Revenge is what Antonio, scion of a mafia family, is seeking at the start of this book. He never wanted to be a part of mafia life—but then he met Dahlia, daughter of the man known as the Yacht King. And their very mild dalliance at her debutante ball (where he’s a waiter) leads to actions against Antonio that shift his life and drive his need for the titular revenge.

 

Rose is playing with a dark hero here, but he really isn’t that dark. While he wants to ruin Dahlia to hurt her father, he pretty much becomes putty in her hands quickly. I liked that Dahlia wasn’t a damsel in distress—she was always prepared for a dynastic marriage, so she adjusted when her situation changed. And there’s one move she pulls in this book that brought a big smile to my face. 

 

But these two get over their issues very quickly—a bit too quickly for me to buy the logic of it. That’s the peril of a novella, alas. But Rose is such an assured writer that she makes this improbable scenario satisfying overall. I found myself rooting for Antonio and Dahlia, and I’m sure you will, too!