If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by the allure of danger, passion, and forbidden love, then you’re in for a treat. In this list, we’re delving into the enticing world of mafia romance books, where dangerous liaisons and thrilling plots intertwine to create an intense reading experience.
From arranged marriages, enemies to lovers, and forbidden love to groveling, family rivalry, secrets, fighting, dark themes, badass characters, and of course a happy ending. These 10 mafia romance novels will leave you addicted.
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#1 Vengeance Unleashed by Nancy Haviland
“Vengeance Unleashed” (formerly “A Love of Vengeance”) is the first installment in Nancy Haviland’s mafia romance series “Wanted Men”.
The book tells the love story between Gabriel Moretti, a former Italian mafia boss, and Eva Jacobs, the estranged daughter of a Russian mafia boss. Though Gabriel Moretti escaped the mob life, a favor for an old friend and father figure thrusts him back into the middle of the action. When he swore to protect clueless Eva from his father’s enemies, he didn’t expect he would have to protect her from his enemies as well.
If you like a good mafia romance book without dark themes, but with plenty of sexy scenes, addictive action, and badass characters you love to root for, “Vengeance Unleashed” is a great pick.
#2 Black Skies Riviera by Catherine Wiltcher
“Black Skies Riviera” is a seductive, well-written mafia romance novel by Catherine Wiltcher. This is Aiden Knight and Issa Dubova’s story. Aiden is a ruthless predator seeking revenge, while Issa is a Bratva princess who has some personal secrets to protect.
Their destinies clash when they are thrown together in an arranged marriage. Starting as enemies, Aiden’s only goal is to make Issa suffer to avenge something from his past. But, as he soon finds out, Issa is not as easy to break as he deemed her to be.
The book is filled with lust, betrayal, and explosive plot twists. This is an excellent read for everyone who loves mafia, enemies to lovers, and arranged marriage tropes that feature well-constructed characters and a gripping plot.
#3 Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
“Brutal Prince” by Sophie Lark is the debut novel of her mafia romance book series “Brutal Birthright”. This is a tale of arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, and a brewing war between two powerful clans, the Irish Griffin and the Italian Gallo families.
In “Brutal Prince”, we meet Aida, an unconventional mafia princess with a penchant for mischief, and Callum, who despises her for all the right reasons. Oh, and they have to get married. From fiery conflicts to stolen heirlooms, their journey is filled with passion, fights, and a beautiful evolution from hate to loyalty and love. In addition, Sophie adds just the right amount of humor to make the character dynamics and the plot more entertaining.
#4 Raze by Tillie Cole
“Raze” is a dark and intense mafia romance by USA Today bestselling author Tillie Cole. It’s also the first book in the “Scarred Souls” series. This is the unforgettable story of Luka Tolstoi and Kisa Volkova.
Kisa and Luka have known each other since they were children. They were each other’s soul mates. Until Luka disappears and Kisa becomes a prisoner of the life her father chose for her. Stripped of her freedom and her morals, Kisa has no say in what she does or who she marries. But she is not the only one whose life has turned into hell. Forced to fight for his life in underground fighting rings, Luka, who they call “Raze”, is stripped of his humanity and memories. Until he escapes and, in a fateful turn of events, they meet again as two scarred souls.
“Raze” is a haunting and beautiful dark story of two people who lost each other when they were teenagers, only to find one another again as two broken adults who only know pain and violence.
Content Warning!
Sexual abuse, physical abuse, swearing, and lots and lots of violence.
Just in case you are a fan of dark romance books and want to read more, check out our recommendations of five really dark romance novels that will challenge your boundaries.
#5 The Kiss Thief by L. J. Shen
‘The Kiss Thief’ by L.J. Shen is a contemporary romance novel that transcends the boundaries of the typical enemies-to-lovers and arranged marriage tropes.
In this book, Francesca Rossi, the princess of the Rossi clan – The Outfit, finds herself entangled with the enigmatic Senator Wolfe Keaton. He stole her first kiss, but what he really wants is her pride. And so, a seductive dance of power, passion, and betrayal begins. With a backdrop of high society and political intrigue, Shen has written a tale of forbidden love and vendettas that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“The Kiss Thief” is a great choice for readers looking for a darker tone (but not as dark as “Raze”), with emotional scenes, a “hero” that screws up, and a much-needed grovel.
Speaking of groveling, we reviewed Parker S. Huntington’s enemies-to-lovers book, Devious Lies, which also features a hero who screws up and has to grovel. Check it out and see if it’s your thing!
#6 The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori
“The Sweetest Oblivion” is the first installment of Danielle Lori’s mafia series “Made”. This book takes us to New York’s underworld, where Elena Abelli, whose father is the head of the Abelli family, meets Nicolas Russo, head of the Russo family.
When Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo, a dark and imposing Made Man, Elena’s world is turned upside down. Despite her disdain for his ruthless reputation, a forbidden attraction sparks between them. And with Nico being who he is and not fearing the consequences of his decisions, he makes sure to marry the right sister.
“The Sweetest Oblivion” is a great choice for readers looking for forbidden love, tension, and a possessive hero who would hurt anyone standing in his way to the heroine.
#7 The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori
“The Maddest Obsession” is Danielle Lori’s second mafia romance novel in her series “Made”. It’s an opposites-attract love story between Christian Allister and Gianna Marino.
Christian Allister isn’t the epitome of morality. He may be an FBI special agent, but that’s just for the facade. He’s a killer. Cold, arrogant, with obsessive tendencies. Possessive. His favorite game is to insult Gianna’s intelligence and looks. Gianna Marino isn’t the epitome of responsibility or class either. She doesn’t care about etiquette, she’s loud and unfiltered. But that’s just a facade. Beneath that unpolished disguise lies a vulnerable soul.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written hate-to-love mafia romance novel with a possessive and obsessive hero and a daring heroine, try “The Maddest Obsession”.
#8 Crow by A. Zavarelli
A. Zavarelli’s “Crow” is the first installment in the “Boston Underworld” series. Mackenzie Wilder is on a mission to find her missing friend. So she infiltrates into the Irish underworld. Her plan? To secure a job at Slainte’, a bar owned by the mob, and gather intel. Enter Lachlan Crow, next in line for the Irish underworld throne, a formidable force determined to hate Mackenzie from the start.
This is a mafia romance novel filled with suspense and passion. We also get to witness a show-it-all hero, a flawed yet relatable and strong heroine, and a love story filled with desire and threatened by the dangers of the mafia life.
“Crow” is a great choice for anyone looking for a darker story with a hero who lives up to his reputation. It also has suspense and tension.
#9 Joker’s Wild by Renee Rose
“Joker’s Wild” is the steamy fifth installment of the Vegas Underground series by Renee Rose. It features Desiree Lopez, a nurse, and Junior Tacone, mob boss of the Tacone family. Desiree had known Junior since she took care of his mother. Little does she know that she will get to know him even better when he kidnaps her to save his brother’s life.
As she becomes his unwilling captive, Desiree discovers an unexpected attraction for him. Caught in the tumult of family business and escalating conflicts, Junior must navigate love and loyalty in a world teetering on the edge. Will their no-strings-attached relationship survive, or will desire and danger intertwine in ways neither could predict? Find out in this gripping tale of passion, power, and unexpected love.
#10 Cassio: Belles & Mobsters by Eva Winners
Welcome to the intricate world of “Cassio” by Eva Winners, a dark mafia romance that unravels the intense connection between Cassio King, a formidable member of the powerful King family, and Aine Evens, a resilient young woman haunted by a traumatic past.
Cassio’s rescue of Aine at 14 leaves an indelible mark on both, setting the stage for a reunion eight years later. Aine, now stronger and more empowered, crosses paths with Cassio, sparking a mysterious connection that transcends time. As the complexities of their shared history unfold, Cassio’s possessive yet sexy demeanor complements Aine’s strength, forging a bond that withstands the tests of time.
“Cassio” is a great book choice if you want to read an age-gap romance with dark elements, a protective hero, and a tortured heroine.
Content Warning
Includes descriptive scenes such as sexual assault, human trafficking, and torture!
These are our top 10 mafia romance book recommendations. We’ve selected diverse novels, from light to darker themes. So there should be an option for everyone who wants to try this sub-genre of romance. Before you go binge-reading, check out more of our posts below.
- 5 Things I Hate About Romance Novels
- My Problem with Buffy Summers: A Critical Point of View
- 15 Best Romantic Movies To Watch On Valentine’s Day
- Top 12 Romantic Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day + FREEBIE
- 12 Best Christmas Books To Cozy Up With In December
- 11 Best TV Series To Watch In Autumn
