What do you think?
Rate this book
The Marchesi Family #1
Lucien
I never imagined the protector I longed for would be a mob boss who demanded complete control.
I shouldn’t have gone to Lucien’s office.
Once I looked into his eyes, I couldn’t leave.
He commanded me to kneel.
Beg.
Obey.
I couldn’t help myself.
One taste, and I craved more.
Lucien vowed to protect me from his enemies…
But who’s going to protect my heart from him?
This MM Mafia Romance is the first book in The Marchesi Family series.
I shouldn’t have gone to Lucien’s office.
Once I looked into his eyes, I couldn’t leave.
He commanded me to kneel.
Beg.
Obey.
I couldn’t help myself.
One taste, and I craved more.
Lucien vowed to protect me from his enemies…
But who’s going to protect my heart from him?
This MM Mafia Romance is the first book in The Marchesi Family series.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2020
935 people are currently reading
1464 people want to read
About the author
Silvia Violet
184 books1,187 followersSilvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.
For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.
For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
April 7, 2022
dnf @ 30%. so bad.
September 29, 2020
I really hoped to like this book more than 3 stars. It was well written, suspenseful enough and very steamy. It's hard to say if it was dark considering everyone has their own definition of dark. Was the MC Lucien harsh and mean? At times he was. I hoped to love him like that but the way the author made him be in charge was off. He constantly uttered phrases like I am in charge, you do what I say. There was no certain presence or charisma to him, no air that made him feel dangerous as the author no doubt intended him to be. I half expected him to rip his shirt off and beat his chest while saying that he was in charge over and over again.
Peter was a sweet little thing. He was perfectly submissive, perfectly loyal and perfectly ordinary. I liked him fine but again the author did the same thing with him as she did with Lucien. He constantly said I am not brave, I run from danger. It was awkward at times with both MCs saying and not doing. The intimate scenes were hot and s*exy, the villains were great a$$holes, so I liked the danger aspect here.
Another thing that just stopped me from enjoying this book was that there was no build up to the relationship. It started from almost the very beginning. Lucien sees Peter, bullies him into accepting everything and we have a couple basically by the end of chapter maybe 3 or 4. There is very little description of what, where and how of Marchesi family and their business. There is also very little known about Peter and his past, only vague tidbits. That was not enough for me. And unfortunately Lucien's family members namely Angelo and Devil were annoying AF. I do not think I will continue with the series. These things plus something just missing here prevents me from wanting to continue.
Peter was a sweet little thing. He was perfectly submissive, perfectly loyal and perfectly ordinary. I liked him fine but again the author did the same thing with him as she did with Lucien. He constantly said I am not brave, I run from danger. It was awkward at times with both MCs saying and not doing. The intimate scenes were hot and s*exy, the villains were great a$$holes, so I liked the danger aspect here.
Another thing that just stopped me from enjoying this book was that there was no build up to the relationship. It started from almost the very beginning. Lucien sees Peter, bullies him into accepting everything and we have a couple basically by the end of chapter maybe 3 or 4. There is very little description of what, where and how of Marchesi family and their business. There is also very little known about Peter and his past, only vague tidbits. That was not enough for me. And unfortunately Lucien's family members namely Angelo and Devil were annoying AF. I do not think I will continue with the series. These things plus something just missing here prevents me from wanting to continue.
June 3, 2020
DNFed (80% read)
Really, it seems that I'm just hurting myself at that point ; I can't seem to let go of my fantasy of a GOOD, ruthless, truly dark m-m mafia romance and I seem to always end out disappointed. Lucien is a watered-down version of the protagonist I'm looking for : he's neither ruthless nor impressive nor morally dubious. Don't set up your character as a mafia boss if you're gonna make him some kind of a goody two-shoes at heart : "oh I don't wanna hurt Peter, he's so precious" " oh I've developed feelings for him within two day, what a surprise" "oh let's buy him some ponies cause I wanna make all of his dreams come true""I'm a bad guy but deep down I just need sweet luuuve". Let's not even talk about Peter who's the epitome of the generic twink with an air of vulnerability : "oh he blushes all the time, how cute" "oh, he's so innocent, that's a turn on" "oh, he's so strong inside 'cause he can handle Lucien lifestyle without fleeing."
The sex scenes were botched. The side characters (Angel and Devil, seriously ?)...inexistant. The plot was terribly predictable.
All in all, I might need to lower my expectations but this mafia romance was a disappointment.
Really, it seems that I'm just hurting myself at that point ; I can't seem to let go of my fantasy of a GOOD, ruthless, truly dark m-m mafia romance and I seem to always end out disappointed. Lucien is a watered-down version of the protagonist I'm looking for : he's neither ruthless nor impressive nor morally dubious. Don't set up your character as a mafia boss if you're gonna make him some kind of a goody two-shoes at heart : "oh I don't wanna hurt Peter, he's so precious" " oh I've developed feelings for him within two day, what a surprise" "oh let's buy him some ponies cause I wanna make all of his dreams come true""I'm a bad guy but deep down I just need sweet luuuve". Let's not even talk about Peter who's the epitome of the generic twink with an air of vulnerability : "oh he blushes all the time, how cute" "oh, he's so innocent, that's a turn on" "oh, he's so strong inside 'cause he can handle Lucien lifestyle without fleeing."
The sex scenes were botched. The side characters (Angel and Devil, seriously ?)...inexistant. The plot was terribly predictable.
All in all, I might need to lower my expectations but this mafia romance was a disappointment.
February 27, 2022
This is one of the best performances I've heard from Michael Dean. Dean comes up with an excellent array of difference voices and accents for this varied cast of characters. He also infuses a wealth of emotion, between Lucien's ruthless dominance and Peter's timid innocence, Michael Dean does a wonderful job. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Silvia Violet sets up her new mob family crime series, and introduces the characters. The love scenes between Lucien and Peter contain BDSM, DD, and S&M. There's also violence on page.
an audiobook copy of Lucien (The Marchesi Family, #1) was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Silvia Violet sets up her new mob family crime series, and introduces the characters. The love scenes between Lucien and Peter contain BDSM, DD, and S&M. There's also violence on page.
an audiobook copy of Lucien (The Marchesi Family, #1) was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
June 7, 2021
Starting the mafia read-a-thon with a MM mafia romance 😍😍
April 25, 2020
This mafia romance is heavy on romance and light on the mafia biz, which might or might not appeal to some reader.
Peter is the innocent boy that was unfortunately got under the radar of Lucien, the mafia boss. One look at Peter's face, Lucien wanted him and he don't care how. I thought Lucien is a crazy, overbearing sonofabitch. But I only get to hate him for a short moment because the way he would spoil Peter with all the finer things left me swooned over. Lucien is dominant and demanding in and out of the bedroom and he isn't afraid to show the world Peter belongs to him. That's just something so sexy about a man staking his claim.
The relationship between Lucien and Peter is on the side of D/s with spanking but nothing too kinky.
There are plenty of talk surrounding the Lucien's family and their enemies. However, I find it lack depths and details. Most of the things that happened mainly to bring forward the relationship and show how Peter grows to accept Lucien's lifestyle. There are more than one occasion whereby I questioned the way the author solve the conflict. Anyway, I tried to read it for Lucien and Peter and try not to delve too much on the other stuff.
Peter is the innocent boy that was unfortunately got under the radar of Lucien, the mafia boss. One look at Peter's face, Lucien wanted him and he don't care how. I thought Lucien is a crazy, overbearing sonofabitch. But I only get to hate him for a short moment because the way he would spoil Peter with all the finer things left me swooned over. Lucien is dominant and demanding in and out of the bedroom and he isn't afraid to show the world Peter belongs to him. That's just something so sexy about a man staking his claim.
The relationship between Lucien and Peter is on the side of D/s with spanking but nothing too kinky.
There are plenty of talk surrounding the Lucien's family and their enemies. However, I find it lack depths and details. Most of the things that happened mainly to bring forward the relationship and show how Peter grows to accept Lucien's lifestyle. There are more than one occasion whereby I questioned the way the author solve the conflict. Anyway, I tried to read it for Lucien and Peter and try not to delve too much on the other stuff.
April 25, 2020
Peter and Lucien
One look and his mind says ‘mine’ Lucien is arrogant, confident and dangerous and the head of the mafia family, where loyalty and protection is everything.
Peter couldn’t be more the opposite of him, he’s sweet and innocent. Working for Lucien was one but now he’s his property and has to live with him to be protected.
He loved that but being Lucien’s plaything wasn’t anywhere near what he felt for Lucien. He was afraid of his heart.
There is a threatening situation for Lucien and the ones he cared for.
Who to trust and who not.
I’m not sure if the author wanted to create a rough slightly dark mafia story or a sweet romance with some sharp edges. It didn’t really matter, it was captivating and I read it in on sit. The focus on Peter and Lucien was great. The danger was well thought out.
It was a fast-paced, entertainingly, captivatingly, and smoothly written story and sexy af. The development was slight, for a series enough. I found it more sweet than dangerous.
A great start to a series.
One look and his mind says ‘mine’ Lucien is arrogant, confident and dangerous and the head of the mafia family, where loyalty and protection is everything.
Peter couldn’t be more the opposite of him, he’s sweet and innocent. Working for Lucien was one but now he’s his property and has to live with him to be protected.
He loved that but being Lucien’s plaything wasn’t anywhere near what he felt for Lucien. He was afraid of his heart.
There is a threatening situation for Lucien and the ones he cared for.
Who to trust and who not.
I’m not sure if the author wanted to create a rough slightly dark mafia story or a sweet romance with some sharp edges. It didn’t really matter, it was captivating and I read it in on sit. The focus on Peter and Lucien was great. The danger was well thought out.
It was a fast-paced, entertainingly, captivatingly, and smoothly written story and sexy af. The development was slight, for a series enough. I found it more sweet than dangerous.
A great start to a series.
November 9, 2022
The more I read this, the more it just got Worse and WORSE.
September 17, 2024
I love instalove but this didn't work for me. There was no build-up, no getting to know each other, no sweet moments, and no ooey gooey talks.
Day 1 Lucien is moving Peter in. They're fuckin/sleeping in the same bed. Then, we get a time jump of WEEKS. Lots of connecting was happening off page bc I didn't feel any of that connection. It all felt forced.. Even after it wasn't forced.
They were soft mafia dudes. So, the mafia war plot was boring. Bunch of dudes yelling and trying to kill each other all the time.
Lucien reminded me of those guys who needs to tell you every 5 minutes he's badass to feel badass.
Peter was mousey. I won't remember him.
I didn't care for his brothers, so I don't think I'll continue the series.
Day 1 Lucien is moving Peter in. They're fuckin/sleeping in the same bed. Then, we get a time jump of WEEKS. Lots of connecting was happening off page bc I didn't feel any of that connection. It all felt forced.. Even after it wasn't forced.
They were soft mafia dudes. So, the mafia war plot was boring. Bunch of dudes yelling and trying to kill each other all the time.
Lucien reminded me of those guys who needs to tell you every 5 minutes he's badass to feel badass.
Peter was mousey. I won't remember him.
I didn't care for his brothers, so I don't think I'll continue the series.
June 13, 2020
I can't seem to stop trying Silvia Violet's books, even though they always leave me feeling just a little bit disappointed. The premises should work for me! And yet! Alas.
I wish she'd leaned harder on the id. If you're going to write a dub-con mafia boss book LEAN IN.
I wish she'd leaned harder on the id. If you're going to write a dub-con mafia boss book LEAN IN.
September 28, 2020
I don't think this is dark enough for me. There are moments that I don't really feel anything toward Lucien. He seems so detached. But I guess it worked for Peter. *shrug*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2022
I'm in a good mood,
This was okay enough even tho one of the characters actions were a bit sloppy at the end I'm just gonna let it slide.
This was okay enough even tho one of the characters actions were a bit sloppy at the end I'm just gonna let it slide.
February 25, 2022
2-2.5 stars
ehhhhhhhhhh.....yea for a mafia romance this was lacking in all things. Peter was weak sauce, and Lucien was... idk there haha.
This book and I have noticed from previous books i've read from this author, is that she likes to tell rather than show. Like one paragraph will be in the present then the next will tell you that weeks have passed.. i would rather know what would have happened. idk it is hard to explain but just getting told what has been happening to the characters rather than seeing it play out is something i don't like. it makes it harder to connect with the characters and has a higher chance for me to dnf a book.
I don't think i will continue, even though i saw that the next book gets high reviews.. this author i don't think is for me.
ehhhhhhhhhh.....yea for a mafia romance this was lacking in all things. Peter was weak sauce, and Lucien was... idk there haha.
This book and I have noticed from previous books i've read from this author, is that she likes to tell rather than show. Like one paragraph will be in the present then the next will tell you that weeks have passed.. i would rather know what would have happened. idk it is hard to explain but just getting told what has been happening to the characters rather than seeing it play out is something i don't like. it makes it harder to connect with the characters and has a higher chance for me to dnf a book.
I don't think i will continue, even though i saw that the next book gets high reviews.. this author i don't think is for me.
May 22, 2021
Ok, it’s not the best mafia book I’ve read , but I liked it. I liked the super macho Lucian and the submissive Peter. I aso loved that Peter came through when he needed to and still took his punishment for it.
For me there is a fine line in mafia books. This one made the grade. My first mm romance was a book by Silvia Violet. That was back in 2016. I’ve never looked back. Silvia can still thrill me with her strong Doms and submissive men.
For me there is a fine line in mafia books. This one made the grade. My first mm romance was a book by Silvia Violet. That was back in 2016. I’ve never looked back. Silvia can still thrill me with her strong Doms and submissive men.
April 27, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The thing I enjoy most about Silvia Violet’s stories, what keeps bringing me back to this author’s books, are the characters. Violet has a way of making characters come to life on the page, and Lucien and Peter, as well as Lucien’s family, really drew me in. While I had some issues with the narrative itself, the characters definitely won me over.
Lucien is powerful, controlling, and not someone to be messed with. His life is such that he can’t show emotion, because any show of weakness will threaten him and everything he’s worked to build. But he’s also got a tender side, and a good heart some of the time, and he shows both to Peter.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
The thing I enjoy most about Silvia Violet’s stories, what keeps bringing me back to this author’s books, are the characters. Violet has a way of making characters come to life on the page, and Lucien and Peter, as well as Lucien’s family, really drew me in. While I had some issues with the narrative itself, the characters definitely won me over.
Lucien is powerful, controlling, and not someone to be messed with. His life is such that he can’t show emotion, because any show of weakness will threaten him and everything he’s worked to build. But he’s also got a tender side, and a good heart some of the time, and he shows both to Peter.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
January 3, 2021
This was my first male male mafia romances. Because it was a male male, I assumed it would follow a different formula. Unfortunately, everything I read I have read before in similar books with male female main characters. Although I really enjoyed this book, Overall it was pretty average. This book will probably stand out to me in the future because it solely has two male love interest.
June 29, 2022
Amazon
"Once you crossed that threshold"—he gestured toward the door to his office—"you became mine."When Peter shows up to take his sleazy cousin Jimmy's place as a receptionist, his manager is a controlling, powerful suit to whom Peter is both attracted and scared of. But it's when he punishes Peter for not doing exactly as he had commanded that Peter knows he's in really big trouble. Especially when it becomes obvious Lucien has staked his claim on Peter, whether Peter wants him to or not. Now the only question is, does Lucien want his heart along with his body, is Peter doomed to being just Lucien's plaything and property, or will Lucien accept the love in his heart, too?
Lucien knows his Mafia world isn't safe for Peter, and when it comes to his safety, he wants Peter protected at all hours. What better solution than to move him in? But can Peter accept Lucien's control, both in and out of the bedroom? Accept it and submit?
"Do you need a man who will demand obedience from you, Peter?"
"No, I...don't know."
"I think you do. I'm going to be that man for you. I'm going to control you, but I'm also going to take care of you."
I would call this Mafia-lite, but it's still entertaining. I like the dynamics of Peter and Lucien's relationship - it's BDSM-lite and Lucien isn't too over the top control freakish or dominant, but he is intent on exploring the power exchange with his new love. It's fairly standard issue - damaged hero who doesn't do love, but falls anyway, and the partner who thinks he or she isn't strong or good enough for the alpha, but it was still well written and I liked both Peter and Lucien. Add a little bit of action and the story felt well rounded, and the chemistry between the two is hot, so 4 stars is very fair.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
August 6, 2020
4.5 stars; I loved it
Let's start with the highest note for me, the smut. Oh my God, I swooned! It's hot, it's dirty, it's got a little bit of spanking going on, a little D/s, it's great. That alone should be your reason enough to read this. It low-key was for me.
As for the rest of the book, this was more fun than dark for me. When I read a dark book I have a certain expectations in mind and while this book didn't meet those expectations, I can't bring myself to be mad about it. The characters were interesting, Peter was adorable, Lucien was swoon, and I literally cannot wait for Devil's book. The whole Marchesi family had me. I don't even like Mafia romances, I high key can't stand them, yet somehow Silvia Violet made me care.
Here's why I don't think it was that dark. For me, a dark romance has to have a certain level of danger. There needs to be steaks. I don't want to know what's going to happen. Are they going to come out unscathed? Who's about to die? I don't need one character beating another to make it dark like some authors believe, but I have to worry for them. I was never worried here. Dark things happen but I knew they were going to be okay in the end. They were never in any real danger. Except for Lucien that one time.
Here's why I'm not mad about it. While not as dark and twisted as I was hoping, the Mafia background enhanced the sweetness of the romance. I cared about Lucien and Peter getting together, I wanted to see them happy together. Would that still have been possible if this book was dark to the 10th degree? I can't say for sure. Their moments would have still been sweet but the romance as a whole would have been a hard sell. Especially for the kind of character Peter is. No spoilers but he grows a lot throughout this book and I don't think if this book was super dark his growth would have been as prominent. The book would probably need another hundred pages so things could happen naturally. So I can't really bring myself to be upset. Because for this book and this setting and these characters, it all made sense.
My one true complaint is that even though this book takes place over the course of about 2 months (I'm guessing), it feels like it's all happening very fast. That's not a good thing. And in fact, I think it's why this didn't feel dark to me despite dark thinks happening. Emotions and scenes never really have time to settle with the reader because it's all just a very go go go. It'll be like they meet and then they talk and then they do it and then it's the next week. Scenes need time to marinate. I think if there was a little more description or a little more internal monologue or maybe if this was written in third person, this wouldn't have happened. I don't know, I'm not a writer so I'm not entirely sure how to fix this.
All-in-all I still greatly enjoyed this book. It was fun, it was sexy, it was fast-paced (a little too fast at times), and it got me excited for the next book (pretty sure I know who Angelo's going to be paired up with). It's fun and it's hot. If you like a little bit of action with your romance, you'll love this. 4.5 stars because she was cute and I'm not mad. Seriously though, Lucien and Peter were adorable.
Let's start with the highest note for me, the smut. Oh my God, I swooned! It's hot, it's dirty, it's got a little bit of spanking going on, a little D/s, it's great. That alone should be your reason enough to read this. It low-key was for me.
As for the rest of the book, this was more fun than dark for me. When I read a dark book I have a certain expectations in mind and while this book didn't meet those expectations, I can't bring myself to be mad about it. The characters were interesting, Peter was adorable, Lucien was swoon, and I literally cannot wait for Devil's book. The whole Marchesi family had me. I don't even like Mafia romances, I high key can't stand them, yet somehow Silvia Violet made me care.
Here's why I don't think it was that dark. For me, a dark romance has to have a certain level of danger. There needs to be steaks. I don't want to know what's going to happen. Are they going to come out unscathed? Who's about to die? I don't need one character beating another to make it dark like some authors believe, but I have to worry for them. I was never worried here. Dark things happen but I knew they were going to be okay in the end. They were never in any real danger. Except for Lucien that one time.
Here's why I'm not mad about it. While not as dark and twisted as I was hoping, the Mafia background enhanced the sweetness of the romance. I cared about Lucien and Peter getting together, I wanted to see them happy together. Would that still have been possible if this book was dark to the 10th degree? I can't say for sure. Their moments would have still been sweet but the romance as a whole would have been a hard sell. Especially for the kind of character Peter is. No spoilers but he grows a lot throughout this book and I don't think if this book was super dark his growth would have been as prominent. The book would probably need another hundred pages so things could happen naturally. So I can't really bring myself to be upset. Because for this book and this setting and these characters, it all made sense.
My one true complaint is that even though this book takes place over the course of about 2 months (I'm guessing), it feels like it's all happening very fast. That's not a good thing. And in fact, I think it's why this didn't feel dark to me despite dark thinks happening. Emotions and scenes never really have time to settle with the reader because it's all just a very go go go. It'll be like they meet and then they talk and then they do it and then it's the next week. Scenes need time to marinate. I think if there was a little more description or a little more internal monologue or maybe if this was written in third person, this wouldn't have happened. I don't know, I'm not a writer so I'm not entirely sure how to fix this.
All-in-all I still greatly enjoyed this book. It was fun, it was sexy, it was fast-paced (a little too fast at times), and it got me excited for the next book (pretty sure I know who Angelo's going to be paired up with). It's fun and it's hot. If you like a little bit of action with your romance, you'll love this. 4.5 stars because she was cute and I'm not mad. Seriously though, Lucien and Peter were adorable.
December 18, 2021
3/5
Tropes and Elements:
- Opposites Attract
- Size Difference
- Mafia
- Dark romance
- BDSM
- Age gap
This book was very middle of the road for me. Overall, I was entertained and I cannot deny that. It was easy to read and had some mafia tropes I enjoyed, even if it some of it is also repetitive from other MM mafia romances I’ve read (this honestly reminded me a lot of Cold Hard Cash by K.L. Hiers which I did not enjoy).
However this book does need some editing and is choppy. I get the instalust BDSM connection but I felt it could’ve been handled much better. The sex scenes were hot! Loved the cockwarming scene. I’m curious to read about the brothers and their love interests, but probably won’t for awhile. Also, I feel like there’s a tendency in these books to have only one female side character and her only purpose is to point out to the one MC that the mob boss actually does love him. She is essentially the communication piece bc Broody McBrood can’t do it. I’m not really a fan of that.
Tropes and Elements:
- Opposites Attract
- Size Difference
- Mafia
- Dark romance
- BDSM
- Age gap
This book was very middle of the road for me. Overall, I was entertained and I cannot deny that. It was easy to read and had some mafia tropes I enjoyed, even if it some of it is also repetitive from other MM mafia romances I’ve read (this honestly reminded me a lot of Cold Hard Cash by K.L. Hiers which I did not enjoy).
However this book does need some editing and is choppy. I get the instalust BDSM connection but I felt it could’ve been handled much better. The sex scenes were hot! Loved the cockwarming scene. I’m curious to read about the brothers and their love interests, but probably won’t for awhile. Also, I feel like there’s a tendency in these books to have only one female side character and her only purpose is to point out to the one MC that the mob boss actually does love him. She is essentially the communication piece bc Broody McBrood can’t do it. I’m not really a fan of that.
July 12, 2025
I went in thinking this was gonna wreck me—in the best way. I was ready for blood, betrayal, possessive declarations, and that dangerous love that makes you forget how to breathe. I had my whole heart open for this.
Instead?
I got insta-love with no buildup. Mafia vibes with no actual mafia. The main guy was hot, sure, but where was the depth? The pain? The torment? It all felt too easy, too fast, like checking off boxes instead of earning the romance.
And don’t get me started on the lack of tension. I kept waiting for the moment that would grab me by the throat and refuse to let go, but it never came. The sex? Decent. The emotion? Flat. The danger? Nonexistent. I felt like I was reading a mafia-themed daydream, not a world where love and violence coexist.
Honestly? I had high hopes. Too high. This one didn’t hit like I wanted it to.
I wanted obsession. I got convenience.
I wanted grit. I got gloss.
I wanted mafia. I got mafia cosplay.
Instead?
I got insta-love with no buildup. Mafia vibes with no actual mafia. The main guy was hot, sure, but where was the depth? The pain? The torment? It all felt too easy, too fast, like checking off boxes instead of earning the romance.
And don’t get me started on the lack of tension. I kept waiting for the moment that would grab me by the throat and refuse to let go, but it never came. The sex? Decent. The emotion? Flat. The danger? Nonexistent. I felt like I was reading a mafia-themed daydream, not a world where love and violence coexist.
Honestly? I had high hopes. Too high. This one didn’t hit like I wanted it to.
I wanted obsession. I got convenience.
I wanted grit. I got gloss.
I wanted mafia. I got mafia cosplay.
May 23, 2020
Loved Lucien and Peter's chemistry. The whole story also amazingly enjoyable.
The love between Lucien and Peter is unquestionable!
Had to pay for his cousin's debt, Peter didn't know that his life will change forever.
Owed and owned by the boss of the mob bosses had got Peter swam in the world of criminals.
But Lucien said Peter is his, and Peter loved how Lucien treated him, so.
Lucien is the anti-hero with a questionable morals of the main character(s).
But I enjoyed this story, and the writing match my taste at the time.
If you like a little blood, murder and a mob as your hero, give this series a try.
February 8, 2023
This was good for a M/M mafia. Personally, I wish this was darker. Other than Lucien being harsh with his language I didn't find anything too rough.
Peter was a little softer than I would've liked for a mafia romance. I feel like he should've had a little more confidence or more of a backbone. He tried, I'll give him that. And towards the end, he came out of his shell a little more, which was nice.
Lucien was the typical mafia boss. Or at least he tried to be. I don't know that I bought into the instant attraction to Peter, but I guess over the course of the book it worked for them.
Peter was a little softer than I would've liked for a mafia romance. I feel like he should've had a little more confidence or more of a backbone. He tried, I'll give him that. And towards the end, he came out of his shell a little more, which was nice.
Lucien was the typical mafia boss. Or at least he tried to be. I don't know that I bought into the instant attraction to Peter, but I guess over the course of the book it worked for them.
July 28, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/07/28/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
October 22, 2021
If you are good with some morally grey characters as well as a bit of kinda-sorta Stockholm Syndrome/super overly possessive alpha men, I definitely think this book will be right up your alley.
Lucien is a powerful mob boss- and when he sees Peter for the first time, he claims him as his own. Peter is very resistant, but also very subservient and wanting to obey. While nothing is noncon/super dub-con, there is also definitely a power imbalance between the two.
The chemistry between them was so well written, and I kinda loved it all. I do wish we had gotten to see some more of the sweet moments from Lucien himself, rather than quick summaries of some time they spent together and encouraging words from his aunt. I did enjoy this though, and I'm definitely on to the next one.
Lucien is a powerful mob boss- and when he sees Peter for the first time, he claims him as his own. Peter is very resistant, but also very subservient and wanting to obey. While nothing is noncon/super dub-con, there is also definitely a power imbalance between the two.
The chemistry between them was so well written, and I kinda loved it all. I do wish we had gotten to see some more of the sweet moments from Lucien himself, rather than quick summaries of some time they spent together and encouraging words from his aunt. I did enjoy this though, and I'm definitely on to the next one.
August 26, 2021
Sorry to say I didn't enjoy this, even though the storyline is somewhat okay. There is the millionaire mobster insisting on control and a poor scared boy. So the BDSM is a given here with lots and lots of sex which takes up a lot of pages. The actual action scenes or business scenes are not enough to make this story interesting. And maybe Angelo and Devil could have been better men instead of playing the clown all the time.
This story was not for me, but those who enjoy sweet romances with a bit of action and a dash of dominance can give it a try.
This story was not for me, but those who enjoy sweet romances with a bit of action and a dash of dominance can give it a try.
May 27, 2020
Yes! This was exactly what I was hoping it would be! Another series as good as Love and Care! This is very similar to Love and Care but in a mafia setting and with a strong obedience kink and spanking instead of the daddy kink. Can’t wait to read Angelo!
November 14, 2022
The mafia part was interesting. However, easily a third of the book was kinky sexy times. It felt to me like there was too much sexy times, not enough emotional development between the couple. It wasn't bad, just not for me
September 11, 2022
in love
3.5
I mean this book was sooooo hot , this author has a talent to write smut , her heroes are toxic , possessive and obsessive!!! I just can’t get enough
3.5
I mean this book was sooooo hot , this author has a talent to write smut , her heroes are toxic , possessive and obsessive!!! I just can’t get enough
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews