I’m the right-hand man of the mafia king. She’s a girl with a past she’s desperate to hide. But I need something from her. And I know she won’t help me. Not willingly.She’ll need some persuading. Lucky for her, I can do that. Something about this girl makes me curious, though, and it’s more than the scars that line her back. She’s on the edge of something. Something bad. She’s like a perfect, … Something bad. She’s like a perfect, beautiful doll coming apart at the seams. And the last string is about to snap.
She thinks I’ll hurt her. Break her. But thing is, she’s already broken. And she and I, we’re two peas in a pod. She’s my match, the perfect opponent. She’ll fight me to the finish, but I’ll win. I always do.
Because I’m a man used to getting what I want. And what I want is her.
Author’s Note: Giovanni is a STANDALONE dark mafia romance set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia World. It’s an emotionally gripping enemies-to-lovers romance with a hard-earned HEA.
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This was my first Natasha Knight’s book, and won’t be my last! This book is set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia world. Wow! This is a well written and great dark mafia romance/enemies to lovers. I loved it! Emilia (Em), and Giovanni’s story is breathtaking. Their chemistry is hot and strong! Em has a heartbreaking past, and she is such a strong and beautiful character. Giovanni is a powerful mafia man, protective, and possessive with Em. The storyline has it all: intense, emotional, suspenseful, action packed, intriguing, and captivating. If you like dark mafia romance, you should like this one. I totally recommend it. Aiden Snow and Kate Genevieve did an outstanding and amazing job with the narration. Aiden Snow has the perfect voice as Giovanni. Now, I can’t wait for more book written by Natasha Knight. #AudiobookObsession
Audiobook Review:
Giovanni (Benedetti Brothers #4) is a dark mafia romance set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia World with a enemies to lovers trope, told in dual pov with a guarantee hea. With well detailed mafia world building descriptions settings and details. Giovanni Santa Maria Is methodical & ruthless with a sweet protective side. Emilia Estrella is a broken soul with a beautiful fierce heart. A dark & gritty listen with danger & lurking through the pages. The game of cat & mouse that is being played by these two is riveting. Betrayal & secrets intricately entwined with unexpected twists trickling throughout the narrative. Mafia King Fidus Achates Giovanni + Ex Cartel Mafia Princess Emilia will capture your mind with their intense and passionate relationship.
A crime family, dark elements/scenes/triggers twisty, suspense & intrigue encircle this powerful listen. I absolutely love this audiobook, a definite relisten. Being, this is the first book in this series that I listened to I hope I get a chance to listen/read the other books in this series.
Narators Aiden Snow and Kate Genevieve are both new to me. I absolutely love this dual narration. Looking forward to listening to more audiobooks narated by these two. I absolutely loved both their voices and felt the chemistry between them. Every intense moment portrayal was captured perfectly. Character’s voices fit their characteristics personaities perfectly.
A extremely entertaining listen with a flawless performance.
Audiobook Obsession
Ladies, if you are looking for a hot as hell, mafia book boyfriend, then look no further. Giovanni is just that. He is so damn dominate, dangerous, and sexy as hell. He is the kind of alpha male that you know that you should stay away from, but you are just so drawn into him that you just can’t.
I am just so in love with this whole story. I think I fell head over heels in love with this book from the very beginning.
Giovanni is searching for revenge when he seeks out Emilia and Emilia is just trying to live a normal life away from her cartel family. Both have tortured souls which makes for such a heartbreaking story of their past. I cried for them both, felt their pain, and rooted for them to overcome their demons together. Their journey is not an easy one, but one that is so rewarding in the end.
Natasha Knight gives her readers one hell of a story with this one. She always makes me fall in love with her bad ass boys. Giovanni has got to be my favorite of all of them though. This is so worth the read and one that will make you sad to see their story end.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
A story that ticked all my boxes! Great characters, plot, dialogue, and superb writing. Definitely one of my favorite mafia romances.
3.5 Stars
If unapologetic mafia bad boys are your jam, than Giovanni is your man. He is all those things and more, brutal, protective, and possessive. He waits on no man’s permission, so when he sets his sights on Emilia, he takes what he wants. But when it comes to matters of the heart, it’s never quite that simple.
Giovanni is a frienemies mafia romance that seemed to hit all the usual plot points I expect of a mafia book but it didn’t quite deliver the heart pounding, emotional experience I demand of a great read. There is no doubt this author can writer her ass off! She can and has proven it over and over and though there is nothing technically wrong with the story, the characters or the writing, there was also nothing that I felt was new or unique either and it didn’t inspire a connection in me.
This book ticks a lot of my boxes. Dark, gritty, steamy with some action thrown in for good measure. Who doesn’t love a hot Alpha Male that takes control in and out of the bedroom. That’s exactly what Giovanni is and that’s what Emilia gets, much as she tries not to want it. The chemistry between these two characters was explosive. They may be enemies and he may be hunting her brother but that doesn’t stop him from going out of his way to protect her at all costs and it doesn’t stop her from getting under his skin, and lodging herself deep inside.
She was broken long ago, so broken it’s impossible to fix her. Emilia has survived some serious horrors in her past and when Giovanni appears in her life she realises he could destroy the little wall she’s started to rebuild.
This fast paced, well written book will have you turning the pages at a rate of knots dragging you right into the treacherous Mafia world and holding you hostage til the very end.
Well written. I liked it but it’s not my fave kind of story. Someone else might like it more just cause they don’t have a problem with there being an obvious problem the couple says they can’t get around but the physical connection just keeps them coming back for more and more until they figure out a way to be together. Different in that the h was introducing the spanking and needed it, not the H starting it and needing it.
No one writes Mafia romance quite like Natasha Knight and Giovanni is dark mafia romance with an enemies to lovers storyline that I ate right up.
Giovanni is the right hand man to a mafia king. He needs something from Emilia – information he knows she will not easily give. That’s ok though, he always gets what he wants and not only will he get what he needs from her, he will get her as well, because he most certainly wants Emilia. Emilia is a former mafia princess trying desperately to hide from her past. The last thing she expects or wants is to find someone like Giovanni standing in her apartment. Men like him won’t hesitate someone like her to get what they need, except Giovanni sees Emilia’s already broken. He wants her anyone, every broken and imperfect piece of her.
Giovanni is dark, angsty and emotional. Two broken people who find their way together in a dark and damaging world. I am always a fan of Knight’s gritty dark heroes and Giovanni is a new favorite for me. Emilia with her strong will and courage is a perfect match for him. If you love mafia romances or even if you are new to the genre, I highly recommend Knight’s newest. It will not disappoint.
4.5 Stars – So excited to have found Natasha Knight
“I don’t want to fix you. I’ll take you exactly as you are. All the broken pieces of you.”
Wow. My first Mafia romance…and what a romance it is! Dark and Violent, Enemies and Lovers, Family history and sibling rivalry, with a side of Hard fought HEA.
Talk about broken! Yikes. Natasha Knight has created a world I hope to never experience for myself. However, this dark and brooding hero just might be worth it. Giovanni is certainly a force to be reckoned with…but I certainly wouldn’t mind running into him in a dark corner! H.O.T. with a steaming side of ‘OH My!’
Emilia, his heroin, is also one of the most broken characters I’ve ever read. Broken physically, with the scars to prove it, would be bad enough. But her emotional and mental journey in this book made me consider just how amazing the human brain can be to compartmentalize all the trauma in one’s life to keep us fighting day after day.
If I have any complaint, after devouring each and every word, it would be that I don’t want this to be a stand-alone. I feel like there’s more to see from these characters. Some scenes left me feeling like I was missing some potential intensity. I want to know more about how Giovanni was ‘double crossed’ and thus led to Emilia’s doorstep. I want to know the outcome of their Italy journey. And I want to see the next phase of Emilia & Giovanni’s hard fought HEA!!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2454782121
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
I am the right-hand man of the mafia king. She’s a girl with a past she’s desperate to hide. But I need something from her. And I know she won’t help me. Not willingly. She’ll need some persuading. Lucky for her, I can do that. Something about this girl makes me curious, and it’s more than the scars that line her back. She’s on the edge of something. Something bad. She’s like a perfect, beautiful doll coming apart at the seams. And the last string is about to snap. She thinks I will hurt her. Breaks her. But the thing is, she’s already broken. And she and I, we are two peas in a pod. She’s my match, the perfect opponent. She’ll fight me to the finish, but I’ll win. I always do. Because I am a man used to getting what I want. And what I want is her.
If you have read any of Natasha Knight’s Benedetti Brothers books, then you know exactly what kind of world your getting ready to enter. If you have not, that is ok too. Giovanni is a stand alone but it will have you wanting to go back and discover who the character’s are that you will see in this book. Your also gonna fall in love with Giovanni and Emilia. Giovanni is after one thing and that one thing is a thing he thinks that Emilia can give him. However what he discovers is a strong willed woman who isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with him. He doesn’t scare her but her brother terrifies her. You will discover why when you read the book. I don’t want to give anything other than brother away. This book will have you one your toes. You have to try to figure out just exactly who is telling the truth and who is lying. Just what kind of secrets are these two keeping. Will they ever give in to each other? Your going to have to read to find out the answer’s to these question. I will tell you that I loved these characters. Loved every second that my mind was racing. Loved the times I was on the edge of my seat. And most of all I just down right loved this book. Period. If you love dark mafia romances then Giovanni is one you don’t want to miss. Then go back and read the other’s. I promise your gonna love each and every one of them.
Powerful – Unforgiving
Giovanni
“Don’t Roll Over. Don’t F *cking give up! You Fight. You get
F *cking mad. ”
Giovanni is definitely a force unto himself – he has no concept of personal space and impediments? He has no idea what that is. He also has a real problem with the word no. I have to admit when it came to his character we were definitely in a love-hate relationship – still are. I get why he does the things he does – at times I wanted to cuff him upside the head, knock some sense into that thick sexy as f *ck skull – but held myself back – I really like breathing
Splintered – Intense
Emelia
“But the thing with surviving is you have to keep doing it. Every. Single. Day.”
Emelia is one of those heroines that just makes the story – she is witty, knows when to fight and when to surrender and wait for another day. I really enjoyed the depth of her character. There was no insta-love – she did not roll over and give up – she fights – Every. Single. Day.
Emelia’s brother double-crossed the Benedetti Brothers Mafia and they want him – Guess how they plan to get their hands on him? You got it, through his familia – turns out Emelia is the only familia he has left.
This story is such an emotional rollercoaster. From the opening scene that will have you fighting your inner child to stop yourself from peeking at the outcome – to the closing epilogue that will break your heart – then stitch it back together again –
There are so many dark paths and hidden monsters within this story-
I absolutely loathe her brother, not to mention Giovanni’s father
Such darkness taints them both
This is part of a series though it is labeled as a standalone – Yes it works as a standalone but! IMO it is so much more intense if you have read the other books in the series – again though it truly is not necessary
The copy I read was complimentary
Giovanni is just another example of what an exceptional writer Knight truly is.
This is another good mafia read by this author. I enjoyed the story and how it progressed. Emilia is stronger than she seems and I liked her a lot. It is a fast paced read and hot too!
5+ “I COULDN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN” Stars!!!!
This book is soooooooo , soooooooo , soooooooo …right from the first page to the last! Natasha Knight is among the VERY BEST Mafia genre writers and I can’t get enough of her writing!!!
Giovanni…dark, ruthless, ALPHA-TO-THE-MAX and has some secrets he doesn’t want uncovered! He’s looking for Emilia’s sleazy snake-of-a-brother and hatches a plan whereby he THINKS he’ll flush Alessandro out by using his sister as bait! You know what they say about “best laid plans” right??
Emilia…hiding from a secret from her past that almost destroyed her, she “meets’ Giovanni and the “stuff” hits the fan!!! From the start, I FELT for Em and KNEW something terrible had happened to her….and the truth is ABSOLUTELY HEART-BREAKING!!! I also fell for Giovanni right along with her!
The twists and turns that Natasha takes you on during this EPIC enemies-to-lovers ride will leave you in suspenseful AWE until the very end! An incredible read from an author who is right up there on my auto-click list!!!
I’m not a pushover. I’ll fight. I’ll claw out their eyes if I have to, but I’ll fight because not fighting makes you a victim.” -Emilia
Emilia has a traumatizing past that she escaped from years ago and yet she is still dealing with the aftermath everyday. For all her bravado, she does not feel safe or protected.
“I’m not a good man. I know who I am, and I don’t pretend to be anyone else.”-Giovanni
Giovanni is a man seeking revenge. Unable to bring his prey out into the open, he demands the man’s sister, Emilia, reach out to him.
When they meet each other, the attraction is instantaneous and distrust is paramount. The passion between them is red hot.
Will Giovanni be able to help Emilia overcome her past once and for all? Or, will the distrust and secrets between them tear them apart for good?
This was an emotionally gripping read that packed a punch. It is told in dual POV.
The topics it covers are written tactfully but could still cause triggers.
The plot is a little slow but there are a lot of hot & steamy scenes to keep you company along the way.
I was disappointed somewhat in the ending. It felt a little rushed. There is really no clear wrap up as to why Giovanni was so actively seeking Emilia’s brother. It was never fully explained.
I am also wondering about Giovanni’s dad. It feels like he is a loose end. Why did he approach Emilia? What was his exact motive?
Giovanni. My heart is in his hands. For all that he is brutal, he is a protector first and foremost. He shows this in the way he always and continuously comes to Emilia’s aid in every way. He is her rock. Her protector. Her Lover.
Emilia is strong yet broken. I loved that even though she was scared a few times, she never backed down. My favorite part is when she comes full circle with Giovanni. She finds in him what she has been looking for since she left home.
This was an entertaining read that I enjoyed thoroughly. I cannot wait to see what Natasha Knight puts out next.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Once again Ms. Knight has outdone herself in Giovanni.
She takes the reader into the world of The Mafia,The Cartel,the bad boys and the women they love!
This book had me gripped from the first two sentences,I didn’t put it down till I reached the end!
Very intense story. Filled with pain,anguish,sorrow and betrayal.
But it’s also a love story that Giovanni and Emilia never saw coming!
I loved Giovanni immediately!
The way Emilia describes him when first seeing him had me saying hell yeah I’ll take one of him!
He’s sexy,he’s built,he’s dominant,he’s dangerous and he’s one hundred percent pure male alpha!
Giovanni is intrigued by Emilia and she’s captured his mind and he’s determined to learn all about her.
Emilia,I just want to hug her and never let go. She thinks she broken but that’s so far from the truth.
She’s strong,she’s brave,she’s loyal and her spirit is still vibrant.
That girl has been through hell and back and she’s still standing tall!
Something about Giovanni has gotten to her. Even though she’s wary of him,she responds to him like no one else,which btw she’s not to happy about.
Incredible characters that had me falling in love with them and cheering them on!
This isn’t a light fluffy read! It’s dark,scary and thrilling!
It’s mafia,how the handle their business and how they handle and deal with their enemies.
The story had me holding my breath at moments and had me crying at times.
It also had me smiling at the tender moments and fanning myself at the passionate scenes.
The is nothing I didn’t absolutely love about this book!
Yes there were points in the book that were so freaking tough to read but it’s the journey and life of Giovanni and Emilia and all that they had to endure,overcome and triumph over to find their hea!
You kicked ass with this book Ms. Knight!
Omg and that cover!
Natasha Knight keeps on delivering.
She is my Maffia Queen of this amazing book world.
For each book I fall a little bit more in love with her talent and am simply amazed by her words.
I have a clear favorite of hers in my heart but Giovanni isn’t all that far behind.
A man more dangerous and dominant than you could expect and he is getting what and who he wants one way or another.
Emilia isn’t a meak princess waiting for the prince charming to come to her rescue.
She is one bad ass Queen in a class of her own and if you think she will break easily you couldn’t be more mistaken.
I love how Natasha makes broken and damaged characters fit so perfectly together that they create a magnificent power couple.
Well recommended book!!!
This was an amazing 5 star story. Want to know why? Because the storyline was addicting and the characters were perfect. Let’s not forget it’s about organized crime. Emilia is such a strong heroine that never backs down or quit. Giovanni is a ruthless and feared mafia but Emilia is his entire life. He vows to protect her.
Emilia is trying to stay out of the mafia world. Something terrible happened to her and she lays low. Giovanni finds her but it’s her brother he wants, badly. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for her.
This is an addicting story that I read it in almost one sitting. There was never a dull moment. It’s a dark mafia romance but just enough the way I like them.
Great characters that made me love them. The plot twists and turns had me hooked and begging for me. It’s also highly suspenseful and intriguing. Bottomline this is a must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. I can’t wait for more.
OMG!!! You guys!! Natasha Knight is legit a desert island kind of author for me. I absolutely love every single book she has written and always come back for more. Giovanni was absolutely delicious. I absolutely loved him and Emilia so so much. It was the perfect example of grit, sass, a hot alpha hero and a strong yet damaged heroine. I could not get enough.
There is absolutely a magic quality to this author’s books. I love the Bendetti crime family and loved being back in their world with Giovanni and Emilia. They were sexy, edgy and just so amazing. I felt their connection right away and was hooked from the very first page. Like all books by this author I read this whole book in one sitting and never wanted it to end!
My favorite part of this book had to be Giovanni. He looked at Emilia and wanted to discover all of her secrets and the reason why she was as damaged as she was. He just made my heart melt. I seriously can’t wait for more from this author in the future. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula