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Five Families #1
Gilded Princess
When I was little, I was obsessed with fairytales. My dad told me the stories of the stars and white knights who rescue princesses. I’d wear a silver plastic crown and stare at the sky, waiting for the day my knight in shining armor would come.
Then my dad died, my crown broke, and my mom shipped my sister and me off to boarding school.
And then I met them.
My knights.
Only they’re nothing like the fairytales I grew up on. They’re wrapped in sin and shrouded in darkness. Bossy, protective, alphaholes.
And heirs to the Italian mafia.
Then my dad died, my crown broke, and my mom shipped my sister and me off to boarding school.
And then I met them.
My knights.
Only they’re nothing like the fairytales I grew up on. They’re wrapped in sin and shrouded in darkness. Bossy, protective, alphaholes.
And heirs to the Italian mafia.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2021
3445 people are currently reading
21386 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Black
64 books1,944 followersPenelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.
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Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
Instagram—> instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 575 reviews
March 30, 2022
Here’s the deal. I was going to try and write a clever review. However, you really just need to read the book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: 😩😩😩
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Forced Proximity, Reverse Harem
⛔️ Warning: This book is slow burn torture. Not usually my jam, but this torment is w•o•r•t•h it.
⚠️ Safety Squad: VïoIënce
📣 Type: Gilded Princess is part of the Five Families series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: 😩😩😩
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Forced Proximity, Reverse Harem
⛔️ Warning: This book is slow burn torture. Not usually my jam, but this torment is w•o•r•t•h it.
⚠️ Safety Squad: VïoIënce
📣 Type: Gilded Princess is part of the Five Families series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
December 22, 2021
Morality is a gray area that ebbs and flows, but I never cross over my lines.
That cliffy though. I wasn’t 100% sure whether or not I would keep reading, but the cliffhanger made me want to find out what happens next 😂 so I suppose it did it’s job.
That cliffy though. I wasn’t 100% sure whether or not I would keep reading, but the cliffhanger made me want to find out what happens next 😂 so I suppose it did it’s job.
July 20, 2021
So glad to be back for Maddie's series, she is such a little firecracker which I never would have expected. With so many twists and secrets popping up I cant wait to see where the next book takes us.
The chemistry between Maddie and her guys is so hot and they all bring so much to the story that I couldn't even imagine it without any of them. Penelope done an amazing job at building up the connections between each of them and not only is there smoking hot parts but also really sweet things that made me sigh.
I cant wait to to find out where this series is going to take us.
The chemistry between Maddie and her guys is so hot and they all bring so much to the story that I couldn't even imagine it without any of them. Penelope done an amazing job at building up the connections between each of them and not only is there smoking hot parts but also really sweet things that made me sigh.
I cant wait to to find out where this series is going to take us.
August 25, 2023
"𝙄 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚."
"𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪?"
"𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄 𝙖𝙢?"
"𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨."
"𝙊𝙝, 𝙍𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣, 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚."
I'm not saying the mc's dumb but that's exactly what I'm saying.
The mc just casually get attracted to every other guy she talks to. I mean I understand what the author wants to do with the book but it's kinda weird, isn't it?
You just need to be tall, muscular, need to have nice lips and then boom. She'll want to sleep with you.
I didn't expect so much of plot tbh. I was here just for the smut bruh. I don't even understand the plot. I don't understand shit!!
I don't understand why her sister is acting all weird and insecure. I don't understand why the Mc is just not doing anything. I mean either just let her go or fuck her damnit???
Just fucking do anything. 250 some fucking pages and she didn't have sex with anyone. Not even once.
What am I even fucking doing here then??
I read some reviews about both the books which are next in the series and I'm not liking anything about it. I wanted damn smut and nothing else. I don't want to fucking know who killed who or anything. I saw this book on Instagram and i thought it's some steamy shit. It's nothing at all.
You can skip like ten chapters and you still won't miss anything in it. Because there's nothing to fucking miss in it.
Only two things I liked about the book:
1. I like how Matteo calls her cherry. It's kind of a new nickname and also soo cutee. Imagine someone calling you that. I WOULD MELT!!
2. The only guy I like is Aries. Who I don't know why has made the least appearance and I'm pissed about it.
He's like HAWT. Damn hot.
"𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪?"
"𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄 𝙖𝙢?"
"𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨."
"𝙊𝙝, 𝙍𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣, 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚."
I'm not saying the mc's dumb but that's exactly what I'm saying.
The mc just casually get attracted to every other guy she talks to. I mean I understand what the author wants to do with the book but it's kinda weird, isn't it?
You just need to be tall, muscular, need to have nice lips and then boom. She'll want to sleep with you.
I didn't expect so much of plot tbh. I was here just for the smut bruh. I don't even understand the plot. I don't understand shit!!
I don't understand why her sister is acting all weird and insecure. I don't understand why the Mc is just not doing anything. I mean either just let her go or fuck her damnit???
Just fucking do anything. 250 some fucking pages and she didn't have sex with anyone. Not even once.
What am I even fucking doing here then??
I read some reviews about both the books which are next in the series and I'm not liking anything about it. I wanted damn smut and nothing else. I don't want to fucking know who killed who or anything. I saw this book on Instagram and i thought it's some steamy shit. It's nothing at all.
You can skip like ten chapters and you still won't miss anything in it. Because there's nothing to fucking miss in it.
Only two things I liked about the book:
1. I like how Matteo calls her cherry. It's kind of a new nickname and also soo cutee. Imagine someone calling you that. I WOULD MELT!!
2. The only guy I like is Aries. Who I don't know why has made the least appearance and I'm pissed about it.
He's like HAWT. Damn hot.
February 19, 2023
To be honest I am a little disappointed. This had so much potential:/ and the reviews are so good for this book!
I give it 2⭐️ because I liked the characters but not much else. No joke u can cut about 15-20% of this book and you would not miss anything. I wish more happened😬
I didn’t hate it but I definitely didn’t love it.
I’m going to start the second to see if it improves! (Hopefully)
In addition (edited)
Also…. I probably should have read the brotherhood series before 😗but no one told me anything 🥲
I give it 2⭐️ because I liked the characters but not much else. No joke u can cut about 15-20% of this book and you would not miss anything. I wish more happened😬
I didn’t hate it but I definitely didn’t love it.
I’m going to start the second to see if it improves! (Hopefully)
In addition (edited)
Also…. I probably should have read the brotherhood series before 😗but no one told me anything 🥲
February 25, 2025
Girl gets fingered a couple times by a couple dudes who are all related.
TikTok did me dirty yet again.
TikTok did me dirty yet again.
July 11, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Maddie is a spunky firecracker of a young woman & she knows how to capture your attention from the beginning. This is a spin-off series from The Brotherhood & it was done so well. I was so excited for Maddie's series when I was reading The Brotherhood. Maddie gets caught up with the mafia because of her cousin & aunt. She also has someone from her past she wanted to forget but she ends up needing his help. There are so many plot twists & secrets in this book that I am super pumped to see where the rest of this series leads us. The sexual tension between Maddie & all of her men is sooooo hot. I was super thankful that we got a little more steam in this series!! I already love Maddie's men so much & the protectiveness of them is to die for. This does have some darker themes so please keep that in mind, but I felt like it was done so well that I just wanted more of it. This book was so addicting I couldn't put it down!! I am so obsessed with this world & I feel like the author did such a great job interconnecting these series without giving too much away. I highly recommend this one!
July 8, 2021
𝒢𝑒𝓃𝓇𝑒 | 𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈: Mafia, RH
𝒫𝒪𝒱: Dual, Maddie & Matteo
𝒮𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈: The Five Families, Book 1
𝒮𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝐿𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓁: 🔥🔥
I’m starting at the end…that CLIFFHANGER! I need the next book. Like, immediately! I wasn’t expecting THAT little discovery at the end. 😳
Ugh, this was one heckuva whirlwind of tension and secrets and desires. I felt every push and pull, every second of jealousy and want, every hidden truth as the story weaves between Maddie, Matteo, Leo, Dante, and Aries (just you wait!!!).
I’m here for this one. I’m here for Maddie’s self-discovery. I’m here for action, and drama, and sexual tension. I think my favorite part of Penelope’s writing is there’s always a guy holding back while others are ready to jump in. That kind of push/pull is so dang addictive, I can’t get enough of it.
Gilded Princess is a foundation for a series that’s going to be sexy AF and explosive. A complex story full of twists and turns and jealousy and uncovering layers of intrigue. We’ve barely brushed the surface of this story and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this juicy RH. And as far as Maddie, one quote sums up this series:
𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝒻 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽?
⭐️ 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩. ⭐️
July 17, 2021
OH. MY. GOD. THAT ENDING HAS ME SHOOKETH😱😱😱 Why must I wait till October to find out what happens 😭😭😭
August 18, 2021
Gilded Princess is a Five Families novel by Penelope Black, which is a mafia reverse harem story.
The prologue sucks you in and you are immediately connected to Matteo and what a badass he’s going to be. Maddie’s first chapter and swoon worthy encounter with a mystery man, equally sucks you.
The storyline flows smoothly and you are hooked by the steaminess of Maddie’s story, from the intrigue about her life (including her sisters) to the romance side. Where the story will lead with her ex, a coffee shop guy, a mystery man and maybe one more guy, is anyone’s guess, but it’s a story I can’t wait to read more of.
The story does have a few moments of dual POV’s which perfectly play out the other characters thoughts as the story progresses.
Even though this series is a spin off to The Brotherhood series, there’s no need to have first read the series as they follow different paths. However, to understand certain characters' backstories I’d definitely recommend it. I personally was wanting to read Maddie's story and secretly hoped it was going to be the next series from Penelope Black. Guess wishes can come true.
The prologue sucks you in and you are immediately connected to Matteo and what a badass he’s going to be. Maddie’s first chapter and swoon worthy encounter with a mystery man, equally sucks you.
The storyline flows smoothly and you are hooked by the steaminess of Maddie’s story, from the intrigue about her life (including her sisters) to the romance side. Where the story will lead with her ex, a coffee shop guy, a mystery man and maybe one more guy, is anyone’s guess, but it’s a story I can’t wait to read more of.
The story does have a few moments of dual POV’s which perfectly play out the other characters thoughts as the story progresses.
Even though this series is a spin off to The Brotherhood series, there’s no need to have first read the series as they follow different paths. However, to understand certain characters' backstories I’d definitely recommend it. I personally was wanting to read Maddie's story and secretly hoped it was going to be the next series from Penelope Black. Guess wishes can come true.
January 11, 2023
a wh0le lot of nothing really
July 8, 2021
Holy F**k! Penelope Black did it again!!
This is book 1 in the series and it definitely started with a BOOM!
For those who have read The Brotherhood series, this book takes place in between Rush and Sully and onwards. So we see scenes that happened in those two books in Maddie's POV. Although, it can be read as a standalone. No need to read the Brotherhood series, but I highly recommend it because it's super good too!
As this is a RH novel, we have 4 hot as sin guys!
-Matteo: the underboss of the Italian Mafia. He's possessive, bossy, and demanding. He and Maddie had a relationship a couple of years back but he broke her heat to spare her from the life in the mob. But he hasn't for one second forgotten about her and stopped loving her. He does say some hurtful things to Maddie during this book but I do understand his fears, leading him to lash out.
-Dante: Matteo's best friend and right hand man. He's a man of few words, but the things he does say are meaningful. He has always longed for Maddie, but did nothing about it because she's (or was) Matteo's girl. They hadn't even met before this book.
-Leo: Maddie met Leo in a coffee shop and liked him immediately. Leo is so sweet and kind, but don't let that, his good looks and his dimples, fool you. He's also commanding and possessive and it's not afraid to speak up to defend Maddie.
-Aries (not his real name, we don't know his name yet): He's our mystery man! Maddie dances with him in a masquerade ball and thinks of him, his dance moves and the feel of him as familiar. They have this game of cat and mouse around functions and have a spark from the first night! He's haaawwtt and seductive. Super Mystery Man! I can't wait to see more of him.
Our girl is Maddie. We met her in The Brotherhood. She's Alaina's cousin and Mary's sister. She's fierce but has her insecurities fed by her own mother. I loved her character and her inner monologue. I feel like a lot of woman feel the same as she does, making her relatable.
Maddie grew up with fairytales and has always been a romantic. She's only had the connection with Matteo, but since they broke up she hasn't felt that kind of connection with anyone else or has been dating. Throughout the book we see her being unapologetically attracted to and building a connection with 4 guys, following her cousin's footsteps. At the same time, we get the dangers of being in love with guys that are in the mafia.
As per usual with Penelope Black, this book kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns. Great start of the series!! I can't wait to read the next ones!
*ARC provided for my honest review*
Book release date: July 14th, 2021.
This is book 1 in the series and it definitely started with a BOOM!
For those who have read The Brotherhood series, this book takes place in between Rush and Sully and onwards. So we see scenes that happened in those two books in Maddie's POV. Although, it can be read as a standalone. No need to read the Brotherhood series, but I highly recommend it because it's super good too!
As this is a RH novel, we have 4 hot as sin guys!
-Matteo: the underboss of the Italian Mafia. He's possessive, bossy, and demanding. He and Maddie had a relationship a couple of years back but he broke her heat to spare her from the life in the mob. But he hasn't for one second forgotten about her and stopped loving her. He does say some hurtful things to Maddie during this book but I do understand his fears, leading him to lash out.
-Dante: Matteo's best friend and right hand man. He's a man of few words, but the things he does say are meaningful. He has always longed for Maddie, but did nothing about it because she's (or was) Matteo's girl. They hadn't even met before this book.
-Leo: Maddie met Leo in a coffee shop and liked him immediately. Leo is so sweet and kind, but don't let that, his good looks and his dimples, fool you. He's also commanding and possessive and it's not afraid to speak up to defend Maddie.
-Aries (not his real name, we don't know his name yet): He's our mystery man! Maddie dances with him in a masquerade ball and thinks of him, his dance moves and the feel of him as familiar. They have this game of cat and mouse around functions and have a spark from the first night! He's haaawwtt and seductive. Super Mystery Man! I can't wait to see more of him.
Our girl is Maddie. We met her in The Brotherhood. She's Alaina's cousin and Mary's sister. She's fierce but has her insecurities fed by her own mother. I loved her character and her inner monologue. I feel like a lot of woman feel the same as she does, making her relatable.
Maddie grew up with fairytales and has always been a romantic. She's only had the connection with Matteo, but since they broke up she hasn't felt that kind of connection with anyone else or has been dating. Throughout the book we see her being unapologetically attracted to and building a connection with 4 guys, following her cousin's footsteps. At the same time, we get the dangers of being in love with guys that are in the mafia.
As per usual with Penelope Black, this book kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns. Great start of the series!! I can't wait to read the next ones!
*ARC provided for my honest review*
Book release date: July 14th, 2021.
July 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I was looking forward to learning more about Maddie and this did not disappoint.
Maddie is Lainey’s cousin from the Brotherhood series, and this book features crossover from events that happened in Rush and Sully. This can still be read apart from that series, but I’d still recommend.
Her guys are part of the mafia, and I loved how they were all introduced! Penelope did a really great job at introducing them each to us and starting to establish connections with Maddie. There were some really sweet parts.
I am eager to know a bit more of Maddie’s backstory with Mateo, as he is her ex and we don’t really know what happened to end their relationship, so I can’t wait to get to that!
There were times where I didn’t fully vibe with Maddie though, where I thought she might have reacted differently based on how she was portrayed in the Brotherhood series compared to her own POV. I hope she gets a little more differentiated from Lainey in future books, as they start out they seem similar.
I can’t wait to find out more about Aries, as he’s the most intriguing guy to me so far! This was a solid start to the series, and after that ending I can’t wait for book 2!
Maddie is Lainey’s cousin from the Brotherhood series, and this book features crossover from events that happened in Rush and Sully. This can still be read apart from that series, but I’d still recommend.
Her guys are part of the mafia, and I loved how they were all introduced! Penelope did a really great job at introducing them each to us and starting to establish connections with Maddie. There were some really sweet parts.
I am eager to know a bit more of Maddie’s backstory with Mateo, as he is her ex and we don’t really know what happened to end their relationship, so I can’t wait to get to that!
There were times where I didn’t fully vibe with Maddie though, where I thought she might have reacted differently based on how she was portrayed in the Brotherhood series compared to her own POV. I hope she gets a little more differentiated from Lainey in future books, as they start out they seem similar.
I can’t wait to find out more about Aries, as he’s the most intriguing guy to me so far! This was a solid start to the series, and after that ending I can’t wait for book 2!
August 22, 2021
Holy hotness, mafia loving wowzer.
Penelope starts her new mafia series off with a bang.
We meet Maddie (Lainey's cousin) and the boys - the hot, dangerous, possessive boys may I add!! #teammatteo BTW.
I got took in by the plot, the danger all around them and the impending threats meeting them from the unknown.
I loved reading more about Matteo as he was briefly brought into The Brotherhood Series.
And that ending... I need book 2 asap.
This is mafia romance at its finest, I freaking loved it!!
Penelope starts her new mafia series off with a bang.
We meet Maddie (Lainey's cousin) and the boys - the hot, dangerous, possessive boys may I add!! #teammatteo BTW.
I got took in by the plot, the danger all around them and the impending threats meeting them from the unknown.
I loved reading more about Matteo as he was briefly brought into The Brotherhood Series.
And that ending... I need book 2 asap.
This is mafia romance at its finest, I freaking loved it!!
October 23, 2021
Well I know I am a huge fan of Penelope and may be a bit biased, but this new series is so freaking good. And if you have read her previous books we know the main lead is Maddie.
And taking a page from her cousin, has dreams of her own harem. What fun it is to see her take the path she wants and goes for it. It was so much fun watching the progress of her men.
And I do have to admit that the slow burn of the romance is going to make it that much sweeter.
Well done on another great series Penelope!!!!
And taking a page from her cousin, has dreams of her own harem. What fun it is to see her take the path she wants and goes for it. It was so much fun watching the progress of her men.
And I do have to admit that the slow burn of the romance is going to make it that much sweeter.
Well done on another great series Penelope!!!!
March 17, 2022
I have zero idea...
Why I waited so long to read another Penelope Black series.
If you have read and love The Brotherhood, you will absolutely love this spin off series as well with some of our favorite side characters.
That ending, got me. I can't wait to see qhere this series goes!
Why I waited so long to read another Penelope Black series.
If you have read and love The Brotherhood, you will absolutely love this spin off series as well with some of our favorite side characters.
That ending, got me. I can't wait to see qhere this series goes!
October 4, 2022
3⭐️ 1.5🌶️
This was kind of all over the place. I felt like I was missing information about Maddie’s backstory so the whole relationship with her cousin and sister was hard to follow. Then add in the kidnapping plot plus whatever mafia wars are going on with the “Five Families”, it was all a little confusing.
As far as the romance goes, I like the 4 guys but not really loving Maddie. I don’t think the connections between her and the guys (outside of Matteo who she did date for 2 years) are developed well enough in this book to evoke such visceral reactions from these guys. And likewise Maddie just deciding that she wants to date 4 guys after only the briefest of connections with 3 of them? And she hasn’t seen Matteo for a few years, but now all of a sudden she still belongs to him? Everything feels forced; especially with Dante.
Truthfully I haven’t had luck enjoying RH series where the harem starts out disjointed like this, and pieced together by the girl. I much prefer it when it there is a group of guys already in a close group that then decide to share; organically.
Aries/Rafe is my favorite of the guys and the addition of his last chapter and the surprise twist regarding his identity is the only reason I’m continuing on. So I guess, job well done by the author 🤷🏻♀️
This was kind of all over the place. I felt like I was missing information about Maddie’s backstory so the whole relationship with her cousin and sister was hard to follow. Then add in the kidnapping plot plus whatever mafia wars are going on with the “Five Families”, it was all a little confusing.
As far as the romance goes, I like the 4 guys but not really loving Maddie. I don’t think the connections between her and the guys (outside of Matteo who she did date for 2 years) are developed well enough in this book to evoke such visceral reactions from these guys. And likewise Maddie just deciding that she wants to date 4 guys after only the briefest of connections with 3 of them? And she hasn’t seen Matteo for a few years, but now all of a sudden she still belongs to him? Everything feels forced; especially with Dante.
Truthfully I haven’t had luck enjoying RH series where the harem starts out disjointed like this, and pieced together by the girl. I much prefer it when it there is a group of guys already in a close group that then decide to share; organically.
Aries/Rafe is my favorite of the guys and the addition of his last chapter and the surprise twist regarding his identity is the only reason I’m continuing on. So I guess, job well done by the author 🤷🏻♀️
July 20, 2021
I am just so addicted to this series! That cliffhanger however made ne chuck my kindle at the wall and I still haven't picked it up back 🤣❣️
Maddie and her boys are amazing. The book starts with Matteo who was with her in the past and follows her meeting Leo and Dante who are amazing in their own way. All the characters were perfect but I can tell that there is a lot more to come. I absolutely loved Matteo so much!! He was just sooo hot and brooding.
This book was the first part of the series so I can tell that it was more of a introduction to the characters and their upcoming chemistry with a bit about what is gonna happen further with the side characters too. I loved that part too! Seriously can't wait for more from this author. I thought that the book was over too fast and I wanted a bit more about the characters and their relationships but then this was the first book of the series so I guess the author has that in store for us in the future probably!
I would definitely recommend this book to all the Dark Mafia Reverse Harem loving people out there. The series has started with a bang and I can that lot of deliciousness is yet to come for us!
Maddie and her boys are amazing. The book starts with Matteo who was with her in the past and follows her meeting Leo and Dante who are amazing in their own way. All the characters were perfect but I can tell that there is a lot more to come. I absolutely loved Matteo so much!! He was just sooo hot and brooding.
This book was the first part of the series so I can tell that it was more of a introduction to the characters and their upcoming chemistry with a bit about what is gonna happen further with the side characters too. I loved that part too! Seriously can't wait for more from this author. I thought that the book was over too fast and I wanted a bit more about the characters and their relationships but then this was the first book of the series so I guess the author has that in store for us in the future probably!
I would definitely recommend this book to all the Dark Mafia Reverse Harem loving people out there. The series has started with a bang and I can that lot of deliciousness is yet to come for us!
February 27, 2022
love the twists and turns.
Maddie is feeling a little lonely her twin sister is acting distant and her cousin is going through some stuff. She meets a few different men who she has a connection with, but there is a lot going on. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Book one in a trilogy. I love the twists and turns.
Maddie is feeling a little lonely her twin sister is acting distant and her cousin is going through some stuff. She meets a few different men who she has a connection with, but there is a lot going on. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Book one in a trilogy. I love the twists and turns.
July 12, 2021
Author Penelope Black captivated me with the story line and characters in this book. She definitely wanted to grab my attention because she made a strong female character with spunk and class.. four super hot tattooed men who are mysterious and connected in more ways then one so it seems... I enjoyed it so much I could not put it down ..
That cliffhanger has me begging for more, I am also dying to see some action and sexy times with these men.. it’s definitely a slow burn and I love those so much . I think I have a new troupe .. I like mafia romance but I haven’t really dove in to much of it but I definitely will now .. I loved it!
That cliffhanger has me begging for more, I am also dying to see some action and sexy times with these men.. it’s definitely a slow burn and I love those so much . I think I have a new troupe .. I like mafia romance but I haven’t really dove in to much of it but I definitely will now .. I loved it!
December 24, 2022
Honestly…can anyone tell me the actual plot of this book? Because it was so quick and short that the story really had no time to develop besides Maddie picking a new guy to crush on the second she meets them…
I picked this up because I knew it would be a nice little quick read and who doesn’t love a nice mafia romance!? Except…it wasn’t ? There was obviously mention of the mob etc but it wasn’t enough for me. There was so much detail and character development missing - and the plot twists were too predictable for me. The first book ended in a cliffhanger, but I’m perfectly content with not reading the second book to find out who lives/dies.
Overall 1/5⭐️
Spice 1/5 🌶️ (not a lot)
I picked this up because I knew it would be a nice little quick read and who doesn’t love a nice mafia romance!? Except…it wasn’t ? There was obviously mention of the mob etc but it wasn’t enough for me. There was so much detail and character development missing - and the plot twists were too predictable for me. The first book ended in a cliffhanger, but I’m perfectly content with not reading the second book to find out who lives/dies.
Overall 1/5⭐️
Spice 1/5 🌶️ (not a lot)
July 20, 2021
Wow what a fabulous read.
Maddie is a very likeable character. She always dreamed of her own fairytale. We see her journey where she is growing and being attracted to not one but four men and each of them are oh so hot.
This is one of those stories that had me guessing all the way through. It is full of suspense. A true addictive read that I couldn’t put down.
That ending!! Like seriously how am I gonna wait for more gah!!!!
Maddie is a very likeable character. She always dreamed of her own fairytale. We see her journey where she is growing and being attracted to not one but four men and each of them are oh so hot.
This is one of those stories that had me guessing all the way through. It is full of suspense. A true addictive read that I couldn’t put down.
That ending!! Like seriously how am I gonna wait for more gah!!!!
July 4, 2021
Reviewed for SNS
Holy hotness. What a way to end a book. This storyline is mesmerizing. Maddie wants her fairytale but it might not be the way she has it in her head. Matteo is a force all on his own but adds in Dante and Leo and boy do you have a mix. Aries is my crutch. I can’t wait to read the next book. Awesome writing.
Holy hotness. What a way to end a book. This storyline is mesmerizing. Maddie wants her fairytale but it might not be the way she has it in her head. Matteo is a force all on his own but adds in Dante and Leo and boy do you have a mix. Aries is my crutch. I can’t wait to read the next book. Awesome writing.
July 20, 2025
No se muy bien cómo terminé leyendo este libro pero necesitaba poder leer algo completamente intranscendente y fue justo eso.
September 1, 2023
”I’m an Aries. And in another life, I would’ve made you my queen. I would’ve dragged you back to my place and worshipped you until you begged me to stop.”
I had never heard of Penelope Black before running into a teaser of Five Families series in IG and I cannot understand why?! I finished Gilded Princess in less than 24 hours and was surprised of how well it was written. Usually it is harder to find gems among the less know authors but I definitely found one now!
Firstly, I need to say that this book would have been 5 ⭐️ if it had had some spice. Alas, due to this being such an extreme slow-burn that there were only two O's in the whole book and the characters never made it all the way through, I had to rate this at 4 ⭐️.
Secondly, I noticed immediately in the beginning that I should have read The Brotherhood trilogy first. I was unable to find a reading order but based on the references to the main characters in The Brotherhood trilogy, I think it should be read first to avoid spoilers (too late for me now lol).
“And Madison?”
”I’m not giving her up. I mean it, man. You’ll have to pry her from my cold, dead hands.”
”Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep, brother.”
Madison is a New York socialite who used to date Matteo a couple of years back but has been pretty closed off for dating ever since. At a sociaty functions, she gets acquainted with a mystery man whom she dubs as Aries since due to it being a masked event, his identity stays hidden. A few days later, she runs into him in a bathroom in a luncheon but they get interrupted and swear to resume at a later time.
Soon afterward, Madison runs into Leo at a coffee shop and they start dating. Everything is still new and they only have time to go on a couple of dates (and kiss) when shit hits the fan.
Maddie gets mistaken for Lainey and gets kidnapped. Before anything too bad happens, Lainey rescues her and Maddie calls Matteo for help. In the end, Matteo ends up taking Maddie to his place where Dante stays as her guard.
There is immediately chemistry between Dante and Maddie. Things simmer inder the surface until one day when they kiss, Leo arrives to the apartment and it is revealed that Leo is Matteo's little brother.
”What about Matteo?"
"Yeah, well, maybe I picked up a reverse harem novel after you told me all about your situation. And if you can do it, I thought I might try it. And what better time than when I'm cooped up in a safe house with some hot guys?”
Maddie was unable to find a spark after her and Matteo's break-up and all of a sudden, she is attracted to four men: Aries, Leo, Dante and Matteo. She starts wondering and being intrigues about dating all men, inspired by her cousin Lainey. Aries is the only unknown person at this point with her living under the same three and them all being related (Dante is Matteo and Leo's cousin).
Maddie gets threatened, Matteo's apartment gets broken in, and Matteo and Maddie get attacked at which point the book ends in a cliffhanger. Aries' identity also gets revealed at the very end.
Gilded Princess was one massive slowburn foreplay of a book. I was surprisingly not too bored without the spice (considering the total lack of it) but I am excited to finally see some steamy action and not just the other kind of action in the next book.
I had never heard of Penelope Black before running into a teaser of Five Families series in IG and I cannot understand why?! I finished Gilded Princess in less than 24 hours and was surprised of how well it was written. Usually it is harder to find gems among the less know authors but I definitely found one now!
Firstly, I need to say that this book would have been 5 ⭐️ if it had had some spice. Alas, due to this being such an extreme slow-burn that there were only two O's in the whole book and the characters never made it all the way through, I had to rate this at 4 ⭐️.
Secondly, I noticed immediately in the beginning that I should have read The Brotherhood trilogy first. I was unable to find a reading order but based on the references to the main characters in The Brotherhood trilogy, I think it should be read first to avoid spoilers (too late for me now lol).
“And Madison?”
”I’m not giving her up. I mean it, man. You’ll have to pry her from my cold, dead hands.”
”Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep, brother.”
Madison is a New York socialite who used to date Matteo a couple of years back but has been pretty closed off for dating ever since. At a sociaty functions, she gets acquainted with a mystery man whom she dubs as Aries since due to it being a masked event, his identity stays hidden. A few days later, she runs into him in a bathroom in a luncheon but they get interrupted and swear to resume at a later time.
Soon afterward, Madison runs into Leo at a coffee shop and they start dating. Everything is still new and they only have time to go on a couple of dates (and kiss) when shit hits the fan.
Maddie gets mistaken for Lainey and gets kidnapped. Before anything too bad happens, Lainey rescues her and Maddie calls Matteo for help. In the end, Matteo ends up taking Maddie to his place where Dante stays as her guard.
There is immediately chemistry between Dante and Maddie. Things simmer inder the surface until one day when they kiss, Leo arrives to the apartment and it is revealed that Leo is Matteo's little brother.
”What about Matteo?"
"Yeah, well, maybe I picked up a reverse harem novel after you told me all about your situation. And if you can do it, I thought I might try it. And what better time than when I'm cooped up in a safe house with some hot guys?”
Maddie was unable to find a spark after her and Matteo's break-up and all of a sudden, she is attracted to four men: Aries, Leo, Dante and Matteo. She starts wondering and being intrigues about dating all men, inspired by her cousin Lainey. Aries is the only unknown person at this point with her living under the same three and them all being related (Dante is Matteo and Leo's cousin).
Maddie gets threatened, Matteo's apartment gets broken in, and Matteo and Maddie get attacked at which point the book ends in a cliffhanger. Aries' identity also gets revealed at the very end.
Gilded Princess was one massive slowburn foreplay of a book. I was surprisingly not too bored without the spice (considering the total lack of it) but I am excited to finally see some steamy action and not just the other kind of action in the next book.
December 10, 2023
THAT CLIFFHANGER!
I absolutely ate this book up. And as much as I cannot wait to tear through book 2, I am jumping backwards to read Wolf and get into the Brotherhood and Lainey's story first. I have a feeling I'll be tearing through all of Penelope's series before I can move on. Such a fun read!
I absolutely ate this book up. And as much as I cannot wait to tear through book 2, I am jumping backwards to read Wolf and get into the Brotherhood and Lainey's story first. I have a feeling I'll be tearing through all of Penelope's series before I can move on. Such a fun read!
Read
June 30, 2024Definitely a fun and entertaining start to what seems to be shaping up to be an intriguing, gritty, and super sexy reverse harem mafia series. While I’m no stranger to reverse harem or mafia, I’m new to the writing of Penelope Black, and I found a lot to enjoy in this first book, though I also felt I wanted a bit more in some areas.
This story really shines when it comes to suspense and secrets. PB weaves a dynamic and complicated story of mafia intrigue, hidden identities, past entanglements, and light taboos. Our heroine is a bit of firecracker, she has some spunk that I can appreciate, and the leading men all have enough edge to feel dangerous but enough alpha devotion to feel swoony. This is a lower burn, though the primary character chemistry here centers around lust, but Matteo, Dante, and Leo each have their own areas of interest, and sexual tension is definitely well done.
Where this book didn’t work for me as much was in the emotional chemistry and character development. This isn’t unusual for reverse harem series starters- you’re establishing lots of character dynamics and trying to lay the foundations for character complexity with several leading men. This story is also interesting in that some of the relationships are new, and some of them have years’ of history to explain and unpack. I expect that RH stories take longer to establish the emotional chemistry and character depth for that reason, but normally at least I feel like I know the heroine, and while I enjoyed the read (and it was super sexy), I left feeling like I don’t know any of these characters at all. Some of that is in that we only have two POVs- but those two characters are the two that feel the most unclear to me. I feel like we got a lot of action (mafia and lust) without a lot of authentic understanding of just who these people are. Some of that is intentional, I know- we’re meant to be shocked by their real identities when they are exposed- but even when a lot of that came out, the relationships felt underdeveloped and shallow, and Maddie and Matteo’s especially felt accentuated since they SHOULD have so much complexity given their history, and it just felt a bit one note. So, while I loved the characters foundationally, I just wanted more- and it felt like something was missing- emotion, of any kind. And I want to feel connected to our heroine- but I don’t feel like we know her yet. Hopefully the next book will dig deeper, because there is a lot of promise here.
The writing is high quality and beautifully constructed. The pacing was a bit inconsistent for me personally (the beginning took a while to capture me- again, RH has a lot of exposition, so this isn’t unusual for me.) But, the last leg of the book did get really interesting, though- and one of the moments that did have a spark, that did feel passionate, was a very steamy interaction with a mystery man and the promising hints about him at the end made me hopeful and excited about the next book.
This story really shines when it comes to suspense and secrets. PB weaves a dynamic and complicated story of mafia intrigue, hidden identities, past entanglements, and light taboos. Our heroine is a bit of firecracker, she has some spunk that I can appreciate, and the leading men all have enough edge to feel dangerous but enough alpha devotion to feel swoony. This is a lower burn, though the primary character chemistry here centers around lust, but Matteo, Dante, and Leo each have their own areas of interest, and sexual tension is definitely well done.
Where this book didn’t work for me as much was in the emotional chemistry and character development. This isn’t unusual for reverse harem series starters- you’re establishing lots of character dynamics and trying to lay the foundations for character complexity with several leading men. This story is also interesting in that some of the relationships are new, and some of them have years’ of history to explain and unpack. I expect that RH stories take longer to establish the emotional chemistry and character depth for that reason, but normally at least I feel like I know the heroine, and while I enjoyed the read (and it was super sexy), I left feeling like I don’t know any of these characters at all. Some of that is in that we only have two POVs- but those two characters are the two that feel the most unclear to me. I feel like we got a lot of action (mafia and lust) without a lot of authentic understanding of just who these people are. Some of that is intentional, I know- we’re meant to be shocked by their real identities when they are exposed- but even when a lot of that came out, the relationships felt underdeveloped and shallow, and Maddie and Matteo’s especially felt accentuated since they SHOULD have so much complexity given their history, and it just felt a bit one note. So, while I loved the characters foundationally, I just wanted more- and it felt like something was missing- emotion, of any kind. And I want to feel connected to our heroine- but I don’t feel like we know her yet. Hopefully the next book will dig deeper, because there is a lot of promise here.
The writing is high quality and beautifully constructed. The pacing was a bit inconsistent for me personally (the beginning took a while to capture me- again, RH has a lot of exposition, so this isn’t unusual for me.) But, the last leg of the book did get really interesting, though- and one of the moments that did have a spark, that did feel passionate, was a very steamy interaction with a mystery man and the promising hints about him at the end made me hopeful and excited about the next book.
July 27, 2022
I feel like I’m always discovering new things on the internet, and that is how I stumbled upon Penelope Black - she makes really entertaining reels with passages from books. I knew I needed to read GILDED PRINCESS right away. From the very beginning, I was hooked. This was my reverse harem/mafia romance book, and when I started to read Maddie’s story - holy wow! I could not book the book down, which is such a problem right now since my eye nerves are bugging me, so I have to take it easy with the kindle.
This book is a slow-burn romance with so much steamy heat. 🔥🔥 I repeat so much steamy heat. 🔥🔥 Maddie has such passion with these men like you will not believe!
To be totally truthful with y’all, I expected a smutty read from the reels with a bit of story behind it. This is 110%, not the case. Penelope Black can write 🙌🏻 And she writes a dang good story! I was intrigued the entire time, and it even had my heart racing - and, no, not just from the steamy parts, the actual plotline! The end… 🤯 I think I tapped the screen so hard because I was this can’t end!
I immediately did the most Katie-like thing there is: I bought this book, the next book, and preordered the third because I had to own them. Then I bought the first book for my best friend because she doesn’t have KU, and we needed to be able to discuss it. 💁🏻♀️ If you can’t tell, I liked it. I liked it a lot. You should read it! Okay. Thanks. Bye.
PS - Y’all know the “Teeth” by 5sos. Yeah, this book, that song comes immediately to mind 😏
PPS - Thanks to Penelope Black for being super sweet and answering my dm before I read regarding CW’s that trigger me. So many author bonus points in my book for this!
PPPS - <- not sure if that’s a thing 🤷🏻♀️ Reread this after finishing THE BROTHERHOOD. Still holds up. But even better because I noticed the little details from knowing The brotherhood. I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to Black’s books, and I’m okay with it.
Content Warnings: (per the author) a dark reverse harem romance, and it has darker themes that some may find triggering
This book is a slow-burn romance with so much steamy heat. 🔥🔥 I repeat so much steamy heat. 🔥🔥 Maddie has such passion with these men like you will not believe!
To be totally truthful with y’all, I expected a smutty read from the reels with a bit of story behind it. This is 110%, not the case. Penelope Black can write 🙌🏻 And she writes a dang good story! I was intrigued the entire time, and it even had my heart racing - and, no, not just from the steamy parts, the actual plotline! The end… 🤯 I think I tapped the screen so hard because I was this can’t end!
I immediately did the most Katie-like thing there is: I bought this book, the next book, and preordered the third because I had to own them. Then I bought the first book for my best friend because she doesn’t have KU, and we needed to be able to discuss it. 💁🏻♀️ If you can’t tell, I liked it. I liked it a lot. You should read it! Okay. Thanks. Bye.
PS - Y’all know the “Teeth” by 5sos. Yeah, this book, that song comes immediately to mind 😏
PPS - Thanks to Penelope Black for being super sweet and answering my dm before I read regarding CW’s that trigger me. So many author bonus points in my book for this!
PPPS - <- not sure if that’s a thing 🤷🏻♀️ Reread this after finishing THE BROTHERHOOD. Still holds up. But even better because I noticed the little details from knowing The brotherhood. I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to Black’s books, and I’m okay with it.
Content Warnings: (per the author) a dark reverse harem romance, and it has darker themes that some may find triggering
February 8, 2022
Maddie and Matteo
Gilded Princess by @authorpenelopeblack
…………
““There’s something intoxicating about the dark, isn’t there? You can drop your inhibitions with your sight and follow your body’s needs.”
…………..
I’ve had this series on my TBR for forever and I’m excited I finally started it. After reading Penelope’s Brotherhood series last year, I just need this was going to be just as good!
…………
“I lick my lips as adrenaline and lust war with my common sense. This is crazy—I’m not the kind of girl who gets turned on by a stranger’s hands on me in the dark. Right?”
……………
You will need to read the Brotherhood series in order to understand the happenings in this spinoff. This series follows Maddie, Laneys cousin who we see throughout the first series. This is a continuation of the plot and storyline of The Brotherhood series but from Maddie’s POV and her connection to the mafia. There is an unknown enemy targeting the families and there is a war on the horizon. This is a slow burn so it begins with introducing the guys who have captured Maddie’s attention while also giving us the details of her ex - Matteo. Close proximity and blurred lines has Maddie questioning if one guy is enough for her.
…………..
““You shouldn’t bite your lip like that,” he says against my mouth, his lips just barely brushing along mine. My chest rises and falls with quick breaths, the anticipation suffocating. “I might need another reminder.”
……………
Book 1 ends in a cliff hanger that had me downloading book 2 ASAP. This is a slow burn mafia reverse harem and I’m excited to see how this story unfolds!
Gilded Princess by @authorpenelopeblack
…………
““There’s something intoxicating about the dark, isn’t there? You can drop your inhibitions with your sight and follow your body’s needs.”
…………..
I’ve had this series on my TBR for forever and I’m excited I finally started it. After reading Penelope’s Brotherhood series last year, I just need this was going to be just as good!
…………
“I lick my lips as adrenaline and lust war with my common sense. This is crazy—I’m not the kind of girl who gets turned on by a stranger’s hands on me in the dark. Right?”
……………
You will need to read the Brotherhood series in order to understand the happenings in this spinoff. This series follows Maddie, Laneys cousin who we see throughout the first series. This is a continuation of the plot and storyline of The Brotherhood series but from Maddie’s POV and her connection to the mafia. There is an unknown enemy targeting the families and there is a war on the horizon. This is a slow burn so it begins with introducing the guys who have captured Maddie’s attention while also giving us the details of her ex - Matteo. Close proximity and blurred lines has Maddie questioning if one guy is enough for her.
…………..
““You shouldn’t bite your lip like that,” he says against my mouth, his lips just barely brushing along mine. My chest rises and falls with quick breaths, the anticipation suffocating. “I might need another reminder.”
……………
Book 1 ends in a cliff hanger that had me downloading book 2 ASAP. This is a slow burn mafia reverse harem and I’m excited to see how this story unfolds!
July 22, 2021
Penelope continues to impress with her new follow-up series coming off the heels of the Brotherhood trilogy. This series is interconnected to the Brotherhood series but not necessary to read 1st. Although I do recommend it as its great. This story follows Maddie who was seen in the Brotherhood as the cousin of the FMC. This is very much her story, she has a twin & I won't give away too much but we only hear a little bits and pieces about her so far.
Maddie has an ex boyfriend whos obsessed with her & involved in a crime family which she has no idea about (one of the five families). He broke up with her to keep her safe keep. She running into him as well as another guy and a mystery man, lots of intrigue. She's living her life in the city during the summer between high school & college. Something happens that leads her to think that she's no longer safe & into a proximity type of situation for safety with.... read find out hehe.
So there's a lot of play here, dangerous, and interesting involvement and entanglement . I think Penelope did an amazing job of building each character individually the relationships as well as the mystery and Intrigue and suspense. I think the burn level is perfect for the first book. Makes sense, Is satisfying & realistic there are some spicy scenes but there will be way more later it's not insta which I love there is build up there is chemistry for sure and instant attraction but in a way the feel natural. You're the great ending that we'll have you so excited for more.
Maddie has an ex boyfriend whos obsessed with her & involved in a crime family which she has no idea about (one of the five families). He broke up with her to keep her safe keep. She running into him as well as another guy and a mystery man, lots of intrigue. She's living her life in the city during the summer between high school & college. Something happens that leads her to think that she's no longer safe & into a proximity type of situation for safety with.... read find out hehe.
So there's a lot of play here, dangerous, and interesting involvement and entanglement . I think Penelope did an amazing job of building each character individually the relationships as well as the mystery and Intrigue and suspense. I think the burn level is perfect for the first book. Makes sense, Is satisfying & realistic there are some spicy scenes but there will be way more later it's not insta which I love there is build up there is chemistry for sure and instant attraction but in a way the feel natural. You're the great ending that we'll have you so excited for more.
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