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The Caputo Brotherhood #2
Beneath the Bloodline
I was trained to protect power. She was never supposed to survive it.
I’m Nico Caputo’s right hand. His shadow. His enforcer. My job isn’t to feel. It’s to protect the empire that made me and bury anything threatening it.
Amara La Rosa wasn’t part of the plan. She was cargo—just another nameless girl we pulled from the back of a truck meant to disappear. But she didn’t flinch. Didn’t beg. She looked me dead in the eye like she already knew who I was, and everything I’d done to get here.
But Amara isn’t a threat.
She’s a reckoning.
She thinks I’m the enemy. Maybe she’s right. But there’s something in her that calls to every part of me I’ve spent years burying. And the more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize—
She’s not the one who needs saving.
I am.
I’m Nico Caputo’s right hand. His shadow. His enforcer. My job isn’t to feel. It’s to protect the empire that made me and bury anything threatening it.
Amara La Rosa wasn’t part of the plan. She was cargo—just another nameless girl we pulled from the back of a truck meant to disappear. But she didn’t flinch. Didn’t beg. She looked me dead in the eye like she already knew who I was, and everything I’d done to get here.
But Amara isn’t a threat.
She’s a reckoning.
She thinks I’m the enemy. Maybe she’s right. But there’s something in her that calls to every part of me I’ve spent years burying. And the more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize—
She’s not the one who needs saving.
I am.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
4 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Connie Lafortune
17 books531 followers Connie Lafortune is a rebel, coffee addict and incurable romantic. She pens steamy contemporary romance about enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and broken heroes with plenty of angst. If she's not in her office writing her next novel, you can bet she's curled up in a comfy chair with her nose buried in a book. On the hunt for her next book boyfriend!
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Beneath the Bloodline
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Upcoming Release:
Beneath the Bloodline
Find me here:
Newsletter sign up ~ https://connielafortune.com/become-a-...
Reader Group ~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/48518...
Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/connielafor...
TikTok ~ https://www.tiktok.com/@connielafortu...
Website ~ https://connielafortune.com/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2026
Wow. Buckle up—this book will take you on a ride you won’t be ready to get off.
When Beneath the Bloodline dives deep into dark and heavy themes—as expected from a mafia romance—but Connie Lafortune weaves it all together so brilliantly that you’re hooked from page one.
Mateo’s job is to work for his boss, Nico, serving as both protector and enforcer of the empire. He’s stubborn to a fault and firmly believes that when something needs to be done, it needs to be done now—no hesitation, no interference. No one can stop him.
Amara’s troubled and shadowed past only fuels Mateo’s fierce need to protect her. The emotional journey this couple takes brings them closer than either of them anticipated. Both are driven by the same instinct—to shield the other at any cost.
This story is not for the faint-hearted. It’s dark, raw, and packed with twists and turns, with secrets that refuse to stay buried.
This nail-biting, breathtaking, and intensely passionate dark romance is filled with kidnapping, mystery, suspense, intrigue, shocking plot twists, and chemistry like no other.
This book is a storm of vengeance, trauma, and redemption—a gripping, gritty love story that will leave your heart pounding and your mind racing. I wasn’t ready for it to end, and now I can’t wait for Kane’s story to continue this exciting drama in Book 3.
When Beneath the Bloodline dives deep into dark and heavy themes—as expected from a mafia romance—but Connie Lafortune weaves it all together so brilliantly that you’re hooked from page one.
Mateo’s job is to work for his boss, Nico, serving as both protector and enforcer of the empire. He’s stubborn to a fault and firmly believes that when something needs to be done, it needs to be done now—no hesitation, no interference. No one can stop him.
Amara’s troubled and shadowed past only fuels Mateo’s fierce need to protect her. The emotional journey this couple takes brings them closer than either of them anticipated. Both are driven by the same instinct—to shield the other at any cost.
This story is not for the faint-hearted. It’s dark, raw, and packed with twists and turns, with secrets that refuse to stay buried.
This nail-biting, breathtaking, and intensely passionate dark romance is filled with kidnapping, mystery, suspense, intrigue, shocking plot twists, and chemistry like no other.
This book is a storm of vengeance, trauma, and redemption—a gripping, gritty love story that will leave your heart pounding and your mind racing. I wasn’t ready for it to end, and now I can’t wait for Kane’s story to continue this exciting drama in Book 3.
February 23, 2026
Connie did it again with another great mafia story! Loved Mateo and Amaras love story. Connie has a way of keeping you hooked right up until the last page. She always squeezes in those twists and shocking moments! Absolutely loved this book, and can’t wait to see more darker romance from her! 😍
March 4, 2026
buckle up because this story is a wild ride and it doesn't ease up anytime soon. the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I wasn't about to put this book down for anything. I devoured this one.
it was so dark and twisted. but I loved entry minute of it. Amara and Mateo were amazing together. the only regret i have with this one is the pages ended. I need more.
it was so dark and twisted. but I loved entry minute of it. Amara and Mateo were amazing together. the only regret i have with this one is the pages ended. I need more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not wait to get my hands on this book after falling madly in love with Nico and Luna from Cage the Storm, the first book in the series. Connie already had me intrigued by Amara and salivating for more of the strong, silent, and broody Mateo. What can I say, I am weak in the knees for all of Connie's heroes, it isn't an opinion, it's a fact at this point. Once I began Beneath the Bloodline, I was immersed in this dark world once again and was ready to fight to the death for Mateo and Amara alike. These two had me hanging on every ragged breath, whispered secret, and heart pumping moment on every page. I couldn't wait to see the chaos that surrounded them come to light and play out chapter by chapter. I was captivated and felt as unstoppable as they were during those late night hours spent with my kindle. Who needed sleep? Not me. I needed to continue and watch the mystery unfold no matter the time on the clock said.
"I know that this is just the beginning. With her, I want it all-every touch, every kiss, every whispered secret. And I'll give her the same, because she's worth it."
Of course you know I have to start with the dark and delectable Mateo, from the moment I saw the cover, I was ready to indulge in his story and impatient for more. Before the end of his first chapter, I knew my heart was going to be his. Nothing draws me to a hero more than his unwavering desire to save all those that are close to him and realizing as the story goes on, that he needs saving too. I like them mysterious and damaged and Mateo is the epitome of both. I was a puddle of goo over his fierce protectiveness for Amara that over ruled and obliterated everything in his path. And watching the emotions and electricity fly between Mateo and Amara was riveting and delicious and I am unapologetic for devouring this story with no concept of time.
"I see the woman who fought her way back to herself. I see the man she helped me become."
Discovering the different facets of Amara's personality and hearing her tumultuous past was heartbreaking and left me in awe of her strength. While being a completely different heroine than Luna, you couldn't help but admire and love the vulnerability wrapped in steel that was at her very core. She showed so much growth and perseverance throughout her story that had me cheering her on in her self discovery of her freedom that she fought for with every tenacious step that she took. To say that I am a big fan of Amara's is an understatement. She is every bit the perfect match for Mateo from their very first glimpse of each other and isn't afraid to show him that together they are fiery and formidable and will incinerate every obstacle in their path.
"I've spent enough of my life tiptoeing around other people's moods, waiting for permission to speak, to feel, to exist. I'm not doing that here. Not with him."
Beneath the Bloodline was the perfect addition to the Caputo Brotherhood series and drew me ever deeper into this world full of deception and wrongs that need to made right. Connie always leaves me wanting and wishing for more and this time was no different. I am left without any clue as to how I am going to wait for Kane's book to be in my hands and keeping me awake long into the night. This series is everything that makes us dark romance reader's hearts go pitter patter and keep us enraptured from beginning to end.
"I know that this is just the beginning. With her, I want it all-every touch, every kiss, every whispered secret. And I'll give her the same, because she's worth it."
Of course you know I have to start with the dark and delectable Mateo, from the moment I saw the cover, I was ready to indulge in his story and impatient for more. Before the end of his first chapter, I knew my heart was going to be his. Nothing draws me to a hero more than his unwavering desire to save all those that are close to him and realizing as the story goes on, that he needs saving too. I like them mysterious and damaged and Mateo is the epitome of both. I was a puddle of goo over his fierce protectiveness for Amara that over ruled and obliterated everything in his path. And watching the emotions and electricity fly between Mateo and Amara was riveting and delicious and I am unapologetic for devouring this story with no concept of time.
"I see the woman who fought her way back to herself. I see the man she helped me become."
Discovering the different facets of Amara's personality and hearing her tumultuous past was heartbreaking and left me in awe of her strength. While being a completely different heroine than Luna, you couldn't help but admire and love the vulnerability wrapped in steel that was at her very core. She showed so much growth and perseverance throughout her story that had me cheering her on in her self discovery of her freedom that she fought for with every tenacious step that she took. To say that I am a big fan of Amara's is an understatement. She is every bit the perfect match for Mateo from their very first glimpse of each other and isn't afraid to show him that together they are fiery and formidable and will incinerate every obstacle in their path.
"I've spent enough of my life tiptoeing around other people's moods, waiting for permission to speak, to feel, to exist. I'm not doing that here. Not with him."
Beneath the Bloodline was the perfect addition to the Caputo Brotherhood series and drew me ever deeper into this world full of deception and wrongs that need to made right. Connie always leaves me wanting and wishing for more and this time was no different. I am left without any clue as to how I am going to wait for Kane's book to be in my hands and keeping me awake long into the night. This series is everything that makes us dark romance reader's hearts go pitter patter and keep us enraptured from beginning to end.
March 5, 2026
This book was absolutely amazing! I loved every part of it. The first chapter and epilogue were so beautifully written. Mateo and Amara are perfect together and their HEA was exactly what they needed!
Read
February 17, 2026What to expect…
🖤The Anti-Hero with a dark past
❤️🩹A heroine who’s done being anyone’s victim
💒Force Proximity with a slow burn
🔪Possessive protector, touch her and die vibes
💕 A love story built on secrets, scars, and survival
Pre-order Now! https://geni.us/AkmlQZf
I was trained to protect power. She was never supposed to survive it.
I’m Nico Caputo’s right hand. His enforcer. My job isn’t to feel. It’s to protect the empire that made me and bury anything threatening it.
Amara La Rosa wasn’t part of the plan. She was cargo—just another nameless girl we pulled from the back of a truck meant to disappear. But she didn’t back away. She looked me dead in the eye like she already knew who I was and everything I’d done to get here.
But Amara isn’t a threat.
She’s a reckoning.
She thinks I’m the enemy. Maybe she’s right. But there’s something in her that calls to every part of me I’ve spent years burying. And the more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize—
She’s not the one who needs saving.
I am.
🖤The Anti-Hero with a dark past
❤️🩹A heroine who’s done being anyone’s victim
💒Force Proximity with a slow burn
🔪Possessive protector, touch her and die vibes
💕 A love story built on secrets, scars, and survival
Pre-order Now! https://geni.us/AkmlQZf
I was trained to protect power. She was never supposed to survive it.
I’m Nico Caputo’s right hand. His enforcer. My job isn’t to feel. It’s to protect the empire that made me and bury anything threatening it.
Amara La Rosa wasn’t part of the plan. She was cargo—just another nameless girl we pulled from the back of a truck meant to disappear. But she didn’t back away. She looked me dead in the eye like she already knew who I was and everything I’d done to get here.
But Amara isn’t a threat.
She’s a reckoning.
She thinks I’m the enemy. Maybe she’s right. But there’s something in her that calls to every part of me I’ve spent years burying. And the more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize—
She’s not the one who needs saving.
I am.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second instalment in the series, and it absolutely does not disappoint.
Matteo, Nico’s trusted enforcer, plays a vital role within the family. Amara, rescued from the back of a transit van, is given a choice: accept a fresh identity and start over, or work for Nico. She chooses to stay—and her decision changes everything.
Matteo and Amara share a strong, genuine friendship, but when deeper feelings begin to surface, Matteo finds himself struggling to navigate this new territory. As Amara is once again targeted by the man she was meant to be sold to, Matteo is forced to make difficult decisions to protect her.
This book is exceptional. The storyline grips you from start to finish, weaving together multiple threads in a way that is both compelling and unforgettable. A brilliant read with remarkable depth.
Matteo, Nico’s trusted enforcer, plays a vital role within the family. Amara, rescued from the back of a transit van, is given a choice: accept a fresh identity and start over, or work for Nico. She chooses to stay—and her decision changes everything.
Matteo and Amara share a strong, genuine friendship, but when deeper feelings begin to surface, Matteo finds himself struggling to navigate this new territory. As Amara is once again targeted by the man she was meant to be sold to, Matteo is forced to make difficult decisions to protect her.
This book is exceptional. The storyline grips you from start to finish, weaving together multiple threads in a way that is both compelling and unforgettable. A brilliant read with remarkable depth.
Review of advance copy
This was an emotional story. Amara had had a very rough young life, being kidnapped at a teenager and then trafficked out. When she was on her way to her next captor, she and quite a few other young women were rescued. Mateo was one of the rescuers and they became friends and then more. He was part of a Mafia family, but they did not traffic people. Just when she thought her life was on track, she was kidnapped by the last man she was supposed to go to. But she had grown up more by then and wasn't going to go willingly.
The characters were quite good and the story was enjoyable to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were quite good and the story was enjoyable to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
Book 2 of The Caputo Brotherhood series. Can be read as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'And the more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize—
She’s not the one who needs saving.
I am.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'And the more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize—
She’s not the one who needs saving.
I am.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
Beneath the Bloodline: A Forced Proximity Dark Mafia Romance (Book 2 of The Caputo Brotherhood) by Connie Lafortune. I thought this was a good dark mafia story and I liked the author’s writing style. The way the story flowed was good. I liked the characters, their struggles, and the tragic events that put them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2026
I so enjoyed this read I thought it was well written and the characters were great. It was well written and i can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beneath the Bloodline is a fantastic mafia romance. Mateo and Amara are chef's kiss. I was captivated from the very beginning to the end. Full of swoons, emotions, & action - it does not disappoint. Eagerly anticipating book 3.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews