Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of dangerous mafia kings and the fierce women who challenge them—meet Mila Finelli! Writing under a pen name as a USA Today bestselling author, Finelli burst onto the dark romance scene with her sizzling Kings of Italy series, captivating readers with steamy plots, morally gray characters, and heart-pounding drama. Her bold, unapologetic style has made her a must-read for fans of gritty, passionate love stories.
With a knack for crafting complex antiheroes and feisty heroines, Finelli’s books are like a shot of espresso—intense, addictive, and leaving you craving more. Let’s dive into her journey, from her creative spark to her rise as a dark romance powerhouse.
The Making of Mila Finelli
Mila Finelli is the alter ego of Joanna Shupe, a USA Today bestselling historical romance author who decided to unleash her darker side. While little is known about her personal life—Finelli keeps her biography as mysterious as her mafia dons—she’s shared her love for coffee, travel, and the color red. Her obsession with Roy Kent from Ted Lasso hints at a playful personality that balances her gritty storytelling. Finelli’s shift to dark romance came from a long-standing dream to write about ‘filthy mafia kings,’ a passion that ignited her bold new career path in 2021.
Mila Finelli’s Unforgettable Stories
Finelli’s Kings of Italy series is her crown jewel, a five-book saga that dives deep into the treacherous world of Italian mafia families. Her debut, Mafia Mistress (2021), introduces Fausto, a ruthless kingpin who claims his son’s fiancée, Francesca, sparking a fiery, forbidden romance. Readers devoured its blend of age-gap tension, kidnapping drama, and sizzling chemistry. The sequel, Mafia Darling (2022), continues their story, cementing Finelli’s knack for cliffhangers and emotional depth.
Mafia Madman (2022) steals the show with Enzo, a vengeful villain who kidnaps Gia, Francesca’s sister, for revenge. Their enemies-to-lovers arc, set on a yacht, crackles with primal intensity and Italian dirty talk—fans call it ‘book crack.’ Mafia Virgin (2023) wraps the series with Emma, a medical student forced into a mafia marriage, proving Finelli’s heroines are as fierce as her heroes are wicked. Her style—dark, spicy, and suspenseful—blends raw passion with intricate plots, earning praise for natural dom/sub dynamics and authentic Italian flair.
Finelli also ventured into M/M romance with Mafia Target (2023), a standalone in the series featuring Giulio, a mafia heir, and Alessio, an assassin. Its steamy, enemies-to-lovers vibe shows her versatility in crafting diverse love stories. Each book balances plot and spice, ensuring the mafia world feels vivid and immersive.
Why Mila Finelli Matters
Mila Finelli has carved a niche in dark romance, where her unapologetic embrace of morally complex characters resonates with readers craving raw, intense stories. Her books, averaging 3.8–4.0 stars on Goodreads from thousands of reviews, reflect a loyal fanbase hooked on her twisted world. By blending suspense, spice, and strong heroines, she’s redefined mafia romance, inspiring readers to root for antiheroes and embrace their own boldness. Her discreet pen name adds intrigue, making her a fascinating figure in the genre.
- Pen Name: Mila Finelli (Joanna Shupe)
- Key Works: Kings of Italy series (Mafia Mistress, Mafia Darling, Mafia Madman, Mafia Target, Mafia Virgin)
- Debut: 2021
- Fun Fact: Addicted to coffee and the color red
Ready to get lost in a world of dangerous dons and daring heroines? Snag Mafia Mistress and dive into Mila Finelli’s dark, delicious mafia romance!