Mafia Bride (The DiLustro Arrangement Book 1)

I’m a big fan of this author. She is truly one of best writer and my go to romance author for anything steamy, angsty, dark and unforgettable. This one was no different and it started with a bang. I loved the chemistry, the plot, the world, the characters... everything. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. She simply sucks you in with her words. The cliffy sucked and I’m eager to see what happens next.

3.5 starsC.D. Reiss is back to mafia romance and I cannot be any more excited. She delivers a story full of tension and an explosive ending with an epic twist I didn't see coming at all. It was a slow burn, with some beautiful and intense emotions.Violetta Moretti has been sent to USA from Naples, Italy after her parents were shot dead and her uncle and aunt have raised her as their own daughter. She has become used to American culture mostly and so she is completely blindsided when mafia boss Re Santino DiLustro claims her as the bride in turn of a family debt. She is angry. Confused. Absolutely hate Santino. Who isn't making it easy for her.I have been a CD Reiss fan for years and she is one of those authors I have read every single book. And this book threw me off. The style isn't what I know of CD Reiss at all. I am still undecided if that's a good thing or bad thing. All I know I missed her smart sassy and edgy writing. The charactes have great potential but I guess I need to wait for next books to see them reach their full potential. I felt a disconnect from their story and I was waiting to feel that uncontrollable pull till the last page. In fact the last chapter made me believe it will be a fascinating read.Santino is what you may call the prototype mafia boss. Cold. Cruel. Arrogant. Controlling. Dominating. With issues and secrets. You can see the glimpses of how dedicated and loyal he is and of course how dirty his mind can be. But his charismatic presence was dulled by Violetta. The story is mostly told from her POV. I do empathize with her pain and confusion and anger because Santino plucked her out of her comfortable and sweet family life. She is such a contradictory character. She is trying to be brave and independent and fierce. But she also comes across as impulsive and reckless and a bit bratty sometimes. Her situation isn't ideal but she isn't ignorant of risks coming with mafia life. The major part of book was about how she dealt with her chaotic emotions. The chemistry went on and off. There were great moments of sexual tension and sizzling heat. But it was mostly how Violetta kept on pushing him away and Santino kept her under dark with lies and promises.Mafia Bride by C.D. Reiss isn't what I expected. I am certainly intrigued and desperately want to know what is going to happen next.I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

This book had me hooked from the start, so my review would be without any preamble. i just loved this book.right from the start there is a distinction between the two worlds our h finds herself in; with no roots tethering her to a place and form, we see her struggling to be carefree and yet obedient.Violetta is a strong character with her own traumas and insecurities.Santino, is the perfect Italian mafia boss ; ruthless and calm and conniving!!forced arranged marriage/ relationships are a favorite trope of mine in dark romance & this book did not disappoint! the author also shelved out the character transition and growth beautifully, the constant back and forth between fighting against the situation and accepting her fate- Violetta made herself grow to be a strong h with a backbone and yet elegant and submissive!!1the constant push and pull between the Santino and Violetta, the perfect balance of inner monologue and Santino's dirty talking throughout the book rose the steam level and se3ual tension to epic proportions!!the story is sprinkled with soft yearning love and inter-woven with mystery that the reader finds out in the last chapter that leaves you hanging for more and impatient with need to read more about the life of Santino and Violetta.

I must admit that I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting to as the genre is out of my comfort zone and I wasn't sure what I would make of it.I was pleasantly surprised to find an entertaining, action-filled, tense and sexually-charged story about Violetta, who is forced by her family to marry a mafia king named Santino. Far from accepting her fate, Violetta fights against this at every turn and learns the truth of her family history and why she has found herself in this position.The relationships in this book are complex and there is a lot simmering under the surface that kept me hooked and keen to see where the story would go.I would definitely like to read the next books in the trilogy to continue the story.

I'm a little disappointed in this book I kept reading waiting for something good to happen but it didn't, but I thought I'll carry on till the end and it did pick up a bit,till the dreaded cliffhanger or series of books for u to buy and more dearer.....don't think I'll boher

So many twists and turns- so many secrets. The two leading characters are like sparring partners- always circling trying to find the others weaknesses. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down til I finished it. Can't wait to read the next installment !!!!

I have no words for how good this is!! Mafia romance at its best, with likebale characters, a strong plot, full of angst, tension and emotion! I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Enjoyed the storyline, kept moving along, waiting to see what happens next. A pity that it ended before getting to find out all of the secrets that were slowly unraveling.