Review: Sergio: a Dark Mafia Romance

Sergio is a hearbreaker #darkromance #review @givemebooksblog and @NatashaKnight13
Sergio: a Dark Mafia Romance by Natasha Knight
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Not sure what to expect other than a dark kinky read, this book threw me for a loop. I'm not sure if I have completely reconciled what I read. This is part of a trilogy yet it can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first two books in this series and I think it is probably better that I did not. I wouldn't have been so painfully shocked.

This book is all about Sergio. As the eldest of three, he stands to inherit his father's thrown as Mafia king. He is ruthless and chased by personal demons. He is supposed to be some terrible monster yet I never found him to be that way. He comes across as a boy who tries so hard to meet the expectations of everyone else. He is the one who has all the burdens on his shoulders. What he wants to do is live a life free of attacks with a woman he loves. This incredibly ill-advised love story is heart breaking. My favourite character in this book is Sergio. He is straight forward and it is clear why he does what he does and where his loyalties lay.

Who I was less than impressed with? His love interest, Natalie. She is weak and a bit too whiny for me. This book probably would have been a 4 star if it had not been for her. She is his weakness and makes him vulnerable. She willfully causes Sergio to place himself in danger. She makes foolish decisions and she goes into a situation with her eyes tightly shut. How can she be so naive and selfish? Yes, yes, she is young and stupid. I get it. I'm a jaded old woman who sighs at men who give themselves over to ungrateful sheltered young girls. What these brutal men need is a strong woman who can match up and partner with them. Then again, these macho men don't want a strong woman. They prefer the weak willed easily swayed female who clutches at her pearls and faints. Someone who they can protect and treat like a fragile little princess. Regardless of Natalie's desire to witness an act of violence, she still could not cope with the realities of Sergio's life. And this is what saddens me about this whole loves story. She claims to love him and yet at every chance, she makes the decision which places his life in harm's way.

What I did enjoy about this story is the rough sex. Sergio enjoys it a bit kinky and a little rough. His dominant personality exudes even when he is a lover. Because make no mistakes, Sergio's kind of sex is definitely up my alley. The sex scenes are steamy with a dash of sweet. Erotic and arousing, Sergio and Natalie's sexual chemistry carries this tale. This erotica is recommended to dark fantasy readers who know there is no such thing as a happily ever after.

*I received an advanced copy