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25 Must-Read Mafia Romance Books

Bored, and looking for something fun to read? Worry no more. If you are not yet a fan of Mafia romance, where passion blooms in violence and innocence is swallowed up in a world of crime, this list offers you 25 select novels that will turn you into a 鈥榡unkie鈥� for Mafia Romance stories. If you are a fan looking to expand their library, then there is a place for you as well. Follow the lives of multiple unique characters clashing wills and losing themselves in sizzling romance. Most of these books will hold you captive inside your room and at the edge of your seat. Themes ranging from planned marriages, kidnapping, slavery, masochism, and even polygamous relationships where the beautiful maid has three men charmed, will keep you turning those pages. Below are the summaries of each with all the incentive you need to secure a copy. All are available online for purchase, or online reading.

1. Bound by Duty (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #2) – Cora Reilly

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Cora Reilly’s “Bound by Duty” reaffirms her status as a bestseller as she continues the tale of Dante Cavallero who is now a young widower and head of the Chicago Outfit. Keen to maintain his dominant status, he opts to marry Valentina who has her secrets. She has vowed to take her and her late husband’s secret to the grave. To her total surprise, Dante cares little about such and proves this by ignoring her. Taken by indignation, Valentina swears to win his attention, if not his love. Follow the sweet romance of the cold-hearted bad boy and his young wife as both battle their demons in Chicago’s underworld. The book is available on Amazon. 

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                                                                                       2. Crow (Boston Underworld Series, Book 1) 鈥� A. Zavarelli

This Amazon and USA Today bestselling author returns with another underworld romance story about a wicked yet charming Irish man who will not hesitate to sweep you off your feet with his accent. He is cruel too, as everyone knows all the murders he commits. Mack has a set of rules to help her keep a clear head around him. Lachlan, the Devil, and hero of our story, is baffled by this girl whom the Russians want to get rid of so badly. He knows it is up to him to protect her, but who is she? Will her past bring complications to his door? Either way, she has his unyielding attention on her, so no one will touch her for that matter. Join this pair in this clash of fates where their adventure and passion begin. It’s available on Amazon.

3. Forbidden Love – Siobhan Davies

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Siobhan Davis is a number-one bestseller in Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today. Depicting gothic romance, her novel “Forbidden to Love” is number two in the Mazzone Mafia series and is ranked as one of the best gothic mafia romance novels. Though released in 2021, fans have accompanied Natalia Mazzone in her forbidden love of her brother鈥檚 best friend, Leo. Even though she is betrothed to another man. It is not her fault, though, because the man she is promised to is a psychopath feared by everyone. Where is a girl to find her happiness? Leo takes the chance to save the woman he loves but knows he can never have. They then separate during which time he climbs the ranks to underboss of the mafia king, but is this enough for when fate brings them together again? 

4. Sempre 鈥� J.M. Darhower

J.M Darhower鈥檚 masterpiece, 鈥淭he Sempre Series鈥�, is probably the book series that would make me a mafia romance addict, if I was not one already. Sempre: Redemption came out in 2013, and was completed in 2014 when Sempre: Forever was published. The story features a seventeen-year-old mafia prince, Carmine DeMarco, and his family’s slave, the beautiful Haven Antonelli, who is similarly young. While Carmine is being groomed to take over the family business, Haven constantly longs for her freedom; but who could have predicted that the heir to the DeMarco family鈥檚 empire would be interested in her? The two realize they have more in common than meets the eye. However, their lives are entwined in a web of conspiracies and deceit in a chaotic tale that began long before they were born. Join them in their thrilling adventure to break free while caught in a passionate romance. Available on most online sites including Goodreads and Amazon.

5. The Kiss Thief by L.J Shen

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This 2019 nominee for the Goodreads Choice Award came out in the same year it was nominated, showing the bestselling author’s mastery of the genre. “The Kiss Thief” has received multiple acclamations and is cited as Shen’s best work. It depicts Francesca Rossi, caught in a web of romance as two domineering males loom over her. Promised to Angelo Bandini, heir to the Chicago Outfit, Francesca has to betray the plan when the conniving Senator Wolfe Keaton blackmails her into a forced marriage. Somehow, she finds herself unable to choose even though it is too late for her to pick one fate. This is to say, her first kiss has already been stolen by one of these Devils. Read how she treats her destiny when you buy your copy of the book. Online purchase options available, including Amazon.

6. Dominic by Natasha Knight

“Dominic: A Dark Mafia Romance Novel” by Natasha Knight is the second in her series “The Benedetti Brothers”. Published in November 2016, “Dominic” has gained a large readership among Mafia Romance fans. It features a stirring passion amid the violent life of Dominic, the Mafia King’s last-born son. Prodigal son because the handsome devil who comes looming over Gia that fateful day in the dreadful cabin, has been in exile for years. When he finds Gia crouched fearfully and with a ghastly mark on her, he is annoyed beyond anyone’s control. It is time he returned home and made them pay. Gia, the daughter of a foot soldier in a world where money and power speak louder than anything, is prepared to face Dominic who has sworn to break her, that is until he sees the mark on her. Everything changes as she is thrust into a world of passion she did not believe she could visit with one of the Benedetti monsters. Follow this thrilling tale of mad romance, vendettas, and the twist of fate we all like to see in our romance novels. 

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7. The Devil of Dublin by B. B Easton

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Immerse yourself into Irish folklore with B. B Easton鈥檚 鈥淭he devil of Dublin鈥�. The dark-romance story was officially released in September 2022, making it one of her latest publications. Be among the first to enjoy this riveting tale of a curious girl, Darby, and her mystical friend, Kellen, the boy who hides in the forest and has a fairish look about him- just like the ones Darby had heard about in her grandfather鈥檚 stories. Despite her grandfather鈥檚 warnings to stay away from Kellen, the cursed boy who lurks in the forest, Darby cannot resist the allure of the boy鈥檚 mystic air. As time passes, Kellen grows into more than just a friend, with no indication of being a devil, as the warnings said. When Darby returns to Glenshire years later, she is shocked to realize that she should have heeded the warnings. He is as dangerous as they come.

While gothic in its setting, the book offers a unique approach to the theme of organized crime with a dark romance at its center. It is a beautifully written tale, packed with as much emotion as its mysteries just as one would expect from a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. 

 8. When Heroes Fall by Giana Darling 

Giana Darling brings along a heroine who is a certified attorney into the crime-filled world of the mafia. “When Heroes Fall” has only been with us since 2021, yet fans are falling in love with it like no other. It depicts the usual dark romance theme, but with just a little twist: Elena and Dante’s romance evolves from their intense hatred to the passion we see throughout this book. Dante Salvatore represented everything a girl in her position ought to be wary of. First of all, she has been called a disappointment by her family who would never want to know about her being involved with a criminal and a mafia at that! She has a string of past traumas tailing her, including the most recent – jilting at the altar by her fianc茅. Follow this adventurous romance as Elena fights to fight her rotten luck by getting your copy from your nearest bookstore or online.

9. Bound by Honor by Cora Reilly

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For those who love arranged marriages where Mafia families sign contracts and pledge their children for strategic reasons, this is your kind of romance novel. “Bound by Honor” is Cora Reilly’s first book in the “Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles”, which she published in 2014. Aria Scuderi is a girl not strange to the monstrosities of the criminal underworld, as she was born into the leading Mafia family in Chicago. However, her life takes a definite turn for the worst when she is betrothed to the man nicknamed “The Vice” for his astounding feats including crushing a man’s throat with his bare hands. Luca Vitiello, the oldest son and likely heir of the leader of New York Cosa Nostra is feared even by the mafia themselves. He is also a lady-killer with his dark charms which Aria hopes she will not fall for. Afraid to run away since this would only make him hunt her down, Aria resolves to make Luca soften his heart for her, heartless predator though he is. The novel promises an entertaining adventure for its reader and is packed with suspense amid the chaotic world of crime and murder. Online purchase available on Amazon, or get a soft copy on Kindle.

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10. The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

“The Sweetest Oblivion” by Danielle Lori was first launched in April 2018 and has been captivating readers’ hearts ever since. This one is special because this time Danielle Lori is giving us a protagonist with an antihero vibe. We all know how no-nonsense these are! Nicolas Russo is a “Made Man” no girl wants to fall in love with. His moral decadence knows no end as he cheats, tricks, kills, and -guess what- even takes people not betrothed to him. When Elena, who is a perfect Mafia princess, finds herself involved with Nico, her sister’s betrothed, she does not believe it is her letting this immoral most dangerous man have his way with her. Does she have a taste for the darkness? The novel is a sensual delight, and you find your domineering alpha male motif in it, mixed with some tough love where the man easily gets provoked. I mean, he threw her into a pool for talking to another guy! Follow this action-packed dark romance with its bouts of jealousy, manipulation, violence, and the mutual attraction that goes on between the leading characters as Elena manages to tame this violent Mafia boss. Available at most online sites.

11. Filthy Marcellos: Dante by Bethany Kris (Book Three)

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This is book three of the Filthy Marcellos Series. Published in 2015 by the beloved author, Bethany Kris, “Dante” tells the story of Dante, a future heir to the Cosa Nostra throne of the Marcello Family. While his careful upbringing has prepared him for this, he cannot take the mantle until he has found a wife. His story takes an interesting turn when he meets Catrina Danzi, the beautiful yet lethal Queen Pin who is by right respected in the criminal world. Both want nothing to do with attachments, yet must marry each other to get everything they have ever wished for. Little do they know that fate works differently. Highly acclaimed for its beautifully crafted characters, with their quirks and flaws. The plot is moderately paced, well-imagined, and made to enchant the reader with its suspense.  Order your copy at Amazon.

12. Rock Chick Reawakening by Kristen Ashley

“Rock Chick Reawakening” is a story by Kristen Ashley, published in 2017. Although it comes ninth in the Rock Chick series, its events are much earlier in the lives of the Rock Chick protagonists, Daisy and Marcus. Due to its brevity, the book is classified as a novella. It tells the story of Daisy amidst the events that shook her life and caused Marcus to open his heart to her. Readers of this book cannot get enough stars to rate it by. Reading it could be a way to eventually read the Rock Chick series which is just entertaining. Available for purchase on Amazon.

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13. Twisted Pride: A Dark Mafia Romance (The Camorra Chronicles Book 3) by Cora Reilly

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Readers of the Camorra Chronicles by Cora Reilly cannot have enough of “Twisted Pride”. It came out in 2019, and ever since, fans have been following the life of Remo Falcone, the Capo of Camorra. This title means he is a boss who should not be defied. However, when the Chicago Outfit provokes him, he is out to retaliate when he ends up capturing Serafina in her wedding dress. In his attempt to break her, he soon realizes how difficult she is to break. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, while the plot itself keeps one glued to their seat. Its theme is violence, retribution, and a romance between the Devil and the Angel who might tame him. Get yourself a copy at Amazon.  All formats are available.

14. Dirty Angels (#1 Dirty Angels Trilogy) by Karina Halle

Described as an “Enemy-lovers dark romance”, Dirty Angels is Karina Halle’s first volume in the Dirty Angels trilogy, which she launched in June 2014. The New York Times bestselling author breaks conventional boundaries with this dark mafia romance that is also a case of some serious Stockholm syndrome. The story draws you into the turbulent world of Mexican Cartels where Luisa Chavez, a former beauty queen, and a known eye-catcher, meets Salvador Reyes who makes her an offer she cannot refuse. Asked to give only her body for the freedom she direly longs for, Luisa takes the offer but soon realizes that she must escape her role as Salvador’s wife. The position has made her a target for other cartels, however, fate seems to have planned this to be a blessing in disguise because a dangerous enemy soon appears in the picture. He is a fast-rising Mafia known as Javier Bernal and his desire for Luisa knows no bounds. Keep up with the love triangle on your copy of Dirty Angels at Amazon.

 15. These Violent Deaths by Chloe Gong

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“These Violent Delights” was published in 2020. As the first book in a duet, this novel by Chloe Gong reimagines the story of Romeo and Juliet, setting the reimagined version in 20th Century Shanghai. Yes, that is in China. 18-year-old Juliette Cai, the leader of the Scarlett Gang, and her former lover, Roma Montagov who heads the White Flowers gang must now set their differences aside and fight on a united front for survival. When the violence paints the streets red, these old lovers must overcome their past and end it somehow. However, the past is steeped in a romance that might rekindle at the slightest touch. Will they do it, and what will become of their love? Will it have a violent end? Available on Barnes&Noble. 

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16. Swan Song by C. Lymari

This 2021 novel by Claudia Lymari is another dark romance, rife with everything addictive that a mafia romance ought to have. From the sensual and erotic to the forbidden and traumatizing, the story of two unlikely love birds takes us to the world of Ophelia, a talented ballerina who dedicates all her time to dance and would give her life if it came to that. Her world is turned upside down when she gets involved with the king of the crime world, Nico the mature, evil yet alluring lover, and the temptation that finally draws Ophelia out of her universe of dance. The significant age gap does little to stop her heart from racing when she is near him, but hey, age is just a number, right? She is made to dance to a new song, as she is led by the ruthless mafia boss. Read her escapades as she learns more about this mysterious masculine figure and realizes not all is as it seems. Available in all formats, including e-book, at Amazon.

17. Ruthless People – J.J McAvoy

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The book, Ruthless People” is a 2017 masterpiece by J.J MacAvoy and one of her best. It showcases two Mafia bosses, Liam Callahan and Melody Giovanni, who to the world seem like the rich charity-loving modern couple. It is a charming tale of two wills clashing with nothing to share but arranged marriage which they would rather not take part in. Melody has earned her place in the underworld and will not let Liam compromise that. They soon realize that they must work together to protect everything they have. Amid the chaos of mafia life, their love is blooming. Interact with this fated duo as they battle their diabolical fate and triumph through love. 

18. King of Diamonds -Renee Rose

The world of mafia romance fiction saw the debut of the first volume of the Vegas Underground series, “King of Diamonds”, in May 2018. The author is a renowned bestseller with USA Today and is acclaimed for many steamy novels, including Wild Card and Joker’s Wild.  King of Diamonds is a novel steeped in crime, romance, and hot passionate sex, but explores other themes as well. You will find themes like multicultural or interracial romance explored. Set in one of Vegas’ many casinos, the Bellissimo Hotel and Casino, we see the seated dark romance featuring an employee-employer relationship we have all imagined before. The novel thrusts you into the Vegas Underground like no other and could easily be the best in its genre. 

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19. Ravenhood series – Kate Stewart

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This series, which contains “Flock”, “Exodus” and “The Finish Line” is an edge-of-the-seat kind of novel that had its debut in July 2020. The story explores the bad boy, billionaire, and mafia routine while featuring the masochistic Cecilia who must survive in Triples Falls, that is until her father becomes sensible enough to give her a job. She soon discovers that the town she has offered herself to holds the darkest secrets. The boys she meets, Dominic and Sean, all have their charms and here the author takes us for quite the spin as she explores the polygamous theme in her unconventional way. The book is sensuous, filled with suspense and heated romance. Available on several online stores including Amazon.

20. Monster in His Eyes (Monster in His Eyes Series, Book 1) 鈥� J.M. Darhower

The USA Today bestselling author, J.M Darhower, has prepared another thriller for us, packed with romance and charged with erotic suspense. This first volume of the Monster in His Eyes series was first published in 2014 and depicts the sensuous escapades of Ignazio Vitale and his innocent mistress. All she recalls is being approached by this dangerous yet attractive man, with his deadly powers, whatever they may be, and realizing that he has charmed her into total submission. Find the details of their adventure in your copy of the book online.

21. Nero (Made Men, #1) – Sarah Brianne

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“Nero” of the “Made Men” series is Sarah Brianne’s debut novel that she produced in 2015. The young author has taken contemporary romance and spun it into something we all love – a little violence. Maybe the series features more than a little violence, but that is what makes our heroes so entertaining. Elle, on the other hand, has had little experience with life and has never dreamed of being close to a bad boy. Here, our male lead is not the mafia boss but works under his direct orders. When Nero is ordered to find out what Elle, the skittish high school girl knows, their lives become intertwined. A dark romance is on the horizon, a fantasy beyond her wildest dreams. 

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22. The Master (The Game Maker Series) – Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole is a number one New York best seller with five historical romance novels that have won major awards to her name. It shows in what she does with “The Master”, which she published in 2015. While it may only be book two of the series, The Master stands alone in its portrayal of the usual dark romance theme. It features the successful politician\ Mafia Chief Maksimilian Sevastyan who is known outwardly for his cool and collected personage. Privately, Sevastyan loves his girls as submissive and blonde. In his very first encounter with Catarina Marin, he is overpowered by the desire to do some dark things to her, and Maksim is not the kind to hesitate. However, Cat is a different kind of girl. To begin with, she is a brunette with a mind of her own. The two find themselves in an epic romance that threatens Maksim’s past life and promises him a future with Catarina. Will the two of them overcome their odds? Find out when you get your copy online.

 23. Ivan (Her Russian Protector-Roxie Riviera

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Roxie Rivera is a seasoned romance author who has been favored by many rakings as being the top in her league. “Ivan” is the first of the “Her Russian Protector” series, and was launched in December 2013. A 6.2-ounce copy of this romance volume holds within it 150 sizzling pages of hot romance, erotic depictions, and an action-packed adventurer that is hard to put down for anything. When Erin, one of our heroines, goes to the mysterious Ivan Markovic, the martial arts instructor with ties to the underworld, for help, her life changes as she must pay the price for working with such a man. The question for her is whether that big, Russian protector of hers is worth selling her soul.  

24. Criminal Queen – Zara Zephyr

 Book two of “The Tigris Trilogy”, Zara Zephyr’s “Criminal Queen” illustrates just what a strong female lead can do to crime-based fiction. Alessandro Buffon is at the cusp of getting a firm grip on the Tigris Cartel, which he has inherited from his late father, the mafia boss Signor Giorgio Buffon. His marriage to Amelia Matteo, the calm and beautiful daughter of his uncle, Signor Carlo Matteo, who cofounded the Mafia Empire. The book is rife with romance and lust even as the characters operate in an Italian Mafia death-charged underworld. Things start to go wrong for Alessandro who knows someone within the organization is betraying him. Who though? Follow this riveting dark romance story and discover what Amelia is hiding beneath her calm exterior. Available online.

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25. Forget-Me-Not Bombshell by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

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The only book in this list to be co-authored by two bestsellers of both the Wall Street Journal and Amazon.com. Forget-me-not Bombshell illustrates the life of a captive Mafia princess in the clutches of an enemy Mafia boss and his two soldiers. Less of a captive, she was sold as part of a deal with her family. The story is based in London and centers around the activities of a prominent gang named The Butchers of London, the gang she ends up with. With a gun pointed at her head and a wedding dress hugging her scandalized self, she vows to stop them from making her their plaything. Concerned for her fate? Learn more when you read this dark standalone epic romance. Available on online stores, including Amazon.

I honestly can’t exhaust the list of amazing  mafia romance literature, but that’s a start, right? Well, happy reading!