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I'm promised to Don Giovanni Toscano to create an alliance between his famiglia and the Morozov Bratva. I'm expected to step into my role as a Mafia bride and give up my dreams of a normal, happy life.

I'm having second thoughts.

Unfortunately, Giovanni is exactly the man everyone thinks he autocratic, lethal, and he never accepts less than what he thinks he's due.

Which in this case, is me.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2023

560 people are currently reading
242 people want to read

About the author

Arianna Fraser

44 books280 followers

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5 stars
338 (52%)
4 stars
191 (29%)
3 stars
78 (12%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
1 star
13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
217 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2023
This new series links back to Arianna Fraser’s Morozov Bratva series, as Ekaterina Morozov is married off to Giovanni Toscano. Giovanni is expecting a good girl, but Ekaterina surprises him by having a hidden wild streak, that has led her to steal 18 high end sports cars. Giovanni is an appealing scoundrel, who you wouldn’t mind being bedded by, although he doesn’t exude menace the way Fraser’s Corporation MMCs do. Ekaterina starts out somewhat annoyingly reckless, showing a complete disregard for safety in her spur of the moment pursuit of her ‘white whale’ sports car, and very poor judgement at the beginning of her marriage, with predictable results in both instances, but she improves as the book goes on, showing more mature behavior. Her best friend Casey is a great, really fun character, but he disappears from the story about halfway through the book, which is kind of a shame. The Mafia plot is exciting, there’s a nice subplot about Giovanni’s autistic nephew, and the sex is hot, of course. I still prefer the Corporation series with its wicked anti-heroes, but I enjoyed this book a lot.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,843 reviews63 followers
July 8, 2023
If Giovanni was expecting a meek mafia bride he got more than he bargained form in Ekaterina, a wild child with a penchant for fast cars and more! these two sizzle with chemistry from the start but can he tame the wildness or will he let her thrive? well written great start to the new series! steamy scenes action desires and more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews22 followers
July 12, 2023
This new series is going to capture you from the first chapter. This story is intense, sexy, sinful, and oh so delicious! Love mafia romances and this is one is no exception! So excited that this new series is out because it’s definitely a new favorite!

Giovanni is sexy and such an interesting character. He’s easy to love and he’s devoted to his fiancée Ekaterina who is the Morozov sister! We met all the alpha Morozov in her previous series so it’s exciting to read Ekaterina’s story!! Giovanni is waiting patiently for his fiancée but he’s going to be in for a bit of a shock when he learns about his fiancées extra curricular activities.

I love how spunky Ekaterina is and she’s definitely going to give everyone a run for their money through some of her bad decisions especially since she’s been hiding these activities from everyone she cares about.

This is an action packed story and you will devour every second of it! So excited to read the next installment of this new series. I know it’s going to be epic! Happy Reading!!
3 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
Carefree

What I loved about this book was how lighthearted it made me feel. I was smiling and laughing the whole time it was such a feel good novel which was unexpected for mafia romance. Honestly one of my best reads can't recommend enough
Profile Image for Liané.
21 reviews
December 3, 2023
YES

Everything you need in a mafia romance!
✅SPICE (5/5)
✅plot
✅kidnapping
✅HEA
✅ loyalty
✅TWISTS
✅ just read it!
11/10
Profile Image for Carol.
1,246 reviews
October 1, 2023
1.5 Stars

Hm, well this was a new author for me. I'm in a mafia kick lately and felt a little hopeful trying a new author.

Admittedly I found the book blurb completely uninspiring. It didn't provide any true detail on what to exceed other than an arranged marriage. It didn't give me any reason to bother with picking this book up, so that didn't help things in the beginning.

And while I can say I definitely saw the potential throughout the entire book it never got close to reaching anything of quality. I think the author does have skill spinning a story and interesting characters. I think the writing style was unsophisticated and choppy. It didn't transition well at all and nothing really flowed or felt fluid in the plot.

I didn't particularly enjoy the sex scenes either because the author had a bad habit of using the phrase "up in" when referring to "remembering how far UP inside me Giovanni had been" or "I want to shove my cock UP inside you" .... like it was pretty unnecessary and tbh ruined the mood because it sounded terrible to say UP INSIDE each time rather than simply "inside" on its own.

The writing style particularly wasn't very enjoyable the longer I read. It was told in first person but there was a lot of past tense usage when there shouldn't have been. Ultimately the writing felt unpolished and in need of an editor.

So, although I finished this I didn't really enjoy it. The heroine Ekaterina had some potential to be interesting and she was likeable in a vague sense because we still never knew that much about her. It felt like it was all surface level and things we were simply told about her rather than seeing or learning ourselves. Same for Giovanni. I did like that he was very impatient to be married to Ekaterina and not resistant as it was his idea to ask for her hand in marriage. That was a nice change for an arranged marriage trope that I enjoyed.

I know I could easily go on an nitpick more issues I had with the writing but I don't actually care enough to bother. It was fine to pass the time but ultimately a very forgettable read.
Profile Image for Caz.
948 reviews
August 27, 2023
What a great start to a new series. This one brings us Ekaterina (sister to Mak and Yuri) and Giovanni. She is smart, brave and resourceful. She’s her own person and we love her for it and the love that develops for her husband and his for her is beautiful even if there a rocky start.
1,069 reviews34 followers
October 7, 2023
Such a good start to a new series with characters from previous books that are getting their story. I really enjoy how this author writes. She is very descriptive in how she writes her stories with a strong storyline, great characters and sub-characters; and entertaining banter in an exceptional manner of writing. Her word usage and descriptive qualities are very prevalent in her writing pulling the reader into the story.

Ekatrina and Giovanni are one hot couple from beginning to end in this book with Gio definitely becoming one of my favorite book boyfriends for 2023 with his sexy talk and banter as well as "his get it done mob boss attitude/personality". Just the right amount of hard on the outside and soft on the inside when it comes to his new bride, but a character that never lets you think he is nice guy to his enemies. He is very protective of his new wife once they get past the "trust" issues that plague the couple due to Ekatrina's past and the trouble she continues to get into during the first part of the book. I love that she is strong and intelligent, but her reckless behavior and "life list"
causes some very difficult situations for her as well as Giovanni.

It was a very entertaining read with a different type of story based in the world of the Bratva and Mafia that takes the reader on many levels of entertainment as the story unfolds.
46 reviews
April 26, 2024
Meh

After reading the reviews on this book and others written by Arianna, I was expecting brilliance! Great writing, character and story development…
I’ve read a few of her books now and I was left lacking.
Her books are riddled with grammatical errors, the mix between past and present tense in the sentences, leave you having to read paragraphs again and it’s so distracting.
The storylines are weak.
I’m also assuming that these writers are somehow getting fake reviews done in order to boost ratings. Surely I’m not the only one that has read Frasers books and realised they aren’t good at all!
20 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2023
First for me but not the last

Very much enjoyed this very entertaining book . Already ordered next in series. A good story line well written don't miss out.
346 reviews4 followers
Read
June 7, 2025
3 stars okay average but some editing errors.

** If you are using a TTS, there are multiple listed photos through. That need to be read but may not pick up since its photo format.**


The Morozov Bratva series starting with Mistaken. Morozov is FMC Family. The Toscano Italian Mafia Saga starts with this book which MMC is the head of. (The next series is Ares Academy, starting with Lethal with Lucca Toscano (MMC brother).


Would I read again? No
Would I recommend it? Yes.


I like it but there's A LOT going on and I think that kind of gets a bit lost. I havent read any of the other books but even tho alot of the characters are in this book I dont think its required to read them understand them here. Altho i will probably read them too. So basically the FMC is in University and she's about to get married to the MMC who was like 10 years older. She has a life list which is basically a bucket list of what she wants to do and one of those is steal certain types of cars. They are high-end cars and she does this sometimes with her friend Casey who is her gay bestie. They come across a one in a lifetime her top car to steal and she steals it on a whim and a team comes to recover it who then tries to auction her at an HT auction. Just so happens that her fiance was there trying to get back to other girls from lower level people in his organization. He gets her back. They do eventually get Casey back. There's also an underlying storyline about trying to take some of them out and then MMC sister and her son who has autism and missing husband which is solved by the end of book. Some of the stuff is very TSTL (too stupid to live). She gets kidnapped alot. There are alot of time jumps. Honestly, it could have been 100 pages less and still be good. BUT its also telling multiple stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
3,753 reviews122 followers
June 28, 2023
MMC/FMC- Giovanni and Ekaterina
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Heat level- they do the things and name the parts, using all of the C words.
Series? Y but can be read as a standalone
Connected to- the Morozov Bratva Series by the same author
Cliffhanger! N
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- language in three languages, violence, explicit erotic content.
Tropes- Arranged Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy-He’s My Bratva, It Sounds Better In Italian, Not Just A Good Girl, Food Porn.
What I liked- I loved this book. The chapter subtitles are everything. The book has a lot of subtle humor, blended well with the story. The erotic scenes are super hot, particularly one that involves ice cubes (that’s all I will say about it, for fear of spoilers. But you’ve got to read it). Plus there’s an exceptional child, who is written very true to life. The author writes the child with caring and respect. Then there’s the sports cars. When the Bugatti La Voiture Noire appeared, I think I squeed myself. And I didn’t know that passion fruit cannolis even existed.
What I didn’t like- now I’m craving a passion fruit cannoli.
Verdict- highly recommended. You’ve got to read this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
327 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2023
Deceptive by Arianna Fraser is Book 1 of her latest series: The Toscano Mafia Saga and tells the story of an arranged marriage between Ekaterina Morozov, a Bratva Mafia princess and Giovanni Toscano, the Don of the Toscano Mafia family. As with every novel I have read by this wonderful author, the chemistry between Giovanni and Ekaterina sizzles off the pages, burning my fingertips as I devour page after page! It is filled with action, suspense, drama, unconditional love, broken people, and vulnerable innocence. Ms. Fraser once again touched me deeply, this time with her moving portrayal of an autistic child and the efforts Ekaterina made to bring him enrichment activities and sensory experiences, knowing these were proven ways to give structure and stability to his life and help him cope and learn. Her characters are full bodied, real people with imperfections, fears, foibles, and unattractive characteristics that we encounter every day, and yet the connection between Ekaterina and Giovanni was nothing short of magical. You MUST read this book!
802 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2025
Your good girl by MeemsAngel82

Another exciting read by this fabulous author!! I was so looking forward to this and I was not disappointed! The writing as always is great, a full story with a sexy and dangerous plot with two people so made for one another. This story had a beautiful setting and heat between a yummy couple!

She was more than she appeared but he was exactly what she needed.

Oh the this is a nice place I want to visit! This was a story filled with excellent points. The attention and attraction between the two is fantastic. I love their connection and the way they respond to one another. This was another emotional read! This couple was in the making and I love how there was a history there. Wonderful storytelling and another intriguing couple and plot. Another amazing job!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
September 28, 2023
This was okay. I didn't think it had a lot of chemistry or real heat. Dom felt like he condescended to Ekaterina and treated her weirdly. The, "Yes, Giovanni" thing in the beginning didn't come off organic and made Katerina seem tradwife robotic. Katerina was always playing a role with the people in her life. She never felt authentic.

And, once again, a romance book is steeped in such unlikely coincidence as to be extremely difficult to suspend disbelief.

The weird thing with the recluse sister didn't make sense either, especially considering the kid. What were her plans? Isolate and isolated kid forever? Never give him any chance to grow? Why were Dom and Dario so okay with that?

Not sure the butcher needed to go.

12 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2024
This story is intense, sexy, and sinfully delicious.

No one writes dark and delicious mafia stories, like Arianna.

Giovanni is sexy and such an interesting character. I liked him immediately he’s devoted to his fiancée Ekaterina who is the Morozov sister.

Giovanni is waiting patiently for his fiancée but he’s going to be in for a bit of a shock when he learns about his fiancées extra curricular activities.

I love how feisty Ekaterina is and she’s definitely going to give everyone a run for their money through some of her bad decisions especially since she’s been hiding these activities from everyone she cares about.

This is an action packed story and you will devour every second of it!

And I can't wait to the next book in this series.

Thanks
Profile Image for Jacinda Rose.
218 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2024
Ekaterina and Gio

It's a good book in which we get a cross over with Mafia and Bratva. Enough of each to formalise the bonds between the two and introduce us to the workings of the Mafia.

Ekaterina is a different character to what we met in her brothers books.

Their journey is full of twists and turn but also a nice developing story with the sister and nephew.

There were alot more grammatical, spelling and editing errors than Patrick's book; some even harder to decipher what was supposed to be said.
Again no translation page so alot of Google Translator. Though, thankful some of the time the word was said twice; once in Italian/Russian then in English.

Dario is next but it would be nice for Francesca to get a novella or something for second chance love.
Profile Image for Sabelle C.
537 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2025
Ekaterina Is A Legend!

Oh my gosh I love Ekaterina!!
Her character was incredibly docile, but the girl had some hidden talent and quite the “bad girl” ability.
Giovanni was grumpy and definitely kept his feelings to himself. The way his character was written made it difficult to feel love for him because his outward emotions came across as severe. Readers knew what he was feeling in his head, but he doesn’t often show it to Ekaterina, unless it was lustful.
I loved Alessio’s character! It made the story incredibly endearing and helped show Ekaterina’s skills and passion.
Great character. Good spice. Just craved more of a connection between the MC’s
461 reviews
September 3, 2024
Good Story

Enjoyable story. Well written. Found it rather annoying that the sub heading of each chapter basically told you what happened in that chapter. Trying to avoid reading them wasn’t always successful.
Ruined my enjoyment when I read that Ekaterina was going to get kidnapped again before she got kidnapped again!! Would have got 4 stars otherwise.
On a technical note, the pages appeared strange in kindle. With a dark background setting, sometime the text would be normal setting of white, then suddenly change to blue for a few pages or even grey.
Profile Image for Karen Hackett.
1,057 reviews11 followers
May 13, 2025
DECEPTIVE, book 1 of the Toscano Mafia Saga by Arianna Fraser

Troupe: arranged marriage, Don Giovanni Toscano of Italian Mafia, contract killings, human trafficking, Russian bratva princess: Ekaterina, strong heroine, car thief, college student, not really a good girl, hot explicit love scenes, betrayal, hidden enemies, kidnapping, murder, mayhem, revenge . . . In DECEPTIVE, Arianna Fraser portrays an autistic child, and Ekaterina’s efforts to bring him enrichment activities and sensory experiences to give structure and stability to his life and help him cope and learn. Great book!
719 reviews
September 3, 2023
A good book

This is the first book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The h is a sweet, beautiful, strong woman who steals expensive cars before she marries her fiancé in an arranged marriage. She wants some freedom before she starts her new life. The H is sexy, handsome and arrogant but he cares for her. There are explosions, betrayal, attempted murder and hot sex scenes. This is a page turner. Awesome epilogue.
Profile Image for Sophie.
98 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2024
brilliant

This book has a bit of everything, with a good storyline and likeable characters, it leads on from the previous series and looks at maskims sister. Bringing them all together but with an independent storyline. There is drama, kidnap, car thief and a beautiful little boy who discovers himself while understanding his Austin traits. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Beverly.
921 reviews38 followers
February 16, 2025
Deceptive

Deceptive by Arianna Fraser is book one in The Toscano Mafia Series.
The hero and heroine meet through the mafia network at one of her brothers parties. They are afianced but don't wed right away as she's finishing her degree.
She gets into trouble fulfilling her To Do list before being married. Boy is her fiance in for a rude awakening!
Its a great story that you don't want to miss!,
Profile Image for Safa.
396 reviews11 followers
September 27, 2023
If the cover of the book had not stated that the hero is a don , I would have thought that he was a policeman...and the hero describes his office and furniture to us? truly? Mafia hero/interested in decoration?
at some point I wished Thomas come and killed them all cuz I get bored



Oh Thomas! your days was the best
Profile Image for Charlisa.
83 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2024
Well written

Loved the humanity shown with the families helping each other. Ekaterina and Giovanni built a beautiful relationship after a rocky start but would have learned a little more about her mother with some interaction other than just mentioning her a few times. Sparked an interest for the siblings stories
Profile Image for tamara.
44 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2024
Loved this book! I love that we still have characters we have met from other books. I loved Giovanni and his family. The story line for this book kept me hooked. Arianna has an amazing writing style which I find just makes me hooked on the book. I can't wait to read Dario's book he is a character I really liked in this book. Thank you Arianna again for another amazing book.
385 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2024
Loved it

A definite mafia romance. But oh my goodness. Lots of action, adventure, n drama. But also amazing p.o.v. and sexy scenes. Love that the drama is not drawn out but fairly quickly resolved. I like how the characters seemed to become even better as the story went on. I fully enjoyed the book n it was hard to put down. Looking forward to Dario story. HEA
Profile Image for Neha Bhageria.
85 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2024
I've been almost binge reading Arianna's books her writing just clicks and the story ALWAYS DELIVERS
I like some of her books more than others but she doesn't disappoint at all ..
I really loved Ekaterina and her rebellious streak and how gio loves all her sides.
Strong fmc strong MMC strong plot and story.
Profile Image for Underworld.
24 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2023
Giovanni is my new favorite of all Arianna Fraser's delicious bad boys. Cold, controlled, commanding: all the good C words! But add devoted, caring and just outrageously hot. Expect spectacular passion, twists and turns, angst (of course) and a villain you will not see coming.
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews65 followers
February 21, 2024
I agree it took a little time to get going but once it did it was a very engaging read. I loved how the leading had skills and she could fight and not just depend on her bodyguards to keep her safe. Definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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