Giana!!! I had the opportunity to listen to this audio book and it did not disappoint. Giana is a go to author for me every since I read The Fallen Men Series!

Vera is American and has always had dreams of visiting Italy (her dad never wants her to go there) and saves for years to be able to go! When she gets to Italy she has a run of bad luck!

Raffa is the mafia boss who everyone is afraid of. This was not the life he envisioned for himself but his first priority is to keep his family safe.

Raffa literally runs into Vera😊 and takes her to his home to care for her. Vera and Raffa had such good chemistry and both characters grew so much individuality and together. Raffa is keeping secrets though! Will the secret he is keeping tear them apart? you will have to read to find out!

What was that ending!!!! It definitely ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book to cone out!

Thank you to Giana Darling and Valentine PR for providing me an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Hi. Hello there. Just coming back after being completely absorbed by this book, and I was completely unprepared for it to end in a cliffhanger! 😩

Guinevere’s dream trip to Italy starts off in the worst way, until she is rescued by a hot, super rich, mysterious Italian man, Raffa, and suddenly all her plans are thrown out the window.

Raffa! I loved him. A dangerous man, living a violent life. In walks Guinevere and lights up his world. 🥰 The way he cares for Guinevere was absolutely beautiful. He had me swooning throughout.

I loved Guinevere’s journey of exploration, as she gets to know Italy, Raffa, and herself. I also really loved the setting of Tuscany/Florence; Giana had me feeling like I was really there.

The chemistry between these two was absolutely scorching…and the spice…hoo 🥵.

I cannot wait to continue on with this series, as I can’t get enough of these two! 🔥

Audiobook notes: First of all CJ Bloom has quickly climbed the ranks as one of my favorite female narrators. Her voice is so soothing to me, while also being able to portray so much emotion. Now, I am by no means an expert in Italian, but Dane Anderson’s Italian/Italian accent sounded fabulous to me. His voice definitely added to Raffa’s swooniness.

What this book is giving:
✅ Mafia Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ Age Gap (He’s 34, She’s 23)
✅ Mafia Boss
✅ Sick Bed
✅ Italian Lessons (😘)
✅ …Other lessons
✅ Bit of a cliffy

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ / 5

The combination of Giana Darling's beautiful storytelling and the perfection of the narrators brought this book to LIFE! I was completely consumed from beginning to end, and it was oh so easy to escape to the beautiful world of Florence, Italy, and let myself be entranced by Raffa just as Guinevere was.

I always find myself grinning, gasping, and swooning over Giana's writing, and this book was no different. The contrast between Raffa's dark side and Guinevere's light and naivety, not to mention their age-gap, made this story addictive and delicious. I couldn't get enough. Raffa's protective and possessive side, and Guinevere's desire to experience everything she could made their chemistry and connection both swoon-worthy and HOT.

I'll be anxiously awaiting book two of this duet as this one does end with a cliffhanger and suspense. If you like age-gap, dark mafia romance, than this one is for you! Well done once again G Darling!

Oh what a cliffhanger. I was literally driving down the road yelling at my phone for not finishing the story. I don’t think we can say this is a slow burn but there is a steady build up of 🔥 instead up jumping straight into the horizontal tango. I really liked how the MMC is morally gray but that’s not all he is. He wanted to be her hero, her knight in shin I armor, but at the same time he is self aware enough to see he likes his darkness as well. As for the heroine I am really excited to see how she handles her family drama and all she learned before that horrible cliffhanger. 😉. Highly recommend.

My Dark Fairy Tale - Giana Darling
⭐⭐⭐½ | 🔥🔥🔥½ Mafia romance with a side of CLIFFHANGER TRAUMA


My heart wasn't quite prepared for "My Dark Fairy Tale." Darling whisks us to Italy where Guinevere's summer of self-discovery collides with Raffaele's dangerous world. Their chemistry is undeniable—the slow-burn romance unfolds beautifully against the backdrop of sun-drenched Tuscan landscapes.

I found myself torn between swooning over Raffaele's protective nature and holding my breath with each revelation about his mafia ties. Guinevere's journey from naivety to strength resonated deeply with me—her struggle between family obligation and personal desire felt achingly real.

The vibes we're tracking:
🇮🇹 Italian dreamscape realness
🔪 Mafia daddy energy (sorry not sorry)
🌹 Fairytale romance with thorns
📚 Self-discovery but make it SPICY

The audiobook experience gave me mixed feelings; while the narration was generally strong, the MMC's Italian accent didn't quite capture the authenticity I craved. That ending, though! I'm still reeling, my fingers already itching to grab book two.

A captivating, spicy escape that left me both satisfied and desperately wanting more.

Dark mafia romance set in Italy. Guinevere is an American on a summer vacation in Italy. She is hit by Raffa's car, and he takes her home to recover from her injuries. They spend time together and eventually give in to the attraction. She is his light, and he is her Italian dream man.

This is a slow burn that ends in a cliffhanger 😭

Narrated by the amazing CJ Bloom and new-to-me Dane Anderson. They did great, especially with the lines in Italian.

4 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 4 🎧

My Dark Fairy Tale was the perfect Italian escape, especially if you love mafia romance. This story was full of your typical mafia themes like virgin FMC, FMC has no clue how dark he is and an over the top MMC with some absolutely filthy spice.

Guinevere was an interesting mix of smart and naive. I definitely wanted to slap my forehead a few times when she just let Rafa's dirty dealings go right over her head... But overall I really enjoyed her and I loved her for Rafa.

The little cliffy has me itching for the next book to see how this series continues.

The audio was great. CJ Bloom is a favorite of mine and Dane Anderson was absolutely fantastic as Rafa. This was a really great listen.

Giana Darling writing more Mafia romance?!? And set in Italy?? Sold. This had the classic beautiful writing we love from Giana, and Raffa and Guinevere were seriously so hot together. I had a great time with this one!!

The way these two met!! Actually hilarious and one of the best meet cutes I have read lol. I loved how immediately protective Raffa was of her but also how she was sassy right back to him. And the protectiveness never stopped, but he also tried to give her some space and autonomy, (for a while at least lol) and I thought that was nice to see! And the little things he did related to her chronic illness! So sweet.

This was a bit more slow burn, but I thought the pacing was good given that this is a duet and the buildup was hot on it's own. Like that winery scene?!? So good. These two had amazing chemistry and I really loved them together. All the Italian had me swooning and listening to Raffa's Italian accent on audio?! Perfection.

I will say that I expected a bit more mafia, but I think with the buildup and where Guinevere was at in her knowledge of everything, it did make sense and I think we will get more in book 2. I honestly think I will enjoy book 2 even more given my past history with Giana's books! Also the ending cliffhanger wasn't my favorite and seemed a bit out of character for one of them, but I am still so excited to see where the duet goes. I have some theories for sure.

Can't wait for more in October!! All my Giana Darling fans are going to love this.

Thank you so so much Giana and team for the advanced copies! <3

Giana’s writing was so descriptive and lyrical that I was sucked into the story from the start. The imagery in My Dark Fairy Tale was fantastic, and I felt like I was right there traipsing through the Italian countryside. This story follows Guinevere Stone, an American young lady traveling through Italy and Raffa Romano, a billionaire Italian mafioso.

Guinevere was the kind of heroine that I love reading about. She was a ray of sunshine, resilient, and full of spunk. I admired her bravery in traveling to a foreign country on her own and how she has not let her illness deter her from following her dreams. Guinevere was exactly what Raffa needed to bring light into his dark world. I loved the sass that Guinevere directed at Raffa, and he ate it up.

Raffa Romano… this man! He was the anti-hero that I love to cheer for. He may have been morally gray, but when it came to Guinevere, he was gentlemanly and dedicated to keeping her safe and happy, even if that meant unaliving people. I loved everything about Raffa. He was dark, dangerous, and oh, so seductive. I loved seeing his carefree side come out as his relationship developed with Guinevere.

Dane Anderson and CJ Bloom were phenomenal as Raffa and Guinevere. CJ did wonders in bringing out that spunk and coyness that made up Guinevere’s persona. And OH. MY. GOD! GOOSEBUMPS! Dane voiced Raffa’s Italian accent magnificently and had me captivated every time Raffa was center stage. I couldn’t get enough of him.

My Dark Fairy Tale was seductively captivating with a great blend of raw emotion and spice.

Guinevere is off on the first big adventure of her life, visiting the place of dreams since she was a child, Italy. At 23, she thinks this vacation will be where she finally discovers who she is…
That is until a big wrench is thrown in her plans. Right from the start, her trip had problems. Her car breaks down, her stuff gets stolen, not to mention she literally runs out in front of a car and gets hit. The driver of the car just happens to be one of the most notorious mafiosos in all of Italy.

Raffa has lived so long in the dark leading his arm of the mafia, he has no idea that his way into something bright will literally jump out in front of his car.

What starts as attraction and infatuation quickly becomes a hot, spicy summer romance, just like a fairy tale. But there are secrets being hidden, questions that are unanswered, and more than one heart is on the line.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audio for this book. The narrators did a phenomenal job bringing Giana’s story to life! If you’re an audio fan, I highly recommend you give this audio a spin! Dane Anderson’s voice with the Italian accent, yes please!

Fair warning, this book does end on a cliffie! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

I'm going to say this with the most shocking loving meaning, what the f***..

That ending!

The way you see Guinevere's heartbreak and than moments later harden and give Raffaele those parting words. I can get behind her actions and words. The ending leaves you wanting the next book as soon as possible.

I was sucked into this story from the beginning. The naivety mixed with adventure seeking when Guinevere meets Raffaele plays well throughout the story. That doesn't mean she isn't smart because she is and you see that., she is wanting an adventure in her father's homeland before returning to a safe life her parents want for her. There are those subtle things that explode the fairytale she has built up when the truth comes to light of who Raffaele really is, it was blinded by the hero complex she put on him.

He is the anti-hero who was forced to end up the Capo to protect his family. What is a good MMC without a good mouth on him.. good sir. I always a good book (in this case audiobook) where both characters bring out something that was a part of them and support them. Both Narrators were so good at bringing the characters to life. There was a little dock on the audio maybe it was just me the Italian accent from the FMC point of view sometimes sounded non-Italian. Other than that CJ Bloom and Dane Anderson were really good.

My Dark Fairy Tale leaves you on a cliffhanger of sorts so get ready for that.

5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Audiobook Narration: 10/10 📚🎧

I fear I’ll say this every time I read a Giana Darling book, but she never fails me.

I’ve never seen a book title be so incredibly accurate. My dark Fairy Tale is exactly that—the most romantic fairy tale I’ve ever read. But beneath all the beauty and romance lies the weight of an ever-present secret and an inevitable separation, casting a bittersweet, melancholic tone over the entire story.

Raffa and Guinevere only have six weeks together, but they make the most of every single second—and you can’t help but fall in love right alongside them.

Raffa is your classic mafia boss: ruthless, closed off, and dangerous. But around Guinevere, we see a soft, tender side he hides from the rest of the world. It’s impossible not to swoon when he lets his guard down.

Guinevere is a sweet, vulnerable FMC trying to find herself after growing up with a medical condition, overly protective parents, and the recent loss of her sister. As she spends more time with Rafa, we slowly see her come into her own, and it’s such a beautiful transformation to witness.

Even though I saw the ending coming, it still absolutely wrecked me.

I cannot wait for the next book and for them to (hopefully!) get their happily ever after.


But ALSO—I have so many questions I need answered!
Who is her dad?
Why does Rafa’s second-in-command keep saying she looks like someone he knew—maybe her sister?
Where are the postcards???

I received this book as a Advance Listened copy, thank you to Giana and her team for the audiobook ♥️

Getting stranded on the side of road
Then running for your life wasn’t in the cards
Less than 24 hours on your trip in Italy.

Then the stranger who saved your life, wanted to help you get back to your feet.
Things start taking a turn until its too good to be true….

GEEZ!!! This audiobook was sooo good! Dane Anderson and CJ Bloom did an amazing job in bringing Guinevere and Raffaele to life.

Thank you VPR for giving me the opportunity to listen to My Dark Fairy Tale in advance.

Raffa and Vera were everything! They def didn’t meet in a cutesy “normal” way haha but i LOVED following them and seeing their love develop. AND THAT ENDING . AHHH NEEED book 2 ASAP.

Guinevere has a health condition and everyone in her family treats her as fragile when her sister passes away she dexide to travel her family believe she in france bit actually she in italy. when she has car trouble a man help her bit also attacked she rans and she is hot bu a car and the man who rescue her is Raffaele. he gets her a doctor and she spend a week on bed rest. Guinevere wants to explore italy but their a mystery to her origin her father has kept secret about hs life and doesnt talk about italy. Raffaele is keeping sexrets like his true identity and the business he is in. the cliffhanger we just have to wait for book 2

All the Italian summers…My Dark Fairy Tale by Giana Darling was a dark and seductive billionaire romance that did crazy good things to my heart and made me long for so much more. Guinevere and Raffa’s chemistry was off-the-charts hot! I loved how Raffa cherished and worshipped every part of Guinevere.

CJ Bloom and Dane Anderson perform this audiobook in dual narration. Both narrators did a fantastic job with all the beautiful Italian accents in this one. CJ perfectly captured Guinevere’s passionate, youthful, and dedicated persona as she went on her long-awaited Italian adventure. Dane conveyed Raffa’s stern, strong mafia capo demeanor yet also showcased a softer side, falling in love with Guinevere. Both narrators created an undeniable chemistry between Guinevere and Raffa that was downright dreamy.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a mafia romance with an alluring handsome capo, an adventurous, free-spirited heroine, Italian summers, car troubles, accident meet cute, the color red, revenge, vineyards, learning a new language, shopping dates, found family, secrets, spicy first times, danger, revealing truths, and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you needing more, then you will love the start of Guinevere and Raffa’s story. Can’t wait for more!!

Raffa & Guinevere
Mafia romance
Billionaire
Secret Identity
Age Gap
Holiday Fling

Well I didn't know this was a series so was NOT expecting that cliffhanger 😅 but I'm totally here for it! I love a good cliffhanger!

I live Guinevere and the growth we see throughout this book!

Raffa. What a man. He's such a cutie! But also a big bad mafia man too 🤣

What a great book! But I need the next one nowwww please!

3.5. The FMC annoyed me, the fact that she refused to see who Raffa was and then got mad when he saved her, again, and tried to say he lied to her, nope you’re just blind. I don’t think I was that invested in the book so the cliffhanger didn’t gut me like it should’ve

Giana Darling's "My Dark Fairy Tale" is a captivating and steamy start to her "My Dark Mafia Romance" series, and the audiobook edition elevates the experience. The story plunges us into Guinevere's impulsive journey to Italy, a land her father forbids, where she encounters the enigmatic and powerful Raffaele Romano. What unfolds is a dark and alluring romance, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality as Guinevere finds herself drawn to a man who embodies both her deepest desires and hidden dangers.

Darling masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and intense chemistry between the innocent Guinevere and the commanding Raffaele. The age gap and power dynamics are explored with a compelling blend of tenderness and raw possessiveness. While the "fairy tale" aspect is twisted through a mafia lens, the core elements of longing, fateful encounters, and a captivating hero remain. The narrative expertly balances the burgeoning romance with the underlying threat of Raffaele's world, leaving the listener constantly on edge.

The audiobook narration perfectly complements Darling's writing. The narrators embody the characters' emotions and personalities, bringing their internal struggles and desires to life. The Italian accents add an extra layer of authenticity and immersion, enhancing the overall listening experience. The pacing of the narration allows the listener to fully absorb the emotional nuances and the building tension.

"My Dark Fairy Tale" on audio is an engaging and seductive listen. It's a well-crafted dark romance that will leave you breathless and eagerly anticipating the next installment. Darling successfully delivers a story that is both thrilling and deeply romantic, making this audiobook a must-listen for fans of the genre. Be warned, however, that this is the first part of a duet and ends on a significant cliffhanger.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4/5 Stars!

I love the way Giana Darling writes romances because the words she writes gives romances a beautiful magical, larger than life feel to them. It has a way of getting you swept up in dreams and fairytales, the kind of romance you dream of as a little girl. There's a lot of chemistry between these two, and I love how, although it's innocent falls for the villain, she wrote the FMC to be evenly matched with our hero. I love how Giana also transports you to another setting, and I felt like I was sipping wine in the heart of Florence with these two. Pair that with an amazing audiobook full of Italian accents, and Walla! summertime in Italy. I am excited for book two after that cliffhanger, and I think I may even like book two more, because book one was very character driven developing the relationship between these two more so than the plot. Another great book by Giana for those who love mafia.