Dahlia, the female lead, has always been an asset in her parents’ arsenal. At her débutante ball, she takes a moment to herself and sees Antonio, the male lead and catering employee, having a cigarette break. When she engages with him, they end up in a clinch. 

7 years later, Dahlia is supposed to marry the mayor who has presidential aspirations but, when she arrives at the end of the aisle, she finds Antonio there and her parents heartily endorsing her marrying him. She might have married him under duress but that doesn’t mean she has to be obliging!

Antonio thought he was in his scheme just for revenge but, once he gets Dahlia to himself, he find himself more enthralled than he meant to be. 

It wasn’t supposed to be a marriage with real feelings, and Dahlia’s father is still trying to get her back. Have they got a chance?

This novella is dual POV, well written, and a darker, mafia, age gap, enemies to lovers romance. I enjoyed Dahlia’s resilience and that her regimented life hadn’t quashed her enthusiasm and spirit. I enjoyed Antonio’s changing perspective on his aims, and appreciated that he didn’t allow his anger with Dahlia’s father to continue to colour his interactions with her. I enjoyed their banter and boundary setting/pushing. I enjoyed their steamy intimate interactions. I enjoyed Dahlia’s cleverness in resolution finding.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.