Thursday, 2 July 2026

Book Review: Italian Devil’s Baby by Heidi Rice

There appears to be a new genre in romance - mafia themed novels. Lucy Munroe was the first author I noticed that had started to write self published mafia romance novels whilst also showcasing other authors who write in this genre. Heidi Rice is the first author to bring this type of storyline to Mills and Boon Modern and I was interested to see how it fitted in or broadened the Modern plot types. 

Italian Devil’s Baby, the first in the Captive Mafia Seductions is written by Heidi Rice is a dark mafia/ secret pregnancy romance.  Vittorio Rocco, is head of the Rocco family, a mafia boss who is feared in Southern Italy. Mia Taylor is a teaching assistant from London who has maxed out her credit cards to take her little sister, Evie on a once in a lifetime trip to Italy. Vito first sees Mia dancing with friends on his on his yacht.  She agrees to meet him and their one night stand goes from there. He whisks her off to his apartment, they have a great night but unfortunately a rival gang led by his half brother Dante break in and shoot Vito. 

Mia is hurriedly removed from the scene and taken back to London to the flat she shared with Evie. She discovers she is pregnant but doesn’t tell Vito as she has now realised he is very much tied up with the mafia! 

Vito comes to find Mia, realises she is pregnant and whisks her back to Italy to his private island that is like a fortress. The chemistry between them is still there but will their relationship withstand the violence, loss of freedom for Mia and the total change to her life?

I enjoyed this novel. It is well paced and doesn’t drag the plot line out. The characters aren’t over the top stereotypes but have character flaws that are relatable to the reader. It is a very sexually charged novel, violent in places, a step up from the traditional M&B Modern. I am looking forward to reading Dante and Evies’ story which is out in October. 


I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

I received this book via Heidi Rice in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #gifted