What is your opinion?
This book unexpectedly hooked me
"So here I am, minding my own business, reading the ten chapters for the amazing Inkwell Circle of 10, when BAM, chapter 10 hits me like a freight train and sucks me in, and I end up reading two more chapters. And you know what? I'm going to read more chapters! I just wanted to stop and write this review first. I love how Vanitydevine writes the story with two different perspectives--every other chapter is Gianna and every other chapter is Luca. The chapters are also short, punchy, and downright hilarious. The author has a way of evoking an emotion about each character, and I found myself being super angry at one of them and liking the other one right away. Chapters 1-9 are funny, engaging, definitely make you feel a certain type of way, and actually had me doing some deep thinking about the situation the characters are in. Then in Chapter 10--BOOM. The action hits and suddenly I'm like... what? What? WHAT???? and I end up reading two more chapters and now I want to read at least a few more. And coming from someone with ADHD like a mother-father-sister-brother, I can tell you that doesn't happen to me very often when I'm reading. This book is 5 stars and I'm all in. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to brush on some Italian and read another chapter. #IC10 #ICBC"
A mafia story on an emotional level
"Luca and Gianna are two very different people, yet similar in many ways. They respect tradition, but don't necessarily want to keep it. They are powerful in their own right. And they both loathe the idea of marrying the other. The way the cracks in this initial assessment are sprinkled into the story at the beginning is achieved very well. Very early on, the author establishes a symmetry between the two as we switch between their points of view. This is incredibly effective storytelling. The prose is straight forward and clear. The inclusions of Italian don't require context to be understood. This is a strong start with a number of tropes I don't usually read, but have been pleasantly surprised by. I look forward to the rest of this book."
Uniquely Voiced MC
"I love stories where the main romance has an adversarial start--and it doesn't get much more adversarial than this, with Luca already plotting the course of his married life, affairs and all, because he's convinced his wife-to-be is a pretty face and nothing more. The chapters are short, but they punch well above their weight class. The characters' personalities shine through clearly, and they're believable. It can be hard to write mafia romance that doesn't lean toward cliche, but this manages it beautifully. I would definitely read more. #ICBC"
Nicely done
"Arranged marriage is usually not my favourite trope, but this book pulls it off so well that I forgot all about not liking it by the end of the first chapter. Both MCs are very well written and immediately interesting. I like how their voices are distinct but somehow similar in a way that highlights how much they really have in common. I can't wait for them to find out that they really want the same thing."
Great start
"A very intriguing start. The opening chapters blend humor, sarcasm, cruelty, and the promise of something incredibly passionate and intense. Even after just a few chapters, you already get a strong sense of who the characters are, and it's clear that neither of them is simple. I'm really looking forward to seeing how their relationship and dynamic develop. "
Amazing Mafia Story
"I’m not one for mafia type stories, but this one isn’t just a mafia story. It’s funny, clever and has two relatable main characters that you can relate to. Duel POV story are usually hard to pull off, but this author does a great job at expressing both sides of our main characters. Fantastic read. Highly recommended "
Tantalizing enemies-to-lovers romance
"The tension between Luca and Gianna is palpable in this enemies-to-lovers Mafia romance. Giannia is no shrinking violet; she takes charge of as much as she can, even while being forced into a Mafia marriage. Luca feels the same disdain for the responsibilities that the Mafia world has thrust onto his shoulders since he was born into it. The tension between them and their feisty, amusing banter keeps me interested in seeing how their story develops. #ICBC"
A Journey Worth Following 🖤
"🏰Dear Traveler,🪶 From the very first chapters, I could feel the author's love for romance shining through every page.The Donna as engaging heroine, andthe mafia setting adds a compelling sense of danger that keeps the story moving. The chemistry between the characters is promising, making me curious to see how their relationship will grow. What I appreciate most is the author's enthusiasm for storytelling. It feels like this world was created with genuine passion, and that passion reaches the reader. If you enjoy mafia romance with protective heroes, emotional tension, and a story that invites you to keep turning the pages, I believe this journey is worth taking. Congratulations on sharing your story with the world, traveler. I look forward to seeing where The Donna's path leads next. — The Inn Keeper ✨"
A Strong Start
"I'm really enjoying this story so far! The opening chapters immediately pulled me in, and I love that we get both Luca's and Gianna's perspectives early on. It was refreshing to discover that they're both wrestling with the same expectations and longing for something real, which makes me even more invested in their journey. The emotional conflict feels authentic, the pacing has kept me engaged, and I'm already rooting for both characters. I can't wait to see what happens when their paths finally come together."
High chance I get back to this one!
"Lemme start by saying: I liked the idea behind this one before I even read a single word! I was always an avid enjoyer of the mafia life (note: I am not part of it, nor do I like people getting hurt or the rest of the stuff that goes on in this criminal life)! I also really appreciate realism. More specifically, the idea of thinking: "Hey, this isn't actually happening but, it certainly could!" So, this story checked those boxes and passed with flying colors! Oh, before I forget, I also love me some nice dialogue! I can already tell from the use of the Italian language that vanitydevine did their research! I assume they are fans of the mafia trope themselves! On that note, I suggest Michael Franzese as a relatively reliable source for inspiration! I enjoy his content and stories! The characters also seem interesting! I can only imagine the dynamics that would develop are gonna be super fun to read about! To conclude, this is definitely going on my shelf! One day, I plan to get back to it! "
Draws you in
"I don't usually read mafia stories so I can't compare this to the rest out there but as a general reader I have to say I do think how the character's are written in a way you can relate to somewhat. It's easy to read and I got absorbed into the story early and especially invested in how things turn out for Gianna."
A mafia love story with a great female character
"From the very first chapter, this story does something most mafia romances fail to do: it gives us a heroine who is genuinely formidable, not just described as such. Gianna isn't strong because the narrative tells us she is . She's strong because she's already running her father's books at 13, has a Masters from Oxford under an alias, and will shove a Don to the pavement and draw two custom Glocks from under her Valentino dress without breaking a sweat."
Fun with a side of firearms
"I did not know what to expect as mafia stories are not my usual forte. What I did not expect was to laugh, out loud. Anytime a writer's work prompts that type of reaction from me has me hooked and I am compelled to drown in what happens next. Gianna is a delight, and Luca' heart, well the poor guy will never find it again. The writing style is minimalist, quick, concise with occasional absences of periods at the end of sentences. All details are there, in the margins of our imaginations, a feat not easily mastered. It's reminiscent of the style of writing that Emily Dickinson excelled at. #ICBC"
This is hilarious I in a very very good way! Unlike anything I expected from a mafia story!
"Three chapters in there is passion, humour and a surprising dose of self awareness from both characters, even if one of them is a bit bipolar (in the best of way). I love how this is a dark romance that opens with unapologetic bitter reality. Oddly, I am torn between wanting Ginna to run away and escape, yet stay and divest Luca of his illusions. This is a strong start indeed, and unexpected too. Love how it subverted the expectations. I am not a fan of mafia romances yet I am invested! That is a testament of how much fun I had reading the chapters. #ICBC "
Stripped-Down Humanity in a World of Imposed Roles.
"This story is far more than a mere narrative about an arranged marriage; it is a studious analysis of human conditioning. The author brilliantly utilizes the contrast between superficial societal expectations and the authentic inner worlds of the characters, exposing the mechanisms of ego and status anxiety. I was particularly fascinated by her ability to portray female resentment as a natural reaction to rigid gender roles, as well as the subversion of the male lead, who reveals himself to be far more complex than the opening pages suggest. This is writing that doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather poses difficult, necessary questions about autonomy and authenticity. A must-read for anyone who appreciates introspective literature that truly "breathes.""
An amazing book to read tbh. Finished it in one sitting ❤️
"I like how the author has balanced between both of the pov's and how the story goes from enemies to lovers . Its a good read and an amazing book to read to lift up your mood . I personally enjoyed reading this story . the author has done some great stuff here . The charachter development was amazing and i loved it how it went to ughh Luca/ Gianna to my Luca / Gianna . the story was enjoyable and very well written . looking forward to authors other works and wishing the author all the best for her future novels. ❤️"
Alternating and thrilling
"I love how we see the story from one side and then another! Both characters with strong voice, even stronger minds. I generally don't love mafia stories, but this one has intrigued me, there are multiple strong lines going on, and the delivery is exceptional. Looking forward to how the story unravels 🥰"
🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
"Truly enjoying....how often you upload chapters .... please send your schedule...don't make ur reader to waiittt"
Nice read
"It’s funny how the two hate each other that much. Being forced by their families to get married, I’m guessing this is not a happy situation for them. I love how the two treat each other at first, with arrogance and a sort of hatred, doing things just to annoy each other. And i love the unexpected turn things took after their engagement. I have a feeling that he will be the obedient one, not her 🤭 looking forward to see how it goes"
Potential Mafia classic
" After three chapters, this mafia romance establishes a strong forced-marriage premise between two characters who openly despise one another. The greatest strength so far is character voice: both protagonists are distinct, and their mutual loathing creates immediate tension and intrigue. The story also gives readers an early, clear insight into the dark and dangerous world of the mafia. There are a few areas where a polish would help it shine. The punctuation could use some attention — there are places missing full stops and speech marks/quotation marks around dialogue, which sometimes makes it hard to follow who is speaking. Adding more scene setting would also help ground the reader and bring the locations to life. The torture scene introduces the story’s darker tone, but it currently feels a bit distant. With more sensory and emotional detail, it could carry more impact and match the intensity of the world. Verdict: The foundation here is solid. With some editing for punctuation and more vivid description, this has the potential to be a sharp, compelling enemies-to-lovers story. I’m curious to keep reading to see how their relationship develops. #icbc"
