From the moment Ella Rue stepped into Mateo Cole’s bar, he knew she was different. When a picture, drawn by a kid, falls out of her work locker, he has questions. All of his background checks didn’t say she had a child.
The work was by a child—her own work from many years ago. Being a foster kid, she was used to not being wanted. Ella’s desires had not changed. She wanted to have children, be a mother, and to be a wife. She didn’t want to be a business woman.
Many years ago, Mateo killed his father, along with anyone who dared step in his way. But now, he wants children. He wants a life with Ella, and he knows exactly what to do to make it happen.
Ella knew the proposition was crazy. Most people were afraid of Mateo, but not her. She couldn’t believe that she was even considering the deal, but it was the best way to get what she wanted.
So, they got married, and they began the journey of becoming pregnant. But along the way, something happened. It was no longer a business deal once feelings were involved.
A happily ever after isn't in the cards. The mafia does not approve of marrying outsiders, and they will stop at nothing to remove the problem.
Excerpt:
Ella left her picture underneath the magnet on the fridge right at home, in her apartment. There was no point in carrying it around with her all the time. Arriving at work, Bernie was already behind the bar. On Friday nights they always had two or three people manning the bar, including her. The bar wasn’t open yet, and she gave Bernie a wave.
“Ella, the boss wants a word with you,” he said.
This made her stop and turn to look at Bernie. “What?”
“The boss said to tell you as soon as you come in, that he wanted to see you.”
She nibbled her lip and then glanced back over at Bernie. “Did he say why?”
“No, and I didn’t ask, seeing as he is the boss, and so what he says, goes.”
She tried not to wince, but it was hard not to. This wasn’t good, was it?
She didn’t drop her stuff off at her locker, and instead went straight to Mateo’s office. The door was closed, and she lifted her hand and knocked.
His call to come in came almost immediately after. Her stomach felt incredibly tight. She had no idea why he would want to see her, and it freaked her out just a little. She had never been called to his office. Had a customer reported her? She tried to scramble her brain for a valid reason, and she kept coming up blank. There was no reason he should want to see her.
Stepping into his office, she saw no one was there with a complaint.
“Close the door,” he said.
Was this good?
She did as he asked, and then turned to look at him. He pointed at the chair opposite her, and she had no choice but to take a seat, although she just wanted to ask him what was going on. She licked her very dry lips, and waited. Her heart raced. She felt that spiraling sickness swirling in her gut, making her wonder what the hell she was going to do.
“I want to talk to you about a … proposition,” he said.
Okay, she wasn’t expecting that, but at least it didn’t lead to her getting fired, which was a huge plus.
“A proposition?”
“Yes. I’m forty-five years old. I have no wife and no children.” He didn’t look away from her. “And it has come to my attention, Ella, that I want children.”
“Okay. Are you wanting me to help you find a girlfriend or a wife—”
“You’re wanting children, a family, someone to take care of you. How about you and I come to an arrangement that suits both of us?”
This was not what she expected. She had to remind herself to press her lips closed, because she was so close to losing her composure. Her mouth had literally fallen open and stayed open.
“Uh, you want to have a child with me?”
“Children, yes. I want to have more than one child, and based on your picture last night, you want a big family.”
“And you want to have those children with me?”
“Yes,” he said.
She smiled and pressed her lips together, wondering if this was some kind of prank. “You’re kidding?”
“No. I am not kidding. I’m serious, Ella. I want to have kids and a family, and I want to have it with you.”
“What, uh, what exactly would that entail?”
“We’ll get married. I have already made the arrangements. We can be at a church in less than twenty minutes. Everything would be legal. I promise I will take care of you, and in return, you’ll take care of me. Provide me with everything a loving wife can offer. I will give you the kids.”
“How would we … make those kids?” Ella asked. She felt like she was in a dream, but each time she kept pinching her arm, she wouldn’t wake up.
“The old-fashioned way. We can come to a deal with this arrangement, but after that, everything would be real. You will be my wife, I will be your husband, we will have children and a family. Together, we can give each other what we want.”
The Mafia Man's Baby Deal is an entertaining novella that you can curl up with and get your fill of Mafia lite romance. Ella and Mateo make a great couple that will set you on fire as they hit a quick pace to their perfect HEA.
Ella Rue/Mateo Cole. Bartender/Mafia Don. Orphan/Mother murdered. Younger Woman/Older Man. Mateo's parents. Romeo Alfonso and Pamela Cole - Mateo's mother. Retaliated. Dreams. Wants. Boss' proposition - marriage and children. Ella's bodyguards = Steven and Jay. Terry - abused foster child. Rescued. Betrayal? Secrets. Lies. Revelations. Attraction. Taboo. Affection. Virgin. Consensual. Acceptance. Endearing character. Love. HEA. Entertaining.
Took me a second to get into this story but once I did, I fell right in! I love mafia romance and this author is one of my favs but I loved how it was different... with the MMC being different than her previous mafia bosses! Made me smile at his blasé attitude to the rest of the mafia but he was still protective and possessive of the MFC. One of my new favs from this author! Cannot wait for the next one!
A delightful spicy romance story! Marriage of convenience, age gap, work place romance that ends with a baby. Ella always wanted a baby and when she entered Mateo‘s life they both have the same goal. So when they both agreed on a business deal it becomes more as their end goal puts danger in her life. Will they get what they dreamed of? One click to find out in this newest release that doesn’t disappoint. I enjoyed how the characters become more as their dream of a friary become real.
A delightful spicy romance story! Marriage of convenience, age gap, work place romance that ends with a baby. Ella always wanted a baby and when she entered Mateo‘s life they both have the same goal. So when they both agreed on a business deal it becomes more as their end goal puts danger in her life. Will they get what they dreamed of? One click to find out in this newest release that doesn’t disappoint. I enjoyed how the characters become more as their dream of a friary become real.
Ella has always wanted a family. Having been raised in the foster care system, she knew exactly what she desired. Mateo owns the bar where Ella works, and he discovers her dream of starting a family. This is where things get exciting. Mateo plans to help Ella build a family the old fashioned way. I enjoyed this book so much. It has some serious moments, but it ends with the best happy ending. Plenty of spice and a great story.
Ella has always wanted a family. Having been raised in the foster care system, she knew exactly what she desired. Mateo owns the bar where Ella works, and he discovers her dream of starting a family. This is where things get exciting. Mateo plans to help Ella build a family the old fashioned way. I enjoyed this book so much. It has some serious moments, but it ends with the best happy ending. Plenty of spice and a great story.
Ella has not grown up easy in foster care, all she wants is a family of her own. Mateo is her boss and he has not had it easy either. Mateo wants the same things as Ella so he makes her a deal. Marry him and she can have the family she wants. Ella is not like Mafia wives she is bosey and takes a lot of pride in looking after Mateo.While they may not have been in love going in to their marriage it does not take long for feelings to develop. There are some great twists in this one. As is normal from Sam another great read.
Mateo and Ella want one thing, to have children. So he proposes they have children together. He's been secretly admiring her for awhile but he didn't count on actually falling for her. And being in the Mafia, there are dangers all around! Can he keep Ella safe from others who are not happy with the marriage!
This is a steamy stand alone read. I enjoyed how Matteo is this alpha tough guy but is so smitten and sweet toward Ella. It was entertaining to read about their relationship developing and them falling in love with each other. There wasn't as much action, edge of your seat can't put the book down writing as I like, so it took me two sittings to read the story. It was a good storyline and I enjoyed it, I just like a little more action. This will be a story I keep in my "back pocket" for the times I want a sweet love story read.
I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from Sam Crescent. I recommend this book.
Loved this so so much!! The chemistry the story it was all wonderful. I was hooked at first page. I loved the mafia story and their off the charts chemistry was great. Could not put it down.
This was such an emotional and surprisingly sweet read! The Mafia Man’s Baby Deal combines a powerful arranged marriage romance with heartwarming themes of healing, trust, and second chances. Ella has never known real love, growing up in foster care and constantly feeling unwanted. When Mateo, a hardened mafia heir burdened by his own past, discovers a drawing of hers that reveals her dreams of family and belonging, he offers her something no one else ever has: a future. I really liked how their relationship evolved from a practical deal into a deep, genuine connection. Mateo may be feared by many, but with Ella, he’s protective and gentle, showing her what safety and affection truly feel like. And Ella, despite everything she’s endured, brings warmth and light into his cold world. It’s a short story that still manages to feel complete and emotionally rich. The writing flows beautifully, and the chemistry between the characters feels natural and earned. I had a lot of fun reading this, it’s the perfect blend of mafia intensity and tender romance, with a happy ending that feels well deserved.
I've read a lot of books written by Sam Crescent; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books. She has written another good stand-alone short story. The story is about Ella & Mateo.
Mateo has done a lot to get where he is in life. including killing his father. Now he finds himself wanting to have a family. Ella had never had the love of a family. All she wants is to have one of her own. Accepting Mateo's proposition means they both get what they want. But what starts out as a deal, grows into something more. There are the usual mafia mischief and threats. Mateo becomes the hero he never expected to be, to keep the family he's created.
Elle’s had a rough childhood in foster care and her only wish is being a mother. Matteo’s life was anything but easy as well, but now in the right age that he wants to have children. So why not just marry and make it happen? But life is never that easy and what follows is a ride through betrayal, danger, life and growing love.
We're drawn into the lives of Matteo and Elle. Neither has had it easy; she struggled during her childhood and in foster care. Because her greatest wish is to become a mother, and Matteo also longs to be a father, they join forces and decide to get married. A page-turner and highly recommended!
Love Ella and Mateo story. It was a nice read. Ella just wanted a big happy family and Mateo was all there to give her what she wanted and what he wanted as while. Their story was a short one but man it carried all the love and action I this short read.
This was a great short story of two lost souls finding their way to each by accident. Both Ella and Matteo both didn't have the greatest of children hood. One was an illegitimate child and the other grew up in the foster system. Now they made a pack to be together but can this pack/deal turn into a real family? Will adding another person make their relationship better and will Matteo line of work get into his way of having a happy family life? Enjoy ?
Ella had always wanted to be part of a family a wofe and most especially a mother, habing grown up in foster care it was all she dreamed of having, and Mateo wasnt just any man he was a mafia boss and her boss but he was a man with an offer one that would make her dreams come true, but as this deal starts to turn into something real, other set to tear them apart. Well written engaging steamy fast pace quick read.
This book was so well written I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I loved how Ella treated Mateo like a regular guy. She wasn't afraid of him she would bug him to smile more and he couldn't get over it and found himself totally taken with her. Ella has always wanted to have a big family and kids. Mateo never knew he would want a family till he met Ella. The chemistry and the way these two came together was so cute and you have to laugh with them as Ella gets a little bossy with Mateo. This is a must read!
I think this one is my favorite. I love that the MFC just wanted a family and that is exactly what she found in the MMC. Our MMC is all in from page one but even though he is over the top he still haves her the space to be strong willed and he loves her for not being a door Mat. Is was a quick, steamy read! I loved it!
Ella wants a baby and her mafia boss, Mateo finds out. Well Mateo wants Ella so he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Ella grew up in foster homes and she’s no push over. Mateo likes that she tells Mateo how she feels and she gives him sincere companionship and TLC. Turns out that they are just perfect together. I really enjoyed their story.
Loved reading The Mafia Man’s Baby Deal. Once I started this book it captured my interest immediately. Love how the story started and loved the chemistry between Ella and Mateo. Loved the ending!!
I really enjoyed this book! Ella was a former foster child who was placed in terrible housing until she was sixteen and moved in with Ruth, an older lady who she lived with a few years after she aged out. Currently, she works at Cole's, the local bar. Mateo is her boss, the owner of Cole's, and the head of the local Mafia. Both are wanting a family, but neither has someone in their lives that they want that commitment with. However, Mateo (who has been keeping an eye on Ella) comes up with an arrangement- Ella can marry him and they can have the big family they both apparently want. Though a lot of books have similar set-ups, this was a nice change. There is no animosity between the MCs and no ulterior motives. Ella and Mateo developed a relationship with each other and it was great to see. Mateo's sweet side comes out for Ella and Terry, and it will make you melt. Definitely read this book ASAP!
This was a charming book. Two broken people find each other and make their dreams come true. My favorite part is how confident Ella is I recommend this book to mafia romance lovers!
Elle had a horrible childhood and the one thing she wants most in life is to be a mother. Mateo, her boss, is a mafia man. Not a good guy but Elle knows this. He also wants children. These two come together with a mutual goal in mind. Lucky for them it leads to love and an adopted child. There is a little danger thrown in to spice things up but mostly the story is there developing relationship. I always like how the author gives you a glimpse of their life years in advance so you can see how their lives are going.
Mateo and Ella have quite the beginning. Ella works in Mateo's bar. Mateo has been attracted to Ella for quite some time. Ella grew up in foster care and has always wanted a family to call her own. Mateo needs to start a family to really solidify his position as the head of the Mafia. There is only one problem, betrayal hides in the wings waiting to strike. Amazing characters and a fantastic story.
Know your triggers before you start reading this book, as it will touch on some that might not let you enjoy how good it is. This is a short book packed with a complete story of two lost souls trying to build what they never had, a family. Ella is young and has survived Foster care, and yearns to love and belong. Matteo is the head of the mafia, older and hardened by his upbringing is looking for legacy and a brighter future. When they meet, there is chemistry and attraction, and a large age gap, but they both discover they yearn for similar ideals, so they strike a deal. But the more time they spend together, the more they understand each other, they see each other, the start to feel more and more real. But there are so many obstacles on their way. This small book is packed with suspense, action, pain, longing, steamy chemistry, grit, and the hope of belonging!
This really reads like a Cinderella meets (a type of) Mafia beast/prince. Keep that in mind and the story is an entertaining (if a little bloody), modern fairy tale that is a fun read. I do like this Author's stories; we have an H that is somewhat of a tough guy, but is totally redeemable for the right incentive! Our h is a down on her luck all around good person who is trying to make a better life for herself. She is courageous and kind, and catches the heart of our beastly prince. Need I say more? You know an HEA is coming, but the road there is worth the read! Enjoy.
Fantastic read! I really loved this book. I really loved Ella and Mateo. They were incredible characters. I definitely recommend this book.
This is a great read that brings together two lost souls and gives them what they both desperately want: a family. Ella may be young but she's survived the foster care system and wants what she never had. Matteo is a mafia Don and he's more than ready to get his legacy going. He's shocked at the connection he feels for Ella and is quick to offer her a marriage deal. These two find they have hot chemistry, similar morals and love their common goal of creating a family. However, nothing is simple when dealing with the mafia so expect to get caught up in the action, drama, suspense, longing and hot romance as these two work their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!
I really just enjoyed the interactions between mafia boss, Mateo, and his crush and club bartender, Ella. Loved how honest Ella is. Her life goals and dreams are something I totally relate to. Loved how sweet, thoughtful and protective Mateo became because of Ella. They were a great couple. Relatively low drama, which is always nice.
This was a short read but a powerful plot. I loved the FMC, she didn't hold back and she was no wallflower. The MMC really did earn his right to the Mafia family. Overall a great story, the Terry part, Oh how it made me cry, but in a good way. The end was the best. Long love the Cole Mafia .
I’m a big fan of this author and this was another great read in her library! This is an age gap story with a sweet heroine and a protective older man. Absolutely love how they both found what they needed in each other.
This was a very well written story and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were very compelling and complex. The plot was intriguing and world building was well thought out and developed. Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!
Sam Crescent is on a run with semi-sweet heroes (well, at least towards their leading ladies….) Mateo and Ella’s deal was unorthodox, slightly unhinged and a little filthy. A sweet(ish), slightly dark romance with mafia, age-gap, touch-her-and-die vibes. A short and enjoyable read!
Oh I loved this one. They actually respected each other and treated each other well before they were ever in love and I loved their dynamic. So good!
