Kings of Mafia #9
Adriano & Laurie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book felt a little different from the others—grittier in some places, cheesier in others, but in a way that completely worked for me. We get a real look into Adriano’s life: the violence that comes with being a capo, yes, but also the softness of his world. His parents and sister, the other capos who are basically his brothers, the older generation he calls “uncle,” and Rosie, their IT genius who’s like a little sister. There’s a warmth in his circle that balances the brutality of his job.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Laurie, who is living a truly miserable life. She works as an accountant in a construction company, once had her own rented room, and then made the mistake of falling for a coworker and moved in with him. Years later, she’s basically a servant in his home. She works endless hours under the owner’s wife—who is also her boyfriend’s sister—without compassion or extra pay. She’s drowning financially and emotionally, stuck in a hole she can’t climb out of.
Because her workplace is near a club Adriano manages, they have a few chance encounters. Adriano is instantly smitten—this woman becomes the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. And because these capos are possessive, unhinged men, he immediately starts debating whether he should just… kidnap her. Never mind that she has a boyfriend!
Then Laurie’s life collapses in one brutal sweep. Her boyfriend is with another woman and throws her out. She sleeps in the office. The next day she’s fired, falsely accused of stealing from petty cash, and denied her paycheck. Completely desperate, she goes to the club, even considering stripping just to survive. Adriano happens to be there—and swoops in.
And that’s when the story goes full‑tilt crazy.
Adriano is determined to keep her. Laurie needs the money he offers but is terrified of the strings attached. She signs a contract without realizing it includes marriage. Adriano enforces it, of course. Laurie tries to escape multiple times, gets caught every time, and eventually settles into this strange captivity—one filled with luxury, safety, food, clothes, and a roof she can trust. I think the moment everything shifted for her was meeting Adriano’s parents. She received the love and acceptance she never got from her own parents, and that cracked her open.
From there, we slide into the cheesy, swoony part of the story.
Adriano is utterly besotted. Laurie is slowly softening. And now he needs to avenge the cruelty she endured at work. Those scenes were delicious—terrifying, satisfying, and exactly the kind of justice I wanted. It felt like music!
I truly enjoyed this book, just like the others in the series. The men are possessive, jealous, and absolutely whipped once they fall. There are glimpses of the capo world and their business dealings, but this book is really about Adriano’s obsession and the woman who unknowingly owned him. Watching Laurie go from unwanted and unloved to a cherished wife, embraced by a family that actually cares for her, was beautiful. Another winner, and easily five stars.
Purchase links
Amazon: https://geni.us/uteWAK
About the author
Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author. She writes emotional, heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of angst and romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book shows the strength of the characters who will burn down the world for each other.
Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.
Connect w/Michelle:
Website: https://michelleheardauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHeardAuthor
FB Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/118971435201074
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormichelleheard
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/michellehorst
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18108320.Michelle_Heard
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-heard
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleheard_author
Newsletter Signup: https://preview.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p6m4o4
