I’m the first-born son of the mafia king. The favorite. Destined to rule, I’m a dangerous man, a ruthless one. But in my world, you have to be.
Then Natalie stumbles into my life. Wrong place. Wrong time.
Twice, fate put her in my path.
Twice, fate placed the innocent lamb at the mercy of the monster.
I gave her a chance to walk away. Told her it would be better for her if she did.
But she … for her if she did.
But she didn’t listen.
And now it’s too late.
Because I’m not good. I never wanted to be. And I won’t let her go anymore. See, I’m not the hero. When I touch her, it’s with dirty hands.
I know my reckoning is coming, though. I know I’ll burn for the things I’ve done, the sins I’ve committed. I don’t deny hell is where I belong, but I want my time first. I want my time with her.
She’s mine.
Forever.
No matter what.
Author’s Note: Sergio is a steamy standalone romance set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia world. Themes are dark.
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This book tore my heart apart, but the journey has been incredibly worth the tears. I love Sergio!
4.5 Stars
This is not quite a romance….well, not in the truest definition anyway, but it is a still a deeply touching love story. Sergio is real, brutal and hauntingly beautiful…both the book and the man. Even the blackest of hearts deserves to love and be loved. Love is given freely, finding a home in the least likely of places and it’s almost never a choice. Even Sergio, heir to the head of a powerful crime family, with blood on his hands and no apology in his heart, is capable of love and deserves to be loved in return.
My heart ached for this man. Though Sergio was completely unapologetic about his life and deeds, there was still an aura of yearning around him, definitely not regret, but something akin to longing or maybe need is a better word. At any rate, this man got to me in ways I didn’t expect. He made my soul ache, my heart bleed and tears streamed from my eyes. I suspect that this story, this man, and this ending will haunt me for quite some time but I’ll treasure every ache.
My only slight issue with the story was my inability to connect completely with Natalie. As much as I fell for Sergio, Natalie remained just out of reach for me.
Once again Natasha did it! She shattered my soul with this emotionally strong, heartbreaking story. We read about Salvatore Benedetti, Dominic Benedetti, who are heroes that will be remembered, but Sergio… his story is wrecking, overwhelming yet so Must READ!
He is eldest of Benedetti brothers, he is born to be King, to rule when his time comes. He is strong, powerful and ruthless prince, who is born into the dark underworld, who knows nothing but his ruthless world, until he meets Natalie Grigoryan, who is strong, smart, kind and intelligent young woman, who will turn Sergio’s world upside down.
This is gut-wrenching yet beautiful story, which will be worth your every emotion, every tear.
Be prepaired. In order to fully understand the story line, the Benedetti world, read Sergio, then Salvatore and then Dominic
I am destroyed!!!
Sergio by Natasha Knight has ripped my heart out and stomped all over it.
Leaving behind a bloody mangled mess.
I knew exactly what I was getting myself into from the get-go.
So I have nobody else to blame but my own stubborn arse for thinking I could handle the fallout of such a profound and deeply emotional read.
I am not saying a word about plotline or character development, what made this good, what got on my proverbial wick.
Why I liked this one and why I wanted to kick that one’s arse.
All I’m going to say is read “Sergio” a Dark Mafia Romance, and prepare yourself.
You are going to be ripped limb from limb and left sobbing like a baby.
I can’t even talk about this book without tears dripping down my face.
My DP thinks I’ve lost the plot, you know what he said, people?
You do know their fictional Characters “BOO” like not real people, made up?
How dare he!! they feel so real, alive and vital to me.
And that there lies the crux of this conundrum.
If an author can make you experience such depths of emotional despair than that is, in my humble opinion, one hell of a writer.
And this author is ultimately one brave lady, telling this story exactly how she envisioned it.
Not how others wanted it.
I’m impressed, still broken but entirely bowing down to your genius here.
So I am going to finish on this note “Sergio” is a story that will live in the depths of your soul long after the lights go out.
Its a beautiful, poignant tale of love and life gone wrong, where the ultimate attraction is in the actual realism portrayed between its pages.
This is a story that needed to be told and I feel richer overall for this humbling experience.
I am ever so glad I got to read this ARC and though not a newcomer to Natasha Knight this was definitely different to what I usually expect from her scribblings.
Different in a good way that is, it’s certainly been a memorable journey, one that I am so not going to forget in a hurry.
I adored your unconventional love story, Sergio & Natalie and you both definitely deserve your moment in that spotlight.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of “Sergio” A Dark Mafia Romance of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I finished this a few days ago – but I just wasn’t able to write my review at the time –
It has been a long time since I have truly felt so connected to the characters in a story I was reading – you know when you get so lost that you actually nod your head, or lift your eyebrows or even smirk when they do – yeah, Sergio had me that entranced
I think I traversed the entire plane of emotions with Sergio and Natalie’s love story – curiosity, lust, anger, betrayal, love and the finality of forever sprinkled with all the moments of happiness and angst that happen in between
Yes my heart broke but it was pieced back together as well
I am sure many will not see this as an HEA – but I did
I’ve never had a story that affected me so deeply and for so long…I’m certain someone better with words than me will do the story justice in a review, but the beauty and sorrow of this story will leech into every corner of your soul.
I knew it was coming and I still didn’t want it to be true and all I can say, as I look through my tears, is this is by far one of the best books I’ve read in 2018.
I think this is the first time I’ve ever cried this ugly over a story, I was in love with the vivid imagery of the author’s words and how they transported me into the middle of these main character’s lives.
I felt what they felt.
I was afraid when Natalie was afraid.
I was furious when Sergio was furious.
I was wary and untrusting, seeking vengeance and mired in sorrow, but left wanting…just wanting it to be different, wanting there to be more time. Yes, by far one of the most emotional stories I’ve ever held in my hands.
“Why don’t you sleep?”…. “Because time is running out.”
Be prepared, have a box of tissues handy, this is not your typical dark romance read, but fans of Natasha Knight have been waiting for Sergio’s story and it’s amazing. Salvatore and Dominic’s stories suddenly became so much more meaningful and emotional after adding the events of Sergio’s life. This entire series will long remain one of my favorites and have a permanent place on my ‘to be re-read’ list.
I needed his story!
This is not a typical romance, but it is a love story. I wanted Sergio’s book, even knowing what I knew and I loved it. I loved him!!! So many family obligations and drama surrounding Sergio but then he finds his true happiness.
Nat and Sergio fell hard and fast for each other. Their love was deep and passionate. I felt it!! I sobbed like a baby and wanted so much more for Natalie and Sergio but things happen in life and in the end, we treasure what we get.
I went into this story knowing what I knew and still my heart got ripped out. I’m so glad she decided to write Sergio’s story. Its beautiful, but heartbreaking. You have been warned.
This is Book 3 of Benedetti Brothers (A Dark Mafia Romance)
This is the story of Sergio & Natalie. This is a tearjerker and is a heartbreaking story. Even from Book 1 and Book 2, we knew Sergio had died. This is the story of his death. All I can say is “WOW.” As I write this review I am still reeling from the feelings of this book. Sergio is definitely his father’s son in all ways. When he sees Natalie for a second time, years ago and now, he just can’t let her go. He is torn between loving her because of his his life, but he cannot seem to help it. Natalie feels the same way, but also cannot help herself. There is a lot of action in this story, and will keep your eyes glued to the pages until it’s finished. Natasha, you have outdone yourself on this one. If you are into Dark Mafia Romance, please read this book. You will not be sorry.
WOW! What a story!
After reading Salvatore and Dominic, I went into reading Sergio being full aware of how it would end and it gutted me all the same! Natasha done a wonderful job bringing Sergio’s character to life in this book. I LOVED Sergio even though it was a very non-traditional romance. I loved his and Natalie’s romance all the way to the end. If you are not a fan of a non-traditional romance, then this book may not be for you.
A Sad & Beautiful Story! 4.5 Heart-Wrenching Stars!
Sergio: A Dark Mafia Romance
Benedetti Brothers Series, Book 3
By: Natasha Knight
Narrated by: Michael Pauley, Tracy Marks
This is a well written, well told “Dark Mafia Romance”. Natasha Knight gives warning, this is not a traditional romance book and it will be upsetting to some. And yes, I am upset, but not with the author but with myself. I knew going in it was not an HEA, yet had to know Sergio’s story. The book grabbed my attention from the start and captivated me until the very end. Sergio’s story is a heartbreaking one but so worth knowing. Great character development, I loved the chemistry between Sergio and Natalie. I loved her braveness and strength too. Their story is not a pretty one but it sure is an interesting one. Natasha Knight, thank you for this great read and taking us in to the mafia world. It is a story to be remembered.
I listened to the Audible edition. The narrators, Micael Pauley and Tracy Marks, are awesome. They perform well together and each gives a great performance with the right amount of dramatic flair to enhance the story even more. They bring the characters to life from the pages to your ears. Thank you for the great listen!
Thank you AudiobookObsession
Damn… It is hard to put into words what I feel… I’m at a loss. I felt so much. The author doesn’t hold anything back… TRUST me. You don’t want her to. I felt so much for the main characters, Sergio and Natalie. My heart is being squeezed but it is the best type of pain. I believe that every reader needs a story that will make them stop and stare. They need a story that will make you laugh in small moments and be sad in others.
There is a poem, which suits this book so well. It suits Sergio and Natalie so well.
I didn’t fall in love with you
I walked into love with you
with my eyes wide open,
choosing to take
every step along the way
I do believe in fate and destiny
but I also believe
we are only fated
to do the things
that we’d choose anyway
And I’d choose you
in a hundred lifetimes
in a hundred worlds
in any version of reality
I’d find you
and I’d choose you
The colder the heart, the warmer the gun. ~ Houndmouth
Sergio’s story is bittersweet. It’s haunting, it’s foreboding and it’s anguishing, but it is so worth the read. If you have read the other Benedetti Brothers books, you know what fate holds for him.
Sergio, the Underboss to a mafia empire is powerful and brutal. He does what needs to be done and he is not deluded about his darkness and the possibility of his destiny. Was it kismet that put Natalie in Sergio’s path twice? To allow him a brief but momentous taste of love and tenderness.
~”Wrong place, wrong time, sweetheart.”~
This is Knight’s BEST dark romance. When you write about mafioso societies, you are writing about a world that is violent, treacherous and blood thirsty. Obviously with the danger attributed to belonging to an organization everyone’s life is a gamble. Life is not only butterflies and rainbows but tragedy and heartbreak and it is nice to see it transferred into the stories written. I commend Natasha on writing Sergio’s story already knowing the outcome was not a favorable HEA.
“This read which packed a punch, a story told with mafia mystery, magic, and sorrow.”
I received an Advance Reader Copy for SERGIO: A Dark Mafia Romance written by Natasha Knight and voluntarily reviewed this book. For a second time in her life, Natalie finds herself at the mercy of the dark and dangerous Sergio Benedetti. But this time, there will be no saving her from becoming involved with Sergio, as she is an adult now with her own mind… and Sergio is unable and unwilling to set her free, to treat her as anything other than the one person he realized he was missing in his life who calls to his soul with her all her goodness.
This was a fast-paced sizzling, steamy, and emotionally unconventional read, which leads the way to Salvatore and Dominic’s stories – so very looking forward to reading these!!!
** Note: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
Sergio was a secondary character in a duet (?) that Natasha had written but Sergio can be read as a stand alone. I have not read that duet and after reading some of the reviews of Sergio, I am happy that have not read them. According to some, parts of Sergio were revealed in those books but I don’t think I would have had the proper reaction to the end of Chapter 28 if I had previously known. {For the record, I plan to read the other two books now that I’ve read Sergio} After reading that chapter I had to put my kindle down and process it before moving on to the final 3 chapters.
Sergio and Natalie’s romance was unconventional. There were times I wondered if there were any redeeming qualities to Sergio. When he told Natalie he wasn’t the hero but the monster, I couldn’t agree more. I love the occasional dark read to break up all the happy, charming romance that I read and Sergio did not disappoint me there. There were times that my heart really hurt for Sergio and all that was racing through his mind.
The story was written in dual POV. We were able to get insight into both Natalie and Sergio’s minds. This was Sergio’s story and Natalie was just the woman who fate decided was his. She wasn’t just a secondary character though; she had the attitude that Sergio needed in a partner.
Wrong place, wrong time once… sure he’ll let her go. Twice… I’m keeping her as mine forever. This is the story of Sergio who is next in line to be the top dog of a very not so on the up and up organization. And of Natalie who seems to have some of the worst luck ever. Can she be the light to his dark or will he turn her innocence to dark?
Sergio, Sergio, Sergio… le sigh. This book was dark, gritty, raw, and cut me to the quick.
Christina *Book Haven Book Blog
“Wrong place, wrong time, sweetheart.”
Holy sheesh!! This is the first book I have read about any of Natasha Knight’s Benedetti brothers, and boy did I pick the most heartbreaking story to begin with! Sergio is raw and unapologetic, bringing out a whole plethora of emotion right from the start. In a way I am glad that I didn’t know anything going in, I think that it made my reading experience that much more intense because I didn’t know. But I can guarantee that even if I knew about Sergio’s story from the beginning I would still be sitting here surrounded by a heap of feelings.
I’m not going to give you any plot from this book, read the blurb if your interested, but I highly recommend going in blind. Or as blind as you can be if you’ve read either Salvatoreor Dominic. This isn’t a fairy tale. The dark mafia romance addendum on the title really says it all.
Gah!! This book brought me to tears, it so freaking good but that’s not to say it won’t break your heart. Because it will. It will break your heart harder than you expect. I praise Natasha for writing such a deep, dark alpha male as Sergio and his gentle, innocent queen Natalie, who complements him in the way he deserves. The more I think about this book and certain scene the more tears fall, so I am ending my review here before I short circuit my laptop from all the wetness. Job well done, Natasha! I cannot wait to go back and read about the other Benedetti brothers.
5 Always, No Matter What stars
*Review by Amy W., Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog*
I think it’s rather impressive when an author can make you tear up in the note before the start of a book. When they hint at what to expect and it already hurts. When a song is used for as the emotional mindset, it’s easy to understand. But the haunting melody and emotional words of “Darlin” by Houndmouth took me to the edge and then Natasha Knight shoved me over the cliff.
Sergio is (ugh, the feels. I can’t see through blurry eyes but I needed to time this while it’s raw and fresh) trapped. He is the first born. He has always known…He understands the fragility of life. And then he meets a girl.
A woman actually. A woman who turns his shadows into ghosts- always lurking, can be felt but not seen. A woman who brought hope to a desolate landscape. A woman who gave him more…
Sergio is everything you expect emotionally but times ten. I just want to start all over again so I can spend more time with him. Apparently, I need to back track and read Salavatore and Dominic now. And I absolutely will be reading them!!!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
What an amazing 5 star story this was. I was consumed from the blurb to the last page read. There is a warning at the beginning of the book and I was a bit weary going in but I’m glad I did.
This is a dark mafia romance that was highly intriguing and addictive. The characters were really well developed . Great plot that got thicker and thicker, it was well executed.
This story is about Sergio the first born son of the mafia lord. There were 2 stories already written about his brothers, Salvatore and Dominic. Even if it’s the third book out it does precede the 2 other brothers stories. They are books I will be reading in the near future.
It can be read as a standalone, told in a dual POV. The author does warn us that it doesn’t follow the traditional HEA that she usually writes about. But trust me, it’s well worth the read.
This was a very emotional book for me yet I loved every word of it!
I had already read Salvatore and Dominic so Sergio blended everything together and everything fit perfectly.
Although Sergio was a bad man,which he knew and never denied,I still fell in love with him.
I felt throughout the book that deep in his heart he wanted to find redemption or some kind of peace,if you will.
He is the product of his upbringing and his environment. He didn’t choose his lifestyle as much as it was thrust upon him.
And I really liked Natalie. She may have been young in years but she was mature and competent.
She was steadfast in her wants,needs and her love. She has a strong spirit and strength that was amazing to see.
Sergio is a beautifully written book.
A breathtaking love story that’s taking root and growing around the Benedetto Mafia and their chaos,crimes and the killing of their enemies.
It’s an intense,it’s dark and totally consumed me.