Fallen Raven Book 1

Crime Society #5

by Diana A. Hicks

I wanted her since the moment I saw her.
I didn’t even care she’d been promised to someone else.
Then we kissed, and I realized I was her first.
I became…Obsessed

A Note from Diana: Fallen Raven is a 120k-word dark billionaire romance. It is book one in the Raven Duet and is part of the Crime Society World. This is not a YA novel. Check TW

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Fiction, High School, Audiobook

490 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2022

About the author

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of contemporary romance that's sometimes dark, sometimes suspenseful, but always steamy. Her upcoming release, Empire of Ache & Ruin coming May 6, 2025!

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Available now:
The Crime Society Series
Lost Raven (FREE)
King of Beasts, Book 1
Queen of Beasts, Book 2

Wolf's Lair (FREE)
Big Bad Wolf, Book 1
Big Bad Red, Book 2
Once Upon a Christmas (FREE)

Dark Beauty (FREE)
Wings of Ruin, Book 1
Wings of Silence, Book 2

Wicked Seduction, Book 1
Wicked Temptation, Book 2
Heartless Vow (FREE)

Steal My Heart Series
Entangle You
Unravel You
Ignite You
Release You

Cole Brothers Series
Unleash You
Defy You
Provoke You
Escape You
Escape My Love (FREE)

Cocky Hero Club
Irresistible Bastard


Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianahicksauthor
Follow her on Amazon: amazon.com/author/dianahicksauthor
Follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/diana...
Follow her blog: https://dianahicksbooks.com/
Like her Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianaHicksAu...
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Diana...
Follow her on Twitter: @diana_hicks

Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •

Wow, the ending was so chaotic!!

I’m not sure how to feel about it though, I went into this thinking it would be present-day like the other Duets in this series but it was back in the past, Enzo, Rex, and Santino in their high school years, the days when Micheal Alfera was the King of the Society.

I'm super curious about what happens with Aurora in the next book!!

_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the revelations about Enzo’s love story in the previous duet, I was excited to read about it. Surprise: it’s set in his high school years. And I’m leaving you with that bit of information, you can do whatever you want with it. I’ll still tell you what I thought of the first book in this new duet.

It’s a high school romance, so as usual, you see little of class and homework, but you get the full experience of the terrible mindset of teenagers. The various groups, the roles assigned often arbitrarily, the petty jealousy and what it pushes some to do, the casual bullying. Add to that the fact that all the kids in this school have mafia families, and you can only imagine how Aurora feels as the new girl from the outside world.

Of course she catches the attention of the royals, the heirs of the Society’s original leading families. I loved that they acted like royalty at school, but actually knew next to nothing about what their parents were doing–there’s a huge twist at the end that you know about if you read the previous duets. They’re smart and powerful, but they show they’re still kids when they try to spy on the Society’s most prominent figures.

The most smitten of the royals is Enzo, future king of the Society. He has his own demons and burdens and is a beautiful tragic character. Quickly he shows his softer side, and that’s when the bully part of this bully romance becomes less… bully. I didn’t mind.

There’s still a lot of triggering content, including the preying of a man in his thirties on an underage girl. And well it’s mafia, expect some violence and deaths. The author takes her time to show how pure and innocent Aurora is compared to the people around her, her parents included. It isn’t really dark, but still kind of depressive.

The pace of the story was good, with a gradual acceleration until an explosive end… for now. There were some inconsistencies and face-palming actions and reactions, but it was overall a good story and I can’t wait to see how Enzo’s story ends.

Quickie

- Series: Raven duet #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #mafia romance #young adult romance #bully romance #virgin
- Triggers: violence and death, domestic abuse, sexual assault, bullying
- Main couple: Aurora Vitalli & Enzo Alfera
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved seeing Enzo’s gentle side
- – the mafia plot can be a bit confusing when you haven’t read the other books in the series

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School is hard enough with normal kids, but going to a mafia elite HS only makes it more difficult wouldn't you say?! Our poor heroine, Aurora, only wants to survive her senior year, but going to this new school with these royals won't make that really possible. Enzo is one of those royals, the future king of the society his family is a part of so he pretty much rules it all. So when Aurora catches his eye, well, things get complicated. Now, I'm not saying that Enzo is bad per se, because he really hasn't been groomed to the point that makes him too dangerous, which means there's more to him than meets the eye. And these two have the sparks flying between them which won't be denied for too long & that gives us a story where the bullying is not over the top in my opinion. Of course there are other outside forces that add in more darkness to this story, and could be triggering for some so please be warned before taking it on. I LOVED it hard so I believe that anyone who loves some mafia world darkness should be hitting those one click buttons since I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Josmely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book I knew it was a Mafia book set in high school so there's was certain thing I was expecting to read about. For example the mmc being a asshole, his friends too and u have the cliche "mean" girl. This book was nothing like that which I really liked. Yes they could be assholes and yes they had a reason why they were after her (spoiler so not going into details) but not long after they all just kind of took her under their wings.

Enzo and Rory tried to fight against the intense attraction and chemistry they had but it was a roller-coaster. There was a lot twists and stuff that happened throughout the book that tries to keep them apart.  This is book one and it does end in a cliffhanger so I hope that at end of book 2 they get the happy ending they deserve. Its very easy to love the main couple and their group of friends. It was fun reading getting to read about Enzo and Rorys relationship but also the friendship that they all have and seeing how they would do anything to keep each other safe.

I would definitely recommend this book just read trigger warnings before reading ⚠️

[c a r í · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book last month, and I loved it! This is my first book by this author and I am surprised by how absorbing her writing style is. I find myself invested in the story and the forbidden love between Aurora & Enzo. The first meeting nearly reminds me of Breakfast At Tiffany, and I lived for that film!

Anyways, Fallen Raven is the first part of the Duet and book five in the series. This is an emotionally charged dark mafia romance set in a mafia elite school. Our characters here are in senior high school yet this is steamy and can be considered upper YA romance.

The book has a great storyline that keeps me on my toes. The palpable chemistry between our main characters. Encompasses dark, raw, gritty, drama, a bit of bullying, push and pull, tension, and twist and turns. It's truly jam-packed, especially the cliffhanger leaves me wanting more...

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was amazing and need more ASAP!! This enticing read kicks this series off in an epic way that captured my attention, stole my breath and left me with a vicious craving for book two of this duet. Lush darkness, brutal twist, taut tension, juicy drama, fierce emotions, scorching heat and vicious intensity blend into an intoxicating combination that went down sinfully smooth but packs a powerful punch. I am posting an unbiased, unsolicited review.

[Maria11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

not thrilled

The other books in the series were so much better. Aurora is such a naive person. It’s hard to like her. And I love how these High School kids are so experienced so unrealistic.

I will read the next one to see what happens.

[book_fairy13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book cause I was interested in Aurora's story!
Imagine my surprise, that it was set in high school!
Enzo and Aurora were instantly attracted to each other but were court up in their family drama that it was hard for them to be together straight away.
I felt for Aurora, she literally had no one on her side. I hated her parents, they were using her and ignoring her pain!!
I like that Enzo was possessive over her and would do anything for her.
It was nice reading about Enzo's life, which was completely different for Caterina (Beast duet).
Overall, I liked this book and it was a good read.

[Chelsea Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man what a book!

My goodness, this book was so good, but man that ending wrecked me so hard. All the struggles Enzo and Aurora go through together and separately, it’s a fight for survival in a world of Organize crime. And all that they do to survive and the roller coaster ride of emotions you put us through. Such a great book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Brandi Exline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't even with this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. My anxiety has never shot up this bad with a book before. But that is what makes all these books so good. I love Enzo and Aurora. This book had me wanting to scream most of the time. That cliffhanger just has me dying. I can't wait for book two.

[Rose Hawks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo and Aurora! Hot, romantic, mafia all in one. I loved this and I HIGHLY recommend reading this. This have a very very unexpected twist. So be warned, I know people get upset with twists, so your warned before jumping into this. I still loved this book though!

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora missed Vegas. Park Avenue is a long way from staying in a low class motel she didn't trust why they now were rich and living in a huge mansion. Especially since she is sitting in front of the Dragon Lady who is letting her know in no certain terms that she has no choice but to sign the NDA set before her before setting foot in Midtown High.

Her dad had a history of making deals, getting over his head and then losing everything. After getting caught stealing from his last boss and offering up their mother on a silver platter she had reason to be leery. Now he is the right-hand man to a mafia don the stakes are so much higher.

After signing the non-disclosure she was whisked away for a new wardrobe and everything she needed for her new life. When the items were being paid for she stepped outside and decided to step into Tiffany's and browse. As she is gazing at a gorgeous sapphire necklace a deep voice tells her it is perfect for her and clasps it around her neck. The gorgeous man before her looks her age, but she is speechless that he would talk to her. When she gets up the nerve to introduce herself she turns around and he is gone.

Arriving for her first day of senior year at Midtown High her eyes meet his across the room. It's the man from Tiffany's and he is not happy to see her. Enzo Alfera, son of Don Alfera, her father's boss.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this is book 1 of the Fallen Raven duet it is also book five of The Society series and though the duet could be read separately I highly suggest that you start from the beginning of the series because even though we meet all the secondary characters these stories are intertwined with a major background story and I there are definitely some secondary background questions I want the answers to.

Aurora is thrown into the mafia world with no choice but to follow the rules. But no matter how hard she tries she can't seem to get Rule #1 down - stay away from the Royals!

This book is action-packed and full of danger from page 1! It is full of suspense and intrigue and prepare for steamy hot! This book is highly emotional and has some major twists that will leave you gasping. The cliffhanger... MAJOR!

Highly recommend and can't wait for book 2 of this duet! This is the first time I have read Diana A Hicks, but she is definitely a one-click author!

[🍸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is a mess. but i kinda of like it (enzoaurora come home please)

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

✓Contemporary
✓Dark romance
✓Mafia romance
✓Forbidden romance
✓Dark Bully romance
✓Star-Crossed Lovers
✓Sleeping Beauty inspired
✓Crime Society
✓A mystery
✓Riveting / raw / dark / gripping/ gritty
✓Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
✓Page turner
✓Unpredictable twists and turns
✓Suspenseful
✓Fast paced

Fallen Raven is a dark romance with twilight vibes. It is book one in the Fallen Duet in interconnected series and a part of the Crime Society World. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the amazingly written story and a raw, dark, twisted, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, darkly beautiful storyline. The writing just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. It has so much depth, powerful, poignant and effortless storytelling. The characters are complex, the plot is strong and storyline unpredictable.

Enzo and Aurora’s story is not to be missed. They are such a great characters and so amazing together. Enzo and Aurora had me at their first meeting. Their love story is emotionally charged with palpable chemistry, push and pull yet full of struggles, obstacles, ups and downs, bullying, tension, twists and turns. Enzo is crafty, calculating yet protective and goes to any length to protect what is his. Our heroine Aurora was in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s where things get complicated. I think that these two challenge each other and make each other better. At first glance Enzo seems cold, distant and unapproachable but the more I read the more I saw his different layers. Aurora is spirited, reserved and only wants to survive the senior year. I love their development throughout the book. They are explosive, perfectly imperfect and a rollercoaster of emotions.

Secondary characters have stolen my heart with how intriguing, engaging, funny and incredible they are. They play an important role and help development of the main characters.

It was fast paced, full of twists and turns with such a beautiful love story that had everything I love: vulnerable, strong and fierce heroine, protective, cruel, vulnerable hero, twisted games, wickedness, revenge and healing love born love born out of darkness, violence and rivalry. I can’t wait for the sequel.

[Stephanie Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first book of the Raven Duet, Diana A. Hicks created Fallen Raven featuring Aurora’s indoctrination into the five families located in New York City. Somehow her father had saved Head Mafia Leader Michael Alfera’s life and was elevated to being his right-hand man. She is made to sign a non-disclosure agreement with Signoria Vittoria’s threat of death if she fails to follow the rules. Penny de Luca is assigned to help Aurora to become accustomed to their rules. Penny tells her to avoid the “Royals” who are the direct heirs to each of the families. However, it seems Aurora cannot seem to resist the allure of Enzo Alfera. Enzo has the same feelings for the “outsider” and does his best to avoid interacting with her. Unable to resist his warring thoughts, he succumbs to his inner desire and intends to make Aurora his.

Hicks painted a slow-burn romance balanced on the dark edge of danger. The narrative is told between Aurora and Enzo. The transition scenes that unfold are easy to follow. I felt that Aurora was naive to ignore how her father constantly was parading affluent members of the Mafia around her. He even told her that he wanted her to marry someone powerful to secure their family to be taken care of. Enzo’s avoidance of Aurora confused me as much as it did her. One moment he appears welcoming and overly friendly toward her, then he acts like he doesn’t know she exists. His best friend, Rex, seems to be the only level-headed member. The descriptions of the school, the hierarchy of each family, and the lavish homes are vivid. The story is unpredictable and it is difficult to trust who is a good or bad guy. The cliffhanger ending is embroiled with several different possible outcomes. Fallen Raven will capture the minds of readers who enjoy Mafia political romances with plenty of action to entertain for hours.
Reviewed For Reader's Favorites

[Jd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads Giveaway. The following is my honest opinion.
The writer warns about abuse and other things that my be offensive or triggering to some readers. I respect that. There is physical abuse and attempted sexual abuse.
Enzo is an unhappy mafia teen who is physical abused by his father. He is treated differently for being the dark prince who will head the five crime families, in the future, but not for who he really is.
Aurora is from an extremely dysfunctional family. Her father constantly puts the family in bad situations. In this case, both parents are using her to get what they want. Although she is aware of this, she is still naive enough to think that her Mom will save her from the current predicament.
This book reads like a grownup novel, yet it is about 17 year olds. They go to sex clubs and drink alcohol constantly. It would have been better to have this story take place on a college campus instead of a high school. Why write a book about teenagers, but state that it is not a YA book. The idea is coonflicting.
There are many times things get repeated unnecessarily. This is a waste and ruins the flow. There is no HEA. You must read the second book to look for that.
I read the first couple of chapters for King of Beasts and that also conflicts with this book even though it is an extension of this book. King of Beasts covers Rex and Catalina. In it, it says that her father left the mafia when she was a baby. In this book he is still the king of the crime families and she is a tween. It would be kind of interesting to see what happens in King of Beasts now that Rex is the new king, but I would have to hope there are no more conflicts with this book. Perhaps the author should try a new approach with this series.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephane's Book Reports.

Senior year. All I have to do is survive senior year at my new high school, an elite school founded by the oldest families in the mafia world. Simple, right? But here's the thing, mafia teens are not your average teenagers. They have money, access, and the freedom to do as they please. I was doing great, until I accidentally barged into the boys bathroom. that's when I met him, on of the royals, the one with the broody stare, beautiful as he is cruel. When he sees me standing there staring at him, I get a taste of what my life will be like the rest of the year. Survive? I had it all wrong....

This is a dark mafia high school book but I promise your not going to feel like your reading about senior year of high school. After all it is a mafia elite school so there is that. I don't even really know how to review it and tell you about the story because I feel like anything I say might just be a spoiler and I would never ever want to do that. This book will keep you on your toes and you will not be able to put it down. There is lots of drama, tense moments that will have you one the edge of your seat. Characters you will either love or hate. Twists that are actually kind of brutal at times and shocking. Emotions that are flying all over the place and the heat between the characters is off the charts. I know this is vague but I went into this book basically blind as I should have because that is the best way to go into this book. You will not be disappointed and I loved every single second of it and need the next book now.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Raven Duet series and the first book I’ve read by this author. To have a dark bully romance with star crossed lovers inspired by sleeping beauty was an incredible way to reel me in. Hicks did an amazing job of reeling me in, turning the pages so fast to see what’s going to happen next. Though please check the trigger warnings. The characters were written so well and I loved the secondary characters.

Enzo is a Royal, future Don of the Crime Society. He’s dark, cunning, protective and nothing stops him from getting what he wants. Aurora is thrust into a new high school and mafia world by her parents. She’s sweet, innocent and just wants to survive her senior year. The chemistry and tension between Aurora and Enzo when they first meet is on fire. But don’t settle just yet as there’s crime, action, danger, bullying, struggles and so much more in this book. However the progression of their relationship is amazing. So much happens in this book and it’s written so beautifully in a dark, edgy way.

Full of twists and turns, chemistry, protectiveness, violence, love, humor, suspense, thrill, mystery and is emotional. And that cliffhanger?! I need to read book 2 now!!

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallen Raven is such a fantastic read. I loved this one so much. I love that we get to see the future Dons start to come into their own. This is Enzo and Aurora's story. Enzo knows what his future looks like. He slowly shows you his calculating ways and how he will protect what is his. Aurora the innocent thrusted into the mafia world by her parents. You feel the sparks between Aurora and Enzo start to form from the very first interaction. Neither saw the other coming and will do whatever it takes to grow their love. Obstacles are in the way when the demand on Aurora builds. You see the future start to be mapped out in this one as Enzo is pushed into his position before he ever imagined it happening. I love the closeness between Enzo, Rex, Donata, and Santino. I cannot wait to see where this goes after that cliffy. Enzo and Aurora have a powerful love. I need the rest of this duet now. Go one click this one and see what happens during the teenage years for Enzo and the rest of the Dons.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first by this author and I really enjoyed it. A ton happens in this book and the book ends on a cliffhanger. I felt the cover depicted an older person than high school so it didn’t sit great with me.

What did I like? There is so much happening in this book but the book flowed great and things definitely got interesting. There was quite a connection between Enzo and Aurora even from the beginning. As book one winded down more and more things made sense but it’s impossible to stop at that cliffhanger!

Would I recommend or buy? So five books in a series… I wish I’d started the whole series! I think the covers were all wrong so I’d probably skip buying for my shelf. I’d definitely read more! Four stars!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I will start this with saying I'm not really a fan of mafia romances. I always struggle to stay interested in them and they all start to feel the same after a while. I heard many good things about this one so I decided to give it a try and I'm so glad I did!

The story pulled me in almost right away, mostly because certain characters are absolute garbage and I was waiting for some sort of justice. As things started coming together I wanted to know more and couldn't put it down because I had to see where it was going.

Now... if you hate cliff hangers, you'll hate this book. There's no doubt in my mind. But just wait a bit until the second book comes out and then dive into this book as soon as you can. I can't wait to see where Diana takes us in this next one!

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start off by saying I loved this book. It’s very well written.
I have so many more questions that need to be answered.
It gives me the feels of a newer aged Romeo and Juliet.

There’s a secret society that no one knows about. Aurora and her family get welcomed into this society. Aurora is always questioning the reasons why. I don’t blame her. I would too. So many events happen to her. Her dad is a piece of work.

It leaves you on a cliffhanger wanting more. This is one of those that you’ll want book 2 in your hands to devour next.
I love mafia romances and this one made it to the top of my list.

[Shannon (litmuggle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you really young if your mafia

This book had me hook from start to finish and I need more. Why this is HS it fells nothing like a HS book because they go through so much they are more mature.

The Society are the elite but deep down they are still the Mafia and this book is full of so many twists and turns it keep me hooked. Rory goes through so much as she tries to survive and do what’s right for her crappy family that doesn’t deserve her. All she wants is the one love she can’t have but you have. This book ends on such a good cliffhanger I need to know what happens next.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Hicks' run continues! This is EXplosive!

Mafia and bully! Two of my go to tropes and Hicks' words drowned me in dark, tantalizing tension!

Enzo and Aurora will have your heart beating out of your chest. At least they did mine! I had to pause several times and take very deep breaths!

Now, I will be waiting oh so impatiently for the rest! But, I swear I will wait patiently as I must for what I know will be another heart gripping addition!

This author has amazing stories this reader loves to gobble up!

[Hollie Senn Bookish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy jeez!!!!! In a good way!!

Enzo( which I'm obsessed with this name) and Aurora story is one you won't forget.. This book took me on the best emotional roller coaster of a ride. It emotionally took me on a ride I wasnt ready for.. This shows Enzo in high school days and it doesn't disappoint. And who doesn't love a royal badass.. we know Aurora does. There is some darkness in the story which I loved but maybe triggering to some. Bur this was a great read and I cant wait for the next book...

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book was so so good and I need the next one as soon as possible! This mafia romance takes place during senior year of high school at an an elite mafia school. I loved everything about this book…the storyline, the characters, the dark, the gritty, the drama, the twists, and the heat is off the charts amazing! I highly recommend everyone read this book and fall in love with these characters like I did!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at the edge of my seat. It had twists and turns I never saw coming and the ending was not what I thought it would be. This book is heavy on the spice and the emotional damage. I nevertheless fell in love with the characters and loathed others. I would without a doubt recommend this to another reader. It is mafia, forced marriage, and more secrets than I could count. The author did this beautifully and I was thoroughly impressed.

[Diana Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallen Raven is now a 2023 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Romance - Contemporary genre!

"Diana A. Hicks painted a slow-burn romance balanced on the dark edge of danger...Fallen Raven will capture the minds of readers who enjoy Mafia political romances with plenty of action to entertain them." - Readers' Favorite Reviewer

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora/Rory hadn't liked te idea of moving to New York and now she had to start a new school and deal with the Royals, one of them being Enzo who seemed mesmerised by her but hated her. Every page reveals a twist, exciting, intense and a twist that rocked me. Can't wait for more. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy we are getting Enzo's story. Poor Aurora was in the wrong place at the wrong time and Enzo won't ever let her forget, but that is because of the tether he felt with her. Thrust into a mafia elite school and Mafia world makes for great drama and all the teenage angst. This latest addition to this Mafia world has me rabidly waiting for book two.