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Prelude
Not yet published
Expected 5 Feb 26Prelude
Arianna Bianchi is the daughter of Mafia Don Alessandro Bianchi—a renowned kingpin and one of the Syndicate, the top five families in the area, who rule with iron fists, violence, and sheer dominance.
Raised to be seen and not heard, Arianna has always been a pawn, never a queen.
Underestimated and used, she will only ever be a trophy, dangled in front of the Five’s sons, bound to be a wife, a mother, and nothing more.
Well, Arianna has different ideas. She gives every man in her life exactly what they want—she bows, she worships, and she plays the part that has been expected so beautifully until… she doesn’t!
Prelude is a Dark Mafia Romance.
F/M
18+
Trigger warnings and tropes can be found on the author’s website.
www.harleyraige.com
Arianna Bianchi is the daughter of Mafia Don Alessandro Bianchi—a renowned kingpin and one of the Syndicate, the top five families in the area, who rule with iron fists, violence, and sheer dominance.
Raised to be seen and not heard, Arianna has always been a pawn, never a queen.
Underestimated and used, she will only ever be a trophy, dangled in front of the Five’s sons, bound to be a wife, a mother, and nothing more.
Well, Arianna has different ideas. She gives every man in her life exactly what they want—she bows, she worships, and she plays the part that has been expected so beautifully until… she doesn’t!
Prelude is a Dark Mafia Romance.
F/M
18+
Trigger warnings and tropes can be found on the author’s website.
www.harleyraige.com
- GenresDark Romance
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 5, 2026
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 1, 2026
This is my first glimpse into Harley Raige’s work and omg if this amazing writing is what is to be expect then my January is fully booked already with the back library 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I am lucky enough to have received this as an arc and WOW I’m hooked into this world already after only 54 pages.
We have Arianna the only daughter out of the five Italian mafia syndicate families. She is ever overlooked, underestimated looked at as a principessa promised to her father’s 2nd in command Alfredo but is that really her father’s intentions?
No spoilers as I know this won’t need them as it’s that good !!!
This series has my heart racing already and I’m excited for the intense characters and emotions I’m sure is to follow!
I am lucky enough to have received this as an arc and WOW I’m hooked into this world already after only 54 pages.
We have Arianna the only daughter out of the five Italian mafia syndicate families. She is ever overlooked, underestimated looked at as a principessa promised to her father’s 2nd in command Alfredo but is that really her father’s intentions?
No spoilers as I know this won’t need them as it’s that good !!!
This series has my heart racing already and I’m excited for the intense characters and emotions I’m sure is to follow!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⋆⁺₊⋆☽⋆ 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 ⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
ꔫ — ∘♡༉∘ — ✩ — ∘༉♡∘ — ꔫ
౨ৎ𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 ♥ 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲౨ৎ
౨ৎ15.12.25౨ৎ
— ∘♡༉∘ — 𝗔𝗿𝗰 ♥ 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 — ∘༉♡∘ —
A badass FMC? a Love interest who will worship her?! SIGN ME THE F UP!
This prelude is well just that a prelude, a nice set up to the story that's about to unfold in the main books. It's short I would say it sweet but that's too light for this, this it's definitely on the darker side of sweet. It is the perfect Taster to the main course we are about to be served, and gets your appetite going just enough to make you crave more.
Nothing brings me more joy than a mafia romance book where the female is a badass and the male will worship the queen she is! This novella has me so hyped and ready for the Legacies series as a whole.
A woman taking charge and being the queen she was always meant to be instead of a meek pawn in the syndicate world she was 'raised' to be. This is the kind of mafia romance I CRAVE.
We LOVE a strong badass woman in charge
My favourite quote from our tall, dark and handsome love interest of the story:
ꔫ — ∘♡༉∘ — ✩ — ∘༉♡∘ — ꔫ
౨ৎ𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 ♥ 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲౨ৎ
౨ৎ15.12.25౨ৎ
— ∘♡༉∘ — 𝗔𝗿𝗰 ♥ 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 — ∘༉♡∘ —
A badass FMC? a Love interest who will worship her?! SIGN ME THE F UP!
This prelude is well just that a prelude, a nice set up to the story that's about to unfold in the main books. It's short I would say it sweet but that's too light for this, this it's definitely on the darker side of sweet. It is the perfect Taster to the main course we are about to be served, and gets your appetite going just enough to make you crave more.
Nothing brings me more joy than a mafia romance book where the female is a badass and the male will worship the queen she is! This novella has me so hyped and ready for the Legacies series as a whole.
A woman taking charge and being the queen she was always meant to be instead of a meek pawn in the syndicate world she was 'raised' to be. This is the kind of mafia romance I CRAVE.
We LOVE a strong badass woman in charge
My favourite quote from our tall, dark and handsome love interest of the story:
Review of advance copy received from Author
If this is the prelude to the legacy series then it’s going to be absolutely amazing!
I’m lucky enough to have received this today as an arc and wow I’m not disappointed in the slightest. I’m itching for the next instalment because it promises to be one of the best mafia dark romances out there
Ariana is daughter of a Don - one of the 5 known as the syndicate, ruthless Italian mafia- her father sees her as a pawn to marry off upset he never got a son. She was promised to Alfredo his second in command however he had no intentions of allowing it. Instead he wants her to marry the oldest son of the second powerful mafia boss in the syndicate. What none of them realise is that Ariana wants to rule herself, she wants to do it better and bigger and has been working towards it for years whilst making herself
appear to be the pretty little compliant woman.
This is going to be an explosive series. Harley has a unique style of writing that is snappy and to the point no useless characters or page fillers, it’s bam bam bam and I’m all for it!
I’m lucky enough to have received this today as an arc and wow I’m not disappointed in the slightest. I’m itching for the next instalment because it promises to be one of the best mafia dark romances out there
Ariana is daughter of a Don - one of the 5 known as the syndicate, ruthless Italian mafia- her father sees her as a pawn to marry off upset he never got a son. She was promised to Alfredo his second in command however he had no intentions of allowing it. Instead he wants her to marry the oldest son of the second powerful mafia boss in the syndicate. What none of them realise is that Ariana wants to rule herself, she wants to do it better and bigger and has been working towards it for years whilst making herself
appear to be the pretty little compliant woman.
This is going to be an explosive series. Harley has a unique style of writing that is snappy and to the point no useless characters or page fillers, it’s bam bam bam and I’m all for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thankyou to the author for the chance to read and review this ARC!
What if a woman took charge??
Prelude is...well.....the prelude 🤣 to Harley Raige's Legacies series.
At only 52 pages I read this in one sitting and let me tell you.......🔥
In this prequel we are introduced to Arianna, a Mafia Don's only daughter. With no son and heir available Ari's father sees her as nothing more than a bargaining chip to further his stance amongst the 5 families that rule over the area. But there's more to this pretty little wallflower than meets the eye!!
We get a glimpse of a potential romantic interest too in the tall, dark and handsome Vittorio and I can't wait to see what happens between the two 🖤
If you like strong women that know what they want and stop at nothing to get it then this is for you!!
What if a woman took charge??
Prelude is...well.....the prelude 🤣 to Harley Raige's Legacies series.
At only 52 pages I read this in one sitting and let me tell you.......🔥
In this prequel we are introduced to Arianna, a Mafia Don's only daughter. With no son and heir available Ari's father sees her as nothing more than a bargaining chip to further his stance amongst the 5 families that rule over the area. But there's more to this pretty little wallflower than meets the eye!!
We get a glimpse of a potential romantic interest too in the tall, dark and handsome Vittorio and I can't wait to see what happens between the two 🖤
If you like strong women that know what they want and stop at nothing to get it then this is for you!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
But here, in this second, she looks every bit of the queen she was never intended to be.
One thing that is constant throughout Harley Raige's books is her strong, independent FMC's. They might not start out that way, but they sure do get there. Whether that's through hardships, a sense of vengeance, or just plain old grit, spit and crawling their way to the top and proving they are every bit as strong as their male counterparts.
It is hard to believe that this is the Authors first step into the world of Mafia romances, because from the first chapter, this book will grab you by the wrist and yank you in to the male dominated world of Ari Bianchi.
This was chef's kiss. A perfect little teaser into what's to come for Ari & Vittorio. I predict it's going to be one hell of a ride, and I want to be seated at the front.
One thing that is constant throughout Harley Raige's books is her strong, independent FMC's. They might not start out that way, but they sure do get there. Whether that's through hardships, a sense of vengeance, or just plain old grit, spit and crawling their way to the top and proving they are every bit as strong as their male counterparts.
It is hard to believe that this is the Authors first step into the world of Mafia romances, because from the first chapter, this book will grab you by the wrist and yank you in to the male dominated world of Ari Bianchi.
This was chef's kiss. A perfect little teaser into what's to come for Ari & Vittorio. I predict it's going to be one hell of a ride, and I want to be seated at the front.
December 15, 2025
WOW, the stage has been set and it has me intrigued. Arianna is one smart, calculating cookie. I just feel it in my bones that she is going to make the other 4 families sit up and take notice as she wields her new found power and successfully takes over her father’s position. Love her already ❤️❤️❤️ and mmm hmmm, Vittorio sounds absolutely delicious 🔥🔥🔥 They will be a scorching couple but not before winning the battle against the Ricci, the De Luca, the Costa and the Mancini families. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 👠 👠 👠
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for allowing my me to adv read Prelude. I’d actually had the original on my TBR for a while but when I saw the opportunity to ARC for the new editions of the series, I thought why not!
This one’s a quick read, following Arianna whose life is run for her by her father, Don Bianchi and her “boyfriend” Alfredo.
Thats the least spoilery version I can give anyone reading this.
It was quick, very much to the point, written well & had me yearning for more. Cant wait to find out what happens!
Note:
I finished it in one sitting, though Goodreads has made me put the start date a day earlier for some reason.
This one’s a quick read, following Arianna whose life is run for her by her father, Don Bianchi and her “boyfriend” Alfredo.
Thats the least spoilery version I can give anyone reading this.
It was quick, very much to the point, written well & had me yearning for more. Cant wait to find out what happens!
Note:
I finished it in one sitting, though Goodreads has made me put the start date a day earlier for some reason.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed reading Prelude, I love the character Ari she's feisty and I love her strong character, her traits are very much survival and I really love that aspect. Her development in such a short space of time was great and it gave a sense of direction for the next novels.
The plotline started with spice, which really paid to Ari's character, I liked how it segwayed into the bigger picture, I loved the progression and the twists that occurred. Harley Raige's writing kept me engaged, I was hooked on the story, It really gave me the need to read more and I'm eager to find out where we go from that ending.
The plotline started with spice, which really paid to Ari's character, I liked how it segwayed into the bigger picture, I loved the progression and the twists that occurred. Harley Raige's writing kept me engaged, I was hooked on the story, It really gave me the need to read more and I'm eager to find out where we go from that ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. What a start to the series. This Prelude sets the scene with blood and fire.
Arianna has had her life set by her father since birth. Born as a daughter, he saw no value except as a bargaining chip. Playing her off as a prize with his friends and rivals.
But Arianna is not the meek and mild, virtuous woman he has brought her up to be. Oblivious to reality he is going to get wrote the wakeup call as he plays his final hand.
I loved this and cant wait to read the series.
Gloriously dark and gritty this prelude sets the scene beautifully.
I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for the series.
Arianna has had her life set by her father since birth. Born as a daughter, he saw no value except as a bargaining chip. Playing her off as a prize with his friends and rivals.
But Arianna is not the meek and mild, virtuous woman he has brought her up to be. Oblivious to reality he is going to get wrote the wakeup call as he plays his final hand.
I loved this and cant wait to read the series.
Gloriously dark and gritty this prelude sets the scene beautifully.
I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An easy quick read that grabs you in wanting more! As an ARC reader, thank God she sent the second book the same day because I would die not knowing what happened next! This is mainly the character development of the FMC but very important to the story of her backstory and her future plans. Do not skip out on this series! I had to pause reading to write this review because I knew I wouldn’t be putting the next one down all night.
Harley Raige has had a couple other incredible series, but this one? WOW! It’s going to be amazing. I’m mind blown it’s her first experience with mafia romance because it’s so damn good.
Harley Raige has had a couple other incredible series, but this one? WOW! It’s going to be amazing. I’m mind blown it’s her first experience with mafia romance because it’s so damn good.
December 14, 2025
💥Massimo, with all due respect, I’m not stepping into my father’s shoes. I intend to kick his shoes to the side, slide on my Louboutins, stomp all over this outdated syndicate, and turn it into my own empire.💥
There is no doubt in my mind that Arianna Bianchi is going to be the bad ass bitch we all know she can be,
I loved reading this the way she is taking what she deserves and what’s rightfully hers no prisoners I can’t wait to see what she gets up to.
Pre order yours now!!
The Legacy…..you won’t want to miss it
There is no doubt in my mind that Arianna Bianchi is going to be the bad ass bitch we all know she can be,
I loved reading this the way she is taking what she deserves and what’s rightfully hers no prisoners I can’t wait to see what she gets up to.
Pre order yours now!!
The Legacy…..you won’t want to miss it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely amazing! I can’t wait for the other to books to be released. This is the author’s first foray into the mafia universe but you’d think it is her chosen genre. As with her other books, she develops her characters well, drawing you in and making you want to know more, making you itch to turn that page, to keep the story going. Arianna is destined to be a Queen, and I can’t wait to see the twists and turns Harley Raige will take us on so she can have the empire she righteously deserves. One thing I know - it’s going to be one helluva ride!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read 5/5 5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Now that’s how you start a series…subtly explosive 💥
Arianna Bianchi takes no prisoners and I am here for it!
It’s dark, fast-paced, powerful and leaves you wanting more….after all why be a princess when you can be a Queen!!
Loving this angle and Harley’s style of writing - empowerment at its finest and I can’t wait for the next in the series to see how this story continues!
Now that’s how you start a series…subtly explosive 💥
Arianna Bianchi takes no prisoners and I am here for it!
It’s dark, fast-paced, powerful and leaves you wanting more….after all why be a princess when you can be a Queen!!
Loving this angle and Harley’s style of writing - empowerment at its finest and I can’t wait for the next in the series to see how this story continues!
December 21, 2025
I was super lucky and received an ARC of Prelude (Legacies) Thank you so much to the author!
I'm so excited for this new series!! Prelude kicks this new series off with a big WOW.
It's amazing, it's fantastic, it's spicy. It's only 2 chapters but my gosh it packs a punch. It draws you into the story from the first page and Arianna is a strong FMC.
I love her already. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.
I just know this is going to be my new favourite Mafia series!
I'm so excited for this new series!! Prelude kicks this new series off with a big WOW.
It's amazing, it's fantastic, it's spicy. It's only 2 chapters but my gosh it packs a punch. It draws you into the story from the first page and Arianna is a strong FMC.
I love her already. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.
I just know this is going to be my new favourite Mafia series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG what an EPIC start to the brand new Legacies series this is!!!!!!!
Mafia families doing what they do best…….’trying’ to tell the women what to do 😉
BUT what if this woman won’t bow down how you want her to?????
READ this NOW to get to see Arianna in ALL her glory 😮💨😮💨😮💨
For a very small snippet….it gets to the point 😜 pun intended 🔪🍆 🤭🤭
Mafia families doing what they do best…….’trying’ to tell the women what to do 😉
BUT what if this woman won’t bow down how you want her to?????
READ this NOW to get to see Arianna in ALL her glory 😮💨😮💨😮💨
For a very small snippet….it gets to the point 😜 pun intended 🔪🍆 🤭🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was extremely lucky to be picked as an ARC reader for Harley’s new series. I had just finished the prelude which is only 54 pages but it sets the story up so well for when the full novels are released! I can’t wait to now read them as I have already fallen in love with the badass FMC Arianna ❤️ If you like mafia romance this should definitely be on your tbr 👌
Review of advance copy received from Author
Prelude -- The beginning of a series! And what a beginning it was. This book sets up the rest of the series with 2 characters, their families, etc. I am already in love with the 2 main ones that we have met, and don't like a few of the others. I can't wait to find out more about the world they reside/rule in. The only complaint is that it was over too quickly!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arianna is a badass. I have been waiting soooo long for this book. Planning and patiently being whatever she needed to be. She is ready to take over.
This book is just a little taste to the opening of the Legacies story of Arianna and Vitorrio. Harley is such an amazing writer and this is just another example.
This book is just a little taste to the opening of the Legacies story of Arianna and Vitorrio. Harley is such an amazing writer and this is just another example.
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December 13, 2025Dark Romance she's the daughter of one of the Mafia families.
Her father wants to arrange a marriage with another Mafia family to make him a giant.
But she has other ideas.
Hot wicked read 📚
Her father wants to arrange a marriage with another Mafia family to make him a giant.
But she has other ideas.
Hot wicked read 📚
December 16, 2025
PERFECT introduction to a story that I can’t wait to dive into!
Dang home girl isn’t playing either. I loved how unapologetic she was about how she chose to live in a potentially volatile world.
I feel like she’s going to kick serious butt, and take no prisoners.
Dang home girl isn’t playing either. I loved how unapologetic she was about how she chose to live in a potentially volatile world.
I feel like she’s going to kick serious butt, and take no prisoners.
Review of advance copy received from Author
😮💨😮💨😮💨 girl now that’s how you start a new series!! This was so good and as always with this author was very well written! I can not wait to read the next book it is going to be EPIC I just know it!! Harley you are amazing!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so glad to be back in Harleys mind!
wow what a start to the story, I am hooked. For such a short start, I've already got so much hope for this. Already fierce, already spicy and already badass!
cannot wait for this series to unfold further!
wow what a start to the story, I am hooked. For such a short start, I've already got so much hope for this. Already fierce, already spicy and already badass!
cannot wait for this series to unfold further!
Review of advance copy received from Author
All I can say is if this is just the look into what the other books are going to be, I will have them read quickly. Ari is such a strong FMC and so well written. I am a mafia dark romance reader and this was one of my favorite books written so far this year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great introduction into the series. Arianna while blending into the shadows learnt everything she needed to come out on top in a word ruled by men. I can’t wait to jump into the next book and find out what happens next
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I am speechless this is the first time I’m reading Harley and she didn’t disappoint!
5 mafia families … only one daughter? SAY NO MORE we love a female with alllll the power
I am purrrrrring for book two 💅
I am speechless this is the first time I’m reading Harley and she didn’t disappoint!
5 mafia families … only one daughter? SAY NO MORE we love a female with alllll the power
I am purrrrrring for book two 💅
January 8, 2026
The authors first step into mafia? Well this was a great start. This is Ariannas story. She is an excellent female man character and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Prelude is a very good starter to this series. I’m looking forward to reading more :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
the damn author got me again!! im reading then BAM. THE END!!
the fmc is calculated and plays the men around her like fiddles. and in the end she gets exactly what she planned she would.
the fmc is calculated and plays the men around her like fiddles. and in the end she gets exactly what she planned she would.
December 19, 2025
This short prequel novella has really got me excited for what’s to come. This is a mafia romance and I really can’t wait to see where this is going. I loved Arianna as a character, she’s strong and fierce and definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot wait to see what happens next. The last line has me on the edge. I cannot wait for this storyline cause it’s going to be good. A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yesssssss im so freaking excited for this series this makes you want Arianna and Vittorios story so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews