| Title | : | Bound by Duty (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 267 |
| Publication | : | First published February 10, 2015 |
Valentina is chosen for the role.
She, too, lost her husband, but her first marriage has always been for show. Even after her husband’s death, Valentina carries the weight of his secrets with her— to protect the honor of a dead man and herself.
With her wedding to Dante, her castle of lies threatens to crash.
Valentina fears the wedding night might reveal her secret, but her worries prove unfounded when Dante ignores her. Soon, her fear turns to confusion and anger.
Valentina is tired of being ignored. She’s determined to get Dante’s attention and desire, even if she can’t get his heart that still belongs to his dead wife.
She wants to capture his cold heart but she may have to settle for his desire.
Bound by Duty (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #2) Reviews
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Upgraded to 4 Stars
After re-reading this numerous times now, I am upgrading this... even though I don’t always love the books in this series when I read them the first time. For some reason I just love this world and the characters and I always end up loving the books more after reading them a second...third...fourth time.
So anyway. Take the original review with a grain of salt, I guess.
Original review:
3 Stars
I've decided that this series has transformed me into Gretchen from Mean Girls. With her love affair with the word "fetch."
And, you know what?
Sometimes we all need a little Regina reality check in our lives.
So I give up.
Something is just missing here for me and I just don't think this series is ever going to rise above a fetchingly lackluster 3 stars.
So I'm out.
Plus, I love reading me some dirty sexy time words.
But, reading “God, you’re so tight Val..." when my name is Val...
-
I really think this series need a dual pov. I think it hurts the story not knowing what's happening with the male lead and while I know the mafia business is not exactly the main focus of the book but it will give so much world building and interesting debates but I see so little of it.
I liked Valentina a LOT and I could see myself liking Dante if I got to know know him a bit more. I don't know if this couple will only have this book but I think more chapters would have helped the story a great deal. -
“I’ll try to be the best husband I can possibly be, which probably is still much less than you deserve.”
4 Upgraded "Cold Fish" stars!!!
Dante Cavalloro, Head of the Chicago Outfit, a broken man who killed the woman he vowed to love until death, a heartless devil without mercy, a cold hearted bastard who doesn't trust anyone. The soft threads on his head might look like sunshine but the thoughts and feelings inside is lifeless and full of dark storms.
Valentina, a woman with a loyal heart and a fiery passion. Her first husband who was her best friend who loved her like a sister was gone. Dead. Now she's marrying the youngest Head of the Outfit who seemed to lost the wife he loved most. She had to watch her first marriage go downhill but she's determined to make her second marriage work this time.
Will Valentina have to through another mariage being neglected and second best? Will Dante finally open up to her and leave the past behind?“Thank you for never giving up on me, Val.”
“I knew my stubbornness would come in handy one day.”
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!!
True, Dante was an asshole to her but at least he didn't cheat on her. Or maybe he did. Emotionally by trying to stay loyal to his first wife. But I won't say I hate him for that, because devil or not, it's hard to get over someone you loved who died in your arms. I won't say Val deserves all those shit but I understand how Dante felt. When my sister and brother-in-law died four years back, I was so hurt I went on lashing out on everyone who came near me. It's different I know but still it's a loved one right? Plus Dante had only known to rely on his first wife, because he couldn't trust anyone else.
Imagine losing the one person you love most only to be married few months later again? Love or not normally, when you marry someone there's always a special connection between the two. And when it's broken, it's hard to mend back the pieces again. If you loved someone, married her, lost her, and got married again, no matter what shape or size you are there's always a small guilt eating you up in the inside.
And for him thinking Val cheated......jerk? Yes. But do I hate him? Maybe a little. Again I understand how he felt because he is a mob boss and sometimes its people whose near you that hurts and break you the most.
I LOVED Val! She was amazing!! Idk why people call her a doormat because she was one of the bravest women I know! I loved her strength, sacrifice. I love how she understood the pain Dante felt. Her patience, passion, how he let herself be weak and cry, loyalty were my favourite things about her. And oh momma! I love her sassy, bitchy side. Lol.
Apart from everything I love this couple. The connection, chemistry, passion, tension between the two is mind blowing!!
Tropes
-Arrange Marriage
-Age Gap
-Mafia Romance
-Widow/Widower
-Surprise Pregnancy
Note: No cheating, HFN, violence included
Highly Recommended!!! Enjoy!!
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This book definitely put me through the ringer, angst-wise. I don't read too many books where it's the heroine panting after the hero and the hero acts like he doesn't care. That sums it up a bit too simplistically so let me elaborate. This is the second book in the "Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles", it's about a group of young women (all friends) who are thrust into arranged marriages. These girls are strategically matched to their spouses to gain more power and status in the Outfit. I enjoyed the first book "Bound by Honor" a lot, maybe it was because the hero was crazy jealous and possessive even though he did cheat... I don't know, what do you think?
Dante and Valentina's story was a lot more complex and dare I say morbid? The MC's were both previously married but their spouses have since passed away. Dante's wife passed away 4 years ago and Valentina's husband just recently. Now here's where it got angst ridden and frustrating for me. Valentina never loved her husband not as a wife should at least, I won't tell you why but their marriage was certainly one of convenience. Dante married for love, he adored his wife for 12 years until she succumbed to cancer. She was his entire life and he would have probably never married if his father hadn't insisted and the fact that he was beginning to look weak in front of his men, and that was dangerous since he's the reigning boss for the Outfit.
They marry and from their first night together Valentina realises that her husband has no interest in claiming his rights as her husband and quite frankly he's not interested in knowing her as a person either. Valentina's character was endearing and maybe a tad naive because she was determined to win him over. But Dante is a very difficult men, he never shows emotion. That's how he was raised and that's how he became the Boss, they don't call him "The Ice Prince" or "Cold Fish" for nothing (behind his back).
Sometimes I think you hurt me on purpose to keep me at arms-length. When will you finally move on? Your wife has been dead for four years, it's time you stop pitying yourself and realize that life goes on. When will you stop clinging to the memory of a dead woman and realize there's someone in your life who wants to be with you?"
I can't begin to stress how cold and aloof Dante could be at times. I think what made him even more closed off to me was the fact that he didn't get a POV, I only saw him from Valentina's eyes.
"You don't know what I want. Maybe we want the same thing." My voice was a bare whisper.
He scoffed. "I can see in you eyes that it's not true. You want to make love, but I can't give you that. I do want to possess you, want to own every part of you, but not for the reasons you want me to. I'm a heartless bastard, Valentina. Don't try to see anything else in me. The business suit and emotionless face is the thin layer covering up the fucking abyss that's my soul and heart. Don't try and glimpse beneath it, you won't like what you find."
I complain about insta-love in books sometimes, but this is one of those times where I won't not because it didn't bother me but the MC's relationship progressed at a dare I say completely realistic pace for people in their position and with their histories. Valentina's drive to break down Dante's walls is what probably made him finally open up in the end.
"Every moment of the day I think of the things I want to do to you, catch myself remembering your taste, your smell. Sometimes I think I'll go insane if I don't bury myself in you."
Now apart from the romance in this story there were quite a few twists that I never saw coming which made me enjoy the story a lot more in the end. This author has a knack for pacing, writing sensual sex scenes and 3 dimensional character and I really appreciate that.
Each of the books in this series are stand-alones, so they can be read separately, but I honestly feel you should read the first book because the characters in the first book do make appearances in this one too.
Note to author: -
First read (May 31, 2020): 1 star
Dante Mr. "Cold Fish". ☹️ No one is able to clown him more than Cora Reilly already did.
Second read (Jan 2, 2022): 2.5 stars
Dante has a stick stuck up his ass and that's about his only character trait.
Horny Val and bland Dante with his poker face on 24/7 did nothing for me, but the second part of the book got some action that drew me in.
Honestly, I think I read somewhere that Cora thinks that Dante is one of her most complex characters. It made me burst out laughing. Dante wouldn't recognize complexity even if it managed to pull that stick out of his arse.
Complex characters are supposed to have LAYERS. Beingbroodywoody and clipped and tight-lipped and emo grieving your ex-wife doesn't make the cut lmfao, it's a bit more COMPLEX than that.
No hate this time, just a very mediocre couple that made me snooze ungracefully. -
this book in a nutshell:
This book follows Dumbass Cavallaro (some people call him Dante) (H) and ValentinaArescoCavallaro (h). They were side characters in the first book. Both of them are widowed and marry each other for strategic reasons. Mister Dumbass is the Capo of the Chicago Outfit and the only emotional range he's capable of is from this "😐" to that "😑". when he says "I did it for you, Val." that's THE love declaration of the century.
As much as I'm dragging Dante, he wasn't half as bad. I liked him better than Luca, but it's just hard to connect to someone who is constantly described as an "cold fish" and has one face expression (on a good day maybe two).
The star of the book was definitely Valentina. I love the way she handled the situation dead wife situation. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. Her persistence pays off at the end. I loved that Val was allowed to work at the Casino and wasn't just a trophy wife. For her and only for her 2.75 stars.
#1 bound by aria's virginity ↠ 1.75 stars
#2 bound by dante's dead wife ↠ 2.75 stars -
4 Reborn from Love Stars ⭐
What happens when a widowed Capo is forced to take a new wife because that's what duty dictates? And to further complicate matters, it's to a bride also widowed yet untouched. You say what? Well not surprising in a world where women are voiceless, and men dictate. But since I'm a sucker for sensational plots and guaranteed sex scenes that are going to me deliciously satisfying, I am happy for the author to bring on the crazy!
“Aren’t you loyal to me?” he murmured. “Don’t you think you owe me the truth? Don’t you think it’s your duty? Not only because I’m the Boss of the Outfit, but because I’m your husband.”
“And you owe me a decent wedding night. As my husband, it should be your duty to take care of my needs. I suppose we both will have to live with the disappointment.”
Dante Cavallaro is a dick. Closed off, prickly and downright cold. And that's just him personally. Professionally he's lethal. Where he prefers to suffer quietly through his misery, he’s been tasked with taking another wife. And he signed on for more than he anticipated. Because his new wife may know the rules and traditions, but Valentina is sick of being cast aside. And frankly she’s ready to take matters into her own hand.
“There isn’t enough room in our bedroom for me and the memories of your past. If you ever decide you want to give this marriage a chance, then you can come to me and apologize for what you said. Until then, I’m done with us.”
How does a woman married twice remain a virgin? (Well I’m not telling you that!) Tired of being vulnerable, rejected and forever settling for scraps. She’s adamant about melting her new husband’s cold heart. Yet what she discovers is that sex is easy, but love is a completely different matter.
“No,” he growled. “Keep fucking yourself with your finger.” How could he sound so dangerous and sexy at the same time? How could that cold man say such naughty things with the utmost authority?
With many mixed reviews surrounding this entire series, I've decided to brave it alone. So, this means I'm not reading reviews until I've finished each book to remain open minded. There seems to be a lot of frustration about Bound by Duty and I get it. You spend most of the time wanting to throat punch our hero Dante, however his actions aren't without reason. Frankly I enjoyed it! -
4.25 Stars
”Why had Dante Cavallaro chosen a widow instead of a young innocent bride?”
[image error] -
OKAY, THIS BOOK DID NOT SUCK!
I know, right?
I am in complete shock myself right now!
Review, review, review how do I start thee?
Well, in the spirit of full disclosure, I will admit that I was extremely afraid to read this book.
Because the first one wasn't for me.
Ahhhh who am I kidding here.... I F*CKING HATED THE FIRST BOOK.
I mean, I would have literally gone into the book and killed that hero.
So yeah, I think it's safe to say, I was very very reluctant to read this book!
So how did I go from hate to 4 stars!?
Well, that's pretty easy!
This hero wasn't a cheating asshat!
Yeah, it's true that he loved his first wife, but that sad admission at the end explained so much for me!
He was still protective, respectful, and even though, he was a cold bastard most of the time, he was a complete alpha when it came to the heroine!
He never disrespected her in public, he gave her space without forcing the issue, but most of all HE DID NOT CHEAT ON HER!
Honestly here, is that too much to ask? That the hero keep it in his pants!?
Cause if you want to impress me, that's all you have to do!
BE FAITHFUL!
Now, the whole story was very well written and the characters were so believable to me.
While it's true that they had no choice but to get married, they could choose to show affection and eventually, love each other.
Val was so sweet, kind, and loving. She was been a pawn in the mob world for so long, it was tragic. She had no idea how do be anything else. So her acceptance of a loveless union made complete sense to me.
My heart went out to her and I cried so hard when she asked the hero to,
“Please,” I said quietly.
"Make love to me. Just today. I know you don’t love me. Pretend, just for tonight. Hold me in your arms for once.”
OMG MY EMOTIONS!
He was completely believable as a mob boss. He was hard and well maybe his own words can explain it here
“I’m a man of sin, Valentina. My experience taught me that good seldom wins. If there is a devil, he’s certainly the patron of the Outfit.”
"Nothing’s holding you back from being a better man.” She said.
That cold smile was back. “Yes, my nature.”
So Yeah he was THE BOSS!
For me, this book was completely engaging and enjoyable. The characters believable and the drama intense!
Just the whole thing was AWESOME!
Now, with all this, I know you're going to ask: Why not 5 stars?
Well, the hero was cold and distant throughout the whole book, and I get why, but it was honestly the missing "I LOVE YOU", that stopped me from giving it 5 stars.
I need the words at the end.
No matter how he shows her his love, I need those cheesy words!
Other than that, this book was a pleasure to read and yes I would read it again!
Safety: no cheating, some pushing away from the hero, hero was in love before and married with experience, she was married before but a virgin. No condoms. -
I’m emotionally rating this. I wanted more and was initially banking on 3 stars, but this just got better and better? According to my emotions, anyway. Plus, I’m so glad there’s a part two to their story. I didn’t want to let go.
I’m obsessed with these characters and their world and I just started this series. This is a world I want to stay in. I’m gonna be losing my mind by the time I get to the Camorra Chronicles - well, I better be - and I can’t wait.
This doesn’t review the book much, but my feelings - all mainly positive - are sending enough of a message, me thinks.
I can’t wait for Bibiana’s story. -
4 Second chance stars
First I have to say these mafia men are just................
After Valentinas first husband dies after 4 years of marriage her parents are keen to wed her off again ASAP, not wanting a spinster for a daughter (god forbid). We also learn
Dante needed a wife as he was becoming the boss of the Chicago outfit, he wanted to save face and not show weakness. By weakness he means not show he is still grieving for his dead wife. Dantes wife of 12 years died of cancer 3 years prior to the arranged marriage to Valentina.
So the marriage is arranged and they are wed ASAP.
At first Dante is super cold and unemotional toward Valentina, keeping his distance at all times even in the bedroom. I liked how Valentinas kept her head held high during this and did not try and hide her attraction to Dante. I mean it would be pretty hard to live with a man like Dante and not be attracted to him, even if he was being a total dick.
Valentina lets her secret slip about her first marriage It is fun to read about her trying to seduce Dante.
This is a book about 2nd chances and for Valentina it means getting to try the real thing.
One of the things that got to me was this..............
Usually a joyous occasion right??
One of my pet peeves in a book or real life for that matter is when the h tells the H that she is pregnant and he asks her if its his!!!
Yes dickhead, you are the only one unloading your spunk into my trunk!!
That was nearly enough for me to hate Dante. He seriously redeemed himself there in the end though :)
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This series is such a guilty pleasure - it's fast, entertaining reading. I love it. Bound by Duty is the story of Dante, the boss of the Chicago Outfit who lost his wife to cancer 4 years ago, and Valentina a young widow with a secret. I found their story a bit more emotional than the first in the series. Dante is considered cold and distant, and this marriage of convenience to him, he needs to provide an heir and doesn't want to appear weak. While for Valentina, she wonders if it will be an opportunity to find happiness, considering her previous marriage was a sham. While these two share the experience of losing a spouse, Dante's marriage was real, he loved his wife and is still mourning - and Valentina's marriage was for show.
Most of them married for convenience, but with Dante and his wife Carla you had seen that they were meant to be together. Fate was cruel for ripping them apart, and even crueler for throwing me into the arms of a man who’d already found the love of his life once.
Once they are married, Valentina hopes that Dante will grow to care for her, but it is not easy. Dante is constantly pushing her away. I found Valentina's character very likable, yes she is a bit native at times, but she has a charming personality, I couldn't help but empathize with her. I loved watching the walls Dante build around his heart crumple. These two were wonderful together, and with a few twist, this was a very solid read for me.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
I struggled with what to rate this book. It is around a three for this series and Cora Reilly, but a strong four for books in general. If you are looking for intense romance, this may not be for you. I only really read this book the first time because I wanted to read the whole series.
Valentina/Val (23) is a very strong heroine who knows what she wants. She isn’t some do-nothing socialite, the classic wife of a mob boss. She is sweet and kind and loyal to a fault.
Dante (35) is known widely as the “Cold Fish” for his lack of visible emotions and cold demeanor. He is still grieving the loss of his first wife and only marries Valentina because he needs an heir and a wife to become capo.
The whole book is cold, but that was kind of the point. Dante never says that he loves Val, though it seems that he does by the end.
In conclusion, this is definitely not my favorite Reilly book, but you should read it if you like mafia books and, especially, the rest of the series! -
What can i say about this book??????
In the beggining i was so curious for the development of Valentina's and Dante's arranged marriage...
Then i became furious with Dante's cold and emotionless attitude toward Valentina...
And that's made me feel sad about her...
After i was shaking my head in approval of her stubborness...
And finally, thank God, i felt joy and pleasure....
In this book we were having another one arranged marriage inside the circle of the mob but with different terms than the first book...
Valentina and Dante were both widowers...
Valentina has lost her husband less than a year and their parents pushed her in another one marriage with the Boss of Chicago's mafia... From the beginning of their marriage, she was pleasant about Dante's present in her life and she was trying to get closer to him...
Dante had lost his wife from cancer three years before and his heart was still devoting to her. Ηe choose Valentina for his future wife because his father pushing him for an heir... He was the Boss and he was always showing calculation, control, determination and power. His face has stuck in an icy expression with none emotion readable...
In that marriage from the first moment both of them were fighting...
Valentina was fighting for make him get closer to her and Dante was fighting to push her away from him...
I liked Val's spirit, i admire her determination to make this marriage work...
And i have to admit that i want to slap Dante more than once...
I really enjoyed that book as much i enjoyed Aria's and Luca's story...
I have loved fiercely this series and i can not wait for the rest of the books!!!
-
I DNF’d around halfway? I felt absolutely NOTHING from the hero. The heroine could’ve been some pet he owned and didn’t care about and it wouldn’t be any different than how he treats her in this book 💀
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3.25 ' I-did-it-for-you is the new I-love-you ' stars 🌟
Bound by Duty is the story of Valentina and Dante who enter into a marriage of convenience, and this is the second marriage for both of them.
Here's the thing: I did not mind that their relationship progressed at a realistic rate. But, I don't think there is anything more disappointing than reading a romance book, and finding out that it has no romance.
“I did it for you,” he said simply. That was probably as close to a declaration of what – love? Affection? I’d ever get from him.
That's just not enough for me!
I really loved Val's character though. She was strong, mature and stubborn when she needed to be. Only for her, this book is a 3.25 star read for me.
Anyway, I'm still excited for the next book (Gianna and Matteo's) because I know it's going to be explosive as hell! 💥 -
What a disppointment! I should not pick Bound by Duty after Bound by Honour. Like Bound by Honour, my problem is characters and plot.
Valentine is drama queen. She is frankly, stupid. Dante like Luca is too busy controlling their women than being a true mafia king.
I heard so many good reviews for Miss Reilly. She is well known for her mafia romance stories. But so far nothing work for me.
I am going to put off Miss Reilly books for now.
2 stars -
UPDATE: Bound by Duty is free for a limited period of time...so if you where curious about this novel this is the time to get it
HERE
Despite the fact that I loved the first book in this series,
Bound by Honor, this one wasn't as great. I liked it and Cora Reilly's writing is really good but this book didn't do a lot for me...
What I did like was the fact that Valentina is a very strong woman, that can stand up for herself and isn't pleased with just being a trophy wife. She pushes Dante until she gets what she wants and for that I admired her and had a little girl crush on her ;)
But despite the fact that I only gave this book 3 stars I still love the series and can't wait for Matteo and Gianna's story which I know will be explosive :D
-
Like Fire And Ice
Focusing on the arranged marriage of Valentina and Dante, this second book in the series has the bride turning the tables on the groom. It ends up that there were some pretty big secrets in Valentina's first marriage. Faced with her second marriage of convenience...his convenience that is...Valentina is determined to see to it that her needs are met for a change.
Still grieving the loss of his first wife and the only woman he's ever loved, Dante views his marriage as a necessary formality. He has no intention of ever loving again or making himself vulnerable again. Love is a weakness that he cannot afford. He's shut himself off emotionally and quickly realizes that he can't give his new wife the type of relationship she desires.
For quite a while, Dante and Valentina live parallel lives. He hardly acknowledges her. Meanwhile, she tries everything in her power to draw his interest. Eventually, as these things go, he takes notice. From that point forward, things get interesting.
Valentina, as a heroine, was strong-minded and gave as good as she got. I loved that about her. Her tenacity was admirable. The woman had guts!
Dante was less appealing to me as a character. He was frigid, at best, for 99% of the book. He did some nice things and eventually confessed his feelings, but I couldn't help feeling underwhelmed with him and his actions.
Overall, I liked this book. I didn't have the same connection with this couple as I did with Aria and Luca, but that's just me. I still struggled with some of the words that were misused and out of place also. Liked it, didn't love it. I will be reading book 3 though, which I've been looking forward to since completing book 1! -
I don't really know about this one. At the beginning I did not really like it and thought that it was worse than the first book then it seemed maybe a bit better. What I liked more was that we got to see more of the mafia business. But in regards to their relationship, I did not like it all. It did not seem real at all, it was forced and really laughable to read about.
Both of them acted very stupidly in unnecessary situations.
And to be honest Aria is supposed to be the timid one and Valentine even describes herself (several times) as a strong woman, but then you can see her as the one really bowing down to her husband and doing what's asked of her. It's one of the tropes I dislike. A heroine saying how strong and independent she is but then she acts nothing like that. -
!!!!! Bound By Duty is LIVE !!!! Oh, and please leave a review on Amazon/Kobo/B&N. Reviews are super important for authors! Thank you!
It's available on
Amazon ,
B&N ,
Smashwords ,
Kobo !!!
The cover reveal happens on January 14th!
http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Duty-Bloo...
The pub date is a placeholder. I hope to publish the book before February 12th! -
Books in series are Stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1:
Bound by Honor
Book 2:
Bound by Duty
Book 3:
Bound by Hatred
Book 4:
Bound by Temptation
Book 5:
Untitled -
What made me so dang on mad is that the book ended on the note it did, and not once did the asshole said I love you or show any indication that he did. Italians are possessive bunch, speaking from experience here, so him being possessive does not mean he gave a fudge just that he is wired that way! And how the hell could Valentine drop the I love you bomb, I didn't feel any love in this whole novel not ONE ounce! -
idk what to rate this? i enjoyed this but not as much as the first book, i honestly wanted to read about Gianna but i feel like the author was being a tease and gave us this book that no one asked for. the characters were meh, Dante was bland and never changed (boo). Valentina was exactly like Aria but more annoying also for some reason i liked reading about Aria and Luca more in this story than their own? there’s also this plotline i didn’t fuck with in this book. i’m enjoying the series because they read like mafia soap operas
-
Dante:
Me:
Dante turns me off 😂 Soo Sorry but he does!!
He is so uptight and boring
More Than a Made Man he is like those failed politicians 🤣
At this point I have read 10 books of Cora Reilly, and Everytime I got glimpse of Dante he put me to sleep (not the type of sleep you would like your hero to put you INTO, shallow I know, but Sorry-Not-Sorry)
I Don't DO Cold Fish
His wife also seems like the submissive type?I feel like I am submissive enough and I don't need anymore submissive energy in my life
And 🔥Daddy🔥 of my three and two (Don't do the math here shut up 🤧) imaginary children Luca and Nino is planning on killing him anyway!! As they should 😘
Cz #hateoutfit all-day-everyday
So Dante Cavallaro
-
Dante's wife died four years ago. In the mafia world he must remarry and produce an heir. Valentina a young widow is chosen for him. Valentina's first husband was gay and her marriage was based on friendship and secrets. She hopes her second marriage will be different and happy. Soon she realizes that Dante's heart still belongs to his dead wife. But Valentina is brave and determined to win Dante's love no matter the cost.
5+++stars!! This was an AMAZING book!! Dante and Valentina are so hot together! Dante is super alpha, dark and dangerous. A possessive jealous hero always makes me swoon! Valentina is a gem. She is sweet and innocent but also a super fierce and strong woman who never gives up on those she loves. I loved how she is not ashamed to show her feelings and even though Dante wont let her close nothing he does or says makes her love him less. He is brooding and cold but the author shows us he is vulnerable and honorable as well and Valentina can see right through him. She knows the man she loves has emotional walls built up and she feels overwhelmed at the idea of breaking them but she is not afraid.
I am in love with these two characters and I'm so happy the author gave us a great HEA! It was so sweet seeing Val pregnant and then seeing them with their daughter and Dante being by Valentina's side while she gave birth. I had tears in my eyes during the birth scene! Plus it was super steamy and passionate and there was no cheating at all! I loved this book with a passion! -
wow.
five 2 star reads in a row. another one and i'm cancelling this year's reading challenge guys. -
2⭐️
“There is no good on earth; and sin is but a name.”
This book surprised me in how heartfelt Val’s situation was with Dante - it was so utterly realistic, and I didn’t expect to understand and feel for her desperation for something more for herself, without ever haven’t been given an expectation of it and the lengths even in the end she went.
These books do make me uncomfortable as they, even if subtly, push the ideology that to be truly wanted, women must be ‘untouched’ and beautiful - and for men, they have to be tough and experienced, which are equally damaging expectations, so I don’t think I’ll ever be able to give the books more than a few stars because of this but if you push past that and have assessed the other reasons the author might have chosen to write them this way, and there is the plus that the ‘virginity’ ideal was addressed in this book - they’re enjoyable enough (and good for getting out of bookslumps!!) -
2.5 STARS
I don’t know why author put Valentina and Dante as a second couple, when Matteo and Gianna were mentioned a lot of times in the first book, and Val and Dante no.
The plot consists mainly of h0rny Valentina and some kind of action at the end, which ended too quickly like every book in the series. Valentine was basically a brown hair Aria, and Dante was just more boring Luca. There was a moment where I thought I will even maybe like him, but when he didn’t apologize for what he said and Valentine was like "you know what, you didn’t apologized but I’m h0rny so whatever".
Still, this book was better than the first one. I’m a proud Luca hater. -
3 stars
I decided to not say anything about this book except for “I’m fucking pissed Dante didn’t drop the “L” word. I kept waiting for it but it didn’t happen. I don’t care if I sound like a needy teenager who needs reassurance (maybe I am sans the teenager part 🙄)
Whatever, Dante. Whateveeeer! 🙄🙄🙄🙄
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Pre-reading review
Stayed away from this book because I was utterly disappointed by Aria and Luca's story. But I can't help it I really want to continue this series. Hopefully this will be better than the first one.
