When She Falls: A Dark Mafia Romance (The Fallen)

Did I binge nearly 1,500 pages of this series in a single week? Yeah, I did! Do I regret it? Not one bit. I'm late to the party on this sexy, suspenseful mafia romance series, but I've been making up for lost time by devouring the audiobooks. I was looking forward to this particular book because of the little teases we got about the couple, and their love story did not disappoint. It probably won't be for everyone - our heroine is technically engaged to another man for the vast majority of the book - but it was easy to see that she was in a tough situation, and that added a layer of delicious tension to the story. She's always been the good girl and the responsible one, so everyone assumes she'll go along with an arranged marriage without complaint... but falling for the right man just before her wedding puts a wrench in that plan. It's super angsty but not in a way that felt heavy, and I loved how the roadblocks just made this relationship feel even sweeter. Our (anti)hero is smitten for his girl, and I couldn't wait to see how it would all work out. It held my attention with ease and left me anxious to get to the next love story in the series, so I couldn't rate this anything other than an easy 5 stars.The story follows Gemma (20), a woman whose father gave her away in a business deal. She's always gone along with the mafia don's wishes, but getting married to a near-stranger is still a big ask. Her fiancé has a reputation for being ruthless and his cold stare is intimidating, so a life sentence as his wife is less than appealing. While overseas at her sister's wedding to another mafia don (it's a long story), Gemma runs into the infuriatingly incorrigible Ras (30) again. The two had one memorable run-in months ago, and the sexy underboss continues to get under her skin. There's something about Gemma that intrigues Ras, and spending time with her at the wedding makes him realize that there's an entirely different side of her lurking beneath the surface. As the two total opposites get to know each other better, they realize that there's a strong romantic connection between them... which is extremely unfortunate, since Gemma has no choice but to marry another man in a few short weeks.I would not recommend reading this series out of order, as each book builds upon the overarching storyline. Sure, the romances will technically stand on their own, but the story is richer and more complex when you have the context of the other books. In this case, we knew that Gemma and Ras had tension from their first interaction, and we also knew that derailing her engagement would cause nothing but trouble. She's been promised to another man, and going against that could have catastrophic consequences. I kinda loved that Ras - this big, dangerous man - has no choice but to watch as his girl prepares to marry another guy. It certainly adds some tension, to say the least, lol. There's little to no OM drama beyond the obvious, nor anything physical between Gemma and her fiancé. Gemma and Ras' chemistry was undeniable, and I loved seeing the softer side of Ras. He falls first and he falls hard, so I couldn't wait to see how they were going to get themselves out of this one. It's important to note that there are some potential triggers, particularly surrounding the fact that Gemma's father is abusive, and also the whole... you know, cheating scenario. Technically, Gemma's engagement is a business arrangement, she's been forced into it, and neither party has any feelings for the other, so it wasn't difficult for me to empathize with the situation. I had a great time reading this and I can't wait for the next audiobook to release, so it was a very successful read for me. I've been eating up the series, and each installment is as devourable as the last.Audio note: The audio is great! I don't think I've listened to Alyssa Avery before, but she does a great job. Zero complaints about her performance. Gabriel Spires returns for this installment, and I love the accent he uses for our antihero. The audio absolutely enhances the story, and I am very glad that I was able to experience it in this way. The runtime (12-13 hours) is really too much for a single day, but I flew through it in no time. The story is a bit of a hot slow burn, so mixed feelings about listening at work. There's definitely some spice. I wholeheartedly recommend the format, and I'm going to do my best to wait until book four releases on audio as well - though it's going to be difficult to wait!

It was a decent read, but boy did it seem long. I have no idea if it was longer than the other two previous books, but it just felt that way. I hear that the last book about Cleo is the best, so I’m looking forward to reading that book.

This is book 3 in this series and just as good as the other ones that I have read. Gemma and Ras are two great characters and the storyline is written really well. Now onto book 4.

Another forbidden romance in the series, but for a completely different reason. Ras is Damiano's second in command and Gemma is Vale's sister, who is engaged to be married to Rafaele - another head of a crime syndicate.Gemma is keeping her mouth shut and doing whatever her parents tell her. Saying yes to marry a man she doesn't want to, even seeing what happened with her sister as she still believes her father wants what's best for her. Ras constantly sees Gemma whilst she's visiting her sister and slowly starts to be enamored by her.Their banter is so good. Ras is so funny and brings out Gemma's sassy side as well. The version of her when she is with him and isn't thinking she needs to be someone else is so fun. The tension that slowly builds as they try and deny their feelings was so good and made the final plunge that much better.The last 25% of the book had me on the edge of my seat holding back tears. I was so invested in their happy and ending and was so happy they got it!

Author is trying to put too much in the book so it becomes long and boring at times. I skimmed some parts to find interesting scenes. The scenes with Cleo held my interest more than Gemma. Gemma was a doormat, she let people use and walk over her. Not my type of female to read about. Cleo was feisty.The break and makeup between Damiano and Ras was unbelievable. There is always punishment in the mafia when you disrespect the don.Writing is getting better but still choppy and lacks continuity. Tries to put too many plots in story without fully developing main thesis.

Another great read into the series. I say start from the beginning so that it’s easier to follow the time frame. This wasn’t my favorite story, but I’m very intrigued of Cleo’s story. Can’t wait to start it!

I love this couple. The tension and banter are amazing. Seeing Gemma grow into such a strong person was incredible to read, and it was perfect getting to see Ras support and encourage her the whole time.

Gemma felt a strong sense of duty to her family. Her parents raised her to think her father had his children’s best interests at heart but he only thought of how things could benefit him and his Mafia business.When he told her she was to be married to another Mafia Don to cement their relationship she agreed, even though she had begun to have feelings for Ras.When events make her regret her decision she had to think fast to make a plan to get her HEA.

I KNEW they were going to be my favourite people ever, from the first moment in When She Unravels, when Ras mentioned he was going to NY to deliver the phone to Gemma I was like “Am I about to get obsessed with them?” and they, of course, delivered.Prepare yourself for this book. Like seriously, finish your chores, leave early from work, finish your hw, because GemmaRas will catch you to finish their story without a break. Trust me, been there. Also, not me downloading this book at 5:00 am or something. I need to sleep.The book is long, and very well written and the pace was on point. Love it!! Make sure to check TW tho.Now, about the characters. Gemma and Ras were destinated. They started off on the wrong foot, and while I missed the banter from the other books, it wasn’t really how they are. There is so much love, cherishes, cheesy love, and all from them.Gemma also known as Peaches, was a heroine that has been through a lot from the abuse and manipulation from her parents but she stands because of her determination to protect others - and while she does make a lot of mistakes, as the story advances, you will see she grows up beautifully. Realising that you can’t save them all. It’s okay to be selfish. People make choices and mistakes and it’s not up to you to save them with you as a sacrifice.Ras who will be also known as husband, phew.That’s my man right there. Not, but SERIOUSLY, this man is fire, I can’t even. I never felt more single.Ras was the perfect match for Gemma. He had a past that hurt him deeply and swore he wouldn’t love again and all. But the connection he felt with Gemma, it was like what past love? lmao.It was cute to read his inner speech about he would put an end to his attraction and all but then Gemma would appear and smile at him or even say hi and he would swoooon .Oh, and I picture him into this big teddy bear with all love and cuddles for Gemma but will be ready to go berserk if you breathe wrong around her. Love it.I can’t describe in words the love he felt for her. It was powerful, that not even his duty as an underboss and even risking his friendship with Damiano and his own life could take him away from Gemma. This man was obsessed.We get some glimpses of past couples – ValeDamiano and MariGiorgio and that makes me want to re-read their books. Aaaaand there is a new couple, my friends. The last sister, Cleo is getting her book and I won’t tell you who her man will be. That’s a surprise although I kinda feel you’ll know it right away.

This is book 3 in an incredible series. The love the sisters have for their alpha male is heart warming and each book is so different. They make you read more and more and none of the storylines are boring or predictable. These books are emotional, exciting and a tear jerker too., Oh and the loving is red hot! Cannt wait to read book 4 x

Gemma is supposed to marry a powerful man. Ras, who works for Gemma's brother-in-law, doesn't like her at all. Gemma hates Ras. But because of some situations, Ras has to look after Gemma. Surprisingly, he takes really good care of her and starts to care about her. Ras had a bad experience with love before, but he can't help but fall for Gemma. He wants to protect her from a forced marriage and her father's abuse. He's even willing to give up anything for her. The romance in this book is full of tension, especially because I felt really sorry for Ras. But overall, it's a great love story, and I really enjoyed it.

I‘m obsessed with this book. Ras is amazing. And Rafaele is also amazing. Still waiting for the next book I hope it’s his and Cleo’s story. Would recommend it to anyone. It’s my favorite book right now.

“I don’t want to be your first, Peaches. I want to be your last.”I love being back in this world! Gem and Ras’ romance has been hinted at from book one, so I have been dying to get to this one!Gemma Gorzolo is arranged to be married to another New York Don her family has recently allied with. Ras is the underboss of Gemma’s brother-in-law and is the exact opposite of her. Gemma is hoping to never see Ras again after her sister’s wedding. However, Ras’ Don has some concerns about the state of New York’s underworld and the deal they have signed with her family and her fiancé, Ras is sent to New York with Gemma to investigate and ensure nothing will risk the trade agreement.My heart broke for Gemma. Thanks to her toxic parents and selfish siblings, she has been groomed to be selfless and put her own needs below what the family needs her to do. Ras is the first person in her life who shows her that she is enough.I did not think Ras would top any of the other heroes in the series and boy was I wrong! He is the perfect mix of a cheeky playboy who will burn the world down for the one he loves. The fact he was willing to risk his standing in the Camorra and, in turn, his life for Gemma make me swoon. Honestly, I couldn’t pick anymore more perfect for Gem.