Vicious Heir

4.5stars-VICIOUS HEIR is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult MARINO CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-three year old, heir to the Marino Crime Family throne Adriano Marino, and twenty-three year old, heiress Lucy Willing-Morris’ story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Adriano and Lucy) VICIOUS HEIR focuses on the arranged marriage and acrimonious relationship between thirty-three year old, heir to the Marino Crime Family Adriano Marino, and twenty-three year old, heiress Lucy Willing-Morris. Lucy Willing-Morris has all but been sold by her grandmother to the highest bidder, and Adriano Marino is desperate to gain control of their struggling hedge fund investment firm but someone else is claiming first rights to our story line heroine, and with it, a war between crime families is about to destroy the city of Philadelphia, and take down anyone who gets in the way. Meanwhile, the health of the current head of the Marino Crime Family is failing, and Adriano is struggling with the potential loss

The world building focuses on several intersecting paths including Adriano’s battle to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love; the betrayal of the people he once trusted; and the grief left in the wake of inevitable death.

The relationship between Lucy and Adriano begins as a one-night stand in the face of their arranged marriage but secrets will reveal betrayal at the cost of a city-wide war, a war that will threaten the safety of our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are provocative and erotic including some scenes of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including several members of a group known as the Gray Wolf mafia, a part of a Turkish crime organization led by Demir Yilmaz. We are introduced to Adriano’s right hand man and cousin Luca; nurse Donatella, Lucy’s best friend Kennedy, her brother Pierre, and their controversial grandmother Helena Willing-Morris.

VICIOUS HEIR is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is dark, dramatic and gritty; the romance is edgy; the characters are desperate, charismatic and energetic.

copy supplied for review

Candace

253 reviews4 followers

B.B. Hamel delivers a exceptional mafia romance focused on an arranged marriage between Adriano Marino and heiress Lucille Willing-Morris. She literally starts the whole book off with a bang as Lucy goes to Adriano’s club trying to spy on him and ends up getting up close and personal in his office. But since she has a mask she hopes he doesn’t know it’s her! This is a story of secrets, lies, obsession, madness, revenge, acceptance and love. It’s gritty, edgy and dark with twists and turns! This is a world you want to experience!

Lucy’s not had the most glamorous or loving childhood. Her parents were obsessed with drugs and her brother has never been loving and her grandmother is a cold witch who literally puts her down all the time and treats her more like an animal than a granddaughter. She pretty much sold Lucy to Adriano in order to dig herself out of a hole. Lucy’s family was involved in a scandal and people pretty much turned their back on her and has led to abandonment issues. She wants someone to see her and choose her and want her! Do you think Adriano can provide that?

Adriano is dealing with his own demons. His father - the Don - sick and slipping away but trying to keep the news away from the other families. His newly arranged marriage has brought heat and a possible war as secrets are unveiled about Lucy’s grandmothers dealings with a faction called Gray Wolf. He’s figuring his feelings for his wife because he dreads her being in this lifestyle and leaving her alone but their attraction and chemistry are so palpable on the page and they fit amazingly well. Betrayal by someone in the family and trying to protect everyone at the same time. But I absolutely love that he embraces his life and role in the darkness and is willing to get his hands dirty. He knows he’s powerful but he’s not afraid of the darkness or making decisions that are extremely painful and heartbreaking. I love that he demands respect and that he’s rubbing off on Lucy!

I absolutely loved Adriano and his capos! Kennedy becomes an amazing friend to Lucy and is dependable! I even love Bianca and how her and Kennedy have become friends. The world building is amazing and I want more stories within this world please!!!

Do not miss this one!

Korkoi

7,166 reviews31 followers

An Instant Connection Worth Fighting For -
It was meant to be an arranged marriage between Adriano and Lucy, but what neither one of them knew was that there was a hidden agenda behind their union and a twist that would make their lives difficult. Adriano claimed Lucy from the moment he had a taste and he wasn’t going to allow anyone to take what was his, so the moment another man tried taking her away, it set him on a course of destruction that didn’t stop until the threat was eliminated.

Lucy on the other hand was happy to be out from under her grandmother’s oppression and spending time with Adriano not only brought them closer, but he helped build her confidence, whilst she supported him during the period he was down in the dumps. Unfortunately, an incident that threatened Lucy’s life on a night out sent Adriano into rage, especially when he discovered the life changing secret she had been keeping from him.

Adriano’s reaction brought about the system destruction of the lives of quite a number of people, whilst Lucy’s new found confidence helped her grab the opportunity to realise her strengths to broker an important deal. Adriano and Lucy finally acknowledged their true feelings for each other, whilst they worked together to heal the pain from their pasts, so they could have a happier future.

This gripping tale is filled with mystery, angst, suspense, many highs and some gut-wrenching lows, drama, violence and lots of steamy and kinky pleasure filled moments. This story was really awesome and I loved every page I read. I was hooked on the story from the first chapter with the captivating dialogue and sizzling chemistry, which made impossible to stop reading until I reached the end. If you are in the mood for something passionate, tension-filled, dangerous and sinfully steamy, then this book is definitely for you.

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

Mafia Wife

1,120 reviews5 followers

June 15, 2025

Her grandmother has arranged a marriage to him. He is the notorious heir to the Italian mafia. Doing some recon on her soon to be husband, she goes to his club, and has a passionate encounter with him, thinking he doesn't know who she is, but he definitely does and is intrigued by his intended. On the day of their wedding a violent act reveals that he is not the only one her grandmother promised her to, and now they have made an enemy. There is mafia family drama to be navigated, both with her family, hi father's illness and their mutual rival. But the core of this story is them. He is the heir to his family empire, navigating his father's illness and decline while trying to keep their family afloat and the wolves at bay. He becomes desperately obsessed with his new wife, completely possessive and OTT for her. He has never experienced anything like it, and his obsession is well translated to the page, both with his thoughts and actions. She has been her grandmother's pawn for so long, and now is coming into her own as she falls hard and fast for her hot, hunky, enigmatic husband who completely love bombs her and gives her the courage to find her own strength. Their spice is ridiculously hot and steamy, probably the most erotic and passionate that I have read in a long time. I don't know how it can keep getting better, as the first time was panty melting but it does. It is a growling, good girl, hard, fast, sweaty, drooling, ruinous good time. Unlike some stories of the genre, this one does not waste time on a lot of pining, these two have mutual chemistry and attraction and it is a force of nature through the whole book. They work together for their happily ever after, and it everything you want it to be and more. This might just be my favorite yet of the author's books.

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

Vic

139 reviews

In Vicious Heir, Lucy is a sweet, kind girl who feels lonely. All she wants is friendship and affection. The only family she has is her grandmother. She is an overbearing and cruel old woman. She’s been telling Lucy what to do since she was little. All she cares about is money. Her family is struggling with financial problems so she decides to arrange a marriage for Lucy to solve them. This marriage will be with Adriano Marino, the heir of the Italian mafia. With this union, he will gain her powerful family connections while they will remain financially stable.

Adriano is vicious and kills without a second thought. The minute he meets Lucy, he is obsessed. He is happy that she will marry him because she will be his. He becomes possessive and doesn’t want anyone near her. Their chemistry is fire. Their scenes are hot. During their marriage, his obsession becomes something more and all he wants to do is protect her. He soon finds out her grandmother promised her to another man. This man is cruel, relentless and will do anything to take Lucy. Adriano is determined to keep Lucy safe. Will he succeed? Will this other man cause problems?

B.B Hamel made me feel so much for Lucy. She was always feeling isolated. She also isn’t used to affection so she becomes confused when Adriano starts being nice to her. She doesn’t understand what it feels like. I love when Adriano becomes so protective. This book made me cry and laugh. There were some moments you just can’t help yourself but feel so much. There were many interesting characters who were introduced in this book and some who are from previous books. l’m so excited for who is next and can’t wait for the next story!

Judy

2,052 reviews2 followers

In this Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance story we have one dark and dangerous man, Adriano who is the Don of his family and beautiful socialite, Lucille being used as a bargain for power by her grandmother find themselves enjoying a forbidden evening together without revealing their identities. Their marriage is threatened by a man you don’t want to cross and Adriano is misled by Lucy’s grandmother and once her secrets are revealed does he plan to keep Lucy safe at all cost. It’s wonderful to see how Lucy makes choices to become a stronger woman with a voice, standing up for herself while supporting Adriano and his struggles with his father’s illness and battle with his dangerous situation. This business marriage becomes more quickly and Lucy finds herself falling into Adriano’s life and heart never expecting more than more loneliness. Adriano makes his position know to high society using Lucy’s family name, Willing-Morris and their Fund company what he plans to do and making enemies along the way will force others to make decisions they never thought possible. This dark love story will have you shaking your head wondering how they find happiness, family and love! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Leslie

728 reviews11 followers

Steamy Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance
Adriano Marino, head of the Marino Famiglia, is death and sin. He’s danger and lust. Lucille Willing-Morris hates him and yet she is drawn to him. She grew up liking preppy rich boys with nice parents and a trust fund. Adriano is none of that. Where they were clean, he’s filth. Where they were well-mannered, he’s a beast. And she want’s him even more for how wrong he is. She has always followed all the rules and listened to her grandmother and respected her elders. And now all she wants to do is please Adriano. Adriano obsesses over Lucillo from the first time he sees her, but she was only suppose to give him connections and elevate his image through the Willing-Morris name and WM Fund. He is too dark, broken and bad for her. This is an explicit enemies to lovers dark mafia romance with steamy chemistry, violence, danger and thrilling suspense. The characters are not what they first seem and bring out the best in each other as they get their happy-ever-after. Captivating read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

CherylB

787 reviews

Lucy Willing-Morris is not your typical young socialite. She has learned to obey her grandmother’s wishes to the letter. And she is still not good enough. Now she is expected to marry a Mafia Don (almost). And to attend an orgy at his club to discover his secrets to use as leverage. She goes but is definitely turned off by all the open shenanigans. When she sneaks off to find some composure she stumbles into to his private office. And he is in it. Hoping that he doesn’t know who she is behind the mask she plays along. Oh my does she have a good time. Adriano is struggling to balance running the Famiglia and keeping his father’s illness hidden. When his intended stumbles into his office he plays along. And learns his fiancé isn’t an airhead society woman. No she is playful and daring and has a backbone. Will these two be able to beat the odds and make an arranged marriage work? Or will Adriano’s fears of dementia keep his heart closed? Then there is the war that Lucy’s grandmother started. Adriano has to win in order to survive. This is a compelling read. There are spots of humor and steamy romance. Add in the danger to make it even more fun to read.

K. Smock

1,307 reviews3 followers

This is the first book in BB Hamel's new series, and it does not disappoint. There is Lucy who is a young rich girl or so she thought. When she learns that her grandmother has arranged for her to marry a mafia don, she is not sure what to expect. Her grandmother always thought she was a silly useless girl and treated her that way. She decides to meet her soon to be husband and goes to his club. The club that evening is hold a special event, a sex club orgy. She is not really affected by the orgy but when she meets Adriano, she thinks he is the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. One thing leads to another, and they end up together that night, but she wears a mask and doesn't think he knows who she was. Little did she know. She also learns that her grandmother has been keeping lots of secrets. Adriano can believe his luck with his soon to be bride. He is enamored from the first look but keeps it to himself. There are lots of twists and turns in this story that is very well written and keeps you reading to the last page.

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

11.7k reviews49 followers

So much more than you expect

Vicious Heir is exactly what you expect when you pick up a book by B.B. Hamel....and that is all in the best way possible. The story is about Lucy Willing-Morris and Adriano Marino. They are complete opposites as she is a Philadelphia socialite from old money and he is the heir and now "acting" Dom of the Marino Mafia family, as his father has dementia which they are trying to keep a secret. But both families need something from each other which mean Lucy and Adriano are a marriage made in hell, definitely not love. Lucy's grandmother is a formidable force that rules her family with an iron fist. She has learned to follow what her grandmother wants and never talk back. So when she is promised to Adriano, he will get her family connections and the family investment firm, and the family will get the Marino money. But Lucy proves is not just any regular socialite and instead has some cunning, intelligence and a backbone, all which intrigue Adriano even more. But there is more to this story than you initial expect, and it all just adds to a really great story and wonderful characters.

Tara Peters

1,715 reviews14 followers

June 14, 2025

Adriano and Lucy are about to be married, but they haven’t even met. He was such a riveting character who kept me interested. Lucy knows what she has to do, but she isn’t sure she can go through with it. From the first chapter until the end, I was caught up in the lives of Adriano and Lucy.

For all intents and purposes Adriano is the Don, but his father is still alive so technically he can’t accept the full responsibility. Seeing the softer side of him, when it comes to his family humanizes him and had me rooting for the relationship. Lucy, before they are married, is sent on a mission to find some incriminating information on Adriano, and boy is their first interaction memorable. Her grandma treats her horribly and she has a hard time trusting her one friend is truly her friend, due to her past.

I loved watching Adriano and Lucy grow individually, as well as, as a couple. When he learns what her grandma did where Lucy is concerned he becomes super protective and his retaliation when Lucy is threatened was truly vicious. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

Paige

31 reviews

Tropes: arranged marriage, organised crime/mafia, alphahole husband.

Book style: First person, dual POV.

This story follows FMC Lucy and MMC Adriano.

Lucy is a lonely young woman who comes from a family and society that uses, abuses and cases her away with little to no thought.

Adriano is the son of the head of a crime family that wishes to branch out to the upper echelons within society and sees an opportunity when an arranged marriage is presented by Lucy's family.

Overall, this is a great mafia romance story with a good amount of twists and turns along the way.

My only gripe is that the blurb mentioned an unplanned pregnancy that pulls the two main characters together but it was quite a small element of the story and if you love reading about a surprise pregnancy (like me), I was a little dissapointed.

Ignoring the above point, it was a fun read. I always enjoy BB Hamel books - her writing is so immersive.

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

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Dewey

2,107 reviews1 follower

June 15, 2025

The writing is simplistic and corny. These people are caricatures. This is the usual Mafia arranged marriage story complete with a ruined wedding. Her male Mafia characters are all the same. "My people are hungry. They're vicious and hard. They carry themselves like killers. They're sharks, while the rich folks are fat lambs." Please don't repeat 'fill to the brim' again. Lucy is a remarkably stupid woman. Their wedding gets blown up ONE DAY AGO. He tells her to stay inside for protection, to tell Luca if she wants to leave. So she leaves a note for Luca (in the kitchen) and sneaks out to meet her friend at a bar for drinks. He finds her of course. She likes pushing his buttons, making him mad, having power over him. Huh, since when? She's been a doormat all her life and suddenly she's defiant? Why; no reason at all for her behavior. Now he has to take her home and punish her; cue the hard BDSM stuff. I hope the Wolf guy kidnaps her; Adriano should let her go. I can't read stupid stuff like this. This is my last book by this author. DNF at 40%.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

dnf

Ms. Shawn

2,157 reviews7 followers

July 10, 2025

Lucy Willing-Morris is at Velvet Echo, an upscale nightclub in Philadelphia. Tonight, it has been turned into a sex club. Lucy is wearing a blue wristband indicating that she is off-limits unless she approaches someone. Her grandmother, Helena sent her there in a sexy black dress and a mask to spy on her future husband Adriano.

Adriano Marino owns the blub and hosts this event once a month. However, he does not participate. Lucy is overwhelmed and heads upstairs. She ends up in Adriano’s office. They have a drink, talk and have a sexual encounter. She doesn’t think he knows who she really is but she was excited by their encounter.

Adriano’s father, Salvatore is the head of the Martino Famiglia. However, for the last year, his dementia has got so bad that Adriano has been doing everything for him as head of the family. Luca is his cousin and right hand man.

I think it was cute that Adriano knew who Lucy was when she arrived in his office. They were a strong couple together.

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

Mindi

823 reviews3 followers

December 28, 2025

Hmmm

Be nice. Ok I really wanted to like this book, I really did. There's just so much that could have been done to make this better. I didn't like that the preview, not sure what to call it, made it seem like he was wanting to knock her up right away. That was not even on his mind! She didn't want to because of her grandma! Though she did nothing to stop it. What happened with her grandma afterwards? Her brother? Plus, there was a repeat of when they were together, the author used a few sentences that said the same thing. She was so beautiful. She lit up the room. She was the light in the darkness. This didn't just happen once. It got kinda annoying. Just seemed like it was used as a filler. Then there was the yo-yoing with both. She was gonna be strong, he we going to distance himself. All for both to give in. I get it, they fell in love, though I don't know when, but come on! I did like how she found her backbone. I finished it, but it'll be one I'll forget. Not the best, but not the worst. Up to you on how you take that. On to the next!

Cindy Jones

597 reviews2 followers

** 5 stars **

This was an amazingly well-written story. I loved the characters and the plot.

Lucy is set to marry a mafia heir, Adriano, by her grandmother. Her grandmother sends her to his club to learn things about him. She goes and accidentally finds Adriano's office. She is wearing a mask so she thinks she is in a disguise. Adriano knows who she is the whole time and plays along.

After the marriage Adriano slowly learns that Lucy is not the rich girl he assumed she was. He also learns that her grandmother is not to be trusted. She had originally arranged for Lucy to be married to Demir who is one of his enemies. Demir tries to take Lucy and stars a war with Adriano.

I loved how Adriano and Lucy got to know each other and how they were in their relationship. Adriano was very possessive of her and loved to call her his wife. Another amazing read from this great author. I look forward to more.

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

Grinning Cat

3,824 reviews124 followers

among-the-best baby-time forced-or-arranged-marriage

The story begins with the hero and heroine having masked sexytime and that pretty much sets the tone for their relationship. It’s super hot. And they fall in love on the way. What more could you ask for?
Page turning action, that’s what. And this book has it in spades along with political maneuvering, mafia machinations, touch-her-and-unalive, and tea.
I think this book is terrific. It’s everything I ever wanted in a mafia romance.
Here’s the breakdown:
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Adriano and Lucy
Genre- mafia romance
Heat- open door, explicit, steamy. Five volcanoes.
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of trafficking, language in two languages, graphic violence including explicit torture, and destruction of fine art.
Tropes- Arranged Marriage, Blue Blood, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso, Instalust, Mafia Don, Maid to Order, Opposites Attract.

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

Claudia, Cmarie927

2,083 reviews41 followers

bb-hamel mafia-bratva zyyz2025-arc-reads

Another addictive and steamy page-turner from this author that will draw you in; from beginning to end, Lucy and Adriano’s fiery romance and the story’s inherent dangers will entertain you, as it did me. I absolutely loved the storyline’s violence, family ties and betrayals, loyalties, sizzling scenes, and unpredictable twists!

This story connects to others through Carmella and Lev Federov, whose appearances here add to the suspenseful plot twists that had me hooked. This book had everything I wanted—and I couldn’t put it down. A vicious battle erupts over Lucy when she marries Adriano, a consequence of her grandmother’s secret arrangement to marry her off to two different men. His commitment to Lucy’s safety, even at the cost of utter destruction, combined with the intense challenges of his dangerous lifestyle created a truly page-turning read, leaving me wishing for more pages to turn as I finished the book much sooner than I would have liked.

A strong bond and hot chemistry between Lucy and Adriano delivered a satisfying read with a HEA. Soo Good! You absolutely need this read...

I was fortunate to receive an ARC (thank you), and happily leave my thoughts.

Dora

1,902 reviews13 followers

June 11, 2025

While being used as just another piece in the power struggle, Lucy Willing-Morris realized that nothing was simple about her new husband, Adriano Merino, head of the Marino Famiglia. Adriano, cold and ruthless, had intrigued me since his first appearance in these mob stories. Filled with worries and obsessions that kept him at odds with himself, Adriano found himself facing situations that threatened not only his power as Don but also the most precious thing to him: his wife. The story kept me captivated by the development of Lucy's situation and everything she had to deal with, the way Adriano was affected by the Don's situation and all the things he had to do to protect what was his. I liked how the story made me think and kept me entertained with the action, the suspense, and the way the relationship between Lucy and Adriano evolved.

Adri

315 reviews3 followers

June 11, 2025

Soooooo…… Just gonna have to take a breather.. this was HOT..

Vicious Heir is a realy good read if you are inot Mafia Romance with edge, Dangour and SPICE..

Little Breeding Kink coming into play with a lot of awakening and some DOM energy.

“I’ve never been to an orgy before.”

I am always interested in the dedications in book but hardly ever does the opening line on a book have me sit upright and immediatly 200% interested in whats plotting!!
It did here… It surely did.

Lucy is such a sweet character. She is open to so much and I loved getting to know her as she got to know herself.
Adriano is exactly what I was hoping for… Alpha, Don energy and Dom energy..

“You’re my sin now, Lucy.”
Yess.. Sir…

The overall story about the Familia is expertly written. I sure loved every moment.
x
ps: go read it!!

Kathi

3,087 reviews18 followers

June 16, 2025

Best Mafia Romances Around!!

I tend to read some possibly darker mafia romances, but Ms. Hamel may be my favorite! Always some great world-building. Always a redeemable character, no matter how dark the deeds. And then you have the romantic relationship. The push, the pull, the heat, the amazing chemistry.

Lucy lost her parents to drugs. Her grandmother raised her, but never approved, and was ice cold. She also arranged for her granddaughter to marry for business reasons. Adriano Marino is acting Don of the Marino Famiglia with his father’s illness. His first acquaintance of Lucy is incendiary.

A thrilling story of obsession, abandonment, war, control, espresso, communion and all things to keep the reader completely engrossed. A definite favorite.

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

Siobhan D

3,262 reviews47 followers

Heads up this book starts with spice and continues with spice.

Lucy has a very over bearing grandmother, she may come from money; problem it is nearly gone. Her grandmother has arranged for to marry Adriano. When they first meet it is very steamy but Adriano does not know it is wife to be.
Adriano is the heir to the Marino Famiglia. Before the wedding Adriano is approached by Demir who’s part of the Gray Wolf Turkish organisation. Demir wants Adriano to stay away from Lucy. It seems grandmother has also arranged Lucy to marry him as well.
Lucy is now the prize for who wins the war that is now growing.

Spice, angst, drama and action.

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

Leanne Bryson

5,212 reviews22 followers

Lucy, a young socialite, is pressured by her grandmother to marry Adriano, the heir to a Mafia Don, and spy on him at his club’s scandalous party. Disgusted by the scene, she sneaks into his private office, where Adriano, unaware of her identity behind a mask, engages in a playful, steamy encounter. He discovers Lucy isn’t the shallow heiress he assumed—she’s bold and spirited. As Adriano juggles running the Famiglia and hiding his father’s illness, the two navigate their arranged marriage. But with a war sparked by Lucy’s grandmother and Adriano’s fear of dementia, can their fiery connection survive the danger and deception? This thrilling read blends humor, steamy romance, and high-stakes drama.

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

SassyCM

148 reviews

I LOVED every single chapter, every single page of Vicious Heir and I can't tell you enough how much I adored Adriano and Lucy.
From the very beginning they are absolutely on the same level. Friendly, open and totally in love with each other. There is no constant battle between them as was the case with some of the other couples we've seen so far.
Their level of harmony just felt right and set a great tone for the entire book.
At the same time it's without a doubt one of, if not the hottest book by BB Hamel I've read so far.

For a long time Karine and Valentin where my undisputed favorite couple but they have just been bumped to second place. Adriano and Lucy's story was everything I didn't know I needed right now.

Michele

1,913 reviews9 followers