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Savio

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He hated me before I even walked through the door. Savio Calabresi is a force to be reckoned with when we first meet. The Don of The Calabresi family liked things his way and didn’t want anyone to interrupt. Until I came along and shook up his world. Not only did my career cause a problem, but knowing a secret that could hurt him and his family only leaves one thing for him to do. He forced me into an arranged marriage, or I compromised the safety of my family.
An arranged marriage, age gap, kidnapping Dark Mafia romance, Book 1 in an interconnecting stand-alone series, and guaranteed to have an HEA.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2021

152 people are currently reading
550 people want to read

About the author

L.K. Ryan

7 books21 followers
L.K. Ryan is an author of Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance, and Contemporary Novels. Join my newsletter and sign up for the latest news and updates on my books and releases:

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5 stars
67 (26%)
4 stars
54 (21%)
3 stars
71 (28%)
2 stars
34 (13%)
1 star
24 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for sara.
174 reviews
July 5, 2023
This cover and this book will haunt my nightmares. It was one of the books I downloaded on Stuff Your Kindle Day.

There were SO many grammatical, spelling, and plot mistakes. The characters aren’t even likable.

If I had more pride or less of a complex about reading lots of books I wouldn’t admit to reading it, but I don’t, and I did.
Profile Image for Brooke.
445 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2023
This one is hard to rate because I really enjoyed the story, but the writing was kind of bad. It was choppy and jumped around a lot and there were a lot of grammar/spelling mistakes. I also really hated how whenever the phone was ringing or someone knocked on a door, instead of being like "my phone rang", "there was a knock on the door" the author would write Knock, Knock! or Ring, Ring! It happened very often and made the writing seem amateur. Savio was arrogant and I didn't really like the way he talked to McKayla or other women. McKayla was alright but she made a lot of very foolish decisions that had me rolling my eyes a bit. The bones of the story were there, but it needed a lot of work in order to be truly great.
Profile Image for Lynnett.
784 reviews14 followers
November 14, 2023
This story had a decent plot and great characters, but the execution was lacking. Often, I could not follow who was speaking as it was not noted. Other times, the scenes were rushed to just get to the next point. The flow of the conversations and personal connections were not consistent with the relationships of the characters. I liked the steamy scenes, but even they did not seem proper for the moment. I just wish there was more editing of the storyline.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,486 reviews53 followers
November 4, 2021
Loving this new series
Sante and Mckayla ms forbidden intense emotional dark twisted heartstopping love story grabbed my heart
All the feels
Bring on Sante and Rena
Profile Image for Lea.
35 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
An okay read

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love: ❤️❤️❤️

Dark: 😈

Humour: 😂

Fluff: ☁️

Predictability: 🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱

Spice quantity: 🌶️🌶️.5

Spice quality: 🥵🥵.5

*WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD*
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Mafia smut is one of my favourite genres, especially with an arranged marriage trope, so I have high hopes for this one.

It starts out well, the storyline has me hooked within a few pages. However I was a bit confused when 25 pages in Mckayla asks who Savio is, despite being in a meeting together with his father only pages before.

So, it turns out that Savio is already, unknown to him until now, betrothed to another woman. The daughter of another mafia boss. He isn’t happy when he learns about this. Although Savio is supposedly the boss, it seems his father is still the one pulling the strings.

Savio has clearly started to form an attachment to Mckayla already, although the same can’t be said for her. After she repeatedly tries to escape Savio tells her she must marry him to solve both of their issues. She doesn’t realise that he is doing this, at least in part, to keep her alive.

She obviously resists and inadvertently outs his plan to his father and his fiancée. Surprisingly, his father seems to go along with it but Viviana (the fiancée) is livid. Over the following weeks it becomes clear that they have had a sexual relationship in the past and that while Savio has no feelings for her, she is actually in love with him. This makes her a very dangerous woman.

There are some definite continuity errors in the story. When Mckayla gets her phone back and speaks to her mother, it seems that she has no idea what is happening but chapters before she had spoken to her father on the phone and they had supposedly had dinner together planned at least two days prior to this. This happens repeatedly through the book.

Finally at 30% the sexual tension starts to build, only a small kiss happening before this point.
Mckayla’s parents turn up seemingly out of nowhere and they witness an altercation between Savio and another mob boss, not the best way to meet the parents. Mckayla appears to have done a 180 and tells her parents that she trusts Savio 100%

Side-note: my brain can’t stop calling Gennaro Geronimo instead (with all the gusto of a paratrooper jumping from a plane).

Well, that was a short build up. The ‘action’ begins at 39%. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about that but the shift in Mckayla’s attitude seems to have happened very quickly and without much basis on her part.

It’s making me giggle a bit every time they reference ’the beast coming out’. All I can think of is Viserys from GOT and it’s just as cringe now as it was then.

The characters are so fickle, it seems to be like this most of the way through. One second Mckayla is musing about how she is happily married to Savio the next she is hoping to get him put in jail. At 72% I can’t say I like either character very much.

Nothing much comes of any of the storylines. There is a kidnapping but it’s resolved off page, Viviana is resolved most off page and the conflict with the parents just disappears.

Overall I’m a little disappointed. The dialogue confusing in places and hard to follow and some of the scenes seem to cut short abruptly. The characters do things that don’t seem to match up to their personalities often and much of the storyline takes place of page. The idea for the storyline is great but the execution wasn’t.

#Hea #mafia #billionaire #vanilla #forcedmarriage

F(r)anny G
Profile Image for Laura Reed.
301 reviews
August 19, 2023
I downloaded this book on Stuff Your Kindle day. I will say the plot itself was compelling. But the writing is BAD. There are a lot of grammatical errors which fine, I can get past that but I can't get past the massive holes in the story due to total lack of context. For example, one chapter or a break in the chapter begins with "Fifteen minutes later, we arrived", arrived where? Nothing is explained entirely, and there is too much dialogue and not enough inner dialogue to truly explain what is going on with the characters as they are talking, what environments they are existing in. I have no idea what Savio's condo looks like, where it's located in Chicago, in relation to his business, his parent's house, etc. Plus, the story takes place in Chicago and there were so many chances to add parts of the city into the story, a hotel, building, mall, suburbs, or even just the personality of the city. None of that happened, and it came off as if the author has never been to Chicago (which I haven't either) but tell me about landmarks, tell me about neighborhoods. I want to feel like I am getting to know the city that this story is taking place in. There are so many location changes, and it was a shame to not include these details.

As a reader, I want to be lead through the story, with details told me in an organized fashion as if it's part of the plot, don't treat me like a child and stop a story to explain what someone looks like or what a person is wearing. The length of the book was good, but to add these details in wouldn't have made it much longer, and would have made this story go from an okay book to a great one.

I think this plot has potential, and I was invested as much as I could be in these characters but the writing needs to be redone A LOT and because of that I don't have any interest to continue reading this author.
Profile Image for Biff.
152 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2024
Didn’t meet its potential

Putting the several editorial errors aside, while I enjoyed parts of this book, it just didn’t live up to its potential.

There were several time jumps that just felt like lazy writing, and some scenes were written in such a way that I had to read the same sentence multiple times, a few times, which took me out of the story.

Parts of the storyline felt rushed, others were made to seem like a big deal and then forgotten about.

It was an okay book and I did enjoy the relationships and bonds. I just wasn’t a fan of the way it was written
1 review
August 11, 2023
All because Rena wanted to go out

I don’t want to spoil anything but if Mckayla didn’t bend under peer pressure or react in the beginning of the novel, she could have probably avoided certain things 😂. There are parts of the book I would have liked more explanation and parts felt a little rushed but I laughed for most of the book because I find the characters so amusing. So I’ll recommend even with the flaws
410 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2023
I really liked this story, but…

My real rating for this book is 3.5 stars. I really liked this story but I was left wanting. The story has good developed characters but something in the story progression felt under developed causing me not to love it as much. Perhaps it’s that the anxiety wasn’t held long enough or the peril wasn’t well enough Ed developed in the story progression. But I think it was worthy of reading.
103 reviews
January 21, 2025
Cliché

It wasn't great. The storyline is cliché and I've seen it done much better in other books.
It started out pretty good with a female character who tried many times to get away which is unusual for this theme but then it went south. Plot holes abound, many things don't make sense and there are an excessive number of times where you can't tell who is talking. Even the smut was just ok.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,008 reviews4 followers
Read
April 1, 2024
DNF at 15%

The premise of the story seemed promising, but there were a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes (and that's something I can usually overlook unless there are a ton) and the story was choppy and felt like a lot was missing. Not to mention, I felt like the author just full on skipped chapters to rush the story because it hopped around a lot.
Profile Image for Haley Wheeler.
19 reviews
March 14, 2025
This had the potential to so much better. They jumped around so randomly that I thought i was missing pages or just skipping whole sections since when it happened it would make any sense. This story could use with a lot more fleshing out just seemed like was missing big chunks to make it easier to follow along with the story.
Profile Image for Judy Chestnutt.
373 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2022
Non stop amazing

I was not able into put this book down, I read it in one afternoon. The chemistry news there and the action and twists, you can tell there will be more great stories involving the other brothers and I can't wait
Profile Image for Diane Born in UK, now living on Spain.
694 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2023
Not really for me - I read some then FF, then read some more.

Wasn’t keen on either of main characters, not sure if I read the same book as others with high reviews.

As always, read yourself and make your own mind up.

June 29, 2023
I tried my best to power through but have up at 40%. It is just too painful to read through all the whining. If I'm Savio I would have shot her, McKayla. Glad I didn't spend money to get this book. Got it as a free download on Play Book. Now I understand why it's offered a a free download.
Profile Image for Mette.
247 reviews
October 9, 2025
I didn't like this book at all. It's confusing and you don't always know who is speaking or what is happening. It took me a long time to finish because it couldn't keep my attention and I will definitely not be reading it again
3 reviews
February 7, 2024
Meh

It is kind of all over the place with no real story line. Conversations are hard to follow at times.
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,442 reviews115 followers
November 22, 2021
Journalist, Mckayla is trying to make a name for herself and when she scores the story of a life time, the autobiography of an ex-Mafia Don, she's ready to take on the job.

The only problem? The rest of the mafia family isn't so keen on McKayla spilling the beans. Mainly, the new Don, Savio.

To make matter worse, a night of reluctant clubbing, leads to McKayla being in the wrong place, at the wrong time and witnessing a hit.

Long story short, Savio knows that McKayla has to die to make sure what she saw never gets revealed, but he feels an attraction to her and decides to use that to his advantage by posing her as his fiancé, to get out of an arranged marriage to another mafia family.

Overall the premise of the story is good but the MCs just never grew on me. McKayla tended to fall into the TSTL category more times than I cared to count and Savio was a pig for a large part of this story. His cockiness came off as just plain ol' douchebag and he didn't really have an excuse other than he did because he could. Period.

The smexy times were also just meh for me. Without the emotional pull, the sex always falls flat and feels contrived and/or forced.

There is also an excessive show of violence that read like a cheesy blow-by-blow. I've read some pretty hard care violence and detailed scenes in other books, but with the one dimensional portrayal of this mafia family, it just didn't quiet sell me on the hardcore-ness of it all. Savio, especially came off as trying too hard to be a bad-ass. Some of his one liners were too cringy to be taken seriously.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


SAFETY INFO:
Profile Image for Andrea Marie.
Author 26 books232 followers
February 5, 2023
Great story! Filled with tons of twists and turns. Super steamy.
Profile Image for EroticaAfterDark (Lilith).
2,780 reviews957 followers
Want to read
November 19, 2021
NEW RELEASE
→ Just released! Grab your copy now! ←

age-difference


→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

cover

Blurb:
I made the worst mistake of my life.

He hated me before I even walked through the door. Savio Calabresi is a force to be reckoned with when we first meet. The Don of The Calabresi family liked things his way and didn’t want anyone to interrupt. Until I came along and shook up his world. Not only did my career cause a problem, but knowing a secret that could hurt him and his family only leaves one thing for him to do. He forced me into an arranged marriage, or I compromised the safety of my family.

Merged review:

NEW RELEASE
→ Just released! Grab your copy now! ←

age-difference


→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

cover

Blurb:
I made the worst mistake of my life.

He hated me before I even walked through the door. Savio Calabresi is a force to be reckoned with when we first meet. The Don of The Calabresi family liked things his way and didn’t want anyone to interrupt. Until I came along and shook up his world. Not only did my career cause a problem, but knowing a secret that could hurt him and his family only leaves one thing for him to do. He forced me into an arranged marriage, or I compromised the safety of my family.
3,177 reviews
October 22, 2021
This is a wonderful mafia read, sexy and full of family action
This is a simply a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it was a plot that was full of simply wonderful characters and also, I loved the plot it was simply marvellous reading and I am sure that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
The wedding between Savio Calabresi and McKayla Stanton who had seen something that could have caused his family a great deal of inconvenience especially as she was also a reporter and this meant that they had to take immediate action and so he kidnapped her.
When they married, she had insisted that Savio leave her family and friends alone if she agreed to marry him, she had been writing an article about his father who was a self-made Don who had raised his sons to take over the family business both legitimate and illegal.

What Savio the confirmed Italian bachelor had not allowed for was that his feelings for his wife would actually change, his stubborn and beautiful intelligent wife had worked her way beneath his skin without him even realising.

He loved her and the thought of anyone trying to hurt him allowed the “Beast” that he hid so carefully to come out and now it was essential that he kept her safe and that she understood how he felt for this woman that was his wife.

Read this imply amazing book you will enjoy every single moment of this book and I know that others will feel exactly the same.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic 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.
Profile Image for S.
1,555 reviews39 followers
October 24, 2021
This was a well written mafia story. It checked all the boxes to make it a captivating read. From a well written plot to multifaceted characters. The story had romance, suspense, drama and intrigue to make it an unputdownable and unpredictable read. From the very beginning to the end the story was unpredictable and definitely a binge worthy read . It was full of twist and turns and kept me flipping through the pages. MaKayla is a journalist and she is at the wrong place at the wrong time and witnesses something she is not suppose to witness. Savio is the mafia boss , he kidnaps MaKayla and forces her to marry her . What I enjoyed about the story was MaKayla was she wasn’t a doormat and submissive character, she was strong and had a voice. Savio was a typical mafia boss and is possessive about her. We are also introduced to the rest of Calabresi family and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of Calabresi brothers story. Definitely an enjoyable read.
2,431 reviews22 followers
October 30, 2021
I think this is the first book for this author and let me tell you, this book is so good. I applaud writers who can suck us into their stories and keep us engaged throughout the entire book. Here is my biggest requirement for a book – dialog, lots and lots of dialog. Boy does this book use that effectively. I loved all of the talking and bickering and bouncing off of each other. Savio and Makayla are so not on the same page but their tension is so high you feel anxious quite a bit I loved it!! Definitely an enemies-to-lovers plot. And who would have thought avoiding a line at a bathroom would have caused so much trouble. This story is just amazing. The Calabresi brothers are all so interesting. Can’t wait for the next story, you know who it will be and their explosive “love-don’t love” relationship is so entertaining.

I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
Profile Image for Colleen.
328 reviews
March 31, 2023
Savio is the first book in the new ‘Calabresi Mafia’ series and tells the story of Savio Calabresi, boss of the Calabresi crime family, and McKayla Stanton, a journalist who sees something she shouldn’t which leads to her being kidnapped and forced into marriage to Savio to keep her family safe.

Savio is the typical gorgeous, super hot, possessive alpha male, but McKayla is far from submissive, she’s strong, feisty and sassy - let the fireworks begin!

A dark Mafia age-gap romance full of drama and suspense, twists and turns, passion and desire with some sizzling sex scenes that will keep you captivated from the first page to the last.

Overall, an enjoyable read. Can’t wait to read further installments from Ms Ryan about the hot Calabresi brothers.

I received a ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,879 reviews63 followers
October 23, 2021
Reporter Mckayla discovered something that could tumble the house of Calabresi and Savio wasnt about to let his father hard work go down so easily, kidnapping the reporter and forcing her to become his wife was meant to be the end of the matter only he didnt anticipate the feelings he would bring up for him, could he actually love her? and how can he get her to see that, could she ever love a beast like Savio? well written desire filled steamy, suspse filled read, my first by this author and ill be back for more!

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