What do you think?
Rate this book
Sins of the Father: A Ruthless Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance
#MafiaArrangedMarriage🔥 #EnemiesToLovers🖤 #RuthlessMafiaBoss⚔️ #OppositesAttract🩸 #TouchHerAndDie #MorallyGrayHero #OnlyOneCanBreakHer💔 #SheWasn’tSupposedToMatter
Luc Valachi doesn’t take wives. He takes pawns.
As the head of New York’s most powerful crime family, Luc rules through blood, loyalty, and fear. His empire thrives on obedience—and weakness is unforgivable. So when his father’s death exposes a blood oath binding him to Mia Bonino, daughter of a disgraced mafia don, Luc sees only opportunity.
Marrying her isn’t personal. It’s business.
Raised in a convent and sheltered from the world’s cruelties, Mia has lived quietly—until a letter shatters her peace. Now, a man known for his ruthlessness has come to claim her, whether she wants him or not.
Luc offers her protection. But only if she obeys.
Yet Mia isn’t as breakable as she appears. Her quiet defiance ignites something dangerous inside him—something Luc has spent his whole life burying. As desire blurs into obsession, he faces an impossible break her to keep his empire intact… or risk it all for the one weakness he never saw coming.
In a world where loyalty demands blood and love is the most dangerous gamble of all...
Luc Valachi doesn’t take wives. He takes pawns.
As the head of New York’s most powerful crime family, Luc rules through blood, loyalty, and fear. His empire thrives on obedience—and weakness is unforgivable. So when his father’s death exposes a blood oath binding him to Mia Bonino, daughter of a disgraced mafia don, Luc sees only opportunity.
Marrying her isn’t personal. It’s business.
Raised in a convent and sheltered from the world’s cruelties, Mia has lived quietly—until a letter shatters her peace. Now, a man known for his ruthlessness has come to claim her, whether she wants him or not.
Luc offers her protection. But only if she obeys.
Yet Mia isn’t as breakable as she appears. Her quiet defiance ignites something dangerous inside him—something Luc has spent his whole life burying. As desire blurs into obsession, he faces an impossible break her to keep his empire intact… or risk it all for the one weakness he never saw coming.
In a world where loyalty demands blood and love is the most dangerous gamble of all...
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
32 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 8, 2026
Part 1
3💥☄️💘s
An engaging mafia romance debut I enjoyed.
There were some exaggerations in the writing which I found unnecessary.
The ending was short and rushed; it could have been further developed.
3💥☄️💘s
An engaging mafia romance debut I enjoyed.
There were some exaggerations in the writing which I found unnecessary.
The ending was short and rushed; it could have been further developed.
November 5, 2025
Love love love!
November 20, 2025
This is a Mafia Romance, and this is the first book in the Valachi Family series. There is something in this book that could trigger a reader, so please look into triggers before picking up this book if you have triggers. This book pulled me into the story, and it kept me up late into the night. I could feel the connection between the two main characters, and I love the drama and the romance in this book. The ending was filled with craziness and love. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
November 7, 2025
Gah! I love mafia romances. Arranged/forced marriages, violence, betrayal, morally gray men who look amazing in (and out of) a suit, and bada** heroines who grow into themselves and are not played the victim.
I’ve never read anything by Laurel before and I was impressed. It was a short story at only 282 pages but it was great. My only complaint, if you want to call it that, is the ending. I wished it felt more final. I just don’t feel the warm fuzzies after the ending. And it didn’t leave it open either. So I don’t know if their story will continue.
Our new book boyfriend is Luciano “Luc” Valachi. Making his way in the underbelly of the world as a don not to be messed with. Ruthless, cocky, too handsome for his own good and now completely shook by the woman he is being forced to marriage by decree of his dead father.
Mia Bonino was sent to a convent when she was a child. Her father hoped it would keep her safe. But at some point before he died he made a deal with the Valachi family and promised Mia to Luc. Now she is being dragged away from the only home she’s ever known to marriage a man who scares and arouses her.
This story was awesome. It was everything a good mafia story should be, with a good shot of lust and spiciness to go around. The chemistry is off the charts with these two. I love how Mia challenges him even being naïve in the world she’s been unceremoniously drop into.
If you haven’t given Laurels books a read I would highly recommend this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve never read anything by Laurel before and I was impressed. It was a short story at only 282 pages but it was great. My only complaint, if you want to call it that, is the ending. I wished it felt more final. I just don’t feel the warm fuzzies after the ending. And it didn’t leave it open either. So I don’t know if their story will continue.
Our new book boyfriend is Luciano “Luc” Valachi. Making his way in the underbelly of the world as a don not to be messed with. Ruthless, cocky, too handsome for his own good and now completely shook by the woman he is being forced to marriage by decree of his dead father.
Mia Bonino was sent to a convent when she was a child. Her father hoped it would keep her safe. But at some point before he died he made a deal with the Valachi family and promised Mia to Luc. Now she is being dragged away from the only home she’s ever known to marriage a man who scares and arouses her.
This story was awesome. It was everything a good mafia story should be, with a good shot of lust and spiciness to go around. The chemistry is off the charts with these two. I love how Mia challenges him even being naïve in the world she’s been unceremoniously drop into.
If you haven’t given Laurels books a read I would highly recommend this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
I looove finding new mafia romance authors!! Ones who write safe for me books are even better!!
So I really enjoyed this. We have Mia whose father hid her away at a convent and Luc who’s been arranged to marry her.
Luc was such an asshole at first. I was glad Mia didn’t come willingly. I mean she even ran away for three months trying to get away from him. He knew where she was the whole time and is keeping tabs on her but I liked that she didn’t just concede because again he was such an asshole. I really didn’t like Luc at first. And actually it lasted longer than I thought it would. He would do something mildly sweet and then his thoughts would ruin it for me because he was just so cold and unmoving.
I liked that when his mother told him to make Mia fall in love with him he didn’t outright dismiss it. He actually did try and did really sweet things to win over her affection. Mia softened him a bit and made him seem more human. It was so cute when she made him a chocolate cake, he told her how he missed it because he hadn’t eaten chocolate since he was a child because someone tried to poison him with it.
I loved the lack of OW drama. This is almost unheard of in this genre so it was so refreshing to read about. Luc does have a “current lover” at the beginning of the book. We never meet her and we don’t see him thinking about her or talking to her but the minute he finds out he is to marry Mia he says he needs to end it with his lover. And he wasn’t sad about having to do it. She was never brought up again. I liked his faithfulness to Mia. Even when she ran away from him for three months. He also didn’t seem like a manwhore. He said he has been with countless and nameless women but it didn’t seem like he always got around and his sexual past wasn’t shoved in our faces. I loved that as well.
I liked the secondary characters as well and can’t wait for the next two books.
There were a few things keeping me from giving it 5 stars:
While the writing was good some of the transitions between scenes were a bit clunky. They didn’t flow naturally and had me a bit confused. Also when she’s almost taken she talks about getting hit and elbowed and beat up pretty badly. Says something in her hand snaps and her fingers are broken and yet her recovery time is nonexistent. No mention of her fingers being hurt or anything. She definitely needed to be recovering from that kind of beating but she didn’t.
I also was really pissed at Luc for giving her the option of leaving him after a year knowing that if she did she would die when she left. And then when she did run away again during the third act break up the body guard going to find her asks if Luc wants her brought to him and he says no, make sure she’s buried at the Convent!!! I was like whaaaat?! This is almost toward the end of the book too and he so easily talks about having her killed and buried. He changes his mind when the body guard finds her and calls him for instructions but to even say that to begin with really lost some of the points he had gained earlier with me. What if the bodyguard, Carlos, had just killed her like you said instead of calling you first? Then she would have been dead. That was probably my least favorite part of this whole book.
Also the ending could have been better. The conflict wrapped up way too quickly, it still felt unresolved and there was no epilogue.
Aside from that I did enjoy it and can’t wait to read more from this married writing duo!!
SAFETY:
No cheating
No OP drama (hallelujah!)
Third act break up (weeks, both celibate)
Arranged marriage
Age gap 23/33
Virgin FMC
Torture
Murder
HFN/HEA (married and pregnant but the conflict didn’t feel finished)
So I really enjoyed this. We have Mia whose father hid her away at a convent and Luc who’s been arranged to marry her.
Luc was such an asshole at first. I was glad Mia didn’t come willingly. I mean she even ran away for three months trying to get away from him. He knew where she was the whole time and is keeping tabs on her but I liked that she didn’t just concede because again he was such an asshole. I really didn’t like Luc at first. And actually it lasted longer than I thought it would. He would do something mildly sweet and then his thoughts would ruin it for me because he was just so cold and unmoving.
I liked that when his mother told him to make Mia fall in love with him he didn’t outright dismiss it. He actually did try and did really sweet things to win over her affection. Mia softened him a bit and made him seem more human. It was so cute when she made him a chocolate cake, he told her how he missed it because he hadn’t eaten chocolate since he was a child because someone tried to poison him with it.
I loved the lack of OW drama. This is almost unheard of in this genre so it was so refreshing to read about. Luc does have a “current lover” at the beginning of the book. We never meet her and we don’t see him thinking about her or talking to her but the minute he finds out he is to marry Mia he says he needs to end it with his lover. And he wasn’t sad about having to do it. She was never brought up again. I liked his faithfulness to Mia. Even when she ran away from him for three months. He also didn’t seem like a manwhore. He said he has been with countless and nameless women but it didn’t seem like he always got around and his sexual past wasn’t shoved in our faces. I loved that as well.
I liked the secondary characters as well and can’t wait for the next two books.
There were a few things keeping me from giving it 5 stars:
While the writing was good some of the transitions between scenes were a bit clunky. They didn’t flow naturally and had me a bit confused. Also when she’s almost taken she talks about getting hit and elbowed and beat up pretty badly. Says something in her hand snaps and her fingers are broken and yet her recovery time is nonexistent. No mention of her fingers being hurt or anything. She definitely needed to be recovering from that kind of beating but she didn’t.
I also was really pissed at Luc for giving her the option of leaving him after a year knowing that if she did she would die when she left. And then when she did run away again during the third act break up the body guard going to find her asks if Luc wants her brought to him and he says no, make sure she’s buried at the Convent!!! I was like whaaaat?! This is almost toward the end of the book too and he so easily talks about having her killed and buried. He changes his mind when the body guard finds her and calls him for instructions but to even say that to begin with really lost some of the points he had gained earlier with me. What if the bodyguard, Carlos, had just killed her like you said instead of calling you first? Then she would have been dead. That was probably my least favorite part of this whole book.
Also the ending could have been better. The conflict wrapped up way too quickly, it still felt unresolved and there was no epilogue.
Aside from that I did enjoy it and can’t wait to read more from this married writing duo!!
SAFETY:
No cheating
No OP drama (hallelujah!)
Third act break up (weeks, both celibate)
Arranged marriage
Age gap 23/33
Virgin FMC
Torture
Murder
HFN/HEA (married and pregnant but the conflict didn’t feel finished)
November 17, 2025
Decent book, have some minor greviances but over all not a bad read if you enjoy a solid HEA.
First I liked that this was a bit different than other mafia books, the FMC was mostly reasonable and out MMC wasnt a huge ass and even respected boundaries. the two of them even had chemistry. The way they talked gave me bridgerton kinda vibes but mafia. Pretty descriptions and great side characters too. The pacing wasnt crazy bad either. For how short the book was I felt like the story was paced well, any complaint I have going forward is just wishing the book and been longer.
I was honestly digging the realitively agreeable FMC, yea she ran at first then quickly accepted what was going on, seemed to be understanding her position even falling in love then bam gets cold feet again cause some one tries to kill her.. again. then takes off like its gonna do something just to get caught.. idk if you were gonna throw that in I wish it lasted longer I wish she evaded them better a little more chase. At least dont have her get sniffly and all woe is me i miss him so quickly. Of course you can only do so much with less than 300 pages.
This is a rare moment were I felt bad for the mafia boss. he was a pretty great husband, compeltely changed his frame of mind and did everything she wanted, just for his wife to up and ditch him cause she gets a little scared like this man hasn't proven he can keep her safe. low key wish he woulda stuck more to his guns when he said to kill her. like have more of a fight cause he had every right to be angry at that point. I feel like he starts off so rough then snaps into golden retriever with a good snarl.
I liked the book but I think it coulda been more. I think the point was to have a HEA but I wish it didnt seem so easily accomplished or so quickly resolved. But I'll def continue to read the series.
First I liked that this was a bit different than other mafia books, the FMC was mostly reasonable and out MMC wasnt a huge ass and even respected boundaries. the two of them even had chemistry. The way they talked gave me bridgerton kinda vibes but mafia. Pretty descriptions and great side characters too. The pacing wasnt crazy bad either. For how short the book was I felt like the story was paced well, any complaint I have going forward is just wishing the book and been longer.
I was honestly digging the realitively agreeable FMC, yea she ran at first then quickly accepted what was going on, seemed to be understanding her position even falling in love then bam gets cold feet again cause some one tries to kill her.. again. then takes off like its gonna do something just to get caught.. idk if you were gonna throw that in I wish it lasted longer I wish she evaded them better a little more chase. At least dont have her get sniffly and all woe is me i miss him so quickly. Of course you can only do so much with less than 300 pages.
This is a rare moment were I felt bad for the mafia boss. he was a pretty great husband, compeltely changed his frame of mind and did everything she wanted, just for his wife to up and ditch him cause she gets a little scared like this man hasn't proven he can keep her safe. low key wish he woulda stuck more to his guns when he said to kill her. like have more of a fight cause he had every right to be angry at that point. I feel like he starts off so rough then snaps into golden retriever with a good snarl.
I liked the book but I think it coulda been more. I think the point was to have a HEA but I wish it didnt seem so easily accomplished or so quickly resolved. But I'll def continue to read the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
A fast-paced mafia romance with Beauty and the Beast vibes. Luc is a deliciously morally grey MC, a mafia boss looking to expand his empire and secure his family’s place above all rival families. He sees his chance when his father’s death uncovers a blood oath—an arranged marriage to Mia Bonino, the daughter of a disgraced mafia don.
Mia, raised in a convent and far from the mafia world, is suddenly dragged back into danger. She tries to run, but Luc is dark, demanding, and always one step ahead. Realizing safety may only come at his side, she agrees to the marriage with the deal that she can leave after a year—if she gives him an heir.
The pace of this story was fast, and I really enjoyed how smooth the author’s prose made everything feel. The spice was steaming and hit perfectly with the swoon-worthy descriptions. This is a great pick for anyone who loves dark mafia romance with a grumpy, possessive kingpin and a sunshine heroine who refuses to bend easily. 4⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mia, raised in a convent and far from the mafia world, is suddenly dragged back into danger. She tries to run, but Luc is dark, demanding, and always one step ahead. Realizing safety may only come at his side, she agrees to the marriage with the deal that she can leave after a year—if she gives him an heir.
The pace of this story was fast, and I really enjoyed how smooth the author’s prose made everything feel. The spice was steaming and hit perfectly with the swoon-worthy descriptions. This is a great pick for anyone who loves dark mafia romance with a grumpy, possessive kingpin and a sunshine heroine who refuses to bend easily. 4⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 6, 2025
I love a mafia read & I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Laurel K. Reid!! Although initially with the classic plot of an arranged marriage to further power, this story is so much more!! Despite almost an instant attraction & chemistry, things don’t run smoothly for this couple. Mia may be innocent in the ways of life within The Commission but she has grit & conviction much to the surprise of her intended! And Luc is morally grey in every sense of the word & I adore him!!
I honestly struggled to put this book down. The style of writing had me captivated with the overall explanation & gradual build of the story, not to mention the occasional plot twist! I eagerly anticipate book 2 as I’m excited to read more of these characters.
Definitely one for the mafia lover’s tbr!!
I honestly struggled to put this book down. The style of writing had me captivated with the overall explanation & gradual build of the story, not to mention the occasional plot twist! I eagerly anticipate book 2 as I’m excited to read more of these characters.
Definitely one for the mafia lover’s tbr!!
Read
November 9, 2025I keep trying to read “mafia” theme books and only a few, very few, are entertaining. Sadly, this one was a miss.
December 17, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised that this book was written by a Black author. Oftentimes, there are obvious tones, but that was not the case for this book. It’s also published by a Black couple so yes to that!
Now, I enjoyed this story. More than I expected because once you read one mafia romance, you have read them all.
But the strength of this story was in the characters and their back stories.
Luciano is a kind of cold that I love in a mafia Don. Unrelenting in his cause and leaves no doubt that he is the top of this food chain and you will fall in line. I am actually sad that his story with Mia is reserved to one book. I could surely do a duet.
A character who grew up in a convent and then dipped in the world of the Italian mafia is not something you see every day. So of course I was locked in. And this novel did not disappoint in the beginning.
The writing was so poignant. I felt every scene. I also like that the heroine fought back every time!
I loved the shoutouts to my country, Jamaica!
The sex scenes were passable but the foreplay was fire!
Unfortunately, I did not like the ending. I think Mia needed more to change her mind. This is a big decision that will affect her for the rest of her life and I don’t think we saw enough to convince us and for her to cross a line she will not come back from.
Her transition from the convent to a world of crime was also too easy. She seemed to have an ingrained ability for espionage and easily went against things that would have been instilled in her for decades.
Their first scene together had her referencing him as “sir.” Where did the devout Catholic girl go once she was no longer in the safety of the convent?
Especially - because if we are being honest - she could have left when she was of age too.
I wondered if the story would only focus on the romance because 80 per cent in and we barely had any real threats.
As such, the ending felt like a boon.
There was a marvellous world building that laid a great foundation. I just don’t think the author stuck the landing.
Now, I enjoyed this story. More than I expected because once you read one mafia romance, you have read them all.
But the strength of this story was in the characters and their back stories.
Luciano is a kind of cold that I love in a mafia Don. Unrelenting in his cause and leaves no doubt that he is the top of this food chain and you will fall in line. I am actually sad that his story with Mia is reserved to one book. I could surely do a duet.
A character who grew up in a convent and then dipped in the world of the Italian mafia is not something you see every day. So of course I was locked in. And this novel did not disappoint in the beginning.
The writing was so poignant. I felt every scene. I also like that the heroine fought back every time!
I loved the shoutouts to my country, Jamaica!
The sex scenes were passable but the foreplay was fire!
Unfortunately, I did not like the ending. I think Mia needed more to change her mind. This is a big decision that will affect her for the rest of her life and I don’t think we saw enough to convince us and for her to cross a line she will not come back from.
Her transition from the convent to a world of crime was also too easy. She seemed to have an ingrained ability for espionage and easily went against things that would have been instilled in her for decades.
Their first scene together had her referencing him as “sir.” Where did the devout Catholic girl go once she was no longer in the safety of the convent?
Especially - because if we are being honest - she could have left when she was of age too.
I wondered if the story would only focus on the romance because 80 per cent in and we barely had any real threats.
As such, the ending felt like a boon.
There was a marvellous world building that laid a great foundation. I just don’t think the author stuck the landing.
January 5, 2026
I liked the book until the end, even though there were plot holes.
First of all, Isabella is someone Luc has been "seeing." It's stated several times that she won't take the news of his marriage well, only for her to never be brought up again. And Luc didn't actually do anything to make me believe that she backed off because of any threats he made or blackmail he did. Isabella existed to create the illusion of an other woman that may add conflict (but never did). Even her uncle that has more power than Luc just ignores it. Why so sanguine about this? That would be suspicious to me, but as "smart" as Luc is, he thinks everything is rosy.
Secondly, I thought Donata's murder would have had more of an effect on Mia than it did. Mia growing up in a convent alone, feeling abandoned by her father, would have been enough to create her "reserved" personality (even though she's not reserved at all). Then when she's pregnant, she RUNS AWAY knowing there are people out there who want to kill her. This is where it should have been said that the child would be in danger because killing people, like Donata was killed, was traumatizing to her when she was young, so she doesn't want that experience for her child. Luc should have replied with something along the lines of how he is now the most powerful in the country and no one would think of hurting their child, how he's kept his cousin safe, how there will always be risks and their child would learn how to fight/defend sooner than others, etc.
Mia doesn't even acknowledge the fact that Luc has been saving her and protecting her, and that her running away will take away all of that protection from not only her but the child she "loves." Mia is explicitly told that death is the only way out, and she would rather risk that than having her child be protected in the mafia.
I did like the writing style, the banter, and the getting to know each other, even though it was incredibly rushed. But the characters are annoying.
First of all, Isabella is someone Luc has been "seeing." It's stated several times that she won't take the news of his marriage well, only for her to never be brought up again. And Luc didn't actually do anything to make me believe that she backed off because of any threats he made or blackmail he did. Isabella existed to create the illusion of an other woman that may add conflict (but never did). Even her uncle that has more power than Luc just ignores it. Why so sanguine about this? That would be suspicious to me, but as "smart" as Luc is, he thinks everything is rosy.
Secondly, I thought Donata's murder would have had more of an effect on Mia than it did. Mia growing up in a convent alone, feeling abandoned by her father, would have been enough to create her "reserved" personality (even though she's not reserved at all). Then when she's pregnant, she RUNS AWAY knowing there are people out there who want to kill her. This is where it should have been said that the child would be in danger because killing people, like Donata was killed, was traumatizing to her when she was young, so she doesn't want that experience for her child. Luc should have replied with something along the lines of how he is now the most powerful in the country and no one would think of hurting their child, how he's kept his cousin safe, how there will always be risks and their child would learn how to fight/defend sooner than others, etc.
Mia doesn't even acknowledge the fact that Luc has been saving her and protecting her, and that her running away will take away all of that protection from not only her but the child she "loves." Mia is explicitly told that death is the only way out, and she would rather risk that than having her child be protected in the mafia.
I did like the writing style, the banter, and the getting to know each other, even though it was incredibly rushed. But the characters are annoying.
November 29, 2025
If you like your mafia romance actually mafioso—bloody, dangerous and morally messy—this one leans all the way in. The danger, violence and grit are baked into the story, not just wallpaper.
Mia is a fun heroine to follow: convent-raised and seemingly naive, but with excellent instincts from the jump. Her journey from terrified to “I know exactly how dangerous he is and I’m still choosing him” worked for me, even if her second escape attempt had me thinking, babe, you KNOW he’s going to find you.
Luc starts out a bit archetypal as the ruthless crime boss but shifts pretty quickly into “fiercely protective, oddly ready to be a husband and dad” in a way that tracks with how gone he already is for her. Their chemistry is strong, the side characters are engaging, and I really wish we’d gotten more page time with Luc’s mom as a crash course in mafia-wife life.
Laurel K. Reid writes excellent kissing scenes—truly, A+—and the smexy moments are hot, emotional and well-woven into the plot. The pacing is snappy, and at about 275 pages it’s an easy, propulsive read.
On the downside, some emotional beats and similes show up a few too many times, and certain plot elements could’ve used more room to breathe. Overall, though, it’s a gritty, satisfying mafia romance with a couple you can absolutely root for. Congrats to the author on a great debut! I look forward to the rest of the series.
3rd person dual POV, very open door.
Thanks to the author for a copy to read and review.
Mia is a fun heroine to follow: convent-raised and seemingly naive, but with excellent instincts from the jump. Her journey from terrified to “I know exactly how dangerous he is and I’m still choosing him” worked for me, even if her second escape attempt had me thinking, babe, you KNOW he’s going to find you.
Luc starts out a bit archetypal as the ruthless crime boss but shifts pretty quickly into “fiercely protective, oddly ready to be a husband and dad” in a way that tracks with how gone he already is for her. Their chemistry is strong, the side characters are engaging, and I really wish we’d gotten more page time with Luc’s mom as a crash course in mafia-wife life.
Laurel K. Reid writes excellent kissing scenes—truly, A+—and the smexy moments are hot, emotional and well-woven into the plot. The pacing is snappy, and at about 275 pages it’s an easy, propulsive read.
On the downside, some emotional beats and similes show up a few too many times, and certain plot elements could’ve used more room to breathe. Overall, though, it’s a gritty, satisfying mafia romance with a couple you can absolutely root for. Congrats to the author on a great debut! I look forward to the rest of the series.
3rd person dual POV, very open door.
Thanks to the author for a copy to read and review.
November 6, 2025
5/5
TROPES:
-dark mafia
-arranged marriage
-enemies to lovers
-touch her and die
-FMC was raised in a convent
Wowwww, this book was absolutely incredible. I read it in one sitting! It has all of my favorite tropes rolled into one amazing book.
Mia was raised in a convent. Her father sent her there as a child to keep her safe from his world. When she turns 23, though, she gets startling news- her father basically sold her in a blood oath before she was even born, to complete a marriage alliance with another mafia family. And the man who will be her future husband? Luc.
Luc was intriguing to learn about. He's all but emotionless, having been trained to be merciless in the mafia world. After he gets news of his upcoming marriage, he's initially ready to say no- but once glance at a photo of his future bride changes his mind.
When you put these two totally different people together? It's literal FIRE. They hate each other, but want each other. And soon.. they fall for each other. It was beautiful to read about! 5/5!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama?: none
Cheating/sharing? none
Triggers: kidnap/captivity, pregnancy towards the end
Kinks: breeding, cockwarming, dirty talk, praise, rough smex
HEA?: yes!
TROPES:
-dark mafia
-arranged marriage
-enemies to lovers
-touch her and die
-FMC was raised in a convent
Wowwww, this book was absolutely incredible. I read it in one sitting! It has all of my favorite tropes rolled into one amazing book.
Mia was raised in a convent. Her father sent her there as a child to keep her safe from his world. When she turns 23, though, she gets startling news- her father basically sold her in a blood oath before she was even born, to complete a marriage alliance with another mafia family. And the man who will be her future husband? Luc.
Luc was intriguing to learn about. He's all but emotionless, having been trained to be merciless in the mafia world. After he gets news of his upcoming marriage, he's initially ready to say no- but once glance at a photo of his future bride changes his mind.
When you put these two totally different people together? It's literal FIRE. They hate each other, but want each other. And soon.. they fall for each other. It was beautiful to read about! 5/5!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama?: none
Cheating/sharing? none
Triggers: kidnap/captivity, pregnancy towards the end
Kinks: breeding, cockwarming, dirty talk, praise, rough smex
HEA?: yes!
November 9, 2025
I started this around midnight and got a little ways in before diving back in this morning and finishing it in one sitting! I forgot how much I love and devour Mafia romances!
I really enjoyed this one! Luc was delicious and everything I want in a morally grey mafia man. He stole the show from the start and had me immediately intrigued and ready to get to know more of him.
Arranged marriage gets me every time and this was done so well! I loved the storyline.
I was surprised how much I liked Mia. I thought with her lifestyle in the beginning she wouldn’t fit with the world but I loved how she grew and the way her and Luc were honest and built their relationship. She challenged him and it made their romance that much better. Their moments in the beginning were precious and the tension and angst on another level.
She did frustrate me towards the end but she came around and I loved it.
The only negative was feeling like the ending was rushed and wishing this was longer and even more fleshed out. Im not sure if their story is complete or if the next book will continue with them.
This was my first book by this author and I’d definitely continue and read more!
If you love
-arranged marriage
-mafia romances
-morally grey men
-touch her and ☠️
Then you’ll love this!
I really enjoyed this one! Luc was delicious and everything I want in a morally grey mafia man. He stole the show from the start and had me immediately intrigued and ready to get to know more of him.
Arranged marriage gets me every time and this was done so well! I loved the storyline.
I was surprised how much I liked Mia. I thought with her lifestyle in the beginning she wouldn’t fit with the world but I loved how she grew and the way her and Luc were honest and built their relationship. She challenged him and it made their romance that much better. Their moments in the beginning were precious and the tension and angst on another level.
She did frustrate me towards the end but she came around and I loved it.
The only negative was feeling like the ending was rushed and wishing this was longer and even more fleshed out. Im not sure if their story is complete or if the next book will continue with them.
This was my first book by this author and I’d definitely continue and read more!
If you love
-arranged marriage
-mafia romances
-morally grey men
-touch her and ☠️
Then you’ll love this!
November 19, 2025
Sins of the Father is the first book in The Valachi Family series, a set of interconnected mafia romance standalones. I received a review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author, the published and R&R Book Tours for my paperback review copy.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Italian mafia
✨Arranged marriage
✨Morally gray MMC
✨Opposites attract
✨Naive but determined FMC
✨Touch her and die
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
The Lovely: I loved how the main characters, and their actions, weren’t so extreme that they bordered on unbelievable (as is the case with a lot of mafia romances). The FMC has been raised in a convent and while she’s determined, she’s not sassy or bratty. The MMC is quite protective and wants to be the cold, uncaring mafia boss but…
Also Lovely: I also enjoyed how the relationship between the MMC and the FMC developed over the course of the story. His actions spoke louder than his words and what he would do made me swoon just a bit.
Recommendation: I’m always excited for a mafia romance that can be read as a standalone. I am definitely interested in reading more books from this author. If you’re in the mood for a quick and swoonworthy mafia romance where opposites attract, I think you would like this book.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Italian mafia
✨Arranged marriage
✨Morally gray MMC
✨Opposites attract
✨Naive but determined FMC
✨Touch her and die
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
The Lovely: I loved how the main characters, and their actions, weren’t so extreme that they bordered on unbelievable (as is the case with a lot of mafia romances). The FMC has been raised in a convent and while she’s determined, she’s not sassy or bratty. The MMC is quite protective and wants to be the cold, uncaring mafia boss but…
Also Lovely: I also enjoyed how the relationship between the MMC and the FMC developed over the course of the story. His actions spoke louder than his words and what he would do made me swoon just a bit.
Recommendation: I’m always excited for a mafia romance that can be read as a standalone. I am definitely interested in reading more books from this author. If you’re in the mood for a quick and swoonworthy mafia romance where opposites attract, I think you would like this book.
November 21, 2025
Sins of the Father by Laurel K. Reid is a mafia romance by the author and one of my absolute favorite genres! This is book 1 in the Valachi Family series and the author's debut book. Our two MC's in this book are Luc Valachi and Mia Bonino. I love Luc as a mafia don and leader of the most powerful crime family in New York. He is so just the epitome of a mafia don and Mia is just the perfect bride to be. She is sheltered and she does not want to marry Luc, as her own father was a mafia don and she knows the life. I love an enemies to lovers book and this was a great one. In the beginning, Luc doesn't want to take Mia but grows to the idea and Mia doesn't want anything to do with Luc and wants to marry a normal man for love. I love the story line and also loved the interactions between Mia and Luc. Mia runs and Luc finds her:) They agree to a marriage and the rest is history. This is an excellent mafia read and I was so happy with that ending. I highly recommend this to fans of mafia romance reads!
November 16, 2025
Sins Of The Father
It begins with Mia Bonino's life as a child, and how she grows up. Mia doesn't know much about the life as her father shielded her from it, placing her in a convent at the age of 7.
Mia is promised to Luc Valachi, who tracks her down. After tracking her down, Mia runs but doesn't realize Luc is watching her movements the whole time, when catching up to her Luc reveals Mia's father promised her to 2 other families.
"He wanted her to know every part of him: the lover who could make her tremble, the leader who commanded fear, the monster who could end a life without blinking. That was their world."
"What kind of fool falls in love with her own cage?"
It's spice, action, touch her and die, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and arranged marriage all in one.
I devoured this book in one day. I didn't want to put it down. I received this book as an ARC from BookSprout in exchange of giving an honest review.
It begins with Mia Bonino's life as a child, and how she grows up. Mia doesn't know much about the life as her father shielded her from it, placing her in a convent at the age of 7.
Mia is promised to Luc Valachi, who tracks her down. After tracking her down, Mia runs but doesn't realize Luc is watching her movements the whole time, when catching up to her Luc reveals Mia's father promised her to 2 other families.
"He wanted her to know every part of him: the lover who could make her tremble, the leader who commanded fear, the monster who could end a life without blinking. That was their world."
"What kind of fool falls in love with her own cage?"
It's spice, action, touch her and die, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and arranged marriage all in one.
I devoured this book in one day. I didn't want to put it down. I received this book as an ARC from BookSprout in exchange of giving an honest review.
November 17, 2025
Dark, gripping, and emotionally charged in all the best ways. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the tension, the secrets, and the sense that every character is carrying more than they’ll ever admit.
The author does an incredible job of exploring trauma, legacy, and the damage passed down through families, without ever losing sight of the romance and humanity at the centre of the story. The characters feel raw and real — flawed, hurting, and trying to make sense of the mess they’ve inherited and created.
The pacing is tight, the stakes feel high, and the emotional moments land hard. There’s just the right balance of darkness, vulnerability, and connection to keep you turning the pages and needing to know how it all plays out.
If you love intense, character-driven stories with a darker edge and a lot of emotional depth, Sins of the Father is absolutely worth the read. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve finished. 🖤
The author does an incredible job of exploring trauma, legacy, and the damage passed down through families, without ever losing sight of the romance and humanity at the centre of the story. The characters feel raw and real — flawed, hurting, and trying to make sense of the mess they’ve inherited and created.
The pacing is tight, the stakes feel high, and the emotional moments land hard. There’s just the right balance of darkness, vulnerability, and connection to keep you turning the pages and needing to know how it all plays out.
If you love intense, character-driven stories with a darker edge and a lot of emotional depth, Sins of the Father is absolutely worth the read. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve finished. 🖤
November 9, 2025
Sind of the father is a straightforward, fast-paced mafia romance about Luc and Mia.
The story opens with Mia, who was hidden away in a convent to keep her safe from people who wanted her dead because of her father's criminal world. She doesn't know that years earlier, her father bound her future to Luc in a blood oath-an arranged marriage meant to secure power between families.
Luc learns about the oath and decides to honor it. Not for love, but for leverage. Mia wants nothing to do with the mafia or the life that destroyed her childhood. She runs. luc chases. What follows is a push-pull full of attraction, danger, and tension. Their chemistry builds through quiet moments and sharp ones - nothing drawn out or overdone. A great read!
The story opens with Mia, who was hidden away in a convent to keep her safe from people who wanted her dead because of her father's criminal world. She doesn't know that years earlier, her father bound her future to Luc in a blood oath-an arranged marriage meant to secure power between families.
Luc learns about the oath and decides to honor it. Not for love, but for leverage. Mia wants nothing to do with the mafia or the life that destroyed her childhood. She runs. luc chases. What follows is a push-pull full of attraction, danger, and tension. Their chemistry builds through quiet moments and sharp ones - nothing drawn out or overdone. A great read!
November 6, 2025
Mia was sent to a convent for her protection. Spending years there, she is informed of her impending nuptials to Luc. Their respective fathers signed a marriage agreement and a wedding is planned.
Mia is an innocent but pragmatic woman. She is intelligent, vibrant and beautiful. Luc could have been a typical mafia boss but he is much more. He is able to bend to provide for Mia’s needs. This couple’s growth is written beautifully!
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series. It was a page turner and kept me riveted until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mia is an innocent but pragmatic woman. She is intelligent, vibrant and beautiful. Luc could have been a typical mafia boss but he is much more. He is able to bend to provide for Mia’s needs. This couple’s growth is written beautifully!
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series. It was a page turner and kept me riveted until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2025
Rated 4.5 Stars
I devoured Sins of the Father in one sitting. I loved it. It was a quick read that packed a punch. It was amazing. It kept me engaged and fully immersed in these characters and their story from start to finish. I love me a mafia romance and this one hit the spot for me - filled with danger, action, a bit of suspense, angst, steam and wonderful characters. I simply adored it. It's such a fantastic debut and start to a new series. I loved this author's style and can't wait to read more books by her. I highly recommend.
Copy provided by publisher through Booksprout
I devoured Sins of the Father in one sitting. I loved it. It was a quick read that packed a punch. It was amazing. It kept me engaged and fully immersed in these characters and their story from start to finish. I love me a mafia romance and this one hit the spot for me - filled with danger, action, a bit of suspense, angst, steam and wonderful characters. I simply adored it. It's such a fantastic debut and start to a new series. I loved this author's style and can't wait to read more books by her. I highly recommend.
Copy provided by publisher through Booksprout
January 5, 2026
This book is beyond me, it's that good.
If could see a Mafia Romance book made into a movie, it would be this one. It was truly spectacular 😘. I read and read hoping it wouldn't be over, but alas it had to come to an end; and what an end it was. There were parts I was afraid to go on, but needing to know had me diving back in. Luc is a dream. Mia was so sweet that my heart broke for in the beginning. I hope to read more from this author. If I can give it more than 5 🌟's I would. If you are reading this review, go in with your whole heart, you won't regret it.
If could see a Mafia Romance book made into a movie, it would be this one. It was truly spectacular 😘. I read and read hoping it wouldn't be over, but alas it had to come to an end; and what an end it was. There were parts I was afraid to go on, but needing to know had me diving back in. Luc is a dream. Mia was so sweet that my heart broke for in the beginning. I hope to read more from this author. If I can give it more than 5 🌟's I would. If you are reading this review, go in with your whole heart, you won't regret it.
November 11, 2025
I picked this up thinking it would be another dark mafia story, but wow, it’s so much more than that. The writing is gorgeous, the characters have real depth, and the chemistry between Luc and Mia is just intense.
Luc’s control, Mia’s quiet strength, the slow unravel of emotion between them… it all hit perfectly. I couldn’t stop reading. Dark, romantic, and unexpectedly moving. I’m already desperate for book two!
Luc’s control, Mia’s quiet strength, the slow unravel of emotion between them… it all hit perfectly. I couldn’t stop reading. Dark, romantic, and unexpectedly moving. I’m already desperate for book two!
November 16, 2025
Mafia romance is a guilty pleasure.
Luc is cold, ruthless, ambitious, and all about the family.
He needs to marry Mia to expand his power.
Mia is sheltered and so very innocent but their chemistry is intense.
Every encounter vibrates with emotion and sexual tension.
Descriptive scenes, action and violence keep the story moving at a rapid pace.
Loved this book.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Luc is cold, ruthless, ambitious, and all about the family.
He needs to marry Mia to expand his power.
Mia is sheltered and so very innocent but their chemistry is intense.
Every encounter vibrates with emotion and sexual tension.
Descriptive scenes, action and violence keep the story moving at a rapid pace.
Loved this book.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
November 18, 2025
Book 1 of The Valachi Family series. Can't wait to see what comes next.
The characters were well developed and captivating. World building was well thought out and fascinating. The plot was so very dark and intriguing and well paced. Luv'd everything about this book. 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.
The characters were well developed and captivating. World building was well thought out and fascinating. The plot was so very dark and intriguing and well paced. Luv'd everything about this book. 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.
December 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this read. Luc was absolutely delicious, everything I want in a mafia kingpin: ruthless, intelligent, and utterly obsessed with the woman he is falling in love with. I was especially happy that Mia was not bratty or whiny. She showed both vulnerability and strength, and I loved watching her growth as she tried to find her place in the brutal world she was thrust into through a forced marriage. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
November 17, 2025
4 Stars for Sins of the Father by ( new for me ) author Laurel K. Reid
This is a very well written storyline - arranged marriage - mafia dark romance.
Luc and Mia are great characters- such tension / chemistry in their “arrangement “
Can’t wait to check out more of this author’s work !.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very well written storyline - arranged marriage - mafia dark romance.
Luc and Mia are great characters- such tension / chemistry in their “arrangement “
Can’t wait to check out more of this author’s work !.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
This story is super gripping, with the whole arranged marriage/mafia/dark romance thing working really well. Luc and Mia are awesome characters, and their relationship is super steamy. I especially loved how Luc taught Mia to protect herself. Definitely going to read more from this author!.
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.
November 5, 2025
Luc & Mia
Oh I love this one.
Kept me wanting more.
I mean it was so good.
From the running and the hiding😵💫
Ugh!!
Loved it.
Totally worth the read.
Total HEA
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh I love this one.
Kept me wanting more.
I mean it was so good.
From the running and the hiding😵💫
Ugh!!
Loved it.
Totally worth the read.
Total HEA
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 11, 2025
I LOVE the prose of this book. The vocab was 👩🏼🍳💋. And the mmc was super sweet🥹I think the fmc got on my nerves a bit but like it was fine GOOD BOOK def would recommend.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews