When He Desires

A Dark Mafia Romance (Fallen God, Book 1)

By: Gabrielle Sands

Narrated by: Aiden Snow, Lucy Rivers

Pretending to date my handsome new housemate was already a bad idea, but then I discover he’s no ordinary guy—he’s a mobster in hiding. And in this story, he’s not the hero, but the wicked villain.

Rowan Miller isn’t used to hearing the word “no.”

I guess when you’re 6’5, gorgeously tattooed, and sculpted like a Michelangelo masterpiece, women tend to throw themselves at you.

But in a small town like Darkwater Hollow, a reputation as a womanizer will catch up with you—and your business—eventually.

Which is why Rowan needs a fake girlfriend to prove he’s reformed.

Enter, me.

When my house goes up in flames, I agree to Rowan’s offer in exchange for a place to stay.

After my last brutal break up, I’ve sworn off charming, smooth-talking men.

But the way Rowan looks at me—hungry and possessive—makes my pulse race and my skin sizzle with heat.

The longer we pretend to be in love, the more real it feels.

Just when I think I’ve broken my unlucky streak, I discover Rowan’s hiding secrets. Big ones, like his real name.

Will his dark past bring us closer together? Or will it destroy everything we’ve built?~~When He Desires is book 1 of the Fallen God duet. The story continues in When He Takes.

©2024 Gabrielle Sands (P)2024 Gabrielle Sands

Fun story

Love this duet about Nero and Blake. In fact I have enjoyed all of this author’s books.

A 2 book story that doesn’t disappoint.

I really enjoyed Nero’s story. Even though it is 2 books long it didn’t seem to drag out like most others do. Several twists and shocks that keep you reading. Blake is a fast talker much of the book which was a little distracting. Enjoyed that she wasn’t whiny, and had some sass. This is part of a series so I recommend reading the other books first.

Amazing story

I love the plot and how everyone does their own lines instead of each other. I love Nero and Blake and Sam. Can’t wait for next read to see how if everything can be better

5 STARS

Really great story and narration. I was left with my mouth wide open. Diving right into book two. I have to finish!

Unexpected twists and turns

Well, this was unexpected find. This is definitely a dark Mafia romance. I feel like there should have been a trigger warning. This book does discuss murder, gasoline, narcissistic behavior, lying, rape, arson, and abuse.
The book started out very well, then took some unexpected turns that I did not predict. I'm not sure if I like the book or if I'm on the fence about it. The morally gray lead, almost had everything I wanted in my main character but not everything. it's definitely was not a carbon copy of a mafia romance book it's different. there are a couple of plot holes that were not resolved, but no book is perfect. if you're looking for a book that you really have a hard time predicting where the narrative is going to go this book is for you. These are my opinions and views respectfully.

Chef's kiss for Aiden Snow

I love the book! 4.5 stars overall!! However.. The female narrator was not my cup of tea. I honestly ended up downloading the book on Kindle and reading her parts. I only listened to Aiden's chapters. Not sure why female narrators have to make the characters sound ditsy and over emotional all the time. That's not the vibe I was getting when I actually read those chapters.

Love Nero

This was soooo good. I love a good mafia story. I did shed a tear at the end it really broke my heart. I’m excited for the next book

Good book

I enjoyed Nero and Blake’s story. Lucy Rivets did her best in this book. She was upbeat and her voice was lighter/ higher pitched than other books. As usual Aiden was great! The story really picks up towards the end but we needed to have the background we get here and the start of their relationship. Needless to say I can’t wait for the next book. I love this author.

Character development

I wasn’t so sure about this storyline but was pleasantly surprised. It was a nice change up from the other books in the series. Def wasn’t my favorite but was a great addition.

Love anything Gabrielle writes.

I’ve been feral for Nero since When She Falls. 🤭🧎🏻‍♀️ I knew I’d love him & Gabrielle did not let me down with his character. If you read When She Loves, you know Nero is going through a huge life change & I was curious as to how he would deal with his new life and phew. The man is so complex. I loved every side of him.

I absolutely loved Blake. She’s my favorite type of FMC. The type that’ll make a man work for it & doesn’t hesitate in not giving the MMC the time of day 🤭 I loved seeing her throw Nero off his game. The tension between them is so so good 😫🫠 everything about these two was delicious.

@authorgabriellesands absolutely broke my heart in this one (idk why she likes doing this to me) 😭 I’ll need a few days to recover.


2/1/25

🎧 I absolutely looooved this audio. Aiden Snow & Lucy Rivers as Nero & Blake were perfection.