What do you think?
Rate this book
The Reaper's Bride: A Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance
Sold as a bride to the brutal Enforcer of the Italian Trio…
After my brother kills the heir to Vegas, I’m given to that man’s brother to end a mafia civil war. Alessio De Luca, known as the Reaper, has spent years exacting revenge and punishing his enemies. How will he punish me for my brother’s sin?
Powerful, dangerous and with a heart of stone, our disastrous first encounter destroys my daydreams. He’ll devour me before he rips me to shreds.
But even innocent girls have teeth and I refuse to be the obedient, sacrificial bride his family expects. I’ll use every weapon at my disposal to survive.
He warns me never to betray him even as his touch awakens things inside me I never knew were there.
His possessive need to claim me is no surprise.
His fierce protective streak is.
If Alessio’s a monster, is there any way I can make him my monster?
(This is a dual-POV, arranged marriage mafia romance with some dark elements. It will be part of an interconnected series involving three crime families but each couple will find their HEA.)
After my brother kills the heir to Vegas, I’m given to that man’s brother to end a mafia civil war. Alessio De Luca, known as the Reaper, has spent years exacting revenge and punishing his enemies. How will he punish me for my brother’s sin?
Powerful, dangerous and with a heart of stone, our disastrous first encounter destroys my daydreams. He’ll devour me before he rips me to shreds.
But even innocent girls have teeth and I refuse to be the obedient, sacrificial bride his family expects. I’ll use every weapon at my disposal to survive.
He warns me never to betray him even as his touch awakens things inside me I never knew were there.
His possessive need to claim me is no surprise.
His fierce protective streak is.
If Alessio’s a monster, is there any way I can make him my monster?
(This is a dual-POV, arranged marriage mafia romance with some dark elements. It will be part of an interconnected series involving three crime families but each couple will find their HEA.)
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
8 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Eileen North
2 books21 followersEileen North writes steamy mafia romance about dangerously sexy, possessive alphas who would set the world on fire for their women. Her Italian Trio Series follows three powerful mafia families through stories full of twists and spice, angst and romance.
Eileen lives near the Appalachian Mountains with her husband and kids and their crazy but adorable beagle. When she’s not daydreaming about new stories, she enjoys hiking, baking and lazy days on the lake.
Eileen lives near the Appalachian Mountains with her husband and kids and their crazy but adorable beagle. When she’s not daydreaming about new stories, she enjoys hiking, baking and lazy days on the lake.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 5, 2025
I’m having a hard time rating this one. It has all the makings of my favorite type of mafia romance but there’s also things that really bugged me that kept me from giving it 5 stars.
I did like both of the characters. They are forced into an arranged marriage and get engaged when Cat is 16 and Alessio is 21. They don’t marry until she turns 18. His family hates hers because her brother killed his brother so his plan is to take it out on her once they marry but once he meets her his plans change.
He honestly was down bad for Cat but he tried not to let it show. He did things in his own way that showed he cared. He was sooo possessive of her. It wasn’t only touch her and die it was literally “insult my wife and die” and he was not playing. I will say I was upset with him for not taking better care of his sisters though. Cats brothers were so mad when they learned she would marry Alessio but when Alessio hears about his sister Gia getting beaten by her new arranged husband he doesn’t do anything to rectify it. I get he doesn’t have the power but he doesn’t even show that he cares. His best friend, Armando, cares way more about it than he does.
I really liked the plot as well. There was a lot going on with the main and side characters but it didn’t feel like too much and it really kept me entertained.
There’s just some things that I’m so freaking sick of reading about and I just wish someone would change the way they write their mafia men. Alessio was definitely a manwhore before he married Cat. We hear often about his past exploits and it just so annoying that this man has does everything and Cat has done nothing. I get she’s supposed to be a virgin for the sake of the book but why do the men always have to do literally everything under the sun. They don’t save anything special for the FMC.
There’s not any OW drama but he gets mad at her and leaves and she calls him the next morning and another woman answers his phone and says he’s busy. She thinks he cheated on her and yet the minute he comes home she jumps in his arms and shit. And then we aren’t told til almost the very end, while they are in the middle of having sex mind you, that he had the housekeeper answer his phone and say that because he was so mad at Cat. But she still went and slept with him before he even confirmed he didn’t cheat on her. It’s soo annoying. Also I wish we would know if he was celibate during their engagement. A week into their marriage he tells her he hasn’t been with anyone else since they’ve been married and I’m like yeah well it’s been a week I freaking hope not! But how about the two years you were engaged and sending her gifts and asking her bodyguard what she’s doing and how she is and for pictures of her. I needed this clarified so badly but sadly it was not.
I’m so interested in the rest of the characters books but it’s so very frustrating that Carlo and Armando are such manwhores. We hear about it A LOT how they are fucking this girl or that girl or even two at a time. Carlo is engaged to Alessios sister and yet he can’t keep his dick in his pants. He sleeps with someone else every chance he gets. This is a spoiler…they won’t end up getting married but he will end up with Frankie who is my favorite character and I’m soo bummed. I wanted better for her. Also in the excerpt from their book he sees her again and is so obsessed with her but after that he is still sleeping with all these other women. And then to put Armando, who is a good guy but also will screw anything with tits, with Gia!! Gia who is being beaten by her husband gets the biggest manwhore to ever manwhore?! Whyyyy??? Why do they all need to get around I don’t understand!! I beg of you to at least have one MMC who doesn’t sleep with everyone. I’m crossing my fingers that Dante and Nico are better.
Anyway so yeah for the most part I enjoyed the book but the manwhore part just has me mad because I’m just so sick of reading the manwhore/virgin trope.
No cheating
No true op drama
No break up but MMC was mad and stayed away for a week
Virgin FMC/manwhore MMC
Arranged marriage
Murder
HEA
I did like both of the characters. They are forced into an arranged marriage and get engaged when Cat is 16 and Alessio is 21. They don’t marry until she turns 18. His family hates hers because her brother killed his brother so his plan is to take it out on her once they marry but once he meets her his plans change.
He honestly was down bad for Cat but he tried not to let it show. He did things in his own way that showed he cared. He was sooo possessive of her. It wasn’t only touch her and die it was literally “insult my wife and die” and he was not playing. I will say I was upset with him for not taking better care of his sisters though. Cats brothers were so mad when they learned she would marry Alessio but when Alessio hears about his sister Gia getting beaten by her new arranged husband he doesn’t do anything to rectify it. I get he doesn’t have the power but he doesn’t even show that he cares. His best friend, Armando, cares way more about it than he does.
I really liked the plot as well. There was a lot going on with the main and side characters but it didn’t feel like too much and it really kept me entertained.
There’s just some things that I’m so freaking sick of reading about and I just wish someone would change the way they write their mafia men. Alessio was definitely a manwhore before he married Cat. We hear often about his past exploits and it just so annoying that this man has does everything and Cat has done nothing. I get she’s supposed to be a virgin for the sake of the book but why do the men always have to do literally everything under the sun. They don’t save anything special for the FMC.
There’s not any OW drama but he gets mad at her and leaves and she calls him the next morning and another woman answers his phone and says he’s busy. She thinks he cheated on her and yet the minute he comes home she jumps in his arms and shit. And then we aren’t told til almost the very end, while they are in the middle of having sex mind you, that he had the housekeeper answer his phone and say that because he was so mad at Cat. But she still went and slept with him before he even confirmed he didn’t cheat on her. It’s soo annoying. Also I wish we would know if he was celibate during their engagement. A week into their marriage he tells her he hasn’t been with anyone else since they’ve been married and I’m like yeah well it’s been a week I freaking hope not! But how about the two years you were engaged and sending her gifts and asking her bodyguard what she’s doing and how she is and for pictures of her. I needed this clarified so badly but sadly it was not.
I’m so interested in the rest of the characters books but it’s so very frustrating that Carlo and Armando are such manwhores. We hear about it A LOT how they are fucking this girl or that girl or even two at a time. Carlo is engaged to Alessios sister and yet he can’t keep his dick in his pants. He sleeps with someone else every chance he gets. This is a spoiler…they won’t end up getting married but he will end up with Frankie who is my favorite character and I’m soo bummed. I wanted better for her. Also in the excerpt from their book he sees her again and is so obsessed with her but after that he is still sleeping with all these other women. And then to put Armando, who is a good guy but also will screw anything with tits, with Gia!! Gia who is being beaten by her husband gets the biggest manwhore to ever manwhore?! Whyyyy??? Why do they all need to get around I don’t understand!! I beg of you to at least have one MMC who doesn’t sleep with everyone. I’m crossing my fingers that Dante and Nico are better.
Anyway so yeah for the most part I enjoyed the book but the manwhore part just has me mad because I’m just so sick of reading the manwhore/virgin trope.
No cheating
No true op drama
No break up but MMC was mad and stayed away for a week
Virgin FMC/manwhore MMC
Arranged marriage
Murder
HEA
November 17, 2025
Thank you to Eileen North and Booksprout for the ARC of this book in exchange for me honest review 💗
This is a spicy mafia romance novel with the following tropes:
•Age Gap (5yrs)
•Mafia Romance
•Enemies to Lovers
•Arranged Marriage
•Possessive MMC
This my first Eileen North read and it won’t be the last! Apart from a slow first couple of chapters I devoured this book in 1 sitting! It’s addictive, pacy and packs a punch.
Without spoiling too much (because you really should read this) the story follows Alessio and Caterina from their first meet, to their arranged wedding and beyond. They are pawns in a political mafia war between 3 mafia families, Caterina given to Alessio as payment for the murder of Alessio’s brother.
We are gifted with an abundance of romance, loyalty, friendship, bravery, cunning, violence, mafia power plays, and torture written in dual pov with a sprinkle of spice!
If you are a fan of Mafia Romance this book is 100% for you. If you are a fan romance in general again this book for is for you!
Triggers include: mild blood play & degradation, attempted SA, sexual scenes.
This is a spicy mafia romance novel with the following tropes:
•Age Gap (5yrs)
•Mafia Romance
•Enemies to Lovers
•Arranged Marriage
•Possessive MMC
This my first Eileen North read and it won’t be the last! Apart from a slow first couple of chapters I devoured this book in 1 sitting! It’s addictive, pacy and packs a punch.
Without spoiling too much (because you really should read this) the story follows Alessio and Caterina from their first meet, to their arranged wedding and beyond. They are pawns in a political mafia war between 3 mafia families, Caterina given to Alessio as payment for the murder of Alessio’s brother.
We are gifted with an abundance of romance, loyalty, friendship, bravery, cunning, violence, mafia power plays, and torture written in dual pov with a sprinkle of spice!
If you are a fan of Mafia Romance this book is 100% for you. If you are a fan romance in general again this book for is for you!
Triggers include: mild blood play & degradation, attempted SA, sexual scenes.
December 18, 2025
El libro en si esta bueno y cumple con el matrimonio arreglado y el mundo mafioso pero siento que Alessio no fue lo suficientemente considerado con Caterina porque ella fue unida a el a penas cumplió la mayoría de edad y en muchos momentos fue un poco brusco con ella y quería que todo se hiciera a su manera, el era muy detallista con ella pero era mucho de acciones y pocas palabras lo que dificulto que realmente hubiera una conexión entre ellos para que yo misma pensara que ¡Acá nació el romance!, siento que les faltó mas cariño e interacción en todo momento. Y por momentos hubo demasiada información de futuros libros o parejas sinceramente no lo sé y con eso se perdía el enfoque de la pareja principal que también es algo que suele suceder cuando las autoras quieren sacar series de libros donde las historias esten interconectadas que pienso yo este es el caso.
December 6, 2025
The Reaper Meets His Match 🤌
FULL REVIEW & POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:
Whew…this one SERVES. Arranged marriage. Age-gap tension. A villain who’d happily set Vegas on fire for his woman 🤌🔥🖤 Yep, I was HOOKED!
MEET THE COUPLE 😈😇
🔹️Alessio “The Reaper” De Luca — Future Capo of Vegas. Brutal Enforcer. Violently Protective. Emotionally Allergic. A weapon in a suit with the emotional range of a cactus! 😂 This man has exactly two modes: “ugh, feelings” or “I will end you for looking at my wife”🗡☠️ Honestly, one minute you want to slap him, the next you want to climb him like a tree 🥴🤷♀️🤣
🔹️Caterina Morelli — Paying for her brother Dante’s sins after he kills the eldest heir & triggers a full-blown mafia civil war. Forced into an arranged marriage to Alessio to keep the peace. Soft heart, sharp mouth, & the patron saint of “try me.” Fierce, defiant, & the only soul in Vegas brave enough to sass The Reaper. Queen energy from page one 👑
THE VIBE & PLOT 🫠🎬
Caterina’s life is turned upside down the moment she’s handed over to Alessio. She’s terrified of what her future holds, but refuses to be anyone's pawn. 🙌 Alessio, on the other hand, is a walking red flag with a heart made of stone — until her. 🤭 He's extremely protective — and becomes all kinds of stabby 🔪 if anyone looks at her sideways 🫶
The plot explodes like a rollercoaster strapped to a rocket. Assassination attempts? ✅️ Mafia power struggles? ✅️ Secrets & betrayals that leave you gripping your seat? ✅️✅️ This plot does NOT believe in brakes. Every time things calm down, another body drops 🥴
Meanwhile, Alessio & Caterina’s dynamic is pure gold. I hate you...No you don’t…FINE 🤭 One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re sweatin' bullets! 🫣🥵
And the side characters? Armando, Dante, Nico, & the sisters bring chaos, humor, & heart. 10/10 entertainment! 💯🤌
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ❤️
Alessio is loyal, obsessive, possessive, & hot af 😈🥵 Caterina refuses to be tamed, stands her ground, & proves that even an innocent girl can pack a punch. 🙌 Together, they're just two broken souls choosing each other when the stakes couldn’t be higher - and they don't mind committing the occasional homicide. Couple goals 🔥🫶
Omg, I devoured this book! It's dark, messy, chaotic, spicy, & downright hilarious. Miss Eileen North, Bravo 👏
If you want a sweet romance, keep walking. If you want a heroine who bites back, snarky banter, feral devotion, & touch her & die energy? Add this to your TBR immediately 🖤🔥
Overall Rating: 4.25⭐️'s
TROPES & TW's:
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Protective, Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Witty, Fierce FMC
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Revenge & Suspense
🖤 Emotional Trauma/Manipulation, Abuse (Not by MMC)
🖤 Violence/Murder/Torture
🖤 My Wife
🖤 Burn the World for Her, Touch her & ☠️
🖤 Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5
FAV QUOTES/SCENES:
🔹️"It may be two years until we marry but never doubt from this day on that you… are… mine. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a bride for a brother. Till death do us part, Caterina"
🔹️What a fucking sight. She's angelic. No other words seem to fit. A pure slice of Heaven served up to the Devil.
🔹️"I'm not opposed to a little blood play, especially between us, Mrs. De Luca"
🔹️"I shouldn't be laughing." - "No, laughing at your husband's dick probably isn't a great start to the honeymoon. "🤭
🔹️Even slick with soap, my hands are always steady. No matter what I do. Nothing catches me off guard for long. Not enemies with rifles at my wedding reception, not my father's sick games and not my little bride with her knife can rattle my — "Alessio, can you help me out of my dress?" — I drop the soap. 😂
🔹️"That's the last time you'll ever threaten me with that fucking knife or I'll show you my dark side, wife"
🔹️"Never betray me, Caterina. Not for love, blood, or money. Keep no secrets from me that affect the Trio in Las Vegas. Swear to that and I swear you'll never need to question my faithfulness."
🔹️"You're mine...mine...mine!"
🔹️"Don’t turn me into him, Caterina, My father’s already made a demon of me. Don’t push me to become something worse.”
🔹️"Caterina, if you don't fuck me in the next three seconds, I'm going to lose my goddamn mind!"
🔹️"That really did it for you, huh?" — "What can I say? I told you early on I wasn't opposed to a little blood play between us, and I love it when my kitten shows me her teeth"
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
FULL REVIEW & POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:
Whew…this one SERVES. Arranged marriage. Age-gap tension. A villain who’d happily set Vegas on fire for his woman 🤌🔥🖤 Yep, I was HOOKED!
MEET THE COUPLE 😈😇
🔹️Alessio “The Reaper” De Luca — Future Capo of Vegas. Brutal Enforcer. Violently Protective. Emotionally Allergic. A weapon in a suit with the emotional range of a cactus! 😂 This man has exactly two modes: “ugh, feelings” or “I will end you for looking at my wife”🗡☠️ Honestly, one minute you want to slap him, the next you want to climb him like a tree 🥴🤷♀️🤣
🔹️Caterina Morelli — Paying for her brother Dante’s sins after he kills the eldest heir & triggers a full-blown mafia civil war. Forced into an arranged marriage to Alessio to keep the peace. Soft heart, sharp mouth, & the patron saint of “try me.” Fierce, defiant, & the only soul in Vegas brave enough to sass The Reaper. Queen energy from page one 👑
THE VIBE & PLOT 🫠🎬
Caterina’s life is turned upside down the moment she’s handed over to Alessio. She’s terrified of what her future holds, but refuses to be anyone's pawn. 🙌 Alessio, on the other hand, is a walking red flag with a heart made of stone — until her. 🤭 He's extremely protective — and becomes all kinds of stabby 🔪 if anyone looks at her sideways 🫶
The plot explodes like a rollercoaster strapped to a rocket. Assassination attempts? ✅️ Mafia power struggles? ✅️ Secrets & betrayals that leave you gripping your seat? ✅️✅️ This plot does NOT believe in brakes. Every time things calm down, another body drops 🥴
Meanwhile, Alessio & Caterina’s dynamic is pure gold. I hate you...No you don’t…FINE 🤭 One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re sweatin' bullets! 🫣🥵
And the side characters? Armando, Dante, Nico, & the sisters bring chaos, humor, & heart. 10/10 entertainment! 💯🤌
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ❤️
Alessio is loyal, obsessive, possessive, & hot af 😈🥵 Caterina refuses to be tamed, stands her ground, & proves that even an innocent girl can pack a punch. 🙌 Together, they're just two broken souls choosing each other when the stakes couldn’t be higher - and they don't mind committing the occasional homicide. Couple goals 🔥🫶
Omg, I devoured this book! It's dark, messy, chaotic, spicy, & downright hilarious. Miss Eileen North, Bravo 👏
If you want a sweet romance, keep walking. If you want a heroine who bites back, snarky banter, feral devotion, & touch her & die energy? Add this to your TBR immediately 🖤🔥
Overall Rating: 4.25⭐️'s
TROPES & TW's:
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Protective, Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Witty, Fierce FMC
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Revenge & Suspense
🖤 Emotional Trauma/Manipulation, Abuse (Not by MMC)
🖤 Violence/Murder/Torture
🖤 My Wife
🖤 Burn the World for Her, Touch her & ☠️
🖤 Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5
FAV QUOTES/SCENES:
🔹️"It may be two years until we marry but never doubt from this day on that you… are… mine. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a bride for a brother. Till death do us part, Caterina"
🔹️What a fucking sight. She's angelic. No other words seem to fit. A pure slice of Heaven served up to the Devil.
🔹️"I'm not opposed to a little blood play, especially between us, Mrs. De Luca"
🔹️"I shouldn't be laughing." - "No, laughing at your husband's dick probably isn't a great start to the honeymoon. "🤭
🔹️Even slick with soap, my hands are always steady. No matter what I do. Nothing catches me off guard for long. Not enemies with rifles at my wedding reception, not my father's sick games and not my little bride with her knife can rattle my — "Alessio, can you help me out of my dress?" — I drop the soap. 😂
🔹️"That's the last time you'll ever threaten me with that fucking knife or I'll show you my dark side, wife"
🔹️"Never betray me, Caterina. Not for love, blood, or money. Keep no secrets from me that affect the Trio in Las Vegas. Swear to that and I swear you'll never need to question my faithfulness."
🔹️"You're mine...mine...mine!"
🔹️"Don’t turn me into him, Caterina, My father’s already made a demon of me. Don’t push me to become something worse.”
🔹️"Caterina, if you don't fuck me in the next three seconds, I'm going to lose my goddamn mind!"
🔹️"That really did it for you, huh?" — "What can I say? I told you early on I wasn't opposed to a little blood play between us, and I love it when my kitten shows me her teeth"
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
ARC review ✨
This book was so addictive I read it in one sitting! I love mafia romances, but it is hard finding ones that aren’t too dark, but this book is spicy and dangerous without straying into dark mafia territory. The length of this book is also perfect; the pacing is good and it never dragged. I am so excited for the next books in the series and would definitely recommend this book.
This book was so addictive I read it in one sitting! I love mafia romances, but it is hard finding ones that aren’t too dark, but this book is spicy and dangerous without straying into dark mafia territory. The length of this book is also perfect; the pacing is good and it never dragged. I am so excited for the next books in the series and would definitely recommend this book.
December 1, 2025
Thank you to Eileen North and Book Sirens for the ARC in exchange for my honest review, which is basically me yelling into the void about how unprepared I was.
This was my first Eileen North book, and I’m convinced she cracked open my skull, dug through my darkest tastes, and went, “Oh… she wants PAIN and PROTECTION at the same time.” And she really did serve both like a deranged five-course meal.
Once I got through the slower opening chapters, I inhaled the rest. It’s a cocktail of devotion, brutality, loyalty, scheming, and mafia politics. Dual POV. Zero chill. Maximum chaos.
Caterina? She walks into her arranged-marriage doom trembling but still ready to bite. Sweet face, spine of steel, and a heart reckless enough to love people who would burn the world down for her. The Morelli brothers shielding her like she’s the last good thing on earth? Inject that into my veins. She lands in a nightmare… and still refuses to cower. She’s young, terrified, and unstoppable. Certified icon.
Alessio… sweet suffering hell. Pierced. Brooding. Emotionally mangled beyond repair. Raised by a man who should honestly not even be allowed near houseplants. His father wants him to destroy Caterina, and Alessio basically goes:
“No. I’m actually going to worship her like a religion and fight anyone who breathes wrong near her.”
The contrast between the Morelli siblings and the De Luca toxicity is wild. Alessio’s father is the type of man who wakes up every morning choosing violence and disappointment. Silva Jr. died, and everyone collectively shrugged. Alessio, meanwhile, is the most reluctant sweetheart in the entire mafia underworld. Patient. Protective. Brutally soft. But hiding it behind trauma and tattoos. The way he tries to shield his siblings, the way he instinctively defends Caterina… yeah, I was gone.
Then… THE WEDDING NIGHT. The bloody-sheet expectation. The misogyny. The pressure. The absolute circus of it all. And instead of the patriarchal nightmare they wanted… we get a PERIOD TWIST.
I choked. I ascended and returned.
The violence feels gritty, the stakes feel real, and the women refuse to roll over and die for anyone’s legacy. Caterina is done being a pawn, and she makes it everyone’s problem.
This book was well written!
Highly recommended if you’re into:
Violence as foreplay
MMCs who love like a loaded gun
FMCs who refuse to shatter
Mafia power games
Romance that feels like being punched in the heart
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This was my first Eileen North book, and I’m convinced she cracked open my skull, dug through my darkest tastes, and went, “Oh… she wants PAIN and PROTECTION at the same time.” And she really did serve both like a deranged five-course meal.
Once I got through the slower opening chapters, I inhaled the rest. It’s a cocktail of devotion, brutality, loyalty, scheming, and mafia politics. Dual POV. Zero chill. Maximum chaos.
Caterina? She walks into her arranged-marriage doom trembling but still ready to bite. Sweet face, spine of steel, and a heart reckless enough to love people who would burn the world down for her. The Morelli brothers shielding her like she’s the last good thing on earth? Inject that into my veins. She lands in a nightmare… and still refuses to cower. She’s young, terrified, and unstoppable. Certified icon.
Alessio… sweet suffering hell. Pierced. Brooding. Emotionally mangled beyond repair. Raised by a man who should honestly not even be allowed near houseplants. His father wants him to destroy Caterina, and Alessio basically goes:
“No. I’m actually going to worship her like a religion and fight anyone who breathes wrong near her.”
The contrast between the Morelli siblings and the De Luca toxicity is wild. Alessio’s father is the type of man who wakes up every morning choosing violence and disappointment. Silva Jr. died, and everyone collectively shrugged. Alessio, meanwhile, is the most reluctant sweetheart in the entire mafia underworld. Patient. Protective. Brutally soft. But hiding it behind trauma and tattoos. The way he tries to shield his siblings, the way he instinctively defends Caterina… yeah, I was gone.
Then… THE WEDDING NIGHT. The bloody-sheet expectation. The misogyny. The pressure. The absolute circus of it all. And instead of the patriarchal nightmare they wanted… we get a PERIOD TWIST.
I choked. I ascended and returned.
The violence feels gritty, the stakes feel real, and the women refuse to roll over and die for anyone’s legacy. Caterina is done being a pawn, and she makes it everyone’s problem.
This book was well written!
Highly recommended if you’re into:
Violence as foreplay
MMCs who love like a loaded gun
FMCs who refuse to shatter
Mafia power games
Romance that feels like being punched in the heart
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
November 28, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — I Was Held Hostage by This Book and Honestly? I Didn’t Want to Escape 😭🔥
Eileen North was a brand-new author to me, but after The Reaper’s Bride, I’m convinced she crawled into my brain and said:
“Let’s give her a mafia romance that both hurts and heals her.”
And she delivered. 👏💀❤️
This book starts with the ultimate mafia deal:
an eye for an eye, a brother for a brother… and a bride as the peace offering. 👰♀️🔪
Caterina Morelli—the precious, protected baby sister of Nico and Dante—is sent to marry Alessio, the new heir to the Vegas mafia. And instantly I realized:
Oh she’s DONE. Her life is about to go up in flames. 🔥😳
Caterina is sweet, sheltered, and stronger than she knows. She loves with her entire heart (especially her chaotic, feral-protector brothers 🫶🦁), and she walks into this nightmare of a marriage with bravery that almost made ME cry. She’s terrified, she’s young, and she still faces every moment head-on. ICON.
Alessio?
A pierced, brooding, emotionally damaged heir raised by a man who shouldn’t even be allowed to interact with plants 🌚🪴
His father wants him to torment Caterina. Alessio’s like:
“Actually, no. I will be silently worshipping the ground she walks on instead.” 😭❤️🔥
He’s protective, intense, deeply loyal, and absolutely convinced he’s unworthy.
He falls first. HARD.
And he hides it like his life depends on it 😭🔥
The tension??? UNREAL.
The push and pull??? DELICIOUS.
The slow trust-building??? EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. 💔🫠
And the wedding night… with the bloody-sheet expectation… turning into a PERIOD PLOT TWIST??
I SCREAMED. I YELLED. I briefly saw God. 💀💀💀
The mafia politics are gritty and layered; the danger feels REAL. 🩸
Women aren’t just props—they are silenced, threatened, used… and then Caterina arrives like “not today, Satan.” ✨🔥
I loved the layers of loyalty, vengeance, sibling feral-protectiveness, and forbidden tenderness that tie every chapter together.
And honestly?
I DESPERATELY need Nico’s story. And Sofia’s. They have enough chaotic potential to fuel a whole trilogy. 👀📚
Highly recommend for readers who love:
💀 violence-as-love-language
❤️ obsessive MMCs
🔥 a heroine who refuses to break
🔪 mafia politics
🖤 a romance that feels like a steel-toed boot to the chest
An unforgettable, dangerous, messy, addictive read.
Eileen North was a brand-new author to me, but after The Reaper’s Bride, I’m convinced she crawled into my brain and said:
“Let’s give her a mafia romance that both hurts and heals her.”
And she delivered. 👏💀❤️
This book starts with the ultimate mafia deal:
an eye for an eye, a brother for a brother… and a bride as the peace offering. 👰♀️🔪
Caterina Morelli—the precious, protected baby sister of Nico and Dante—is sent to marry Alessio, the new heir to the Vegas mafia. And instantly I realized:
Oh she’s DONE. Her life is about to go up in flames. 🔥😳
Caterina is sweet, sheltered, and stronger than she knows. She loves with her entire heart (especially her chaotic, feral-protector brothers 🫶🦁), and she walks into this nightmare of a marriage with bravery that almost made ME cry. She’s terrified, she’s young, and she still faces every moment head-on. ICON.
Alessio?
A pierced, brooding, emotionally damaged heir raised by a man who shouldn’t even be allowed to interact with plants 🌚🪴
His father wants him to torment Caterina. Alessio’s like:
“Actually, no. I will be silently worshipping the ground she walks on instead.” 😭❤️🔥
He’s protective, intense, deeply loyal, and absolutely convinced he’s unworthy.
He falls first. HARD.
And he hides it like his life depends on it 😭🔥
The tension??? UNREAL.
The push and pull??? DELICIOUS.
The slow trust-building??? EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. 💔🫠
And the wedding night… with the bloody-sheet expectation… turning into a PERIOD PLOT TWIST??
I SCREAMED. I YELLED. I briefly saw God. 💀💀💀
The mafia politics are gritty and layered; the danger feels REAL. 🩸
Women aren’t just props—they are silenced, threatened, used… and then Caterina arrives like “not today, Satan.” ✨🔥
I loved the layers of loyalty, vengeance, sibling feral-protectiveness, and forbidden tenderness that tie every chapter together.
And honestly?
I DESPERATELY need Nico’s story. And Sofia’s. They have enough chaotic potential to fuel a whole trilogy. 👀📚
Highly recommend for readers who love:
💀 violence-as-love-language
❤️ obsessive MMCs
🔥 a heroine who refuses to break
🔪 mafia politics
🖤 a romance that feels like a steel-toed boot to the chest
An unforgettable, dangerous, messy, addictive read.
October 24, 2025
Eileen North is a new author to me, I've never read any of her books before but I can tell you I will, The MMC is called Alessio he is new heir to Vegas mafia as Nico Morelli killed his brother Silva 'Jr - in repayment for this and to broker peace, Alessio is offered a bride, Caterina Morelli, Who is the darling sister of Nico and Dante, She is there weak spot because in the mafia you don't show who you care for its a hazard, Caterina is a sweet girl, who has been kept sheltered her whole life she is brave and strong and faces her challenges head on even when she knows the outcome could be terrible. she loves with her whole heart and that starts with her brothers, i love the fact that the Morelli siblings are not afraid to love one another that they would go against what is expected of them to make sure there little sister new her worth and new what love was. Alessio's father is a horrible man, the opposite of the Morelli brothers, he wants Alessio to make Caterina's life a misery to abuse her to hurt her in order to get revenge for Silva'Jr - no one is that bothered about Silva Jr being dead probably on the account of him being a horrible person who delighted in the misery of others much like his dad. Alessio although he doesnt believe it is so different from his father and he cant hurt Caterina, he is patient, kind, protective, he loves hard but hides it not just with cat but with his siblings. he wants to protect them. so what happens when the people that need protecting need protection from the men in his own home? will he get there in time?
this has you on the edge of your seat, it was well written, well thought out and honestly so enjoyable. id love to read more I desperately want to know Nico's story and Sofia's story they have a lot of potential.
I recieved an advance review copy for free through booksiren's and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily
this has you on the edge of your seat, it was well written, well thought out and honestly so enjoyable. id love to read more I desperately want to know Nico's story and Sofia's story they have a lot of potential.
I recieved an advance review copy for free through booksiren's and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily
October 29, 2025
I have never been attracted to reading the Mafia genre, but I have read and loved all this author’s other books (different pen name) so I decided that if I was going to test the waters with this genre Ms North would not steer me wrong. I’m still not sure that this will become a genre that I seek out but Catrina and Alessio’s story was certainly a compelling and I was engaged throughout the whole book.
Catrina, the daughter of a Mafia Don, is betrothed to a man in payment of a blood debt to a rival mafia family. Alessio will one day be the Don of the Las Vegas Mafia and is a brutal killer. Although there is an abundance of power struggle machinations throughout the story it is the development of the relationship between Catrina and Alessio that I found most captivating.
Catrina is young and very sheltered yet she has a strength that she keeps well hidden from the people she needs to hide it from. She is kind and caring and embraces friendship with the other women in the family with a loyalty that is unwavering. Her kindness is what creates a crack in the black heart of her husband allowing a small bit of humanity to shine through. But make no mistake, this is a dark romance, with a morally black MMC, who is possessive and controlling.
But if you are a fan of the Mafia genre you should definitely read this book. Ms North writes a suspenseful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The supporting characters are excellent and will undoubtedly be turning up in future books.
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Catrina, the daughter of a Mafia Don, is betrothed to a man in payment of a blood debt to a rival mafia family. Alessio will one day be the Don of the Las Vegas Mafia and is a brutal killer. Although there is an abundance of power struggle machinations throughout the story it is the development of the relationship between Catrina and Alessio that I found most captivating.
Catrina is young and very sheltered yet she has a strength that she keeps well hidden from the people she needs to hide it from. She is kind and caring and embraces friendship with the other women in the family with a loyalty that is unwavering. Her kindness is what creates a crack in the black heart of her husband allowing a small bit of humanity to shine through. But make no mistake, this is a dark romance, with a morally black MMC, who is possessive and controlling.
But if you are a fan of the Mafia genre you should definitely read this book. Ms North writes a suspenseful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The supporting characters are excellent and will undoubtedly be turning up in future books.
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Dark, Gritty, and Addictively Emotional
The Reaper’s Bride by Eileen North is a brutal, beautifully written dive into the underbelly of mafia power structures, where loyalty is currency, love is a battlefield, and women are often treated as pawns in a game of blood and legacy. North doesn’t shy away from the violence embedded in mafia culture—she puts it right in our faces. And it works. The stakes feel real because the danger is constant.
The hierarchy within the family is portrayed with stunning nuance. Every decision, every alliance, every punishment is steeped in tradition and power. We get to see how women are positioned in this world—battered, silenced, used—and how the FMC refuses to stay quiet or powerless. Her defiance is what makes the emotional core of the story hit so hard.
The MMC is exactly the kind of mafia antihero that breaks you: terrifying, obsessive, and absolutely gone for her. The he falls first energy is strong, simmering under every threat, every glance, every protectively violent moment. And the touch her and die scenes? Chef’s kiss. You feel his devotion in every brutal act of vengeance.
This book balances:
Mafia power plays
Forced marriage tension
Revenge arcs
Violence as language and love
A relationship that burns slow, hot, and destructive
If you love:
✔️ Obsessive men
✔️ A heroine who refuses to break
✔️ Revenge-fed romance
✔️ Dark mafia politics
✔️ “You’re mine. Only mine.” energy
Then The Reaper’s Bride is absolutely one to add to your TBR.
Highly recommended for mafia romance readers who like their love stories dangerous, messy, and unforgettable.
The Reaper’s Bride by Eileen North is a brutal, beautifully written dive into the underbelly of mafia power structures, where loyalty is currency, love is a battlefield, and women are often treated as pawns in a game of blood and legacy. North doesn’t shy away from the violence embedded in mafia culture—she puts it right in our faces. And it works. The stakes feel real because the danger is constant.
The hierarchy within the family is portrayed with stunning nuance. Every decision, every alliance, every punishment is steeped in tradition and power. We get to see how women are positioned in this world—battered, silenced, used—and how the FMC refuses to stay quiet or powerless. Her defiance is what makes the emotional core of the story hit so hard.
The MMC is exactly the kind of mafia antihero that breaks you: terrifying, obsessive, and absolutely gone for her. The he falls first energy is strong, simmering under every threat, every glance, every protectively violent moment. And the touch her and die scenes? Chef’s kiss. You feel his devotion in every brutal act of vengeance.
This book balances:
Mafia power plays
Forced marriage tension
Revenge arcs
Violence as language and love
A relationship that burns slow, hot, and destructive
If you love:
✔️ Obsessive men
✔️ A heroine who refuses to break
✔️ Revenge-fed romance
✔️ Dark mafia politics
✔️ “You’re mine. Only mine.” energy
Then The Reaper’s Bride is absolutely one to add to your TBR.
Highly recommended for mafia romance readers who like their love stories dangerous, messy, and unforgettable.
November 29, 2025
This is my first by this author and I'm glad I took the chance. Most anymore are mafia lite or no connection. This one is Caterina and Alessio's story. Caterina's brothers lack impulse control. They ended the heir to one of the three families which caused Caterina to be married to Alessio as payment. His family wanted her to pay and by extension her brothers. The business side, even though no direct dealings are mentioned the strong undercurrent is there. The reader is aware of who these men are. The one reason this didn't get a five is it needed to be more developed. We know Alessio's nickname is the Reaper, but we have to guess why. It's hinted at only. That lack of understanding made it a bit difficult to accept he was the dark character who only showed his softer side to his wife.
As for the connection emotionally, it built slowly and made sense. It was spicy and loving. The emotional connection with the other characters was just as good. The stepbrother is a character who is book worthy. It seems to be the start of a series, and the pairings are interesting. Some are given away early and some are a bit of a twist that makes the reader want to know how the "daughter of a traitor" mantra will be squashed.
The world building as far as the families and organization goes is very good. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Pretty sure Dante, Caterina's brother, hasn't learned his full lesson on impulse control. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for the connection emotionally, it built slowly and made sense. It was spicy and loving. The emotional connection with the other characters was just as good. The stepbrother is a character who is book worthy. It seems to be the start of a series, and the pairings are interesting. Some are given away early and some are a bit of a twist that makes the reader want to know how the "daughter of a traitor" mantra will be squashed.
The world building as far as the families and organization goes is very good. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Pretty sure Dante, Caterina's brother, hasn't learned his full lesson on impulse control. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2025
arc review ✨
4.5✨This was Eileen North’s debut book and it did not disappoint. Arranged marriage✔️age gap✔️ dual pov✔️ possessive MMC✔️
Caterina (18) is arranged to marry Alessio as a peace treaty after her older brother kills his brother, the heir to Las Vegas. I loved how after accepting her fate she doesn’t take it lying down instead she learns how to defend herself before the marriage. She chooses not to be a doormat. She honestly had me laughing with her slightly crazy side.
Alessio (23) gave me unhinged possessive vibes. He very much gave touch her and die. Seeing him being patient with her was sweet, but funny because he’s very much impatient. What started off as something for revenge for him quickly turned into something he wasn’t expecting.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that most of this book is told from Caterina’s pov, I like more of 50/50, but that’s mainly just a pet peeve. So, other than that it was really good. Y’all I feel like she teased possible couples and I cannot wait. I definitely can’t wait for Nico’s story, but Armando’s and Gias is definitely going to be so good, I just know it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens.
4.5✨This was Eileen North’s debut book and it did not disappoint. Arranged marriage✔️age gap✔️ dual pov✔️ possessive MMC✔️
Caterina (18) is arranged to marry Alessio as a peace treaty after her older brother kills his brother, the heir to Las Vegas. I loved how after accepting her fate she doesn’t take it lying down instead she learns how to defend herself before the marriage. She chooses not to be a doormat. She honestly had me laughing with her slightly crazy side.
Alessio (23) gave me unhinged possessive vibes. He very much gave touch her and die. Seeing him being patient with her was sweet, but funny because he’s very much impatient. What started off as something for revenge for him quickly turned into something he wasn’t expecting.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that most of this book is told from Caterina’s pov, I like more of 50/50, but that’s mainly just a pet peeve. So, other than that it was really good. Y’all I feel like she teased possible couples and I cannot wait. I definitely can’t wait for Nico’s story, but Armando’s and Gias is definitely going to be so good, I just know it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens.
October 18, 2025
Caterina is to pay for her brothers sins, she is to enter into an arranged marriage with the reaper. A bride for a brother is exactly what Alessio is receiving, he didn’t want to marry and he never cared much for his brother to grief his death but blood is blood and he will exact his revenge through his little bride who seems to mean a lot to his brother killer.
Cat knows doesn’t know what to expect but every single encounter with Alessio has left her baffled and confused, he doesn’t seem like the men who would take his anger or revenge out on her little by little she starts to fall but he knows that he can’t be a person to be loved to receive love especially from someone as pure as Caterina. Something changes in him and he will risk it all to protect the women he’s fallen for.
The Reapers bride did get me hooked right away but I felt a slow in the middle of the story and wished I could of got a bit more from caterina, but I loved her either way she was the light for Alessio. I loved how every side character got my attention and honestly I can’t wait until I get their story. This was a fast read and a spicy one( for all my smut lovers). The story ends beautifully with the opening to the next couples story, and I just can’t wait to read it when it’s out.
Cat knows doesn’t know what to expect but every single encounter with Alessio has left her baffled and confused, he doesn’t seem like the men who would take his anger or revenge out on her little by little she starts to fall but he knows that he can’t be a person to be loved to receive love especially from someone as pure as Caterina. Something changes in him and he will risk it all to protect the women he’s fallen for.
The Reapers bride did get me hooked right away but I felt a slow in the middle of the story and wished I could of got a bit more from caterina, but I loved her either way she was the light for Alessio. I loved how every side character got my attention and honestly I can’t wait until I get their story. This was a fast read and a spicy one( for all my smut lovers). The story ends beautifully with the opening to the next couples story, and I just can’t wait to read it when it’s out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
The De Luca family are out for blood
One of the Morelli family killed the head of the families older son but in order to stop the blood shed in retaliation
The Morelli family offer their 16 yr old daughter's hand in marriage once she turns 18 to the now oldest son Alessio of the De Luca and the family agrees.
Alessio (the reaper) and his father who are know for their torturous streak want nothing more than to get Catarina into the family home to get their sweet revenge on her family and mainly her brother
Catarina is sweet and innocent with a feisty steak she know all to well that they would like nothing more than to punish her for her brother's sin but will it all go to plan or will she fight back
It's a forced proximity with an age gap with an open door spice eating of about
🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2 and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
I absolutely ate this story up I loved the the possessiveness and need to protect of the MMC and the feistiness of the MFC although it could cause her a lot of problems she didn't back down
I thought there was a good mount of spice and can't wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out January 2026
One of the Morelli family killed the head of the families older son but in order to stop the blood shed in retaliation
The Morelli family offer their 16 yr old daughter's hand in marriage once she turns 18 to the now oldest son Alessio of the De Luca and the family agrees.
Alessio (the reaper) and his father who are know for their torturous streak want nothing more than to get Catarina into the family home to get their sweet revenge on her family and mainly her brother
Catarina is sweet and innocent with a feisty steak she know all to well that they would like nothing more than to punish her for her brother's sin but will it all go to plan or will she fight back
It's a forced proximity with an age gap with an open door spice eating of about
🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2 and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
I absolutely ate this story up I loved the the possessiveness and need to protect of the MMC and the feistiness of the MFC although it could cause her a lot of problems she didn't back down
I thought there was a good mount of spice and can't wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out January 2026
December 1, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Mafia
Enemies to Lovers
Arranged Marriage
Possessive MMC
HEA
Dual POV
I love how patient Alessio is with Caterina, and how determined she is to stay loyal to her conflicting families. I think we all want an Alessio, somebody to stand by your side no matter what.
Caterina is forced to marry Alessio after her brothers kill Alessio’s older brother. The only way to stop the war between the families, is her life for his. Caterina knows what it means to be apart of the mafia, but she also hates the traditions and wants to change them. Alessio is known as the Reaper, cold, and ruthless. He is expected to make Caterina pay her for bother’s actions.
You follow their entire love story from the day they meet, to their HEA.
This book is all about mafia, family, loyalty, and a dash of spice. There are some dark elements, and no one is safe.
This book leaves a lot of clues for potential other books, and I’m really interested to see Caterina’s brothers, Nico and Dante stories, and Sofia’s.
2/5 🌶️
Mafia
Enemies to Lovers
Arranged Marriage
Possessive MMC
HEA
Dual POV
I love how patient Alessio is with Caterina, and how determined she is to stay loyal to her conflicting families. I think we all want an Alessio, somebody to stand by your side no matter what.
Caterina is forced to marry Alessio after her brothers kill Alessio’s older brother. The only way to stop the war between the families, is her life for his. Caterina knows what it means to be apart of the mafia, but she also hates the traditions and wants to change them. Alessio is known as the Reaper, cold, and ruthless. He is expected to make Caterina pay her for bother’s actions.
You follow their entire love story from the day they meet, to their HEA.
This book is all about mafia, family, loyalty, and a dash of spice. There are some dark elements, and no one is safe.
This book leaves a lot of clues for potential other books, and I’m really interested to see Caterina’s brothers, Nico and Dante stories, and Sofia’s.
December 5, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was one epic book to read I was hooked, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. There was action packed, danger, suspense, drama, vengeance, betrayal, secrets, intimidation, violence, killings, protection, fear, manipulated, v-card, courage, Dom/sub, lust, passion, pleasure/pain, intense, and so much more emotions throughout. This story was about Caterina and Alessio, Alessio is also known as the "Reaper" when he heard about his older brother's death from a fight. Will he have revenge when he marry's their sister. When Caterina's brothers came home after they killed someone, they were happy until the father came out of his office, he let them know about the deal he just made. Caterina the more she got to know her husband the more she was falling for him. Her brothers are trying to make sure she is alright, because guilt played a part. Will she survive the Reaper and his father?
This was one epic book to read I was hooked, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. There was action packed, danger, suspense, drama, vengeance, betrayal, secrets, intimidation, violence, killings, protection, fear, manipulated, v-card, courage, Dom/sub, lust, passion, pleasure/pain, intense, and so much more emotions throughout. This story was about Caterina and Alessio, Alessio is also known as the "Reaper" when he heard about his older brother's death from a fight. Will he have revenge when he marry's their sister. When Caterina's brothers came home after they killed someone, they were happy until the father came out of his office, he let them know about the deal he just made. Caterina the more she got to know her husband the more she was falling for him. Her brothers are trying to make sure she is alright, because guilt played a part. Will she survive the Reaper and his father?
December 31, 2025
Married to the Reaper
OMG besties… "The Reaper’s Bride" snatched me by the throat in Chapter 1 and refused to let go. Say goodbye to sleep because this book is dark mafia romance done right. Caterina is sold into an arranged marriage meant to end a bloody mafia war... but Alessio De Luca, aka the Reaper, is not the forgiving type. He’s brutal, poss€ssiv€, and carved from viol€nc€… and I ate up every tension-loaded, terrifying moment.
The enemies-to-lovers slow burn is pure indulgence... threatening looks, razor-sharp banter, and a dangerous pull neither of them wants to admit. The violence... Whew. Brutal, unapologetic, and exactly what I crave in my mafia reads. But beneath the blood and vengeance is a fiercely protective MMC and a witty, defiant FMC who refuses to break.
I loved this from start to finish and I’m officially locked into this series. Sooooo looking forward to Book 2! Must-add to your TBR!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG besties… "The Reaper’s Bride" snatched me by the throat in Chapter 1 and refused to let go. Say goodbye to sleep because this book is dark mafia romance done right. Caterina is sold into an arranged marriage meant to end a bloody mafia war... but Alessio De Luca, aka the Reaper, is not the forgiving type. He’s brutal, poss€ssiv€, and carved from viol€nc€… and I ate up every tension-loaded, terrifying moment.
The enemies-to-lovers slow burn is pure indulgence... threatening looks, razor-sharp banter, and a dangerous pull neither of them wants to admit. The violence... Whew. Brutal, unapologetic, and exactly what I crave in my mafia reads. But beneath the blood and vengeance is a fiercely protective MMC and a witty, defiant FMC who refuses to break.
I loved this from start to finish and I’m officially locked into this series. Sooooo looking forward to Book 2! Must-add to your TBR!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
December 5, 2025
Okay I got this as soon as I saw mafia and it’s so worth it! It’s a total page turner and a 4/5⭐️ read for me with 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ in spice.
Cat is forced into a marriage to help settle things and sure she’s being forced into a loveless marriage where he hates her she tries to do the best of the situation. Only he touches her gently, and doesn’t take her virginity after their wedding like he should. Something that could get him killed. So maybe….is he someone she could fall in love with?
I absolutely loved this book and it’s not too long which absolutely helps cause I feel like the length was perfect. A bit slow at parts but it didn’t do much because when it picked up it was sooo good. And I didn’t mind the slower parts because we got to know more about the characters. Oh and it’s dual POV! Absolutely LOVED this book and I highly recommend giving it a go!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cat is forced into a marriage to help settle things and sure she’s being forced into a loveless marriage where he hates her she tries to do the best of the situation. Only he touches her gently, and doesn’t take her virginity after their wedding like he should. Something that could get him killed. So maybe….is he someone she could fall in love with?
I absolutely loved this book and it’s not too long which absolutely helps cause I feel like the length was perfect. A bit slow at parts but it didn’t do much because when it picked up it was sooo good. And I didn’t mind the slower parts because we got to know more about the characters. Oh and it’s dual POV! Absolutely LOVED this book and I highly recommend giving it a go!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2025
Caterina is forced into an arranged marriage with Alessio as a peace treaty after her brother kills his. Instead of crumbling under the weight of her fate, she fights back — literally — learning to defend herself and refusing to be anyone’s victim. Her slightly unhinged humor and resilience made me adore her.
Alessio, the ruthless “Reaper,” plans to use this marriage for revenge, but he quickly finds himself drawn to the fiery woman meant to be his punishment. He’s possessive, dangerous, and unexpectedly patient — the perfect mix of unhinged and irresistible.
What begins as vengeance turns into something deeper, and I loved every twist of their chaotic, tension-filled romance. This story has it all — action, angst, found family, and plenty of spice. If you love mafia romance with a fierce heroine and a dangerously devoted MMC, read this one now!
Alessio, the ruthless “Reaper,” plans to use this marriage for revenge, but he quickly finds himself drawn to the fiery woman meant to be his punishment. He’s possessive, dangerous, and unexpectedly patient — the perfect mix of unhinged and irresistible.
What begins as vengeance turns into something deeper, and I loved every twist of their chaotic, tension-filled romance. This story has it all — action, angst, found family, and plenty of spice. If you love mafia romance with a fierce heroine and a dangerously devoted MMC, read this one now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
This was my first time reading Eileen North, and it absolutely won’t be my last. Her writing style flows beautifully—smooth, engaging, and perfectly paced. I was hooked right from the very first chapter.
Caterina and Alessio were such a compelling pair. Coming from rival Mafia families and being forced into marriage for the sake of peace, their dynamic had me instantly invested. Caterina is young, intelligent, and quietly strong, while Alessio is the quintessential grumpy, stoic “touch her and die” type. He’s possessive, protective, and completely thrown by his own feelings, which made their moments together even better. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the way their relationship grows feels both natural and deeply satisfying. Caterina brings out a side of Alessio he never expected to show, and it was so lovely to watch.
I also loved the focus on family and friends throughout the story. It added richness to the world and perfectly set up future books. I’m very excited for Frankie and Carlo’s story, and I’m hoping we get Armando & Gia as well as Dante & Sofia—they all have so much potential.
My only tiny wish? An epilogue. I would have adored a glimpse of Caterina and Alessio after everything settled.
Overall, The Reaper’s Bride was a quick, easy, and incredibly enjoyable read. It delivered exactly what I wanted and more.
Thank you to Booksprout for the ARC!
Caterina and Alessio were such a compelling pair. Coming from rival Mafia families and being forced into marriage for the sake of peace, their dynamic had me instantly invested. Caterina is young, intelligent, and quietly strong, while Alessio is the quintessential grumpy, stoic “touch her and die” type. He’s possessive, protective, and completely thrown by his own feelings, which made their moments together even better. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the way their relationship grows feels both natural and deeply satisfying. Caterina brings out a side of Alessio he never expected to show, and it was so lovely to watch.
I also loved the focus on family and friends throughout the story. It added richness to the world and perfectly set up future books. I’m very excited for Frankie and Carlo’s story, and I’m hoping we get Armando & Gia as well as Dante & Sofia—they all have so much potential.
My only tiny wish? An epilogue. I would have adored a glimpse of Caterina and Alessio after everything settled.
Overall, The Reaper’s Bride was a quick, easy, and incredibly enjoyable read. It delivered exactly what I wanted and more.
Thank you to Booksprout for the ARC!
October 20, 2025
This was my first time reading Eileen North, and let me just say: I couldn’t put it down.
Writing was so easy to read I got sucked in to the story from the beginning.
Caterina and Alessio had such electric chemistry I’m surprised the pages didn’t catch fire. And the supporting cast? Not just background noise—every side character felt like they were quietly auditioning for their own spin-off (and I’d absolutely read them).
I especially loved how Caterina bonded with her new female in-laws—those scenes were charming, funny, and full of heart. It added warmth and depth to a story already brimming with tension and romance.
I will definitely be looking out for her next book in the series.
ARC COPY
Writing was so easy to read I got sucked in to the story from the beginning.
Caterina and Alessio had such electric chemistry I’m surprised the pages didn’t catch fire. And the supporting cast? Not just background noise—every side character felt like they were quietly auditioning for their own spin-off (and I’d absolutely read them).
I especially loved how Caterina bonded with her new female in-laws—those scenes were charming, funny, and full of heart. It added warmth and depth to a story already brimming with tension and romance.
I will definitely be looking out for her next book in the series.
ARC COPY
October 23, 2025
Catrina is a girl in the mafia world. one where they are put into an arranged marriage and forced to comply to the men around them or face the consequences. When her brothers kill the man she was intended to marry she is handed to the brother, Alessio.
Alessio, the Reaper, as the men in the mafia know him. A capos son, forced to follow every order until it comes to her. Feelings for a girl he was arranged to marry was something he never wanted, but as possessiveness takes over, he wont allow anyone else to ever touch her.
A story where you hope they both find love in one another, but seeing the drama and the bloodshed around them your scared to believe. A story where love shouldn't exist but still forces its way into the violence of the mafia world kept me hooked with every chapter.
Alessio, the Reaper, as the men in the mafia know him. A capos son, forced to follow every order until it comes to her. Feelings for a girl he was arranged to marry was something he never wanted, but as possessiveness takes over, he wont allow anyone else to ever touch her.
A story where you hope they both find love in one another, but seeing the drama and the bloodshed around them your scared to believe. A story where love shouldn't exist but still forces its way into the violence of the mafia world kept me hooked with every chapter.
November 20, 2025
The Reaper’s Bride Eileen North
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This one was so good!! We meet Alessio & Caterina in this book!! We get the possessive MMC & the innocent but feisty FMC in a mafia setting! This is always one of my favorite type of stories to read and Eileen did so so good!! From the very start I was sucked in and wondering what was coming next!!
This was my first Eileen book and definitely won’t be my last!! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!! I cant wait for you guys to read this one so soon!!
Get your copy here🙂↕️
https://a.co/d/haXeZWx
Tropes✨
❤️🔥 age gap
⛓️💥 mafia romance
❤️🔥 arranged marriage
⛓️💥 possessive mmc
❤️🔥 touch her & 💀
⛓️💥 innocent but feisty fmc
Thank you so much to Eileen & book sirens for letting me arc review!! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This one was so good!! We meet Alessio & Caterina in this book!! We get the possessive MMC & the innocent but feisty FMC in a mafia setting! This is always one of my favorite type of stories to read and Eileen did so so good!! From the very start I was sucked in and wondering what was coming next!!
This was my first Eileen book and definitely won’t be my last!! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!! I cant wait for you guys to read this one so soon!!
Get your copy here🙂↕️
https://a.co/d/haXeZWx
Tropes✨
❤️🔥 age gap
⛓️💥 mafia romance
❤️🔥 arranged marriage
⛓️💥 possessive mmc
❤️🔥 touch her & 💀
⛓️💥 innocent but feisty fmc
Thank you so much to Eileen & book sirens for letting me arc review!! ❤️
November 21, 2025
Arc read:
I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5. I like how well paced it was. I was pulled in immediately. I was able to follow the story without any problems. The character growth was noticeable.
A forced marriage for a peace treaty. Cat and Alessio are setup for an arranged marriage. In the mafia you don’t marry for love. You marry for power. Cat can only hope that just maybe love will still happen in a way.
Alessio doesn’t want to be loved. He wants to be feared. When he meets Cat he thinks of her childish for thinking their life is a fairytale. With this marriage he doesn’t want to seek revenge for what happened between their families. At least not through Cat.
Maybe they’ll fall in love, maybe they won’t. RAFO.
I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5. I like how well paced it was. I was pulled in immediately. I was able to follow the story without any problems. The character growth was noticeable.
A forced marriage for a peace treaty. Cat and Alessio are setup for an arranged marriage. In the mafia you don’t marry for love. You marry for power. Cat can only hope that just maybe love will still happen in a way.
Alessio doesn’t want to be loved. He wants to be feared. When he meets Cat he thinks of her childish for thinking their life is a fairytale. With this marriage he doesn’t want to seek revenge for what happened between their families. At least not through Cat.
Maybe they’ll fall in love, maybe they won’t. RAFO.
December 1, 2025
I loved this thoroughly engrossing mafia romance. It's well-written with a great story and likeable characters. The FMC, Caterina, is a spirited innocent but she is not naive regarding life in the mafia world and she's prepared, if somewhat apprehensive, about marrying future capo Alessio. MMC Alessio's upbringing at the hands of a brutal father didn't prepare him for the possessive need that his arranged bride stirs in him but he's also unexpectedly patient and I loved that. The growth of their relationship is a compelling part of the story but by no means all of it. I was so completely caught up in the gripping story that I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book of the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2025
What happens when one mafia family’s brother kills another mafia’s family brother? Why an arranged marriage to settle debts, of course! Where every victory and every punishment is steeped in old mafia traditions.
I appreciated the way in which Eileen North weaved together the love story of Caterina & Alessio. And the secondary characters were written in such a way that complimented the story. The only way this book could have been better is if there’d been an epilogue. I’d be interested to read where the author would put them years out from ‘the end’.
If you love a strong FMC and a MMC with touch her and die vibes, then
The Reaper’s Bride is for you!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I appreciated the way in which Eileen North weaved together the love story of Caterina & Alessio. And the secondary characters were written in such a way that complimented the story. The only way this book could have been better is if there’d been an epilogue. I’d be interested to read where the author would put them years out from ‘the end’.
If you love a strong FMC and a MMC with touch her and die vibes, then
The Reaper’s Bride is for you!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2025
First time author for me and I will add her to my list of authors.
All things Mafia starting with a brother killing another brother … and someone had to pay.
Enemies by murder but a truce by marriage.
Two fathers that loose father of their year .. one though is worse than the other.
Two different families brought together ..
Catarina is a young naive FMC who grows into her strength and decides to make the best of the situation .. if at all possible.
Dante .. this man is his families monster but man does he fall hard.
Touch her and die …
My wife .. completely possessive
Enough going on to keep the pace fast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All things Mafia starting with a brother killing another brother … and someone had to pay.
Enemies by murder but a truce by marriage.
Two fathers that loose father of their year .. one though is worse than the other.
Two different families brought together ..
Catarina is a young naive FMC who grows into her strength and decides to make the best of the situation .. if at all possible.
Dante .. this man is his families monster but man does he fall hard.
Touch her and die …
My wife .. completely possessive
Enough going on to keep the pace fast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2025
Caterina is forced to marry The Reaper, Alessio, to pay for her brother’s sins. A bride for a brother. Alessio never wanted to marry, but he plans to take his revenge through his new bride… until she surprises him at every turn.
I loved that Caterina didn’t just accept her fate and she learned to fight. Alessio gave total unhinged possessive, touch-her-and-die vibes, but seeing his softer side with her was surprisingly sweet.
The writing flowed so smoothly, I was surprised to find this was the authors debut novel. My only complaint is wanting more of Alessio’s POV. Overall, a fiery, fun Mafia arranged marriage romance I definitely recommend.
*Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC.
I loved that Caterina didn’t just accept her fate and she learned to fight. Alessio gave total unhinged possessive, touch-her-and-die vibes, but seeing his softer side with her was surprisingly sweet.
The writing flowed so smoothly, I was surprised to find this was the authors debut novel. My only complaint is wanting more of Alessio’s POV. Overall, a fiery, fun Mafia arranged marriage romance I definitely recommend.
*Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC.
November 29, 2025
This is a first book by this author I've read and oh my, she really hit it out of the park. Pardon the pun. Amazing book truly!
This is about Mafia princess Caterina who at 16 is pressed to marry Enforcer Alessio in two years.
I really enjoyed the Mafia dynamic and the contesting between the different characters like her husband and brothers, but also the alliances like Alessio's siblings.
But over all it is the passion and respect that comes through between Alessio and Caterina. Such a wonderful relationship that grows when all around them things are brutal.
A beautifully written book. The plot held me captivated and the characters really made this absorbing. Brilliant book!!
This is about Mafia princess Caterina who at 16 is pressed to marry Enforcer Alessio in two years.
I really enjoyed the Mafia dynamic and the contesting between the different characters like her husband and brothers, but also the alliances like Alessio's siblings.
But over all it is the passion and respect that comes through between Alessio and Caterina. Such a wonderful relationship that grows when all around them things are brutal.
A beautifully written book. The plot held me captivated and the characters really made this absorbing. Brilliant book!!
December 5, 2025
Let's just say that there are so many stories that can follow this and I hope they do. I see a lot of arranged marriages just from meeting the characters in this first book. The love that Alessio has for Caterina is sincere and amazing. He is trying to uphold his reputation as The Reaper (his father's enforcer) yet due to the death of his brother he is next in line to be Capo, and it is all due to Caterina's brother Nico. There is tension, spice, and the usual mafia antics. I can't wait to continue this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews