GabrielaStefan Sabbioni showed up uninvited in my bedroom on my sixteenth birthday. He stood in the shadows smelling of whiskey and death and wrapped a broken, blood-crusted necklace around my neck. I thought he’d strangle me with it.That night, he left a message for my father. He said he’d be back to take something precious.I never delivered that message, though. I wonder if things would be … though. I wonder if things would be different if I had because now, two years later, he’s back. And he’s not hiding in any shadows.
He’s come to make good on his promise.
He’s back to take that something precious.
Me.
Stefan
Marchese is the manipulator of my family’s tragedy. I won’t just bring him to his knees. I’ll bury him for what he did.
Taking his daughter is only the beginning. I’ll do it knowing I’m starting a war. I’ll do it knowing my enemies will become his allies. They’ll stop at nothing to destroy me and he’ll stop at nothing to get her back.
I’ve never shied away from war, though. I’m not one to play nice and I don’t share my toys. I’ll demolish you if you touch what’s mine.
And she is most definitely mine.
more
Dark, Sensual, and full of Danger!
Gabriela is trapped in a life she wishes more than anything to escape. Her mother died when she was young in a supposed accident, but she knows it was anything but an accident. Her brother ruined beyond and unable to live on his own. Left to survive with a father who is cruel and enjoys making her suffer.
Told she would have to marry to broker a deal with her father’s associate, she panicked and ran away. Helped by her childhood best friend she was found and made to watch as her father beat him within an inch of his life. Feeling totally alone she is standing in her father office when she sees a man who should never have been there. Sworn enemies Stefano is there to settle a score… and Gabriela is the prize he is after, what will hurt her father the most.
Stefano is a violent man, who isn’t afraid to do whatever to who ever to get what he wants. He treats her better than her father, but she resents being used as a pawn, not having control over her own life. Their chemistry is so strong that it comes alive on the page! Just when she thinks she can let down her guard and maybe relax, she believes he has lied to her and bolts, right back to her father.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to get my hands on the conclusion! II seriously could not put it down until the last word… I loved these characters and the fact that Stefano doesn’t pretend to be anything he isn’t, and you still love him anyway! Gabriela is so spunky, and she doesn’t give in, even though it would be easier on her if she did. I can’t get enough of their story!
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy action, dark themes, and powerfully intense interaction between characters. A highly enjoyable read!
This story pulled me in from the beginning and hasn’t let go! Stefan and Gabriela are more than meets the eye. Stefan is not your typical Mafia boss. He is definitely a man who knows what he wants and will do anything to get it, but there is so much more to him than that. And Gabriela isn’t one to take things sitting down. These two together are an amazing couple and i can not wait to see how their story ends! This series has the makings of being my favorite by this author this far, and she’s had some great ones!
INCREDIBLE, EMOTIONAL and GUT-WRENCHING story of loss, pain and betrayal with a love stronger than any power could ever break!
Gabriel Marchese is well overdue to pay his debt to Sicilian mobster Stefan Sabbioni.
Years have gone past and the time has finally come for Stefan to collect Gabriel’s most precious possession, his beautiful and lovely daughter Gabriella.
Stefan thinks that by taking Gabriel’s only child and future heir to his empire will hurt him as deep as he once was hurt.
Little does he know that things aren’t the way they seem in the Marchese family and Gabriella ends up being collateral damage in the end.
This is book one of the duet and I can say Natasha Knight never let’s her readers down.
She has found her golden spot and does what she does best.
Her dark and sometimes twisted stories take the reader’s mind and have them feeling so torn about it all.
I personally LOVE everything she writes and this book is no exception at all.
Gabriela & Stefan got my attention and held it the entire time, well let’s face it they still have it a week or so after finishing the book.
I loved their banter back and forth as much as the tender moments they shared even if through their thoughts.
Stefan was poisoned by vengeance and grief and had his mind set to destroy everything Gabriel Marchese cared for but what he wasn’t expecting that he himself would start to care a lot more.
Side characters Rafa and Clara really fired up my imagination and I am very intrigued by their roles in Stefan’s life and can’t wait to read more about them too.
This is book one of this duet and book two Damage is to release shortly and every fiber of my body is craving it more than my next breath.
This seems to be a problem with every book Natasha Knights writes.
She gets me hooked so badly and I can’t handle waiting for next part.
Anyway this is highly highly HIGHLY recommended and I freaking loved every bit of it and am waiting very patiently *not* for Damage !!
5 DARK MAFIA STARS!! This book starts with a bang and ends with a bang. I could not turn the pages fast enough….I need more. Stefan and Gabriela’s story is emotional, dark, sexiness, trust, family and deception. I loved these two so much….they have put their names on my heart. That ending is killing me…..I need the next book.
Gosh, Natasha Knight just amazes me with all her dark romance mafia books. Just when I think it can’t get any better than this, she always leaves you wanting MORE!
Stefan was sexy and hot and the jerk you loved to hate, but he definitely surprises you at every turn and Gabriela is the bad a$$ heroine with a backbone, that takes no shit and stands up for what is right. Her fierce personality and loyalty to the ones she loved made me fall in love with her and root for her even when things were against her.
I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Gabriella Marchese is a pawn in life. Her life is not her own and she has no choices in her life. She’s ruled by her father and his criminal life. He’ll marry her off to the best man that will get him more power and money in his life, not for love or respect for his daughter. Her life has not been a fairy tale and she is not a princess in her father’s eyes. She’s a possession. Her wants and needs are not relevant, and she will never have the life she wants. Her father is dangerous and has already proven to her that he doesn’t value his family. They are expendable to him.
Stefan Sabbioni is not a man to cross. He is looking for revenge for the death of his father and his older brother. He will get that revenge by taking the only family that Gabriel Marchese has left, his daughter Gabriella. She will be Stefan’s and he will destroy Marchese for the way that he destroyed his family. Little does Stefan know that Gabriella is not the princess he thinks she is in the Marchese house. He is actually helping her by taking her away, but will he realize that in time, or will he lose her too.
I was so frustrated with these two because they both assume so much about each other and neither one talks or gives anything away. I know that they are enemies, but they need to talk and come clean with each other and stop talking around things and keeping secrets. Stefan has a soft spot for Gabriella, but he won’t admit it and Gabriella has feelings for Stefan, but she won’t admit it either. They are both stubborn and strong willed and it could destroy what they could have. If they don’t start sharing with each other they could find themselves alone or worse.
I give this story a 4.5-star review and recommend it to readers who like angst, arranged marriage, mafia, and stubborn, strong minded characters. It does have a cliff-hanger and it will make you want the next book right away to get your answers, fair warning. I look forward to the next book and hope it comes really soon.
Collateral is part one in a duet known as Collateral Damage. It has been awhile since I’ve read a story by this author. Not because I didn’t want to but because time and I’m never ending to-do read list. When I read a book by this author, I get immersed in the world the author creates. Before I turned the first page, I had a clue this was going to be an enemies to lovers romance that had heat, revenge, and a little tit for tat.
Gabby was naive to a certain extent. She knew about her family. She knew what she grew up in. She knew what she ultimately was, which I believe to be a pawn. Stefan… I couldn’t help but love his character. He was so strong willed. He didn’t sugar coat how he felt and the ways he wanted things done. I’m not quite sure how book two, Damage, will go. I will be waiting on pins and needles like many other readers.
Gabriela Marchese seems to be a pawn in someone’s game. Stefan Sabbioni is out to make things right. He doesn’t make me a happy camper when I first meet him because he doesn’t seem to care how Gabriela feels about things. It’s what he wants that’s important.
In some ways this mafia tale is a little tame compared to some. You’ll still see how these people fit into that lifestyle. One thing about these men is that they take their profession very seriously. Power is an important part of their life and they can never have enough. There’s a lot of push and pulls going on and it will be interesting to see who ends up on top.
I did like this story but there were times where a woman’s feelings seemed of no importance when it came to the men. At times Gabriela seemed to be a little timid which just shows how she was always pushed to hide her true self. I was her cheering section when she would stick up for herself. But Stefan has a very strong personality and his word is law. Rafa was an interesting man and this story left me wanting to know if he’s going to appear in Damage. That should tell you that you will not find an ending here. That’s part of what makes this a duet. So be prepared for your adventure to continue.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
What a fantastic start to a new duet by this author. I loved it and I absolutely loved Stefan, he has just become my favourite Natasha Knight hero (hands off ladies…..claiming him now 😉 ). Gabriela was a little wild cat too, she’s seen and been through so much in her 18 years but has moments of innocence, naivety and immaturity amongst the fire and feisty determination. Two fabulous characters.
Stefan surprised me as a character in a very good way. He’s a man you wouldn’t want to cross, sexy, dark, dangerous and determined but with a tender side in respect of Gabi that blew me away. I loved the way he handled her rebellious bratty moments, I absolutely fell for him.
Taking the thing that’s meant to mean the most to his enemy puts Gabriela in a dangerous situation, she’s a pawn in a dark game of revenge and will be forced to marry Stefan against her will. She’s a fighter and pushes Stefan as hard as she dares but can she trust anyone? Is she alone, or is there more to Stefan than meets the eye?
Collateral has all the great things I know I can expect from a Natasha Knight book; hot sexual tension, action and suspense on the dark side and a twisty turny twisted addictively written storyline. I cannot wait for part two, especially after that cliffhanger ending 5 big stars!!
4.5 INTENSE STARS!!
Collateral is the first instalment in Collateral Damage Duet. The story is captivating, intense, dark, suspenseful, full of danger, revenge, and sexual tension. There is bad blood, and the desire to conquer, that will keep the banter and interaction between Stefan and Gabriela, that makes the readers keep turning the pages. The romance may be building for later, but for now is almost non-existent.
However, I found myself immersed in the fantastic world of Stefan Sabbioni. I absolutely devoured this book, and can’t wait for Damage, the duet’s conclusion.
Dark Contemporary Romance, Adult, Mafia
First Person, dual-POV
Book #1 of the Collateral Damage duet, it has a major cliffhanger. It’s not too dark, really light.
“You may think you own me, and maybe you do, maybe you own my body. But my mind, my thoughts, my secrets, they’re mine.”
by Gabriela
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Addictiveness: 5/5 This is the type of book that grabs the reader from the beginning, keeping on the edge of the seat until the end. The type of read that get you mad, but you can’t let go. As addictive as chocolate!!!
Character: hero 4/5, heroine 4.5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 3/5 They were multidimensional with a lot of layers to them.
Stephan was a good antihero. That man is no hero, he lived by a totally different code of honor than the norm, but inside their out of ordinary world he seemed ok.
Gabriela was a great heroine. I really liked her. She has been through a lot, but she didn’t let that life break her. She kept pushing and fighting for a better life. She did have a TSTL (too stupid to live), but she is only 18 years old and we all have TSTL moments.
Several interesting secondary characters like Alex and Gabe; Rafa and Clara. I haven’t decided if Stef’s cousins are friends or foes.
All characters were easy to connect and understand, even though a bit hard to love.
Cover: art 4.5/5, title 4.5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I love how this cover has being made for this story. We can see Stefan with his tattoo at the cover. We could feel the violence with all the blood splatter and the guy definitely has the bad boy vibe. I like the color and the font used. I also like the title for the story, but I had to take a half star out because this title would match it better if we had Gabriela on the cover. I do have to mention that inside the book, before the story starts that is an amazing drawing of a very important scene of the story! I would easily buy this book by its cover, without needing to read the blurb!
Plot: believable 3/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 3/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Great opening and cliffhanger at the end. Of course this is not a very believable plot, but is amazing entertainment. The conflict here was really well explored, with good subplots and unexpected twists. This was a fast paced read with superb setting. High level of enjoyment!
Writing Style: 4/5 I really liked this story and I can’t wait to read the next book of the duet. Ms. Knight wrote a fast-paced book that kept me at the edge of my seat. The plot was well written, with a clean style, cohesive with no loopholes. The characters are complex and still have a lot of room to be explored. I can’t wait for the next one!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Freshness: 3/5 This is a mob romance and like most of them it has an arranged marriage with the heroine being used as a pawn. It is not an original concept, but it is one that works every time. As fresh as a cup of tea.
Romance: believable 3/5, chemistry 4/5, description 3/5, development 5/5, steam 3/5 There was not a lot of romance in this first book. We can feel the couple was attracted to each other, there was sexual tension between them, but there was a lot happening to them. I really liked the development of their love story. It felt a lot more believable this way, than instalove.
MY THOUGHTS
This is a mafia romance, that may be considered dark because it has a bit of dubious consent/non con, but really light. Not very dark at all!
The pace of the story was perfect and it made it more believable the way it was written.
I do have to say, this has been also light on the romance front. Like I said, it did made sense for the plot, but my romantic heart wanted a few more steamy scenes.
I ended the book wanting more, and I’m glad the wait is not very long. Can’t wait for it!!!
28/35 STARS – 4 STARS (between 28 stars and 31 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 4 Cover: 4.5 Freshness: 3 Plot: 4 Romance: 3.5 Writing Style: 4
Action 3/5
Angst 3/5
Darkness 2/5
Humor 0/5
Romance 4/5
Suspense/Mystery 3/5
Would I recommend? Sure. If you are looking for a mafia romance.
Would I re-read this book/series? I’m certain I will re-read the book when I got book #2 of the duet.
Would I read more from the author? Yes.
You may read this because you like the author; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy mafia romance; you MUST read for a great heroine!
Collateral was full of everything I enjoy in a great mafia read. Secrets, lies, tensions, action, unexpected twists, a ruthless mafia boss and a feisty heroine that know just how to pull at my emotions made this book a nonstop pageturning read for me.
I enjoyed how the story was laid out and how it allowed for a glimpse of the shared past between Stefan and Gabriela. I loved the push and pull between them and how their relationship developed. The chemistry was there from the start between them but the slow buildup and burn these two shared kept me constantly craving more.
From the start I was quickly drawn into Collateral and found myself captivated. I quickly grew to love both Stefan and Gabriela as their story became more intriguing. By the end of the book I was left teetering on the edge of my chair needing more answers. With so many secrets still to be uncovered I can’t wait for what’s to come next in Damage.
It’s so hard to come across a mafia romance that instantly grabs my attention and this book did that. It was f*cking amazing. I freaking love forced arrange marriages especially where it takes them a while to fall in love. (I hate when they fall too easily.)
We get a hero who is such an a**hole and considers himself a predator and is sometimes downright cruel to the heroine. Gabriela never intended to be tied down to someone with a vendetta and someone who just wants to use her and that what Stefan is doing. She is just a pawn in their games but she doesn’t take things laying down. She fights back (which makes her insanely awesome and her like ability increases tenfold) and voices her opinion a lot. She is a little spitfire who has gone through so much and she isn’t broken. Although she has no say in her life and has to occasionally act like a dutiful submissive, she doesn’t lose her spunk.
Stefan made me want to pull my hair out on multiple occasions. He was so mean yet kind at the same time. He provides Gabriela with opportunities and privileges that she hasn’t been granted in her life so far yet he still wants to use her and punish her if she disobeys him. I am so confused regarding his relationship with his cousins and Gabriela cracks me up when she refers to Clara.
I’m counting down the days until Damage. Luckily it’s not a long wait. I need Stefan to play protector!
Can I just say I’m even more in love with Natasha Knight’s writing than I was before? I thought I loved her other books, and I still do but Collateral SLAYED me.
Collateral is the kind of book that just consumes you to the very core. It’s the PERFECT mafia book, and I do mean PERFECT!!!
The two main characters were each other’s yin and yang. Stefan Sabbioni and Gabriela Marchese were intense in the best way possible. I loved their damaged souls so much. I just wanted to hug them.
If you like sexy, page-turning, intense books, then Collateral is the perfect books for you. I’d say this book is even darker than her other books and I LOVEEEE dark romance. All I can say is I want more!! This story was well written and had great character development. I can’t wait to see what comes next!! 5 stars!
Stefan is determined to take something precious from his enemy, his daughter Gabriela. He’s ruthless and will stop at nothing to have revenge for his family. Gabriela is caught in a war between mafia families and someone is going to die. This was a good mafia arranged marriage romance and kept me on the edge.
This is the first book in the Collateral Damage Duet. This dark romance, and mafia romance, is well written, and captivating. Stefan and Gabriela are great characters. Stefan is a powerful man, mysterious, possessive, and protective. Gabriela is a strong young woman, a little naive. The secondary characters are intriguing and great. The story is fast-paced, action packed, and filled with intrigue, mystery, twists and turns, and danger. Impossible to put it down. The story ends with a big cliffhanger. Now, I can’t wait for the next and last book, Damage. I enjoyed reading and listening to this story and I highly recommend it. Wen Ross and Mackenzie Cartwright did an amazing job with the narration. *updated with audiobook review*
Collateral, an arranged marriage mafia romance book one in the Collateral Damage Duet by Natasha Knight. This is my first read from this author and OMG! The blurb drew me in but the first chapter, the first chapter completely hooked me. Natasha where have you been, and why am I just now finding you?!?! Told in dual POV Collateral is no hearts and flowers love story, it’s dark and it’s absolutely delicious!
“He’s come to make good on his promise. He’s back to take that something precious. Me”
Stefan Sabbioni tall, dark, and deadly. Now that Stefan has built back up his families reputation and riches after a tragedy almost ruined the Sabbioni family he’s the head boss of the Sicilian mob and is hell-bent on getting revenge.
Gabriel Marchese took something from him years ago and now Stefan is coming to take EVERYTHING from him.
Starting with Gabriel’s daughter, Gabriela.
“Daddy can’t help you now, Princess.”
Gabriela Marchese has been kept in a gilded cage for the better part of her life. Mentally and physically abused by the only person she’s ever had in her life. The one person who was supposed to care for her. Her father.
But when Stefan Sabbioni makes a deal with Gabriel for Gabriela’s hand in marriage, with or without her consent, Gabriela leaves one prison for another.
But now that Stefan has her, just how far will he go to get his vengeance?
Gabriela has just become a pawn in a game that she never asked to be a part of. But when everyone around her seems to have something to gain, who can she trust?
If Gabriela doesn’t make the right choice, she just may wind up as collateral damage.
“See, you’re in my world now. And in my world, I make the rules and you obey them. I. Own. You.”
HOLY CRAP! I love dark romances and Collateral is right up my alley! Filled with suspense, revenge, betrayal, and a whole lot of lust Collateral will surely hold your attention. It’s one twist after another right from the very beginning and you won’t be able to put it down!
Stefan is a dark and ruthless man on a mission. But despite his hard as steel exterior, and how dangerous of a man he is, he’s not cruel to Gabriela. He may be a little rough… when she needs it lol, but he’s never outright cruel. I love that he’s possessive of her, I love seeing a strong in control man go out of his mind when jealousy comes into play. There are plenty of scenes where he shows her a much softer side then what anyone else sees, even if she isn’t totally receptive of it. The only thing that I didn’t really care for was the whole Clara situation… I’m REALLY hoping that it’s not what I think it is and I’m hoping Stefan’s explanation of her was the truth… because if not, we may have trouble on our hands and I would REALLY hate for that to take away from the story.
“Your body is mine. But thing is, I want the rest too. Your mind. Your past. Your secrets. Your soul. I’ll take it all.”
Gabriela, that girl has been through the wringer her entire life. Although she’s only 18 years old I didn’t find her immature at all, just really guarded with a prickly exterior. She has walls a mile high that make it impossible for anyone to get close to her, but that’s the way she protects herself. I really liked Gabriela’s character, even though she’s young she’s strong and completely feisty! She fights Stefan every single step of the way. She wants to believe that he’s a monster just like her father, but the kindness that Stefan shows and her attraction to him makes her heart start to question things…
“It’s like there’s not enough oxygen in the room for the both of us. Like one of us has to give. One will.”
The relationship between the two of them is unconventional, to say the least, and with the forced situation, you can imagine when they are put together in the same room, it’s like fire and gasoline! They challenged each other like no one else ever could. It’s a slow burn in the romance aspect with their feelings towards each other going from hate to lust to… I loved that the author didn’t have them immediately falling into bed together, it made the story that much more authentic. But the off the charts sexual tension had my Kindle smoking! The chemistry continued to grow and just as it reached its boiling point… BOOM!
“Do you like my mouth on you, Gabriela?”
Knight drops a HUGEEEE cliffhanger on us! I mean ENORMOUS! I can’t even go into it without giving anything away but don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
I can’t NOT mention Rafa! I feel like there is a LOT more going on with him then we are aware… especially after that little outing… And possibly, even more, going on with what happened in the past that led up to all of this… GAHHH I have sooo many theories if you’ve read Collateral already, MESSAGE ME! I need to chat about this one! LOL if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?! Collateral is a MUST READ!
Knight is a new to me author but I am sooo binging more of her work the first chance I get! BRAV-FREAKIN-O, I absolutely devoured this book!
The second half of the duet and the conclusion of Stefan and Gabriela’s story, Damage releases soon and I for one am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next. I can already tell Damage is going to be full of heat and a whole LOT more suspense!
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ℂ ℝ:
I really enjoyed this one! Dark, and absolutely delicious. If you enjoy dark mafia romances, suspense, and a whole lot more, then this one is a MUST READ!
This one doesn’t have a whole ton of steam, it’s a slow burn BUT the sexual tension is OFF THE CHARTS STEAMY!
5 Cliffhanger Tornados! You will NEVER see this cliffhanger coming but you will go out of your mind waiting to see what happens next… the good thing is Damage releases October. 15th, so not too long of a wait! THANK GOD!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
It’s my second book by the author and I really need to read her previous ones.
I loved everything in this story, from the writing to the characters and settings.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Sicily and it’s marvellous views. The food, the people and the beach.
Yes, it’s a dark romance and everything you’re expecting will happen but you really have to read it because Stefan it’s not your ordinary bad guy, especially not with Gabriela. Their story is full of suspense and you’ll definitely can’t stop reading and then wanting more for the next book.
OMG! What’s not to love? Mafia? Check. Arranged marriage? Check. Natasha Knight’s dark, compelling, captivating storytelling? Check. <3
It is the betrayals that we never see coming – the ones that are from those who are closest to us that tend to do the most damage.
Gabriela has spent her life surrounded by lies, deception, abuse. She has only known safety in the arms of three people.
All callously taken from her in one way or another.
She fights the only way she knows how fueled by years of pain.
At times her frightened inner child takes over and I can’t fault her for letting her fear control her decision. She is still a child in many ways herself. I wanted to wrap her in bubble wrap while at the same time I wanted to blister her backside.
But never doubt her tenacity or her willingness to sacrifice for those that she loves.
Stefan is that anti-hero. The one that walks a very fine line. He has the edge required to command and complete the more unsavory requirements of his lifestyle but he also still holds a sense of right and wrong. He has waited for this moment. Planned and executed his revenge almost flawlessly. He will make him pay.
It seems he may get his revenge but at a cost, he may not be prepared to pay.
I have some ideas about what is about to happen. I also think our enemies may not be who we are led to believe they are.
So many small breadcrumb trails leading in different directions.
This leaves you on a major cliffy – worse is the burning question of who is really the bad guys here?
I like Stefan – yeah he is a bit of an emotional sadist but he is not cruel just to be cruel.
And Raf?? I will leave that to you to decide.
I devoured this in one sitting… I swear each scene had me on edge. Each page revealed new secrets, little clues !!!
I need to know! I need book two now
I read a comp copy