Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bound by the Mafia

Rate this book
Willow

Life is unfair to a girl like me. I’m not meant for happily ever afters or anything lasting.
Until the day it all changes.
Nico Rossi, who has a dark secret I couldn’t begin to comprehend with the whirlwind my homelife is, unexpectedly stands up for me in our shared class. I’m instantly drawn to the quiet boy who seems to harbor a soft spot for me. But once I learn who his family is, our future becomes skewed and clouded.
That fragile stability I’ve come to cherish crumbles beneath me, and I’m left yearning for a man I’ll never see again.
Or so I thought.

Nico

Nine. Years.
Nine years of waiting and watching.
Willow doesn’t know it, but she’s been mine since she first spoke to me. She thinks she can move on, but I won’t allow it.
Crashing her wedding and cementing her in my life for good is supposed to be our ending, but when a new threat arises, and my brothers and I are forced to confront familiar faces, our happily ever after doesn’t look so straightforward.
I’ll stop at nothing to ensure Willow’s safety. Even if it kills me.

This is a dark mafia romance with a HEA. Trigger warnings are listed at the beginning of the book.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

76 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Juliet Coven

8 books47 followers
Follow for updates!

Join my Facebook for fun!

Join my TikTok for regular posts!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
43 (28%)
4 stars
37 (24%)
3 stars
42 (28%)
2 stars
22 (14%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
32 reviews
October 30, 2025
Bound by the Mafia was an unexpected treat—a refreshingly lighter take on the genre compared to the darker, morally black mafia romances I usually read. The pacing was smooth, the plot felt unique and engaging, and the characters? Absolutely alive on the page.

I was obsessed with the banter—not just between the main couple, Nico and Willow, but also between Nico and his brothers. The family dynamics were gold, and the couple’s teasing, playful interactions made me grin more times than I could count. The chemistry was undeniable, and the dirty talk? Whew. Nico delivered lines that had me feral:

“What if I took you over this table, Willow? Would you let me bend you over and stuff your p*ssy? Anyone could walk in on us… our poor waiter would be subjected to watching me f**k my wife with my hand around her throat.”

YES PLEASE.

I also adored Nico’s reverent use of Italian endearments—“Luce del sole,” (“Light of the sun” or “sunlight”.) “Vita Mia” (My life.”)—and the repeated emphasis on “my wife / your husband” from both characters, in thought and in speech. It was hot, emotional, and possessively tender in a way I loved.

The second chance romance angle added real depth, and the emotional connection between them shone throughout. Lines like:

“Nico, I can’t be light…”
“Ah, but you are the sun incarnate. Warm and bright.”

and

“I would bring her the very sun from the sky if I knew it would bring her happiness.”

had me melting.

And I can’t leave out how genuinely funny this book was. Chapter 25 (Nico’s POV) and Chapter 26 (Willow’s POV) were so entertaining with her attempt to explain girl math—and his hopeless confusion was perfectly written.

The only thing holding this back from a perfect rating was the editing. There were minor grammar, tense, and punctuation issues throughout—nothing too heavy, but noticeable if you’re like me and obsess over those things. There was one line on page 234 that made absolutely no sense, and a pronoun mix-up in a conversation with Marco around chapter 9 that broke the flow. Also, some inconsistent verb tense usage mid-sentence was enough to trip me up here and there. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed by heavy editing though.

But even with all that, I genuinely enjoyed this story. It felt fresh, sexy, and emotionally satisfying. I’m excited for the next book in the series—because if this is how Juliet Coven does mafia romance, I’ll absolutely be back for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
September 25, 2025
This story was charming, suspenseful, and had a lot of heated scenes. I like how the author starts her book in the future then goes back to the beginning when Willow meets Nico. It is well written, and would like to find out what happens with the rest of the brothers. I will be on the look out for the rest of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,753 reviews20 followers
September 20, 2025
I’m a sucker for a good dark mafia romance, but if you’re expecting the usual broody, blood-soaked drama, you’re in the wrong place. This book completely surprised me. It’s been ages since a mafia romance made me sigh, smile, and fan myself all at once. What I loved most was the way Juliet wove in Nico and Willow’s backstory. It gave real depth to his obsession and her eventual forgiveness, making their reunion feel so much more believable. Willow had endured a heartbreaking amount of pain and abuse in her past, yet she emerged as this kind, resilient young woman you can’t help but root for. Nico was hooked from the very first moment Willow spoke to him. But fate had other plans, and when he landed in prison, their fragile, blossoming romance was shattered. Fast forward nine long years. Willow is preparing for her wedding when Nico reenters her life with his own idea of a happily ever after. Let’s just say his surprise involves vows, rings, and a little bit of kidnapping flair. Willow, unsurprisingly, isn’t thrilled about Nico’s high-handed methods, but his fierce devotion and heartfelt apologies are hard to resist. And when he touches her—well, forgiveness doesn’t take long to follow. I adored Nico’s possessiveness, the way he’d pined for Willow all those years, and how clear it was that he simply couldn’t live without her. The push and pull between Willow’s anger and attraction is compelling, and their eventual reconciliation is as tender as it is passionate. The honeymoon? Chef’s kiss. But it wasn’t just the romance that made this story shine. Nico’s family stole my heart. His mother was such a standout, nothing like the stereotypical mafia wife, but instead a perfect role model for Willow with her warmth and wisdom. And the banter between Nico and his brothers was hilarious. It added the perfect dose of levity to balance out the darker, more intense moments. What makes this story so refreshing is that, while Nico technically “forces” Willow into marriage, it never feels like a cold, reluctant union. Once she forgives him, their love story unfolds with genuine passion, loyalty, and tenderness. Sure, Nico stumbles along the way (what mafia hero doesn’t?), but his every action is driven by his devotion to Willow. Yes, there are a few violent scenes, it is the mafia, after all, but at its core, this is a beautifully different kind of second-chance romance. It left me smiling, swooning, and impatient for Nico’s brothers to get their own stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SJ.
817 reviews13 followers
September 21, 2025
This made my black little heart so happy.

Book 1 of Mob Love Series

I love a good dark mafia romance and this one had me swooning and melting the whole time. Juliet Coven's writing is attention-grabbing and entertaining from beginning to end.

Willow and Nico's story went from sweet(ish) beginnings to extra spicy passionate happily ever afters.
Nico is unhinged in the best way. He has the best of the morally-gray character traits. When he goes into protector mode for Willow it made me melt. 9 long years of yearning gahhh.

Everything he said had me swooning.
“I wasn’t around, but I never left you, Vita Mia.”

Willow is just such a lovable character, she's sweet, resilient, and a big ball of sunshine.

I loved the past and present dual timeline and how they met and became childhood friends and their relationship developed to lovers was just so good.

"No matter the cost, she’s mine. And I always take what I want."

Tropes:
Forced marriage
Second chance
Friends to lovers
Protective
He falls first
Kidnapping
Stalking
Kink
Explicit
HEA

Dual POV

Check TW

If you're into dark mafia romance that will simultaneously melt your heart and your panties this one is perfection.
Profile Image for Pat Kelly.
487 reviews17 followers
December 9, 2025
A Sweet Mafia Love Story….
Rarely do you have sweet when you are talking about a mafia love story. However, in this case Bound by the Mafia is just that book. It is the first book in the Mob Love Series written by Juliet Coven.

This forced “arranged” mafia marriage is between Nico (MMC) and Willow (MFC) is full of drama and history from their past. Both Nico and Willow have experienced tough moments in their lives which have helped to form them. Willow is a sweet woman, who is resilient, and has endured hurt. Nico is tough and determined to conquer what life brings him. This means getting Willow back after their nine-year separation.

Let’s say Nico has a flair for drama when he reenters Willow’s life on the day of marriage to another man. He kidnaps her and instead of getting married to another man she is marrying Nico. This starts their journey to forgiveness, rekindling romance and love.

How the author weaves this story unfolds in layers – forgiveness, banter, flirting, reminding of what it was and how it could be. The supporting characters add richness to this book.

Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Seems.
187 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2025
I read Killer Confections by this author and loved it. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me at all. I didn't feel any chemistry between the mc's, just lust especially from the fmc. I wish we were shown more growth in their relationship, especially after a nine year separation.
Nico was possessive and growly, but it seemed more like a puppy growling than a man in the mafia. Willow was wishy washy, and she came across as childish. She flip flopped with her feelings, and when she described what she felt about Nico, what she was describing was lust. I never got the feeling she loved him. He was always all in from the beginning, and stayed celibate for the nine years. (He was in jail for 8). She moved on with her life. When she got the opportunity to be mad at him and leave him, she did. Normally I would say the separation didn't make sense, but it was on par with her character because I didn't feel like she truly loved him. She just needed an excuse to leave him. Nico's love was one sided, and he came across as pathetic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
463 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2025
This started off strong. I really liked the connection between Nico and Willow from their high school days. It was super sweet how he was lowkey obsessed with her for years. And Willow’s tough childhood made her easy to root for. Nico crashing her wedding? Total drama moment and honestly, kind of fun.

But after that, things just felt a little too easy. I expected more tension or danger, especially for a mafia romance. The kidnapping was wrapped up fast, and there wasn’t much back and forth or drama between the characters. Everything just...worked out. It made the second half feel kind of flat.

Still, it’s a quick read with a happy ending and some sweet moments. If you like protective guys and don’t mind a lighter mafia story, you’ll probably still enjoy it. Just didn’t wow me like I hoped it would.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
59 reviews
September 1, 2025
This book was Amazing!!!! I was hooked from the start. Willow went thru so much poor girl my heart broke for her with all her trauma. I liked how the story played out, just when you thought she would have a happy ending everything went down hill with heartbreak. Who wouldn’t want a Nico in their life, he would literally burn the world for her.The chemistry and fire was 🥵 even though years had passed. I can’t wait to see which couple is next!!! Oh and we can’t forget about that cliffhanger and the end with Gia and his surprise wedding!!! I’m guessing these couples will be in series Dimitri & Gemma, Luca & Daphne curious as to what really caused the split 😟, Marco & Parker this one’s going to be interesting, Marco is such a clown😂.This series is going to be soooooo GOOD can’t wait to see it progress as everyone’s love story plays out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,112 reviews9 followers
September 22, 2025
Nico and Willow are worlds apart, but she made him laugh with her sassy sarcastic humor and he was hooked! He’s mafia and she’s an abused foster kid with a sweet tooth and too many street smarts. Their friendship is cut short by betrayal and danger that separates them for nearly 10 years. I love his protectiveness and devotion, but it scares Willow and puts her in danger!
Juliet Coven is a new author for me and this story is tragic, hopeful, sexy, brutal, and unbelievably emotional! Their 2nd chance is extremely steamy, kinky, and mired by more betrayal and Nico’s lie. He was willing to do anything to make her his and he promised to tell her everything, but he left something out! It takes a kidnapping to save their marriage and find their enemies. Exciting, entertaining, and heartwarming family times!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Snow.
1,373 reviews12 followers
Read
October 3, 2025
DNF @ 36%.

i just find the betraying body trope to be lazy writing. like, it's just soo convenient that no problems have to be solved and the hero doesn't have to grovel at all, because the heroine finds him irresistible.
the heroine feels blindsided because the hero didn't contact her for 9 years, ignored all her letters, and then shows up and forces her to marry him.... but he's soooo yummy and she just wants him so bad, so whatever, she'll give in immediately because she simply can't resist. ugh. boring. with a trope like forced marriage, i do expect the heroine to put up a fight for a few days or longer 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Book Haven.
34 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
I absolutely loved the plot—so well-paced and engaging from start to finish. The characters felt like they were made for each other, and their banter was just the right mix of playful and emotional. Let’s just say… I have a soft spot for a man who knows how to apologize properly and isn’t afraid to use his hands in all the right ways. A truly satisfying read in every sense.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book.
That said, everything I’m sharing here is completely honest.
These thoughts are all mine, straight from the heart.
Profile Image for psych0_4books.
164 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2025
Bound By The Mafia was enthralling for the first paragraph and kept me invested. The banter between all the characters was great and had me laughing like a hyena. The heavy topics like abuse and the foster care system was a little triggering based on my own history with it but I think Juliet handled the material well, allowing Willow's resiliency to shine as she navigated harsh situations.

Nico was a swoon-worthy MMC. From the moment he spoke to his endless affection for Willow, I was like whew 🥵. The tropes were good but the dreaded third act crap happened and I was irritated because it felt like a way to lengthen the book. The ending was decent and I can't wait to read the rest of series to see what shenanigans the other brothers get into.

*Voluntarily leaving this review after receiving a copy from Booksprout
65 reviews
September 22, 2025
This book was so heart-warming how they waited for one another even though she thought she was going to be able to move on. The way he kept her close and even had someone be with her to keep her safe really hit in the feels. My favorite part was how she didn't immediately forgive him (because she was so realistiy written) and he took accountability but didn't have regrets.
Their chemistry was FIRE.
I need more of this family and this writing. So good!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kendall Rubel.
305 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book! This was good till the end, and I wanted to read more of the other characters. I loved the relationship between Willow and Nico, and never a dull moment in their sassy love story and the action parts in this book. I want to read more of the others and can't wait when that to happen!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,910 reviews63 followers
August 26, 2025
Nine years ago Nico knew Willow was the one for him, the girl who caught his attention but when she learnt who he and his family where she was forced to kept her distance, now Willows set to marry the perfect man, but something doesnt feel right, and when Nico comes in to claim her on her wedding day, he doesn't plan on letting her get away again well written the characters draw you in with desires, angst, drama suspense and more
232 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2025
Juliet writes the most delicious men!! See: Atlas in Killer Confections...

What a yummy man - hot and possessive = *chefs kiss*.

I loved the dynamics and banter between all the characters - every one of them was so well written.

The storyline was really well paced and kept me hooked. I could not put this book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
309 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2025
Nico & Willow😍❤️😍

I absolutely love their history.
I mean I love that they met in high school.
Nico loving her then and waiting all those years for her, It’s so sweet. I love how welcoming and kind Nico’s family was to Willow.
Willow such a sweet & caring person.
So strong even as a kid.
Total HEA

Worth the read.❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Priscilla.
1,033 reviews
September 15, 2025
It was the cutest story. They met as teens and were torn apart to only be reunited again as she is walking down the aisle. The relationship between to Willow and Nico were natural. There were dark elements and some humor as well that was well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.5k reviews155 followers
September 18, 2025
This is such a great book. Willow and Nico were destined to be together although Willow didn't think so and when he goes and gets the woman he loves was so hot. He is stand-up guy and will do anything to protect the woman he loves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherie Alvaro.
1,784 reviews9 followers
Read
January 21, 2026
Nico has waited 9 years to claim. He has been waiting since the day they met and he won't let her marry another man. Willow left after finding out about his family. It is my first time reading this author's work and found it quite enjoyable!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,016 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2025
Some things are not what they seem…

Her life was a bunch of hard knocks from a young age. He is there to back her up and protect her. Then things change. What happens next comes as a big surprise!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for brenda hurley.
1,384 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2025
I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from Juliet Coven. I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
201 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2025
*Bound by the Mafia by Juliet Coven is the first book in a new series called the Mob Love Series. This is a really good mafia book. There are alot of twist and turns that I wasn't expecting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
619 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2025
This is book one in the mob love series and it starts out great. This book starts a little confusing as you are in the future and then go to the past but it is so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica Price.
224 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2025
The love between both of them even with her being mad in the beginning for hijacking the wedding as the groom is what kept me reading. Would gladly read this book over again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alison F.
17 reviews
September 21, 2025
This is the first book in the Mob Love series. Our FMC and MMC met when they were in high school. His family is part of the Italian mob. After his family is all arrested Nico does everything he can to win Willow back. He forces her to marry him and promises her he will prove his love. Nico is book husband gold. He never stopped loving her and went out of his way to be thoughtful with both words and actions. I loved Nico’s family and hope his brothers and cousin get their own books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
569 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book—the writing is smooth and flows so easily. From the very beginning, I was hooked.

I loved that we got the backstory to Willow and Nico’s relationship, as well as Willow’s difficult past. She’s such a strong and resilient heroine—always standing up for the younger, weaker, and more vulnerable. She’s a true survivor.

Nico, on the other hand, is basically a big teddy bear when it comes to Willow. He’s totally head over heels in love with her and gives off the classic “touch her and die” vibe. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I adored them as a couple—they’re cute, protective, and perfect together.

The Rossi family added so much fun with their banter and presence. They really enhanced the story, and I’m hoping we’ll get the brothers’ books—and Gemma’s too!

This is definitely a Mafia-lite and plot-lite read, but it kept me engaged right up until the end. Overall, a very enjoyable story.

✨ Thank you to Beansprout for the ARC—this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Anastasia Ferguson.
174 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
Love at first site, second chance at first love. This was a great book. I enjoyed this book. Willow an orphane fought to make it out of foster care and bad situations. Nico with his family background finds his love and life in teenage Willow. This was a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.