#mafiaromance

I’ve spent six years hiding behind a fake identity, too many deadbolts, and secrets that could destroy me.

Tangled Empires by Anna Harding

Tangled Empires book 8 out tomorrow!!

Alessandro Dinelli never wanted to become the kind of man who hurts his wife.

But the marriage he’s forced into with Gabriella Barone changes him.

Under Aurelio’s relentless pressure to produce an heir, Alessandro turns harder, colder—dangerously close to becoming as ruthless as his brother.

Gabi is terrified of the man she has been ordered to marry.

She can’t bear being Alessandro's wife, and confides in Leandro that she will do anything to escape him… even if it means ending her own life.

Leandro Barone is torn between the two people he loves most.

He’s been more of a parent than a brother to Gabi and would protect her with his life.

But Alessandro is the only man he has ever wanted a future with.

And when Gabi falls pregnant with twins, Alessandro’s fate becomes tied to her forever in the eyes of the Mafia.

Protecting Gabi means losing Alessandro.

Saving Alessandro means abandoning Gabi.

Leandro is forced into an impossible choice.

Every path ends in betrayal.

Every option risks the wrath of Aurelio Dinelli—a boss who demands absolute loyalty, absolute obedience, and absolute truth. Anyone who lies to him pays in blood.

So the three of them make the only choice they have left:

They will lie to the boss… and pray he never finds out.

Tangled Empires - a dark mafia series by Anna Harding

Title: The Beast Who Broke Me (Clemenza Family Book 2)

Author: Leighton Greene

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you to Leighton Greene for providing me a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Following straight on from the cliff-hanger ending of book 1 (The Beast who Bought Me) and the little bit of trust that had been built on both sides is now shattered. Caligula Clemenza and Damiano Orsini are forced by circumstance to return to their original arrangement but this time Cal has an ace up his sleeve to prevent Damiano from taking out his planned revenge, or so he hopes.  

Michael Ferraiuolo was, as always, the perfect accompaniment to Leighton Greene’s mafia world.

What I liked:  

Firstly, that double trouble cliff-hanger broke me! The anticipation that was building in my stomach while listening to the final chapters was painful. I’m not sure how I’m going to handle not knowing its resolution until book 3 is released!  But aside from that, this 2nd book of the Clemenza family ticked so many boxes for me, including some dark twisty x-rated scenes I didn’t know I needed! There was a good deal of personal growth for both mc’s, and the rebuilding of their fragile bond was fraught but rewarding. The increase in mafia politics from the previous book was welcome, though also nerve-racking as I had no idea who could be trusted. 

Final thoughts: Another twisting journey of emotions ending in a double whammy of a cliff-hanger!

Who would enjoy this: 

Fans of dark contemporary romance with morally grey characters. Heads up, this book has a cliffhanger ending, but the author has said all books will be out this year.

Note; this is a very dark romance for adult readers. Content guidance can be found at: 

https://leightongreene.com/the-beast-who-broke-me/

Tangled Empires - a dark mafia series by Anna Harding

A crimson bead welled beneath the sharp edge before slowly trailing down the powerful column of his neck, disappearing beneath the open collar of his black shirt.

He didn’t even flinch.

WHAT TO EXPECT!

I’ve always been the good girl. The adored daughter. The sheltered sister. The innocent, younger friend.