And to think, I almost skipped this one! After seriously enjoying the first installment in this sexy mafia romance series, I was itching to get my hands on the books that followed. Though the romance in each stand on their own, the overarching storyline spans the series, so they’re best read in order. So I jumped into this one, despite the fact that the age gap (33/19) made me a little uncomfortable. It took no time at all to realize that the dynamic was going to work a whole lot better than I expected, as our antihero’s main goal at the start is helping the heroine find her strength again after she experienced some trauma. I loved that he recognized the complicated things going on inside her head, and he did his best to make her feel empowered and uplifted. That helped even out the playing field, and also served as the catalyst for the chemistry that sparks between them. There are some definite forbidden vibes and angst, paired with an unexpected roommates scenario and tons of forced proximity. I loved that so much of the story is spent with them living inside a bubble, where their relationship could grow stronger by the day. It’s a tense, delicious slow burn that heats up somewhere along the way, with the storyline easily holding my interest from start to finish. I binged it in a single day – I loved it!
The story follows Martina, the younger sister of a man who is making his move to become a mafia don. Martina’s abduction a few months ago kicked off the tension that’s been ratcheting up in their clan, so her brother instructs his security guy, Giorgio, to hide Martina until things settle down. The two have only met briefly in the past, but Giorgio can see that Martina is still haunted by her recent trauma. Since they’ll be spending time at a remote location for the foreseeable future, Giorgio decides to help bring Martina back from the dark place in her mind. But spending time with the young beauty has some unintended consequences, as Giorgio soon discovers that the combination of her sweetness and unexpected fire are exactly what he’s been missing in his life. As the two grow closer, Giorgio fights against his desires while trying to remember all of the reasons he should stay far, far away.
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The only thing that held me back from calling the first book in the series 5 stars was the weak emotional connection, so I was delighted to discover that it’s much stronger with this couple. From the start, Giorgio seems to understand Martina so well, and I loved that she snuck under his defenses in a way that he couldn’t predict. It’s a slowish burn with tons of sexual tension, and I honestly didn’t mind the age gap 99% of the time. Giorgio is all about bringing Martina back to life and making her understand her worth, even if he was keeping secrets that would catch up with him later on. He’s also a genuinely nice guy behind his stern exterior, and I loved the care he took with Martina. As for Martina, she grew on me more and more as she found her strength. I’m excited for the next couple in the series and to see where the action takes us next, which added a bingeable quality to the story. Now that I’m emotionally invested in the suspense, it’s easy to fly through the pages and become impatient for the next one. The good news? I’m late to the party, so I can dive right in.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bgSycu
Audio Note:
I really enjoyed the audio! Addison Barnes is a new-to-me narrator, but she does a fantastic job throughout. Her voice for Martina was easy to listen to, and I also liked her voice for Giorgio. It was also my first time listening to Antonio Amato, and he does a great job. His thick accent might’ve been too much for me if I hadn’t just listened to the first book in the series. I recommend listening to the sample before diving in, as his accent is likely to make you feel strongly one way or another. I got used to it pretty quickly, and it added a ton of personality to the performance. Not sure I’d listen to this one at the office, but things don’t heat up for awhile. It gets spicy after that, for sure. The runtime (11-12 hours) should’ve been too much for a single day, but I was completely engrossed in the story, so I stayed up late. I’ve been loving the series on audio, and plan to continue with the format – highly recommended.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4bbT0ZJ
Blurb:
She’s eighteen. Innocent. Forbidden.
Martina De Rossi is off-limits, and not just because her brother is about to become the Don.
When I agree to protect her while he’s out waging a brutal war, it isn’t only out of loyalty.
It’s because Martina is the perfect pawn in my game of revenge.
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Unfortunately, she’s also temptation personified.
Innocent eyes. A body to die for. Silky blond hair that begs to be wrapped around my fist.
I’m a master of staying in control, but with each day she spends with me inside the walls of my remote Italian castle, I can feel my resolve cracking.
My gaze starts to drift.
My touch starts to linger.
And when she tempts, I realize this game we’re playing might be one I won’t win.~
A standalone forbidden mafia romance in The Fallen series. No cheating or OW drama.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bgSycu
Start the series today!
While the romance in each book stands alone, there is a lot of interconnectivity between the storylines, so I recommend reading the series in order. Sands does a fantastic job of making the subplot interesting and important, and you get a real feel for the characters before even beginning their love stories. I really enjoyed When She Unravels, so it was no hardship to start there!
He’s the most powerful man in Ibiza, and he’ll do anything to make me his.
I’ve been raised to be the perfect mafia wife, but when my marriage turns into a horrific nightmare, I have no choice but to leave everything behind and start a new life.
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I find myself alone in Ibiza—a place that swallows innocent girls like me alive. I’m robbed the day I arrive, left with nothing but a few euros and the clothes on my back.
My desperation leads me right to Damiano De Rossi. He rules over this island with an iron fist and beneath his strikingly handsome face lies a wicked darkness. I ask him for a job. He gives me far more than that—degradation, jealousy, and toe-curling lust.
When my resistance to him is all but gone, a secret is revealed, and we fall apart like a house of cards.
I know what I have to do. Run.
But when I try, I discover…he’s already got me bound.
When She Unravels is an 18+ dark mafia romance with mature themes, profanity, and plenty of steam. It’s book one in The Fallen series but can be read as a standalone.
Read the audiobook review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/499eHrp
About the Author:
Gabrielle Sands is a romance author who writes sexy, smart, dangerous romance. Her heroes are powerful mafiosos and her heroines always keep these alpha men on their toes. Gabrielle loves to travel and often writes her favorite destinations into her books.
When she’s not writing, Gabrielle enjoys exploring whatever city she’s in, grabbing a cocktail or two, and reading her favorite books. She lives in the most romantic small town in Mexico with her husband.
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