Her Gentle Gangster

by Carolyn Faulkner

He's been her best friend for ten years. How can she agree to become his lover? Victoria Higgins has a secret. When she tells her best friend, mobster Roman Donato, she fears she's lost him forever. Roman has a secret too. And when Vicky accidently discovers that they share the same interests, he suggests that he become her Dom. But she is hesitant and continues to go out with other Doms. Until the day one assaults her and abandons her, landing her in the ER, then Roman comes to her aid and insists on taking care of her. But can these two move from best friends to lovers, to Dom and sub effortlessly? Or will it end what they now share forever? Publisher's This friends-to-lovers romance contains a theme of power exchange.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

Carolyn was one of you as a kid, with the intriguing seeds planted in her head of the shivering thrill-thoughts that came with words like spanking, or discipline. As with you, those kinds of words and thoughts connected the heated blush of her cheeks with feelings elsewhere, which got more and more interesting the older she got.

I bet you know just what I'm talking about.

Like some, she started writing down these thoughts, escaping into short stories of reluctant heroes willing to take someone they love in hand when it's for her own good... and more shadowy thoughts as her imagination matured.

And like some, she started sharing her writings in newsgroups once she gained some confidence.

There's nothing like the perfectly-turned phrase, the handful of words that can make a feeling wash over you. And if you're reading this, then you have within you some intense feelings that most of the world doesn't understand -- but Carolyn does, and she writes those passions with wondrous abandon. Her specialties are Spanking Romance and Adult Ageplay, so we've grouped the many examples of her work that way.

Spanking Romance Classics are sweeping love stories which dare (in a very un-PC way) to allow their heroine to feel the special love of a strong man who will take her in hand when it's best for her. Carolyn writes very real, rich characters and stories that aren't just excuses to jump from spanking scene to spanking scene. If the timeless tango of pursuing ardor touches you, and the head-rush of Adoring Discipline intrigues you, then you'll love Carolyn's stories!

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very innovative read, loved the style and the characters
Without wanting to spoil the read for others I can only briefly explain why I enjoyed this story so much and I am sure that others will feel the same when the read this book. The characters are simply wonderful and so well written that you are simply drawn into the actual scenario and find yourself holding your breath to discover what the outcome will actually be.
When Victoria decided to take a tremendous chance and tell her one and only true friend her greatest secret, she could never have known the effect this would have on their friendship.
Roman is also guarding a secret very close to his chest and when Victoria finally plucks up courage to tell him her feelings, she cannot for one instant believe that perhaps he has very similar feelings.
It was a little sad I thought that Victoria had actually fallen into the hands of a terrible Dom who had done her harm and this had been the catalyst that had brought this couple back together and he actually begins to care for her and to help put her back together again.
It is interesting to see if they are actually able to admit the desires and their needs, to finally decide if they can find trust in each other as Dom and sub and bring what each of them requires in their sexual ideal.
Read and enjoy this complex and very enjoyable read that has plenty of ups and downs and ins and outs, you are kept guessing and totally captivated by this great read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Cathy Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this story four and one half stars.
Victoria Higgins had been spoiled since young. She was a graphic design artist struggling to set up her own business. Roman Marcus Donato was eight years older than her and his parents treated Victoria as if she were their child. Roman's parents were gone. His pop had died and his mom had Alzheimer. They were platonic friends and were very close. He would have helped Vicky but she wanted to do things on her own. Victoria went to a BDSM club and found out that Roman was known there. She realized that she didn't like the "normal" way of having a sexual relationship she was in to spanking but had not found the right person for which to have such a relationship. Roman was always looking out for Vicky even to point of being hidden at some of her dates to make sure nothing happened to her. So this is the story of Roman Marcus Donato and Victoria Penelope Higgins and how their platonic relationship became defined by dominance and their love for one another. This story had drama and angst and whole lot of emotional suspense. It was a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books from this author now and have really enjoyed most of them, but notice that they fall into two distinct types. Firstly, there are the books that will incorporate a discipline on the harder end of the DD spectrum. Then there are these type. Slow burn, all about the relationship, more sweet than harsh. If you prefer the first type, you may be disappointed with this. Rome and Vicky have been best friends for years but when the dynamic of their relationship changes, along with what they each want, the adjustment process isn't easy. Throw in a case of abuse for some drama and this is a very solid read. However, there were sections which just didn't work for me. Given what happened to Vicky, and Rome's profession, that he was willing to just sit back and wait on someone else I found to be inconsistent with the character. How they knew each other in the first place was never explained, since they obviously come from very different backgrounds. Overall though, I really loved these characters and enjoyed the story.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carolyn’s “Gentle” series are probably my favorite BDSM books. Although the men are Doms they are always gentle with their women and ease them into the lifestyle. I liked this book because it added a friends to lovers element. Rome and Victoria have been best friends since they were kids. They know everything about each other, almost. After a scary situation for Victoria, Rome learns that she is interested in learning about D/s relationships. This leads to an intimate change in their friendship. They both proceed with too much caution and cause tension in their friendship. They will have to learn to talk to each other about their feelings because there is already so much friend-love between them and there can be so much more if they let it happen. Rome is so careful with her and takes his time teaching her. It’s an enjoyable story and you will love the characters.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria and Roman have known each other for ten years, and are best friends - platonic best friends who tell each other everything. When Vicky tells Roman that she is interested in exploring BDSM, he does not share that he is a Dom. When she puts herself in danger and is hurt, Roman is the one to take care of her. They both want to be more than friends, but will have to step carefully.
Roman being in the mafia is a side note to the story. While it is not something he hides, it is not the focus. The evolution of their relationship is front and center. Neither wants to spoil what they have enjoyed for a decade, but they need to move forward. The ending is a happy for now. Carolyn Faulkner's gentle style is very much evident here, and the book is very nicely done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Books Make Me Giddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gentle Gangster is sweet with a little steam. Though I’m a fan of Ms. Faulkner’s, this was not my favorite. It’s a friends to lover, slow-burn romance.

The two characters, Roman and Victoria, have been friends for years, but each is secretly attracted to the other. Victoria wants a Dom and Roman is an experienced one, yet they are afraid to take anything in that direction. When they finally got together and stopped all the back and forth, I was ready. I thought it took a little too long to get there.

Roman being a gangster or mafia is not the main part of the story. Their relationship and its progression is. They do get their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaye Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet read about Rome and Victoria who have been friends for years, but secretly they have been wanting the same things, so when Victoria let slip that she wants to find a Dom for a d/s relationship Rome wants to be the one she wants..but Victoria is scared that it would change their friendship so meets other Doms only to find herself in danger, she turns to Rome for his strength and protection…
This story definitely tugged at the heart strings while slowly raising the temperature to steamy…

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tabatha Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roman and Victoria have been best friends for ages. When she reveals she’s submissive and wants to find a dom it should have been a good thing. Unbeknownst to her Roman has been a soft dom for years, just what she wants.

He freaks out though and avoids her. They make up eventually but he ghosts her again. She gives up trying to talk to him but ends up at a BDSM club watching him spank some stranger.

I didn’t like that. When it was revealed he knew she was watching I liked it even less.

This book is well written and very knowledgeable about safe BDSM practices but it’s not for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbe Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gentle Gangster is a friends to lover, slow-burn romance. It’s not my favorite from Ms. Faulkner, but it’s well written, more on the sweeter side with characters who are likable.

Though Roman is in the mafia, it’s not the main component of the story, her wish to explore BDSM and have a dom is. There is a lot of going back and forth in their relationship and I did wish that the characters would finally get together and stop all the miscommunication.

After some drama where Roman saves Victoria, they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Vicky have been friends since she was a child then he realizes he wants more.
Roman Marcus Donato runs the family business in two halves one legal and the other illegal and has been friends with with Victoria Higgins for a long time since their families were friends. But his feelings have changed towards Vicky as she got older but due to his sexual tastes has never tried to get closer then he sees her at the club he visits. Before he takes any action Vicky is found beaten and he know he needs to protect the woman he love but strong willed Vicky is going to be hard to convince.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psych 101: D/s relationships

This may be fine for somebody curious about D/s but for anyone else... I found it frustratingly slow, esp regarding how passive Roman is. I feel if Garrett hadn't appeared Rome would never have tried to have a relationship with Vicky. I also found it unbelievable he didn't know Garretts surname, despite ordering a a background search on him weeks previously. He really didn't seem like a Family man at all, no mention of men at his estate, going to the hospital by himself etc. In fact the only mention was of paperwork :)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a love story between two friends who have always loved each other. Roman and Victoria are scared to rock the boat so they do not confess their feelings. Because they are not open and honest with each other, Victoria finds herself in a bad situating with another Dom. This is what spurs their relationship to a new level. There was plenty of angst just from them not communicating and being honest. The characters were interesting and the book focused on them and their changing friendship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fulfilling her fantasies

Her Gentle Gangster is the story of Victoria and Roman, best friends who crush on each other but never cross that line. This story is sweet, romantic, sizzling sexy, emotional, has BDSM, a close friendship and longing for more. The characters are both likeable and I would not say that Roman is a "gangster" at all, at least not that the story goes into. This is another good story by Carolyn Faulkner and a nice addition to the "Her Gentle..." series of books, well not really a series but all have a similar theme.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing. There was just something about Roman and Vicky's romance that wiggled its way right into my heart. Maybe it was simply the fact that there was such cuteness and sweetness to their relationship and a real freshness in how Roman was portrayed. I love alpha males and dark romances but I love to see a tough man with a terrible soft spot for his woman and that was Roman to a T. T thought he was swoony AF! This couple's relationship had may heart melting while it sent my temperature up. I am electing to post a candid review.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria and Roman have been friends for a long time. Roman loves Victoria but doesn't know how to tell her. When Victoria tells Roman that she wants dominance from an man, Roman is shocked and doesn't say anything and Victoria takes offense and leaves. But Roman is able to get Victoria to forgive him. Then she finds a dom and goes to him without safeguards and she is seriously hurt. Roman takes her home and that is the start of their relationship. They end up having their HEA.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rome and Vicky have been best friends forever, and it turns out that they have some of the same sexual proclivities. She doesn't take her safety seriously, though, and ends up injured. Rome takes over at that point, nearly derailing this friendship. Their mistake? Crossing that line before communicating their expectations. I love this "Her Gentle..." series, and this is a great addition. While Vicky is a bit carefree and immature, Rome is patient with her, and not to overbearing as a dom. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Sexy. Vicky was really a brat, not a very good friend, and while I can applaud her desire to be independent, her stubbornness in regard to her safety was stupid. I was very impatient with both of them for not talking to each other. Open communication is always a given in a BDSM type relationship and, on that count, they BOTH should’ve been spanked! But all’s well that ends well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman and Vicky have been frie ds for years. They have never crossed that zone. They tell each other everything. One day Vicky tells him of her sexual wishes. Je does not say anything bit they cross into his as well. Will they cross the friend zone? Will this change their relationship? This was an intriguing read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a great storyline, although, it was a little confusing at times. After getting use to the way the story flowed and transitioned, it was easier to read and follow. Fun characters and the story moved along at a good pace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story that held my interest throughout. Victoria Higgins and her best friend, mobster Roman Donato's story. There is spanking and discipline, a villain, twists, turns and romance.I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the well written storyline it has a great theme throughout the pages. The characters are great and engaging.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. Even though this is not my usual trope, it sounded interesting. Glad I took a chance because I liked this book. Rome and Vicky were perfect for each other. It's a fairly short read but complete.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet lovely story. a friends-to-lovers tale full of angst and love. I enjoyed reading this book. Vicky and Rome have been friends for a long time. When Vicky decides to enter the BDSM world Rome realized they both have the same kinks.

[Maria G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good friends to lovers romance and Victoria and Roman are just friends at first. Even though it took something bad for them to admit feelings to one another they were good together once they did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic friends to lovers, she afraid to tell him for fear of losing him. However when she does they realize that they have a lot more in common. Can they make it work??

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Gentle Gangster by Carolyn Faulkner was an enjoyable read with some hot and steamy scenes. Its about friends to more than lovers. Kudos!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long winded. Abrupt ending.