I really enjoyed this mafia romance audiobook. The premise of the story where Guinevere meets Raffa was sweet. He was her knight in shining armor. She was on her first ever trip out of the country alone after college graduation, and due to some unfortunate circumstances needed some help. I love when romances have the couple being complete opposites.

I really enjoyed the narrators voices and the Italian accent that Raffa (main male character) had was incredibly sexy.

I had no idea this was not a standalone and it does end on a cliffhanger which I’m highly anticipating the rest of their story coming out in October.

🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🎧

✽ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: CJ Bloom & Dane Anderson


You’ll love this book if you like these tropes…♡

ꕤ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ꕤ

❥ Mafia Romance
✿ Strangers-to-Lovers
❥ Slow Burn Romance
✿ A Billionaire Italian Mafioso
❥ She’s in Finance
✿ Age Gap
❥ Alpha Protective Hero
✿ Touch Her & Die Vibes
❥ Tuscany Settings
✿ Hidden Identity
❥ She Falls Hard
✿ He Falls Harder
❥ Vacation Romance
✿ Summertime Romance
❥ Good Girl x Anti Hero
✿ Grumpy Sunshine
❥ Forced Proximity
✿ Angsty Romances
❥ Romantic Suspense

It’s no secret that I am obsessed with all things Giana Darling and that I will read anything she writes so I am sure you can imagine how excited I was when I saw she had a new book coming out and when I saw it was a whole new series, I was even more excited! Don’t get me wrong, I love every word she has written and adores the amazing characters she has created, however, it’s always exciting when one of your all-time favourite authors comes out with a new series and let me start this review by saying that she did not disappoint. This book grabbed hold of my heart and had me in a chokehold from page one right til the very end. I immediately fell in love with the new characters and I am excited to see where she goes with this world!


Guinevere is trying to find out more information about her Italian family, so even though her parents have made her promise not to go and search for information, she lies and breaks her promise and travels over there for the summer, while there she meets Raffa, a drop dead gorgeous Italian man with a devilish smile. They meet in a not-so-meet-cute when Raffa accidentally hits her with his car, however in his defence she runs out in front of him and he can’t exactly avoid her and stops. Raffa isn’t the type of man to come to anyone’s rescue, let alone a woman’s. There’s something very sinister about him and I am sure that’s because that has something to do with the fact that he is the leader of the mafia, however, when he lays eyes on Guinevere, he decides he’s going to play pretend and mess with the innocent girl. He shows her around the city and it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the two of them and things start to get spicy. She falls in love with him and his family and he falls for her even harder that cold-hearted mafia boss’s heart begins to melt but Raffa is keeping a secret about who he is and Guinevere has no idea just how dangerous her new bed buddy is.

I’m not going to dive in too deep. I honestly believe you have to go into this new series blind to get the best experience. I will say that Raffa and Guinevere have such strong personalities so when they come together, it’s pure, raw, insanely hot, intense and downright addictive.


This book. This freaking book. I am obsessed. That cliffhanger got me something good and I can’t wait for book two and can’t wait to see where Giana goes with these two and with the side characters.

Highly recommend this! Bring on October!!!

FIVE STARS
✰✰✰✰✰

I’m actually kinda speechless. I had so many theories about how this would end. But this is definitely not how I thought the book would end. I can’t wait to find out more in the next book! But to be honest, the ending felt like this could be a standalone.

We are introduced to Guinevere who felt called to Italy against her parents’ (specifically her father) wishes. Things didn’t go quite as planned as she was romanticizing her trip to Italy. Very luckily (or maybe unluckily—you’ll have to determine that for yourself), she gets saved by Raffaele.

She’s living her best life day by day and getting to know the city and Raffa. But there are secrets roaming around the city. Secrets about the man Guinevere is with. Guinevere seems a little…oblivious to it all. In her eyes, Raffa is hanging the moon and the stars for her and she is falling DEEPLY for him…unfortunately, all good things must come to an end…will it stay finished? Or will Guinevere and Raffa find their way back and into each other’s hearts?

I was able to read this book via audiobook and CJ Bloom and Dane Anderson did such a phenomenal job on this one! The accent was awesome! 😍

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 … where an innocent American woman, eager for adventure and needing to discover her Italian roots crosses path with the most dangerous man in Italy, the capo of the Camorra..

❤️𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘦🖤

Their story begins with “𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴” vibes and there is insta-lust between them … then their connection becomes stronger with Guinevere bringing the good side in Raffaele, his protectiveness and caring for the people who matter to him!

Guinevere is a smart woman who is trying to become independent, and live life fully, especially because her parents became overbearing after losing their other daughter… and that she has a chronic illness. Raffa tried to tame his possessiveness because he was in awe of her capabilities as she helped him uncover some major complication in his “work”.

The Italian setting added to the charm of this story: I was discovering Italy through Guinevere’s eyes 🙌🏻

This first book was mostly focused on Raffa and Guinevere’s explosive chemistry, how they fell for each other and how Guinevere is embraced by Raffa’s people…
I needed more twists and action in the story but I know that this will happen in book 2 so I’ll be patiently waiting for it to come out this summer ☺️

📖 𝗠𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 ~ 𝘎𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨

*•.༄𝕄𝕒𝕗𝕚𝕒 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖

🥀𝖡𝖺𝖽 𝖡𝗈𝗒 𝗑 𝖦𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝖦𝗂𝗋𝗅
▪️𝖠𝗀𝖾 𝖦𝖺𝗉
🥀𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗂𝖼 𝖨𝗅𝗅𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗉
▪️𝖡𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝖧𝖾𝗋𝗈
🥀𝖧𝗂𝖽𝖽𝖾𝗇 𝖨𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗒
▪️𝖲𝖾𝗍 𝗂𝗇 𝖨𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗒 🇮🇹

My Dark Fairy Tale belongs on your summer reading list because this book (while the story itself is not complete) felt like a lovely summer vacation with a dark twist. I love Giana’s writing so much. She has a way with words that truly captivates you and I often find myself beyond lost in her worlds. I love her Fallen Men series and am on a mission to catch up with her entire back list as quickly as possible.

I listened to this book on audio and if you are an audiobook lover like me, this one is AMAZING on audio. Dane Anderson’s Italian accent brought Raffaele to life in a way that felt like a warm hug while Stella Bloom brought honesty and sincerity our unlucky heroine, Guinevere.

A huge thank you to Giana and her team at Valentine PR for the early listening copy. I enjoyed every moment and I cannot wait until October for the end of their story.

My Dark Fairy Tale Summary:

Guinevere has always dreamed of visiting Italy. Her father grew up there and despite his pleas for her to never visit, Guinevere feels called to the country. So she’s spent a good portion of her life saving money for a once in a lifetime trip. But her unlucky tendency follows her abroad and she finds herself on the side of the road, in need of help. When a handsome stranger comes to her aide, Guinevere is eager to accept his help. But little does she know, Raffa isn’t the kind Italian she thinks he is. He is a revered mafioso and falling in love with him may just cost her everything.

My Dark Fairy Tale Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Favorite Quotes from My Dark Fairy Tale:

“I like the sound of being yours.”

“I will protect you from anything that comes for you in anyway that it comes.”

“I would die for her tomorrow if it meant keeping her safe for the rest of time.”

Guinevere is traveling to Italy for the trip of a lifetime. She is grieving the loss of her sister and breaking all of her family’s rules. Her father is from Italy but he will never talk about his past and has always forbidden her to travel there. Guinevere has spent much of her life ill and unable to do what she wants. She refuses to let fear or her father keep her from her dreams any longer. On her first day in Italy she is the victim of a crime that leaves her alone, injured and relying on the kindness of a dark stranger.
Raffa is the gentleman mafioso with a business only attitude and no time for distractions, until one night while driving home he runs into a girl on the side of the road. She is clearly scared and far from home. Raffa is not the man who would rescue a strange girl from the side of the road but something about this girl draws him in and makes him want to see how it is to be the hero for once.
The story of Raffa and Guinevere is super spicy and very sweet. Raffa is so taken with her and is savoring the chance to form a realationship with someone who doesn’t know who he is. Guinevere is living in a dream and is fearful of how she will carry on once her six weeks in Italy is over. Will the secrets that Raffa is keeping ultimately be the downfall of their love? I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio. The narration is well done and the story is interesting and leaves you wanting more at the end. If you like contemporary spicy romance with a hint of mafia influence, I think you will enjoy My Dark Fairytale.

Another amazing transformative romance from Giana!!

It literally feels like you’re experiencing Tuscany while reading this, the imagery in her writing just blows me away.

Raffa rescues Guinevere from a horrible situation and brings her to his place to care for her, which is something that he is not known for. But with Guinevere, he finds that he wants to protect her, and this basically flips his world upside down. The man is in awe of her strength and her brains and he’s obsessed with her, spends money on her, cares for her, and is extremely protective of her. It was very easy to like Raffa and to fall for him.

Guinevere & Raffa together was so incredibly hot. The spice in this was 🥵🥵 Giana’s spice is always hot as hell, but I mean that wine scene… yeah, that’s now a vivid image in my mind, and it’s here to stay for forever.

The cliffy at the end gutted me!!! I neeeeeed these two to work it out and move past everything, because they belong together like stars belong in the night sky. I need the second book asap!!!

Now onto the narration… because omg Dane!! His Italian accent was SO. HOT. He seamlessly went from Raffa, to Guinevere, to Martina, to his men… okay, you get it lol. Truly amazing performance! & CJ narrated Guinevere perfectly! Notably though, I could feeeeel the emotions in CJ’s voice in the last chapter and it gave so much to the ending. I honestly just had such a great time with this audio, and definitely think you should listen if you enjoy sexy Italian men and mafia romance! 🥰

**NO MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**

**I RECEIVED A FREE ALC OF THE AUDIOBOOK FROM VALENTINE PR AND NETGALLEY. THANK YOU A TON. THIS HAS NOT IMPACTED MY REVIEW IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM. **

My goodness, how captivating and quaint this novel was. I literally could not stop listening to it! It definitely starts off with a bang and takes off from there. The narrators do a fabulous job of bringing this story to life. I immediately connected with both of the characters and wanted to see what this journey had in store for them. It did not disappoint. The story definitely had those fairytale-esque vibes but darker and more mature. What girl doesnt dream of being swept off her feet by a dashing guy with lots of money to spoil her? Aha.

The unique way the two characters met is something I could see in a romcom. Like "oh, did you guys meet?" "well, I um. . ." yeahhhh. But that is just the beginning of their story. The female main, Gen , is just wanting some adventure and wanting to break free from her semi sheltered life. The main male, Rafa, is living what seems like a dull and deadly life before he meets her. They both brighten up each others world. And we only have a few moments of "i dont deserve this, im not pretty/special" before they buck up and just enjoy the ride while it lasts. The steamy scenes are quite excellent as well, so I applaud the author for making it seem like I need to let the characters get a room, LMAO.

I did love the dual narration, I would highly recommend experiencing this book via audio. All the languages and dialects would be lost without the proper pronunciations, in my opinion. While romance was the main focus of this story, I did appreciate some of the side plot build ups. I wish we had learned more about Gen's dad and Rafa's backstory. Perhaps that is going to be featured in book 2. Which I am extremely tempted to read should I receive another audio. Their story is certainly not over and I am curious to see how it ends.

Remember, this is all my opinion. if you want your own, read/listen to the book!

I am feeling all the emotions right now. What a man...what a book. Raffaele and Guinevere rocked my world in the best way. She's away on a staycation in Italy. She's always been drawn to the country and plans to soak up as much of it as she can. On one of her first days in the country, her car breaks down and she's almost assaulted. By chance, she runs into Raffaele as she's escaping, and gets swept up into his world.

The way this man's fierce protective mode kicks into gear is beautiful. He's a big bad Mafia man who has never had to answer to anyone, and yet he finds himself hooked on Guinevere. The delicious dance these two do with one another as they learn about each other is intoxicating.

I'm a sucker for bad men falling in love. I love seeing them knocked down to their knees and giving in. I loved how Guinevere made him laugh, when he called her "my girl", and how giving they both were with one another. Raffaele was equal parts tender and rough, helping Guinevere experience so many sexy, exhilarating firsts with him. Likewise, she helped him experience his own kind of firsts.

As easy as their connection and chemistry was, these two come from two very different worlds. As Guinevere discovers more and more about the type of man Raffaele is, she finds herself doubting her feelings for the man she's grown attached to. This book is book 1 of a duet, so expect an amazing cliffhanger to amp you up for book 2.

How do I describe this book? For me this book is your ultimate Italian dream love story. This book and bodies all of those romcom woman on a foreign vacation feels but make it more realistic and not just like a movie. In this story, we follow Guinevere as she decides to finally follow her life‘s dream of taking a trip to Italy. Is there that she meets Raffa who is an Italian mafia Capo that accidentally hits Guinevere with his car.😂 I loved how Guinevere was able to open her horizons and was just genuinely kind and light hearted. Then you have Raffa who is so tormented by his lifestyle and the choices he has had to make. I’n definitely excited for the next installment in their story.

Giana is my mafia queen! What a correctly titled book because this was a true mafia fairytale. I loved the Italian setting and this was the perfect mix of spicy and fun with Giana's gorgeous writing. The cliffhanger was wild but I loved the ending. Bring on book 2! Amazing audiobook as well, super well done.

My first time reading anything by Giana Darling & I totally fell in love!

I really enjoyed how My Dark Fairy Tale really felt like a modern, mafia inspired Hades & Persephone fairytale. The setting was perfect (Italy!), a billionaire mafioso and an innocent maiden spun quite the tale. The chemistry between Raffa and Guinevere was instant. I knew I was going to love these two. I liked that Raffa helped here in the beginning even though that was super out of character for him. I liked that this was also an opposites attract love story. The steamy scenes were so good too, especially the wine tasting one! I mean holy moly!

So much happens plot-wise. I was never bored.

Narrators CJ Bloom and Dane Anderson really knocked this one out of the park. I loved their voices together. Captured the characters and vibes of the story perfectly.

The only thing I'm sad about is that this is a duet and I have to wait for the other half (I did not know this originally going into this book). That cliffhanger is going to drive me nuts haha!

Highly recommend especially if you love mafia romances and fairytale retellings.

🎧 Audio Review
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 2.5

This was actually my first book from this author and I’m definitely going to be reading more from them!
Right off the bat, this book will end in a cliff hanger!
Guinevere is an American girl, with Italian roots. Her mother and father came to America before she was even born. For some reason Guinevere’s father wanted to erase all ties with Italy and never speak of it. Naturally Guinevere wanted to know everything about where her father came from. She saved enough money and when she was done with college, she left for a summer in Italy.
The narrators were amazing! This book has so many twists and turns. I have so many questions and theories! Hopefully in book 2 everything will come together lol

My mafia romance loving heart ate this up! The story is set in Tuscany and the way I wanted to jump into this book!!! Guinevere is on a solo trip to Italy where she has a run in (or run over 🤣) with Raffa. Raffa is dreamy & poetic & everything else you love about a mafia book boyfriend. I truly admired despite everything that happened to Guinevere before her trip she is brave and a spitfire. I loved her growth in this book. I knew going into this that it was going to end on a cliffhanger but DANG I was not ready! I cannot wait to see what happens next. Is it October yet!?!  😍

Giana has done it yet again her writing just sucks you in leaving you completely spellbound this book had me in it clutches leaving me completely breathless the setting the story the plot was captivating it kept me intrigued leaving me aching for more and more.

Giana just has a way with words she has a way of showing you the beauty in everything but that ending was brutal just wow wow my heart went from pounding furiously to flatlining.

This book will consume your body and soul keeping you entranced with every turn of the page it was filled with raw-tension and passion and emotion.

“4.5 stars!”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS ENDED ON A CLIFFHANGER!!

I don't know how I've been so out of it but damn I was not ready for it to end like that. I'm going to need the next one ASAP.

I absolutely loved this mafia romance. Guinevere is an American who has always felt drawn to Italy despite her father's dislike of his homeland. While on a vacation there, she meets Raffa. The romance in this one was a slow burn, and I really liked the pacing. The waiting was agonizing in the best way. I loved the balance between the darker mafia side and the sweet woman on vacation learning about herself and exploring a place she loves. I love Italy and could feel Giana's love for it through her writing. This book really did feel like a fairytale with a dark side.

The audiobook was amazing! Raffa's Italian accent 🥵 Highly recommend.

4.5/5 stars

Oh my goodness this book was swoony as all heck!!!

I am utterly obsessed with Raffa!! Truly a “touch her and you die” mmc and I am HERE for it 🗣️🗣️ He was instantly entranced with Guinevere & wanted to protect her at all costs.

Guinevere definitely has a lot of fire to her that she is just starting to explore due to her sheltered upbringing. I also feel loved the mystery element Giana added by having us not know Guinevere’s family background in Italy 👀 I think that’s going to come into play as we get deeper into the mafia lore which I’m super excited for!!

It really felt like I was transported to Italy through the writing as well as the narration by Dane Anderson & CJ Bloom; I mean those accents were to die for!!!

As always with Giana’s books I’m left in complete shock (complimentary) & longing for the next book in the series 😭 I will be early waiting for Raffa and his little cerbiatta to return 🤭

This is for you if you love
❤️ Mafia Romance
💫 Alpha mmc
🔪 Age-Gap
🍷 He has an accent
🦌 Romantic suspense
🇮🇹 ‘teach me’ moments

Thank you to Giana for my alc as a member of her content team 🫶🏻

My dark fairytale set in Florence and it is everything I could want in a mafia romance!

This book gave my Italy loving heart everything—the setting was so vivid, I swear I could smell the espresso, taste the wine, and hear the cobblestone streets under my feet. Between the vineyards, historic monuments, and all the rich art and culture woven into the story, I felt fully transported. Add in a broody, protective mafia boss and I was DONE FOR! The balance of mafia danger, sexy romance and found family was per perfection!

The audio was fantastic and I loved being able to hear all of the Italian!

Giana’s writing is so poetic & beautiful! It had me annoting more than I have in a while.

If you like dark & spicy mafia romance and Italian culture this is definitely the book for you! Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.75

EXCELLENT!!
Oh Giana you just keep writing these mind blowing books that completely and totally consume me,and creating characters that I fall in love with(even if they have a darkside) and I have fallen in love with Raffa and Guinevere,they are magnificent.
I love how in the beginning Guinevere has no idea about Raffa's involvement with the mafia life,so she excepts Raffa as the man she sees and doesn't know about his dark world.
Guinevere is in Italy against her Father's wishes to explore her heritage.
Then she unexpectedly meets Raffa and he is more than happy to show her around Italy and what follows is a real page turning adventure...Also for Guinevere it is a journey of self discovery she opens herself up to Raffa and I think she feels a sense of freedom when she is with him.
There is an air of innocence about Guinevere and it is only a matter of time before Raffa corrupts that innocence.
I also love the way Raffa is when he is with Guinevere he lets himself relax and is unguarded with her.
Oh Raffaele oh how I love Raffa he is a Capo and is everything !! Confident,commanding and he can be brutal when neccessary and he is respected by his people...I love the way he loves is family and he is completely obsessed and protective of Guinevere.
The Audiobook is magical to listen to and enhances the story so so much,with the added voices of the narrators this story just comes to life so much better.
The Narration by Dane Anderson and C.J Bloom is simply amazing,it is no secret that I adore C.J.Bloom she is one of my favourite voice actors EVER...and her performance as Guinevere is perfection..Dane Anderson is quite new to me and I love the timber of his voice as he portrayed Raffa.
They both nailed it,getting all of the emotions and drama right in the ideal way I felt everything the characters felt because of their acting.
I absolutely loved listening to this Audiobook and got lost for hours I could not stop myself from listening,even though it was way past my bed time.
A Phenomenal Audio.
This story is perfection and exactly how Mafia romance stories should be written.
I absolutely loved every word and I completely adore Giana Darlings writing she is so descriptive and passionate..The way she describes Italy had me going there in my mind and enjoying seeing it throught the characters eyes.
My Dark Fairytale is dark and delicious and a beautifully addictive Romance.
The cliffhanger is ruthless !!..How am I supposed to survive until the next book I cannot wait for it.
Exquisite !!
5 Superb stars.

Book: My Dark Fairy Tale
Author: Giana Darling
Overall Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐stars
Narrators Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

"It was such a strange sensation, to be so in love and so heartbroken simultaneously. To experience the fiercest joy alongside the deepest pit of despair.”

OK, so, uh, to say that this book completely blew me away would be an understatement. I absolutely loved the relationship between Raffaele and Guinevere. What I liked most about them was the fact that, even though they didn’t really know anything about each other at the beginning of the story, their connection felt so intense.
The way the Giana built this story and made us fall in love with both characters was incredible. Their desires, needs, and wants were so strong that it was practically impossible for them to resist each other. I also really liked the overall story, especially how Guinevere’s health condition was not an impediment for her to seek adventure, find herself, and do what she wanted—even when it was against her parents' wishes. She was so full of life and eager to experience the world. Even though she was portrayed as naive and innocent at first, by the end of the book, it was clear that she had grown stronger. She learned to stand up for herself, and even though she was hurting because of what happened, I still appreciated those qualities in her character.
As for Raffa? I loved the fact that, even when he didn’t want to fall in love with Guinevere, he had no way to escape it. He was just immediately drawn to her, and as their relationship progressed, he realized he had no defenses against her. She reminded him of what he wanted to be—what future he wanted, though we don’t yet know exactly what that is. Through his point of view, we saw that she brought life back into his world and reminded him that he could be good, that there was goodness inside him. And he showed her that every single time.
Yes, the book does end on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the second part of their story in October. But until then, I’m very pleased with how the story was written and how the characters were developed. The secondary characters were also great, and I’m very interested in getting to know them more in the second book of this duology. I loved the story itself, and even though I have to wait six more months, I’ll be counting down the days! I truly hope that when the book is released in a couple of weeks, many more readers will be able to enjoy it as much as I did.
As always, this is just my opinion of the book. Yours may differ, and that’s okay. Be kind.