5⭐

Thank you to Rebecca Johnpee and Bramble Romance for the ARC.

𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗽𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱―𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲.

I've heard nothing but amazing things about this book, even thought it hasn't released yet! I can positively say that I understand the hype of this novel — everything about it has made me so excited for the future books in this series.

I would definitely say that this book is more than romance or specifically a mafia romance. It's so much more nuanced than what I had expected it to be. The author deals with so many complex themes throughout the book, from the mental health representation, multi-dimensional characters, multiple complex storylines, I love how nuanced this trilogy is just from the first book.

Elio Marino and Zahra Faizan are extremely complex characters. One (or maybe both of them) maybe unreliable narrator. Their characters are complex, which multiple layers in them. They're both dangerous, sharing a true enemies to lovers dynamic where they've both been almost succesful in killing each other. I love Zahra because of her characterization, who appears small and charming but with a big mouth but in reality, she is so much more than that, a lethal woman who is a weapon on her instinct. There's so much of her backstory that needs to be revealed and I'm looking forward to it.

I had a blast reading this, from the non-stop action and adventure, found family bonding, enemies to lovers dynamic between Elio and Zahra where they try to kill each other, the secrets and mysteries they unravel and the lies that overcome at times.

I also feel in love with trh side characters. Street is such an amazing team, and the love they have for each other is heartwarming. I loved the banter they have, the way they interact and share a bond like a 'real' family. Gemma was such a sweetheart and I hope she appears again in the series.

The last 50 pages of the book was non stop action and revealtions. I didn't not expect those plot twists or outcomes and choices that the characters made at the end. I'm super hyped up for what is to come next and I cannot wait for the next installment in the trilogy!

Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me review this book

This book is a 5 star book for me the mafia romance ugh my heart. The enemies to lovers in this book yes please and that ending omg I need the next book asap to find out what is going to happen with these characters ugh.

This book was everything I could've asked for in a dark romance. It had me hooked from the very first page and kept me captivated all the way through. The push and pull between Elio and Zahra was absolute perfection-chef's kiss. I'm honestly a little heartbroken that I have to wait for the rest of the series because I need them all right now! But i guess patience and longing will have to carry me...until the next one.

Is it possible to request the second book when the first one isn’t even published yet?? ’Cause that’s exactly how I feel rn!

I tried to read this as slowly as I could because it was so good I needed to savor it. Imagine my surprise when I flipped a page and it turned out to be the last?! Fucking hell, I want more!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it DELIVERED. It was everything I wanted in a dark mafia romance. The plot was plotting! There are twists, suspense, and heart-pounding revelations. Angst and tension weren’t left out either, and did I mention the banter?! The banter, y’all! It has a found-family trope, and these guys are a handful😂

I appreciate the dynamics of the characters. Each one was so carefully curated that their relationships worked perfectly, and you can’t help but love them. I want all of their books rn!!

But let’s talk about the main characters, my precious babies🥺💖 Our MMC is a ruthless, morally grey mafia boss - but fuck, is he precious to me. My man is so sweet and thoughtful🥹 And our FMC is strong, smart, and feisty. She is not to be messed with, people! She’s a fucking QUEEN, but she’s still so precious🥺💖

I love the writing, the maturity of the MCs, and the communication between them. I take these very seriously!! And it made the story flow flawlessly. I am low-key jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time because this is a book you will not be able to put down!

Rebecca is such an amazing writer, and I’ll read anything she writes! Thank you for the ARC, I’m so glad I got to read it. But I am equally sad that it’s over, so I’ll just be over here counting down the days till I have the next book in my hands🥹💖

Tropes and vibes:

Enemies to lovers
Mafia romance
Found Family
Slow burn
Tortured souls
One bed
Banter

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

5⭐ (actually ∞⭐)

Thank you to Rebecca Johnpee for sending me the eARC!

There are some books that you instantly know that are going to be your Roman empire and that it will consume your mind at all times because you're so deep into the rabbit hole into the world — THE WICKED is one of those books.

To say that this book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions is an understatement because it made me feel feral, crying, laughing, cackling, screaming and shouting all between paragraphs to each other.

I was obsessed with Elio Marino when it was originally published on Wattpad. That first version will always have a special place in my heart and so does this brand now edition — which is as memorable and uniquely amazing!

Most of the writing and plot lines remained the same from the original version but there are changes and brand new scenes added to the narrative that made the experience and flow so much different and better! I genuinely enjoyed reading this book because I was able to pick up so many new changes and ideas included.

The writing style is just immaculate. Loved the flow of everything, how every line had my attention. Everything is written to the detail — details that should not be underestimated. I loved the writing style which helped me keep up for the narrative's flow. Every single detail is intentional, and it makes sense towards the end. The subtle details that I picked up had my mind-blowing most of the time.

𝐙𝐚𝐡𝐫𝐚 is one of the narrators and pov characters of the book. We don't know much about her backstory but bits and pieces that honestly made me cry just reading about it because it dealt with a lot. Her characterization was brilliant — open yet secretive, strong willed and protective that she would do anything for the ones she loved, even if it meant that she had to pull the trigger. She's tactically smart — every move of hers is intentional. Beneath the surface of her character, there is so much yet to uncover and so many things that are spoilers that I cannot wait to discuss when this book is out in the world.

𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐨 is the definition of a traumatised psychopath who plays with people's minds in a way that one would consider toys. He is such a brilliant character because he starts going through character development from the very first pages in a way that makes sense and change — which would also lead to doubts arising. Once you're introduced to his character, you'll squirm a lot because he's going to make you confused and scared from every action of his. He's an extremely complex character — who is traumatised and has goals of his own that he wants to implement.

This is the first book of the trilogy and while there wasn't a significant portion of romance, the tension between this was running the show. Zahra is a storm in his world and rattling his peace and driving Elio crazy. From him trying to actually murder her multiple times to become obsessed with her was such a huge development that cannot go unspoken. The tension and chemistry they had was perfect and the banter that she instigated had me laughing. The romance does play a significant role in the book.

The side characters — STREET, Angelo, Casmiro and Gemma were such an amazing cast. STREET was fucking funny and had me howling in uncontrollable laughter. Every single side character has a reason and purpose and the development of these characters were well done because they were unique and did not feel one-dimensional.

The plot twists in the book did shock me the first time I read it and I thought that I would be able to brace myself the second time but there were some twists that genuinely took me off guard. The plot twists and revelations in this book are genuinely surprising and will catch you off guard. The adventure and heist they go in this book had me laughing and screaming because of their conversations.

The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. I was scared for the fictional characters who took over my mind and heart. I was genuinely ridden in anxiety until the very last page where the ending had me sobbing.

For readers who love actual enemies to lovers who tried killing each other, heists with found family, mafia romance and twisty secrets, THE WICKED is the perfect read!

Thank you to Rebecca Johnpee for letting me share all my unhinged thoughts and theories while reading the book

I LOVE a heist romance, mafia hasn't historically been my favorite, but I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this one! Maybe not a new favorite, but one that you'll catch me recommending!

ATTENTION, if you want ENEMIES to ?lovers? it does not get more enemies than this. THIS is the definition of ENEMIES!!!
I think the MMC threatened and literally attempted to kill the FMC approximately 45 times throughout this book. I gasped outloud many times. 10/10 no notes.

This book was the most MAFIA mafia book I think I’ve ever read. Do not speak to Elio wrong or he’s pulling a gun on you every day everytime.

The FMC Zahra & her ragtag crew of friends are thieves.
The MMC Elio is the leader of the most powerful mafia families in Italy.
The thieves aka “Street” try to steal from the mafia family and are then forced to work for them to do art heists in exchange for their ultimate freedom.

There were a few plot twists throughout this that had me GAGGED.


I LOVED that the FMC of this is middle eastern. She is very witty and funny. I really enjoyed her internal monologue and the banter between characters.

One thing that was a little confusing for me was that the novel is set in Italy and the characters are speaking English (i believe?) but the FMC & MMC speak Spanish to eachother (it’s their special thing).

Why I didn’t give it 5 stars is at some points there were pacing issues.
And at absolutely no point in this story do you ever believe a single character is telling the truth at all whatsoever. The tension is phenomenal and I do feel the chemistry but I really don’t know what is the reality and what is the truth. They are all using eachother and it’s hard to figure out what anyone’s true intentions are. And I felt this way from start to finish. I think that was the author’s point but it made it hard for me to fully love the main characters & their relationship.


That being said, I did have fun. I do plan on immediately continuing the series and am excited to see where the story goes. This is the first book in a trilogy.


CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS before reading. There is a lot of extremely dark back stories.


Thanks to Tor and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

4.5 ⭐️ First of all, I want to start by thanking the NetGalley team at Tor/Forge for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review. I'll try to avoid any spoilers for new readers, but just know that you're in for a ride with an actual enemies to lovers to enemies book. I want to start talking about the mmc (Elio) because he might have just joined one of my fave mmcs in books ever. I was literally bawling just by reading about both his mental trauma and suicidal thoughts. The fact that just looking at himself in the mirror disgusted him made things to my heart 💔 I hope we get to read more about his relationship with Elia in the future because they both deserved better. Now, with the fmc (Zahra), I have lots of thoughts, but that's just because her past is still somewhat of a mystery I hope gets revealed in the 2nd book. I did like her and her humor, but sometimes she had me stressing out with certain choices she made both in actions and words. I liked that the book's pace felt somewhat fast and that the plot was never forgotten. I also absolutely loved the other side characters, the ones from Street and both Angelo and Casmiro. I hope we get to see more of them in the 2nd book. That's all. Just read it, everyone 😅

This story was a wild ride with a diabolical ending that was probably the best way to go. Unless there is a second installment, in which case I'm definitely reading the next book.
This story had me feeling all the emotions. I was mad, sad, anxious, traumatized, but mostly suspicious. The way the story unfolded had me trusting no one. Even the multiple POVs from the MMC and FMC. I figured neither were reliable narrators and I was right. All the twist and turns kept me reading as well as all the supporting characters. Everyone was entertaining and played a part.
The romance was a true enemy to lovers, Then back to enemies...I think. Either way, the relationship was hot, and one of the main reasons for all the anxiety I was feeling. I liked the way the two grew together organically even if it was in their own messed up way. And it was really messed up. But I Loved it.
I will definitely be looking for more to read by Rebecca Johnpee.

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
Enemies to Lovers
Mafia boss x Thief
Heist and Mayhem
Touch HIM or HER and you D**
He falls first
Morally black
Dual pov
SPICY
Diverse characters
Found family
Black mail with side of Revenge
-
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ , 2nd time read
(1st time was on wattpad 2 year ago 4.8⭐️ )
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 -🌶🌶🌶🌶

𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
The best book! I absolutely LOVE this book. It's is unreplaceable. This is one of those books you reread for years. I will keep it short, Z&E will speak for themselves.

It has EVERYTHING. It's packed with spicy banter, sexy tension, cars, parties, heist, food, hot guys, hot gals and their sarcastic remarks and cute nicknames!! My personal favorite is Zahra calling Casmiro 'Cassie' 😭 🫶

The book open up with scene of 'Street'– Zahra and 4 other utterly cute and most smart thieves who are also known as 'shadows of Italy'– taken Hostage by merciless Elio Marino after they burned his 6 billion USD!
Plot unfolds in Elio's torture chamber where Zahra and Elio strikes a deal in return of keeping Street alive.

This book had all emotions, ranging from grief to pure rage. You can see the efforts put by the author in every scene and character and dialogues. They way everything thing is construct is flawless. The Enemies were Enemiesing and the banter was bantering. Whole book is so meme worthy lol.
Smut in this book was delectable. Elio and Zahra had chemistry from the very beginning but I was shocked by intensity of it. The angst and tension had me on floor!
Elio Marino what a man you are! The things come from his mouth should be framed and kept in museum for everyone to experience once in their lifetime. He comes with dangerously hot aura with hint of healing energy, raising standards, dropping panties! A whole package.

Zahra, is sarcastic, feisty strong women. She comes with confidence, self-esteem, so many attactive abilities and wrong decisions.

Cliffhanger was upsetting but its fine I'm glad I will have more of Street.

Overall this was unputdownable. You need this in your life. 100% recommended.

I'm so glad we will have 2nd installment too cause I want more of them. I hope I get it's ARC, just to read it asap (hehe greedy me)

Also note this is soooooo DARK and FUNNY. Please check your triggers, like don’t say I didn’t warn you.
(That was my 'short' review, thanks for bearing me)