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Genoa Mafia #1

Crossing Roman

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Madison Miller is a small town girl with big dreams, but years of running her mother’s bridal business has put a damper on that…

Madison is weary of planning other people’s dream weddings and ready to find a man of her own—when a sudden encounter with a handsome visitor leaves her world spinning. He's all she can think about, but the son of a mafia boss is not the kind of man she’d had in mind. She wonders how being involved with him might impact her life—and the lives of those she cares about.

Roman Caponelli is looking to expand his family’s business on the legitimate side—not the mafia side—and perhaps find a little romance…

Roman is captivated with Madison, but this local beauty wants nothing to do with a criminal like him. Madison said no to him once, and come hell or high water she won’t deny him again—and if he has to use mob tactics to make that happen, so be it. Roman sets out, determined to win the only woman who has kept his interest for more than one night.

Madison is everything he wants in a woman, and he will stop at nothing…
Not until the entire town knows that Crossing Roman is not an option.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2016

329 people are currently reading
260 people want to read

About the author

Ginger Ring

37 books202 followers
Ginger Ring is an award winning, Midwestern author with a weakness for cheese, dark chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. She loves reading, playing with her cats, watching great movies, and has a quirky sense of humor. Publishing a book has been a lifelong dream of hers and she is excited to share her romantic stories with you. Her heroines are classy, sassy and in search of love and adventure. When Ginger isn’t tracking down old gangster haunts or stopping at historical landmarks, you can find her on the backwaters of the Mississippi River fishing with her husband.

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5 stars
142 (33%)
4 stars
122 (28%)
3 stars
116 (26%)
2 stars
39 (9%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Jos.
1,833 reviews141 followers
June 12, 2018
2 Stars

Ughhhhh this was soooooooo BORING!!!!! First off, I felt like I was missing a part of their story, it's like the book started midway through Roman and Madison's getting together. I didn't care for her AT ALL!!!!! Talk about a b*&%$....she was like a wet noodle and him, ehhhh, he was also so boring and totally un-alpha like.

The storyline was weak, the writing was ehhh and the characters were so underwhelming. I hate to give a bad review BUT this was so out of character for what I like to read in my mafia romances. I didn't feel an ounce of anything between the h and the H..... SNOOZEFEST for sure:(

Well, thought I would give it a go but for me, I will steer clear of this series for now. Who knows sometimes an author can start off on the wrong foot with me but end up on the right one down the line!
Profile Image for DeeReads.
2,284 reviews
October 22, 2018
This was a very thrilling and gritty mafia romance with a strong underboss who actually had to work hard to get the feisty heroine to want to be with him. He was so use to women falling for his looks and lifestyle that Madison became that woman he could not forget. So when they broke up in the teaser book entitled "Madison's Mobster" well Romeo had to force her hand to come back to his family for the use of Firenza.. and it worked.

There were several mysterious secondary characters from Madison's best friend, Stephanie, her mother, Connie and Roman's cleaner, Dominic and things are not at all what they seem in "Crossing Roman" so this memorable series I plan to continue to read.

This would have been a 5 star read if not for the noticeable changes of the H/h's ages.


4.5 enjoyable stars
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,001 reviews45 followers
January 6, 2017
Snore fest

Ok let me wake up to write this....

Yes, it was that boring and drag worthy. Plot totally predictable, mob guy not that scary or alpha like, drama so not there.
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,772 reviews41 followers
October 24, 2018
Let me just say that I started this series backwards. Insane right? I've read book 3 and the I thought that I had so many questions in need of some answers thait made me start this series right away.
Ginger Ring is the bomb writing Mafia books and one glimpse at this series and I was hooked.
Her qrittinh is that powerful and you should give her a chance.
Crossing Ryan is the first boom from the Genoa Mafia Series and it's so freaking good.
This book explores the lifes of Madison and Ryan.
Madison is a dreamer. She runs a bridal shop and lives her job. She loves to create and and with that help people follow their dreams. She was living her life normally until...
Ryan is a mystery. He's ter heir to his family business. Being a mafia son isn't an easy task and he sometimes gets his hands dirty.
When he sets his eyes on a beautiful woman...
So freaking good. Intense and so much more.
Amazing plot, very well written, super intense and engaging.
Each chapter made me nervous because the unknown was right there... Dayum.
There were parts of the book that I wanted to slap someone for being so stubborn but there were others that melted my heart. I know that a great story must have drama and suspense and this one just nailed it.
In this story you will find loyalty, love, family bonds, desire as well as betrayal, crime punishment and drama. Oh boy...
The story progressed with some ups and downs and I loved every bump...
Ginger this series started the best way possible and know I'm about to read book 2 again because I need more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
750 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2016
This is the first book by this author that I have read and it was good, my only issue with it was of my own accord and that was that I should have read the first book.and I would have had a better background on the characters but really I could follow along ok. Roman stole my heart, I liked how he was an underboss and he made no excuses or tried to changed who he was. Madison who was opposed to having a relationship with Roman because of his mafia ties soon becomes so smitten that she can no longer resist him. I wish there was a little more action but all in all a good read.
Profile Image for Paki.
83 reviews18 followers
January 6, 2017
In what world is this a standalone novel? A chapter or two into the book, I was so lost! There's clearly history between the two protagonists and yet it wasn't explained to the reader. There's a backstory that I'm guessing is expanded upon in some other book the author has written that I have never read.


Also I didn't really feel any chemistry between the two protagonists. The dialogue between them was a bit...off


And most importantly, I was bored. So. Bored.
Profile Image for John W..
Author 1 book13 followers
November 30, 2016
CROSSING ROMAN is a story of manipulation, trust issues, romance, and family relationships. Ginger Ring continues her series of books showing the human side of a gangsters’ life. She introduces her readers to her protagonist Madison Miller, who runs the bridal shop, with her mother in Genoa, Wisconsin. The author gives readers Madison’s background including her strengths and weaknesses as she pursues her goals and her fading dream to become a dress designer. Ring’s readers meet her other protagonist Roman Caponelli, son of the head of the Caponelli crime family. The storyline builds on Roman’s efforts to impress Madison and win her heart. Tension and intrigue increases between Madison and Roman, when Madison sees through Roman’s efforts to manipulate events to bring them together. Ring skillfully plants the seeds of romance keeping readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next.

Ring brings several support characters into CROSSING ROMAN adding twists and turns to the developing storyline. Roman uncovers details of a rival crime family’s to take over businesses in Genoa. The author increases the pace of the plot when Madison’s mother returns to Genoa. The peaceful citizens of Genoa deal with kidnappings, explosions, murders and intimidation. Madison and Roman’s families are the only ones who can restore the peace of mind in Genoa. Madison’s mother shares family secrets that will change everyone’s life. Ring storyline’s momentum captivates her readers revealing her heartwarming solution to CROSSING ROMAN.

Profile Image for Lori R..
1,411 reviews71 followers
December 25, 2016
This was an entertaining Mafia read. I thought it was a good start to the series. There was some suspense in here, and I thought the author did a good job keeping me guessing. I would've loved for some parts to be a little more in depth, but all in all, I enjoyed this.

It took me up to about 30% to start feeling something for the characters, and once I did, this story held my interest and I wanted to keep turning the pages.

If you're looking for a quick and somewhat mild Mafia read, this one should work for you.
Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews16 followers
June 5, 2020
Following up to Madison’s Mobster. Ms. Ring did an amazing job bringing Madison and Roman to life. Madison realizes early that she has fallen hard for the mobster but her dreams of finding Mr. Right don’t seem to fit into her dream life. Roman is a mobster’s heir but in the sleepy town of Genoa he feels much more relaxed away from the life of crime his family comes from in Chicago. He also has dreams of finding “the One” little did he know he’d find her in the sleepy town of Genoa. Roman sets out to win Madison over and prove to her he’s not the guy she believes him to be. Watching these two fall in love was a great story to read.Roman is ready to settle down but his father had an arranged marriage in the plans for Roman. He doesn’t go down without a fight. This book eventually gets its HEA and I loved going along for the ride. Now I have my eye on Roman’s sister Valentina and her story featuring the sexy town cop Ryan.I’d like to thank the Author for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release. I’ll get back to you on Ryan and Valentina.
Profile Image for peggylovesbooks.
178 reviews25 followers
June 24, 2019
At first it was confusing when they kept mentioning a kidnapping between Roman and Madison. Then realized there was a prequel of them before this book.

Other then that, I enjoyed this book, the characters where great, Roman being the anti-hero, a mafia bad boy who gets what he wants.
Madison who is falling in love but wants to deny the possibility of it.

I wont give to much away but I totally loved the bathroom scene!

I give this 3.5 stars.
1,124 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2018
ENJOYABLE ROMANCE

Not being really familiar with this author's writing style, find that I thoroughly enjoyed this first book of the Genoa Mafia series. I was under the impression that author wrote primarily paranormal to the bizarre type material. This story was highly entertaining, cute and funny at times and a great romantic read.
Profile Image for Beth Ostrosky.
283 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2019
A very good read!

Oh my! This was a really good love story! It was hot , exciting and wickedly delicious! The characters were awesome and well thought out. The plot was good as well. Try it!
Profile Image for EVELYN ANN.
509 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2020
Lovely Story

This book kept recalling to some kidnapping and kept throwing me off. So, there's a prelude that needs to be read first. At least for me, it needed to be read to understand this background that Madison and Roman had and how fast they fell for one another. It has drama, suspense, action and HEA. On to the next! #HappyReading 💖
Profile Image for Mommysmoose.
299 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2018
I read the preview novella of this series and had to immediately read the first book in the series. I loved it. I loved the characters, especially Madison. Ginger makes her characters so vivid that they come to life. The story was full of suspense and anticipation and kept me turning the pages into the night. Roman is not easy to love because of who he is but, Madison and me as a reader saw a side to him that we could easily accept and love. I also adored the secondary characters and cannot wait to read more of this series.
14 reviews
December 19, 2017
Mafioso!

What's not to love about a "bad boy"?! Great book looved the book! Their love story is definitely one you get sucked into and can't put down
Profile Image for Debbie  Victorino.
449 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2020
This was a good book. It was entertaining and an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Ellen.
1,070 reviews13 followers
March 19, 2017
This is a different read for me. I don't remember reading a Mafia story before but I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more about the secondary characters in additional books. Make sure you read Madison Mobster first or you might be a little lost.
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,413 reviews17 followers
September 1, 2017
Who knew you could have so much fun reading a mafia romance? And in Wisconsin to boot? Close to where I actually live? HA. The author took the real town of Lake Geneva for inspiration, and named it Genoa, funny enough there is a Genoa City also, just south of Lake Geneva. And did I mention both are within about 15 miles from me? So not only did the setting hook me, but the book is a great story that takes you through all the family dynamics of a mob family, the secrets, the trust issues, the turf wars between them – and still shows the reader that they are still human, even in their brutality. This is Roman and Madison’s story, and the story grabs you right away and holds on, with danger, secrets, intrigue and love. You will cheer this couple on, and the last couple chapters are re-read worthy. Reviewed by Cyrene
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2020
I haven’t managed to finish it, I have reached 70% of the book. Neither the characters, nor the plot, nor the supposed romance between them convinced me. I am a lover of the genre but neither this book nor the previous one I liked.
🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
No he conseguido acabarlo, he llegado al 70% del libro. Ni los personajes, ni la trama, ni el supuesto romance entre ellos me ha convencido. Soy una amante del género, pero ni este libro ni el anterior me han gustado.
Profile Image for N. Kuhn.
Author 66 books410 followers
February 3, 2017
Though there were some editing errors in this book, I have to say, it was an interesting read. At points, I felt things moved to fast, but for a mafia book, I liked that there was actual mafia turmoil. There was problems, violence, that seem to be missing, lacking, from other mafia romances. I actually enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm).
1,049 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2018
I initially read Madison Mobster and fell in love immediately with this author writing. I love Madison and Romans thrilling love story and I’m looking forward to reading more especially about the mysterious Arlo and Dominic.
Profile Image for Nstefa.
3,464 reviews21 followers
September 8, 2019
I read 3 books of the series and I quite enjoyed them ! I had them on my list for a while so I felt like some Mafia and it was a great series but my fav was Dominic from the get go so I had to keep reading... definitely a good afternoon read
116 reviews
October 24, 2018
The ending was very abrupt, like the author wrote the last couple of chapters in a rush. I would have given 5 stars otherwise
Profile Image for Lisa Taylor .
2,652 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2020
Wow great storyline, sexy men & strong female characters. Men goin after what they want & need
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,274 reviews207 followers
July 30, 2025
3.5stars-CROSSING ROMAN is the second instalment in Ginger Ring’s contemporary, adult GENOA MAFIA romance series. This is the continuing story of thirty year old, bridal shop owner/dress designer Madison Miller, and thirty year old, underboss Roman Caponelli. CROSSING ROMAN should be not read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one MADISON’S MOBSTER.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Roman and Madison) CROSSING ROMAN picks up after the events of Madison’s Mobster in which Madison wants nothing to do with our story line hero, a member of the Mafia, and a man with too much power but when none of the venues will host Madison’s yearly bridal show, our heroine reluctantly makes contact with Roman, in an effort to secure his sister Valentina’s Firenza Venue. From the outset, Roman is determined to claim Madison as his own, but someone is targeting the businesses in Genoa, Wisconsin, threating in the name of our story line hero. As Madison and Roman’s relationship becomes something more, our hero is about to discover his life is no longer his own.

The world building follows the rekindling relationship between our story line couple as Roman must uncover the truth about what is happening and why. Someone else is seeking power in the town of Genoa Wisconsin, and taking aim at the local businesses along the way.

The relationship between Madison and Roman is one of second chances of a sort. Madison struggles with Roman’s lifestyle but at every turn, it is his lifestyle that both affects and aids her business going forward. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

We are introduced to Madison’s mother Connie Miller, as well as the return of Madison’s friend and co-worker Stephanie Barclay; Dominic, Arlo,Roman’s sister Valentina, and Officer Ryan Donovan; Oscar Fenetti; mobster Bruno Rinaldi and his daughter Layla.

CROSSING ROMAN is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging, captivating and predictable but lacked steam and darkness; the romance is subtle; the characters are determined.

own a copy
Profile Image for Carolyn Muller.
133 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2020
Crossing Roman by Ginger Ring 5 stars
Following up to Madison’s Mobster. Ms. Ring did an amazing job bringing Madison and Roman to life. Madison realizes early that she has fallen hard for the mobster but her dreams of finding Mr. Right don’t seem to fit into her dream life. Roman is a mobster’s heir but in the sleepy town of Genoa he feels much more relaxed away from the life of crime his family comes from in Chicago. He also has dreams of finding “the One” little did he know he’d find her in the sleepy town of Genoa. Roman sets out to win Madison over and prove to her he’s not the guy she believes him to be. Watching these two fall in love was a great story to read.Roman is ready to settle down but his father had an arranged marriage in the plans for Roman. He doesn’t go down without a fight. This book eventually gets its HEA and I loved going along for the ride. Now I have my eye on Roman’s sister Valentina and her story featuring the sexy town cop Ryan.I’d like to thank the Author for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release. I’ll get back to you on Ryan and Valentina.
66 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2018
Just awful

I don't even know where to start. First of all there are no love scenes. Do I even need to go into detail about how wrong that is? And I can't quite put my finger on the writing but it just felt off. I felt like I kept missing something. I kept having to go back to see if I had missed something. like for example they talked about going to meet his parents after her fashion show but then after her fashion show he announces oh by the way we're going to see my parents tomorrow. and she acted surprised. I thought to myself wait a minute hu? and that's pretty much how the whole story felt for me. Just off. I would normally want to read the next in the series so I could see how the characters from the first book or doing but I can't make myself read another one of these by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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