The novel The Godfather (1969) and the movie of the same name (1972) entrenched the myth of the Mafiosi as valiant knights, men of honor, and defenders of the traditional concept of family. As a result of this movie and other popular portrayals, the image of mobsters as “men of honor and tradition” has become iconic throughout America. Yet the truth of the matter belies this more noble image. The Mafia is a ruthless organization. Their concept of family is a twisted one. But viewed through the lens of popular culture, it is often difficult to separate the fiction from the reality. Made Men demystifies this image by dismantling the code of honor that Mafiosi live by, including its attendant symbols, rituals, and the lifestyle that it demands. Since the end of World War II, the Mafia in Italy and America has undergone major changes, which are charted by the authors through the present day. Nicaso and Danesi also consider all kinds of related organizations, not only the Italian ones, including the Yakuza, the Triads, and the Russian Mafia. The authors look at organized criminal culture in general, attempting to explain why its symbols, rituals, and practices continue to draw people in, both as literal members, or as consumers of the pop culture that glorifies them. This story traces and decodes the origins, history and success of the mafia in the U.S., bringing a better, and more accurate understanding of this ultimately brutal, violent, and corrupting “family business.” It is a story that has rarely been told in this way, but which is believed, nonetheless, important to tell.

Matteo: I don't have time for this. My men caught a spy down by the old abandoned shipyard and now I have to deal with him or else risk losing this alliance. Turns out the spy isn't a man. It's a woman. A lovely woman who says she was taking photos for her bookstagram account. Whatever that is. I can hardly take in her words, because her eyes are piercing my chest, right where my heart would be if I had one. They are crystal blue, almost transparent in this lighting. I can see fear in her clear blue irises, but also a quiet determination. This isn't the first time she's been threatened. I can't let her go. I have to protect this angel. Darlene: I was just taking pictures! I swear, I didn't know anyone else even knew about the creepy abandoned shipyard. The thugs who kidnapped me, however, don't let me defend myself before putting a bag over my head and shoving me in a car. The worst part is, they threw my books away in the dumpster. That's just rude and unnecessarily cruel. Before I know what's happening, I'm dragged into a room that smells like cedar and spice. The bag is finally removed from my head and I'm greeted with the culmination of every book boyfriend I've ever had. And apparently he's the guy in charge who gets to decide my fate. Ninety-nine percent of me is filled with abject terror. But one, teeny, tiny percent of me can't help but feel like I'm finally having an adventure of my own.

The true and shocking crime story of the Italian Mob in Miami, the Columbian cartel's cocaine trade, corrupt feds in the 1990s...and one man's determination to keep his freedom with a code of honor-no matter what the cost.

From award-winning author E.M. Shue comes a new dark mafia romance written in USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn’s Mafia Made World. Anatonia is a killer. Until Vitaly comes for her. Now she will protect the hitman. Anatonia is the head bodyguard for the Morello Mafia. She will kill anyone that comes close to Posy for Natale Morello. It's what she was raised to do. Kill. She's one of the deadliest hitmen to come out of MI6, KGB and even survived special forces Marine training at a young age. But few know she is the niece to the head of the deadly Bocharov Russian family. That he raised her to destroy the Morello's. Because she defied him, he's sent his best killer to kill her. Vitaly is the monster in the dark. He’s the one the Bocharov family sends to end their enemies. He thinks he's only been sent to kill a rival family’s enforcer. What he doesn’t know is she is the illegitimate niece to his boss and now the woman he will do anything for. Even defy the family he’s bled for. He’ll protect her and help her conquer her enemies. The Bocharov Family has declared war against Anatonia, and she will end them. Can Vitaly hold the woman he was born to protect? Will Anatonia still be standing when the blood of an Empire is destroyed? Will they kill the Empire she was meant to lead?

A former marine turned gun runner plays a deadly game of passion with a mafia boss’s daughter in this sexy romantic thriller. Former marine Michael Tripp used to take down terrorists on the front lines. Now he’s in the business of bad—selling guns on the black market to the highest bidder. The lowlifes who tread on his turf never last long. Not even the Sicilian Mafia makes him blink. But from the first time he laid eyes on Terra, he knew there was more to life than moving merchandise. As far as Tripp is concerned, the gorgeous Mafia princess is his now . . . and no one threatens what’s his. Growing up around criminals and liars, Terra has seen plenty of trouble in her young life. Now she wants out. Unfortunately, her father has other plans. And what her father wants . . . he gets. Terra knows how dangerous Tripp is. Both his underworld reputation and her overwhelming attraction to him are reasons enough to stay away. But once her true intentions—and true identity—are known, Tripp is the only one who can save her.

A revealing look at the making of Martin Scorsese’s iconic mob movie and its enduring legacy, featuring interviews with its legendary cast. When Goodfellas first hit the theatres in 1990, a classic was born. Few could anticipate the unparalleled influence it would have on pop culture, one that would inspire future filmmakers and redefine the gangster picture as we know it today. From the rush of grotesque violence in the opening scene to the iconic hilarity of Joe Pesci’s endlessly quoted “Funny how?” shtick, it’s little wonder the film is widely regarded as a mainstay in contemporary cinema. In the first ever behind-the-scenes story of Goodfellas, film critic Glenn Kenny chronicles the making and afterlife of the film that introduced the real modern gangster. Featuring interviews with the film’s major players, including Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, Made Men shines a light on the lives and stories wrapped up in the Goodfellas universe, and why its enduring legacy has such a hold on American culture. A Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Sight and Sound Best Film Book of 2020

After a ten year prison stint Money hits the streets with two objectives in mind...kill his fellow co-defendant and get money. Friends are murdered, family is torn in the midst of the madness and detectives are hot on his trail only to find out that an organized crime ring has erupted right under their noses.