Brutal Power

Love Out of Obligation -
Elena only agreed to the arranged marriage with Brody to help her family, but her body told her she wanted more with him from the moment they met. Brody felt an attraction for Elena from the moment they met, but he tried everything to keep his feelings hidden, as their union was meant to only be for business purposes. However, their relationship changed from platonic to something more after the sparks between them exploded into a volcanic level steamy sexual encounter.

Unfortunately, whilst they were trying to sort out their complicated feelings for each other, they were also trying to navigate the dangerous world of dirty politics, mafia wars and family secrets. However, they were able to get a chance at a happily ever after, by working together with Elena’s family and the authorities to deal with the situation that was threatening their happiness. This was an intriguing romance story with a twist that I never expected, but still made the story a worthwhile reading experience. The story had the perfect amount of angst, suspense and, romance, drama to keep me totally engrossed from the beginning until the end. I am really obsessed with the series and I am looking forward to reading Angelo’s story.

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

Judy

2,039 reviews2 followers

This is the 3rd story in the Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance Series about the Mafia family, the Bianco’s. When Simon the current Don asks Elena to step up and help the family with an arraigned marriage to the Irish, Brody she happily accepts and does her own snooping to see him prior to the ceremony. Brody is new to his position and struggles with his control issues and joining the past and future of his to serve his people. When Elena becomes a part of Brody’s life things begin to change for the better and even more so when they discover their true feelings for one another. Elena has been the one supporting her family at fixing problems and is a great weapon in the political decisions favoring her family. Brody’s family’s connection to the police force have keep them safe and the Bianco family is using his connections to help them. When the war between Sanford and Bianco family becomes personal Brody believes he can end it with the right person taking the responsibility for staring the attack on the Oasis. Brody and Elena have a strong fun and exciting relationship that only continues to grow surrounded by family and when secrets are revealed everyone does what is necessary to keep safe! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Grinning Cat

3,755 reviews122 followers

forced-or-arranged-marriage mafia-princess mob

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Brody and Elena
Genre- Mafia Romance (Mafia and Irish Mob)
Length- 336 pages plus previews
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋 They do the things and visit Australia.
Series? Y
Safety? Y, although a side character cheated in the past
Triggers- language, violence, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Arranged Marriage, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso, Grumpy/Sunshine, The Mafia Princess, Political Art and Science, Simply Mad About the Mob, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Mewsings
This one was good. We finally find out why Santoro hates the Famiglia, and it’s surprising! And the Irish enter the war…
What I liked- Elena is the very definition of Sunshine. Surprisingly, I found this endearing rather than annoying because she is not faking it. She really does care about people. She also gets anxious, which made her more human. And Brody doesn’t know what to do with her, but can’t resist her. For a Bad Guy, Brody really is a good guy. He cares about his people and his family, and he loves Elena to distraction.
I also liked what happened with the major plot arc. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I will say no more about it.

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

CherylB

781 reviews

This is the third book in the Bianco Crime Family. It features Elena Bianco and Brody Quinn. Brody is the head of the Irish Quinn Crime family. He is young for a Don. When his father died of a heart attack it fell to him to hold the family together. They are a smaller outfit in Chicago but have a lot of influence with the police. And the Bianco family needs a lot of help after their “Oasis” was attacked. So Simon arranges a marriage. Elena has no problem with that. She is a fixer by nature and this is just another way to help her family. But she is surprised at how hot her husband is and Brody is surprised at how beautiful his wife is. The attraction is off the charts. But they have several things to work out. And Brody is having trouble with the zoning board. He is surprised at how much Elena can help. But the war is still a problem and things are getting bad. The police are constantly harassing the Biancos. Can they work out their problems? Can Brody help with the war? This story is full of steamy passion and suspense. It has all the feels that I love. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Dora

1,900 reviews13 followers

Elena Bianco, worried about everything and everyone, knew what her value was in the Famiglia and she also knew how to pull the strings so that everything fell into its rightful place. But getting something for her wasn't out of the question and Brody Quinn could be more than a chore, that was if the man lowered his defenses and accepted what they both needed. Irish Don Brody Quinn wanted to follow in his late father's footsteps even when everything seemed to be going uphill. But he knew what needed to be done, he should not be distracted no matter that his thoughts were on what his heart murmured at every moment. I really liked Elena Bianco's strong role in this story. A good match for this man loaded with so many responsibilities. The attraction and verbal challenges between them kept me attentive to the development of their relationship. Quinn was not winning. Love when authors surprise me with unexpected twists and the Santoro-Bianco mystery took me by surprise. Nothing that had crossed my mind. Action, suspense, strong emotions, mystery, intrigue, disappointment, violence, romance and passion. Voluntarily reviewed this copy I received from Booksprout.

K. Smock

1,302 reviews3 followers

The third book in the Bianco crime family series does not disappoint. Elena agrees to marry Brody Quinn to help her family. It is a good alliance. Brody is the newest Don of the Quinn mob. He father died unexpectedly, and he knows marriage will make others in the organization see him as more stable also the connection to the largest Italian crime family doesn't hurt. He is just focused on doing what is best for his family. Elena is the fixer in her family. Instead of thinking of herself she is always thinking of others and when the "Oasis" was attacked she knew they would need help. Having to marry a rather handsome alpha doesn't hurt though he claims it is just an arrangement. Brody doesn't want to like his beautiful bride, but she sneaks in. He is also surprised at her ability to strategize. Will they be able to make it work. There are lots of forces against them. This was a good story that keeps you reading to the last page.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout.

Leslie

722 reviews11 followers

Captivating Arranged Mafia Marriage
Irish Dom Brody Quinn’s marriage to Elena Bianco is about power and getting what each family needs. Not what they themselves need. However, Brody’s grin drives Elena Bianco absolutely freaking crazy. He pisses her off, he’s a grumpy bastard and he’s only nice when he wants something. But he is one good-looking man. She wonders what this man could do to her if she let him. A part of her wants to find out and another part knows that would be a massive mistake. Like he seems so fond of reminding her, their relationship is a business transaction, and while it’s fun to flirt and tease, he’s right she shouldn’t get too attached. And neither should he. This is a steamy arranged mafia romance brimming with passion and suspense. There are definitely some twists and reveals that took me completely by surprise, but made for a riveting read. Cannot wait to read more about the Bianco Crime Family. Still two sibling that need to meet their match.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Coastie Mom

1,450 reviews8 followers

July 11, 2024

An arranged marriage between an Irish Mafia (Quinn family) and the Italian Mafia Princess (Bianco family). The Quinn family is looking for more power and the Bianco family is looking for more backing from the police. Brody Quinn and Elena Bianco are arranged to be married without even meeting, but Elena is a rebel and finds a way to meet her soon to be groom. There is a connection, but neither are willing to succumb, because this is not about love but about business.

Elena is a person who will do anything and everything she can to make sure you are taken care of and outs her needs and wants second. When feelings start clouding their judgements, they both wonder if this could ever be more than a business arrangement. Brody is trying to find a way to help the Bianco family with their problem with the Santoro family – even keeping secrets from them. It is finally revealed why Alessandro Bianco kept letting Santoro get away with the attacks on his family.

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

J.p

1,408 reviews4 followers

The third instalment of the Rossi family saga and this time we have Elena the outgoing, friendly, sassy and loveable member of the Rossi famiglia. In order to help the family she agrees to marry an outsider, the Don of the Irish mafia Brody Quinn. For the good of the Irish mafia Brody also needs to marry an outsider therefore for convenience only agrees to marry Elena, but he wasn’t expecting to be so attracted to her, their mutual chemistry is not something he needs but they both have needs and soon they give in to those needs. Brody is a decent man but when needs must he can be tough, her family is now his family. In these tough and dangerous times will their marriage of convenience become more? Has Elena thawed out the tough Irish man? Love the closeness of both these families. Enjoyed this, Elena and Brody are a special couple, chalk and cheese personality wise but their heat is undeniable. On to Angelos story now.

Ms. Shawn

2,144 reviews7 followers

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Elena Bianco is ordered by her brother Simon, the Don of the Bianco family, to marry Brody Quinn. Brody is 35 years old, a successful lawyer and the head of his family’s criminal organization.

The Bianco Family is still dealing with Luciano Santoro and the mess that he created when he attacked “The Oasis”. None of the Bianco children understand why their father has always protected Luciano. I was shocked when the truth was revealed.

Elena is always the one in the family trying to help and fix things between everyone. She doesn’t realize that it is okay to let someone take care of her once in a while. Brody wants to be in control of his emotions at all times. He keeps his emotions tucked away to make sure that he is perceived as a strong leader.

Elena and Brody were definitely two of my favorites. They were very much a power couple, helping each other, throughout the book.

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

Claudia, Cmarie927

2,068 reviews41 followers

July 19, 2024

This is a continuation of the storyline that began with Davide Bianco, and his new wife, Stefania Rossi.
(Hopefully you have already enjoyed the Rossi series, and understand this arranged union.)

The next brother Simon Bianco, is the new Don and his quest to keep his family safe from Luciano is getting more dangerous at every moment. And his fake marriage deal with Emily just got real.

Now it's Elena's turn to step up and do her duty (as a Bianco) to strengthen the forces taking down Luciano Santoro, by marrying Brody Quinn, the leader of a politically powerful Irish family.

I REALLY enjoyed this story!! Elena is sunshiney caregiver, always concerned about others. Brody accepts that this marriage arrangement benefits his family and decides to keep her at arm's length. (But she's not having it! Love it!!)

I read this in one sitting, as it's got all the things we LOVE about this author's works...
Drama, betrayals, violence, family loyalty, and steamy chemistry between these two.

I absolutely Did Not See the twists and turns coming in this storyline, or how things resolved!! I recommend this author and this series.
It's soo good!!

Anni Barkla

230 reviews5 followers

Outstanding read!

Yet again BB has nailed the Bianco mafia familia story, every single book- is the gift that keeps on giving. All the brute strength of the brothers continues again in Brutal Power, however this time its sister Elena that has agreed to an arranged marriage to help the family with connections. Elena being her usual self, will not walk into marriage blindly without first at least making sure Brody Quinn is up to scratch. ( And boy is he 🔥🔥)

This book has the ongoing family feud with “uncle” Santorini, a heap of dramatic mafia twists and turns a lot of spice 🌶️ and feels, an amazingly awesome plot twist that you so don’t see coming, brilliant ending, and once again- unputdownable! BB is a queen with this series, and she did not fail to knock it out of the ball park! LOVED it so much,. Thank you again B.B for allowing me to read this awesome story.

Lorie

810 reviews5 followers

Learning To Trust
Absolutely Amazing story. The Bianco series just keeps getting better and better! Elena is offered up as the prize to the Don of the Irish mob, Brody, in exchange for their assistance in the war. Little does everyone know that Elena is going to be right in her element dealing with fussy, grumbly people that only need to be smoozed into doing what Elena wants them to think is their own ideas. Get ready to chuckle and grin at the goings on that moves the day to day events onward. Will Elena and Brody ever become more than a married couple? Will the war with Santoro ever end or will more people have to die? Lots of unanswered questions along with many new twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next book! Hurry.

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

11.6k reviews49 followers

Arranged marriage with spicy fun

Brutal Power is the third book in the Bianca Mafia Family series. This story is about Elena Bianco and Brody Quinn. She is the sister in the family and he is the head of his Irish Mob family. When both family's see the ability to bond together to get what they both want it requires an arranged marriage. Thus Eleana and Brody are going to be married. But he will want more and she is about to find out just what that will mean. What these two start to realize is that they both have strengths which can be used together to get what they want and that will include a real marriage and future.
I enjoyed this third book in the series. I liked the writing, the story is nicely crafted, and the characters are well developed. There are several things happening in both family's but it all comes together in a wonderful way.

Jeanne

2,333 reviews7 followers

July 14, 2024

Arranged marriage that is a lot less comfortable at the beginning than the previous books. Brody is not exactly friendly to Elena. I didn’t really understand why she thought she would get her way all the time—and that really is what she thought. She is very good at what she does though, making Brody’s job easier when he understands how she works. Brody is very sweet when he wants to be. He tries to work with her, make her comfortable and happy. He is better at compromise. I like that he is willing to go all in with her family. The truth of the past with Santoro blew my mind. I did not see that coming. The resolution of that situation was very sad. I like that things were talked out before that resolution.

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

Stephanie Abeyta

301 reviews5 followers

June 2, 2025

technically she runs everything

If you really think about it. Elena runs everything. She isn’t the Don but she has more influence then both Boss/Dons put together. This book is about her influence and the great lengths she goes to take care of her family.

The war comes to a conclusion and what a damn plot twist that was.

I liked the Irish and I hope we get a spin off there. (Actually I think we do eventually) - the family aspect was just like the Rossi but more community based. Revolving door of the public.

Corrupt lawyers are a definite new angle in the mafia book world. Loved seeing them get their hands a little dirty.

Spice was a good slow burn till 40% - chili was a good 3/5 chilis.

Rosemary

1,612 reviews6 followers

July 7, 2024

This is Elena Bianco and Brody Quinn's story and what a story they have. Their story is that their arranged marriage is to bring tother the Italian Mafia and the Irish Mafia but the attraction between the two is like fireworks from the start! The war between the Bianco family and the Santoro mafia is ongoing and the HUGE of the reason why the two mafia's have been fighting is revealed near the end and what a surprise. I hope there are more stories about the remaining Bianco and Quinn's siblings in the works as I am thoroughly addicted to learning more about these two families!.

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

Ellen Mills

1,553 reviews10 followers

July 8, 2024

I loved Elena & Brody's will they won't they love story not wanting to put it down. Brody was only marrying Eleba to forge an alliance with the Bianco family & any relationship between them was purely business & in name only however Elena was a strong independent woman who had played a main part in her family's business & was not going to sit in the background.
It was great seeing how their relationship evolved & Brody admitting he did actually have a heart but there was shocking revelation that nobody had seen coming but explained everything for the Bianco family.
I can't wait for the next book.

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

Debbie Brown

2,043 reviews18 followers

July 8, 2024

Elena Bianco's brother, Don Simon Bianco, has told her she'll marry Brody Quinn to better the Irish mafia with Brody's connection in the police department. The Bianco family is trying to strengthen the family they're at war and under attack as the war continues with former Uncle Santoro. A fun story as Elena feels like the marriage is a contract and there's no reason to be a real wife, to live with her husband, so it's a marriage in name only, but she can't help falling for the handsome young man. It's fun to see previous couples Davide & Stephanie and Simon and Cat. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kathi

3,071 reviews17 followers

A Daughter of the Bianco Crime Family!!

The Biancho brothers are all married, now daughter Elena is matched for business reasons. As she stalks her intended to see if he is worthy, sparks fly! Jumping back into stories about this family is a riveting and romantic place.

Brody Quinn is an Irish lawyer. He has a large family, and has special contacts within the police rather than wage war as the Biancho’s tend to do. Now they have a common enemy. Incendiary chemistry and edge-of-your-seat action make this a one-sitting read!!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

Michele

1,904 reviews9 followers