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Andriani Brothers #1
Brutal Devil
A standalone dark, arranged marriage mafia romance...
Luna
I may have been born into the Mafia underworld, but I left all that behind me, and I never looked back.
Until I got the call I’d been dreading.
Now, I’m nothing but a sacrifice. A pawn for my father and the man I’m being forced to marry.
They call him Priest.
But it’s not because he’s a holy man.
Priest Andriani is a gorgeous sinner. A cruel devil. A corrupt angel in a designer suit.
My biggest weakness, my tormentor, my greatest fear.
The husband I’ll do anything to destroy.
Unless he ruins me first.
Brutal Devil is a standalone dark mafia romance with a happily ever after and no cliffhangers. Each book in the Andriani Brothers series will follow a different couple on the path to their HEA.
Luna
I may have been born into the Mafia underworld, but I left all that behind me, and I never looked back.
Until I got the call I’d been dreading.
Now, I’m nothing but a sacrifice. A pawn for my father and the man I’m being forced to marry.
They call him Priest.
But it’s not because he’s a holy man.
Priest Andriani is a gorgeous sinner. A cruel devil. A corrupt angel in a designer suit.
My biggest weakness, my tormentor, my greatest fear.
The husband I’ll do anything to destroy.
Unless he ruins me first.
Brutal Devil is a standalone dark mafia romance with a happily ever after and no cliffhangers. Each book in the Andriani Brothers series will follow a different couple on the path to their HEA.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
About the author
Lora Whitney
4 books54 followersLora Whitney is the dark mafia romance pen name of a USA Today bestselling author. She writes morally gray, possessive alpha heroes who will do anything for the women they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 1, 2025
What the actual F???
I’m really really trying!!!
I’m 39% in and my God, Luna is so fucking annoying!!!
Jesus -is she stupid??
Priest keeps explaining why they have to stay married- her life is in danger- she fights him every step of the way… I know this author is trying to make her look strong and fierce but it’s showing the opposite! She’d rather be tortured and killed than stay in a safe house???
She thinks she’s going to escape and no one will find her? She thinks she’s going to take down priest and all his brothers????
I just don’t know how I can read another page -
How is everyone giving this 4/5 stars?????
I’m really really trying!!!
I’m 39% in and my God, Luna is so fucking annoying!!!
Jesus -is she stupid??
Priest keeps explaining why they have to stay married- her life is in danger- she fights him every step of the way… I know this author is trying to make her look strong and fierce but it’s showing the opposite! She’d rather be tortured and killed than stay in a safe house???
She thinks she’s going to escape and no one will find her? She thinks she’s going to take down priest and all his brothers????
I just don’t know how I can read another page -
How is everyone giving this 4/5 stars?????
September 18, 2025
Luna leaves her studies t return home as her father is ill, only to find herself married to Matteo ‘Priest‘ Andriani don of a rival family
A new name & a new genre for the author & once again she’s produced an engrossing, riveting, enthralling & captivating book. I’m a die hard historical romance fan but when one of my must read authors branches into another genre I’ve learned to follow & I’ve not been disappointed. I loved this enemies to lovers romance. Luna was one feisty woman who hated the Andriani family but she couldn’t deny her attraction to Matteo. Matteo has no heart or so he thinks! I loved how the couple evolved throughout the book. The chemistry between them was off the scale & they were so compatible physically but emotions ran high throughout the book. The other brothers were intriguing & I look forward to their stories
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A new name & a new genre for the author & once again she’s produced an engrossing, riveting, enthralling & captivating book. I’m a die hard historical romance fan but when one of my must read authors branches into another genre I’ve learned to follow & I’ve not been disappointed. I loved this enemies to lovers romance. Luna was one feisty woman who hated the Andriani family but she couldn’t deny her attraction to Matteo. Matteo has no heart or so he thinks! I loved how the couple evolved throughout the book. The chemistry between them was off the scale & they were so compatible physically but emotions ran high throughout the book. The other brothers were intriguing & I look forward to their stories
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 5, 2025
Page Turner Hot Mafia Romance!
I really enjoyed reading this enemies to lovers, arranged marriage mafia romance. Luna is the main female character and is a bit too stubborn and feisty at times. Matteo Priest Andriani is a don and wants to strengthen his family with an arranged marriage.
Priest is an alpha male I’d love to have! He and Luna have an explosive attraction! She hates him and wants to go against him and then she can’t resist his incredibly good looks and skills in the bedroom 🔥🔥🔥 Eventually they develop feelings for each other! I also love that they fall in love.
I enjoyed the action and suspense in this book and I loved Saint who made me laugh at times. I love this author and am anticipating her next book!
I really enjoyed reading this enemies to lovers, arranged marriage mafia romance. Luna is the main female character and is a bit too stubborn and feisty at times. Matteo Priest Andriani is a don and wants to strengthen his family with an arranged marriage.
Priest is an alpha male I’d love to have! He and Luna have an explosive attraction! She hates him and wants to go against him and then she can’t resist his incredibly good looks and skills in the bedroom 🔥🔥🔥 Eventually they develop feelings for each other! I also love that they fall in love.
I enjoyed the action and suspense in this book and I loved Saint who made me laugh at times. I love this author and am anticipating her next book!
July 4, 2026
Sorry this is going to be a long review but I need to lay the groundwork! hahaha
Okay!! I am going WAY outside my box here. Let me start off my saying I average over 325 books a year and they are all historical romances. I never deviate from HR and definitely don't read "mafia" books. These are the type of books my daughters reads, although hers have psycho main characters. Anyway, when her and I talk about the hot stuff in our books and the various storylines, HR and her books aren't really that different. Just different eras. Lately, I've been obsessed with these stupid AI dramas on my FB feed and really liked the mafia ones They make the guys super hot. With all this being said, one of my favorite HR authors, Scarlett Scott, of which I've read 84 of her books, 85 counting this one, also writes as Lora Whitney for her mafia books. I am not a fan of 1st person but after researching folks said most of the dark mafia romances are 1st person. Scarlett herself told me as a reader she prefer 3rd person as well but said after awhile I won't notice. She told me to give it a try. This should be interesting.
Holy shit, I loved this book. I loved Priest and Luna. I actually read this book in one day and I haven't done that in a long time. I couldn't put it down. First person wasn't too bad. It did get a bit confusing at the beginning because when they would have a conversation and it would it end, then next paragraph started with "I" so I thought the conversation was still going on but they were talking in there head. I had to look for "quote symbols" a few times to realize that was a conversation, not the other.
One of the things I love about Scarlett's HR books is the sex is so hot and so freakin' well written. Well as hot as her HR books are, they don't have anything on these books. Yikes, this book was fucking steamy. I needed a shower. I am definitely adding this book to my favorite books read list for July, 2026. I've already downloaded book 2 and 3 and unfortunately book 4 doesn't come out until next year. I'm hoping that is just a place holder and it comes out earlier. A must read. So glad I was brave enough to step outside my box.
Okay!! I am going WAY outside my box here. Let me start off my saying I average over 325 books a year and they are all historical romances. I never deviate from HR and definitely don't read "mafia" books. These are the type of books my daughters reads, although hers have psycho main characters. Anyway, when her and I talk about the hot stuff in our books and the various storylines, HR and her books aren't really that different. Just different eras. Lately, I've been obsessed with these stupid AI dramas on my FB feed and really liked the mafia ones They make the guys super hot. With all this being said, one of my favorite HR authors, Scarlett Scott, of which I've read 84 of her books, 85 counting this one, also writes as Lora Whitney for her mafia books. I am not a fan of 1st person but after researching folks said most of the dark mafia romances are 1st person. Scarlett herself told me as a reader she prefer 3rd person as well but said after awhile I won't notice. She told me to give it a try. This should be interesting.
Holy shit, I loved this book. I loved Priest and Luna. I actually read this book in one day and I haven't done that in a long time. I couldn't put it down. First person wasn't too bad. It did get a bit confusing at the beginning because when they would have a conversation and it would it end, then next paragraph started with "I" so I thought the conversation was still going on but they were talking in there head. I had to look for "quote symbols" a few times to realize that was a conversation, not the other.
One of the things I love about Scarlett's HR books is the sex is so hot and so freakin' well written. Well as hot as her HR books are, they don't have anything on these books. Yikes, this book was fucking steamy. I needed a shower. I am definitely adding this book to my favorite books read list for July, 2026. I've already downloaded book 2 and 3 and unfortunately book 4 doesn't come out until next year. I'm hoping that is just a place holder and it comes out earlier. A must read. So glad I was brave enough to step outside my box.
September 27, 2025
I picked up this book because of its high ratings, and while it’s not my all-time favorite mafia romance, it was a solid, addictive mafia romance with plenty of heat, tension, and intrigue.
Luna thought she had left the mafia world behind after her brother’s death at the hands of the Andriani brothers. She’s focused on her poetry and a quiet life but her father has other plans. Summoned home under false pretenses, she finds herself forced to marry Matteo “Priest” Andriani, the eldest brother and the new Don, to unite rival families. Their relationship is tense, fiery, and complicated, full of hatred, fear, and undeniable attraction.
Priest is a classic anti-hero: ruthless and deadly to his enemies but attentive and protective toward Luna. She struggles with feeling powerless for much of the book, only taking charge toward the end, which made her arc satisfying, though I wished she had asserted herself earlier.
The romance is hot, with enemies-to-lovers tension and passion. The plot is engaging, with twists, betrayals, and layered family dynamics. The pacing balances intense action with quieter, character-driven moments that add depth.
I also loved the supporting cast, especially Saint, whose wit and charm make me eager for his story. The mafia elements are strong but not overwhelmingly dark, making this a “light dark” romance with just the right mix of suspense, heat, and emotion.
Overall, Brutal Devil is recommended for fans of arranged marriage + enemies-to-lovers mafia romance. It’s not perfect, but it’s addictive, well-paced, and sets up a promising series.
Luna thought she had left the mafia world behind after her brother’s death at the hands of the Andriani brothers. She’s focused on her poetry and a quiet life but her father has other plans. Summoned home under false pretenses, she finds herself forced to marry Matteo “Priest” Andriani, the eldest brother and the new Don, to unite rival families. Their relationship is tense, fiery, and complicated, full of hatred, fear, and undeniable attraction.
Priest is a classic anti-hero: ruthless and deadly to his enemies but attentive and protective toward Luna. She struggles with feeling powerless for much of the book, only taking charge toward the end, which made her arc satisfying, though I wished she had asserted herself earlier.
The romance is hot, with enemies-to-lovers tension and passion. The plot is engaging, with twists, betrayals, and layered family dynamics. The pacing balances intense action with quieter, character-driven moments that add depth.
I also loved the supporting cast, especially Saint, whose wit and charm make me eager for his story. The mafia elements are strong but not overwhelmingly dark, making this a “light dark” romance with just the right mix of suspense, heat, and emotion.
Overall, Brutal Devil is recommended for fans of arranged marriage + enemies-to-lovers mafia romance. It’s not perfect, but it’s addictive, well-paced, and sets up a promising series.
January 23, 2026
everything you want from a mafia romance. a hot mafia don with hot brothers and an arranged marriage with an unwillingly rival dons daughter.
matteo “priest” andriani falls first and hard - i ate up his inner thoughts about luna. they marry and quickly move to a safe house after an attack. lunas constant push back got a little old after we learn the reasons for the arranged marriage and the need for the safe house but it progressed nicely after that!
thank you net galley for the audio arc!
matteo “priest” andriani falls first and hard - i ate up his inner thoughts about luna. they marry and quickly move to a safe house after an attack. lunas constant push back got a little old after we learn the reasons for the arranged marriage and the need for the safe house but it progressed nicely after that!
thank you net galley for the audio arc!
June 19, 2026
This was a very fast read (at least to me) I loved it so much and didn’t want it to end. The MMC had me fuming at the end and the FMC annoyed me because she forgave him too easily imo.. but despite that I loved the storyline and the relationship development b/t the main character. The banter b/t the main characters and then the side characters was also pretty funny.. I probably will continue on with the other books in this series
September 24, 2025
I fell in love with Priest (The Don) and Luna (the ex-Don’s daughter)!!
There is darkness and action and some triggers, it is a mafia story after all however, it is not the number one focus which is appreciated! The heat is off the charts between Luna and Prieat (Looots of spicy times!! The pool scene 🔥🔥🔥) but there is also snark and witty banter and some well placed crime show bingeing!!
The relationships between the main and side characters is strong and the story is very well paced with room to breathe between scenes which are filled with great dialogue to get more backstory on all the characters and how they intertwine build this world of Priest and Luna and the books yet to come.
I don’t usually like mafia romance but for Lora Whitney (aka Scarlett Scott) I was very happy to hop on board and was completely blown away!! This rapid fire, page turning, no sleeping because I have to finish the book was awwmaaazing!!
Well done Scarlett!! or should I say Lora Whitney!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is darkness and action and some triggers, it is a mafia story after all however, it is not the number one focus which is appreciated! The heat is off the charts between Luna and Prieat (Looots of spicy times!! The pool scene 🔥🔥🔥) but there is also snark and witty banter and some well placed crime show bingeing!!
The relationships between the main and side characters is strong and the story is very well paced with room to breathe between scenes which are filled with great dialogue to get more backstory on all the characters and how they intertwine build this world of Priest and Luna and the books yet to come.
I don’t usually like mafia romance but for Lora Whitney (aka Scarlett Scott) I was very happy to hop on board and was completely blown away!! This rapid fire, page turning, no sleeping because I have to finish the book was awwmaaazing!!
Well done Scarlett!! or should I say Lora Whitney!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2025
4.5 stars for Brutal Devil by Lora Whitney
Mafia romance works best for me when there is actual mafia stuff happening. The suspense, the danger, the crime-ing all have to feel real. I want my mafia romances gritty and passionate, not just in the love story but in how the characters move through their world. Sometimes that passion is anger, sometimes violence, and sometimes it is f*cking against a one-way glass wall overlooking a casino.
Lora Whitney, also known as Scarlett Scott, delivers on all fronts. Her experience writing dozens of historical romances shows in the tight story arc, layered character development, and a plot that never loses steam.
The arranged marriage setup brings the insta-lust, but both Priest and Luna arrive with heavy baggage. Priest expects the usual dutiful mafia wife, while Luna just wants to escape and go back to Iowa to write poetry (as one does). What they actually get is fiery banter, sharp dialogue, and a relationship that starts fast in the bedroom but deepens when real trauma hits. Priest’s care for Luna in the aftermath of violence gives their bond a raw edge of authenticity.
Priest’s journey is the bigger arc as he reckons with who he is beyond “mafia don.” Luna’s self-reflection and growing intentionality add just as much weight. Watching them both evolve makes the romance feel earned.
We also meet the Andriani brothers, who will fuel the rest of the series. Saint, especially, leaps off the page and his book is next. The epilogue teases just enough to have me impatient already.
Thank you, Lora Whitney, for the advance copy.
Mafia romance works best for me when there is actual mafia stuff happening. The suspense, the danger, the crime-ing all have to feel real. I want my mafia romances gritty and passionate, not just in the love story but in how the characters move through their world. Sometimes that passion is anger, sometimes violence, and sometimes it is f*cking against a one-way glass wall overlooking a casino.
Lora Whitney, also known as Scarlett Scott, delivers on all fronts. Her experience writing dozens of historical romances shows in the tight story arc, layered character development, and a plot that never loses steam.
The arranged marriage setup brings the insta-lust, but both Priest and Luna arrive with heavy baggage. Priest expects the usual dutiful mafia wife, while Luna just wants to escape and go back to Iowa to write poetry (as one does). What they actually get is fiery banter, sharp dialogue, and a relationship that starts fast in the bedroom but deepens when real trauma hits. Priest’s care for Luna in the aftermath of violence gives their bond a raw edge of authenticity.
Priest’s journey is the bigger arc as he reckons with who he is beyond “mafia don.” Luna’s self-reflection and growing intentionality add just as much weight. Watching them both evolve makes the romance feel earned.
We also meet the Andriani brothers, who will fuel the rest of the series. Saint, especially, leaps off the page and his book is next. The epilogue teases just enough to have me impatient already.
Thank you, Lora Whitney, for the advance copy.
September 23, 2025
When I read a Mafia romance I want dark, gritty, raw, messy and HOT AF! I want to go from despising the Hero to loving every nasty thing he does. I want him to feel like he's losing control, ruthlessly denying his emotions until he realizes it's a lost cause. I want him so down bad for her that he worships the ground she walks on, and would (does) kill for her. I want a heroine who spits and claws her way into the Hero's heart, shocking him at every turn but also earning his admiration. I want her to demand value for her agency and never relent. I want her to change him just a little, but she's the only one who sees it, everyone else fears him a little more, afraid of disrespecting his wife.
I want all of that along with tenderness, attentiveness, compromise, growth, declarations that make me sigh, thoughtful gestures that surprise. I want them to both feel cherished, adored, trusted. I want their sexy times to rock each other's world with volatile, sizzling passion, endearments, dirty talk, and explicit, one handed page turns.
I want all of this!! But I want it skillfully written with eloquence that's absorbing, polished and addictive. And this is exactly what Lora Whitney (aka Scarlett Scott) DELIVERS! I thought I was completely ruined for any author besides Mila Finelli to give me the Mafia romance that I want but then I read this! I was silently cheering the whole time while reading it. Perfetto!!
I am completely in love with this debut series! And I can't wait for the next book!
I was honored to receive an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I want all of that along with tenderness, attentiveness, compromise, growth, declarations that make me sigh, thoughtful gestures that surprise. I want them to both feel cherished, adored, trusted. I want their sexy times to rock each other's world with volatile, sizzling passion, endearments, dirty talk, and explicit, one handed page turns.
I want all of this!! But I want it skillfully written with eloquence that's absorbing, polished and addictive. And this is exactly what Lora Whitney (aka Scarlett Scott) DELIVERS! I thought I was completely ruined for any author besides Mila Finelli to give me the Mafia romance that I want but then I read this! I was silently cheering the whole time while reading it. Perfetto!!
I am completely in love with this debut series! And I can't wait for the next book!
I was honored to receive an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
ALC review from Netgalley
Brutal Devil wasn’t quite my usual vibe, but I can absolutely see why dark‑romance and mafia‑romance fans gravitate toward stories like this. The setup is classic: Luna, the FMC, is forced into an arranged marriage to strengthen the alliance between two powerful families. She wants nothing to do with that world or the expectations placed on her, but the plot quickly pulls her into the orbit of Priest the unhinged, obsessive MMC who becomes the center of the story.
The book leans hard into familiar dark‑romance tropes: power imbalances, forced proximity, kidnapping‑to‑lovers energy, and the ruthless politics that come with mafia families. There are plenty of twists and turns. Even though many of them follow the expected beats of the genre, they still keep the story moving and make the audiobook easy to follow.
You do get your HEA, and if this is your lane, you’ll probably swoon for Priest’s brand of chaotic devotion. He’s intense, morally gray, and exactly the type of MMC dark‑romance readers tend to latch onto.
For me personally, it landed as an okay read simply because it’s not the type of romance I usually reach for. But for listeners who love high‑stakes tension, unhinged heroes, and the full dark‑mafia package, this one will likely hit the spot.
Brutal Devil wasn’t quite my usual vibe, but I can absolutely see why dark‑romance and mafia‑romance fans gravitate toward stories like this. The setup is classic: Luna, the FMC, is forced into an arranged marriage to strengthen the alliance between two powerful families. She wants nothing to do with that world or the expectations placed on her, but the plot quickly pulls her into the orbit of Priest the unhinged, obsessive MMC who becomes the center of the story.
The book leans hard into familiar dark‑romance tropes: power imbalances, forced proximity, kidnapping‑to‑lovers energy, and the ruthless politics that come with mafia families. There are plenty of twists and turns. Even though many of them follow the expected beats of the genre, they still keep the story moving and make the audiobook easy to follow.
You do get your HEA, and if this is your lane, you’ll probably swoon for Priest’s brand of chaotic devotion. He’s intense, morally gray, and exactly the type of MMC dark‑romance readers tend to latch onto.
For me personally, it landed as an okay read simply because it’s not the type of romance I usually reach for. But for listeners who love high‑stakes tension, unhinged heroes, and the full dark‑mafia package, this one will likely hit the spot.
September 23, 2025
I loved Brutal Devil! For a debut in dark romance, this book absolutely delivered. Luna and Priest’s chemistry was on fire, but what really got me was the emotion under all the grit. The arranged marriage setup felt raw, intense, and addictive. I tore through it in no time.
This is actually Scarlett Scott writing under her pen name Lora Whitney, and since I already love her historical romance books, I knew I had to try this. She completely nailed mafia romance too. The writing, the drama, the twists, the balance of brutal and tender… It all just worked. No cliffhanger, no sharing, just a satisfying HEA that made me want more. I’ll be reading anything she writes, no matter the name.
5⭐️ 4🌶️
I can’t wait for Saint’s book which is the next one in the series.
This is actually Scarlett Scott writing under her pen name Lora Whitney, and since I already love her historical romance books, I knew I had to try this. She completely nailed mafia romance too. The writing, the drama, the twists, the balance of brutal and tender… It all just worked. No cliffhanger, no sharing, just a satisfying HEA that made me want more. I’ll be reading anything she writes, no matter the name.
5⭐️ 4🌶️
I can’t wait for Saint’s book which is the next one in the series.
September 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, and it was a great intro to the series! the main characters are clearly right for one another, but the push and pull between them creates the most satisfying tension. They really challenged one another and it was so fun for them to get their HEA. The side characters introduced were also so great and it made me so excited for the next installment in this series!
September 24, 2025
I enjoyed this book SOOOO MUCH. Lora Whitney aka my queen Scarlett Scott, explores this new gender with absolutely amazing skills.
Luna is a smart independent woman who writes poetry and has a life far again from her father, a mafia don. When he calls her after a cancer diagnosis, she comes home to help him but finds instead an arranged marriage with a man from a family she blames for her brother’s death. Priest is everything she despises: cocky, violent and imposing. A perfect mafia don. A stranger that would stop at nothing to have her and secure both families’ future.
I don’t usually read mafia books but this one was addictive. It’s an ultra-hot ‘enemies to lovers’ with a lot of sexual tension, crashing and explosive scenes. The characters are well developed, there’s action, aghast, plenty of super steamy moments and family loyalty. The chemistry between them is AMAZING, but also romantic and meaningful.
I highly recommend this story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luna is a smart independent woman who writes poetry and has a life far again from her father, a mafia don. When he calls her after a cancer diagnosis, she comes home to help him but finds instead an arranged marriage with a man from a family she blames for her brother’s death. Priest is everything she despises: cocky, violent and imposing. A perfect mafia don. A stranger that would stop at nothing to have her and secure both families’ future.
I don’t usually read mafia books but this one was addictive. It’s an ultra-hot ‘enemies to lovers’ with a lot of sexual tension, crashing and explosive scenes. The characters are well developed, there’s action, aghast, plenty of super steamy moments and family loyalty. The chemistry between them is AMAZING, but also romantic and meaningful.
I highly recommend this story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2025
When I started Brutal Devil, I wondered how Luna and Priest would come together after such a wretched first meeting. I should not have given it a thought, as the author masterfully transformed their relationship from enemies to lovers to soulmates.
Luna’s father lures her back home under false pretenses. Happy being far away from her old life, focusing on her MFA program, she is shocked to find herself betrothed to Priest, the don of a rival mafia family. Priest has made a deal with Luna’s father, a rival don, to merge their families and consolidate power. While Luna is desperate to run away, Priest has a soft spot for her almost immediately.
Thus begins a steamy and twisty romance. Even as she yearns to return to her old life, Luna cannot deny her chemistry with and feelings for her new husband. Priest, on the other hand, realizes quickly that he is unwilling to let Luna step out of his life.
This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I can’t wait for Saint and Isla’s story. I read this book as an advanced reader copy.
Luna’s father lures her back home under false pretenses. Happy being far away from her old life, focusing on her MFA program, she is shocked to find herself betrothed to Priest, the don of a rival mafia family. Priest has made a deal with Luna’s father, a rival don, to merge their families and consolidate power. While Luna is desperate to run away, Priest has a soft spot for her almost immediately.
Thus begins a steamy and twisty romance. Even as she yearns to return to her old life, Luna cannot deny her chemistry with and feelings for her new husband. Priest, on the other hand, realizes quickly that he is unwilling to let Luna step out of his life.
This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I can’t wait for Saint and Isla’s story. I read this book as an advanced reader copy.
January 20, 2026
This was an intense and engaging start to a series. As Book 1 of Andriani Brothers, it delivered a dark mafia atmosphere with an arranged marriage trope that kept me invested from beginning to end. The story moved at a steady pace and balanced danger, loyalty, and romance well while leaning into its darker elements.
The chemistry between the main characters was very good, and the steam level was high, adding to the tension of the story. I enjoyed the push-and-pull dynamic between the characters as their relationship developed.
The audiobook narration by Mia Madison and Xander Stone added another layer to the experience, bringing believability to the characters and enhancing the overall story.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the arc.
The chemistry between the main characters was very good, and the steam level was high, adding to the tension of the story. I enjoyed the push-and-pull dynamic between the characters as their relationship developed.
The audiobook narration by Mia Madison and Xander Stone added another layer to the experience, bringing believability to the characters and enhancing the overall story.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the arc.
September 29, 2025
Mafia romance has a way of channeling emotion stronger than any other genre. It’s intense, it’s raw and it’s emotional. Brutal Devil is all this and more. A little love for you captor blended with a strong willed heroine who refuses to be a victim. This story is high impact at its finest and i admit my emotions were more than a little raw in the end. I am no stranger to this author’s effects though having read many of Scarlett. Scott’s historicals and I know that she has a way of squeezing the life out of your heart, but she will always soothe them burn in the end. Priest and Luna were actually the perfect counterparts. She awakened him to a softer side where he was free to feel actual human emotion without it being a failing, while he helped her find her inner strength and grow into the strong independent woman she became. And i loved watching her quiet bonding with his brother Saint, introducing the 2nd’s lighter side as we prepare for his story next. This was a great introduction to her mafia voice as Lora Whitney and I’m intrigued to see her growth in this new genre.
January 17, 2026
This is a standalone dark. arranged marriage mafia romance with characters that lure you in. I enjoyed listening to this for the banter and enemies to lovers vibes.
Read this if you like:
⭐️Enemies to lovers
⭐️Mafia Romance
⭐️Spice
⭐️Arranged Marriage
⭐️Forced Proximity
Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for sharing this ARC with me.
Read this if you like:
⭐️Enemies to lovers
⭐️Mafia Romance
⭐️Spice
⭐️Arranged Marriage
⭐️Forced Proximity
Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for sharing this ARC with me.
March 7, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook.
I fear I'm not in the common denominator for this book and it took me way to get finished. I typically really like Mafia books, but the FMC was really aggravating and very repetitive. I'm not sure if it was the narrators, but I do not recommend
I fear I'm not in the common denominator for this book and it took me way to get finished. I typically really like Mafia books, but the FMC was really aggravating and very repetitive. I'm not sure if it was the narrators, but I do not recommend
March 31, 2026
Thank you @NetGalley and @Dreamscapemedia for the ALC. I liked the narrators that played Luna and Priest, they gave great performances. Luna moved to get away from her mafia father, but when he calls her back to marry a mafia boss she has no choice. Priest is trying to combine the two families and he wants Luna to obey and marry him. This is a steamy romance and even though Priest is very grey, you will fall in love with him.
November 4, 2025
Ok story. Ovaries were mentioned way too many times as an apparent excuse for having no defense to his sexiness, strange that she wanted to write poetry, how did she make any money? Says she paid for everything but how?
And weird she wasn’t being asked out or dating if she was THAT hot?
And weird she wasn’t being asked out or dating if she was THAT hot?
January 30, 2026
Brutal Devil was such a fun easy read. The kind of book you start thinking you’ll just read a couple chapters and then suddenly you’re halfway through and fully invested.
I’d give this about a 3.5 stars, maybe even leaning towards a 4 because it really gives you what you want from a mafia romance. Protective slightly unhinged man. Tension. Spice. Drama. It’s all there.
And Priest… yeah. I was drooling the whole time. Something about a powerful possessive mafia man who is soft for his girl just does it for me every single time. I should probably be concerned but instead I was just giggling and kicking my feet.
It’s not reinventing the mafia genre or anything but honestly that’s kind of why it works. It leans into the tropes and just commits. The pacing made it super easy to binge and I never felt bored.
I can definitely see myself picking up the rest of this series because now I need to know about the other brothers. I just know their books are going to be messy in the best way
I’d give this about a 3.5 stars, maybe even leaning towards a 4 because it really gives you what you want from a mafia romance. Protective slightly unhinged man. Tension. Spice. Drama. It’s all there.
And Priest… yeah. I was drooling the whole time. Something about a powerful possessive mafia man who is soft for his girl just does it for me every single time. I should probably be concerned but instead I was just giggling and kicking my feet.
It’s not reinventing the mafia genre or anything but honestly that’s kind of why it works. It leans into the tropes and just commits. The pacing made it super easy to binge and I never felt bored.
I can definitely see myself picking up the rest of this series because now I need to know about the other brothers. I just know their books are going to be messy in the best way
January 27, 2026
I really wanted to enjoy this but I did not. I'm not sure if the audio was the problem or the story itself. I love a Mafia story but I was turned off immediately how quickly he fell in love. Wasn't for me at the moment.
September 29, 2025
Brutal Devil by @authorlorawhitney
Was this toxic? Yes. Did I eat it up like it was Earth's last slice of pizza? Also yes. 😈
Brutal Devil is messy, intense, and 100% unhinged in the best way possible. The male lead? A walking red flag. The heroine? Thankfully, not a doormat, which made their chaotic chemistry even more fun to watch.
If you like your romance dark, spicy, and morally questionable, this one’s for you. Don’t go in expecting sunshine and rainbows—you’re here for the drama, and Lora Whitney delivers.
I can't wait for Saint’s book 🤌🖤🩸
Was this toxic? Yes. Did I eat it up like it was Earth's last slice of pizza? Also yes. 😈
Brutal Devil is messy, intense, and 100% unhinged in the best way possible. The male lead? A walking red flag. The heroine? Thankfully, not a doormat, which made their chaotic chemistry even more fun to watch.
If you like your romance dark, spicy, and morally questionable, this one’s for you. Don’t go in expecting sunshine and rainbows—you’re here for the drama, and Lora Whitney delivers.
I can't wait for Saint’s book 🤌🖤🩸
November 9, 2025
I forgot how much I love a Mafia romance! 🖤
I cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out!
I cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out!
December 15, 2025
DNF @ 72%
Part of me really does want to read their HEA, but I don't think I can handle one more reference to his monster 🐓, her traitor ovaries, or Amedeo the Animal LOL.
Part of me really does want to read their HEA, but I don't think I can handle one more reference to his monster 🐓, her traitor ovaries, or Amedeo the Animal LOL.
October 26, 2025
Glavna likuša je iritantna i djetinjasta.
November 10, 2025
The beginning of the book had a lot of potential and then it just turned into about MC being locked in a basement while her and the MMC go at it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brutal Devil (Andriani Brothers # 1) Lora Whitney
Dual Narration by Mia Madison; Xander Stone
Luna is the only living child born into the head of a Mafia, but she left for college with no intentions of returning. When she received a call no child wants to get, she flew home immediately to see her father, only to find out he is involved in some mafia politics that she wants no part of. A signed contract selling her hand to the head of another mafia family. They call him Priest, but he doesn't get his nickname from being holy, and as far as she knows, he is the reason her brother is dead. He's a corrupt dark angel in a designer suit. Luna's biggest weakness, her tormentor, her greatest fear. The husband she will do anything to destroy, unless he destroys her first.
Priest (Matteo) Andriani is as beautiful as he is dangerous. As the oldest and head of his family, he calls the shots, and when the opportunity to marry the only daughter of the head of the mafia in the area to align all the families together, he grabs it. She is stunning, intelligent, and firey. The only problem is that she was tricked into coming home and wants nothing to do with this alliance or marriage. Too bad, because it's happening if she likes it or not. She can try to escape, but she won't get far. If she can't behave, he will make her one way or another.
Expectations
Mafia Family Politics
Forced Marriage
Age Gap (FMC is mid 20's)
He Falls First
Forced Proximity
Kidnapping
Family Secrets
Betrayal
Touch her and Die
Mine
Anxiety Rep
False Accusations
SPICE
HEA
Brutal Devil is a standalone dark mafia open-door spicy romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It has good banter, very hot love scenes, and addresses some common issues such as grief, shock, and panic attacks. Each book in the Andriani Brothers series will follow a different couple on the path to their HEA, and you will get hints of who will be next at the end of this book. One of Priest's brothers, who is also dangerous but has golden retriever vibes for those he cares about. I like him as a side character, and look forward to seeing him get whipped over a woman like his big brother did in this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Lora Whitney, and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Dual Narration by Mia Madison; Xander Stone
Luna is the only living child born into the head of a Mafia, but she left for college with no intentions of returning. When she received a call no child wants to get, she flew home immediately to see her father, only to find out he is involved in some mafia politics that she wants no part of. A signed contract selling her hand to the head of another mafia family. They call him Priest, but he doesn't get his nickname from being holy, and as far as she knows, he is the reason her brother is dead. He's a corrupt dark angel in a designer suit. Luna's biggest weakness, her tormentor, her greatest fear. The husband she will do anything to destroy, unless he destroys her first.
Priest (Matteo) Andriani is as beautiful as he is dangerous. As the oldest and head of his family, he calls the shots, and when the opportunity to marry the only daughter of the head of the mafia in the area to align all the families together, he grabs it. She is stunning, intelligent, and firey. The only problem is that she was tricked into coming home and wants nothing to do with this alliance or marriage. Too bad, because it's happening if she likes it or not. She can try to escape, but she won't get far. If she can't behave, he will make her one way or another.
Expectations
Mafia Family Politics
Forced Marriage
Age Gap (FMC is mid 20's)
He Falls First
Forced Proximity
Kidnapping
Family Secrets
Betrayal
Touch her and Die
Mine
Anxiety Rep
False Accusations
SPICE
HEA
Brutal Devil is a standalone dark mafia open-door spicy romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It has good banter, very hot love scenes, and addresses some common issues such as grief, shock, and panic attacks. Each book in the Andriani Brothers series will follow a different couple on the path to their HEA, and you will get hints of who will be next at the end of this book. One of Priest's brothers, who is also dangerous but has golden retriever vibes for those he cares about. I like him as a side character, and look forward to seeing him get whipped over a woman like his big brother did in this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Lora Whitney, and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
💜 Billionaire, Mafia Don anti-Hero
💜 Sheltered Mafia Princess
💜 Arranged Marriage
💜 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Uniting Rival Families
💜 Captive (For her protection)
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Touch her and D!e
💜 Hot Pool Scene
💜 Red Wine foreplay
💜 Nickname: Topolina (hers...Little Mouse)
💜 Nickname: Gangster (his)
💜 Adriani Brothers
💜 Spicy AF
Dangerous… decadent… and downright gritty. Brutal Devil is everything I wanted in a dark mafia romance. Think beauty (a poetry writing mafia princess) and the beast (a tatted mafia don)… or Hades and Persephone… but with Gl0cks. Luna and Priest will grip you and have you at the edge of your seat from the moment they meet. And when these enemies become lovers… ooohhhh yasss… you are gonna want to fan yo’self. Mmm’kay?!
Luna Revello may seem quiet and unassuming, but she stands up to Priest every chance she can get… he is totally amused, annoyed, and impressed by this. Forced to marry the enemy, she doesn’t just take it lying down… even though Priest is chipping away her defenses with every kiss and touch. It’s ok Luna… we’d cave too, girl!
Matteo “Priest” Andriani has big don energy… and I melted every time he was on the page. Total touch her and ☠️ vibes … and he definitely means it. I just love that Luna softens him up a bit. Always makes me giddy when these big tough alphas starts to wear their hearts on their sleeve for their woman. And when it comes to Luna, Priest will do everything in his power to love her and keep her safe…. Le sigh!
The banter and s3xual tension between Luna and Priest are off the charts. And even though they start out butting heads… they do get to know each other. I love when the walls start coming down. I did ugly cry af and surprisingly found myself chuckling a bit too. All in all a wonderful read and I will definitely be rereading this one!
This is Lora Whitney’s debut novel. Totally a new voice in the Mafia world… and girl, I am standing up and listening. Amazing start to the Adriani Brothers Series. I am already chomping on the bit for Saint (Priest’s bro) and Isla’s (Luna’s BFF) story!!
💜 Sheltered Mafia Princess
💜 Arranged Marriage
💜 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Uniting Rival Families
💜 Captive (For her protection)
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Touch her and D!e
💜 Hot Pool Scene
💜 Red Wine foreplay
💜 Nickname: Topolina (hers...Little Mouse)
💜 Nickname: Gangster (his)
💜 Adriani Brothers
💜 Spicy AF
Dangerous… decadent… and downright gritty. Brutal Devil is everything I wanted in a dark mafia romance. Think beauty (a poetry writing mafia princess) and the beast (a tatted mafia don)… or Hades and Persephone… but with Gl0cks. Luna and Priest will grip you and have you at the edge of your seat from the moment they meet. And when these enemies become lovers… ooohhhh yasss… you are gonna want to fan yo’self. Mmm’kay?!
Luna Revello may seem quiet and unassuming, but she stands up to Priest every chance she can get… he is totally amused, annoyed, and impressed by this. Forced to marry the enemy, she doesn’t just take it lying down… even though Priest is chipping away her defenses with every kiss and touch. It’s ok Luna… we’d cave too, girl!
Matteo “Priest” Andriani has big don energy… and I melted every time he was on the page. Total touch her and ☠️ vibes … and he definitely means it. I just love that Luna softens him up a bit. Always makes me giddy when these big tough alphas starts to wear their hearts on their sleeve for their woman. And when it comes to Luna, Priest will do everything in his power to love her and keep her safe…. Le sigh!
The banter and s3xual tension between Luna and Priest are off the charts. And even though they start out butting heads… they do get to know each other. I love when the walls start coming down. I did ugly cry af and surprisingly found myself chuckling a bit too. All in all a wonderful read and I will definitely be rereading this one!
This is Lora Whitney’s debut novel. Totally a new voice in the Mafia world… and girl, I am standing up and listening. Amazing start to the Adriani Brothers Series. I am already chomping on the bit for Saint (Priest’s bro) and Isla’s (Luna’s BFF) story!!
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