What do you think?
Rate this book
Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #0
Luca Vitiello
I was born a monster. Cruelty ran in my veins like poison. It ran in the veins of every Vitiello man, passed on from father to son, an endless spiral of monstrosity. A born monster shaped into an even worse monster by my father’s blade and fists and harsh words. I was raised to become Capo, to rule without mercy, to dish out brutality without a second thought. Raised to break others. When Aria was given to me in marriage, everyone waited with baited breath to see how fast I’d break her like my father broke his women. How I’d crush her innocence and kindness with the force of my cruelty. Breaking her would have taken little effort. It came naturally to me. I was gladly the monster everyone feared. Until her.
Author's note: Bound By Honor in Luca's POV.
Author's note: Bound By Honor in Luca's POV.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2019
1972 people are currently reading
19904 people want to read
About the author
Cora Reilly
49 books29.2k followersI'm an Mafia Romance writer. I'm a lover of good food, wine, travel and books, and I'm hopelessly addicted to bad boys (in books).
If you are a fan of audiobooks, many of my books are already available as audios & on Audible:
https://books.apple.com/us/author/cor...
Join my Instagram Group on Instagram.
If you want to be notified of new releases and cover reveals, AND get the occasional bonus, then you should sign up for my
Newsletter!
or sign up for my masterlist!
If you are a fan of audiobooks, many of my books are already available as audios & on Audible:
https://books.apple.com/us/author/cor...
Join my Instagram Group on Instagram.
If you want to be notified of new releases and cover reveals, AND get the occasional bonus, then you should sign up for my
Newsletter!
or sign up for my masterlist!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 2,287 reviews
May 1, 2023
5 Completely Biased Stars
If you have followed me for any length of time, you will know that I have a soft spot for Cora Reilly, specifically as applied to this series and her Camorra series. But it's a twisty road of sorts.
This has been my reading experience with almost all the books in both these series:
I'll read the book once and rate it about three stars.
I'll feel a hankering for some alpha-holes and mafia and think of this book again.
I'll read it again and decide it's worthy of an upgrade to four stars.
Time will pass and I will re-read it again during another mafia hankering.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Then fuck it, I'll say. Five stars.
And there you have it, my Cora Reilly mafia reading pattern.
Needless to say, being that this is a retelling of the events of book one (which I have read and re-read so many times it would be embarrassing if I was prone to embarrassment) from Luca's POV, I was pretty sure I would like it. But retellings also always come with the risk of completely ruining the original story, which I why I put off reading this for so long and then actually forgot about it completely.
But I digress.
I adored every minute of this thing. It was like re-reading a favorite for the first time again, but better.
If you have followed me for any length of time, you will know that I have a soft spot for Cora Reilly, specifically as applied to this series and her Camorra series. But it's a twisty road of sorts.
This has been my reading experience with almost all the books in both these series:
I'll read the book once and rate it about three stars.
I'll feel a hankering for some alpha-holes and mafia and think of this book again.
I'll read it again and decide it's worthy of an upgrade to four stars.
Time will pass and I will re-read it again during another mafia hankering.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Then fuck it, I'll say. Five stars.
And there you have it, my Cora Reilly mafia reading pattern.
Needless to say, being that this is a retelling of the events of book one (which I have read and re-read so many times it would be embarrassing if I was prone to embarrassment) from Luca's POV, I was pretty sure I would like it. But retellings also always come with the risk of completely ruining the original story, which I why I put off reading this for so long and then actually forgot about it completely.
But I digress.
I adored every minute of this thing. It was like re-reading a favorite for the first time again, but better.
January 24, 2021
Yeah so I came here for closure but what did I get?
For once in my life,
This WAS my expectations :
BUT The Reality :
But the cheating part
I was dreading reading this book for the last few months. I was really nervous and didn’t have enough courage to go through the pain again.
Damn!!! I expected Cora Reilly will be so shallow about it!!!
Because this quote-
-is the definition of shallow and low. This quote literally tore me apart in Bound by Honor.
Thankfully it was not the case
Because it was implied in Bound by Honor as if "Luca couldn’t keep it in his pants"
But No!! It was -
Miscommunication and misunderstanding :
Luca didn’t think Aria will ever accept their Marriage and I am talking about forever here.
Considering her constant fear and lack of interest and
he thought he eventually has to take her by force to consummate their marriage so he decided it will better to keep a distance.
I mean I understand he was fearing his married life will be like his father's and Aria will turn out like birth mom or Nina.
But I have a feeling even if he wouldn’t get caught he would have come around and confessed to Aria Everything.
The only way I would ever forgive cheating if my beloved hero is heavily drug-induced
Or both main characters were in the Animosity Phase. But in this book, I dare to say it made sense to me. He is not your regular guy. He is made man and he gave me the best Groveling possible. More than half of the book is about Groveling. So yeah I would have given him a second chance.
If I haven’t made it clear enough in my review of BBH I will say it again The cheating in this book is so tough for me whenever there is mention of she-who-shall-not-be-named (because eww makes me nauseous and murderous) all I wanna do is curled up in a protective ball.
I love Luca so much reason why it's just too much for me to handle.
Anyway, I loved to stay in Luca's Head.
I feel oddly protected with him.
Not only that he makes feel desired, cherished, treasured, and most importantly loved 💕
I Love how he never miss any detail about Aria. His perdurable attention, his caveman tendencies, the way he makes sure of Aria's security I love it so much.
Also, I didn't know my man had a dark sense of humor? Dang I was missing out cz that's enticing 🤫
This book is really entertaining because the banter between Luca and Matt is Golden.
It's dang hilarious 😆
I didn't think this book would be a page-turner because obviously, I know the story
But it was a page turner. It was like I was reading a new Story . So I will pass some credibility to the author for that.
In short I would say Luca is not a hero
He is an Anti Hero through and through.
And...."what are villains my dear friends if not misunderstood Heroes" 🖤
Happy Reading xoxo
For once in my life,
This WAS my expectations :
BUT The Reality :
But the cheating part
I was dreading reading this book for the last few months. I was really nervous and didn’t have enough courage to go through the pain again.
Damn!!! I expected Cora Reilly will be so shallow about it!!!
Because this quote-
“How can I be cheating when we don’t have a real marriage? I can’t even fuck my own wife. Do you think I’ll live like a monk until you decide you can stand my closeness?”
-is the definition of shallow and low. This quote literally tore me apart in Bound by Honor.
Thankfully it was not the case
Because it was implied in Bound by Honor as if "Luca couldn’t keep it in his pants"
But No!! It was -
Miscommunication and misunderstanding :
Luca didn’t think Aria will ever accept their Marriage and I am talking about forever here.
Considering her constant fear and lack of interest and
he thought he eventually has to take her by force to consummate their marriage so he decided it will better to keep a distance.
I mean I understand he was fearing his married life will be like his father's and Aria will turn out like birth mom or Nina.
But I have a feeling even if he wouldn’t get caught he would have come around and confessed to Aria Everything.
The only way I would ever forgive cheating if my beloved hero is heavily drug-induced
Or both main characters were in the Animosity Phase. But in this book, I dare to say it made sense to me. He is not your regular guy. He is made man and he gave me the best Groveling possible. More than half of the book is about Groveling. So yeah I would have given him a second chance.
If I haven’t made it clear enough in my review of BBH I will say it again The cheating in this book is so tough for me whenever there is mention of she-who-shall-not-be-named (because eww makes me nauseous and murderous) all I wanna do is curled up in a protective ball.
I love Luca so much reason why it's just too much for me to handle.
Anyway, I loved to stay in Luca's Head.
I feel oddly protected with him.
“Before your death, you will call her queen.”
Not only that he makes feel desired, cherished, treasured, and most importantly loved 💕
I Love how he never miss any detail about Aria. His perdurable attention, his caveman tendencies, the way he makes sure of Aria's security I love it so much.
Also, I didn't know my man had a dark sense of humor? Dang I was missing out cz that's enticing 🤫
This book is really entertaining because the banter between Luca and Matt is Golden.
It's dang hilarious 😆
I didn't think this book would be a page-turner because obviously, I know the story
But it was a page turner. It was like I was reading a new Story . So I will pass some credibility to the author for that.
In short I would say Luca is not a hero
He is an Anti Hero through and through.
And...."what are villains my dear friends if not misunderstood Heroes" 🖤
Happy Reading xoxo
March 17, 2020
3.5 stars ✧
reading this just cuz i really wanna know why the f Luca cheated.
did i understand it? yeah.
did i like it? nahh
but did i like this more than the original book? hell yeah.
ok so we all know mafia world is weird and unconventional. in other words, a hypocritical, misogynistic, patriarchal world where men go on and on about loyalty and honor and how they take it seriously that they even die from it but also cheat on their wives at the same time...
ANYWAYS.
so i understand why some people might think Luca didn't cheat because even though they were married (arranged), they weren't even in a relationship relationship. i get it, i totally do. and that's why i wasn't even that mad about the whole thing but it just really bugged me how he was more annoyed that he got caught and Aria had to see him having sex with another woman, than the actual cheating. now THAT got me mad. i can't remember if he truly apologized but did he say the words "im sorry". but for anyone who's curious, here's the scene:
reason why he cheated? because Aria would always flinch and act scared when it comes to sex and romantic affection in general and it reminded him of his father whenever Aria shows fear because his mother used to look at his father like that. he grew up hearing his mother getting (tw) raped and abused by his dad, so i guess he didn't want to show his "dark side" to Aria since she's so pure and innocent. and, again, another reason is because of his needs. meaning, he's horny af and his own wife won't do anything about it.
listen, listen. i understand his pov but yeahh. i didn't like it. i mean come on, this is mafia. so whatever moral standards that i normally look for in other H's, i know it wouldn't be the same when it comes to mafia H's but honestly, i've read worse and they're not even in the mafia genre so imo, this was pretty tame.
but this was way better than the original mainly because there's an actual plot and the way Luca was thinking about Aria in his inner monologue was actually pretty swoony. he was definitely way WAY more likeable here than in the original because whenever he would say something bossy or annoying, he would contradict his statements with his thoughts that are, again, swoony af.
and he really did treat her like a queen. i LOVE when H's call the h's queens and proceeds to treat them like one. like, yes.
anyways, i don't know if i should continue reading this series or just skip to the camorra chronicles because mafia isn't really a favorite genre of mine but the hype and praise and my type A/virgo personality just makes me wanna read EVERYTHING.
do y'all see my struggle??
"Born in Blood. Sworn in Blood.
reading this just cuz i really wanna know why the f Luca cheated.
did i understand it? yeah.
did i like it? nahh
but did i like this more than the original book? hell yeah.
ok so we all know mafia world is weird and unconventional. in other words, a hypocritical, misogynistic, patriarchal world where men go on and on about loyalty and honor and how they take it seriously that they even die from it but also cheat on their wives at the same time...
ANYWAYS.
so i understand why some people might think Luca didn't cheat because even though they were married (arranged), they weren't even in a relationship relationship. i get it, i totally do. and that's why i wasn't even that mad about the whole thing but it just really bugged me how he was more annoyed that he got caught and Aria had to see him having sex with another woman, than the actual cheating. now THAT got me mad. i can't remember if he truly apologized but did he say the words "im sorry". but for anyone who's curious, here's the scene:
“I tried to imagine it was Aria, tried to imagine her flowery scent, but Grace’s sweet perfume clogged up my nose and her moans kept distracting me.
My grip on her hips tightened further and I thrust harder into her, but I could actually feel myself soften at her fucking view. That had never happened, not with anyone.
I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t have to see the woman before me, and instead an image of the woman I really wanted formed before my inner eye.
“Yes! Harder!” Grace screamed, and I almost snarled at her to shut the fuck up. Instead, I tightened my hold on her hips and slammed into her, anger consuming my veins. What the fuck was I doing?”
reason why he cheated? because Aria would always flinch and act scared when it comes to sex and romantic affection in general and it reminded him of his father whenever Aria shows fear because his mother used to look at his father like that. he grew up hearing his mother getting (tw) raped and abused by his dad, so i guess he didn't want to show his "dark side" to Aria since she's so pure and innocent. and, again, another reason is because of his needs. meaning, he's horny af and his own wife won't do anything about it.
listen, listen. i understand his pov but yeahh. i didn't like it. i mean come on, this is mafia. so whatever moral standards that i normally look for in other H's, i know it wouldn't be the same when it comes to mafia H's but honestly, i've read worse and they're not even in the mafia genre so imo, this was pretty tame.
but this was way better than the original mainly because there's an actual plot and the way Luca was thinking about Aria in his inner monologue was actually pretty swoony. he was definitely way WAY more likeable here than in the original because whenever he would say something bossy or annoying, he would contradict his statements with his thoughts that are, again, swoony af.
"Aria was a queen, and nobody would treat her as anything less than that."
and he really did treat her like a queen. i LOVE when H's call the h's queens and proceeds to treat them like one. like, yes.
anyways, i don't know if i should continue reading this series or just skip to the camorra chronicles because mafia isn't really a favorite genre of mine but the hype and praise and my type A/virgo personality just makes me wanna read EVERYTHING.
do y'all see my struggle??
not-sure-if-i-ll-read-it
June 17, 2019A glimpse into Luca's childhood & teenage years as well as the events from Bound By Honor in his POV.
Does this mean that this is a full novel?
Which will include Luca's life before Aria and then it will retell the events of Bound By Honor from Luca's POV?
In all honesty, I don't really think that we need it. I would much rather see new characters. And I cannot imagine myself suffering through another book full of Aria.
If it were just a short novella about Luca's childhood and teenage years, I would find that intriguing. However, the different POV on Bound By Honor is a no for me.
Does this mean that this is a full novel?
Which will include Luca's life before Aria and then it will retell the events of Bound By Honor from Luca's POV?
In all honesty, I don't really think that we need it. I would much rather see new characters. And I cannot imagine myself suffering through another book full of Aria.
If it were just a short novella about Luca's childhood and teenage years, I would find that intriguing. However, the different POV on Bound By Honor is a no for me.
September 26, 2025
— cora reilly thinks making her hero say over & over again how BEAUTIFUL and HOT and TIGHT the heroine is, means he loves her, and that will make us forget he's a cheater...
— cora reilly confuses lust with love. heroine has a pussy, but so does every other women, just cause he wants to fuck her, doesnt make her special...
(as shown by the fact that he cheated on her... with another woman he also wanted to fuck...)
so, wanting to fuck her is not love, cora reilly... yes, lust is great for the smut, but this is a romance book, where is the romance?
— yes, she is beautiful, the most beautiful girl in cosa nostra or the world or New York, or whatever, we get it, you've said it a hundred quadrillion times... but when are we gonna get to the ROMANCE part...? You know, the VERY genre this book is categorized under...
— cora reilly thinks making her hero call other women sluts and whores will make us forget that he cheated on the heroine with those so called "whores" and "sluts."
— cora reilly thinks making her hero start cheating 3 days into their marriage, and making the heroine give in and not needing an apology from him, will make us forget that the hero is a piece of cheating trash and that the heroine is a piece of cardboard and a doormat...
— cora reilly thinks we would find this hero charming:
a man who cheats on his wife, shows no remorse, and tracks down the two women who showed the wife that he's a cheater, tracks them down to intimidate them, not because he's sorry he cheated, but because they made his wife find out...
— again, cora reilly thinks having the hero repeat how PURE and INNOCENT, and fuckable the heroine is, how she is HIS TO PROTECT, TO FUCK, AND TO OWN is all the romance we need...
— these words don't even sound romantic coming from a lovable hero, let a alone a cheating one...
In what world...?
— cora reilly romanticizes misogyny...
— cora reilly wrote one of the worst books of all time.
Best quote of the book:
"Aria deserves to be treated like a queen."
And that quote came from the man who treated her like a piece of shit by cheating on her, and ignoring her from when she was 15...
— cora reilly confuses lust with love. heroine has a pussy, but so does every other women, just cause he wants to fuck her, doesnt make her special...
(as shown by the fact that he cheated on her... with another woman he also wanted to fuck...)
so, wanting to fuck her is not love, cora reilly... yes, lust is great for the smut, but this is a romance book, where is the romance?
— yes, she is beautiful, the most beautiful girl in cosa nostra or the world or New York, or whatever, we get it, you've said it a hundred quadrillion times... but when are we gonna get to the ROMANCE part...? You know, the VERY genre this book is categorized under...
— cora reilly thinks making her hero call other women sluts and whores will make us forget that he cheated on the heroine with those so called "whores" and "sluts."
— cora reilly thinks making her hero start cheating 3 days into their marriage, and making the heroine give in and not needing an apology from him, will make us forget that the hero is a piece of cheating trash and that the heroine is a piece of cardboard and a doormat...
— cora reilly thinks we would find this hero charming:
a man who cheats on his wife, shows no remorse, and tracks down the two women who showed the wife that he's a cheater, tracks them down to intimidate them, not because he's sorry he cheated, but because they made his wife find out...
— again, cora reilly thinks having the hero repeat how PURE and INNOCENT, and fuckable the heroine is, how she is HIS TO PROTECT, TO FUCK, AND TO OWN is all the romance we need...
— these words don't even sound romantic coming from a lovable hero, let a alone a cheating one...
In what world...?
— cora reilly romanticizes misogyny...
— cora reilly wrote one of the worst books of all time.
Best quote of the book:
"Aria deserves to be treated like a queen."
And that quote came from the man who treated her like a piece of shit by cheating on her, and ignoring her from when she was 15...
June 25, 2019
❤️5 stars ❤️
I devour it, it was simply amazing and imagine that still I haven’t read Bound by Honor so I need to read it immediately! I didn’t expect to like it so much but I was hooked and I couldn’t get enough of Aria and Luca!
“I wanted more than that. With Aria, I simply wanted. I wanted all of her, every little thing, not just her body, also her smiles and her closeness and her astonished gasps and breathless moans. I tightened my arm around her.”
I read this one in one sitting, it was fast paced , sexy, intense and hot! Luca and Aria didn’t start very well but in the time this changed and they have an amazing connection and you could feel their love for each other!
Now I’m intrigued and excited to read the rest books!
I devour it, it was simply amazing and imagine that still I haven’t read Bound by Honor so I need to read it immediately! I didn’t expect to like it so much but I was hooked and I couldn’t get enough of Aria and Luca!
“I wanted more than that. With Aria, I simply wanted. I wanted all of her, every little thing, not just her body, also her smiles and her closeness and her astonished gasps and breathless moans. I tightened my arm around her.”
I read this one in one sitting, it was fast paced , sexy, intense and hot! Luca and Aria didn’t start very well but in the time this changed and they have an amazing connection and you could feel their love for each other!
Now I’m intrigued and excited to read the rest books!
June 23, 2019
"She knew what I was, and for some reason that made me want to be good to her, to show her that there was more than brutality. At least when she was concerned."
When I was reading Bound by Honor long time ago I’ve dreamed about learning Luca's thoughts and my prayers have been finally answered! Cora Reilly gave the voice to her hottest mobster, who makes us fall in love with him again. But this book is not just Luca and Aria’s love story from his point of view. It’s also an insight into his past and informations about the monumental events that have an impact on his character and made him lethal and violent Capo. But the most important thing - Luca Vitiello is the image of his developing feelings towards the innocent Aria Scuderi- a woman who was first his wife and later the love of his life.
Cora Reilly perfectly illustrated every Luca’s thought. I was hooked with every single one sentence that was on the pages of this story and I still crave more. Luca is the type of anti-hero who can’t not be loved. Although he’s a bad guy, we’re still looking for good qualities in him. And his POV gives us many reasons for our worship for his character to grow even more. Because he's so much more than a cruel, violent and merciless monster he was raised to be.
Luca Vitiello is a story that has developed in a ruthless and brutal mafia world. It's blood, sweat, tears and fear. But it’s also a proof that even if you feel unworthy and undeserving, you can still find this one person who will love you unconditionally, no matter what. Just like Luca found Aria. It also shows us that love can make you stronger, not weaker. Their story, though challenging and risky, is one of the most beautiful I have ever read. And this book only strengthened me in this opinion.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
When I was reading Bound by Honor long time ago I’ve dreamed about learning Luca's thoughts and my prayers have been finally answered! Cora Reilly gave the voice to her hottest mobster, who makes us fall in love with him again. But this book is not just Luca and Aria’s love story from his point of view. It’s also an insight into his past and informations about the monumental events that have an impact on his character and made him lethal and violent Capo. But the most important thing - Luca Vitiello is the image of his developing feelings towards the innocent Aria Scuderi- a woman who was first his wife and later the love of his life.
Cora Reilly perfectly illustrated every Luca’s thought. I was hooked with every single one sentence that was on the pages of this story and I still crave more. Luca is the type of anti-hero who can’t not be loved. Although he’s a bad guy, we’re still looking for good qualities in him. And his POV gives us many reasons for our worship for his character to grow even more. Because he's so much more than a cruel, violent and merciless monster he was raised to be.
Luca Vitiello is a story that has developed in a ruthless and brutal mafia world. It's blood, sweat, tears and fear. But it’s also a proof that even if you feel unworthy and undeserving, you can still find this one person who will love you unconditionally, no matter what. Just like Luca found Aria. It also shows us that love can make you stronger, not weaker. Their story, though challenging and risky, is one of the most beautiful I have ever read. And this book only strengthened me in this opinion.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2019
This is a re-telling of Bound by Honor, but told entirely from the H's perspective.
There isn't much new information to add, except for Luca's childhood years and his role in his evil father's death. The rest of the storyline remained the same, but it was extra enlightening to see that the H was a lot more sensitive and vulnerable than we'd been led to expect in both Bound by Honor and the sequel, Bound by Love.
Readers of the series already know about the infamous skanky OW, Grace and her part in the novel. In light of this, it's basically redundant for me to write further details. Those who are new to the series, will find detailed reviews on both BBH and BBL, with the accompanying details/spoilers.
There isn't much new information to add, except for Luca's childhood years and his role in his evil father's death. The rest of the storyline remained the same, but it was extra enlightening to see that the H was a lot more sensitive and vulnerable than we'd been led to expect in both Bound by Honor and the sequel, Bound by Love.
Readers of the series already know about the infamous skanky OW, Grace and her part in the novel. In light of this, it's basically redundant for me to write further details. Those who are new to the series, will find detailed reviews on both BBH and BBL, with the accompanying details/spoilers.
August 24, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.25 stars
I love books in the hero’s point of view! I find it way more interesting since I am a girl so I more understand the heroine’s view. It is also pretty unique since not all authors do have a male point of view in their romance books, especially a whole book. Fiona Davenport has the Love novella series where all the books are in the hero’s point of view.
This was probably my favorite or second favorite hero’s point of view after Walking Disaster. It was super well-written, fit into the parameters of the story, and seemed pretty realistic.
I adore the romance between Aria and Luca, it is so perfect and well done.
I was really annoyed by Grace. More in this book than in Bound by Honor.
All in all, a great mafia book in the hero’s point of view!
I love books in the hero’s point of view! I find it way more interesting since I am a girl so I more understand the heroine’s view. It is also pretty unique since not all authors do have a male point of view in their romance books, especially a whole book. Fiona Davenport has the Love novella series where all the books are in the hero’s point of view.
This was probably my favorite or second favorite hero’s point of view after Walking Disaster. It was super well-written, fit into the parameters of the story, and seemed pretty realistic.
I adore the romance between Aria and Luca, it is so perfect and well done.
I was really annoyed by Grace. More in this book than in Bound by Honor.
All in all, a great mafia book in the hero’s point of view!
September 8, 2019
***4 "Luca Vitiello is addictive!!!! stars***
...I was gladly the monster everyone feared. Until her. Until Aria...
And that's the honest truth, guys!!!! Luca Vitiello is addictive and you're never going to get bored by seeing him around in the books of this series!!!!
Yes, we have heard his POV again in "Bound by love", but that book was after...
This book was before and during the events of the first book in the series, "Bound by honor"...
I love this man and i loved that i found out more about him...
Nope, his dark side didn't bother me at all... It just made him more human in my eyes!!!
This was Luca's story since he was a child and he had to witness his mother's death!!!
We found out more about him and how he became the most ruthless person in the Famiglia..
He was born to be a Capo, and even though it was his given right, he had to work hard to become the head of the famiglia...
His father was a soulless monster, and he inflicted to Luca and Matteo that love was a weakness..
Luca was dark, dangerous and lethal... He had no feelings, he had no heart... Until her!!!!
"It was still strange to think that she was really mine, that she would be mine until the very end. This wasn't for one night or a few weeks of mindless pleasure. This wasn't no-strings-attached. This was forever, for both of us."
I loved that we saw the effect that Aria had into Luca.. I loved the slowly progress between them to become something more than two people who were forced into a marriage of convenience!!!
What didn't I like???
All these sexual frustration that Luca was having through the book!!! It got me tired a little bit...
But except that, i loved that we saw some other aspects of him and his life and i liked being inside his head!!!!
I'm always loving Cora Reilly's stories and her mafia world... I just can't get enough of this bunch!!!
I'm just sorry, even though extremely grateful, that i couldn't meet the deadline of this ARC, cause i'm having personal issues that were delaying me!!!
Well, i can't wait for the next story!!!!
"As I met Aria’s loving gaze, I knew that she was my greatest victory. Only she brought happiness into days of blood and violence, only she could fill my dark world with light."
***ARC provided for the exchange of an honest review***
...I was gladly the monster everyone feared. Until her. Until Aria...
And that's the honest truth, guys!!!! Luca Vitiello is addictive and you're never going to get bored by seeing him around in the books of this series!!!!
Yes, we have heard his POV again in "Bound by love", but that book was after...
This book was before and during the events of the first book in the series, "Bound by honor"...
I love this man and i loved that i found out more about him...
Nope, his dark side didn't bother me at all... It just made him more human in my eyes!!!
This was Luca's story since he was a child and he had to witness his mother's death!!!
We found out more about him and how he became the most ruthless person in the Famiglia..
He was born to be a Capo, and even though it was his given right, he had to work hard to become the head of the famiglia...
His father was a soulless monster, and he inflicted to Luca and Matteo that love was a weakness..
Luca was dark, dangerous and lethal... He had no feelings, he had no heart... Until her!!!!
"It was still strange to think that she was really mine, that she would be mine until the very end. This wasn't for one night or a few weeks of mindless pleasure. This wasn't no-strings-attached. This was forever, for both of us."
I loved that we saw the effect that Aria had into Luca.. I loved the slowly progress between them to become something more than two people who were forced into a marriage of convenience!!!
What didn't I like???
All these sexual frustration that Luca was having through the book!!! It got me tired a little bit...
But except that, i loved that we saw some other aspects of him and his life and i liked being inside his head!!!!
I'm always loving Cora Reilly's stories and her mafia world... I just can't get enough of this bunch!!!
I'm just sorry, even though extremely grateful, that i couldn't meet the deadline of this ARC, cause i'm having personal issues that were delaying me!!!
Well, i can't wait for the next story!!!!
"As I met Aria’s loving gaze, I knew that she was my greatest victory. Only she brought happiness into days of blood and violence, only she could fill my dark world with light."
***ARC provided for the exchange of an honest review***
January 13, 2023
2.75 stars
this shouldve been the OG first book, and i wouldnt have been so discouraged to read the rest of the series. while my opinions on Aria havent changed, i liked and understand Luka much better in this book. i also feel like it wasnt as uneventful as the original.
p.s. this was initially read a few years ago but was never updated on my Goodreads shelf until now. i finally binge read the whole series these past few days, but im too lazy to re-read this. im unable to provide further comments as ive already forgotten most of the minor details.
(read as an audiobook)
this shouldve been the OG first book, and i wouldnt have been so discouraged to read the rest of the series. while my opinions on Aria havent changed, i liked and understand Luka much better in this book. i also feel like it wasnt as uneventful as the original.
p.s. this was initially read a few years ago but was never updated on my Goodreads shelf until now. i finally binge read the whole series these past few days, but im too lazy to re-read this. im unable to provide further comments as ive already forgotten most of the minor details.
(read as an audiobook)
February 5, 2025
This is Bound in blood but this time told completely from Luca POV and it was something I was really looking forward to experiencing, basically filling in the blanks and getting some perspective into Luca’s mindset and actions and though I’ve rated this the same it did have a slight edge for me with my enjoyment factor.
You really got to understand just how deeply Luca was feeling towards Aria.
His inner monologue explained a lot and though I still hate what he did in the initial days of his marriage I did get much more of an insight into the whys of it all.
I don’t forgive him quite yet but I do get it.
I still wish Grace got more of a comeuppance though she got off so lightly as did Luca.
Here you really do get to realise that Luca really cares about Aria and for him despite his vows in blood she is his first priority.
So this is basically a rehash of bound in blood just with a few extra scenes thrown in that weren’t in the original.
But despite that, I really enjoyed it and feel like I know Luca so much better for it.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 29, 2019
After reading Luca Vitiello I can honestly say I don't think I could love Cora Reilly's words more than I do right now. She provided some much needed insight into the man, the leader and the Capo that we have always loved but with so much breathtaking depth that it was nothing less than captivating. The picture she painted of him with his painful and strict and often brutal childhood was so vivid and rich in details and emotion. I loved every brilliant word!
More than anything I loved being in Luca's head to see and experience his thoughts and feelings for Aria. Everything you thought you knew from Bound By Honor was magnified a hundred times as the words, thoughts and emotions he had allowed us to see to the heart of the invincible man. I adored this story! Reilly absolutely knocked it out of the park! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
More than anything I loved being in Luca's head to see and experience his thoughts and feelings for Aria. Everything you thought you knew from Bound By Honor was magnified a hundred times as the words, thoughts and emotions he had allowed us to see to the heart of the invincible man. I adored this story! Reilly absolutely knocked it out of the park! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
July 24, 2020
I really enjoy mafia romance and Cora Reilly is one of my favorite authors. This book gives us Luca Vitiello's backstory and the events of Bound by honor from his perspective.
Luca is a ruthless capo. I loved his relationship with his brother. We also see Aria's growth from Luca's point of view. This book is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mafia romances.
Luca is a ruthless capo. I loved his relationship with his brother. We also see Aria's growth from Luca's point of view. This book is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mafia romances.
December 18, 2021
↠ Only read this to know why the fuck Luca cheated...
and I am still disappointed.
He almost felt no remorse cheating on Aria, and never really apologized or fully took the blame. Instead, he blamed his mistress and his cousin (bffs with said mistress) because he got caught?? 🤦🏻♀️
↠ And ngl idk how I feel about this couple anymore. I did reallyyyy like the second half where Luca and Aria finally talked things out, how they wanted the marriage to work and when the emotional development of their relationship kicked in. Would've been a 4 star honestly if this was the entire book.
BUT everything before The Talk (aka when all the miscommunication is smoothed over and Aria tells him to not see other women) I did not like. It was all physical attraction and how hot Luca finds Aria, which isn't how I prefer my romances.
and I am still disappointed.
He almost felt no remorse cheating on Aria, and never really apologized or fully took the blame. Instead, he blamed his mistress and his cousin (bffs with said mistress) because he got caught?? 🤦🏻♀️
↠ And ngl idk how I feel about this couple anymore. I did reallyyyy like the second half where Luca and Aria finally talked things out, how they wanted the marriage to work and when the emotional development of their relationship kicked in. Would've been a 4 star honestly if this was the entire book.
BUT everything before The Talk (aka when all the miscommunication is smoothed over and Aria tells him to not see other women) I did not like. It was all physical attraction and how hot Luca finds Aria, which isn't how I prefer my romances.
April 11, 2021
Man, Luca had some serious blue balls for most of this book. Aria is hands down the most precious virgin I've ever read about. That scene that everyone gets angry about, I'm like naaaaahhh not mad at all 😂 🤷
Still love Luca though but Aria and her sisters...looooorrrrrrd give me strength with them.
Still love Luca though but Aria and her sisters...looooorrrrrrd give me strength with them.
June 21, 2019
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
First of all you should know that this book is Bound By Honor told from Luca's POV (and a few new scenes from his childhood and teenage years). But it can be read as a stand-alone. Normally, I am not really interested in reading the same book told from a different POV. However, I read Bound by Honor almost five years ago and forgot most of what happened, so I decided to give this book a go. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading Luca and Aria's story again. Cora Reilly's writing style has such a great flow and keeps you engaged. The story is sexy, suspenseful, dark and romantic.
I loved seeing how Luca experienced everything with Ari, and how he came to the decisions he made. Is he a good guy? No, he is an anti-hero but not a cruel one. Did he make mistakes and messed up? Of course he did. However, he is a product of his environment so you can't judge him the way you would the heroes in your contemporary romance. But he also did a lot of things the right way, especially when he gave Aria the time to get to know and used to him. Aria is a strong young woman and I loved seeing her grow and come out of her shell. She is very loyal and protective and would give her life for the people she loves. Luca Vitiello is a great mafia romance, and I think fans of that subgenre would enjoy this book.
First of all you should know that this book is Bound By Honor told from Luca's POV (and a few new scenes from his childhood and teenage years). But it can be read as a stand-alone. Normally, I am not really interested in reading the same book told from a different POV. However, I read Bound by Honor almost five years ago and forgot most of what happened, so I decided to give this book a go. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading Luca and Aria's story again. Cora Reilly's writing style has such a great flow and keeps you engaged. The story is sexy, suspenseful, dark and romantic.
I loved seeing how Luca experienced everything with Ari, and how he came to the decisions he made. Is he a good guy? No, he is an anti-hero but not a cruel one. Did he make mistakes and messed up? Of course he did. However, he is a product of his environment so you can't judge him the way you would the heroes in your contemporary romance. But he also did a lot of things the right way, especially when he gave Aria the time to get to know and used to him. Aria is a strong young woman and I loved seeing her grow and come out of her shell. She is very loyal and protective and would give her life for the people she loves. Luca Vitiello is a great mafia romance, and I think fans of that subgenre would enjoy this book.
July 2, 2019
I can't say this prequel is a novella. Luca Vitiello is a full length novel told in Luca's point of view in Bound by Honor. Additionally, we get to read a bit of his childhood and wilder days. I unexpectedly enjoyed this and you might find some scenes repetitive. It was nice to know Luca’s thoughts and his feelings for Aria. The best part for me was when he regrets his mistakes and felt shitty about it.
Overall, this is a good filler but if I'm choosing between this and Bound by Honor, I prefer the latter. It's easier to sympathize with Aria and there are parts it's better not to know the whole truth. I understand why Luca omitted them to protect his wife from the darkness of organize crime.
Many thanks to my dear friend Hulya for recommending this! ❤️
Overall, this is a good filler but if I'm choosing between this and Bound by Honor, I prefer the latter. It's easier to sympathize with Aria and there are parts it's better not to know the whole truth. I understand why Luca omitted them to protect his wife from the darkness of organize crime.
Many thanks to my dear friend Hulya for recommending this! ❤️
June 28, 2019
I loved Bound by Honor and Luca Vitiello. I couldn’t get enough of his story.
So when Bound by Love came out I was thrilled. The story from Arias POV. While parts of that book were good I wished I’d never picked it up in the first place. It turns out Aria is not just annoying but an absolute idiot.
Then came this book. Luca Vitiello. After Bound by Love I wasn’t sure I could take much more Aria but it was Luca so ultimately I couldn’t say no.
This was a fabulous read. We get glimpses into Luca and Matteo’s childhood. Then Luca and Arias story through his eyes.
I’m so glad I read this book.
So when Bound by Love came out I was thrilled. The story from Arias POV. While parts of that book were good I wished I’d never picked it up in the first place. It turns out Aria is not just annoying but an absolute idiot.
Then came this book. Luca Vitiello. After Bound by Love I wasn’t sure I could take much more Aria but it was Luca so ultimately I couldn’t say no.
This was a fabulous read. We get glimpses into Luca and Matteo’s childhood. Then Luca and Arias story through his eyes.
I’m so glad I read this book.
October 27, 2024
“Aria deserved to be treated like a queen.”
Funny! , because that came out of the man who treated her like shit by ignoring her when they were engaged, and cheating on her
Funny! , because that came out of the man who treated her like shit by ignoring her when they were engaged, and cheating on her
July 15, 2020
this book and BBH #1.5 Lucas pov novella are about the same events from the same characters pov, so its about the same fucking thing but i guess Cora realized that she fucked up in the first one so she had to write ANOTHER BOOK WHICH IS THE SAME THING but Luca isn't horny chauvinistic pig anymore (?) that is my problem. anyway- it did not make me love him more or love him at all. He is still chauvinistic, a cheater and has no personality, as his mattress. the only thing I liked was a peak into his and Mattheo's past, family and childhood.
January 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Update I can't move on from the cheating trope🤚🏻
It was very predictable ngl but however I did fall for it! the only thing I wanted it was them just to get to know each other more and Luca ughhhh this man he's so softie I can't!!! His pov was a chef's kiss gonna read Aria's pov right away!
______
Finally Finally Finally!!!
I'm back to my dark romance era.
Update I can't move on from the cheating trope🤚🏻
It was very predictable ngl but however I did fall for it! the only thing I wanted it was them just to get to know each other more and Luca ughhhh this man he's so softie I can't!!! His pov was a chef's kiss gonna read Aria's pov right away!
______
Finally Finally Finally!!!
I'm back to my dark romance era.
July 5, 2019
Cruel ⭐️
Although this is basically Bound by Honor written from the hero’s POV, it feels totally different.
First, there’s more focus on the Mafia business. If the other book was about Aria’s feelings and coping with the forced marriage, this one shows all the missing pieces of the story, exactly as it should.
I loved being inside Luca’s mind, even if I realized I overlooked a very important aspect the first time. Major spoiler/trigger alert!!! And I was stupid enough to call him Prince Charming material the first time. 🙄🤦🏼♀️
Call me crazy, but I still kinda love him and admire him.
It was captivating seeing how a man who was trained to never show any kind of emotion or compassion can fall in love. How he protects and cherishes a woman, when his father only taught him that women are whores who deserve to be raped and beaten and abused.
Although this is basically Bound by Honor written from the hero’s POV, it feels totally different.
First, there’s more focus on the Mafia business. If the other book was about Aria’s feelings and coping with the forced marriage, this one shows all the missing pieces of the story, exactly as it should.
I loved being inside Luca’s mind, even if I realized I overlooked a very important aspect the first time. Major spoiler/trigger alert!!! And I was stupid enough to call him Prince Charming material the first time. 🙄🤦🏼♀️
Call me crazy, but I still kinda love him and admire him.
It was captivating seeing how a man who was trained to never show any kind of emotion or compassion can fall in love. How he protects and cherishes a woman, when his father only taught him that women are whores who deserve to be raped and beaten and abused.
April 18, 2022
1⭐️
Firs of all ew. Second of all EW. I only read this cause I wanted to see 2 things form Luca’s pov
the virgin blood sheets scene
the cheating scene
when I read Bound by honour and I hated Luca, and after reading his side of things I can safely say I still hate Luca.
Aria have some self respect and learn something from Gianna
ew the fact that he didn't care he just fucked someone else in front of his wife and then she basically forgives him. cant believe i made myself relive this scene again
Firs of all ew. Second of all EW. I only read this cause I wanted to see 2 things form Luca’s pov
the virgin blood sheets scene
the cheating scene
when I read Bound by honour and I hated Luca, and after reading his side of things I can safely say I still hate Luca.
Aria have some self respect and learn something from Gianna
“Then why do you keep seeing her? The truth.”
I hoped she could take the truth. “Because she knows how to suck a cock and because she’s a good fuck. Truthful enough?”
Aria’s cheeks turned red, and again I had to touch the heated skin, needed to feel her. “I love how you blush whenever I say something dirty. I can’t wait to see your blush when I do something dirty to you.”
ew the fact that he didn't care he just fucked someone else in front of his wife and then she basically forgives him. cant believe i made myself relive this scene again
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 2, 2020
✰ 5 stars ✰
the moment I finished Bound by Love - which had Luca’s pov - I knew I had to read this one cause it’s his pov of Bound by Honor and tbh, as much as I enjoyed BbH, I loved this one much more. I personally just found it interesting being inside Luca's mind and knowing an insight to his past and how it led him to become the person he is today. <3
the moment I finished Bound by Love - which had Luca’s pov - I knew I had to read this one cause it’s his pov of Bound by Honor and tbh, as much as I enjoyed BbH, I loved this one much more. I personally just found it interesting being inside Luca's mind and knowing an insight to his past and how it led him to become the person he is today. <3
April 2, 2020
Like another reader said it was captivating seeing how a cruel man who was trained to never show any kind of emotion or compassion can become vulnerable and fall in love with a pure and kind woman. Beautiful and touching love story. Luca is my dream man!
June 27, 2019
It doesn't matter if you have read the Born in Blood Series already or are new to it, this is a book you do not want to miss! I will admit that although this series has been around for a while I hadn't read the first book, BOUND BY HONOR, until this past February and I was hooked I added the entire series to my TBR shelf so when I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of LUCA VITIELLO I jumped on it and I am soooo glad I did.
This story had everything I loved about the first book but from Luca's Point Of View and it included some parts from his childhood that were only mentioned in the first book. HOLY COW! The Passion, The Love of Family, The of a good woman, The Bloodshed, The Passion...oh wait I said that already, well you get it.
Luca and Aria are promised to one another when Aria is just fifteen years old, this will bond the New York Mafia and the Chicago Outfit together and make them even stronger, and Luca and Aria marry when she turns eighteen. I really enjoyed seeing the old Italian traditions come to play through Luca's eyes because I can tell you as a woman how I would feel about them but you would always wonder how a man of this day and age would feel about them as well and I am so glad we got to see that for ourselves.
I am not going to give any spoilers away for those of you that haven't read the series yet but I will say that this has been the best Mafia Romance I have read in a VERY LONG TIME!!!!
Happy Reading!!!
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
This story had everything I loved about the first book but from Luca's Point Of View and it included some parts from his childhood that were only mentioned in the first book. HOLY COW! The Passion, The Love of Family, The of a good woman, The Bloodshed, The Passion...oh wait I said that already, well you get it.
Luca and Aria are promised to one another when Aria is just fifteen years old, this will bond the New York Mafia and the Chicago Outfit together and make them even stronger, and Luca and Aria marry when she turns eighteen. I really enjoyed seeing the old Italian traditions come to play through Luca's eyes because I can tell you as a woman how I would feel about them but you would always wonder how a man of this day and age would feel about them as well and I am so glad we got to see that for ourselves.
I am not going to give any spoilers away for those of you that haven't read the series yet but I will say that this has been the best Mafia Romance I have read in a VERY LONG TIME!!!!
Happy Reading!!!
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
August 12, 2021
📚“Maybe love is a risk, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take and, as you said, it’s not a choice. I never thought I would, never thought I could love someone like that, but I fell in love with you. I fought it. It’s the first battle I didn’t mind losing.”
📚I got out of my clothes and positioned myself between Aria’s legs. I entered her slowly, watching her face as she moaned low and sweet.
“Mine,” I said when I was buried all the way inside her.
Aria held my gaze as I made love to her gently.
“Yours,” she whispered, her expression the greatest declaration of love I could imagine.
All my life I’d thought becoming Capo would be the biggest triumph of my life. Not the happiest day, because I hadn’t known true happiness. But now, as I met Aria’s loving gaze, I knew that she was my greatest victory. Only she brought happiness into days of blood and violence, only she could fill my dark world with light.
She was my light, my love…my life.
With the smile that always got me, she pressed her palm against my Famiglia tattoo, right over my heart. A cruel heart that only beat for her.
“Mine,” she said without doubt.
I held her gaze. “Always.”
İlk kitaptan daha çok sevdim. Onda eksik bulduğum mafyatik aksiyonu bunda vermiş yazar. Hem Luca ağzından anlatım, hem ilk kitapta okuduğumuz Luca’nın çocukluk ve gençliğinde yaşadıklarının detaylarını okumak hoşuma gitti. Aria’nın ne kadar özel ve önemli olduğunu, Luca’nın yaklaşımının ve davranışlarının bu dünya için ne kadar sıradışı olduğunu, özellikle babasının tavırlarını okuyunca daha iyi anladım.
Kısacası bu kitap ilk kitabın açıklaması, detaylandırılması gibiydi. Bir de üstüne erkek karakter gözüyle anlatım olunca daha keyifli geldi. Cora bacım, hep böyle yaz, canımı ye😁😁
Luca’nın, içgüdüsel bir hareket gibi sürekli Aria’nın başını öpmesi ve saçını koklaması😍😍 Koca kitapta buna düştüm, evet😁😁
January 7, 2020
This is the book I have liked the least but I knew what I was getting into and this story did remind me why some people tend to stay away from dark romances.
Mafia isn't a fair business and it's most definitely not a female friendly one, and there's no use in denying the horrible fate women face when entering or born in that world.
It was all very tolerable nonetheless and I liked some aspects about book but mostly the promise of certain characters.
Mafia isn't a fair business and it's most definitely not a female friendly one, and there's no use in denying the horrible fate women face when entering or born in that world.
It was all very tolerable nonetheless and I liked some aspects about book but mostly the promise of certain characters.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 2,287 reviews