Highly Recommended Mafia Romance Books

THIS LIST MAJORLY UPDATED 10-24-18!! !!!

After our latest BIG HIT mafia read (and a recent reader question about an upcoming mafia book), we’ve been getting a bunch of requests for more mafia-book recommendations. There are a TON out there, but there are some that really stand out in the crowd.

And while I used to refer my friends and fellow readers to my “Top Illicit Bad Boys” list (which is loaded in various types of “bad guys” including mafia men), this genre really has it’s own HUGE following now, and sometimes we’re just in the mood for a wealthy mob-boss, and no other “bad-boy” or even “bad-guy” will do! There are just so many wonderful mafia-romance books to choose from now, that it’s time to dedicate a list to our absolute favorites.

Judy: Where are the Mafia books?! I love love love those fictional Mafia men!

Em: Anyone read any good mafia/mob/organised crime books?? Hot men toting guns anyone?? Hehehehe!

Cait: Have you a top mafia list Maryse??

Maryse: Cait I have a Top “Illicit Bad Boys” list which has some mafia men on it for sure.  But you know what? It’s time I dedicate a list only to them. Great idea!!! I’ll create a big beautiful comprehensive list of mafia-mob bad guys for our romance (or anti-romance?) delight. Tee hee!!

Cristina: YES!!! A mafia list?!?! SQUEEE!!! I’m in a mafia mood ladies!!! Bring em’ on!!

Anne: Maryse can’t wait for your mafia list!

Jean: I love Mafia stories! Can’t wait for that list!

Brooke: Ohh YAY Maryse! I’m looking forward to your Mafia list!

Tessa: Mafia books! JM Darhower stuff, Eagle Elite series, Nero, Dmitry’s Closet, BEWARE, RAW, Lev… my mind is exploding at the goodies in such a list. I’ve loved Mafia stories since I was 14 and saw Bugsy. (Yep, I ugly cried over that movie.) I can’t wait! Into the Light (The Light Series Book 1) by Aleatha Romig is up for pre-order. It’ll come out 6/14. DG, that sounds perfect. Mafia, jerk, *grins* kidnapping.

Amy: Tessa, it’s funny that you mentioned Bugsy up there because my hubby was just watching that a few days ago on Starz (or Encore…can’t remember which) but I have always LOVED that movie. So sad and so tragic but still so freaking good. I love mob movies. Casino, GoodFellas, The Godfather, Gangster Squad, Untouchables …*sigh* Love them.

Maryse: Ohhhhh YAY!! Movies too! I loved the Sopranos. Was SO hooked on that crazy show!

Lauren: I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where the H is a badass (usually mafia…love those mafia guys)…

Julie:  I have a thing for mafia books lately especially the Russian kind.

Ashley: …who doesn’t like a story about the mob?

Astuti: My favourite mafia romance books include “Sempre” by J.M.Darhower and “Sparrow” by L.J.Shen. They left me with serious book hangovers!!!

Tessa: I don’t know why, but I adore mafia books far more than biker books or anything like that. Probably because there’s a gloss of sophistication over the darkness.

Ela: MAFIA BOOKS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!! WHEN I GROW UP I’M GOING TO BE A BAD ASS MAFIA BOSS’S WIFE WITH AT LEAST ONE DRAGON… One of my favorites is The Devil’s Eyes by J. Loren

As much as I love the whole dangerous man love-interest theme, I realize I don’t have that many “mafia reads” under my belt at all. *gasp* Looking at this list, I need to read my heart out ASAP!!! These are some intense-sounding recommendations, right up our dark alleys!

UPDATED 10-22-18:

The Mafia and his Angel by Lylah James <— So many in our crew are crazy for this one!

Tessa: Seriously, if you love mafia books, read this series. It’s MESSED UP and addicting. After this one is the last of the series. So, so good. …Mafia and his Angel are KU, but I think I’m going to buy it. I have an urge to re-read it already. That last mafia series was so good I want to continue with just awesome mafia series. lol

Jean: Loved the Mafia and His Angel series which was also a Tessa recommendation!

Kandace: I am blaming you all for my lack of sleep. I fell down the rabbit hole of the Mafia and his Angel. I’m half way through book 3. When I first started I wasn’t sure but the more I kept reading the more consumed I became with their story. My kids are camping with my parents. I was suppose to organize the house while they were gone instead my wrist hurts from holding my kindle for endless hours and I haven’t cleaned anything. My husband keeps giving me *SIDE EYES*. I may have to lock myself in the bathroom so I can finish without his glaring looks at me. *sigh*. Thanks for the rec, girls!

Tessa: Anyone who read Mafia and his Angel, The prologue and first two chapters of Mafia and his Obsession will SHOCK you. I just started, around chapter 5-6 ish, but holy smokes. 0.0 That beginning was NOT expected. …Yes, there is a lot of swearing in this.   They are Russian Mafia. lol

Kim: Not my usual type of read, but after reading yesterday’s comments about The Mafia and His Angel: Part One, I downloaded it. I’m halfway through and enjoying it so far!

Tessa: EVERYONE! You all know I keep harping on about Mafia and His Angel by Lylah James. It’s THAT good. …they are seriously good. It’s really gritty and angst-filled, but I love reading them. There is no apologizing for being who they are. However, GRITTY and some major dark spots in each book (because, you know, mafia). …Seriously, it is such an emotional rollercoaster. It broke my heart so many times!

Submissive Wish Series by Ann Mayburn <— Kathy P recommends this one!

Kathy: Thanks so much for putting this list together. I have read a few but I am excited there is so much more to read. I forgot to add Ann Mayburn’s Submissive Wish Series (the last 3 in the series involve the Russian Mafia). Doms plus Russian mafia is a good combo!!

Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles by Cora Reilly <— Lisa M reminds us of this one!! P.S. Book #6 is up for preorder!!!

Lisa M: Don’t forget the Bound by Honour series by Cora Reilly. Great list!!! I can’t wait to read all of them!!!

Serena: I don’t know if you have read this series yet but the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles is an amazing series centralized around the Italian mafia in New York and Chicago and the boys in those books are really great ! My favourite is Matteo.

Her Russian Protector Boxed Set (Books 1-3) by Roxie Rivera <— Kim C suggests this one!

Kim C: Here’s a Russian mob series that’s great. The first one was my least favorite of the series, but I quickly fell in love the characters.

Disastrous Series by Emmy Montes <— Amy recommends this one!

Amy: The Disastrous series was GOOD. I can’t remember how much of a presence his mob ties had in the books, but it was still a good one, especially the first book.

Indebted Series by Pepper Winters <— Linda found us this one!

Linda: I think the Indebted series by Pepper Winters would fall into this category. It’s complete and an absolutely amazing read!! Some very difficult subject matter and it kept me riveted to the pages!!!! Love Ms. Winters!!!

The Marriage Contract (The O’Malleys Book 1) by Katee Robert <— Leah’s recommendation!

Leah:  I also looooved The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert. It’s the first in a Boston mob family series and involves arranged marriage. The open especially is super intense and then a wild ride from there.

Untouchable Series by Lindsay Delagair <— Ela’s choice!

Ela: Maryse, the Untouchable Series by Lindsay Delagair is also a great Mafia series!

Vanessa Waltz <— Jeanie recommends this author!

Jeanie: What about Vanessa Waltz? She’s one of the best with two good bad boy mafia series. Cravotta Crime Family & Vittorio Crime Family

Deep (The Pagano Family Book 4) by Susan Fanetti <— Jan’s choice!

Jan: Fav mafia romance: Deep by Susan Fanetti. A beautiful story about a man living in darkness who finds his way to the light after finally falling in love.

Jan: Fanetti has a whole mafia series about the Pagano family. Some of the books are better than others, and in fact they’re kinda mafia-lite. My fav is Deep. Nick Pagano is the enforcer. Mid-forties, cold and hard as he has to be to do his job, and he thinks he will never really love a woman or have a family of his own. His relationship with Beverley is complicated and intense, and it’s no easy ride. But gradually Nick changes and grows as he develops a real relationship with a woman for the first time ever. The epilogue of this book is just beautiful, and shows how far Nick has come. I also really liked Carmen’s story, Rooted.

Dangerous Royals Series by Annika Martin <— Raj LOVES these!

Raj: The Dangeous Royals by Annika Martin are absolutely brilliant mafia books.

Dark Mafia Romance – Benedetti Brothers by Natasha Knight <— Lisa M LOVES these!

Lisa M: Waaaa!!! I’m reading Sergio: a Dark Mafia Romance by Natasha Knight!!! 3rd book in the series!!! So good. But if you have read the series so far you know why I’m crying!!! Great mafia series!!! Anyone else read it???

The Sweetest Oblivion (Made Book 1) by Danielle Lori <— Courtney recommends this one!

The Confidence Game Duet by Rachel Higginson <— FANTASTIC author and I LOVED book #1 (and OMG I need to get onto book #2 ASAP). P.S. Here’s my review of book #1.

Tessa: this book was so good, even with that ending. lol *hugs* Great review, though I think my review put it at higher stars. (I just love a good mafia book. )

Sinning in Vegas: (Vegas Morellis, #2)  by Sam Mariano <— Tessa loved this one!

Tessa: Sinning in Vegas by Sam Mariano. A possessive jerk who doesn’t want his toy taken away vs a possessive jerk who wants what’s best for the mafia and loves her. BOTH screwed up and now she hates them both. SO GOOOOOOOD!

BUT TESSA WARNS!!!

Tessa: …Staying in Vegas: (Vegas Morellis, #1) by Sam Moriano. Let me say, for anyone who loves the series, I should have finished the rest of the Morelli family series. There is a HUGE spoiler in it. Yep, I’m going to go back when I finish either this or the next one. It depends on how this one ends.

The Beautiful Years by Annie Rose Welch <— Debra’s recommendation!

Debra: The Beautiful Years by Annie Rose Welch! <3 it!

Lisa: I loved The Beautiful Years!!!

Debra: Lisa OMG, I finished it last night and I’m in total book hangover! It was soooo good! <3

Dublin Devils by Selena Laurence <— Jayne recommends this one!

Jayne: Dublin Devils Series, book 2 just released.

Boston Underworld Series by A. Zavarelli <— Alli’s recommendation!

Alli: Crow (Boston Underworld) series by A. Zavarelli are a great read. This author dives deep into the characters, Some dark material, however they’re very well written. I listened to them on audible and the narrator voice is perfect. I would highly recommend this series.

Christine: I just wanted to share that I just read Crow by A. Zaravelli. Really good stuff and worth checking out. Irish accents, dirty talk, mafia, Alpha male – all in one serving. Yummy!!!

Entertained: I second the A. Zavarelli pick!

Chris: Crow (Boston Underworld #). the h had to fight to prove she was tough and could take care of herself, enough to get into the Irish Mafia, she is looking for her best friend, that she thinks got mixed up with them. Extremely good book!!!

Nate: A Mafia Romance (Dark Protector Book 2) by Celia Aaron <— Skye found us this one! “Finished the sexy mafia romance Nate by Celia Aaron. Not sure what to read next.”

Venom Trilogy by S. Williams <— Kooloo loved these!

Kooloo: Just finished the Venom Trilogy by the Williams girls. Book 3 was just released and I was lucky to have read them back to back with those brutal “cliffies” !!! Lol So if you are looking for a dark and dirty mafia romance This Is The One for YOU!!!

VLAD: A Mafia Romance (The V Games #1) by Ker Dukey & K. Webster <— Sonia recommends this one too! ” the v games by ker dukey and k. webster”

Kiss of Death by L.P. Lovell <— Ros recommends it! “Kill Me’ duet – LP Lovell …personal favourites!”

Defying Her Mafioso (The Vitucci Mafiosos Book 1) by Terri Anne Browning <— Tessa enjoyed this one:

Tessa: Defying her Mafioso is good Jean! It’s light for a mafia book, but sweet. I’m not getting as much angst as I usually get from her, but that’s okay.

The Professional (The Game Maker Series Book 1) by Kresley Cole <— Kathy (and many!) LOVE this series! “I just started The Master by Kresley Cole. I really enjoyed The Professional as it gave me my fix of Russian Mafia and of course one of the Alpha of Alpha males.” and MichelleM agrees! “It’s so good! Sevastyan is super-alpha uber-sexy enforcer-dangerous and totally knows how to work every bit of the Dom tendencies he has, but he also has this more vulnerable side that comes out in the way he can’t resist his draw to Natalie or in the reason he’s so loyal to his Russian mafia boss.” Lori agrees! “Ex bare knuckle fighter, mafia enforcer and into kink, what’s not to love?”

Sparrow by L.J. Shen <— This is the recent big hit that we all just read and so many are loving. DG loved it! “Sparrow! Definitely one of my FAV mobbish reads! The H was one of the biggest jerks….EVER. But, man did I fall for him….HOT jerk, strong h, some snarky back n forth, hidden agendas, and a little bit of crazy on the side! Yep! Got to say I loved it!” and LisaM is right there with her! “I read Sparrow!! So good!! I just love Mob alpha male love hate stories!!!! Another late night reading!!! Ugh I’m so tired today!! Had to shut it down when I finally go to the epilogue!!! It was after 1am!! Had my morning tea & read the epilogue this morning!! Book hangover day 3 or was it 4!!! On to the next click!!!” (my Book Review)

Sempre by J.M. Darhower <— ONE OF MY FAVORITES!! And Kim agrees! “I absolutely am sooooo glad I took the time to read this…what a different type of love story and plot…never EVER thought I would want to read about a MOB or Mafia….BUT wow J.M. put it together superbly….is that even a word?.?…. LOVE Love love it!!!!…it is a Mafia book…and it is VERY intense, BUT worth Reading!!! Sempre was one of MARYSE’s “top” choices…and I definitely agree it is GREAT and different from ANY other story I have EVER read!!!” (my Book Review)

Irene: Sempre series by JM Darhower which MUST include Made: A Sempre Novel (naturally!)

Monster in His Eyes by J.M. Darhower <— Rebecka: “I love the Mafia/Alpha suspense thriller passion filled story that J.M. Darhower writes…” and Melissa agrees! “I read Monster in his Eyes in one sitting. It was amazing! She writes the mafia like no one else!” Tessa too! “Naz is awesome, dangerous and ugh, such a jerk. Though, in book two, he broke my heart a little with the Peter Pan reference. I felt so bad for Karissa when he said that!” and Julie tells us something that makes me wanna read it even more! SHE doesn’t KNOW he’s in the mob! “He’s in the mob (she doesn’t know it), twice her age (she’s 18), and hot as all get out!”

Mafia Captive by Kitty Thomas <— I LIKED THIS ONE TOO, but it’s SUPER-DARK as well as being Mafia (she’s kidnapped) and Sotia agrees! “I’ve read is Mafia Captive, and really enjoyed it.” Emily says: “I read Mafia Captive… it gave me nightmares!” (my Book Review)

Made Men by Sarah Brianne <— Many are recommending this one, including Linh! “Love the Made Men series. I am all about mafia and bratva books right now so any suggestions would be great.” and Gigi agrees! “Nero by Sarah Brianne is a Ahhmayzing mafia romance.” and Lemon agrees too! “A 5star read for me.”

Mobster’s Angel (Mobster’s Series Book 4) by Amy Rachiele <— Laura found us this one! “I think u will love geez the taboo is so bloody risky I don’t know if I can handle it but it’s also a mob/mafia story sheesh u have to check it out its mobsters angel by Amy rachiele just read the synopsis ur eyes will bug out”

Ruthless People (Ruthless People series Book 1) by J.J. McAvoy <— Lauren reminds us of this one! “Mob romance/arranged marriage between an Italian Mafia Princess & an Irish mob boss… I read book 1 the day it came out & went CRAZY waiting on book 2…” and Melanie agrees! “Just finished book two in this series and it was INCREDIBLE. If you’re in the mood for a mob/mafia series you have to read this one.”

Kady: I’m just wondering if anyone can recommend a mafia book with a strong female like Melody from Ruthless People. I have read a few now and the women aren’t weak (I mean you don’t fall for these kinds of guys and be weak) but none of them are in the business. None of the other women are quite as kicka** as Melody and im spoiled now lol. I want another great one where the girl can give as good as the guy can.

The Love Series Box Set by Casey Clipper <— Lauren found us this one! “I just read The Boss’s Love by Casey Clipper & I loved it. Mafia love story, no cliffhanger. Cover & title isn’t great so I almost didn’t buy but so glad I did.”\

Disastrous Series by E L Montes <— And Lauren also recommends this one! “E.L. Montes’s Disastrous & Cautious….2 books, mafia/crime love story & sooooo good!”

Blurred Lines by Jennifer K. Brand <— Judy loved this one! “My most recent was Blurred Lines by Jeniffer K. Brand. Davids is one alpha male! And speaking of the author? She wrote one awesome book and disappeared!”

Eagle Elite Series by Rachel Van Dyken <— Lisa recommends these! “Love the Eagle Elite series. Have you read it yet Maryse? Highly recommend it. I just finished Ember, Phoenix’s story so emotional!! My heart just ached for him and all his pain. From hating him you grow to love him. Love each and every one of the Mafia bosses stories. So excited there’s another one!!!” and Tessa agrees!

Tessa: ”Yes, read it now! I absolutely loved it. Just pure love. …Elite series… *swoon* If you can suspend belief, Elite becomes an awesome book. The rest don’t need the suspended belief thing, but are really good…”

Melinda: I love Rachel Van Dyken’s Eagle Elite series!

Saletti Blood: The Order (Volume 1) by Vana V <— Laura recommends these! “I’ve read the vana v book saletti blood and it is slow in the beginning but once it all starts u totally go OMG!! It’s quite dark and pretty heartbreaking and sometimes a big hard to read but was a great twist of a story I would recommend it also!! Oh and it comes under mobster story’s aswell!!”

Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon <— Lauren loved this one! She says: “I read Sidney Sheldon’s Rage of Angels when I was 11yrs old….and reread it dozens & dozens of times. I had actually read The Godfather a few years prior to this but Rage of Angels showed me that a Mafia story could also be a romance story as well as action packed & suspenseful. It blew me away!!”

Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles by Cora Reilly <— Cheryl LOVED it! “I just finished Bound by Blood series by Cora Riley – LOVING the mafia vibe right now – anyone have a suggestion for another mafia series? thanks! ❤️” and Lisa agrees! “Another mob series that I LOVED was Bound by Honour by Cora Reilly. Alpha big jerks & most important hot hot hot!!”

Kissing My Killer by Helena Newbury <— Allison fell in love! “I am almost done with Kissing My Killer by Helena Newbury, which just came out this week. Sigh. I am really in love with this author. She has mastered telling stories of big, burly, bad boys who fall in love with a woman and just really fall at her knees. Yet, they still maintain their badboyishness. Is that a word? It is now. Because it’s a thing. This is the story of Alexei, a Russian mob hitman hired to take out a hacker who has gotten too close to the secrets his boss is hiding. Except the hacker isn’t who Alexei was expecting, and he just can’t pull the trigger. I love it!”

Russkaya Mafiya by Sapphire Knight <— Kathy suggests this one! “For those of you who like Russian mafia books (like Roxie Rivera’s), you won’t be disappointed in Saphire Knight’s series. I have read the first 3 in the series. She pulls in Russian mafia plus an MC club. A win win!”

Filthy Marcellos: The Complete Collection by Bethany-Kris <— Lauren loves these! “I’d read anything Bethany-Kris writes. I love her books! The Filthy Marcellos series is so good but her best is the Russian Guns series. Best Russian Mafia books I’ve ever read!!!!”

Laggie: Anything by Bethany kris

Indebted (A Kingpin Love Affair Book 1) by J.L. Beck <— Tessa found us this one! “Recommendation – I just finished a book called Indebted by JL Beck. OMG seriously good (4-4.5 stars), and, not dark, but definitely Greg. Girl’s father owes the mafia money, so she’s the debt. We’ve all heard that, but it’s good. A lot of danger, a lot of deaths, and backstabs. Less on the steam, (though steam is there) but more on their relationshipI. wanted it to be longer, but it’s part 1 of who knows how many. The series is called Kingpin Love Affair. I’m just happy to have found something gritty. Ive read too many sweets up until now.”

The Devil’s Eyes by Jennifer Loren <— Ela recommended this one to all of us! “The Devil’s Eyes series is one of my all time favorite Mafia romance and it gets darkish at times! It makes me happy to recommend my faves and to see others enjoy them as well!” and Cristina is LOVING this one!! “FYI… I started The Devil’s Eyes and HOLY HELL!!! It is FANTABULOUS!!! I am devouring it right now and it’s got some AWESOME jaw dropping moments!!! I’m liking it better than Sparrow so far!! Whomever recommended this series THANK YOU!! I’m in a mafia mood ladies!!! Bring em’ on!!!!”

And Cristina also recommends these ➜ ”A couple of mafia recommendations from me are: For Fallon and For Luca by Soraya Naomi; Bound by Honor by Cora Reilly; Carter Reed by Tijan; Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken; Made men series by Sarah Brianne; and Monster in his Eyes by J.M. Darhower.”

The Corruption series by CD Reiss <— Rebecka also loves this one! “CD Reiss has Spin- Songs of Corruption. Mafia, steamy n Alpha Male! Oh My!!”

Kim: My favorite mafia romance is the Corruption series by CD Reiss.

A Love of Vengeance (Wanted Men Book 1) by Nancy Haviland <— Lori suggests this one! “I recently read a mafia romance that I loved called A Love of Vengeance by Nancy Haviland.”

Volkov Bratva by London Miller <— Lea recommends it! “I love the way she depicts the Russian Mafia.”

Falling Deep by Ola Wegner <— Julie found us this one! “I read “Falling Deep” by Ola Wegner and found it fascinating. Its about a mafia romance, the hero is a stalker, alpha male who falls hard for his nurse. Give it a try, I think this author is going somewhere.”

Blood Ties That Bind series by April Ezell Wilson <— Robyn recommends this one! “A great mafia romance that spans time is The Blood Ties That Bind series by April Ezell! She just finished the first generation and is now starting the second generation. The mafia runs deep in this family. Best mafia saga ever!” AND!

Robyn has a bunch more for us! She says: “Goodie! A Mafia list! I got a few. These just a few I’ve enjoyed. Can you tell I have a little fixation on the Mafia? Hehe. If I remember anymore I’ll let you know!“:

• Born Bratva by Suzanne Steele
• Ruthless People series by JJ McAvoy
• Fianna Fail: Soldiers of Destiny by S. Kline
• The Carter Trilogy by W S Greer
• Scarlett and the Mobster by S L Baker
• Made Man series by Liliana Rhodes
• The Enforcer series by Nikki Drost
• The New Mafia by E J Fechenda

Tagged as: antiheroes, Mob and Mafia Romance