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Mafia Man's Virgin Wife
Enzo Amato owes a favor...
When Hank Bianchi calls in his favor, Enzo is more than ready to deliver. There is only one problem. Hank wants him to marry his daughter. The other little problem, it was a daughter he had with a mistress. This was unheard of, but Enzo does not like owing favors, and so, marrying Hank’s daughter is exactly what he will do.
Adele Shanks knows what her father is. She knows what he is capable of. After years of disappointment, her mother told her the truth. Hank is part of the mafia, he is a capo. She wants no part of his world. When Enzo enters the bar where she works, she knows it is going to end badly.
Adele rejects him as she doesn’t want to be part of her father’s world. Enzo will not take no for an answer.
Enzo will not fail. Adele will be his wife and he’s not above blackmail. He uses her friends against her, so Adele has no choice but to go with him. She will become his wife.
Adele doesn’t hate Enzo. What she doesn’t know, is that Enzo has fallen in love with his little virgin wife, and he wants to keep her, build a family, and to mend her broken heart. Could it be possible for Adele to find everything she has been looking for?
When Hank Bianchi calls in his favor, Enzo is more than ready to deliver. There is only one problem. Hank wants him to marry his daughter. The other little problem, it was a daughter he had with a mistress. This was unheard of, but Enzo does not like owing favors, and so, marrying Hank’s daughter is exactly what he will do.
Adele Shanks knows what her father is. She knows what he is capable of. After years of disappointment, her mother told her the truth. Hank is part of the mafia, he is a capo. She wants no part of his world. When Enzo enters the bar where she works, she knows it is going to end badly.
Adele rejects him as she doesn’t want to be part of her father’s world. Enzo will not take no for an answer.
Enzo will not fail. Adele will be his wife and he’s not above blackmail. He uses her friends against her, so Adele has no choice but to go with him. She will become his wife.
Adele doesn’t hate Enzo. What she doesn’t know, is that Enzo has fallen in love with his little virgin wife, and he wants to keep her, build a family, and to mend her broken heart. Could it be possible for Adele to find everything she has been looking for?
Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
124 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Sam Crescent
555 books5,532 followersSam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 23, 2023
From page one I had a strong dislike for Enzo. He was arrogant, entitled, and felt that he could just walk and demand marriage and Adele would just say yes.
Adele pulled on my heart strings with everything she has been through in her childhood with her dad and the loss of her mom. And here is Enzo making demands and not taking no for an answer, uprooting her from her life without a care, with no consideration to her wants and needs. But oh I love her sass and snarky attitude ❤️
Enzo finally redeemed himself but not until near the end.
Enjoyed this story!
Adele pulled on my heart strings with everything she has been through in her childhood with her dad and the loss of her mom. And here is Enzo making demands and not taking no for an answer, uprooting her from her life without a care, with no consideration to her wants and needs. But oh I love her sass and snarky attitude ❤️
Enzo finally redeemed himself but not until near the end.
Enjoyed this story!
October 8, 2023
H was nice for a capo!
October 12, 2023
This author is very hit and miss, almost bipolar in how extreme her books can swing from good to horrible.
This was a winner for me. It was an arranged marriage trope, with the hero marrying the heroine as a favor to her estranged father. The plot was pretty simple and straightforward, the writing was smooth and flowed well, and i love that.
The hero was attracted to the heroine immediately, liked her sass and fiery spirit and the heroine who was smart enough to know that resisting the demands of a mafia boss would be the height of stupidity. She’s attracted to the hero, but doesn’t like him. And it takes time for her to fall for him. There was tension, steam and heart!
Safe-ish Hero’s past is mentioned only briefly. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no cheating or sharing. HEA with epilogue
This was a winner for me. It was an arranged marriage trope, with the hero marrying the heroine as a favor to her estranged father. The plot was pretty simple and straightforward, the writing was smooth and flowed well, and i love that.
The hero was attracted to the heroine immediately, liked her sass and fiery spirit and the heroine who was smart enough to know that resisting the demands of a mafia boss would be the height of stupidity. She’s attracted to the hero, but doesn’t like him. And it takes time for her to fall for him. There was tension, steam and heart!
Safe-ish Hero’s past is mentioned only briefly. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no cheating or sharing. HEA with epilogue
October 1, 2023
A mother’s love
Such an amazing love story! I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when daddy dearest brought his long forgotten daughter back into the fold, but with this author I should have known it would be a fantastic HEA. The characters are endearing and I loved watching them grow into their new roles and find love. They fit seamlessly into the story the author crafted to bring them together. We got to see secrets revealed and watch old wounds heal, and it was phenomenal. This has to be one of my favorites by the author! I can’t wait to see what her imagination cooks up next!
Such an amazing love story! I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when daddy dearest brought his long forgotten daughter back into the fold, but with this author I should have known it would be a fantastic HEA. The characters are endearing and I loved watching them grow into their new roles and find love. They fit seamlessly into the story the author crafted to bring them together. We got to see secrets revealed and watch old wounds heal, and it was phenomenal. This has to be one of my favorites by the author! I can’t wait to see what her imagination cooks up next!
October 15, 2023
I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning, but I was surprised how much it hooked me in after a couple of chapters. I wasn't sure what direction this was going to go..but man was I happy with it.
When the main female characters dad (who she is estranged wit) arranges her marriage to Enzo without her knowing but leaves it up to Enzo to get her to marry him... it was a strange beginning.
However, Enzo falls for Adele almost immediately because she not only knows who he is, but fights back and that draws him in to her.
Watching their relationship evolve and them fall for each other was a great story line, however reading Adele deal with the trauma of loosing her mom to cancer, as well as her relationship with her father and his family was what really made this book. My heart was very happy when she realized that hate is much more exhausting than forgiveness....and that forgiveness comes in so many ways.
If you are looking for a good quick read this one is it and I very much so recommend it.
When the main female characters dad (who she is estranged wit) arranges her marriage to Enzo without her knowing but leaves it up to Enzo to get her to marry him... it was a strange beginning.
However, Enzo falls for Adele almost immediately because she not only knows who he is, but fights back and that draws him in to her.
Watching their relationship evolve and them fall for each other was a great story line, however reading Adele deal with the trauma of loosing her mom to cancer, as well as her relationship with her father and his family was what really made this book. My heart was very happy when she realized that hate is much more exhausting than forgiveness....and that forgiveness comes in so many ways.
If you are looking for a good quick read this one is it and I very much so recommend it.
Read
September 28, 2023MMC/FMC- Enzo and Adele
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Mafia Romance Lite
Heat- they do the thing and use all of the words to describe it.
Series ?
Safety: N. Author seems to think that physical reactions equal consent. No cheating, no sharing, no OW/OM drama. No cliffhanger, HEA.
Triggers- language, violence, explicit erotic content.
Tropes- Age Gap, Forced Marriage, Virgin Heroine.
What I liked- to be honest, I didn’t feel that this book was up to Crescent’s usual standards. It was okay.
What I didn’t- I don’t like books where the Hero convinces the heroine that a physical response equals consent. I also don’t like that she was expected to forgive and have a relationship with people who don’t do anything worthy of redemption.
Verdict - I’m disappointed because Crescent is usually better than this. I’d skip it and read one of their other books.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Mafia Romance Lite
Heat- they do the thing and use all of the words to describe it.
Series ?
Safety: N. Author seems to think that physical reactions equal consent. No cheating, no sharing, no OW/OM drama. No cliffhanger, HEA.
Triggers- language, violence, explicit erotic content.
Tropes- Age Gap, Forced Marriage, Virgin Heroine.
What I liked- to be honest, I didn’t feel that this book was up to Crescent’s usual standards. It was okay.
What I didn’t- I don’t like books where the Hero convinces the heroine that a physical response equals consent. I also don’t like that she was expected to forgive and have a relationship with people who don’t do anything worthy of redemption.
Verdict - I’m disappointed because Crescent is usually better than this. I’d skip it and read one of their other books.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
October 29, 2023
This is quite light compared to sums usual books, and I really enjoyed the change of pace, it’s no less a read because of it. I love how feisty Adele was compared to your typical mafia bride you connect with her and feel so sorry for her situation. Another wonderful read from Sam looking forward as always to the next
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2024
Fairly disappointing
I’m bummed I spent money on this book. I’ve never read anything by this author, so I made the decision to purchase based on the reviews (honestly, it’s why I’m leaving one now, cause i feel kind of suckered) that were positive and some were even glowing. I felt absolutely no connection with either the FMC or MMC, no character development and so very flat on the page. There was no spark to the dialogue at any point in this book. I kept waiting for an uptick in momentum or sparkle in moments of conflict….nada. It was so painfully vanilla that I verbally expressed my frustration with the author completely alone in my living room, multiple times 🤷🏼♀️ if you like sweet romance with a whisper of mafia I guess you could enjoy this but I don’t see the point in writing in this genre and doing it so meh. Another point of major contention is how much the POV is from the MMC and how little he gives a shit about anything, every time he mentions his soon to be wife in his head (for our supposed reading pleasure) he’s a dick who is so uninspiring it made me livid. I felt like I was reading a script for a hallmark movie about a mafia capo and a seamstress trying to come to terms with their arranged marriage 🤦🏼♀️
Needless to say, I do not recommend this book and I won’t be pursuing the other books by this author. Two hours wasted.
I’m bummed I spent money on this book. I’ve never read anything by this author, so I made the decision to purchase based on the reviews (honestly, it’s why I’m leaving one now, cause i feel kind of suckered) that were positive and some were even glowing. I felt absolutely no connection with either the FMC or MMC, no character development and so very flat on the page. There was no spark to the dialogue at any point in this book. I kept waiting for an uptick in momentum or sparkle in moments of conflict….nada. It was so painfully vanilla that I verbally expressed my frustration with the author completely alone in my living room, multiple times 🤷🏼♀️ if you like sweet romance with a whisper of mafia I guess you could enjoy this but I don’t see the point in writing in this genre and doing it so meh. Another point of major contention is how much the POV is from the MMC and how little he gives a shit about anything, every time he mentions his soon to be wife in his head (for our supposed reading pleasure) he’s a dick who is so uninspiring it made me livid. I felt like I was reading a script for a hallmark movie about a mafia capo and a seamstress trying to come to terms with their arranged marriage 🤦🏼♀️
Needless to say, I do not recommend this book and I won’t be pursuing the other books by this author. Two hours wasted.
October 23, 2023
Mafia Man's Virgin Wife a full-length standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a satisfying happily-ever-after. A exquisitely written story with complex characters and a complex storyline that grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you engrossed, hook and invested in the characters happily-ever-after. The story flows seamlessly from page to page and keeps you turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, gripping, enthralling addictive and unputdownable read. This is Enzo and Adele story.
A BBW, contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, age gap trope story, lies, opposite attracts story, bad boy romance, tragedy, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes, forced proximity, arranged marriage, billionaire romance, loss, drama, forced marriage, May/December, with a rubenesque woman, virgin heroine, anger, angst, tension, emotions, resentment, lust-at-first-sight, marriage on a debt owed, marriage of convenience, heartache, forgiveness, pain, acceptance, blackmail, violence, danger, fear, secrets, family issues, passion, power and control, manipulation, revelations, healing, erotic romantic scenes, deception, pleasure, redemption, submission, dominance, betrayal, second chance, and love.
Hank Bianchi is a mafia boss who saved Enzo Amato life years ago leaving Enzo owing him a favor for his act. He has called in this favor from him which Enzo is more than happy and ready to deliver so that his debt is clear. There's only one problem with this favor he wants him to marry his estranged daughter Adele Shanks who had with his mistress. This arrangement is unheard of in their world, but because he hates owing favors he doesn't have a problem but to go through with the wedding. Adele was raised by a single mother, but has heard all about her estranged dad and who and what he does and also what he's capable of. Her whole life she has been disappointed by not having a father in her life because of his broken promises until finally her mother told her the truth surrounding her dad and why he's not apart of her life. He's in the mafia, a capo and doesn't want any part of that dangerous world or him.
As a mafia princess it is expected of her to marry the man who her father pick out regardless if she's estranged from him or not. She's working at a bar as a bartender and the moment she saw Enzo entered her establishment she knew that it was going to be the type of problem that she didn't want any part of because she didn't want any part of Enzo and her father's world. Hank has never been apart of Adele life but yet he wants to marry her off to someone in the mafia world. When Enzo proposed to Adele she rejected his offer instantly. However, he will not take no for an answer or fail in his quest as this marriage will clear the debt owed to Hank. He has made up his mind that she will resort to any tactics to get what he want and he wasn't above blackmailing her using her friends against her to achieve his goal. With back against the wall he leaves her no other choice but to become his wife so that he would leave her friends alone.
Enzo is ruthless, calculated, cold-hearted, and relentless. He didn't care if he disrupt or caused chaos in her life as long as he gets what he wanted. Adele enjoys working at the bar and going home to work on her hobby of sewing. Adele is beautiful, defiant, sassy, fiesty, stubborn, and strong-willed. She was the light to his darkness. He promised her that she never had to see her dad nor be around him, but he broke his promise. However, she and her dad talked out their problems and was able to move forward towards healing her broken heart. They didn't know that they needed each other. Enzo was only repaying his debt because he didn't wanted a wife, but her sassiness and pig-headed ways as brought him to his knees and made him fall in love with her. He quickly realized that he wanted to keep her, build a family, and mend her broken heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A BBW, contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, age gap trope story, lies, opposite attracts story, bad boy romance, tragedy, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes, forced proximity, arranged marriage, billionaire romance, loss, drama, forced marriage, May/December, with a rubenesque woman, virgin heroine, anger, angst, tension, emotions, resentment, lust-at-first-sight, marriage on a debt owed, marriage of convenience, heartache, forgiveness, pain, acceptance, blackmail, violence, danger, fear, secrets, family issues, passion, power and control, manipulation, revelations, healing, erotic romantic scenes, deception, pleasure, redemption, submission, dominance, betrayal, second chance, and love.
Hank Bianchi is a mafia boss who saved Enzo Amato life years ago leaving Enzo owing him a favor for his act. He has called in this favor from him which Enzo is more than happy and ready to deliver so that his debt is clear. There's only one problem with this favor he wants him to marry his estranged daughter Adele Shanks who had with his mistress. This arrangement is unheard of in their world, but because he hates owing favors he doesn't have a problem but to go through with the wedding. Adele was raised by a single mother, but has heard all about her estranged dad and who and what he does and also what he's capable of. Her whole life she has been disappointed by not having a father in her life because of his broken promises until finally her mother told her the truth surrounding her dad and why he's not apart of her life. He's in the mafia, a capo and doesn't want any part of that dangerous world or him.
As a mafia princess it is expected of her to marry the man who her father pick out regardless if she's estranged from him or not. She's working at a bar as a bartender and the moment she saw Enzo entered her establishment she knew that it was going to be the type of problem that she didn't want any part of because she didn't want any part of Enzo and her father's world. Hank has never been apart of Adele life but yet he wants to marry her off to someone in the mafia world. When Enzo proposed to Adele she rejected his offer instantly. However, he will not take no for an answer or fail in his quest as this marriage will clear the debt owed to Hank. He has made up his mind that she will resort to any tactics to get what he want and he wasn't above blackmailing her using her friends against her to achieve his goal. With back against the wall he leaves her no other choice but to become his wife so that he would leave her friends alone.
Enzo is ruthless, calculated, cold-hearted, and relentless. He didn't care if he disrupt or caused chaos in her life as long as he gets what he wanted. Adele enjoys working at the bar and going home to work on her hobby of sewing. Adele is beautiful, defiant, sassy, fiesty, stubborn, and strong-willed. She was the light to his darkness. He promised her that she never had to see her dad nor be around him, but he broke his promise. However, she and her dad talked out their problems and was able to move forward towards healing her broken heart. They didn't know that they needed each other. Enzo was only repaying his debt because he didn't wanted a wife, but her sassiness and pig-headed ways as brought him to his knees and made him fall in love with her. He quickly realized that he wanted to keep her, build a family, and mend her broken heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2024
MAFIA MAN’S VIRGIN WIFE by Sam Crescent is a contemporary, stand alone, erotic, Mafia romance novella focusing on thirty-five year old capo Enzo Amato, and twenty-three year old Adele Shanks.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Enzo and Adele) MAFIA MAN’S VIRGIN WIFE follows the arranged/forced marriage between our leading couple. Enzo Amato owes a debt to Hank Bianchi, a debt to be paid for by marrying illegitimate daughter, a woman who wants nothing to do with the lifestyle of the Mafia crime world. Enter Adele Shanks, the woman with whom Enzo will fall in love. Blackmailed into a marriage with a man she does not know, Adele struggles with what she knows, and what she will learn going forward. What ensues is the building relationship and marriage between Adele and Enzo, and the potential fall-out as the past is hoping for a second chance, a past that destroyed Adele, and the mother she loved.
The relationship between Adele and Enzo begins as an arrangement, a reluctant relationship in which Enzo is contracted to pay a debt, and Adele is the price of completion. Adele battles between head and heart, having witnessed the heart break of her mother, and the secrets of a life to which she want nothing to do. Falling for Enzo means betraying her mother but a ghost from the past wishes for Adele to forgive the sins. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate .
The secondary and supporting characters are interesting and troubled. We are introduced to Adele’s estranged father Hank Bianchi, his wife Isabella, as well as Adele’s former boss Bishop.
MAFIA MAN’S VIRGIN WIFE is a story of heart break, betrayal and grief. The premise is dramatic and captivating-the conflict is contained within the family unit. The romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined and broken.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Enzo and Adele) MAFIA MAN’S VIRGIN WIFE follows the arranged/forced marriage between our leading couple. Enzo Amato owes a debt to Hank Bianchi, a debt to be paid for by marrying illegitimate daughter, a woman who wants nothing to do with the lifestyle of the Mafia crime world. Enter Adele Shanks, the woman with whom Enzo will fall in love. Blackmailed into a marriage with a man she does not know, Adele struggles with what she knows, and what she will learn going forward. What ensues is the building relationship and marriage between Adele and Enzo, and the potential fall-out as the past is hoping for a second chance, a past that destroyed Adele, and the mother she loved.
The relationship between Adele and Enzo begins as an arrangement, a reluctant relationship in which Enzo is contracted to pay a debt, and Adele is the price of completion. Adele battles between head and heart, having witnessed the heart break of her mother, and the secrets of a life to which she want nothing to do. Falling for Enzo means betraying her mother but a ghost from the past wishes for Adele to forgive the sins. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate .
The secondary and supporting characters are interesting and troubled. We are introduced to Adele’s estranged father Hank Bianchi, his wife Isabella, as well as Adele’s former boss Bishop.
MAFIA MAN’S VIRGIN WIFE is a story of heart break, betrayal and grief. The premise is dramatic and captivating-the conflict is contained within the family unit. The romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined and broken.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
October 23, 2023
A debt had to be paid
Enzo didn’t like owing anyone, so when Hank came in after deciding what he wanted, Enzo wasn’t sure. You see Hank saved Enzo’s life and this is the only thing he’s ever asked for. So he goes to the bar where his daughter Adele works at. He is pleasantly surprised she is a girl with curves. She is beautiful and the problem being. She hated her father and she hated the organisation. But there was no way she could get out of this, it seemed unless if she didn’t agree to marry him he would hurt the people she cared. If Adele was honest, she was attracted to Enzo, but it was all too much to bear. She agreed to marry him If she didn’t have to see Hank and Enzo agreed, knowing he had just lied to her. So how would things go from there??
I’ve got a say there was a lot going on in this book and my heart went out for Adele when she spoke about her past. I liked that she was feisty and sassy and didn’t rely on anyone, but that also made it harder to see her future being part of a Capo’s wife in the mafia . And the fact that people didn’t know her she wasn’t brought up within the mafia and people didn’t trust her, but Enzo always had her back.
I’ve got to say I really liked Adele and Enzo. I liked that Adele wouldn’t back down if something needed to be said she would say it. My heart broke for her when she spoke about her mum. But after these two are married and it becomes very obvious that the attraction is mutual these two have a passion, that is just explosive. They make an excellent couple. I Really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enzo didn’t like owing anyone, so when Hank came in after deciding what he wanted, Enzo wasn’t sure. You see Hank saved Enzo’s life and this is the only thing he’s ever asked for. So he goes to the bar where his daughter Adele works at. He is pleasantly surprised she is a girl with curves. She is beautiful and the problem being. She hated her father and she hated the organisation. But there was no way she could get out of this, it seemed unless if she didn’t agree to marry him he would hurt the people she cared. If Adele was honest, she was attracted to Enzo, but it was all too much to bear. She agreed to marry him If she didn’t have to see Hank and Enzo agreed, knowing he had just lied to her. So how would things go from there??
I’ve got a say there was a lot going on in this book and my heart went out for Adele when she spoke about her past. I liked that she was feisty and sassy and didn’t rely on anyone, but that also made it harder to see her future being part of a Capo’s wife in the mafia . And the fact that people didn’t know her she wasn’t brought up within the mafia and people didn’t trust her, but Enzo always had her back.
I’ve got to say I really liked Adele and Enzo. I liked that Adele wouldn’t back down if something needed to be said she would say it. My heart broke for her when she spoke about her mum. But after these two are married and it becomes very obvious that the attraction is mutual these two have a passion, that is just explosive. They make an excellent couple. I Really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2023
Mafia Man's Virgin Wife by Sam Crescent. This is Enzo Amato and Adele Shanks enemies to lovers romance. This is a fast-paced page-turning read. Hank Bianchi saved Enzo Amato's life five years ago and so now Enzo owed Hank a favor. Enzo is now thirty-five and has been head of the family for ten years. For the favor to be re-payed Hank wants Enzo to marry his illegitimate daughter Adele. Adele's mother Carla had passed away two-years ago from cancer. Carla was a dancer and her career ended when a male dancer dropped her and broke her ankle. Carla didn't know who Hank was or that he was married. Carla had her daughter Adele and was a single mother. Carla told Adele who her father was and what he did. Adele was disappointed her whole life for not having a father and him always breaking promises. They didn't want any part of the mafia life he lived. Enzo proposed to Adele, but she wanted no part of it and turned him down. Enzo doesn't give up. He blackmailed Adele into marriage by using her friends. Enzo loved the way Adele didn't fall in line, her being sassy, strong and stubborn. Enzo and Adele were meant for each other. Wonderful characters. I really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2024
I must admit that the title of this book nearly put me off but I am glad that it didn't. This is a comparatively short story but with a lot of content.
Adel shanks's childhood had been idyllic with a loving mother who had taught Adeel her values and standards, how to live her life also her love of fabrics and dressmaking, the only thing marring her childhood was her absent father, the father who made promises that he broke, the father who arranged visits that he never made, the father who was never there when she needed him, the father who was a powerful mafia boss, the married father who her mother had loved.
Hank Bianchi was that absent father, Hank had loved Adele's mother but he was a married man, after her death Hank was determined that he would protect Adele and the best way to do this was to arrange a good marriage for her.
Enzo Amato was also a mafia capo. he owed his life to Hank and when Hank called in the favour Enzo knew that he had to pay his debt even though it meant marrying Hank's daughter.
When Enzo saw Adele in the bar where she was working he wasn't disappointed but feisty, sassy Adele wanted nothing to do with the mafia, she knew who her father was, she knew what he did and she wasn't letting him dictate her life.
This story follows Adele and Enzo's story, their meeting, their heated confrontations, the combustible attraction between them and of course their eventual falling in love. I loved Adele's character, I wanted to dislike Enzo but I couldn't, this is a lovely story with a delightful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Adel shanks's childhood had been idyllic with a loving mother who had taught Adeel her values and standards, how to live her life also her love of fabrics and dressmaking, the only thing marring her childhood was her absent father, the father who made promises that he broke, the father who arranged visits that he never made, the father who was never there when she needed him, the father who was a powerful mafia boss, the married father who her mother had loved.
Hank Bianchi was that absent father, Hank had loved Adele's mother but he was a married man, after her death Hank was determined that he would protect Adele and the best way to do this was to arrange a good marriage for her.
Enzo Amato was also a mafia capo. he owed his life to Hank and when Hank called in the favour Enzo knew that he had to pay his debt even though it meant marrying Hank's daughter.
When Enzo saw Adele in the bar where she was working he wasn't disappointed but feisty, sassy Adele wanted nothing to do with the mafia, she knew who her father was, she knew what he did and she wasn't letting him dictate her life.
This story follows Adele and Enzo's story, their meeting, their heated confrontations, the combustible attraction between them and of course their eventual falling in love. I loved Adele's character, I wanted to dislike Enzo but I couldn't, this is a lovely story with a delightful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
October 27, 2023
The arranged marriage/mafia trope is one that I’ve read a lot of, but I enjoyed the unique twist that Mafia Man’s Virgin Wife brought to the table. Adele is Hank, a mafia boss's illegitimate daughter. She hasn't grown up in the lifestyle but is extremely knowledgeable about it. She isn't happy when she learns her dad has told one of his men to marry her to pay off a debt, and I love her reaction. Adele is not your typical mafia woman who is quiet and compliant; she’s fiery and stands up for herself, a characteristic that Enzo comes to find endearing. While I felt sorry for her as she was rail-roaded and forced into marriage, having everything she knew taken from her since the loss of her mother, I was glad to see her get some closure for her failed relationship with her father and some happiness in the end.
At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Enzo's character because of his pushy tactics, but as the book went on, I was happy to see him soften and gain more likeability. Adele has become more than just his debt, and it is evident that he truly cares for her- even going so far as to defend her from Hank.
As the title implies, Adele was a virgin when she married Enzo, and the scene in which they consummated the marriage was the first spicy scene of the book. It was detailed perfectly; it wasn’t overly explicit but gave a good mix of passion and pleasure while being gentle (well, as gentle as a mafia man claiming his woman can be).
It was a quick read, and in comparison to some of Sam’s works, it was quite lighthearted, making it easy and enjoyable.
At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Enzo's character because of his pushy tactics, but as the book went on, I was happy to see him soften and gain more likeability. Adele has become more than just his debt, and it is evident that he truly cares for her- even going so far as to defend her from Hank.
As the title implies, Adele was a virgin when she married Enzo, and the scene in which they consummated the marriage was the first spicy scene of the book. It was detailed perfectly; it wasn’t overly explicit but gave a good mix of passion and pleasure while being gentle (well, as gentle as a mafia man claiming his woman can be).
It was a quick read, and in comparison to some of Sam’s works, it was quite lighthearted, making it easy and enjoyable.
October 8, 2023
Enzo is at the top of game, a strong leader for the “family” and hates owing debts (he prefers to collect them), but when a fellow boss asks him to marry his illegitimate daughter to finish the debt between them what is he supposed to do. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it Adele is not the typical mafia princess. So i have to say I really, really loved Adele. Growing up with essentially a single mom she’s taught to be strong and independent but still has the biggest heart, and while marrying Enzo is the last thing she wants she’s not afraid to protect her “people.” Initially I thought Enzo was going to be an alpha male jerk but soon into their relationship he redeems himself, while still being the strong mafia boss you’ve come to expect from the author. The steam in this book is 5/5, so get your fans ready, but with plenty of emotional moments too so it’s not just bedroom scenes, only the mafia angle is pretty small outside of Enzo’s job. If you want a quick read with plenty of heat while still retaining an actual story line this is the book for you. 5 stars. Thanks you to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read and review this arc book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 7, 2023
Interesting read for sure. This is only the second book I have read by this author, but I am enjoying her writing. But now for the review of this book.....
I am not too sure if I like Enzo that much at the start. He seemed to be very arrogant and cold. When Hank Bianchi calls in a favor, Enzo reacts as though it is nothing more than one more business transaction that he must deal with. But that cold and arrogance soon changes to heat and dominance when he meets Adele to inform her than her long absent father (Hank) has called in a favor - a favor that will require her to marry Enzo. As angry as Adele is at finding this out and as determined that Enzo will treat this more as a business transaction, they both will find that their physical attraction is going to win. Can a relationship - wedding - survive on just physical attraction? Time will tell I guess. This was a very emotional story. I was sad for Adele's up bringing. I was angry at Hank and Enzo's agreement. But this is not that simple of a story. This was quite an emotional but enjoyable book to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not too sure if I like Enzo that much at the start. He seemed to be very arrogant and cold. When Hank Bianchi calls in a favor, Enzo reacts as though it is nothing more than one more business transaction that he must deal with. But that cold and arrogance soon changes to heat and dominance when he meets Adele to inform her than her long absent father (Hank) has called in a favor - a favor that will require her to marry Enzo. As angry as Adele is at finding this out and as determined that Enzo will treat this more as a business transaction, they both will find that their physical attraction is going to win. Can a relationship - wedding - survive on just physical attraction? Time will tell I guess. This was a very emotional story. I was sad for Adele's up bringing. I was angry at Hank and Enzo's agreement. But this is not that simple of a story. This was quite an emotional but enjoyable book to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2023
The author writes another successful Mafia romance, this time between a reluctant Adele Shanks and capo Enzo Amato. The illegitimate daughter of Hank Bianchi, Adele has been mourning her mother’s death for the past 2 years. She is in no mood to entertain anything regarding her biological father, since he abandoned them… he was already married. Why is he still interested in her future? She is unaware that her father wants her to marry Enzo, and Enzo didn’t know either, until Hank asks him for a favor. Undeterred by Adele’s reluctance, Enzo pursues Adele. In that brief period, he realizes that Adele wants nothing to do with her father at all nor his wishes. Read why. Readers will adore their negotiations before marriage will occur. Essentially, Adele questions “… so you get a wife and kids… what’s in it for me, what do I get?” 😂. Despite being a novella, Crescent gives us characters with depth, a respectable plot, some interesting nuances and a HEA. I like that. 4 stars, because 5 stars are for rereads or lengthier books with the same qualities as this one.
I have received an ARC from the author through BookSirens and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
I have received an ARC from the author through BookSirens and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
October 22, 2023
A Mafia story that will satisfy your need for revenge, tug the heartstrings, and leave you content by the end of the story.
Adele has hated her father since her teen years after being let down again and again by him and then, to top it off, her mom tells her the truth of her background. Adele is the daughter of a married Mafia man.
Enzo owes Adele's father a favor, and that pay comes in the form of marrying his illegitimate daughter, but a daughter he loves nonetheless, even if she has nothing to do with him.
Upon the "forced" marriage, Enzo finds himself in awe of his new wife while she struggles to fit into the role she now must lead.
After her wedding, secrets are revealed to Adele and she must come to terms with things that break her heart, but she does it. What comes is a sweet opening of the heart in a way that I absolutely enjoyed reading about - her forgiveness and willingness to welcome those she was wronged by was wonderful and just made this story that much sweeter.
I have never been let down by this author and you won't either if you read this story.
Adele has hated her father since her teen years after being let down again and again by him and then, to top it off, her mom tells her the truth of her background. Adele is the daughter of a married Mafia man.
Enzo owes Adele's father a favor, and that pay comes in the form of marrying his illegitimate daughter, but a daughter he loves nonetheless, even if she has nothing to do with him.
Upon the "forced" marriage, Enzo finds himself in awe of his new wife while she struggles to fit into the role she now must lead.
After her wedding, secrets are revealed to Adele and she must come to terms with things that break her heart, but she does it. What comes is a sweet opening of the heart in a way that I absolutely enjoyed reading about - her forgiveness and willingness to welcome those she was wronged by was wonderful and just made this story that much sweeter.
I have never been let down by this author and you won't either if you read this story.
April 2, 2024
Mafia Man's Virgin Wife - Sam Crescent
Adele shanks is the 23 year old illegitimate daughter of Hank Bianchi who has has a very distant relationship with his daughter over the last decade even though he longs for more. After Adele's mother passes away Adele becomes stuck in a lonely routine with no real chance at happiness, so Hank decides to right several wrongs but calling in his debt with Enzo Amato a fellow 35 year old capo. Enzo hates owing anyone and agrees to the debt payment but is shocked when he meets Adele she is nothing like the quiet and unquestioning females the mafia usually raise. Adele is full of fire and oassion and everything Enzo didn't even realise he was looking for. I absolutely adored this book, there us so much more to the characters of both Adele and Enzo, there are a few twists along the way and lots of passion guaranteed to get your pulse racing. A really enjoyable read that I would thoroughly recommend.
5 out of 5 stars.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
Adele shanks is the 23 year old illegitimate daughter of Hank Bianchi who has has a very distant relationship with his daughter over the last decade even though he longs for more. After Adele's mother passes away Adele becomes stuck in a lonely routine with no real chance at happiness, so Hank decides to right several wrongs but calling in his debt with Enzo Amato a fellow 35 year old capo. Enzo hates owing anyone and agrees to the debt payment but is shocked when he meets Adele she is nothing like the quiet and unquestioning females the mafia usually raise. Adele is full of fire and oassion and everything Enzo didn't even realise he was looking for. I absolutely adored this book, there us so much more to the characters of both Adele and Enzo, there are a few twists along the way and lots of passion guaranteed to get your pulse racing. A really enjoyable read that I would thoroughly recommend.
5 out of 5 stars.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
October 1, 2023
A Passion That Couldn’t Be Denied!
Enzo didn’t want to marry, if he wanted a woman, he’d get a woman his lifestyle was cruel with danger and he was one of the most dangerous men around. When a favor was called in, he agreed to fulfill it.
Adele didn’t want to marry and she certainly didn’t want to live a life within her father’s world, her mother had kept her away from it and she was happy to live a quiet life until Enzo charged into it and gave her no choice.
A hot, sizzling read with emotions running high and low! Could she forgive the father she thought had betrayed her and could she overcome all her fears to accept and take up the love waiting to be claimed in front of her?
An entertaining read with a wonderful HEA which will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enzo didn’t want to marry, if he wanted a woman, he’d get a woman his lifestyle was cruel with danger and he was one of the most dangerous men around. When a favor was called in, he agreed to fulfill it.
Adele didn’t want to marry and she certainly didn’t want to live a life within her father’s world, her mother had kept her away from it and she was happy to live a quiet life until Enzo charged into it and gave her no choice.
A hot, sizzling read with emotions running high and low! Could she forgive the father she thought had betrayed her and could she overcome all her fears to accept and take up the love waiting to be claimed in front of her?
An entertaining read with a wonderful HEA which will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2023
Paying a debt by marrying someone’s daughter is the beginning of this story. Enzo owes his life to Hank and Hank decided to call in is favor by asking Enzo to marry his illegitimate daughter Adele. Adele wants no part of it, and she is contented in her life. Adele despises Hank for several reasons, including the fact that he is in the Mafia, and she wants nothing to do with him. She also wants nothing to do with Enzo, but he insists that she will be his wife.
Over time, their relationship builds, and her father wants to be involved in her life, which she refuses. There comes a point when Adele receives a letter from her late mother that changes many feelings for her. It’s an interesting story about love, loss, heartbreak, and forgiveness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Over time, their relationship builds, and her father wants to be involved in her life, which she refuses. There comes a point when Adele receives a letter from her late mother that changes many feelings for her. It’s an interesting story about love, loss, heartbreak, and forgiveness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2023
‘Mafia Man’s Virgin Wife’ by Sam Crescent is a poignant story about a mother’s love and how she continued even after her death. Adele is a beautiful curvy woman who is alone, works, hates her father and loves to create in her sewing room. Enzo’s world is cruel, violent, and mired in tradition and mores. Sam is so brilliant at evoking the emotional and physical responses that her characters become real. I feel their sadness, their anger, and their love. Enzo and Adele are poetry: he needs her fire and she needs his strength. The dialogue between them is written to illustrate the sexual attraction between them, their commitment to each other, and the trust that develops. This is an uplifting story of love, forgiveness, and family! Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2023
I liked seeing the different forms of love in this book. Love of your partner, love of your parent, love of a child, forbidden love, unrequited love. Seeing Enzo and Adele find their way to love, or atleast coming to the realization that that's what they have and feel. Of course I would have liked it to be a tad longer, and I wouldn't have minded seeing on paper her relationship building with her dad, step mom and siblings. The siblings had a brief mention earlier in the book that wasn't flattering so I would have liked seeing how her and the sister became close and how her relationship is with the brother's. I think the final letter from Carla was sweet and a nice touch to bring the story full circle. Overall it was a nice quick read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2023
*3.5 stars*
Complicated family…
Enzo was a man of his word so when Hank Bianchi said marry his daughter that is exactly what he did. Of course, the last thing Adele wanted was to please a man who she’d been estranged from for so long. Her father had broken her heart, end of story. And soon, Enzo, was going to as well…
Oh, the drama in this story, I couldn’t get enough lol. Enzo and Adele were at loggerheads constantly but Adele’s stubbornness was no match for a man intent on keeping a promise. So he did. And lost his heart. Of course he had to work hard at it and that so fun – a feared man brought to his knees by a quiet woman who stuck to her guns…
I don’t know what it is about this author’s books but not reading them is never an option. And I’m always glad I do…
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to BookSirens
Complicated family…
Enzo was a man of his word so when Hank Bianchi said marry his daughter that is exactly what he did. Of course, the last thing Adele wanted was to please a man who she’d been estranged from for so long. Her father had broken her heart, end of story. And soon, Enzo, was going to as well…
Oh, the drama in this story, I couldn’t get enough lol. Enzo and Adele were at loggerheads constantly but Adele’s stubbornness was no match for a man intent on keeping a promise. So he did. And lost his heart. Of course he had to work hard at it and that so fun – a feared man brought to his knees by a quiet woman who stuck to her guns…
I don’t know what it is about this author’s books but not reading them is never an option. And I’m always glad I do…
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to BookSirens
October 24, 2023
Adele has been fighting to stay strong after he mothers death two years earlier. Hank, Adele's Father calls in a favour from when he saved Enzo's life, he requests that Enzo marry his illegitimate estranged daughter and bring her into the mafia fold. Enzo reluctantly agrees, but soon discovers he enjoys Adele's strength, her spirit and her difference to all the "properly raised" mafia women in his world.
I have read a number of Sam Crescent's mafia books, I still find the plots in them to be different, it isn't like you are reading the same story again, I found Mafia Man's Virgin Wife to be particularly enjoyable, how Adele wasn't a typical Mafia women and the challenges she threw up along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read a number of Sam Crescent's mafia books, I still find the plots in them to be different, it isn't like you are reading the same story again, I found Mafia Man's Virgin Wife to be particularly enjoyable, how Adele wasn't a typical Mafia women and the challenges she threw up along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2023
I love these Mafia books and how although that life is pretty much the same in each book, each book still gives you a glimpse into each couple coming to love.
Adel is the illegitimate child of a Capo, Hank. Hank has gone another Capo, Enzo, to call in a favor..marry my daughter to help keep her safe. Enzo doesn't want a wife but will do it as a favor until he meets Adele. Enzo changes..he finds himself wanting her, to protect her, to care for her and to give her as much of the life she was robbed of back.
This books takes you through the emotional roller coaster of being abandoned, found, and abandoned again. It takes you the the pain of being alone and trying to face this world while seeming underwater in grief. Sam will always have me as a fan cause she writes from a place of truth and it comes a rroes the pages from the first word.
Adel is the illegitimate child of a Capo, Hank. Hank has gone another Capo, Enzo, to call in a favor..marry my daughter to help keep her safe. Enzo doesn't want a wife but will do it as a favor until he meets Adele. Enzo changes..he finds himself wanting her, to protect her, to care for her and to give her as much of the life she was robbed of back.
This books takes you through the emotional roller coaster of being abandoned, found, and abandoned again. It takes you the the pain of being alone and trying to face this world while seeming underwater in grief. Sam will always have me as a fan cause she writes from a place of truth and it comes a rroes the pages from the first word.
March 17, 2024
This delightful short read captivated me with its blend of steamy romance and surprising emotional depth, with a sweet happily ever after. The story centres around Adele, a strong-willed woman who is the daughter of a high-ranking Don and his mistress. Now alone after her mother's passing, Adele finds herself in an arranged marriage to Enzo, orchestrated by her father. The book explores whether Adele can grow to love Enzo and whether forgiveness towards her father is within reach. While I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, I did feel the book could have been slightly longer. Nonetheless, the story offers a mix of spice, humour, and emotional complexity that I found enjoyable.
Tropes
* mafia
*age gap
*arrange marriage
*Spice 🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tropes
* mafia
*age gap
*arrange marriage
*Spice 🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
When Hank Bianchi asks Enzo Amato a favor, how can he refuse? This will repay a debt owed. Hank’s wants Enzo to marry Adele Shanks, his daughter. Thing is Adele wants nothing to do with her father’s world or him. Enzo had his work cut out for him. Adele is no wilting flower. She was hurt by her father all those years ago. You can understand why she didn’t want a relationship with him. And his wife, I have to say, I don’t know if I could forgive her. With Adele, Enzo was able to find that soft romantic in him. He wanted to give her the world. This story will pull at your heart. A daughter and an estranged father trying to make amends. Granted it is mafia but still everyone deserves to be happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2023
Mafia Man's Virgin Wife by Sam Crescent
Adele Shanks lives with her mother away from her capo father Hank Bianchi. After Hank's wife almost kills Adele's mother, Hank abandons his daughter and mistress. Two years after her mother dies Adele is stuck, her life has become routine. She goes to the fabric store, works, and comes home. Her father steps in trying to help but she hates him and his lifestyle she wants nothing to do with his plans. I found this book to be very entertaining and just loved the characters of this story. This story made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with this fast-pager-turning romance. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Adele Shanks lives with her mother away from her capo father Hank Bianchi. After Hank's wife almost kills Adele's mother, Hank abandons his daughter and mistress. Two years after her mother dies Adele is stuck, her life has become routine. She goes to the fabric store, works, and comes home. Her father steps in trying to help but she hates him and his lifestyle she wants nothing to do with his plans. I found this book to be very entertaining and just loved the characters of this story. This story made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with this fast-pager-turning romance. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2023
“She wasn’t making it easy for him, and he was more than okay with that.”
I’ll admit this book was nothing like I expected. Based on the blurb I was expecting a lot more angst, violence and drama. But it ended up being a great, if short, story of two people who are very different and have been basically forced to marry, learning to love each other. Because it was so short I felt we missed out on a lot of the relationship building but at no time did this ever feel rushed. What surprised me most is that the part that tore at my heart was the star-crossed tragic love between Adele’s mother and father. I actually cried twice over them. So very sad! All in all a good, quick, romantic story with a satisfying HEA end.
I’ll admit this book was nothing like I expected. Based on the blurb I was expecting a lot more angst, violence and drama. But it ended up being a great, if short, story of two people who are very different and have been basically forced to marry, learning to love each other. Because it was so short I felt we missed out on a lot of the relationship building but at no time did this ever feel rushed. What surprised me most is that the part that tore at my heart was the star-crossed tragic love between Adele’s mother and father. I actually cried twice over them. So very sad! All in all a good, quick, romantic story with a satisfying HEA end.
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