Pride

Once Upon a Villain

by Bianca Cole

Those are the three perfect words to sum up my husband to be.
After little deliberation, my parents decide Isiah Darcy is the perfect suitor.
He’s rich, British, and the perfect ally for the Benedetto family business.

I can’t stand him, but they don’t care what I want.
He’s stuck up and has little respect for women.
Once we’re married, he makes it painfully clear I have no rights.

I’m nothing more than a puppet.
A way for him to get what he’s always wanted.
Revenge on my family for something that happened years ago. My husband wants to tear my family apart.
He underestimates me, as I’ll do everything in my power to stop him.
And yet all is not as it first appears as I get to know the villainous Isiah Darcy.

Pride is the first book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. This story is a dark arranged marriage romance story with dark themes and certain subjects that may upset the reader. It has no cliffhanger, a happily ever after ending, and can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, Retellings, Marriage

542 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2023

About the author

Author of dark romance and lover of anti-heros.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

This is the case of “it’s me and not the book.”
I liked the premise but I didn’t like the main characters’ behaviour.

Isiah was set on avenging his brother’s death, by marrying the daughter of this enemy of his, and destroy the family behind his brother’s hit.
Bella had no intention of marrying a mafia man and especially Isiah who looked ruthless and intimidating, regardless the attraction he had on her.
There were some scenes where he forced her sexually and she submitted without her will, yet “deep ache ignited within her at the sight of his cock,” and I knew this story was not for me...

I like antiheroes but not when respect or consent is nearly lacking. Moreover, I don’t like heroines who are wishy-washy.

There were a few things that I found troubling.
When Aiden - Isiah’s brother - was killed, weren’t there any guards around?
How was it possible for a man like Isiah to walk move without protection?
Also, there were a few repetitions and the storyline could have been more concise.

Dnf @ 28%

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Pride is the first book in the "Once Upon a Villain" series and I honestly can't remember if I saw this author on bookstagram or booktube, but I was intrigued enough to add this to my weekly TBR. I had heard that this one was a Pride and Prejudice retelling but with a mafia twist and I absolutely DIED with this book. It gave me so many Austenesque vibes, it was unreal. The author really went strong on the retelling for this one. So if want a solid retelling of the full tale of Pride and Prejudice here, then this is one that you definitely need to read. I absolutely had a blast with this book, and while it wasn't perfect, if you love lots of angst in a romance, then this book will really work for you! I guarantee it.

First Line
The wind howls around ma and my gloves feel like shards of glass as I clench the shovel, thrusting it into the forzen ground with every ounce of strength.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Isiah Darcy
Out for revenge for the loss of his twin's murder, one of the strongest leaders of the mafia in the western world.

The Heroine: Bella Benedetto
Bella is the second oldest daughter, out to be bartered for marriage and very strong willed in her own way

Summary
Pride is a story about Isiah who as a teen lost his twin brother when he was murdered. And Isiah is determined to get revenge against the family that were behind the murder. He has changed his name, cultivated power within the mafia world and is one of the most feared in their world. He has a plan to gain the trust of Gio Benedetta, by marrying his daughter, and killing him and his family. But what he doesn't plan on is the attraction or bond that he would form with the lovely Bella. Bella is being marketed like a cow to be married off. She has always known that living in the mafia world, this would be her life, but she still has a strong sassy spirit and will fight for herself. There is a sizzling attraction between Bella and Isiah but she knows that there is more to him than meets the eye and is determined to find his secrets...

What I Loved
This book was everything I could have hoped for as far as a retelling is factored in. It had all the major aspects that we see within the original of Pride and Prejudice but with a darker mafia twist to it. And I really couldn't put this book down either. And if you need strong spice in your romance, then this author needs to be on your list because she ups the game as far as spicy romance is concerned. But Pride was just delightful in the connections that we see to the original while still being its own story of mafia revenge and arranged marriage. Both the characters are so strong-willed willed so they definitely clash with each other and that is just delightful. The plot of the story is really packed and I loved the revenge aspects of this one. The pedophile ring was interesting, it probably would have been fine without it, but we also see that our hero has some values and won't stand by when children are being harmed so I actually really found that relatable to all the child trafficking we have had in the modern world and trying to fight. And there is a twist at the end that you won't really see coming so I enjoyed having a new to me author deliver such a plot as to have some unique twists in the end there.

What I Struggled With
I think the only issue I had with this story was the amount of angst and how the enemies-to-lovers aspects were handled. There could have been a bit more evolvement from enemies to lovers aspects. I would have enjoyed seeing the angst less stretched out and some more vulnerable moments between these two.

Overall View
Pride was a fantastic P&P retelling that delivered spicy mafia vibes. The romance had some feels that melted my heart and the writing delivered in such a strong compelling way that leaves me wanting for more...

Favorite Quote(s)
As I spin her around and kiss her deeply, I know that Bella is my salvation. The only good thing in my life and the only thing in this world worth living for.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Alpha Male
Themes: Angst, Retelling
Tropes: Forced Marriage, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Body Electric by Lana Del Rey

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of revenge and Bella just happens to be Isiah's way in. At times Bella drove me up the wall but her actions were definitely justified. Isiah...he is possessive, obsessive and a poet with naughty talk🔥 I wanted to hate him but I couldn't not in the least🤣 The villains definitely get what's coming to them though and we get a HEA so I couldn't ask for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 1 out of 5]

Man this book is testing my patience...17% into the book n I don't know who I wanna kill more... Prolly everyone. Such amateur writing. I think I'm too old for this book (I'm 19 btw). Tbh I'm only reading this for the sex... But I don't know if I really want to put up with this crap just for a few spicy scenes 🙄🙄

32% into the book n my suspicions are right... This is a freaking parody of pride and prejudice... Fuck... 😕😕
Bella bennedetto- Elizabeth Bennet
Isiah Darcy - Darcy
Cathal- Charles Bingley
Nina-Jane Bennet

Screw sexy times...they just make me gag... There were Tags that its consensual non consensual but that's a load of BS. It's just pure rape everytime. What pisses me even more is that bella goes from "stop I don't want to do it" to "no please don't stop" woman stick to something. Ik she likes to be dominated in the bedroom but that doesn't mean she has to be OK with being raped. This is just gross and disgusting honestly. Idk how it's got such high rating... 🤢🤢

Dnf @ 60...its just a misogynistic crap with few scenes of futile woman empowerment... Its just a sick book.

Here are few quotes from the book just pissed me the fuck off because there were so hypocritical to what the book actually depicts:



"we are sisters second and best friends first." - bro are u telling me a bf is more important than ur sis... Like what kind of comparison is that. It makes sense if they were bfs but considered each other sisters.

“You’ll be fine.” I swallow hard. “The question is whether I will be. God knows what monsters Mom and Dad have got lined up for me to meet.” - r u telling me ur sister's mental health is nothing compared to ur problem of finding a shitty husband... Wow best sister award for u Bella.


“Call me James. I hate how formal these gatherings can be.”- there's nothing formal about the situation in the first place... U have ppl grinding on each other n making inappropriate remarks🙄🙄


If we pick Isiah and he agrees, you will be married.”- what is he? A fish found on the Sunday Market to be picked?

I’m here to ambush Bella Benedetto and make sure she knows there’s nowhere she can go that I won’t follow.- bro give her break man... She didn't run away... She just needs a break🙄🙄

may be a mobster, but I’m not a monster.”- u raped ur fiancée. I think that makes u a monster

“It’s rude not to say goodbye to all these people.”- it's rude to fuck ppl when they say no... Where were ur manners then huh Isiah?

“Isiah is a pig.”- oh yeah? That wasn't what was going through your head when he was raping you... Grow some balls lady...

“I’m not glad. You may drive me crazy, but this is our honeymoon. Aren’t we supposed to spend it together?”- you fucking hate him... Y wud u wanna be around him?

“No, I think that doing what makes you happy is all that matters."- does raping your fiancée make you happy?

This book literally says that a good dick n a fantastic fuck is enuf for a woman to forget what an asshole her partner was to her.

[Katja]

When the name of the book is Pride and there are characters named Darcy and Bingley it creates certain expectations... I thought I might have liked it better without these connections. Because I expect my Darcys to be gruff but honorable and honest to a fault, cherishing their feisty, courageous heroines. And if your book is about an organized crime antihero planning the wholesale destruction of the heroine's entire family it's an impossible standard that he's always set up to fail. His indifference to consent made me uncomfortable, and the heroine lacks independent spirit. Content warnings: Several potentially triggering crimes are discussed.

[Barbara Abatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and so good!

My rating: 5+

Tropes: Mafia + Crime + Dark + Violence + Arranged Marriage + Enemies to Lovers + Bossy\Alpha

Heat:9/10
Emotion 8/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 8/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating
No Cliffhanger
Triggers (Dubcon, child abuse)

Soooo... Let me review "Pride"...
It was excellent for my taste. This was my first book by Bianca Cole, even though i have a couple in my library, and i wish i had read them before.
There is a lot of violence, almost non consensual (almost), heat (dirty steam, but good!), passion and a great plot.
There were a few points were i felt it ott, but it was so good overall that it didn't matter. I really liked the way the feelings on both parts changed and developed.
I will definitely read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Once Upon A Villain service each can be read as a standalone with a sexy villain and the one women who calms the beast within. Buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Isiah sexy as all get out for revenge after losing his twin by the hands of the women he is arranged to marry also, forcing them to move but his father wasn’t giving up he built a new mafia made it strong and raised to be ruthless, deadly when needed now he has taken over after the death of his father who was murdered. Bella well she is strong has to be considering who her father is, adamant about marrying anyone and forced into a position to get to know Isiah who she knows isn’t a piece of cake but after being forced into a situation she didn’t think would happen, but it did, and it allowed her to see another side of Isiah. But not enough to want to marry when all he wants is to destroy her father learning how he runs part of his business giving him a way to destroy it, but he didn’t count on them fighting so deadly they threaten him and kidnaps Bella and that he won’t have. They are constantly at each other’s throats, Bella has her hands in her sister business tries to control that and she frustrates him to no end but it is that backbone of hers and standing up to him makes him notice her and his heart beings to beat again falling for her blurs the lines of revenge for him they learn to work together to get ahead but will he get his revenge, will her father ever see his wrong doing, does he get revenge on the Russians, will she learn to love him the man, not the boss, and can they find their own happiness somewhere on the adventure?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca Cole has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Isabella and Isiah. Isiah has been invited to meet Bella since her father has decided that it is time for her to marry. Bella has been called into her father's office and told it is time for her to do her duty for the family and marry one of the men that her parents have picked out for her. When Bella and Isiah meet, she doesn't like him at all. Isiah is going to marry her and take her whole family out for the murder of his brother Aiden fourteen years before. Isiah does things to Bella that she is not used to and it makes her mad with how her body reacts to him. Things move forward and they get married. Isiah has help from Jane in getting information on Giovanni (Gio), Bella's father who is involved in selling children. The first attempt doesn't go the way Isiah plans and Gio gets away. The next attempt is going to be a little harder to make happen. Jane tells Isiah that she knows some men who can help. Isiah doesn't like working with people he doesn't know but he can't get his men there in time. Bella is at home and some men break in and take her as leverage with Isiah. The men who were to help him save the children decide to stop Gio but take over the operation themselves. Isiah doesn't feel right about the plan so he calls Cathal and has him on standby. If he doesn't call Cathal in an hour come in guns blazing. Cathal comes in when Isiah is up against the men who turned on him. After those men are taken care of, it is time to take care of Gio. When Gio is face to face with Isiah and Cathal walks in, Gio wants him to take care of Isiah, but he is told that Isiah called him and asked for his help. Once Gio is caught, Bella wants to be there when her father is taken care of but Isiah tells her that he doesn't want her there to see the darker side of him. She allows him to send her out of the room and go to help with the children.
Will things between Bella and Isiah work out or will they go in different directions?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 2 out of 5]

The whole premise that this was a Pride and Prejudice parody didn't fly with me.

This story was not one that I liked or connected with. It was the usual revenge trope with Joe/Isiah going after Bella's father (who had murdered his brother Aiden 15 years earlier) through an arranged marriage to Bella. Of course Geo has no idea that Joe is Aiden's brother since his mob dynasty is in London ensuring that no one except a few know his real identify or history. Isiah wants to bring down Geo's involvement in a pedophile ring who markets small children to sick SOB's for large sums of cash while wiping out his mob connections and family, in their entirety.

Isiah is a dark character that had few redeeming traits through most of the book including kinky sex with his bride even when she attempts to resist him. When a man doesn't have enough respect for a new bride and pushes sex upon her, he is nothing to me but a rapist with a ring on. Many readers enjoy dubious consent and submissive women, but I prefer an actual robust consensual sexual relationship vs., a Sub/Dom relationship between two married people.

Bella hates Isiah's guts and yet when it comes to sex she becomes a blithering idiot because he brings out her need to be submissive; this thought from a freaking virgin. She's a character that "talks too much" but provides little substance. She whines too much for my liking. Her mother and father are both horrible people and yet none of the children have any idea what daddy and mummy dearest do to keep them in riches. The best part of the book is when Bella and Isiah come together to take down the child sex trafficking ring.

The story could have been much better based upon the basic premise but, there were too many players that provided unnecessary dialogue. I was not wowed by this story or it's characters. It was a repeat of prior novels, but lacked the character development of the two main characters. There was a little growth for both characters by books' end but not enough to make me like these characters enough to rate this story higher. It's called the old "water under the bridge" concept; too much negativity to match the positive.

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge plans can change all the time.

Fifteen years ago, Isiah lost his brother, and now that his father’s died, he has his chance to seek revenge by marrying the daughter of the man who killed his brother. Bella doesn’t want anything to do with Isiah, but he’s charmed her father enough for him to agree to the marriage. But there are other things at play, and the last thing Isiah expected was to fall for his wife. So what happens when Isiah’s double-crossed, and it puts Bella in jeopardy?

Isiah and Bella get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

I’m glad that Isiah decided to trust his wife and share some of his plans with her while also altering them as well. I do wonder if James was double-crossing Isiah’s newly restored friend as well and working with Bella’s father, or if he was just a sick man too. I do wonder how much Bella’s mom knew of what her father was doing and if she was more relieved that he was gone or now heartbroken because she didn’t know.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride is the first book in the Upon a Villian Series by Bianca Cole. A dark arranged marriage romance story with dark themes and certain subjects that may be upsetting and triggering. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. It's beautifully written with extraordinary characters and a storyline that's fueled by revenge that captures the reader's attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked, invested, riveting and on the edge of your seat with mystery, twists and turns, and suspense.
It's twisted, dark, savage, addictive and unputdownable read. An enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, arranged marriage romance, forced marriage story, pawn, forced proximity, age gap trope, mafia romance, secret, drama, danger, deception, lies, lust, hatred, resentment, revelations, rivalry, surprises, murder, bloodshed, betrayal, loyalty revenge, grief, action packed, passion, lust, loss, death, pain, forgiveness, tension, abduction, control, steam, passion, and love.
Isiah Darcy, formerly Joseph Isiah Dalton is hell bent on getting revenge on the Benedetto family for the death of his twin brother's death fifteen years prior. Gio Benedetto has set up an arranged marriage between Isiah Darcy, who is the head of Darcy Empire in London. Gio believes that a marriage between the two families would be a good alliance. Isiah and his family to flee to London from state and loss everything that they had after his brother death based on the orders of Gio Benedetto. Isiah dad rebuild a better stronger empire for his family until his brutal murder by the Russian Bratva and Isiah became the head of the family. Isiah had became savage, cruel, cold-hearted, sadistic and twisted after his brother death.
He had been planning and plotting the demise of the Benedetto family just waiting for the perfect opportunity to get his revenge. So when Gio reached out with his marriage proposal it was his chance. Bella sassy, challenging, defiant, spoil, and fiesty. When she heard about her impending nuptials she wasn't having it. He had his motive and so did she. It was a push and pull rollercoaster ride where hatred turned into lust then passion. It was steamy, intense, and sensual. Now this how you begin a series. "Hot and straight out the gate fire."

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts: Isiah was soo cruel and mean to Bella but Bella was wish washy. Very independent and strong but immediately submitted to Isiah. Kind of disappointing. Otherwise good plot and great spice

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻‍💻: 📑📑📑
First Spicy Scene: pg93 18%
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺🫣😑🙂🥵🥰
Ending: 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Isiah is the king mob boss of London. His father, Samuel Dalton, was schmurdered and Isiah took over enabling him to enact his revenge plan.
15 years ago, his father was the Irish leader in Washington (US). Samuel was out one night and Isiah (known as Joe / Joseph at the time) and his twin brother Aiden (14 y/o) were home alone. Four men break in and unalives Aiden and tells Joe to give a message to Samuel “this is from Gio Benedetto, don’t come back”.
Samuel makes Joe bury his own brother and they flee to London.
Isiah’s plan is to marry Bella, Gio’s daughter and then unalive his whole family, kids and Bella too.
Bella does not like Isiah. They meet at her husband party (her dad invited all who he thought would be good connections, of course Isiah is the only young good looking one). Isiah is cruel, crass, and pig headed towards Bella. She tells him at every meeting. She begs her father to tell him to stop, but he says it is what it is.
Isiah plays his part well, making Gio think he is the best candidate.
Gio shows Isiah that he is into p3do rings and Isiah tries to take it down.
Bella finds a “schmurder” board with her whole family on it and knows Isiah has anterior motives. Isiah is losing his mind over Bella. And even though he really is so cruel to her, it’s an act. And of course Bella falls for the crassness.
Isiah tells Bella about Aiden and Bella understand why he did what he did and wants to help him take her father down.
Isiah is betrayed by the men helping him and calls in back up. Gio is schmurder in revenge and they save the kids.
Bella is pregn@nt and they live happily in London.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Isiah Dalton, now Isiah Darcy, is hellbent on seeking vengeance against the criminal family that are responsible for his twin brother’s death 15 years ago. Isabella ‘Bella’ Benedetto is a fierce and clever mafia princess that is unluckily chosen to be the daughter entered into an arranged marriage despite her protests. She plans to fight against being forced to marry but ultimately is in over her head. She may be backed into a corner and have to marry, but she certainly won’t make it a smooth process.

Isiah is the typical mafia boss that has a personal vendetta against the Benedetto family and has planned for many years to destroy them all. No matter the cost. He’s controlling, demanding, ruthless, cruel, and definitely an anti-hero. Bella has fire in her soul and refuses to be a quiet and obedient mafia princess. She hates Isiah and especially cannot stand how misogynistic he is.

There is definitely triggering content in this book that may disturb some readers. Isiah doesn’t care about consent nor does he believe in waiting to claim his soon-to-be-wife until the wedding night. He uses Bella’s body to break her. It was definitely frustrating that Bella was ruled by her body’s desire, but it was a typical response found in many mafia books. Bella is clever and quickly discovers Isiah’s secret. I loved that Isiah underestimated her and was knocked off kilter by the genuine feelings he was developing for her.

Overall a good book that will keep readers intrigued and hooked from start to finish!

Tropes: Contemporary romance, mafia romance, revenge, age gap, om/yw, arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, secret identity, CNC
Heat: 5/5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read, great characters and captivating plot, I cannot wait for the following book

I always enjoy books by Bianca Cole and this was just as great a read as I hoped the plot had been comprised well and the characters just kept you hanging in there and I know that other readers will be as enamoured wit the book as myself.

I am wary and do not want to give away anything that will spoil the read for others, I thow that there is nothing more frustrating than reading a review where the plot has been spoiled by thoughtless reviewing.

Bella has an arranged marriage to a man she knows nothing about, it has been arranged by her father and he has done this not for her sake, or for her love but simply because he wants his name to be associated with a family of wealth and stature. Unfortunately for Bella she is unaware that Isiah is only going to marry her as he wants to get revenge, he has no thought of her one way or another as a Mafia man it is simply a means to an end.

There are plenty of sparks and some tears but Bella is no shrinking violet and she is sich of being used as a commodity and she will not stand for it any more no matter the cost. What Isiah could not have foreseen is that his feelings would change, you will love Bella and Isiah just as I did.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st story in Once Upon A Villain where we get to meet Isiah and Bella who are married in an arranged marriage. Isiah lost his twin brother 15 years ago by the order of Bella’s father, Gio destroying his family and forcing them to flee the city ending up in London. Isiah’s father builds a new mafia over 15 years with a strong hand forcing Isiah to be ruthless and he takes over after his father dies at the hands of the Russian Bravta. Isiah accepts the invitation to meet Bella with a chance to marry giving him the perfect opportunity to seek his revenge on her family. Isiah comes barreling into her life, making himself the first choice with showing no respect for woman and making her father believe she be put in her place. Bella lets everyone know she doesn’t want to marry Isiah and he forces her into sexual situations she’s never experienced and once they spend time together she starts to see another side to Isiah. Isiah learns how Gio runs part of his business and is totally against it so he does what he can to end it and those involved only to be threatened along with Bella having been kidnapped. These two struggle to find common respect for one another so once they do they discover true love and how to move forward with each other for all the right reasons. Hopefully Cathal and Nina get the next story! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers perfectly describes Isiah and Bella. After 15 years of living with the pain of his past, Isiah is given the opportunity to get revenge against the man responsible. And part of his plan is agreeing to an arranged marriage with his daughter, Bella.
There was so much back and forth with these two. Bella fought him at every opportunity, to the point it got irritating to read. She really got on my nerves, especially when she constantly tried to intervene with her sister and Cathal. I understand her wanting to protect her sister, but Nina was older and deserved to make her own decisions.
Isiah was definitely a cold hearted b@st@rd, but he had good reason. He definitely wasn’t expecting to fall for Bella like he did, and I couldn’t have been more relieved when he started softening towards her. What started out as revenge, ended in two people finding their soulmate in each other.
The spice was definitely hot and off the charts with these two. I just wish Bella was more likable throughout more of the book. I’m really curious to see if Cathal and Nina get a story, they were such a big part of this story that I thought they’d be next. And I also wouldn’t mind seeing Cain getting a story.
This was a good start to the series and I look forward to reading the next one!

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Once Upon A Villain series featuring the dark and intense mafia arranged marriage romance between Isiah and Bella. Isiah lost his twin brother 15yrs ago because of orders given by Bella's father Gio and his family was forced to leave the country so he's been out for revenge ever since. Isiah's father built a new mafia in London where they ended up after they were forced to flee the night his son is murdered. Isiah takes over after his father is killed by the Russian Bratva and he accepts an invitation to meet Bella with a chance for matrimony. This would be the perfect opportunity for Isiah to avenge his brother. Isiah blows into Bella's life like a hurricane making it known that he's the 1st choice for marriage with his chauvinistic attitude towards women. Isiah convinces Bella's father Gio that she needs to be put in her place and that he's the man for the job Bella tells everyone that she doesn't want to marry Isiah. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this dark and intense mafia arranged marriage romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Tropes : arranged marriage, mafia romance, possessive H, anti hero, touch her and die
Ending : HEA (3 months pregnant)
Triggers : gore, violence, abuse, death, mental health (h's sis), mention of su+cid+ (h's sis), mention of child abuse (pedo+hilia)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst: 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama: OM (H's old friend and some other random guys)
Standalone/Series: can be read as a standalone

Hero: Joe 'Isaiah Darcy' (30s)
Heroine: Bella Benedetto (20s)
Kink: anal, rough sex, dub con, forced proximity, choking, spanking, oral, sex toys, virgin h, no condoms/ breeding

Liked how the H fell/ confessed his love first. Although he was an asshole at first, I kinda believed their love. The mafia aspects were there which was great, nothing too gory for me too but it might be for you tho, it depends on the person I guess.

Just wanna say the part where Isaiah punched the shark was too random and it cracked me up lol. The ending was cute, wishing for more, maybe a scene where the baby were born already but other than that it was a good book.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please edit and proof - at current prices, especially in Canada as they are often beyond the exchange, it’s u fair to buy a book and soon find it has been put out without being properly edited and proofed. It’s part, an extremely important part of an author’s job but seems to be forgotten and left out far too often. When I find this, I don’t buy from this author any more.

I have to admit I was disappointed - I loved the cover and looked forward to this book about Isabella and Isiah. Isabella’s father is arranging a marriage between the two but when she meets him, she doesn’t like him. Her father uses manipulation and shameful guilt against his daughter claiming it’s her duty. My problem with this book is the author obviously rushed through to knock it out and didn’t read it, edit it or proof. The story has so many plot holes and continuity issues it became frustrating as it constantly took me from the read and that made it harder to get back.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride was a surprisingly raw and emotional Pride and Prejudice retelling by prolific dark romance author Bianca Cole. Her typical book (and one I personally dig) is quite a bit of smut and maybe not a lot of plot. Isiah plans to eliminate Bella's entire family (underage sisters included) as revenge for the death of his twin brother more than a decade prior. He finds his golden opportunity to infiltrate their family when her mafioso father invites him, unknowingly, to a ball where he's courting potential suitors. Bella is not what he expected and his plan starts to unravel from there. Throughout all 500+ pages, which go very quickly, there's mystery and intrigue, action, and Bianca's famous smut. I would also warn that this book is pretty dark and there are some dubious scenes in there that readers might be triggered by. Overall, however, the book read very well and this was one of her best-written storylines to date. I'm very excited to see what she's got for the rest of this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride, by Bianca Cole is the story of an arranged marriage between a billionaire British crime lord and the daughter of a ruthless Mafia don who’s hatred for her intended falls on deaf ears within her family. But all is not as it seems, she learns her fiancé has an ulterior motive for traveling across the pond to offer her father a fortune for her hand, she just cannot figure out what that motivation could be. Ms. Cole’s very clever rendition of Mr. Darcy (the British billionaire) is nicely juxtaposed against the classic story of Pride and Prejudice along with the ridiculous social norms and misogynistic tendencies espoused by the old school, ruthless, and extremely disturbed Mafia don as he rules over his wife and children in a parody of the classic novel. Pride is very well written, and extraordinarily hot, sizzling off the pages with enough smoke to start a 5-alarm fire! You do not want to miss this one!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow with the intrigue, the irresistible force and redemption!
I fell in love with Isiah whose only way to get past the death of his brother, was to plan for the destruction of the family responsible. Yet when his enemy sends an invitation to a gathering for prospective suitors for Bella, the ball is dropped and starts rolling towards achieving his revenge. I love Bella, the strong female protagonist who feels there is something more to Isiah, but also can’t deny the attraction to her future husband. As Isiah discovers an unknown source of his enemies business, a new plan forms, but not without it’s own risks. As Isiah and Bella discover more about each other, there seems no way out of Isiah’s revenge to destroy what they have. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down as no good place to stop that won’t keep you awake wondering what will happen next!

[Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe/Mr. Darcy was the Mafia London King and Bella is the daughter of his archenemy. Some characters were patterned with the original P & P but with different behaviors/personality.

I have read very few Mafia stories but this is seriously dark. Even with Bella's character, Some of Bella's toughness/hardness of the heart must have been inherited from her heartless father, the Washington Mafia King.

There were a lot of explicit love scenes, and some redundancy of Mr. Darcy 's contemplations and goals but overall the story was captivating. (Sopiler: Part of the ending was a little sad for me. I guess, I washoping for a bit of forgiveness or accidental death not cold heartedness. But maybe this what the underworld is...am just a bit naive about it.

A very captivating read but you have to withstand cold heartedness and explicit mature scenes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never realised how much I could enjoy the Mafia trope of stories, which in its own way when you read so many you can start to compare them too much and see similarities or worse find little incidentals to expect perfection. Personally reading is for enjoyment and a little escapism from the dulldrums of everyday life and this book met the primary objective of providing several hours of joy. I imagine Authors devise their winning formulas for new stories like a chef learning their trade, utilise the strategies that readers say they enjoy and then add to that. Characters make the biggest impact upon the success of a story and I enjoyed these ones, the typical bossy Alpha with the submissive female but we all love it when the female shows that bit of restraint and resiliency. A decently planned out plot filled with so many scenarios to really give the reader an emotional ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast Meets Romeo and Juliet with Mafia Influences

I loved this book! This was the first book that made me stay up past my bedtime to keep reading in a long time! It has some beauty and the beast meets Romeo and Juliet vibes but with opposing Mafia families. We are following Isiah who is the ruler of the British Mafia and has sworn revenge on the Italian Mafia in the US. He travels back to the US to marry Bella, second daughter in the Italian Mafia, and exact his revenge. The banter between these two characters is pure gold, especially in the beginning. They go through so much and grow as both humans and a couple. I loved watching their story unfold and trying to guess what would happen next. This is a great book for someone who likes Dark Mafia Romance, Rival Family to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Secret Past, Psycho Love Interest, He Falls First or Revenge to Redemption tropes.

[Laura Palin · Rating 4 out of 5]

overall I’m satisfied

This book had a little different story line than the handful of books I’ve read recently, and I wasn’t let down. It wasn’t as predictable as the previous books I’ve read either but it did have some predictability in it. There was for sure a decent amount of sex scenes that overall were pretty good but also very similar to all the others… but really after a while you run out of ways to make those scenes unique… like most other books it has some forced scenes, that weren’t that bad, anal and it’s described similarly as other books too. Like I said though it was decent. My dislikes though, we’re things like redundant sentences, grammatical errors, and some things just didn’t fit. For example the two sisters shared a room but their dad was a mafia boss and they had a gigantic house… or this 21 year old was making gagging sounds etc. could have been worse though for sure, and worth the read.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow, this book was definitely exciting to read, the story was exhilarating and the characters really were sensational. This story was about Isabella Benedetto (Bella) and Isiah Darcy, Bella lives in Washington she has been told that she is getting married. Isiah was a twin but someone took that away from him, then his father asked the unthinkable of him. Isiah is the Boss of the Irish Mafia lived in Washington when he was younger now living in London, his plan to get married to the enemies daughter to have his revenge. Bella doesn't want to marry him that she thinks Isiah has a clandestine secret. This was one deliciously hot and steamy story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Readstoforget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride by Bianca Cole is an amazing first book to the Once Upon a Villain series and is a Pride and Prejudice retelling.

The first book centres around Isiah Darcy, Bella Benedetto and their arranged marriage. Darcy hates the Benedetto family and sought revenge by marrying Bella and will stop at nothing to tear her family apart.

Bella is not one to lay down and take it though, she’s a very strong female who holds her own against her husband.

The twists and turns this book takes are phenomenal and I was hooked throughout every page. I loved the way Isiah and Bella’s relationship grew along the way, and the partnership they formed together. It wasn’t without its hardship though, but honestly…Bella was perfect for Isiah in every way. Isiah’s redemption was *chefs kiss* as was that epilogue!!

Bring on Hook!!

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isiah has a vendetta against Bella’s family because they murdered his twin brother. He is determined to marry Bella and then kill her whole family. Isiah is cold, ruthless, arrogant and determined. Bella although she detests Isiah she is strangely attracted to him. However, she does believe that Isiah has some nefarious intentions towards her family. As much as she tries to find a way to get out of this marriage and away from Isiah there really is no where for her to go. As Isiah gets closer to achieving his goal he starts to develop feelings about Bella. Will he still destroy her family if he falls in love with her? This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the banter between these two. Isiah was really a tortured character who had some horrible things happen to him and he never mentally recovered from them.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

After he repeatedly dngaf about Bella's consent, I skipped through all the sex scenes because they're just tainted and gross.

For a guy who didn't want to be anything like the man his father was or the man who he wants revenge on, his character is exactly like them which Bella calls him out on.

And Bella's character isn't any better. she states that they have a connection, which I didn't find believable at all, unless you consider being hot and age appropriate a connection.

I also ended up hating the relationship between her and her sister/bff. How do you write a character with suicidal attempts, and depression that are because of the family's lifestyle, and have her listen to her sister tell her about her shitty husband only to end up focusing on the sex...which again wasn't always consensual.