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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.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
850 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Lora Whitney
3 books34 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 66 reviews
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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!
October 26, 2025
Glavna likuša je iritantna i djetinjasta.
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!!
September 12, 2025
Lora Whitney (aka Scarlett Scott) trades cravats for crime lords in Brutal Devil, the explosive start to her Contemporary Mafia series. While I’ll always swoon for a brooding duke, this gritty arranged marriage romance surprised me with its emotional depth and scorching chemistry.
Priest Andriani expects obedience from his new bride, but Luna, who’d rather be writing poetry in Iowa than playing mafia wife, delivers fire instead. Their connection is instant and intense, but what makes this story sing is how it evolves: trauma, tenderness, and trust slowly reshape their bond into something real.
Priest’s transformation is especially compelling; he’s more than a brutal don, and Luna’s growth gives the romance a soul. The dialogue crackles, the steam is off the charts, and the emotional payoff is worth every dark twist.
The Andriani brothers are pure catnip for future books. Saint already owns my attention, and Luna’s best friend Ilsa promises to be a fierce heroine for him in the next book - I’m hooked! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Priest Andriani expects obedience from his new bride, but Luna, who’d rather be writing poetry in Iowa than playing mafia wife, delivers fire instead. Their connection is instant and intense, but what makes this story sing is how it evolves: trauma, tenderness, and trust slowly reshape their bond into something real.
Priest’s transformation is especially compelling; he’s more than a brutal don, and Luna’s growth gives the romance a soul. The dialogue crackles, the steam is off the charts, and the emotional payoff is worth every dark twist.
The Andriani brothers are pure catnip for future books. Saint already owns my attention, and Luna’s best friend Ilsa promises to be a fierce heroine for him in the next book - I’m hooked! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
3.75 stars
I’m new to this author and I must say this was a solid, enjoyable Mafia book. The story revolves around Luna and Matteo (aka Priest, which is how he’s referred to throughout the book) and their arranged marriage. Luna thought she escaped her Mafia heritage when her father allowed her to go to college far away from home, but he was bidding his time. Needless to say, being summoned home and forced to marry does not put Luna in the best of moods. For his part Priest is more accepting of the arrangement because, of course, it’s beneficial to him.
As things happen, Luna wages a war with herself over how she feels - and while I don’t blame her after she’s forced to live in a safe house for her protection immediately after her wedding, I found her musings got a bit old. The way she flipped from wanting Priest to despising him literally in the same breath was like being on a merry-go-round … I got a bit dizzy after a while.
Despite that I definitely enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading about the other brothers.
I’m new to this author and I must say this was a solid, enjoyable Mafia book. The story revolves around Luna and Matteo (aka Priest, which is how he’s referred to throughout the book) and their arranged marriage. Luna thought she escaped her Mafia heritage when her father allowed her to go to college far away from home, but he was bidding his time. Needless to say, being summoned home and forced to marry does not put Luna in the best of moods. For his part Priest is more accepting of the arrangement because, of course, it’s beneficial to him.
As things happen, Luna wages a war with herself over how she feels - and while I don’t blame her after she’s forced to live in a safe house for her protection immediately after her wedding, I found her musings got a bit old. The way she flipped from wanting Priest to despising him literally in the same breath was like being on a merry-go-round … I got a bit dizzy after a while.
Despite that I definitely enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading about the other brothers.
September 23, 2025
Luna is the daughter of Tomasso, the Mafia leader of the Revello family and living far from Mafia life away at school. Luna's father begs her to come home, telling her he has cancer and that he needs her. Luna always believed she escaped mafia life but no sooner does she arrive that her father tells her that she is to marry Priest aka Matteo, leader of the Andriani Mafia family, uniting both mafia families and making Matteo the new Mafia Don. Luna is desperate to run back to her old life but Matteo is determined to not let her go.
Luna and Matteo’s hot and sexy dangerous journey together is action packed with many suspenseful twists and turns that kept me turning the pages and wanting more. Their undeniable passionate chemistry together through love and hate is steamy and delicious. Matteo's brothers add delicious witty moments to their story but Saint is my favorite. Loving this new dark mafia series and looking forward to many more to come!
Luna and Matteo’s hot and sexy dangerous journey together is action packed with many suspenseful twists and turns that kept me turning the pages and wanting more. Their undeniable passionate chemistry together through love and hate is steamy and delicious. Matteo's brothers add delicious witty moments to their story but Saint is my favorite. Loving this new dark mafia series and looking forward to many more to come!
October 10, 2025
ARC Review. This was my first time reading a book by Lora Whitney, and it definitely won’t be my last. She wrote such a great spicy dark mafia romance!
Brutal Devil had me hooked the moment Priest, the MMC, said to Luna, the FMC:
“I think what Mr. Revello means is that you should sit the fuck down.”
When I read that line, I was sat. I read this book in one sitting and didn’t put it down until I finished.
Priest was everything — dominant, dangerous, and hot AF. And Luna? I loved how she gave as good as she got. She’s feisty, strong-willed (maybe a little too feisty at times 😅). Their chemistry was fire, and the enemies-to-lovers tension was done so well.
Overall, this book was a good dark mafia romance read. Spice was v good! I’ll have no problem rereading!
💋 Thank you to Lora Whitney for allowing me to read an advance copy of Brutal Devil. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what you write next!
Brutal Devil had me hooked the moment Priest, the MMC, said to Luna, the FMC:
“I think what Mr. Revello means is that you should sit the fuck down.”
When I read that line, I was sat. I read this book in one sitting and didn’t put it down until I finished.
Priest was everything — dominant, dangerous, and hot AF. And Luna? I loved how she gave as good as she got. She’s feisty, strong-willed (maybe a little too feisty at times 😅). Their chemistry was fire, and the enemies-to-lovers tension was done so well.
Overall, this book was a good dark mafia romance read. Spice was v good! I’ll have no problem rereading!
💋 Thank you to Lora Whitney for allowing me to read an advance copy of Brutal Devil. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what you write next!
September 1, 2025
Let me start by saying I typically don't read contemporary or mafia romance, but I do love arranged, forced, and marriage of convenience. I am glad I gave this book a shot.
Luna has detached herself from the life of the mafia her father leads and intends to keep it that way, but then is conned into returning by her ailing father. She arrives back to see her father to find out she is being married off to the enemy and Don of the Andriani Mafia leader, Matteo... AKA Priest.
There is that hate the enemy, but lust they can't deny between them. The pages of the book are a blazing inferno between the Luna and Priest. It is an all-out war in more ways than one and is hard to put down.
This book was an impressive start to the series, and I look forward to reading the books of the other Andriani brothers.
**Warning: Violence, intercourse, and foul language.
Luna has detached herself from the life of the mafia her father leads and intends to keep it that way, but then is conned into returning by her ailing father. She arrives back to see her father to find out she is being married off to the enemy and Don of the Andriani Mafia leader, Matteo... AKA Priest.
There is that hate the enemy, but lust they can't deny between them. The pages of the book are a blazing inferno between the Luna and Priest. It is an all-out war in more ways than one and is hard to put down.
This book was an impressive start to the series, and I look forward to reading the books of the other Andriani brothers.
**Warning: Violence, intercourse, and foul language.
September 13, 2025
This is a great book, I really loved it. This is a book about the Mafia and arranged marriages. Luna was the daughter of a Mafia boss, who did not want to be part of that life, so she moved away. Priest Andriani is the boss of another family. Luna’s father and Priest want to combine families – the best way to do that is for Luan and Priest to marry. The chemistry between Priest and Lora was hot. I really liked Priest, I love when a bad boy is bad except for the one woman he will love. Priest had me when he pulled her away from her father when the father slapped her. There is also a little intrigue to keep this book going. Lora Whitney is the pen name for Scarlett Scott, and this book was just as good as all of Scarlett Scotts’s. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
September 22, 2025
I loved this! It's Priest & Luna's story & it was awesome! They're both from Mafia families & are having to get married. The problem? She's been away from that life for a long time & didn't want any part of it. He was born to take over for his family. They get married & a lot of things happen there. She always loathed him & his family, so to be made to marry him is a hard pill to swallow. But their chemistry is off the charts, & they can't really deny it. There's a lot happening here, things come to light & she finds that she made assumptions that aren't correct. And WOW!! The arguing was crazy & I loved it!! She doesn't make things easy on him for a while, & they both fight their feelings for each other. The spice was fantastic & I loved the story, can't wait to read more!! Highly recommend this book & author!
September 17, 2025
I loved Lora Whitney's first book into the mafia world following the Andriani brothers. The story of alliances through marriage, a marriage of convivence with compelling wonderful characters. Preist Andriani is the Don of the family mafia, he's as beautiful as he is deadly. Stubborn independent Luna has tried to leave the mafia life behind her, she's never wanted anything to do with the life her father offers, but things change, but she's called back home her father is ill. I love their witty banter Priest expects a wife who follows orders and Luna would rather still be in Iowa, not a mafia wife. A captivating story with steamy scenes, a passion that can't be denied, dark mafia drama and danger with a few twists and turns. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
November 24, 2025
Loved It!
Yes, Priest and Luna's story had it's dark moments, which made it even more interesting.
The chemistry these two had made the story better. Luna is summoned by her father, who's health is not well. Only to discover her father has an arranged marriage set up for her. Luna has been away for 5 years not wanting to know or have anything to do with the family "business".
Priest is the eldest if the brothers and will marry Luna to make the alliance stronger. She is proving to be a handful, no fear of Priest or his brothers. Luna is determined to finish her studies and remain independent but can she?
Things quickly escalate, Luna is now a target and is in hiding. Can Priest keep her safe? Who can Luna trust? Will she escape?
Yes, Priest and Luna's story had it's dark moments, which made it even more interesting.
The chemistry these two had made the story better. Luna is summoned by her father, who's health is not well. Only to discover her father has an arranged marriage set up for her. Luna has been away for 5 years not wanting to know or have anything to do with the family "business".
Priest is the eldest if the brothers and will marry Luna to make the alliance stronger. She is proving to be a handful, no fear of Priest or his brothers. Luna is determined to finish her studies and remain independent but can she?
Things quickly escalate, Luna is now a target and is in hiding. Can Priest keep her safe? Who can Luna trust? Will she escape?
September 18, 2025
Skillfully written dark Mafia romance encompassing two families trying to merge for the ultimate power. Matteo (Priest) is the DON of the Andriani family and he is determined to marry Luna the daughter of the Revello DON. But Luna has been away at school studying poetry and leading a quiet normal life. Their explosive first meeting carries on throughout the story with their clashes and their lovemaking resembling fireworks. As they come to care for each other, the danger intensifies for both of them. Violence and steamy hot scenes characterize their relationship.
Totally absorbing read drawing you into their world.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Totally absorbing read drawing you into their world.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
October 4, 2025
brutal devil indeed
This is the first story I have read by lora but I’m sure it won’t be the last .
A different genre to what I normally read as I’m an avid historical steamy romance reader but i have to say I loved this story , it’s a fast paced mafia story that will grip you straight away .
It’s violent , it’s hot and has a very sexy dom as you would expect .
Lorna a poet and student finds herself trapped and married to very mixed up and violent man …namely Matteo a ruthless dom .This story goes through all the emotions and tragic events between both of them that will keep you glued to its pages .
A great read looking forward to mor
This is the first story I have read by lora but I’m sure it won’t be the last .
A different genre to what I normally read as I’m an avid historical steamy romance reader but i have to say I loved this story , it’s a fast paced mafia story that will grip you straight away .
It’s violent , it’s hot and has a very sexy dom as you would expect .
Lorna a poet and student finds herself trapped and married to very mixed up and violent man …namely Matteo a ruthless dom .This story goes through all the emotions and tragic events between both of them that will keep you glued to its pages .
A great read looking forward to mor
October 10, 2025
most unrealistic book ever
both characters WERE SO ANNOYING ONG HELPPPP
luna - you seemed lowk badass in the beginning and then suddenly morphed into a 5 year old??
she genuinely like is so clueless - wdym you think the whole situation is "mafia games"
for a someone with a graduate degree and is super smart or whatever tf you really are DUMB AF!!!
also matteo/priest - the nickname itself is a stretch...
like bro thinks he's tough or smth
and also he gets so ultra possessive like calm down bro i SWEAR your brother isnt stealing your girl
actually ALL the characters need to take a step back and some meditation classes
both characters WERE SO ANNOYING ONG HELPPPP
luna - you seemed lowk badass in the beginning and then suddenly morphed into a 5 year old??
she genuinely like is so clueless - wdym you think the whole situation is "mafia games"
for a someone with a graduate degree and is super smart or whatever tf you really are DUMB AF!!!
also matteo/priest - the nickname itself is a stretch...
like bro thinks he's tough or smth
and also he gets so ultra possessive like calm down bro i SWEAR your brother isnt stealing your girl
actually ALL the characters need to take a step back and some meditation classes
September 5, 2025
I just finished reading this book, and it was so good!
The enemies-to-lovers element was written to perfection—the moment when the enemies truly became lovers had me in a chokehold. Luna and Priest’s journey was beautiful to witness, and I loved how their love story unfolded.
The author’s writing style really stood out; she captured the mafia essence so well, making the story immersive and gripping. And the sexual chemistry between Luna and Priest? Absolutely scorching.
This is a solid 4-star read for me, and I definitely recommend it.
Huge thanks to the author for this ARC!
The enemies-to-lovers element was written to perfection—the moment when the enemies truly became lovers had me in a chokehold. Luna and Priest’s journey was beautiful to witness, and I loved how their love story unfolded.
The author’s writing style really stood out; she captured the mafia essence so well, making the story immersive and gripping. And the sexual chemistry between Luna and Priest? Absolutely scorching.
This is a solid 4-star read for me, and I definitely recommend it.
Huge thanks to the author for this ARC!
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