Accidental Bride

by Cristina Lollabrigida

He’s the one person she wants but can’t have, and their marriage could ruin them both. Used as a pawn in her father’s dark schemes, Alessandra has no option but to turn to her husband, even if it kills them both. Alessandra Russo. Daughter of the notorious mafia don. Sheltered member of Chicago’s elite. Pawn.
She knows her life was never her own. Hidden. Abused. Unloved. The day her father announced she was to be wed to a stranger, she only hoped her unknown husband would save her from her dark and deprived life. Now married to the city’s top prosecutor, and the lead lawyer on the case against her brother, Alessandra finds herself in the balance of saving herself and saving her family. Relying on her training to meet her husband’s deepest desires, she vows to do what she can to keep her unwilling husband happy, and both of them alive.
Accidental Bride is book 1 of a duet and does end on a cliffhanger. This is an erotic, dark mafia romance with elements of BDSM and is intended for readers 18+ Includes triggers.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Dark

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2023

About the author

Cristina Lollabrigida specializes in cultivating books that are dark and twisty. They are a tantalizing blend of emotion and blazing chemistry that will leave you with feels. Her twists will leave readers thirsting for more.

Originally from Chicago, Cristina is a country girl at heart. She lived in rural Wisconsin for years and now lives in South Carolina. When she's not writing, she's an avid reader and has created Sims characters from her favorite stories.

Reviews

[Roisin Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Bride by Christina Lollabrigida takes you on a spicy rollercoaster ride filled with legal drama and family obligations along with betrayal.

This book had me feeling all types of ways. Shock being the main one and maybe a few tears. It kept me at the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen next. I wanted to hit Drake across the head a few times throughout the book but in the end I loved him.

The author has an amazing writing style and I loved how the main characters fit together so perfectly. I highly recommend picking it up and I can’t wait for the second book in the duet!

I loved this book! It's a fantastic read! Now I need the second book ASAP.

Tropes
Found family
Mafia
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Arranged Marriage
Enemies to Lovers
BDSM (Dom/Sub, Collaring, Spanking)
Dirty Talk
Praise

My Rating
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Isira Soliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page! I can’t to see how the rest of this story unfolds.

[zthebookwormz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book would highly recommend picking it up because it was absolutely amazing!!🖤

This book had me feeling all types of ways. Shock being a main one and maybe a few tears. It kept me at the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen next. I wanted to hit drake across the head a few times throughout the book😂 but in the end I loved him.

The writing was amazing and I loved how the main character fit together so perfectly. I also loved Noah, he is just such a lovable character and was there for Alessandra when she needed him.

Would highly recommend picking it up and I can’t wait for the second book in the duet!!🖤🖤
5/⭐️
4.5/🌶️

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3
🌶️3.4/4

Troupes
❤️‍🔥Mafia
❤️‍🔥Age gap
❤️‍🔥Arranged marriage
❤️‍🔥Enemies to lovers
❤️‍🔥Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥BDSM (dom/sub, collaring, edging and spanking)
❤️‍🔥Praise
❤️‍🔥Dirty talk
❤️‍🔥possessive MMC

When I got this book I was not expecting it to be written in third person, it’s definitely not may favourite writing style, but Cristina Lollabrigida did an amazing job pulling you in and keeping you wanting to read more.

This book will make you feel many things from anger, shock to hot under the collar. It’s definitely a spicy rollercoaster. The book started slow, it’s definitely a slow burn but come to 50% it was speeding up and defiantly getting hotter 🥵 I loved the different take on the Mafia story line and two broken hearts and souls coming together though difficult times.

You could not deny Alessandra and Drakes explosive dynamic from the start and the way Drake was so possessive and protective was *chefs kiss* one of my favourite scenes was the month anniversary. The way drake chased away bad memories with new ones and looked after her made my heart full. That scene was 🥵.

Towards the end of the book it became more fast paced and had me onthe edge of my seat I can’t wait to see where book two goes and how there relationship develops. I do hope that Alessandra gets the justice She deserves!

⚠️please check trigger warnings as there are some dark and heavy topic’s ⚠️

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Bride
Legally Bound Duet #1
by Cristina Lollabrigida
Narrated by Jack Calihan, Branden Davis Butler

I cannot even begin to say how much fun this listen is! The secrets, the passion, the suspense, it's all here and it's not in a tidy bow! This is the first in the legally bound duet, and now I cannot wait o see how it's all going to end! Married at first sight, Alessandra, the daughter of the mafia boss goes to the alter to marry. It's her duty, and with no questions asked, she finds herself marrying the lawyer who is prosecuting her brother! Drake is no in a precarious position, stating he will not let his marriage interfere with the case. But how can it not? But I am ahead of myself. The two are wildly attracted to each other, and knowing there is an expiration date on their tryst, enjoy a honeymoon only to find their feelings growing. They cannot stay married though, that's not the plan. With circumstances beyond both of their control and secrets not yet revealed, the story flows with a unbridled passion of a dom and sub, and the brutality that the mafia family can bring. I cannot wait to see where this is all going to lead. The cliffhanger has me wanting more, and with bitter betrayals, it can only be a crazy ride!

Branden Davis Butler is Alessandra, and she is spunky, strong, smart and ready for action. I enjoyed her character building with the conflicts she endures. It's a tough road for her and she plays her perfectly. Jack Calihan comes in with the voice, you know the one that has to be listened to, and keeps that sensuality growing. At the same time, he can have a vicious tone when it comes to work and protecting what's his. Loved this team and look forward to what they come up with next.

[Alliyah Beisell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: The Accidental Bride
Author: Cristina Lollabrigida
Highlights: Enemies to lovers, spicy, mob/mafia, BDSM, Dom/Sub, Good vs evil, arranged marriage
Favorite Character: Alessandra
Honorable Mentions: Drake, Noah
Character that grew on me: Drake has to grow on you.. at first he’s very rough around the edges - but he definitely redeems himself
Favorite Scene: Besides the spicy scenes? … probably the scenes with Noah - he is an amazing supporting character
Overall thoughts: The book definitely grew on me - I was a little worried at first, the author took the beginning of the book to really set the scene and develop characters. Once the book really took off it was a fast read.. I couldn’t put it down.
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Why: I gave it a 4 just because the beginning was slow, and the true crime junkie in me wanted more of the crime family side of things. However, the ending rocked my world, and I have a good feeling the sequel will be a whirlwind - and I am pumped for it!!
Predictions: I predict (aka hope) there is a lot of demise that comes to the Russo empire.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a trip from start to finish and was one that I was pleasantly surprised by having never read anything by this author before. What does a Mafia Don do to protect his son from going to prison? The answer is simple- arrange to have his daughter marry the lead prosecutor of course! Of course, that would all sound perfect for the future bride had she already not been mistreated her entire life and she has so much sass in her that she would never go into an arrangement like this willingly. Thus, starts a whirlwind problems for our MC’s in the beginning- when they say this is an enemies to lovers book they really hit the nail on the head with this one. It certainly takes some time for our MC’s to realize the depth of their feelings for one another but let me tell you, getting there with these two was extremely delicious and the tension along with the drama and mystery in between kept me hooked from beginning to end. It was really interesting to see just all that happened to Alessandra in her past and how they shaped her into the sassy firecracker that she is today (and believe me some of that past is extremely dark so word of warning- read all of the trigger warnings before you delve into this story). I also really loved to see all of the sides of Drake as well. He was so hot and cold from the beginning that you never really know just what side of him you are going to get and when. This book had me hooked from start to finish and I can’t wait to see where we pick up after that cliffhanger- hopefully it results in an ending that our MC’s deserve and that ending is with each other.

[Kayla Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a bookmas event and honestly, it did not disappoint. The best way to describe it is mafia, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers mixed with fifty shades of grey times 10. It was soooo good. It did take me a few days to read because ya know life.

In my opinion, it is the perfect mix of plot & spice. Drake honestly surprised me. In the beginning, I thought he was going to be boring, but that is not the case at all. Alessandra has honestly been put through so much even before meeting Drake. I hate the ending, I mean, can we say total cliff hanger.

Just do yourself a favor & read it. Now I need to get the second book so I can see how things turn out.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ALC
Accidental Bride ( part 1 of a duet )
By Cristina Lollabrigada

I absolutely loved it. The push and pull between Drake and Alessandra was beautifully done. They both have an undeniable attraction to the other but keep pushing it down and refusing to give in.

Drake Walker, charming, brilliant, sophisticated, deadly sexy, and driven. Marriage is not even something Drake wants. But, a strategic marriage will make all the difference for his career.

Alessandra Russo, beautiful, intelligent, witty, caring and a pawn in her father’s game. A marriage full of love and mutual respect is just a fantasy. In this life, women are used for family alliances. Love has zero to do with it.

Drake and Alessandra are going to prove everyone wrong. They belong together, of course any new couple has some rough patches. But they get through it.

Alessandras natural submissive side is exactly what Drake wants and needs. She is the perfect woman.

I knew this was going to end in a cliffy, but I still wasn’t prepared. Now I have to know what happens in Marriage By Trial ( part 2 of duet).

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidental Bride begins by Alessandra having to fulfill her obligation as a mafia daughter and enter a marriage of convenience without knowing her groom. Drake is about to marry and is only when he says I do that he realizes he married the sister of the guy he is trying to put in prison.

This book takes you through all the emotions as you read it. It has the hot and cold dynamic one would expect from an arranged marriage, and sweet touches that allow the reader to see the quick connection Alessandra and Drake develop initially purely through attraction.

I really enjoyed the side characters because they added so much value and insight to the story.

I loved the audiobook narration, it kept me engaged and focused on the story. I loved that they had multiple narrators to make it entertaining. Totally recommend listening to this audiobook 💕

Tropes:
- Forced proximity 🙈
- Enemies to lovers 😡/🩷
- Mafia romance 💰
- Forced marriage 💒
- Obsessed MMC 😉
- Dom/Sub relationship 🔥

Book ends with a cliffhanger, so I’m ready to dive into book 2 and finish reading the story💜

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Loved Alessandra soft yet tough that girl was a fighter and survivor. Thrown into a marriage she didn’t want but shocked at who it was just to save her brother. The whole situation was crazy and definitely dark. Drake was definitely a hard man with many secrets yet to be revealed. The chemistry between these two was electric. The steamy scenes were incredible . The betrayal Alessandra had to go through by yet her own family . I can��t wait to see what happens next in this amazingly dark duet. The narrators that played the characters did an amazing job. They definitely had me engrossed in this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Bride, an Audiobook by Cristina Lollabrigida is the AMAZING story of Drake and Alessandra. He’s a prosecutor and has always been on the ‘right side’ of the law. Now, he’s about to wed…but, when he reaches the altar, he realizes that his soon-to-be wife is NOT who he was expecting! Instead, she is the sister of the very man he is working to put behind bars. This changes everything!

These characters are well-developed, the story flawlessly written, and there’s edge-of-your-seat action!! The danger throughout kept me on pins and needles!!! Ends in a major cliffhanger!!! This is part 1 of a duet.

This Audiobook was narrated by Branden Davis-Butler and Jack Calihan. These two provide exemplary performances of this story, making it that much more intriguing, absorbing, and captivating!!! The appeal between the two simply oozes out of these two…making for a wonderful listening experience!

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and I can't find to read book 2. The read was a rollercoaster but man was it a good one. The chemistry was great and it was well written

[Tori Bulmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

To say I’m disappointed is an understatement.

[rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. It is good but I didn't like the hot and cold between the two. She is made to marry him from her father who is mafia. He didn't know he was marry her. This is how it starts. Lots of back and forth. Wait until the next to see how it turns out

[Library.of.linds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Bride

Alessandra is the daughter of a mafia boss and has been promised to marry a man of her fathers choosing to help secure their spot as one of the important families. Alessandra does not know she’s marrying Drake.

Drake is the prosecutor in charge of convicting Alessandra’s brother, Marcelo. He thinks he is in love with his ex-fiancee, Riley, even though she didn’t understand his needs. Now married to Alessandra, he thinks he can be his true self both inside and outside the bedroom.

When Alessandra finds out that her father is using her to free her brother, she wonders what her future will look like. Drake is angry that she isn’t Riley, and that he’s being used.

This is a super steamy enemies to lovers story. I loved the characters. Be warned though, this one ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next book!!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤

[Yesenia Olvera · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I don’t like is a Third Person POV book but Cristina Lollabrigida made it to where it flowed so easily and drew me in just by the first page!

This beautifully written story about 2 broken souls who find love within one another is by far one of my favorite dark romance/bdsm stories🖤 Though they were doom from the start, they over came any and all obstacles to be able to find happiness.

I loved their dynamic and I absolutely loved how possessive and Jealous Drake became over Alessandra. Don’t even get me started on how he claimed her in front of everyone😩 Literally perfection🤌🏼 I devoured this book in a day and a half!

[A.Z. Chaudhry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww, this was a beautiful short romance between two souls. Alessandra, a beautiful girl, meant to be a mafia princess is shredded to pieces by her father and surrounding mafia family members just because of the fact that she is a 'woman'. Where she could have been the most strongest pillar in their lives, they tortured her brutally and gave her the worst scars and trauma any girl could ever get.

And to finally make her perform her expected duties, her father slaps a veil above the face of his innocent daughter he just slapped and forces her to march down the aisle and marry an unknown man. A man she fears because she has no idea how he will use her, beat her or take advantage of her. Or is this her way of getting out of a problematic life? Her breath comes to a stop when she sees the most notorious, yet the most powerful prosecutor of Chicago, standing at the altar waiting for her to stand in front of him as they complete their vows. Not only does this make Alessandra's heart clamp with fear, it makes her mouth shut because not only is he the most successful prosecutor there, he is also the very same man who is fighting the case to put her brother behind bars, a brother who killed people due to someone's orders. On the other hand, it makes Drake mad for marrying a different girl underneath the veil when he was waiting for his fiancee.

Fate takes it turns when Drake Walker unexpectedly becomes loving towards his wife after giving her a shit af time. Alessandra is caught between believing what she is seeing or still fearing her past as it might jump up anytime. It was very sweet to see Drake be there for her, calm her down and reassure her that he will love her. It was also quite sad to see Alessandra go through so much, all by the hands of family. Especially when father, brother and ex-lover come together to make her do her duties as a 'woman' of the family.

From protecting her love for her husband to her love for her brother, she finds herself in a very confused state, not knowing what to do because no matter what the decision, one party that she loved will lose and it will break her heart either way. But what happens when tables turn and the most unthinkable happens. It was a sweet read, seeing the both make their way through their sham of a marriage and find love. It was sweet to see Drake always be there for his wife and actually put in the effort of being with her.

For people who don't know...it's a third person pov. Also, it has a cliffhanger. I feverishly kept turning the pages to see what happened after the drastic end, but guess, we gotta wait now. Also.......a small thingie.....there were some veryyyy stupid things which did make me mad lmao. As in, I didn't understand as to how did Drake not know he was marrying the wrong girl? Sure, he must have heard her name during the ceremony, no? When a certain law problem came, I didn't understand as to how didn't they keep copies if evidence could just be lost by the defense parties? Also yes, since I am used to reading first pov's a lot, this was a bit hard to go through as it was all third pov.

——— 🖤💞🖤💞🖤

“I will do whatever it takes to protect my wife.”

——

“Loving me is poison, but I’m too selfish to let you go. I can’t live without you and will only break your heart.”

——

“Make me husband,”

——

“I’m a possessive man, bella. If you wanted out, you shouldn’t have said ‘I do’. You’re my wife. We belong to each other.”

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SMOKES! Are you kidding me right now? I finished this entire book in one night. It's fantastic! I need the second book ASAP 🖤

Tropes
•Arranged Marriage
•BDSM
•Mafia princess
•Dom/Sub
•Found family

5/5 ⭐️
4.5/5 🔥

This book hit all the right spots!! A secret sex club, a attorney that I don’t think is really an attorney 😉, beautifully friendships and dom who has some secrets 🤐 Alessandra is forced into marriage to the prosecuting attorney on her brothers case to try and get him released early. She has been SA and abused her entirely life and she finally has a chance for someone to take care of her and love her like she deserves. Drake is torn between loving her and hating her as Alessandra has ruined his career with the marriage, but their chemistry with each other is unlike anything he’s ever experienced. Can Alessandra give up her family for a chance at love? Can Drake trust her enough to spill his secrets?

[Carmen's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ Overall
4 🌶️ Spice

This book was sooo 🔥🔥 This was a very spicy book, but with a very entertaining plot. There was a lot going on from Mafia/legal drama to family betrayals and, of course, a wonderful love story! The MMCs definitely start of a little broken and struggling, but it was really nice seeing them grow together through the book. Great story and I highly recommend it... However, it is killing me that I don't know how Drake and Alessandra's story will end! I NEED the next book now!!

🖤Mafia
🖤Age Gap
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Arranged Marriage
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤BDSM (Dom/Sub, Collaring, Spanking)
🖤Dirty Talk
🖤Praise

Accidental Bride is an erotic, dark mafia romance with elements of BDSM and is intended for readers 18+ Includes triggers. It is book 1 of a duet and **does end on a cliffhanger.**

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5
*I received an ARC for this book in exchange for my honest review*

Overall, I enjoyed this story of Drake and Alessandra. I loved the way Drake was trying to help her through some of the trauma that she’s dealing with. I’m very back and forth on how I feel about Drake, he was very hot and cold, and by some of the snippets from this book I feel like he is lying and using Alessandra to some degree. I can say that I’m hooked enough to find out what happens in book 2.

Tropes:
-Mafia
-Forced Marriage
-Forced Proximity
-BDSM
-Enemies to Lovers

Accidental Bride is an erotic, dark mafia romance with elements of BDSM and is intended for readers 18+ Includes triggers. It is book 1 of a duet and **does end on a cliffhanger. **

[Diane Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!
This is my first time reading this author’s work. I was impressed. The world and character development was on point. I felt like a fly on the wall. I gobbled up this first book, anxiously turning each page. I can not wait to see what this author has come up with for book two!! I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for mafia, forced proximity and an arranged marriage.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Story & Narration🎧 An Angsty & Wild Ride!

Accidental Bride
Legally Bound Duet, Book 1
By: Cristina Lollabrigida
Narrated By: Branden Davis-Butler, Jack Calihan

Cristina Lollabrigida takes you on an angsty and wild ride, an emotional rollercoaster ride with this first book of her “Legally Bound” duet and puts a unique spin on dark mafia romance. “Accidental Bride” is an original story with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. Alessandra Russo is the daughter of a mafia boss, but her father never treated her like a mafia princess, instead he treated her like dirt on his shoe and walked all over her. A pawn in his world to do his bidding, and when he said she was to be wed, to someone she would meet for the first time at the church’s altar, she obeyed, despite being promised to one of her father’s underbosses. Drake Walker, an assistant district attorney, has his life planned out, including a marriage that would make him look good in society and eyes on a bigger office, one on the federal level. He is the prosecutor on a big case, the son of the Russo Crime family, Marcello’s case, and he has faced a lot of obstacles, including one he was not expecting, a swap at the altar on his wedding day. The woman he married was not his fiancé, and in her place was Alessandra, the sister of the man he was prosecuting. Drake vows not to let the marriage compromise his case or his career, but her father has other plans for Alessandra. I was not a fan of how her father treated her and Drake was no better at first, laying blame her way, but he came to his sense and almost redeemed himself. Alessandra idolized her brother, Marcello, who seemed to be a good brother to her, but wow, what a turnaround in his attitude, and I am hoping it was only an act and he was not as cruel as their father. This is my first Cristina Lollabrigida book, and I enjoyed her writing style, and the plotting and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. There is never a dull moment in this book, and the story has plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, steamy romance and an ending that leaves you wanting more. Cristina Lollabrigida, thank you for this great story and wild ride.

🎧📚🎧 Branden Davis-Butler and Jack Calihan did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting. I loved how they took each role and made it their own sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound, with Davis-Butler acing it as Alessandra and Calihan doing the same as Drake, both showcasing their character’s personality perfectly. They were just as fantastic performing the roles of the secondary characters, too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions, their passion, as well as their angst, and had you feeling it all. These entertaining storytellers made a great team and their performance elevated the story to another level. Thank you for this terrific listen.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it's part one in the series and what a start it was. I was engrossed init i just couldn't put it down. What a wild ride it took me on. It was full of twists and turns and had me on the edge of my seat with my jaw on the floor. It was dark, twisted, spicy and more and I was here for it all. I loved the storyline, the plots, the characters. It gives you so much drama, excitement, passion and much more.

Alessandra is the daughter of anthony Russo, she's been trained and groomed all her life to serve her family of one purpose, being the mafia Princess you would think she would be protected and cherished but that's not the case at all her evil father decides everything and that everything isn't good choices. Letting associates use her for their pleasure and anything else they won't from her. Her life is hellish and will never be her own. She has scars that run so deep. And now she must marry a man of her father's choosing. That's when we are introduced to the hunk himself Mr drake, he was shocked to find out that it wasn't his fiance he was marrying but not all is what it seems and there's a story there. Hes angry and takes it out on her verbally. The pair really don't get off to a good start, there is secrets that are waiting to surface and they might burn them to the ground before they even get started. She can't seem to keep up with his changes being an araehole one minute and then sweet and wanting to devour her the next. It sent her head whirrling. But things soon change and will having you gasping with it all. So much happens you don't want to miss it

I can't wait to read part two to find out what happened and the bloody ending what a cliffhanger. Jesus take the wheel. Cristina is a phenomenal writer she delivers and sucks you in to a amazing world that you feel everything the characters are going through and more. Her story's truly captivate you. Highly recommend.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake Walker is a prosecuting attorney currently working on a case to put Marcello Russo into jail for attempted murder. This is the closest anyone has gotten to prosecuting the Russo crime family. Drake is going to use the opportunity to take down a big fish and boost his career. There is only one thing that he wants more, the one thing that he cannot have. Drake has committed to marrying a young socialite to help solidify his status as a family man. This marriage for all intents and purposes was a marriage of convenience.

Alessandra Russo has only one purpose, to marry well and help the family with alliances. Alessandra has been betrayed more times than she can count. This last betrayal was one that could not be walked away from. Alessandra did not know who she was marrying and did not know what to think when she saw Drake at the end of the aisle. She knew she had to do whatever her father told her to do. If he can't use her for a good union, he had no use for her at all.

Drake has always wanted Alessandra. Now that he has her, what is he going to do? This marriage could destroy his career. His longing for her overrides all thoughts. She has been trained to be a wife, a submissive wife. The dominant in Drake craves submission and Alessandra does it so well. There is still some fire in her though. Will forced circumstances breed love for the two of them?

There is a lot more going on in this book and it ends on a cliffhanger. There are still others who don't want Alessandra and Drake to be together, be in a true marriage. They have to stop whatever is happening between them. Alessandra is needed for more important things. Will the couple make it through yet another set of trials and tribulations and come out on top together?

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky to have the opportunity to receive an ALC in return with a honest review.

Accidental Bride by Christina Lollabrigida narrated by Branden Davis-Butler and Jack Calihan. Branden did an amazing job narrating Alessandra’s character; showing how innocent and vulnerable she was. Jack also did a fantastic job bringing Drake’s character come to life, tough and powerful. I am a mafia Roman trope girl. This was my first book I’ve read and listened to by Christina Lollabrigida! This book took me on a rollercoaster ride. I am not much of a fan of 3rd person pov books. Both voice narrators did an amazing job at narrating the story and had me engaged wanting to it more. The book is filled with drama between the main characters Drake, Alessandra but also court drama. (Btw I had jury duty while I was listening to this book which made it even more interesting).

This book had me feeling all types of ways. Shock being the main one and the betrayal throughout of the book kept me wanting more I needed to know especially when it came to Alessandra. My heart broke a couple times when Alessandra was always reminded where her place was. It did kept me at the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen next. Each chapter gave bits and pieces about the characters.

It's a fantastic read! Now I need the second book ASAP. I need to know what happens next!

Tropes:
Mafia
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Arranged Marriage
BDSM
Dirty Talk
Praise

My Rating
3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶


P.S I hope in the second book Alessandra gets revenge on all the people that did her wrong!

If you like dark romance, lots of kinky and spice, force proximity, forced marriage, overcoming triggers for MCs, and not scared of many triggers then this book could be a book for you!

[Cierra Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is wilddddd. Like I can never guess what was happening next. Its such a good story. I found myself sitting in one place for hours just enthralled in the story. I can't get enough of it. It's so crazy. Alessandra and Drake are a matchmade in heaven. She was the girl of his dreams and he was the man of hers. Neither of them able to say the words to the other about it. Once they did it got so much better.

Alessandra was trained to be the perfect woman. The perfect little pawn wife. Women in her family were treated as nothing but a means of control. It was sickening to see how her family treated her. Drake stepped in and did what he could to protect her. She was timid and afraid. Slowly she was able to open up and be herself. Freeing her from always being trapped.

Drake, you've got some secretsssss and horrible taste in women. Riley is god freaking awful. Literally the worst kind of woman. I just know something sketchy was going on with her. I can't freaking wait to see what else becomes of this Drogo thing. So many questions come to mind but I have to wait for the next one to get the answers.

I DONT LIKE CLIFFHANGERS but I love them. Ahhh im so conflicted.

I'm so disappointed in Marcello. That's all I say.

I loveeeee Noahhhh. I love him I love him. He didn't deserve anything that happened to him. Sick sick people I can't wait to see Luca crumple. That ending was NOT OKAY MAN. I'm weak. I need to know what the heck happens.

This was amazing! I definitely recommend!

[Elisabeth Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidental Bride: Legally Bound Duet Book 1 is a story about the daughter of a mafia Don, Alessandra Russo and Drake Walker, the top prosecutor in her brother’s case. While Alessandra believes this is an arranged marriage, it is really a forced marriage to Drake by her father in order to gain the upper hand in her brother’s case.

Alessandra and Drake carry a lot of baggage, and this impacts their relationship. At first, I didn’t care for either character. Alessandra was very naïve, and Drake was a jerk. However, but the middle of the book my feelings changed. I felt bad for Alessandra and was rooting for her to find her strength to stand up and tell everyone to go to h**l. Alessandra was pawn in a game she did not know she was playing with Drake being the master player. He has his own reasons for using her against her family.

While Drake started to come around to wanting to protect his wife instead of hating her, he still had moments when I wanted to slap him. I went from Alessandra being the immature one to Drake. While you see growth in Alessandra’s character toward the end of the book, Drake is still stagnant.

The cliffhanger has me wanting Book 2 to see how the story moves forward. The author’s writing style is easy to follow, and I enjoyed her descriptions of the characters and storytelling. I will be reading Book 2 and other books by her.

[Brandi Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Bride by: Cristina Lollabrigida

This is book one in the Legally Bound Duet.

I found this book on Instagram a short video with some quotes the author had done and I knew then yep, sorry TBR this is the book for me!

Some tropes you will see in this book is
🖤Mafia
🖤Age Gap
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Arranged Marriage
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤BDSM (Dom/Sub, Collaring, Spanking)
🖤Dirty Talk
🖤Praise

In this dark, erotic story we have Drake, the city's top prosecutor who is set to marry for convenience his fiancé. We also have Alessandra who is the daughter of the Magia Don, she is set to have an arranged marriage to strengthen her family's alliance despite her begging not to be made to do this, Alessandra's brother is in some legal trouble and her father sets up Drake and Alessandra to wed, throwing everything off.

From Alessandra's past of years of sexual, emotional and physical abuse and Drakes hardened heart from a love he thought he had you get a beautiful, tragic story full of growth through pain, grief, sexual awakening and ultimately trust in a complete stranger.

The end has me so stressed I need to know what happens next! Looks like book 2, Marriage by Trial will release in October! I'm so excited, if you haven't picked up Cristiana you should!

[Daisy Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Omg 😱 what the heck did I just read?!? And it’s written in third person! How is this book this good?

The way this book is written it draws you in from the very beginning when I tell you, I did not put this book down until I finished it ! That is exactly how good this book is! It does on a cliffhanger, so, at this moment I’m desperate to get the second book!

This book is a slow burn at the beginning, it was definitely worth the wait, it has a little bit of everything:

Troupes
🖤Mafia
🖤Age gap
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤BDSM (dom/sub, collaring, edging and spanking)
🖤Praise
🖤Dirty talk
🖤possessive MMC

Alessandra was forced to marry Drake, her father basically stranded his real fiancé, and put her in place of the fiancé to marry Drake. Which is pretty funny if you think about it.😂 (I might have a dark sense of humor)

They started off as enemies, and slowly started progressing. They both started having feelings. And the way that Drake protects her after he finds out everything that she has been through, I love it.

“Hullabaloo is my safe word. I’m sorry, I’ll be a good girl. I want to please you, Master.”

Let’s talk about the BDSM club, As soon as I read her Safe-word I just knew that this scene was going to cause me to clench my thighs together.