con los pelos de punta hasta el final 🧍🏻‍♀️

Aunque hay cositas que claramente no me sorprendieron, si quedé en algunos momentos demasiado wtf con todo lo que iba pasando JAJAJ 🙇🏻‍♀️

Por otra parte, necesito mencionar mi profundo amor a Giorgio. CONCHETUMARE, que hombreeeeeee. A pesar de ser el guardaespalda de Emily por orden de Carlos, termina convirtiendose en uno de mis personajes favoritos de la historia, ya que está ahí para ella, le hace entender y le valida todos los sentimientos en relación a Carlos, osea es el mejor amigo de las girls 🥹

Por último, me encantó la declaración de amor, me encanta leer mafia, so es uno de los libros que más he disfrutado e incluso leí/escuché en dos días, porque solo quería saber que pasaría JAJAJ 🫢. Sin embargo, cuando se menciona contenido altamente sensible, delicado y con advertencias, me hace ir con cuidado por como se abarca, desarrolla y cierra tales situaciones y en ese sentido Carlos se merecía rogar más por el perdón (aunque exista esta línea muy delgada en el mafia romance).

[Hend · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He was death itself in human form, and all I could do was give in"

That was one of the best mafia books I've read 😍😍 and I read a lot of mafia books and this one has it all, the agony, the emotions , the love, the spice , the twists and the mafia drama 😘😘
I enjoyed this book a lot and it was a rollercoaster of emotions for me , so, please make sure to read the WT and then enjoy the book ❤️❤️

Our MC is Carlo and his wife betrayed him and ran away .
Emily was the one left behind so, he can take his revenge on her , she is pure ,innocent , kind and a nice person who was in the wrong place with the wrong people but now she is all his 😁😁

Carlo is the new Mafia Don ,he is known as " the Wife killer " he is possessive , protective of what is his and now Emila is his ❤️❤️

He claims he would never love anyone but with Emily he is insanely jealous, aggressively possessive and stupidly protective and loyal to her , he is giving her everything she needs weather it's shelter or safety and he is promising to protect her from anyone yet he is still don't want to admit they are in a relationship 😁😁
The book is full of events that sucks you in and you can't put it down till it's done , the tension and the emotions in the last few chapters got my heart aching for both of them 🙈🙈🥺🥺

"Swear that if the day ever comes when you have to choose between me and yourself... you’ll choose yourself.” 😭😭❤️❤️

Seriously enjoyed the book and can't wait for book 2 , I think it's will be Maxim story 😍😍 super excited for him ❤️❤️

[Seems · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fmc's friend is raped when they're 16, and she witnesses it. She's so traumatized, she's terrified of having sex, and is diagnosed with something of that nature. I hated the way she talked about her friends rape, and the insensitive way it was written.

"Strangely, Jill remembered nothing the next day. Aside from a few bumps and bruises, she was perfectly fine, inside and out. But I wasn’t as lucky as her."

Then she gets an older bf and goes on an international trip, and he turns out to be mafia and he's holding her captive for nefarious purposes. The plot was very thin, because he mostly just ignored her. Turns out he was having an affair with the mmcs wife, and was somehow using the fmc as a distraction because they're connected. It was honestly kinda dumb. Anyhoo, the bf and the wife run off together and we never hear from them again.

The mmc takes his anger out of the fmc because she's the only one left, and she's held hostage.

I started skimming after the mmc has sex with ow then comes and gives fmc an orgasm.

**the author didn't do a good job with the trigger warnings. The mmc tried to rape the fmc well after their relationship was established knowing her trauma.

Also, there is a very descriptive scene of a death of a dog that's the mmc's pet.

***ow/om drama-I don't like seeing my mcs with others after they meet. He's on page having sex with ow while fmc is living there. om-mmc thinks she's cheating on him with one of his men and attempts to rape her. She's also with his cousin at the beginning and he's married most of the book but both are non issues.

[Helene Lægteskov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a wonderful story this is! I’ve read a lot of mafia books, and this one is without a doubt, one of the best I’ve ever read. Once I’ve started the book, I couldn’t stop reading it.
Yes, it’s the typical “touch her and die” but the way Emily is real in her emotions, that’s something I’ve been missing in a lot of the other mafia books.

From the beginning to the end, throughout their entire journey, there is not a single place in the book where I feel like yelling at her or rolling my eyes at her, and that’s saying a lot, since so many other mafia books have irritated female leads.

At the beginning of the book, it’s hard to learn the names of the characters, but after a few times where I had to go back in the book and just refresh my memory of who was who, I was fine remembering them all. Be aware of the trigger list. There are certain places in the book where it can be difficult to read, especially around rape and panic attacks.

I really hope there will be a book about Maxim and Bardo.



Oversæt

[Angelica Ybarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
release date: 3.34.36
Read Trigger Warnings

I could not put this book down!! i was hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved how the story flowed, and the chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I loved that the side characters are just as involved as the lead characters.

I've been reading alot of books with a strong FMC and Emily is no different. I love how she is put in tough situations but still manages to be brave and stand up for herself.

the big bad Mafia boss, Carlo, which i love!!! I loved his persona.

thank you For allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. I look forward to reading more about this Mafia world

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holiday with her new boyfriend lands Emily (FMC) in the middle of a warring family & a dangerous man - Carlo. A man who is pretty much an anti-hero except to Emily there seems to be an instant attraction. One that was off of the charts hot! I loved their dynamic together that grew as the book progressed especially with everything that was going on around them. Some great plot twists and turns all came together to make for a cracking read. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on my books in this series in the future.

[Ron]

DNF @38% Carlos, the MC, is just kind of Meh. I don't feel he has any motivation to care about Emily, just female wish fulfilment.

[Teddy Ganesky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this has probably been my favorite ARC read so far this year!! Overall, I really loved it. The way it was written was descriptive without being overtly so, the characters were intriguing, and the plot was there.
Definitely one of those easy reads that you get through quickly while enjoying the ride.

The only thing I wish, is that some of the emotional moments were extended longer. Some of the things our FMC goes through could’ve been drawn out and I think it would’ve created more emotional depth within the whole story. Some of it just felt like it moved too fast and I was sitting there like girl we just okay with this now?! How?!

Interested on where a second book would go, and would definitely consider reading it! Great first book from this author!

[Angelique · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

Took me a minute to get into it but once I was in, I couldn’t put it down. Carlo is top tier and delicious, his love for Emily is what dreams are made of 🥹 The twist near the end?! I was ready to punch a wall, I felt betrayed as if I was in the story myself!

Still quite a few unanswered questions about Tony & the epilogue with Maxim. Future books maybe?? Thank you for the ARC read!

[Michelle S · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read from the author....
Great read! Had me hooked from the beginning. Just when you think you've got it all figured out... plot twist! Definitely recommend this book, but read the trigger warnings if you have any.

Main character development was spot on. You can't help falling in love with Carlo & Emily. Your heart swells & shatters in equal measures.

Quite a few cliffhangers too, so another book is expected (🤞).

Overall, fantastic book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This must be the year of surprises because this has been another book taking me by surprise. The first chapter had me wondering what I signed myself up for because it started rough. The writing felt rushed, details felt missing and/or lacking, and the characters had a flat disposition. I worried I would have to force myself to move through this book.

However, upon entering Italy, the complexity of the story changed. The author’s writing began shining. The pacing picked up, details became more lucid, characters began taking shape. With the characters starting to standout, I found an attachment growing between the characters and myself. For me, a great book contains characters who give something to the story instead of extracting the reader. Not only were the main characters memorable, but Lia Lamar built and created supporting characters I couldn’t forget.

Emily and Carlo’s lives became seamlessly intertwined in a way that felt both intense and captivating. As a reader, their instant connection was impossible to miss. Carlo, the powerful and feared man whispered about as a wife-killer, stood in stark contrast to Emily—an innocent girl in the wrong place.

Emily understood exactly what Carlo was capable of. She witnessed the rage, yet that knowledge never stopped her from pushing back when the moment called for it. Carlo’s possessiveness over her was striking, and Lamar wove this trait into the story with impressive care. Through Giorgio, we see that side of Carlo emerge even more clearly, as he becomes the catalyst that draws Carlo’s fierce devotion fully to the surface.

I found myself attached to Emily and Carlo to the point, there were a couple moments I felt my heart truly aching and breaking along with Emily’s. Tears were on the verge of falling. When a book can illicit this kind of emotion, I know the author was able to weave an incredible book.

Giorgio, another character fiercely loyal to Carlo, quickly became someone I truly enjoyed. Through his assignment to guard Emily, their dynamic felt like it grew into more—almost like an unexpected friendship. One of my favorite moments came from the Chutes and Ladders game. I genuinely laughed during that scene; it was easily one of the best in the book.

As the book came to a conclusion, there were still a few unanswered questions I had about a couple of characters. For example, what happened to Tony? Or for that matter, Lucia? These two played vital roles throughout the story, and I found myself invested, ready for revenge, but only geared up with no where to go. Thus aside, I actually give the book a 4.5 rating because it did hold me hostage from beginning to the end.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily travels to Italy with her boyfriend, expecting stolen kisses, sun-drenched romance and the charm of meeting his family. Instead, she’s thrown headfirst into a blood-soaked mafia war. Abandoned in the worst way imaginable when her boyfriend runs off with Don Carlo’s wife, she’s left behind as collateral damage to deal with the fallout. What follows is anything but a fairy tale. In a world where loyalty is currency, and betrayal is paid for in blood, Emily quickly learns there are far worse fates than heartbreak. Carlo is not a good man. He was raised in violence, carved from it, and he wears cruelty like a second skin. From the moment he sees Emily, there’s something unsettling in his interest, something possessive, inevitable. Their relationship begins as a transaction, a debt he believes he’s owed, but what starts as obligation gradually evolves into something far more complex. Their relationship is not soft. Carlo is everything you expect from a mafia boss: cold, ruthless, and seemingly incapable of empathy. Yet with Emily, cracks begin to show. He is possessive to the point of jealousy, protective to the point of violence, yet unexpectedly patient when it comes to her fear of intimacy. Despite giving her everything she needs, he refuses to acknowledge his feelings, worried that love would be seen as weakness. Watching him struggle, falter, and slowly change was one of the most compelling parts of the book. Emily begins as someone shaped by trauma, her past turning touch into something to endure rather than desire. At first, she bends more than she fights, trying to survive in a world that threatens to swallow her whole. But she’s far from weak. When it matters, she stands her ground, fights back, and refuses to simply be a pawn in someone else’s game. She never feels helpless; there’s a quiet strength to her that builds as the story progresses. She may be trapped in Carlo’s world, but she refuses to disappear inside it. Overall, I loved the twists and turns, many fresh and unexpected. Packed with action, drama, and emotional intensity, this is a strong and promising start to a new series. The tension between them is relentless: less romance and more collision. Every moment feels like it could tip into tenderness or violence, sometimes both at once. The story doesn’t pull its punches. It’s dark, volatile, and laced with twists that feel as ruthless as the world it’s set in. With its blend of danger, obsession, and emotional intensity, this is a gripping start to a new series that promises to explore the shadows.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve spent any time in the mafia romance world, you know how often the same tropes repeat themselves. That’s why this book felt like such a rare find. From the first chapters, it completely absorbed me. I kept telling myself I’d read just one more scene, and suddenly hours had passed.

Yes, it carries that fiercely protective, “cross the line and face the consequences” energy readers expect from the genre. But what truly elevates this story is its heroine. Emily isn’t just placed in dangerous circumstances — she reacts to them in ways that feel raw, grounded, and deeply human. Her fear, her resilience, her setbacks, and her growth all unfold in a way that feels authentic rather than theatrical. I never found myself frustrated with her choices, which is honestly unusual in mafia romance. Everything she does aligns with who she is, and that consistency makes her journey incredibly compelling.

The MMC is equally layered. He’s flawed, intense, and bound to make mistakes, yet you can’t help rooting for him. Watching him struggle, stumble, and slowly evolve adds weight to the romance. Their relationship doesn’t gloss over the darkness of their world; instead, it confronts it directly. The emotional tension between them feels earned, not manufactured.

The supporting cast is extensive, and early on I had to pause a couple of times to remind myself who was who. Once everyone found their footing in the story, though, the dynamics became clear and added richness to the overall narrative.

It’s important to mention that this isn’t a light read. The story tackles heavy themes, including sexual violence and the psychological aftermath of trauma. Certain scenes are intense and may be difficult for some readers, so checking the content warnings beforehand is strongly recommended.

What impressed me most was the unpredictability. Just when I thought I had the direction figured out, the plot shifted in a way that kept the tension high and the stakes real. In a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic, this story dares to surprise.

Overall, this is a gritty, emotionally immersive mafia romance that blends passion with pain and strength with vulnerability. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you finish — and I’m already hoping Maxim and Bardo get stories of their own.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, Emily was forced to witness something, and it's affected her life ever since. She meets Tony, who is sweet and gentle with her... until they go to Italy and meet his family, then he is not. She finds out who he really is, the Mafia, and ends up in the path of Don Carlos, nicknamed The Wife Killer, who decides right away that he's going to keep her.

Emily was a little passive and submissive at first, possibly from the trauma she experienced when she was younger, but she also fought and stood up for herself when needed. Carlos was cold, calculating and emotionless on the outside, but for her, he was sweet, protective and caring. I was a little worried that he would lose his alphaness at one point, as I'm used to the MMCs just taking what they want and not apologizing for it. Their relationship was intense, magnetic and super steamy!! There is a little bit of OW drama, but once they're together, he isn't interested in anyone else.

The story took a while to develop, but I think the author was building the relationship first. Then, near the end, a few things went the opposite way, and troubles were resolved really fast, but overall I enjoyed the mystery, drama and action!

Note: There is a mini family tree at the beginning of the book, so we can reference who everyone is.
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Carlo & Emily
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (I didn't find this that dark, 5 dark hearts for the theme of human tr@fficking)
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Revenge & Honor
Audiobook: n/a as of Mar 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
🖤OTT Possessive, dominant, and protective MMC
🩶Mafia
🖤Human Tr@fficking
🩶Touch her and ☠️
🖤🍇
🩶Captivity
🖤Voyeurism
🩶References to traumas
🖤No cheating or sharing once the relationship is established

 
⚠️ There are descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+ ⚠️
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[D.3.b.0.r.a.h · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge and honor pulled me in almost immediately but i did struggle somewhat with the way the trauma was portrayed in the beginning.

What felt confusing to me was the emotional contrast between Emily and her friend. While her friend directly experienced the assault and seemed able to process and contextualize it, Emily appeared to carry a much heavier and more lingering psychological burden despite not having endured the same event herself. I understand that trauma can manifest differently for everyone, and that secondary trauma is very real. However, in this case, the imbalance felt slightly underexplored to me. I found myself wanting a deeper dive into Emily’s internal struggle to better understand why the impact on her felt so overwhelming in comparison. With more emotional groundwork, I think that dynamic would have resonated more strongly.

However, once the focus shifted more heavily onto the character dynamics, the story truly came alive.

I genuinely loved both main characters. Emily is the kind of heroine you instinctively root for, not because she’s fragile, but because she isn’t. She never comes across as helpless or passive. No matter the situation, she doesn’t simply let things happen to her. She stands her ground, especially with Carlo, and that strength made her character so much more compelling.

Maxim and Brando were fantastic additions to the story. Their dynamic brought moments of lightness into an otherwise intense narrative, balancing out the darker themes without diminishing them.

And then… Diablo 💔 That moment genuinely hurt and added extra weight to an already intense story.

There were still a few lingering questions: How did Emily recognize him? He learned some details about her family, but much was left unexplored. I’m also still wondering about Tony and Lucia. It feels like there’s more there, and I can’t help but hope their story is being saved for a future installment.

Overall, this book kept me on edge, packed with tension, action, and morally gray intensity. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

[Elin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaaaargh! I had been waiting for this book for so long. From the moment I read the blurb, I knew I needed it. Trauma and a man carrying the title wife killer? Sign me up immediately. And I’m very happy to say, it did not disappoint.

Ratings
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Emily came across as sweet, though a little naïve in the beginning. Throughout the story, she grows into someone I genuinely respect. Her development felt natural in many ways, and I liked seeing her become stronger and more aware of her situation. Carlo, on the other hand, confused me at first. He almost felt like he had a double personality. His behavior seemed contradictory, and I wasn’t sure what to make of him. As the story progressed, though, I started to understand him better, and that internal duality made much more sense within the bigger picture.

The plot itself wasn’t necessarily surprising to me, but it flowed really well. It’s one of those books that simply reads easily. I finished it in two days because I just kept picking it up again. It was immersive and engaging without feeling overly complicated.

One thing I struggled with a little was how quickly Emily seemed to move past her major trauma. It was very clear that she had experienced something deeply impactful, but her recovery felt somewhat rushed. In my opinion, that doesn’t fully reflect reality, and that disappointed me a bit because I would have loved to read more about that process. There was so much emotional depth to explore there, and it felt like a missed opportunity not to dive deeper into how that trauma truly shaped her.

That being said, the plot twist toward the end was a very welcome surprise. It definitely kept the tension high and made the final part of the book exciting.

All in all, this was a delicious read that I truly enjoyed. Exactly the kind of dark, slightly twisted story I had been craving.

[Zoe Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love your romance dark, dangerous, and emotionally charged, Revenge and Honour delivers a gripping mafia story that doesn’t hold back.

The novel follows sweet, naïve Emily, who travels to Italy with her supposed boyfriend expecting romance and adventure whilst meeting the family, only to find herself caught in a brutal game of war. What unfolds is far from a fairy tale. Instead, Emily is thrust into a world of power, vengeance, and survival, where she must battle not only the forces around her but also her own heart.

At the center of this storm is a man known as the “wife killer” a figure as feared as he is compelling. Their relationship begins as a transaction, a form of payment he feels his owed, but what starts as obligation slowly deepens into something far more complicated. The emotional tension between them is layered with danger, passion, and an undercurrent of revenge that keeps the pages turning.

The book shines in its depth. It’s not just about romance; it’s about honour, loyalty, trauma, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The chemistry is intense, the stakes are high, and the darker themes add weight to the story. Readers should absolutely take note of the trigger warnings, as this is not a light or fluffy read. The violence and emotional intensity are central to the plot and handled in a way that reinforces the rawness of the world the characters inhabit.

What truly stands out is the cast. Several side characters are intriguing enough to deserve their own stories, and the layered dynamics within the mafia setting give richness beyond the central romance.

Overall, Revenge and Honour is a passionate, dark mafia romance that explores how love can grow in the most unexpected, and dangerous circumstances. A compelling read for fans of intense, morally grey love stories, just be prepared for the emotional ride. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as just wanting a bit more chaos and kinky fuckery 😂🤷‍♀️

[Christa Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge and Honor is a dark mafia romance that leans heavily into the possessive, morally gray MMC dynamic. It takes place primarily in Italy and the Mafia world is prevalent throughout the story.

Carlo is very much an OTT, jealous, protective hero who guards his heart as fiercely as he guards his territory. His only real softness is for Emily, and watching that shift in him was one of the strongest aspects of the story for me. I liked his reactions to her from the moment he first saw her and that was sure a tense scene all the way through the helicopter flying away scene. His emotional attachment to her became believable and grounded through all his interactions with her which is what makes a good dark romance.

The chemistry between them is intense from the beginning, and the sensuality runs hot throughout. If you enjoy a dominant MMC who is constantly proving that the FMC belongs to him, this story gives that in spades. There are many heated and spicy scenes throughout the book that shows Carlo's experience and intensity.

What stood out most to me was how Carlo’s care for Emily evolves over time. What starts as curiosity grows into something deeper as he helps her heal from violent trauma and step into the role she was meant for by his side. Emily also holds her own well and brings strength to the dynamic, which I appreciated. She's not kept as his plaything in any manner and her character is allowed to shine as bright as Carlo.

There are secrets, betrayals, and a tense mafia backdrop woven through the story, set against an Italian-inspired setting that adds to the atmosphere. The ending arc is the strongest part of the book and it kept me engaged in the plot.

Overall, this was a strong 4-star read for me for staying consistent within the genre, delivering high heat, and giving readers a possessive MMC with a level-headed FMC. I look forward to book 2 in the series.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.75 stars)
A promising debut that starts a bit slow but really finds its stride in the second half. The writing style takes some getting used to, but once the action kicks in, it’s hard to put down and I’m definitely excited to see how the author grows from here.

Okay, I feel like I need to say this every time I read and review a mafia romance… this *is* a MAFIA romance. There are absolutely themes and topics here that won’t be for everyone. If you have triggers or issues with infidelity, this one probably isn’t for you.

I don’t usually read trigger warnings before diving in, but I did go back and check them after finishing. I didn’t see infidelity noted in the ARC version, so just a heads-up in case it hasn’t been updated in the final release. Also, don’t take the listed TWs lightly as there’s definitely some heavy stuff going on here.

That said, if you’re still with me… I ended up really enjoying this debut. I was a little unsure at the start, the writing style is very direct and feels a bit different, maybe even a little green. But honestly, that’s part of why I enjoy reading debut ARCs. It’s interesting to see how authors grow and evolve as their series continues.

It’s written in dual first-person POV. The beginning felt a bit slow and choppy, but then the heat picked up, followed by the action, and once that kicked in, I was hooked. I flew through the second half of the book like candy.

The setup for the next book definitely has me ready to keep going, and I can already see potential for a third storyline as well.

All in all, for a debut, this is a fast-paced, easy read once you settle into the writing style, and I’ll always love a mafia man battling his softer side.

Thank you to Lia Lamar for the ARC opportunity. I’m excited to see what comes next.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romances have become hit or miss for me lately. I feel like a lot of them are a repetitive plot for the most part. I will say this one definitely took me by surprise with some of the elements that were in it! It was refreshing. I didn't find it to be a repetitive plot or predictable and quite a few things that happened I definitely didn't see coming. There definitely wasn't a dull moment in this one! So much happened!

I really enjoyed both MC's. Emily is the type you're rooting for right away. Especially with everything that happens to her in the beginning. And I love how she stood her ground with Carlo. Carlo stuck true to the morally grey aspect including when it came to Emily. He definitely wasn't all sunshine and rainbows with her right away. Their relationship was totally flawed and intense but eventually got built into something more and I'm so glad the author built that up at a slower pace.

The pacing overall was excellent. Spice was perfect. There's tons of triggers so read those. I didn't read them and a couple things that happened surprised me a bit because I wasn't expecting the story to go that way! (I don't get triggered and like the element of surprise but that is not for everyone!)

I also found myself really drawn to a few of the side characters that are eventually probably going to have their own story. It was nice to start building that connection with those characters in the first book and they added a lot of depth to this first story. Makes me look forward to the next one! I was left with a question or two but I have a feeling it'll get answered in the next book!

✔️Dark Mafia Romance
✔️possessive MMC
✔️forced proximity
✔️trauma/ healing
✔️Spicy
✔️Touch her and 💀

Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily hasn't had an easy life, she's lost her parents, and then saw her friend sexually assualted and unable to help. Now she's suffering recurring dreams and unable to experience her own intimacy within a relationship. Going to Italy with her now boyfriend she was hoping things might actually become more whilst there. But she knows something is not right as soon as they reach his home. Guards, high fences, and the looks she receives only make her more uncomfortable. When she keeps hearing about The Wife Killer returning soon, she wonders just who is he and has he really killed his wives. Carlo knows what people say about him behind his back. Does it concern him No. He knows there are groups planning too stand against him when his father dies. But the oath is important and he'll become Don whatever it costs him. Then he sees her. She's not from this world. She's to naive, to pure and definitely to good to be part of this world. But when his wife runs off with Emily's boyfriend things change. Now she's his. Nobody will touch her, and she definitely won't touch another man. This is a compelling story that just keeps giving. Emily comes across as timid, and scared, but she's not scared too speak her mind too Carlo. Does she have a death wish, maybe. But she knows she deserves to be treated better. Carlo doesn't trust easily, he's cold, brutal but she's different. Can there ever be anything real between them. What hidden secrets do neither of them know. Will his enemies overtake his territory and take what belongs to him. Or will someone closer to home betray him. This book is spicy, brutal yet heartbreaking in places. I loved everything about it. I'm also hoping Maksim will get a story of his own

[PandaTh3bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off thank you for letting me read this as an arc reader!

I was genuinely blown away by this book. As someone who reads a lot of mafia romance, I can confidently say this one stands out from the crowd. It grabbed my attention right away and kept me completely absorbed until the very last page.

Yes, it features the well known protective, possessive dynamic that’s common in the genre, but what makes this story shine is the depth of the heroine. Emily feels incredibly authentic. Her reactions, fears, and emotional growth all come across as honest and believable. Instead of feeling exaggerated or overly dramatic, she feels like a real person placed in extraordinary circumstances.
One of the things I appreciated most is that I never once felt annoyed with her. In many mafia romances, I find myself frustrated with the female lead at some point, but that never happened here. Her actions and choices made sense for who she is, which made it so much easier to stay fully invested in the story.

At first, it can take a little effort to keep track of the different characters, and I did have to flip back briefly to remind myself who was who. However, once everyone was established, it became much easier to follow.
It’s also important to note that this book deals with some heavy subject matter. There are scenes involving sexual assault and depictions of panic attacks that may be difficult for some readers, so checking the trigger warnings beforehand is a good idea.

Overall, this is an intense, emotionally driven mafia romance that delivers both heart and grit. It’s definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.