Consequences

Crimson Bonds #4

by Abrianna Denae, Leigh Kenzie

Family.

Mafia Bosses Allesandro Martelli and Cristian Amato are once again at the helm of their Families. Being kidnapped should have been the worst part of the plot against them, but as they settle back into their roles, not everything is as clear as it once was.


What should be an easy transition back into power turns into a battle of trusting themselves, and each other, to save the foundations they fought and almost died for.

Loyalty.


With their hearts and lives on the line, both the Families and the Bosses need to prove that while connections might have formed between them, nothing is more important than the vows they previously made.

Amato or Martelli. One or the other—never both.

Faced with the consequences of their actions, both the Amato and Martelli Families try separating their needs and desire from their trust and loyalty. Except, falling back into the status quo may not be the solution everyone believes it to be.


Ruin.

The Families must decide if an alliance forged through desperation and blood is enough to carry them through to the end, or risk their true enemy reducing them to nothing but ash…

Consequences is book 4 in the Crimson Bonds series and ends on a cliffhanger. All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs.

This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2025

About the author

Abrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.

Reviews

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book man, it picks up right where it left off, which if you haven’t read the previous 3 books, stop reading this review now, it may contain spoilers for the previous book BUT not Consequences. And go read the first 3 books cause they are amazing!


Okay, so those who have stuck with me know that we left off with a couple of our guys bleeding out (I’ll leave names out cause if you’ve read it you know and if you haven’t, you should). The tension is HIGH. There is no rest for the wicked, no moment to breathe for anyone, including us readers as we sit on the edge of our seats, reading with high tension and clutching fingers as we wait for news about the fate of our guys. My heart hurt for Il Padrone at the end of last book and my heart still hurts!!

The hits just don’t stop coming for these guys as everyone tries to get back to the way things were before the bosses were kidnapped. Of course, them learning of the many, many dynamic changes caused some major angst and is it hot in here or is Il Padrone’s glare gonna end someone today? Yeah, he isn’t happy at all. And let me tell you, he is very very wicked on those punishments. There is so much spine tingling, high heat, and intriguing things going on. I laughed, I cried (Ignacio just breaks my heart, he definitely stole my heart and I don’t want it back), I about died from all the tension. Leigh and Abrianna, seriously, I need to take some calming breaths and find something relaxing to do after that ending…the cliffhanger experts definitely got me again. But that’s okay folks, I’m just gonna jump with those characters and see where we land. Book 5 can’t come soon enough. At least this gives me some time to calm down from all that high intensity. I absolutely love this series! It is well written, my guys are all so yummy and snarky and get up to so many wonderful shenanigans that it’s hard to leave this world. I always love a book that can not only make me laugh and cry and feel joy and need to fan myself, but also makes me so sucked in a bomb could go off and I would totally miss it. And the stress these guys are living through? I feel it with them. I love these two authors brand of love and crazy and dark delights and some dark displeasure. Bravo again, you two for sucking me in and spitting me out and just leaving me sitting for a moment with my jaw dropped and speechless. These characters aren’t the only ones left feeling punished and facing their consequences. Could not put it down.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MM+ mafia romance series which is a treasure trove for those who love complex poly relationships & I'm one of those! 2 rival families collide in fight & need... Sparks fly ✨.
I've been in on this series since book 2, without reading the connected previous series, yet I've grown to love all the characters here. I was again only gonna check this out, I did skim/skip through the medical scenes till ch 8-9 but then I fully read through to the end 😂. Overall I spent like 7hrs (over 3days) on this & I enjoyed so much!

It has multiple POVs, with numerous relationships of which many are intertwined together. It's lovely to see cute moments for the relationship that already are established & the tension & fun for the ones that are new or in the process. Lots of Doms/Subs, but some equals too. So much spice —3.5/5 🌶️. I liked that all Amatos have gotten a Martelli 😂. I typically don't like to see open relationships, but it's in a closed group (mafia families) here, so I'm good (& happy lol).

Now the bosses are rescued from the kidnapping, how would they react to finding how close their families have gotten? 😂 Padrone was such a cruel hardass but he wasn't too bad & I liked his softness too. Oh my fabulous Roman is doing his best 🥺. I'm glad to've gotten bosses' vibes correct, omg THAT made me giddy 🤭. Practically all ships are coming true, I'm SO excited. I wonder if Benjamin & Ignacio will get back together? Their lovers are lovers after all 😆.

There's still so much I need to see in various relationships! Plus omg the mystery element is insane. Last cliffhanger & this one are both kinda brutal, glad the books release fast 🥰. I'd love to see them thrusted together in 1 mansion again tho 😂.

Short bursts read: 19-21 August 2025

[KillerMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh boy! I've been impatiently waiting for this one because I was desperate to find out what would happen to Lio. I was almost positive that he'd be OK, but this is Abrianna and Leigh, so there was always a little doubt.

Anyhoo, Allesandro, and Cristian are back with their families, and you'd think everyone would be happy, right? Right? Wrong. So wrong. Il Padrone is not happy about the new relationships his Boys have made in his absence, and we all know what happens when he's not happy.

There's some lovely, steamy reconnection sexy times, and another unexpected new relationship emerges.

Everything is going forward nicely. Investigations make a little headway and then.......BAM! Another cliffhanger turns up to hit you in the face, so now I'm going to be waiting impatiently for the next one. *sigh*

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consequences is the 4th book in the Crimson Bonds series. As stated by the authors "All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs. This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story." We are back with the Amato and Martelli families for more action and danger. This book picks up where book three left off. The story has so much happening now that sometimes it's hard to keep up. This series is just one big rollercoaster ride of emotions, action, danger, and romance. I love this series so much. I had to read the book twice just to catch everything that happened. Of course this book ends on a cliffhanger, so now I have to wait for book 5 as patiently as possible. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously, I've been struggling trying to think of what rating to go with. Ms Abrianna and Ms Leigh have really made a mess of my brain and emotions. By the end, they had me sharpening my knives with thoughts of using them on friend and foe. Lol

There's a point in the book that I started to notice as it was building. I was thinking there was no way it was going where it seemed to be hinting at. No way. Though, it could be hot.... 🤔 😋😉 But no. With the reactions to certain revelations, especially the intense pain that came from one specific revelation, it just wouldn't make sense. So, when it went there, I was yelling, "You f-ing HYPOCRITE." Boy, was I mad at him. But, these guys never react the way I would/do. If they did, a certain Boss would have been finding himself sleeping alone. And, I would have been finding myself back in the arms of the person he'd been keeping me from. THIS is why I'd never be able to pull off being a sub. I'd be the absolute worst and probably end up mentally breaking the Dom. 🫣😆

I'm going to have to stop myself here. Otherwise, I'm going to be dropping some spoilers. You don't need me ruining the surprises awaiting you. Go on, read the book for yourself.

Oh, and the last few chapters are quite the doozies. I swear, Doc best not forget to tell the others about the man he met. I got so excited reading that conversation. I was practically bouncing in my seat while begging Doc to leave, to run, and to tell everyone. It was so exciting, yet also still so confusing. I need to know the WHY? Why? Why? WHY??

Anyway....

I'll be waiting for the next book while continuing to imagine all the fun and spiteful ways I'd do things if it was me. 😈

[Collandherbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors know how to keep the tension high!

I wasn't sure what to expect when the Bosses found out about the new relationships. The range of emotions (and levels of possessiveness!) were really well written.

Though, Alessandro is very hard on Benjamin and Lio when he himself has found his heart set on someone else!

Carter and Cristian have from the beginning been faves of mine. I was a little weary of the attraction between Cristian and Alessandro, though I did expect it after their time together.

I was worried how it would impact Carter. BUT then, Alessandro is over there claiming them both as his and Carter is happy and Cris is happy, so I am happy too! :)

Tennant throwing a tantrum was adorable - he probably wouldn't appreciate me calling him adorable but he was. Though I did ache for him a little because he's obviously feeling that his place at Cris' side is threatened. Alessandro was a bit of a dick, the way he was purposefully riling Ten up!

There is so much externally stacked against them all, that I just need everyone to be happy and get along!

Great to get more Doc and Soren time. I'd love to see more of them in the series.

And that ending???? I have so much love for Hollis and I am not sure how much more his heart can take!!!

Lastly, I need more Jude. Pretty please can we have more Jude in the next book? :)

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!


Consequences is book 4 in the Crimson Bonds series, and while it's an apt name for the book, it could also be called "OMFG, What a Tangled Web Abrianna and Leigh are weaving!" Also, if you haven't read book 3 in the series, there might be some spoilers in this review. 

When we last left our morally gray antiheroes in book 3, Ms. Kenzie and Ms. Denae ended it with a not very nice cliffy, which they thankfully made sort of better. I say sort of, because, while at least Cristian and Allesandro are back with their families, it was touch and go for some of the guys there for a bit. And we're not still out of the woods, especially now that both of the Bosses have learned how far and deep the alliance goes between both families. 

Allesandro, especially, isn't too happy. But also, there was a twist with him that I didn't see coming, and that I'm very intrigued about. Especially since it will hopefully open up some possibilities that had seemed lost at first in this installment. *cough Hollis & Emilio cough*

Anyway, this was another fantastic installment, and despite the evil cliffy (yet again), I'm looking forward to more. Definitely a recommendation from me!

+*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't requirement. ***

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia bosses Allesandro Martelli and Cristian Amato return to their thrones after a harrowing kidnapping, but reclaiming power isn’t as simple as it seems. As they navigate shifting alliances and personal scars, both men must confront whether they can trust themselves—and each other—to protect the empires they nearly died for. Bound by loyalty to their Families and haunted by the vows that once kept them apart, Martelli and Amato face a reckoning: can they honor tradition while acknowledging the connection that’s grown between them? As tensions rise and enemies close in, the Families must decide whether to cling to the past or forge a new path through blood, betrayal, and the threat of total ruin.

I loved this dark story which captured power, loyalty, and the fragile line between survival and ruin. It was a story of legacy, forbidden bonds, and the cost of choosing love over loyalty. There were a lot of complex feelings and emotions as the two family leaders struggled to separate their intertwined families. This was an MM and MMM+ story with mature content.

*** Please read the trigger warnings.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cristian and Allesandro are finally home, but now the real work begins. New conflict arises in how to best care for the wounded, compounded by the shock of realizing that their families are not quite in the same state the bosses left them. The way each man retreats to lick his wounds is expected, but the tension is strong throughout the book regarding how they will deal with this unexpected aftermath. Two characters who have faced one of the hardest roads reconnect in a surprising and emotional manner, giving yet another twist to the road these families face, while the seeds of other potential relationships are planted despite the distance. Of course, the families are not the only ones to effectively trauma-bond during the first three books of this intense series, and a moment I'd been anticipating finally arrives. The title of this installment is a bit of a misnomer; the true consequences of how the Martelli and Amato families deal with their internal and overarching external conflicts have barely begun. I eagerly await the next chapter of this saga!

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.

[Gale MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consequences? Really? Are we talking about Consequences? Yes, obviously, we aren't going out of this book emotionally unscathed! I didn't!! It plays on a repeat in my head. Everything got tangled and twisted in so many ways I didn't predict. And Alessandro - you f*cking hypocrite. It's allowed for you but not for the others? And, Lio, ah, Lio, you are such a disappointment...This book kept me in a chokehold the entire time of reading. It felt like walking on live wire while I was reading and raging about the way the events unfolded. There is no way you can be bored to tears with this duo of authors. They will shred your expectations to pieces, invite your total Disbelief to play waltz with, give you an adrenaline booster when your heart actually begs for a break and throw the Logic out of the window. It's entirely on you to read the trigger warnings and proceed to the Mayhem. And off we go to another cliffhanger/sigh/. What more can I say ? You are actually perfecting the perfection...

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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An amazing series - but also the most anxiety-inducing one I’ve ever read. The chase to find the bosses and figure out who’s after them, the shifting loyalties, broken hearts, new loves - all of it twisting and spiralling, and you get so many different perspectives, meaning you feel everyone’s emotions.

Seriously, I need a drink to even open each book!

And I still don’t know how I feel about the blending of the two families - I mean, I love that they are finding their people (all over the place), but then I worry about the families losing themselves, but also, I want to see them all in one big cuddle pile. I’m super curious to see how Abrianna and Leigh sort it all out at the end. Though I feel like I need them to slip me a spoiler before I completely spiral. LOL

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG is this book intense and what a cliffhanger! There is so much going on in this book/series (you must read them in order). Dark romance isn’t usually my jam but I began reading Abrianna’s All’s Fair series and got hooked on it. When she and Leigh Kenzie offered ARCs of their shared world Crimson Bonds series, I knew I had to sign up to read the books.

Woah, I just thought the All’s Fair series was dark; Crimson Bonds is next level or more. 😊 After the cliffhanger ending for Consequences, I’m glad that Amazon shows the next book, Lines Drawn, is coming relatively soon – in early October – and it looks like the authors plan to release the next few books pretty quickly after that.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start???? Was on tenterhooks about Lio and Ten, didn't expect the toe to toe between the docs, but certainly was amusing. Allesandro is being a bit of a jerk, I get it, loyalties, where do they sit, but everyone found love under dire circumstances and that's never a bad thing. THEN he goes and does the thing with thing and thing!! Hypocrite! I really felt for Benjamin, seems he truly is the whipping boy this time. And then, once you've tried to digest all of that, settle down, BOOM, another cliffhanger AND now I need the next book please.

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

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bosses may be back and the families mingling together is getting massively complicated for them, but there's still lots to be resolved.
Il Padrone is not happy - at all - that Benjamin has betrayed him by getting involved with Tennant and pushing it in his role as second to Emilio.
There's also the Lio/Hollis situation, Ignacio, Antonio and the injuries to be dealt with.
Amongst the emotional and physical healing, there's the hunt for the hidden instigator, the doctor from the warehouse and the punishments a few deserve.
Add into that the steamy scenes and a helluva cliffhanger and I'm gasping.
Terrific stuff

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was debating on whether I wanted to read this book or not, even though where we left off last book made me want to pick it up immediately, but knowing Alessandro and Cristian are back and going to see how the two families have played with each other, I was apprehensive.

Loved seeing them be possessive after being back, but the inevitable punishments and revelations had to follow. I was surprised (and also not) at Alessandro's new interest? Ooooooo drama. Looking forward to how things will change now.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series

Wow, the cliffhanger ending of the previous book sent me into overdrive and kicked it up even more in this continuation.
Allesandro and Christian are back and nothing is clear.
Everyone's loyalty is being tested and these are dangerous times.
The hits keep coming and the twists kept my head spinning.
I'm desperate for more from this series.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a deep, complex series which as the blurb tells you, need to read the previous books otherwise you really will not reap the full benefit of this amazing series! Another page turning addition that had me completely enthralled throughout! Fantastic characters!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consequences is the fourth book in the Crimson Bonds series which should be read in order. This book starts up where we left things in book three and what a continuation it is. This whole series has been full of suspense, romance, action and emotions. There are multiple couples that appear in each book and the cliffhangers just make you wish the next book was already out.

[Sarah Thornburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been a roller coaster of emotions and relationships. The families are working together, albeit some of them somewhat reluctantly. The bosses are finally seeing the benefits of the families working together. I do feel the way they came together felt a little forced. I would have liked to have seen a little more ... flirtatious interaction, I guess, between Cristian and Allesandro. I was wondering if there was going to be a bit forced proximity syndrome (I'm not even sure if there's a word for it). Anyway, I'm looking forward to more of Leandro's point of view. Who knew he was so possessive of his boys!

[Crystal Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book leaves where book 3 leaves off and you need to read them all in order we see how ll Padrone will do with the new dynamic in the house or how he will punish them. I had to take a few deep breaths to calm down and I can't wait to read book 5 to get here

[C. Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW just WOW… jaw meet floor lol 🖤🔥🩸🔥🖤