Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Heat Level: 4 Word Count: 30, 700 ISBN: 978-0-3695-0654-2 Editor: Audrey Bobak Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

The Butcher's Wife by Sam Crescent

Heat Level 4
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-0654-2
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Valentina has been picked to be The Butcher’s wife—the most deadly man within the Rossi mafia. He's exactly what men fear, and now she is set to be his wife. He could have any woman, but instead, he picked her. Why? She was passed over by Thomas Rossi’s son because she was broken and damaged.

Giovanni Romano is a monster. After his family was killed when he was young, he spent his entire life becoming a killing machine. He swore his loyalty to Rossi, and what he wants more than anything is Valentina. He saved her, and now he'll allow her the chance to live and thrive.

Valentina never expected to fall for her husband. He's terrifying and dangerous, but the moment she's close to him, he sets a fire inside her. When she’s with him, she feels complete and never wants to be without him.

Now it is up to Giovanni to protect his wife when it matters most, or will he be doomed to lose the only woman he has ever loved?

Be Warned: anal sex


Excerpt:

Since he’d picked her, he’d not had the opportunity to be alone with her. Their traditions had to remain in place. As did her virginity—until tonight.

He wanted to fuck her. To fill her full of his cum and get her pregnant with his child.

When it came to Valentina, even before she was taken, he’d been enraptured by her. She was a beautiful woman. Curves in all the right places, especially on her thighs as well as her ass. She could take a nice, hard fuck. Her body had been designed for him, and he couldn’t wait to get his hands on her. To bring new memories to chase the darkness away.

“I saw you looking at Leonardo,” he said, hating the bastard’s name on his lips.

“I wasn’t,” she said.

“You don’t have to lie. In fact, that is what I would like in our marriage. Complete and total honesty.”

She tilted her head slightly to the side. “You do?”

“Yes.”

“That’s not … heard of.”

He chuckled. “I know, right? I am a glutton for punishment.” He leaned in close and pressed his nose against her hair, inhaling her sweet strawberry scent.

His mouth watered.

After rescuing her and taking a chance to visit her in the hospital, he’d leaned in close and promised he would protect her. It was why he stayed close to home, never going too far, handling business where he could be close to her.

Valentina had been taken because he’d taken his eye off the ball. He’d been in another country with Rossi, handling business. The moment they got the news, they had been on a plane back home, but the damage had already been done.

“So, tell me what you are thinking about right this moment,” he said.

“Are you sure you want to know the simple thoughts of your wife?” Valentina asked.

“You will soon come to see, my sweet, that I don’t ask for anything I don’t want.”

She licked her lips. He saw the tip of her tongue as it traced across her bottom lip, and he so wanted her mouth on his body, licking at him, sucking at him.

“Er, I … I’m not a very good dancer,” she said.

He chuckled. “Neither am I, but I did put in a few hours of practice so I didn’t stand on your toes.”

“You did?” she asked.

“Yes, does that surprise you?”

“A little bit. I had to practice as well. With my brother and my mom. My dad didn’t want me to make him look like a fool.”

“That would be impossible for you to do when your father looks like a fool with no help from anyone.”

This made her gasp and then laugh.

Good. He wanted her to be happy. Not afraid.

“I can’t believe you just said that.”

He leaned in close, pressing his lips against her ear. “Any man who is willing to allow his daughter to be overlooked and let go is a fool. Don’t even get me started on Leonardo. He doesn’t have the first fucking brain cell to even know who he gave up.”

Giovanni pulled back and smiled at her. Her lips were slightly parted, and he wanted to do nothing more than kiss them, but he held himself back. Now was not the time to kiss those luscious lips.

“He is happily married,” Valentina said.

He doubted it. The couple hated each other. Victoria and Leonardo Rossi were perfect for each other because of their complete hatred and cruelty.

He wasn’t going to allow Valentina to get close to either of them. The bastard hadn’t deserved her before, and the truth was, he’d been trying to find a reason for them not to marry. Valentina wasn’t like most women in their circle. She was sweet, kind, loyal, caring, everything their circle hated and saw as a weakness.

Leonardo would have broken her. He put on the façade for people, but Giovanni knew of the women he’d attacked and nearly killed in his vile rage.

Glancing over Valentina’s shoulder, he spotted Leonardo watching her. He had tried to convince his father not to allow this wedding to go through.

The moment Giovanni had been given the opportunity to have any woman he wanted, he’d picked Valentina without a second’s hesitation. Leonardo had said his selection was absurd. That no one should have Valentina. She was defective and to even attempt to have her was a mockery.

To get her, Giovanni had to question Rossi’s loyalty.

Of course, he didn’t hold the same opinion as his son. Even though the older man had terminated the contract between his son and Valentina, that didn’t mean he had turned his back on the woman.

He saw an opportunity, even if he didn’t completely understand Giovanni’s reasoning. It didn’t mean he was going to let her be out of favor any longer.

As Leonardo watched, Giovanni ran his hands down her back, the tips of his fingers teasing at the edge of her ass. The line of her panties ruffled the dress she wore, but he didn’t care.

Leonardo knew what he had lost.

As long as he was alive, he was going to make sure Valentina was alive, and as The Butcher, no one had ever succeeded in killing him.

No one had the stomach to face him.

Not even Leonardo Rossi.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 50 ratings)
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4/5
It was sweet.
Written by Josee on 28th Oct 2023

This one surprised me. It starts with an arranged marriage where the heroine expects to be treated like another pawn in a game where men hold all the power. She was previously kidnapped and has both emotional and physical scars from it. She was previously engaged to an awful man who broke off the engagement after she was kidnapped because she was considered damaged goods. She doesn't expect to find love in this marriage but to her surprise, the hero is completely obsessed with her and spends to novella showing her how much he loves her. It was sweet.

5/5
Not A Typical Mafia Marriage
Written by Champagne77 on 11th Oct 2022

I am voluntarily reviewing a reader copy of this book. Valentina hasn’t had the best so far in her twenty years of life, being part of the mafia life she knows that she is expected to be seen and not heard, she has been in tracing to be a good little mafia wife since she was born. But three years ago just after she’d been chosen to be none other than the Don’s son Leonardo Rossi, she knew the rumours about him even then and marrying him was the last thing she wanted to do, but when she was kidnapped and tortured by a rival family as revenge on Leo, it left her with scars no one would ever want to see, he called off the wedding. In the years that have past and she’s about to marry the man known as the Butcher. The Rossi family’s enforcer, Giovanni is a man meant to be feared and he is also the man that saved her. Having spent little to no time with him she had no idea what to expect, the man she thought he was is not the same man that’s just become her husband. Could what they have be real, or will her marriage be just like all the ones she has witnessed through her life? Giovanni has wanted Valentina for as long as he can remember, so when he heard she had been kidnapped he knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do to get her home. The day he rescued her he vowed to never let harm come to her again. His revenge would be swift and deadly to whomever tried to hurt her. He watches her all the time making sure she is ok, her scars haunt her, just as his did after he watched his family killed, it gave him the anger to become the enforcer to the Rossi family and earned the name of the Butcher. After her engagement was called off by Leo after all she had endured made his world right again, and now he had been given the gift of her as his wife. He wants to give her the world and a star to go with it and have a marriage like no other in the mob, this was a true love match for him, but can he convince Valentina that this marriage is one that will be forever and nothing like her parents? And when Leo starts showing interest in his new wife will he be able to protect her from whatever he had in store? Loved this book it had literally everything you need in a book, revenge, danger, love and such steamy scenes. Highly recommended 4.5* read.

5/5
So well written
Written by Cynthia G on 23rd Sep 2022

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. OH MY GOD this book was so good! I fell in love with the butcher and I wanted to kick whats-his-name's ass every time he came near Valentina! The story was so well written. I just felt for her so much, I was happy when she was happy and proud of him whenever he did something nice for her. I hope I read more of them!

5/5
Wow, this was freakin awesome!
Written by Celeste H on 6th Sep 2022

Wow, this was freakin awesome! I enjoyed this book soooo much more then anticipated, which as an avid reader and reviewer I’m not often enthralled from the first few pages. I loved her innocence but yet fully aware of the world she lives in. His demeanor and style is sexy and heartwarming, I love how they come together and become a team. This was a great read

5/5
Proving love
Written by Stacey Woods on 28th Aug 2022

I love a whirlwind romance. When it happens quickly and suddenly. Then the "hero" spends the whole time proving it to the heroine. Gio is not what anyone is expecting. This was actually sweet for a mafia story.

5/5
Damaged
Written by Kwebb on 28th Aug 2022

Really loved this story. When Valentina is chosen by Giovanni to be his wife it's a beautiful story of don't judge a book by it's cover. He brings her out of her shell and shows her how strong she can be . He has loved her since he rescued her 3 years ago but she wasn't expecting to fall in love with him.

5/5
Valentina and Giovanni
Written by OrianaReads on 18th Aug 2022

Valentina was supposed to marry the bosses son in the Rossi mob family. But she was kidnapped before that happened and got tortured and now is an outcast because of her scarring. Giovanni is the family's Butcher

4/5
The Butcher’s Wife by Sam Crescent
Written by Spender of Money on 10th Aug 2022

This was a great book. Once I started I had a hard time putting it down to get The Things done. So I didn’t. I didn’t get The Things done. I have no regrets. It was a fast read with interesting characters in an intriguing world. The chemistry between the two mains was perfect. I foresee a re-read on the horizon. The Butcher’s Wife is a definite recommend from me and Sam Crescent continues to firmly on my follow list. I received a copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

5/5
Sweet
Written by Arin Baur on 7th Aug 2022

This book is awesome and very loving caring and so much more! The main girl has been through so much and everyone looks down on her I bet that was way she is so hard on self. Everything changes when the guy that knows her better than anyone else becomes her husband. Can she let down her walls and except everything he has to offer her and will they get what they both want when how they were raised up stuck in her head? Find out in this mystery crime book that can easily be read all in a day! I personally loved this book a lot especially with how it all ends I want more so much!!

5/5
The Butcher’s Wife
Written by Shanna on 7th Aug 2022

The Butcher’s Wife by Sam Crescent. Giovanni and Valentina bring all the feels you expect with a touch of dark drama, heated passion, twists and turns, along with devotion. I enjoyed it and would recommend to others.

5/5
Intense romance!!
Written by Wendy Livingstone on 7th Aug 2022

The Butcher, Giovanni, is from the Rossi mafia, and he lives up to his name, as he is dangerous, feared, and ruthless, and he can have any woman he wants, but he has chosen Valentino to become his Wife. Valentino has had a tough life, and she is at piece when Giovanni is with her, as they complete each other perfectly, and he will protect and keep her safe no matter what he must do. This is a well written quick read, which has trust, loyalty, romance, twists, danger, suspense, intrigue, betrayal, violence, conflict, tension, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5/5
The Butcher’s Wife
Written by Loubie73 on 7th Aug 2022

Oh I have no idea where to start! This book might not be the longest but it’s better than a lot of others I’ve read. It’s a really good mix of the mafia world and an equally good story with some hot and steamy sex scenes added It’s a really good blend of the two and I enjoyed this book. Giovanni might be The Butcher but blimey how he feels about Valentina is epic.

5/5
Beautiful love story.
Written by TracyaH1976 on 7th Aug 2022

The Butcher's Wife by Sam Crescent The story and characters, Valentina and Giovanni, are beautifully written characters. The storyline and journey were emotional and amazing. The secondary characters were a great addition. Great read.

5/5
5 stars
Written by Maddison on 18th Jul 2022

Was only able to get about a fourth of the way through this book before it was archived as I had just received it. This was a great read for what I was able to read of it, definitely going to get the book to finish it.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Megan on 18th Jul 2022

I really enjoy this. I've read Sam's work before so I knew I'd get a good read, steam and characters that I wouldn't hate. Nice, quick read that kept me entertained for a bit.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Andy Smith on 18th Jul 2022

The Butcher's Wife 4 Stars This was an impulsive book pick for me. Mafia books were all the rage when I was completing my nursing program and I had no free reading time. I wanted to rectify that and was so glad I did. This is my first time reading this author. This was a fun, quick, satisfying read! Giovanni is seen as a monster, the Butcher. While Valentina is looked on with pity, and considered broken by her family and peers for being kidnapped and tortured by enemies. This book starts at their wedding. It reads similar to the beauty and beast trope. Though both are scarred on the outside, they are both beautiful on the inside. I love how Giovanni helps Valentina heal from her past and how confident Valentina becomes by the end of the book. At times, I found The Butcher's Wife a little predictable, which I didn't mind. Because this book's well written, fast-paced and held my attention. Overall, it was a good read. Thank you, NetGalley and Evernight Publishing, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Anne-Sofie on 18th Jul 2022

The Butcher love is new wife and is so sweet to her. He protecting her all the time to Them there hates her and will harm her because of him. I love mafia Book’s.

5/5
5 stars
Written by Cynthia on 18th Jul 2022

The Butcher's Wife by Sam Crescent is a sweet and sexy version of opposites attract with a bit of a beauty and the beast theme! Valentina has had a hard life; her family does not appreciate her sacrifices, nor do they understand how strong she has always been. When she was taken years ago, the Butcher (Giovanni Romano) swooped in to rescue her. True, it was his job to bring her to safely but for him it was personal. He had always been drawn to her beauty and gentleness but now he was able to see her true strength and courage. Left scarred both physically and mentally, Valentina is sure she will never marry. Imagine her surprise when Giovanni picks her as his bride. Prolific author, Sam Crescent, never disappoints. Her characters are always intriguing, and their passion rings true. I really enjoyed this gritty story of love unexpected! Thank you to NetGalley for allowing to me read this ARC for my honest opinion!

5/5
4 stars
Written by April on 13th Jul 2022

Valentina and Giovanni make a beautiful couple. Valentina was picked as Giovanni (The Butcher)'s wife. She believes she is damaged and incapable of love. He also believed he is damaged. Will they fall in love? CAN they fall in love? I found their love story to be so sweet! I was expecting a dark romance but what I got instead was a romance that filled me with butterflies. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I will be reading more from Sam Crescent. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5/5
5 stars
Written by tracy on 13th Jul 2022

this is my second book buy this author and so enjoyed the characters you will so fall in love with Valentina Berlusconi. is being married off to Giovanni Romano they call him the Butcher her father is one of the Capos in the Rossi line. A few years before Valentina was kidnapped and tortured it was Giovanni that rescued her she was going to marry Leonardo but it was called off becuse of her kidnapping but the day of her wedding he now has eyes on her. they honeymoon on Giovanni private island where he trains her to protect herself the scenes are so good very intense will they learn to love

4/5
4 stars
Written by Sandy on 13th Jul 2022

3.75 stars- THE BUTCHER’S WIFE by Sam Crescent is a contemporary, adult, Mafia romance novella focusing on forty year old Giovanni ‘The Butcher’ Romano, and twenty-one year old, Mafia princess Valentine Berlusconi -Romano. WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. Told from dual third person perspectives (Giovanni and Valentina) THE BUTCHER’S WIFE follows in the aftermath of the arranged marriage between forty year old Giovanni ‘The Butcher’ Romano, and twenty-one year old, Mafia princess Valentina Berlusconi -Romano. Approximately three years earlier Valentina Berlusconi was the victim of torture and a brutal kidnapping, a kidnapping from which she barely survived. Refusing to marry a ‘damaged’ princess, Valentina’s fiance Leonardo Rossi, walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein her rescuer Giovanni ‘The Butcher’ Romano has asked for Valentina’s hand in marriage, a marriage Valentina believes will be brutal and swift but to our heroine’s surprise Giovanni Romano has a soft spot for the young woman he rescued, a woman who has unknowingly stolen his heart and his soul. In an effort to secure the woman he loves, Giovanni trains our heroine so she is able to protect herself but Valentina will discover that no amount of protection can guarantee her safety from the one person determined to reclaim her for himself. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Giovanni and Valentina, and the potential fall-out as the past targets our story line heroine. The relationship between Valentina and Giovanni begins as a rescue, a rescue that will see Giovanni struggling with what happened and why. As a capo in the Rossi family, Giovanni has opted for the one woman who is believed to be damaged beyond repair but Giovanni sees a strong woman who is capable of loving a man who himself believes is incapable of love. Working for the Rossi family finds Giovanni away from the woman with whom he is falling in love, time that will threaten the relationship and their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative. We are introduced to Valentina’s parents; Valentina’s ex-fiance Leonardo Rossi, his new wife Victoria, and the head of the Rossi family Thomas Rossi. THE BUTCHER’S WIFE is a fast paced, quick read. A Mafia style wedding but a marriage predicated upon mutual respect and love. The premise is engaging and exciting; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are impassioned, charismatic and determined.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Pat on 13th Jul 2022

A very good book from the start to the finish. Valentine can not understand why she is to be married to the most brutal man in the Mafia. His name is the butcher, she was expecting to be marrying the heir of the Mafia family but when she was kidnapped and tortured, she was looked upon as damaged. Giovanni Romano was the one who tracked down where she was rescued her and killed all of the men who took her. He has been in love with her for years. Now when they are alone, she will understand what love is. She does when he takes her away for a month to not only be with her but to also teach her to protect herself the passion that is lit inside of her for this man surprises her and really makes this story take off. A very good fast-paced book with really good characters.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Speed raver on 13th Jul 2022

This was a great mafia love story, where the love that Giovanni has for his Valentina is not hidden. After something tragic happened to Valentia, Giovanni made a promise to her. Three years later he was able to keep that promise and made her, his wife. He chose her! I truly enjoyed this one and wished it could have been longer. The sex scenes were on fire. Loved it! ❤️❤️❤️ ****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****

4/5
4 stars
Written by Jill on 13th Jul 2022

I really enjoyed this very steamy romance. I haven’t read any mafia style romances before and this author was new to me too. The story was fast paced and very short but a great afternoon read. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to a review copy of this book.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Samantha on 13th Jul 2022

Thank you to the author who provided me with an ARC of The Butcher’s wife. Valentina is as apposite to Giovanni as can be; she is sweet and innocent, he is feared and vicious. But Giovanni has been infatuated with Valentina ever since he rescued her from a terrifying kidnapping, which left her with physical marks on her otherwise perfect body. Because of these marks, her intended, the son of the head of the mafia, cancelled their engagement and moved on to another. When Giovanni, a soldier to the Capo, is given the opportunity to choose a bride, there is no-one he could choose expect Valentina; the woman he has watched from afar and yearned for. Valentina only knows Giovanni as a ruthless man, ‘The Butcher’, who is spoken of in hushed tones with looks of apprehension due to his capacity for violence and brutality. However, she soon learns that her new husband is capable of tenderness, care and devotion. However, with a member of the mafia attacking their own, Giovanni must make sure he keeps his new bride safe, showing her just how possessive and eager he is to take care of what is his. I do love a possessive alpha male, and Giovanni was absolutely that and more. His desire for Valentina was so beautiful, especially as she had been made to believe she was undesirable because of her scars. I so enjoyed seeing Valentina begin to trust Giovanni when all she had known was the dominant violence carried out by made men towards their women. Her journey to freedom, through Giovanni’s care, encouragement and protection, was filled with open communication which made me love Giovanni even more! There is something I really enjoy about a story where the hero is detached and uncaring towards everyone except the heroine, through which we get to explore the interior of a man who is so unreachable to everyone else but her. Their wedding night was absolutely perfect as were the steamy scenes, of which there were many.

5/5
5 stars
Written by Michelle Clay on 7th Jul 2022

I loved this one! A fantastic mafia story with a not so traditional “Butcher” Giovanni. He’s definitely brutal but for his new bride he’s everything good. There’s plenty of chemistry and a healthy dose of mafia violence but this is a total HEA read.

5/5
5 stars
Written by Jennifer on 7th Jul 2022

*Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for a review.* This was so adorable. I know that's a weird thing to say for a mafia novella but it's the truth. These two made me smile and swoon and I was so invested in their HEA. I wish I had 100 pages more of them but the author did such a great job of getting me invested in such a short time. I thought it was romantic and steamy while still being moving and ending with a bang. Literally... haha! I will absolutely read more of Sam Cresent after this.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Maureen on 7th Jul 2022

Valentina is just a means to an end for her father. Raised in the mafia, Valentina understands the role of women and isn't looking forward to her marriage. Giavanni only wants Valentina and has long since before he rescued her after being kidnapped. Being discarded by her fiance gives him the opportunity to claim her as his own when the chance arrives. He has no intention of his marriage being like typical mafia marriages and Valentina quickly learns that he will love her and always take care of her. Giovanni may be a monster in the eyes of others, but for Valentina, he is a good guy. He doesn't feel the need to abuse or subjugate her. Valentina is shy and hesitant. It takes her a bit to see that Giavonni isn't like any of the men she has seen before. He helps her grow into a more confident woman. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Peta on 7th Jul 2022

This is a short Novella detailing the start of Valentina and Giovanni's life together. Not your typical Mafia story, most of it is taken up with sex scenes and Giovanni promising to keep Valentina safe. It was an enjoyable read but not 5* for me.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Rachel on 7th Jul 2022

TROPES: age gap, mafia, arranged marriage, characters in peril This was such a good read! Short, sexy, has some mafia goodness but still moments that were so cute they made me smile. The Hero was so good & gentle with Valentina… I loved it. I also really liked how the Hero was pretty obsessed with Valentina, even before they were set to be married. He protects her, he’s soooooo possessive i was salivating & he just wanted her to know how dang special she was to him. I was so happy to see their HEA & was cheering them on from the beginning. If you’re looking for a good book to help get you out of a slump or just a quick solid read that will make you hot & swoon then I recommend picking this one up!

5/5
5 stars
Written by Mackenzie on 7th Jul 2022

Not going to lie, Tik Tok is showing me nothing but dark romance; mafia men, unalivers, ruthless men and now all I want to do is read this genre. Even though I don’t like when it’s too dark. So… when The Butcher's Wife came across my radar I couldn’t resist. I was intrigued by the blurb, and I decided to take a leap on a new author. I was not disappointed. This book is a great tip toe into the dark mafia romance world. Giovanni may be a ruthless killer, the literal scary muscle of the “family” but he has a good heart, and he loves his wife, Valentina. For years he watched her, after she survived a brutal kidnapping and the moment, he was granted the chance to choose his bride he chose her instantly. The Butcher’s Wife is a quick read, but it does not feel incomplete. I would consider this more of a novella. Sam Crescent packs a lot into this small book. My only note would be to make it longer. I would love to see more of these two and this world. There is a lot that could be dug into here and I would enjoy seeing more. Definitely worth the read, I really enjoyed this book, and I would happily read more by the author. -Mackenzie Bibliophile

5/5
5 stars
Written by Dana on 7th Jul 2022

Just a fun Sam Crescent book, and it's everything you expect. The Butcher's Wife features a marriage of Valentina (who had been through an extremely traumatic event that made her previous fiancee bow out of their marriage) and Giovanni (seen as a monster of the mafia). The two of them complement each other very well. Be prepared for steamy romance tropes (fun!), and an enjoyable plot.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Payten on 7th Jul 2022

While dark romance is not my usual go to, I can definitely get behind the dark and twisty from time to time! It's been awhile since I've read a romance with a little edge so I snagged this off of NetGalley when I saw that it's a shorter read. . This was the perfect way to dip my toe back into the dark and gritty. Giovanni is exactly the kind of MC I want in my dark romances. Give me every bit of the quiet and brooding badass who isn't afraid to kill you for touching his wife. This is STEAMY and perfect for those night you need a little one handed reading inspo.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Eria on 7th Jul 2022

Her ex fiancé rejected her, his family was the reason behind her torture, her family and the mafia world considered her a pariah but Giovanni saved her, loved her and protected her. This was a steamy, quick novella (I wish there was more) that I really enjoyed.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Megan on 7th Jul 2022

Good fast paced read Love a good mafia read. The synopsis doesn’t do the book justice. I liked it a lot

4/5
4 stars
Written by Sandy on 7th Jul 2022

3.75 stars- THE BUTCHER’S WIFE by Sam Crescent is a contemporary, adult, Mafia romance novella focusing on forty year old Giovanni ‘The Butcher’ Romano, and twenty-one year old, Mafia princess Valentine Berlusconi -Romano. WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. Told from dual third person perspectives (Giovanni and Valentina) THE BUTCHER’S WIFE follows in the aftermath of the arranged marriage between forty year old Giovanni ‘The Butcher’ Romano, and twenty-one year old, Mafia princess Valentina Berlusconi -Romano. Approximately three years earlier Valentina Berlusconi was the victim of torture and a brutal kidnapping, a kidnapping from which she barely survived. Refusing to marry a ‘damaged’ princess, Valentina’s fiance Leonardo Rossi, walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein her rescuer Giovanni ‘The Butcher’ Romano has asked for Valentina’s hand in marriage, a marriage Valentina believes will be brutal and swift but to our heroine’s surprise Giovanni Romano has a soft spot for the young woman he rescued, a woman who has unknowingly stolen his heart and his soul. In an effort to secure the woman he loves, Giovanni trains our heroine so she is able to protect herself but Valentina will discover that no amount of protection can guarantee her safety from the one person determined to reclaim her for himself. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Giovanni and Valentina, and the potential fall-out as the past targets our story line heroine. The relationship between Valentina and Giovanni begins as a rescue, a rescue that will see Giovanni struggling with what happened and why. As a capo in the Rossi family, Giovanni has opted for the one woman who is believed to be damaged beyond repair but Giovanni sees a strong woman who is capable of loving a man who himself believes is incapable of love. Working for the Rossi family finds Giovanni away from the woman with whom he is falling in love, time that will threaten the relationship and their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative. We are introduced to Valentina’s parents; Valentina’s ex-fiance Leonardo Rossi, his new wife Victoria, and the head of the Rossi family Thomas Rossi. THE BUTCHER’S WIFE is a fast paced, quick read. A Mafia style wedding but a marriage predicated upon mutual respect and love. The premise is engaging and exciting; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are impassioned, charismatic and determined.

5/5
An excellent read.
Written by Mary S on 7th Jul 2022

This was in excellent read. Love every moment of Giovanni and Valentina story. The good one always feel to short but it definitely comes with all that I love read in them, the feelings,the action. It was just an amazing read.

5/5
A Wonderful Little Surprise
Written by The Book Refuge on 7th Jul 2022

This was so adorable. I know that's a weird thing to say for a mafia novella but it's the truth. It begins on Valentina's wedding day to an older Mafia man named Giovanni, who is called, "The Butcher". She is terrified that she was chosen to be his wife and from his reputation she only expects her sad life to become more miserable. However, Giovanni has had his eye on her for a fee years now, and the rest of their people might see her as broken and undesirable but he recognizes a true treasure when he sees it. And he can't wait to treat her accordingly. These two made me smile and swoon and I was so invested in their HEA. I wish I had 100 pages more of them but the author did such a great job of getting me invested in such a short time. This was a novella length tale but I was engrossed all the way through. I thought it was romantic and steamy while still being moving and ending with a bang. Literally... haha! I will absolutely read more of Sam Crescent after this. This was a pleasant surprise.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Lourin on 7th Jul 2022

Valentina knew she was always going to be married off. It's just the way it's done in the family, especially for a Capo's daughter like herself, and especially when it's to bring goodwill or unite families. The plan had been for Valentina to marry the Rossi heir, at least until she was taken and scarred for life and deemed by her fiancé as damaged and broken goods. Giovanni Romano knew Valentina was anything but weak. For her, a woman, to survive what she did and not break he knew this would be the woman for him if given the chance. When he's finally rewarded his choice of brides, his decision is a brainer. For three years he's watched and waited now it's time to finally make Valentina his. However, there's unrest in the family. Giovanni never hid who he was from his wife, but that doesn't mean he wants her to have a front row seat to what he can do. But to protect the woman he loves from a man throwing a tantrum and trying to take what doesn't belong to him, he'll do whatever it takes. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5/5
Ruthless Killer/ Devoted Husband
Written by MBart on 7th Jul 2022

Not going to lie, Tik Tok is showing me nothing but dark romance; mafia men, unalivers, ruthless men and now all I want to do is read this genre. Even though I don’t like when it’s too dark. So… when The Butcher's Wife came across my radar I couldn’t resist. I was intrigued by the blurb, and I decided to take a leap on a new author. I was not disappointed. This book is a great tip toe into the dark mafia romance world. Giovanni may be a ruthless killer, the literal scary muscle of the “family” but he has a good heart, and he loves his wife, Valentina. For years he watched her, after she survived a brutal kidnapping and the moment, he was granted the chance to choose his bride he chose her instantly. The Butcher’s Wife is a quick read, but it does not feel incomplete. I would consider this more of a novella. Sam Crescent packs a lot into this small book. My only note would be to make it longer. I would love to see more of these two and this world. There is a lot that could be dug into here and I would enjoy seeing more. Definitely worth the read, I really enjoyed this book, and I would happily read more by the author. -Mackenzie Bibliophile

5/5
The Butcher’s Wife
Written by LSanchez on 7th Jul 2022

Like always Ms. Crescent has done it again. I truly enjoy reading her books. I highly recommend this book and come along for the ride of Giovanni and Valentina’s story. You will love the characters and how they evolve throughput the book.

5/5
Looking Beyond the Scars
Written by BLT on 6th Jul 2022

Sam Crescent is a new author for me and I can tell you that I’m going to be busy reading more of her books. This book is a quick mafia read and is filled with drama, trauma, hate, love and understanding. Giovanni gets to pick a bride from all the single women in the Rossi mafia and he picks Valentina. Rumor has it she is broken and damaged. Will Giovanni be able to repair her and give her the love she deserves?

5/5
Loved it!
Written by This was a really good quick read finished in just a couple hours. Valentina went through a very hor on 6th Jul 2022

This was a really good quick read finished in just a couple hours. Valentina went through a very horrible situation when she was engaged to another man and ended up being left with some bad scars. Everyone said she was damaged after that, but Giovanni did not see her as that he is obsessed with her and finds a way to make her his wife. Valentina is scared of him at first but quickly learns he is everything she needs. I loved Giovanni and Valentina's story so much. Only thing I wish is that was a little longer. Can wait to read whatever Sam comes up with next.

5/5
Intriguing
Written by Daffyrunner1031 on 6th Jul 2022

Worth the read. Protective alpha male . Strong heroine. Smart and well written. With a strong story line

5/5
Great Story
Written by PHOENIX96 on 6th Jul 2022

Giovanni 'The Butcher' a monster among men has chosen Valentina to be his wife, he had the pick of all the women yet he chose Valetina the broken one as she was called by his boss's son, but he craved her like no other, he saved her, but could she ever return his feelings? When trouble comes calling will Giovanni and Valentine be prepared for the whats ahead? Well written steamy hot scenes, arrange marriage, mafia drama, and more.

5/5
Sexy mafia romance!
Written by Amanda KR on 6th Jul 2022

Sam Crescent's The Butcher's Wife is off the charts hot!! Valentina and Giovanni are couple who ooze chemistry. Giovanni wants Valentina. When he is offered his choice of bride, he instantly chooses her. Valentina is confused by his choice. Why her? Giovanni is a monster in the mafia world - should she be scared of her husband? But Giovanni isn't what he seems and neither is Valentina. Their chemistry is over the top hot. Sam Crescent sure knows how to write a book filled with sexy chemistry and angst. I loved The Butcher's Wife!

5/5
Awesome Story
Written by RhondaVB on 6th Jul 2022

After being rejected by her fiancee because her body wasn't "perfect", Giavonni makes his move to claim Valentina. He's been given his choice for a wife and he instantly picks her. Being in the mafia, Valentina expects him to treat her the way all the other mafia men treat their wives..........badly, but he surprises her. Giavonni was a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the men but was he just playing with her emotions? I hated her ex, he's a very bad man but Giavonni makes sure that Valentina knows that she is the only one for him. There's no other woman drama but the ex fiancee doesn't seem to want to let her go, even though he rejected her. Can Giavonni save the woman he loves more than anything before her ex gets his hands on her? Well, you're gonna have to get the book and find out!! LOL

5/5
An excellent read.
Written by Mary S on 6th Jul 2022

This was a excellent read. Love every moment of Giovanni and Valentina story. The good one always feel to short but it definitely comes with all that I love read in them, the feelings,the action. It was just an amazing read.

5/5
Holy Hannah this is AMAZING!
Written by NikiG on 6th Jul 2022

Get ready to be left breathless. Giovanni is the Butcher, the enforcer for the Rossi mafia family. He saved Valentina years ago while she was kidnapped and tortured. When he’s given opportunity to choose his bride, he chooses her without hesitation. What will happen when the heir to mafia family decides to take what belongs to Giovanni? This is page turning, roller coaster that has my pulse rising and my heart melting. A FANTASTIC BOOK!

5/5
I love this kind of story
Written by memes on 5th Jul 2022

Huge sigh, I just love this type of hero. Giovanni's my favorite kind of hero, he's foreboding and scares everyone, but he sees Valentina, who doesn't fit the mafias ideal of a woman, and loves her and wants to marry only her. When I say he loves her I mean the totally devoted to her, protect her from anything and adore her kind of love. The mafia's society saw her as too curvy and damaged because of some scars, but all Giovanni sees is her beauty and strength. Valentina is used to being talked about and viewed as damaged and knows her place in marriage, or so she thinks. The story has some violence, Giovanni's nickname is The Butcher after all and some action. There's a little intrigue, I guess you could call it that, Giovanni is doing some investigating for his boss. Then there's a little suspense, will Giovanni arrive in time kind of thing. I feel like nothing I could say would express how much I enjoyed this story, I loved it.

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