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
Just when I think this author couldn’t possibly top her last Hot Alpha she goes and proves me wrong.
This book was so worth the wait. A devilishly hot Mafia Boss and a feisty heroine makes for a hot tale full of sexual tension, lies and secrets.
Poor Gabriela is being pulled in so many different directions she will end up falling apart. Will Stefan, her protector and captor be able to keep her whole or will the lies of her father be to much for her to bare??
Collateral is a dark and twisted read that will have you feeling so many emotions as page by page as it all unfolds and ready to throw your kindle when you hit the end. I am on tender hooks waiting to see how this awesome couples story ends. Great job on another addictive story Ms Knight.
I love a good arranged marriage book, throw in mafia ties and I’m in heaven!! I loved this book and loved Stefan and Gabriela.
Revenge is a dangerous game with many casualties and unfortunately Gabriela is one of them.
Stefan has had a rough life and the hits just keep coming. Gabriela is at her father’s mercy and she has kept a secret from him that she had met Stefan before. Her father is a cruel man and she must do as he says.
I loved all the characters and so will you!
There are twists and turns and a cliffhanger. The book sucked me in from the beginning and has left me wanting more!
His Pawn
This mafia romance is a read-in-one-sitting, page-turner, arranged marriage with angst, intrigue and off-the-charts sexual tension!!! I cannot wait for the conclusion!
She’s just a pawn in his plan for the ultimate revenge. Gabriela’s father took something from him. Now Stefan is willing to return the favor. This time he plans on taking EVERYTHING.
I love mafia romance. Throw in an arranged marriage, an sexy AF alpha mafia boss and a strong-willed woman who fights him every step of the way and I could not put it down. Plotting. Secrets. Deceit. Betrayal. This story delivers all of it. You don’t know who to trust. Everyone seems to have an agenda. My mind was spinning with the possibilities.
I will be sitting here, waiting impatiently, for the conclusion to Gabriela and Stefan’s story. This story will keep you captivated until the last page. And even then, you’ll be wishing for more.
Collateral was an intense heart pounding story that had me hooked from beginning to end. This mafia arranged marriage story was a well-written tale of revenge, lust and hatred. It was detailed and fast-paced with twists and turns you won’t expect, however it was a slow-burn in terms of the romance. Although I thought Gabriela was a bit immature at times (although I guess that’s because of her age), the characters were fascinating and I loved them all. With secrets slowly being revealed, you know there’s still so much more to come as we were left with so many unanswered questions. The story ends in a major cliff-hanger that will have you eager for the next book. Collateral was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of dark mafia romances.
Oh my yes!
So Gabriella runs away prior to a marriage her father has arranged. She’s just returned home and her punishment was to watch the guard that helped her get taught a lesson. After they bring her home she’s brought to her father’s study. Seems her first marriage has been canceled and now she’s been promised to Stefan.
He’s pure evil and out for revenge. Taking his daughter and keeping her forever is a good start.
This book hooked me from page one. I could not walk away from the story. And when I got to the end I screamed because now I have to wait for the second half of the duet. Is it done yet?
How about now?
I loved this story and I’m trying to patiently wait for the final book.
Christina~ Book Haven Book Blog
Yes, yes, yes!!!!!
If exciting consuming mafia reads are your thing then you definitely want to check this out. It’s dangerous, dark and exciting. Stefan and Gabriela are great characters, he’s the head of the Sicilian mafia and she’s the daughter to one of his biggest enemies. We have twist and turns, secrets and tragedy. This is a duet so yes we have a cliffhanger and oh boy what a cliffhanger it is. So excited for the next book.
Yes, yes, yes!!!!!
If exciting consuming mafia reads are your thing then you definitely want to check this out. It’s dangerous, dark and exciting. Stefan and Gabriela are great characters, he’s the head of the Sicilian mafia and she’s the daughter to one of his biggest enemies. We have twist and turns, secrets and tragedy. This is a duet so yes we have a cliffhanger and oh boy what a cliffhanger it is. So excited for the next book.
*Review by Michelle
I’ve been meaning to read one of Natasha Knight’s books and finally got a chance to and thank goodness I did. I had a hard time putting down her latest book, Collateral, which is the first book in the Collateral Damage Duet. Be prepared for an addicting Dark Mafia Romance that will have you wanting more, especially after that crazy cliffhanger.
Gabriela Marchese has never been a Daddy’s girl to her father. The first part of the book should tell you how she has been treated by her father, especially when he gives her over to Stefan Sabionni. Stefan wants revenge in this book and forces Gabriela’s hand by having him sign over his daughter to him in an arranged marriage. Gabriela had just witnessed her friend, Alex, get beaten, and had his legs broken in front of her for helping her try to run away from her father. Gabriela remembers Stefan though since he visited her with a gift on her sixteenth birthday. She never expected the sexy stranger to come back and want her hand in marriage. He has a hidden agenda, though, and she has no idea what it is until he finally tells her.
These two characters are utterly explosive around each other. Gabriela has no trust in anyone and will fight Stefan in every way in this book, especially when he takes her to Palermo, Sicily at his home. She meets his cousins and finds out that she has been traded to another monster who is like her father, but could be possibly worse. This book is full of tension between the characters, which made me want more with these two characters. Gabriela is a fighter and lover when it comes to her only friend and her brother. Stefan is a fighter and a lover too. He won’t admit the lover part until he realizes how much crap Gabriela went through with her father. He finds out things about her when she’s with him that makes him revisit his agenda a couple of times.
Forewarning ahead of time that there are trigger moments in this book, but not as much as what I’ve read in other Dark Romance books, which is why I enjoyed this book tremendously. Gabriela is being forced into an arranged marriage and feels like a pawn between Stefan and her father’s war. Stefan can’t stand her at first until he gets to know the ‘princess.’ Yes, he calls her a princess and treats her as one in the story.
I loved this book and are anxiously waiting for the next book in the Duet. The only thing that bothered me was the ending. I won’t give it away, but I’m afraid that Gabriela made the wrong choice. Is her father the biggest monster or is Stefan?
If you are looking for an addicting Dark Mafia Romance that involves an alpha sexy dark male character and a fierce, beautiful female character, then don’t look any further than this book.
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 2 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Duet and highly recommend reading in order.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Arranged Marriage; Mafia Romance; Age-Gap Romance
Hero: Powerful; Wealthy; Part of the Sicilian Mafia; Alpha; Scary; Sexy
Heroine: Abused; Damaged; Immature; Virgin; Prisoner
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Blog Tour Host in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 stars This arranged marriage mafia romance immediately drew me in from page one and I devoured it in less than 24 hours because it is that good! This is a fast paced book that is sure to keep your toes. First off, it is a dark mafia romance so what isn’t there to like? The plot is engaging. Told from a dual POV, the main characters are beautifully complex, likable, and well-developed.
“Revenge may be best served cold, but it’s a churning burning rage that fuels that vengeance.” – Stephan
Stephan is everything I hoped for in that he is a dark and dangerous man who thirsts for revenge, but also finds himself drawn to Gabriela. He is powerful, arrogant, and quite demanding at times. I love Gabriela’s feistiness as she attempts to defy him at every turn. She is a strong heroine that has seen and experienced more than any 18 year-old should have and she is definitely not shrinking violet. These two make an interesting couple and I cannot wait to see how their relationship continues to evolve. As this is book 1 in a duet, the cliffhanger grabs you and leaves you begging for more (Don’t worry, book 2 will be released in a few weeks so you won’t have to wait too long!). This book has intrigue, action, and suspense which kept me entertained until the very end.
Heart-stopping read!! Queen of Mafia stories!! This book had me captivated from the beginning and didn’t let up until the last page was turned. Gabriela is collateral on both sides- she is being forced into an arranged marriage and being used as revenge. Stefan is everything she despises in men and yet she is being forced to marry him. But Stefan has many facets to his character that keeps Gabriela guessing. The attraction and chemistry between the two is undeniable. Alas this ends in a cliffy and I am dying to know what happens. I have some theories of my own but I don’t want to speculate them here. Mystery, suspense, intrigue, twists and turns is what this author is known for. Lies, betrayal and half-truths keep me guessing. I can’t wait to read Damage!!!
Jesus freaking Christ, Natasha, I don’t know whether to hug you or curse you out, or both.
WHY DO YOU DO THIS??? EVERY DAMN TIME. *insert F-Bombs here!* … DID I MENTION F***?
My emotions… My head… Ahhhhh WHY!?
So, I have no idea where to start but… Here goes… Natasha is a master at her craft. The dark, gritty, suspenseful, emotional crippling plots are like a work of art. Always unique, always addictive as hell and always a book you won’t want to put down, and Collateral is no exception to this. It was phenomenal… Beyond it actually. I love my dark romances, and I especially love my Mafia romances… And Natasha is QUEEN when it comes to them. There is a reason why I own each and every one of her books in paperback.
Let me start by saying… This is NO hearts and flowers romances, this is no sweet and swoony love story. It’s dark, dirty, delicious, and devilishly addicting.. Full with suspense, mystery, angst, hatred, pain, revenge, passion, love and heat… and gritty dark scenes that will have your heart pounding right out of your chest.
Gabriela Marchese and Stefan Sabbioni have become one of my top couples. I loved everything about them..
Stefan Sabbioni… Oh, sweet baby Jesus. I knew to go into this book that the author would write up a main lead male character that I would obsess and fall in love with and I did just that with Stefan. He’s an Italian mob boss, handsome, dark and dangerous, he oozed power and dominance… someone you wouldn’t want to cross, but there was more to him than that. As to be expected being part of the mafia world, his life hasn’t been easy and with everything that he’s lived through, he’s seen and is still pretty much living… It brings out the evil in him, bring out hatred, pain, loathing, anger and vengence, but also power… He’s a man to be feared, and he is feared. It is ultimately what has to lead him to meet Gaberila.
Gabriela Marchese was young, innocent, barely an adult when she becomes a pawn this messed up story of revenge. She didn’t ask for this, yet she very well may end up as collateral damage. She was born into it, and along the way became a piece to a chessboard and used as a way of getting revenge… When I think of a character like that, I automatically they’d be ruined, and sure she had her issues, and rightfully so but she was strong, fierce, sassy, guarded and protective of herself, but she knew how to deal with her emotions and she pushed through everything she endured in this book. I was in awe, and I just love the way the author played this character out. She was perfect for the roll in every way.
These two together? HOLY HELL!! My kindle was on fire, I swear to god. It started off as a love/hate which you can probably guess. But as the book progressed and I got deeper into the plot, things shifted between the two. The began to bounce off each other, their personalities balancing each other out. Him as an alpha male and her as a sassy, feisty woman… To me they were perfect. They challenged each other, which only strengthened that bond that was forming. The chemistry between the two was off the charts, and the sexual tension, that familiar push and pull I love so freaking much…
It all begun to simmer up, and just when I thought the author was about to give me that relief, the ease?
She dropped a bomb and left me on a cliffhanger, and I did scream,… I wanted to curse her out. I was on high and she has left me, with a ball of anxiety in my stomach, itching to know what’s about to happen…
But in saying that, I am a sucker for a good cliffhanger, I LOVE THEM. I think it adds to the story and keeps us right on the edge, needing and wanting more, and that is exactly how Ms. Knight has left me…I cannot wait for the next book.
I NEED It YESTERDAY!
PLEASEEEEEE??
5 Dark-and-Damaged-Stars
Heart-gripping, edge of your seat romance…
And it is romance. Yes, it is dark. So dark! I wish the author wasn’t so good at this writing thing, because I feel too much. Every hard edge. Every uneasy nuance. But the darkness calls to me. Each and every time.
“I had no control then and I have no control now.”
That was the struggle that Gabi faced and she did it with so much grit and stubbornness. She still felt deeply about those she loved but that didn’t mean she was weak. Not at all. She pushed and pushed some more, even when it was not in her best interest…
Stefan was on a mission of vengeance so, even though it seemed like he admired her for her strength, he wasn’t going to give her much leeway. His anger was years in the making and even if Gabi was a surprise, he was not going to be swayed…
Strong characters. Serious drama. Life changing events. Riveting banter. Stomach churning tension. Hatred. Love. Despair. Hope. Oh, this story had all that and more! With a cliffhanger that left me feeling like I was suspended in air, I am on super stalker mode for the next story. It can’t come soon enough.
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
Collateral by Natasha Knight is a story about an arranged marriage, but not one where both parties win. Stefan Sabbioni wants to destroy Gabriella’s father and what better way than to take something very precious from him, his daughter. Stefan was determined, ruthless and cold. Gabriella has been sheltered all her life, so she is on the innocent and naïve side, but Stefan is about to change all that! Even so, I loved watching her hold her own.
Both Gabriella and Stefan hold secrets and desires, but neither can deny the chemistry they feel. But with danger and vengeance at every turn, what is in store for them next? Collateral by Natasha Knight is the first book in a new duet and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
4.5-stars. Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!
Gabriela Marchese first met Stefan Sabbioni when she was 16 years old and she found him in her bedroom with a message with her father, Gabriel, that she never relayed. Now he is back and Gabriela’s father has arranged a marriage between the two of them without her consent to occur in one month.
Stefan Sabbioni has revenge on his mind and is using Gabriela as a pawn in his game. He is cold and ruthless and wants to show Gabriel how powerful he has become.
Yet soon Stefan realizes that there is more to Gabriela than he could have imagined and that her relationship with her father is nothing like he thought. Can Stefan keep his own feelings aside while he plays his own game of revenge or are things about to become more complicated?
This is a great beginning to the series and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!!
There are so many hidden stories weaved within the main story that has your mind traveling in a million directions trying to put it all together and figure out how everything is going to fall into place.
Gabriela was a strong character who wanted to live her own life and not be used as a pawn by her father. Unfortunately she wasn’t very successful as she found herself being married off to Stefan Sabbioni. I liked discovering more about her own background and clues that were given to specific events in the past that led her to be a certain way.
Initially I wasn’t sure where I stood with my feelings on Stefan as I truly understood why he wanted revenge but I hated that Gabriela was the pawn in the middle. Gradually I started warming up to him except a few times when he was pretty cruel yet I saw him caring about her and learning more about her past.
My heart broke with Alex and I knew why Gabriela needed to protect him and in turn her need to protect him. I was scared when Stefan first met him but then I saw that Stefan was trying to help him out.
The revelations about Gabriela’s body were horrifying and I knew Stefan was going to try his best to protect her.
I was so mad at the end of the book as I knew who was innocent and who wasn’t and Gabriela fell into a trap that I was certain that a person from her past set up.
The very end of the book left us with a huge cliffhanger and now I need to know what happens next!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Gabriela: When I was sixteen years old, Stefan Sabbioni showed up in my bedroom uninvited. 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 would be back to take something precious. I never delivered the message, 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.
Marcchese is the manipulator of my family’s tragedy. I don’t just bring him to his knees. I’ll bury him for what ht 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 sway 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.
I basically went into this book blind. I didn’t know anything about this book, except that it was a arranged married novel and that everything I have ever read by Natasha Knight has been amazing!! This is the first book in the Collateral Damage Series. This is the story of Gabby who is really stuck doing exactly what her dad tells her to do. He has already promised her to some boy, but that all when Gabriel comes back after two years and claim Gabby for his very own. These two are quiet the character’s. Stefan is super controlling and controlled and Gabby is a girl/woman who is just now discovering who she is, but she can be equally dramatic. I don’t want to give away much of the story. Like I said I went into it blind. I promise it is absolutely amazing and will keep you reading from the beginning to the very last words. I can promise you that if you have never read a Natasha Knight book then you are missing some edge of your seat constantly keep you guessing. I love her books and you will too. This story will have you begging for more. Good thing we will be getting the second one in October. I feel like I am not doing this book justice. If you know me you know that I love to brag about the book and the authors. I so hope you give this a try. I have been trying to having some personal things go on and I feel like I am not in the head space to write my usual book review. I should have just said from the beginning. Just go get this book and enjoy this arranged marriage first book as much as I did. I can not wait for the next book and hopefully my review will be a lot better and not like it is now.
COLLATERAL by Natasha Knight is the story of Gabriela and Stefan.
Stefan is a Sicilian Mobster who is set on vengeance. When Gabby was sixteen years old, Stefan came into her room with a message and a necklace and told her to tell her father he will be back for something very precious. When she is 18 she learns that she has to go with Stefan toward an arranged marriage. Stefan starts off harsh and Gabby somewhat acting her age although her family being part of the mob has some knowledge. Between their story and some twist and turns, this kept me turning pages.
I love a good arranged mafia marriage story, and one where it is to pay back a debt between enemies, well, that is nirvana in my mind. And this was everything I love and could want in that trope, and it was executed flawlessly! That cliff hanger though, I cannot wait for the second part f this duet, and luckily, I won’t have to wait long
Stefan is everything Gabriela despises in men; she has been around them enough in her life to know the type. But he affects her differently. His arrogance and heavy-handedness is tempered with niceties and consideration. Stefan is surprised again and again by Gabriela, she isn’t at all what he expected. He does know one thing though, she is his. The attraction, and affection, growing between them is hard for either of them to resist
Not only do we get all this sexy goodness, there is a mystery afoot as well. What good mafia story doesn’t have layers of intrigue, half-truths, unknowns, and deception. A couple of those things are revealed, but the root of it all it not yet known. I have a theory, it occurred to me early on, and kept building, we’ll see it I was correct when I get my greedy hands on the second book
First I need to shake off those fresh and raw emotions sitting hard in my throat after reading this phenomenal mafia story with arranged marriage. I’m simply speechless. I’m wrecked and my emotions are one big hot mess. I’m literally addicted and captivated by this story and I need Damage book two, like do need my next breath.
Fact 1 The best written mafia story I recently read
Fact 2 Gabriela Marchese and Stefan Sobbiani are my new fave couple.
Not even for a second you will get bore with this book because from the very beginning you will get hooked by actions and suspense in the story. Be warned that this book is not heart warming sunshine and rainbows and for the faint of hearts.
Yes, Collateral is one action packed dark mob story. Natasha Knight gripped my heart with her amazingly written words wrapped in the world full of evil, danger and mafia encounters. I devoured every single moment in this story and completely stole my breath away with its darkness and complicated relationship between Gabriela and Stefan.
Stefan was dangerously handsome Italian mob boss. I could feel trough the written words his extending power whenever he appeared in the story.
Vengeance, rage and deep-rooted pain kept him in hatred through his life. He made vow two years ago to himself which led him to Gabriela. Young, innocent girl who was a pawn in this all f**ked up revenge.
Gabriela was barely an adult and I was pleasantly surprised by this heroine. She had a feisty attitude and kept her guard still. With every chapter I found out more how courageous and emotionally strong she was.
Their relationship started in unusual manner. It was hate – love from the very first sight.
I was reading with thrilling excitement when they challenged each other back and forth every day. How they emotionally collided with one another. But I could also sense slow burning feelings between them, growing chemistry was glowing harder but then suddenly BAM, my heart dusted to the ashes after author Natasha Knight dropped heartbreaking cliffhanger in my face. Now I’m dying for Damage story and can’t freaking wait for their HEA, because there will be, right Ms. Knight??!
Collateral is the first book in a duet, and what a book it was! When Gabriela was 16, Sicilian mobster Stefan entered her bedroom with a message for her father that he would return and take something precious as he had done so to Stefan. Two years later, Stefan makes good on that promise and manipulates her and her father into a marriage contract between Gabriela and Stefan. Gabriela has now started another life with a different kind of monster, one who is determined to destroy her father and possibly her in the process. This was gripping, edgy and sexy. I was surprised with the turn of a number of events throughout the story that I really was not expecting. Collateral also ended with the ultimate cliffhanger that will drop your jaw.
I could not put this book down! It’s that good. Not sure the bags under my eyes the next morning will agree though
It’s not your typical arranged marriage romance. But it’s everything a captive romance should be.
It’s dark, intense, raw, edgy, suspenseful, and sexy yet innocent at times.
Gabriela may be young, but she is one badass heroine. Impulsive yes, maybe at times careless, but that’s what makes her great. She leads with her heart, and her heart, it’s something to behold. Her heart captured a stone cold alphas heart.
Stefan is everything and so much more. Cold, calculating, wise, honest, loyal, sexy but most importantly a protector. His protective instincts showing from the beginning with Gabriela. And that was hot.
I cannot wait for the conclusion of this story. I’m at the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting.