The Arianna Arrangement

by Jenilee Wallace

At ten years old, Tucker Givenchy became the protector of his family. With no favors left and crime families circling the waters, he signs a marriage contract to Arianna Vitale—princess of the ruthless Vitale syndicate—to keep his loved ones alive.

At nine, Arianna already knows her fate. As the Vitale heiress, her life isn’t her own. Her duty is to secure an alliance, obey her father, and never question the price she’ll pay for peace.

What begins as obligation grows into something neither of them were ever allowed to want.
What was arranged becomes inevitable.

Their union was meant to unite two powerful families. But as they grow older and the world around them sharpens into violence and lies, Tucker realizes he isn’t just fulfilling a childhood vow— he’s claiming the one person he’s always known was his.

In a world where loyalty is currency and love is a liability, Tucker and Arianna realize that just maybe, a combination of the two is utterly lethal.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Reading Mouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC through BookSirens, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

I ended up enjoying this book so much more than I expected. The characters, both the main and the side characters, felt vivid and easy to connect with, and I really loved the relationships and dynamics between them. The storyline was engaging and fun, and the chemistry between the characters kept me hooked from start to finish.

Reading this had also made me invested into some characters and there are a few I’m hoping she’ll write about in the future, and if I get the chance to read another one of her books, I I’m sure I’ll do it without any hesitation.

I sincerely hope you give this book a chance and enjoy it as much as I did!

Enjoy 😘

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! The world building is easy to follow with slightly complicated family dynamics but characters that are easily relatable. From the first page I’m thrown into a mafia world where the Princess needs protecting from her own father and the man she has arranged to marry is happy to step up.
Halfway through the book and still completely engrossed in the story and the characters. I’m very happy with the build up to this point and not sure where the rest of the book is going. In these types of stories heads always roll and I just hope Ari and Tucker keep theirs. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one noticing the changes in Tucker since his initiation in NY. Both he and Arianna needed to have the brutal conversations with each other about how they’ve both changed. Starting a marriage is difficult enough and I was happy they both came to their senses… more than once 😏

FMC:
Arianna gets downplayed a lot in the story in my opinion. She’s fiercely loyal to Tucker and wants the best for her brother especially as he navigates his new role. But I think she’s just as much of a wildcard as Leyla. If anything, she’s possibly worse because she has the skills and connections that others don’t. There’s so many unexpected ways that she continues to shine as the FMC through the story.

MMC:
Tucker is as romantic and loyal as someone could ever be. While navigating two worlds, he has to make difficult decisions as heir to his family’s legacy. Sometimes those choices come with deadly consequences. He’s doing all of this at the ripe age of 18 and trying to keep balance between his family’s laid back stance and the strict rules of Arianna’s family.

Liked
I found it very romantic when Tuckers family found a way for Arianna to have at least some say in her big day. The big bloody twist in the middle of everything almost caught me off guard but the moment it was announced, it was obvious who did it… Sandro stepping up immediately made his character shine in unexpected ways and I actually began to like him again. The spicy scenes were amazingly delicious and I refused to put the book down during those moments.

Disliked
We get it, old men are perverted. With the rest of the story focusing on complicated dynamics of two families who don’t see eye to eye on how to run the family business, I was hoping this particular cliche wouldn’t be as front and centre of the story. While the portrayal of the brothel wasn’t inaccurate, it came off as distracting for me. Arianna calling Tucker “sir” also felt random and just thrown in since it’s popular right now.

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Marriage of Convenience / Emotional Drama
Vibe: Elegant. Emotional. Slow-burning tension.

The Arianna Arrangement centers on a structured agreement — but what begins as an arrangement slowly unravels into something far more complicated. The emotional push-and-pull between the leads creates layered tension, especially as control, vulnerability, and desire begin to blur.

The heroine brings quiet strength and emotional depth, while the hero carries that composed, guarded energy that slowly cracks under real feelings. The chemistry builds gradually — this isn’t instant love, it’s simmering tension that grows into something undeniable.

Themes explored:
• Marriage of convenience
• Emotional walls & guarded hearts
• Power dynamics
• Trust & vulnerability
• Slow-burn romantic development

The pacing allows space for emotional growth, making the romance feel earned rather than rushed.
Strong emotional tension and satisfying slow-burn payoff. Perfect if you enjoy relationship-driven stories with layered dynamics.

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arianna and Tucker both young, strong characters, have an arranged marraige but loved one another beforehand. A mafia family like Tucker's respected their women, the women were outspoken, and their men protected them, totally different than Arianna's family. The normal for them was the complete opposite.

A fairly short book but it was full on throughout, lots of drama, angst, heroics and typical young college kids antics.

I enjoyed reading the twists and turns, each character was different but they all geled as friends. Layla was a particulary interesting, spitfire of a friend to Ari, they were very close friends , never losing their bond.

I was expecting more from the ending as it felt a little rushed and didn't tie everything up. I am sure the next book in the series will answer those questions as we get to read about other characters.

All in all a good read, that made me want more from this series.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lourdes Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Mafia romance and this book takes you into the journey of a young couple, Tucker and Arianna. It brings romance, angst, and challenging times for the couple. Each character has to grow rather quickly due to the world they live in. Tucker makes tough decisions to protect Arianna. received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tqa London · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 3 stars

This started off pretty strong, and I was enjoying the setup at first. But somewhere halfway through, the focus shifted heavily to Leyla and Bradley. To the point where I genuinely forgot Arianna was supposed to be the FMC. It made the story feel unbalanced, and I found myself less emotionally invested as it went on.

The spotlight stayed on side characters for too long, which pulled attention away from Arianna’s arc. Because of that, I’m not really interested in continuing with Sandro’s book if it’s going to revolve around Bradley again.

Anyway, big thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna and Tucker had an arranged marriage, but they were blessed to have known each other for years before their wedding. They love each other, although from the beginning they were under enormous pressure due to their responsibilities. Tucker did everything he could to protect Arianna; he gave her a safe space, tried to make her happy, and kept his end of the bargain, even when it cost him more than he was willing to admit. However, Arianna didn't fully trust him at first; opening up wasn't easy for her, as she had grown up molded as a mafia princess, and yet she is a lethal, strong, and admirable woman.

I deeply loved both characters and the way they protected each other. Nothing was easy on their path, but little by little they became each other's light, always watching each other's backs. It was beautiful to see how their feelings grew, how trust was built step by step, and how they learned to support each other without reservation. Tucker was forced to do many things that nearly broke him, but he endured it all for the only woman he loves, the only one who gives him a reason to live. The support of his family was a detail I loved and that added even more depth to the story.

Arianna also did many important things to protect the family. Her strength fascinated me; she's not someone who is easily intimidated. The chemistry between Arianna and Tucker is simply incredible; the tension between them was astonishing, and their relationship gave me absolutely everything: emotion, drama, and growth. They both evolved, helped each other, and together, became unstoppable. In the end, they achieved what they so longed for peace and tranquility, without pressure, without impositions, and the freedom to live together forever.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Leyla is a wonderful character, the sister we all wish we had. I loved her for her unique spark and her strength, and I eagerly await reading her story very soon. I was also really eager to see how Sandro and Valentina's story unfolds; they have amazing chemistry. Ultimately, this story left me wanting more. ❤️❤️❤️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carly Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, it was a little different to “typical” Mafia romances with a good amount of spice. I’d give this a 3.5 ⭐️ overall

I have read a few of this authors previous books and found that I couldn’t quite get into this one.
Arianna was a strong female FMC and she really has to bite her tongue and never really got to show her true colours except from the one incident and the odd comment from Layla about putting “hits” on people. Tucker was sweet and absolutely devoted to Ari and it showed. I enjoyed his reality of the world he was going into and his POV, but I also enjoyed the support he got from his family- I would have like to see more from Arianna. And more grit and development of what Tucker had to deal with.

For a 5* from me I like to be kept engaged and not see what’s coming, I love a twist and I want to enjoy all the characters . I found there are parts of this story where I really enjoyed it I love the friendship dynamics and the Givenchy family. I felt like this book could have been longer or I needed a little more story. Tucker was working with Arianna’s family and it touched on some hard times but not really them dealing with the situations that arose and how awful Ari’s dad was I feel her hatred could have been expressed more in her own POVs. Arianna herself was not stupid and could assist with a lot of planning but this was overlooked a lot. I loved how they were devoted to one another but I feel like there were so many side story’s going on that could be their own books, it distracted from the main plot. There was no big finale it kind of felt a little flat for me at the end
Plot 3.5 📜📜📜
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5

[Dominique Gartsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Arrangement Written in Ink is a dark, intoxicating mafia romance that grips you from its first blood-bound promise and never loosens its hold. What sets this story apart is its chilling sense of inevitability, two children marked by legacy, molded by violence, and forced into roles long before they understand the cost.

Tucker Givenchy is a compellingly dangerous protagonist, protective, calculating, and shaped by responsibility far too heavy for a child.

Arianna Vitale is equally striking, not merely a pawn in a ruthless syndicate but a quietly powerful presence whose strength lies in endurance, intelligence, and restraint. Their evolution, from a contract signed in fear to a bond forged in loyalty and desire, is slow, deliberate, and emotionally devastating in the best way.

The novel excels at atmosphere. Loyalty feels transactional, love feels forbidden, and every tender moment is sharpened by the threat of betrayal. The romance does not soften the brutality of their world. It survives within it, making it all the more intense.

This is not a story about choosing love over duty. It is about discovering that love can be the most dangerous form of power. Dark, elegant, and emotionally charged, this book is a must-read for fans of arranged marriage, mafia dynasties, and slow-burn romance with real teeth.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the perspective The Arianna Arrangement by Jenilee Wallace brings for a mafia romance trope book. It is in this new perspective that you see in the relationship between the FMC and MMC and the emotional and political requirements and sacrifices each of them faces in the world of mafia familia expectations. I found myself engaged and interested how their choices would impact on their relationship and how they navigated pressures they each were facing.

The detailed descriptions of scenes throughout the book were very enjoyable as they are vivid and detailed to stay grounded in the atmosphere the author is creating. Plot and insights into thoughts were well provided by the author through the characters’ conversations and actions. That said, I would have enjoyed more insight into the internal thoughts, development, and processes to understand the growth of the main characters throughout to help build a real connection with them as a character.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging read that offered a new perspective on the expectations of the mafia world within the romance trope. With more internal character development and emotional introspection, this book would have earned a higher rating from me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I really, really enjoyed this mafia arranged marriage romance.

Thank you to Jenilee Wallace and BookSirens for the ARC—this is my honest review given freely 🖤

What I loved most was the different take on the arranged marriage trope. Arianna and Tucker are betrothed at 9 and 10, then grow up together through high school and actually fall in love—so instead of enemies-to-lovers, we get a strong, healthy relationship that’s already built on trust and affection. Watching that relationship be tested by Tucker’s initiation into Arianna’s mafia family before their wedding (and everything that follows) was so compelling and emotional.

And can we talk about Ari and Leyla? Their BBF (Best Bitches Forever) friendship was absolutely hilarious and completely life-giving. Ari getting a little murdery while Leyla enthusiastically eggs her on—much to Tucker’s horror—had me cackling 🤣 Iconic behaviour, honestly.

Also… I need Santo’s book immediately because that enemies-to-lovers mafia romance is going to be feral. AND I need a Leyla book because chaotic queen energy deserves centre stage.

[Jus · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Leí este libro con mucha expectativa por su premisa de mafia y matrimonio arreglado, pero mi sensación final es de un sabor a poco. La historia tiene un comienzo bueno y un giro muy interesante cerca del 60% que prometía cambiar totalmente el rumbo hacia algo más oscuro y emocionante, pero lamentablemente la ejecución no terminó de convencerme. El problema principal es que la sinopsis solo cubre la primera mitad del libro y, una vez que se llega a ese punto, la trama de mafia parece desinflarse por completo. Los conflictos que surgen en la segunda mitad se sienten menores y carecen de la urgencia o el peligro que uno esperaría en este género, lo que hace que el ritmo se vuelva plano.

En cuanto al romance, el nivel de spice es medio. En resumen, es una lectura ligera si buscas un romance con estética de mafia, pero si esperas una trama con intriga, tensión criminal y conflictos bien hilados, la historia se queda corta y los personajes no logran generar esa conexión emocional profunda que te haga realmente temer por su destino.


Recibí una copia de lectura anticipada de forma gratuita y estoy dejando esta reseña de manera voluntaria.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off pretty strong but somewhere along the way it lost a bit of steam. We’re introduced to Tucker and Arianna as children who are made to enter into a marriage contract and then we jump ahead to them as young adults navigating the world their fathers thrust them into. We see Tucker being forced to undergo trials for Lucien - Ari’s dad and we see what Ari has to go through while planning their wedding but after the wedding it kind of stalls a bit and starts to focus more on other characters. By the end of the book it felt kind of rushed and unsatisfying as we didn’t really get any answers for Lucien’s motivations on why he wanted Tucker and Ari to have children so fast and I also felt like we barely got any time to know Ari throughout the book. She was such a strong heroine and I wanted more from her. It was still a decent book, I think it just could have been a bit fleshed out more.

I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development and world development in this book is fantastic! Not only did there need to be two worlds to juxtapose one another but they also needed to able to overlap and have some similar undertones that allowed them to work together.
Ari is a spitfire and would totally be a bestie. I love that Tucker comes from a such a wholesome place that he could pull not only Ari but himself back from the edge the Mafia tried to throw them over. The whole story and the banter was fire!
The story had excellent exposition but I felt the climax fell a little flat because there are so many lose ends that I felt the end of the book was missing a little bit. It almost felt like this should be book one of a duet rather than a standalone and that is the only reason it didn't hit 5 stars for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy through BookSiren , and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The Ariana arrangement is a novel that explores love, obligation and self discovery through a marriage of convenience storyline. As the story unfolds, both Arianna and Tucker struggle with the balance between independence and connection. Wallace effectively portrays how power dynamics and unspoken expectations can shape relationships especially when emotions begin to blur the lines of once clear arrangement. The writing style is reflective and character focused, emphasising emotional growth over fast paced action. The steady pacing allows readers to fully engage with the journey as they learn the difference between obligation and genuine affection. Themes of trust, control and personal choice are woven through, encouraging readers to think critically about what it means to truely choose love.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first story by the author, and I'm definitely checking out her backlist once I post my review of "The Arianna Arrangement!"

"In a world where loyalty is currency and love is a liability, Tucker and Arianna realize that just maybe, a combination of the two is utterly lethal."

Boy did I ever want these two to have more than JUST an arrangement!
They both so deserved more.
BUT, in their world, there are rules to be followed, and LOVE may really be a LIABILITY!
Especially on that already exists!

I think that Tucker and Ari may just prove that things can come out differently than expected!

Wonderful world-building.

This mafia romance comes with plenty of steam!

[Morgan Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What poor Tucker has to endure for Arianna and get their HEA makes my heart hurt. He is put through many soul-torturing trials. Arianna grew up as a mafia princess, yet still wasn't prepared for what was in store for them, and the demands made by the sick man pulling the strings. Tucker's love for Arianna is fierce, and he captured my heart from the very beginning and never let go. Arianna is feisty and does not roll over easily, unless it's for those she loves. I finished this story in one day because I absolutely did not want to stop reading. There was a ton of humor and moments that made me smile to help in between the darker scenes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deja Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars. I do the love the connection that Tucker & Arianna share but I thought it was a little repetitive. Their age range is what threw me off a bit. A lot of smut throughout which turned repetitive and sometimes I wanted a little more angst from them both. I thought the mafia aspect was fine but I prefer more violence to really get me going.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The plot twist with Arianna & her father blew me away. I love that Arianna can have a fiery side but she could be a little careless. But hey she’s young.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arianna Arrangement is the dark arranged marriage between Arianna, a Mafia princess, and Tucker, the heir to his Mafia family. They have known from an early age they were to be wed and the book provides insight into the two diametrically opposite worlds in which they have been raised and the need to merge into if they are to be successful in their new roles. This intriguing quick read romance has Mafia responsibilities, some trust issues, banter, strong emotions, and an intriguing and complex romance leading to a deeper love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[riah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen to the Trigger Warnings! This was definitely a good palate cleanser book when coming out of a reading slump. The connection between Tucker and Arianna was very cute, but at times, everything felt a bit repetitive. The beginning of the book was a bit confusing because it felt like it was moving too fast, but you can tell it's just for background on the main story. The characters do have to grow up quickly in the world they live in so it was fun getting to read about their challenges. Overall, would recommend this book if you love mafia romance or are looking for an easy read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. It is definitely set up well to be a series but because of that, it felt like there were quite a few details either wrapped up really quickly or not at all. I love Tucker and Ari and everything about their relationship. His softness for her but not putting up with anyone disrespecting her. Her crazy mafia princess side that makes her unpredictable. It was great. The side characters are all interesting in their own way and it makes me hope they get their own books. Definitely would recommend to those who love mafia stories.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much had a hard time putting down to go to sleep.

We don’t often get this side of the mafia family experience. Typically it’s from the guys POV or the female is scared and has to work up to falling for the guy. I liked Ari being the one from the family. Tuck was raised in a semi mafia family but raised with unheard of morality and Ari decides from the beginning to lean into her upbringing to protect the Crestwood family.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arianna Arrangement is my first read by this author but it won't be my last. This is Tucker Givenchy and Arianna Vitale's intense, fast-paced, arranged marriage story and it's fantastic! This couples marriage was arranged when they were children and traveling this journey with them is quite entertaining. The evolving of the characters and the building of their relationship was great to watch. The chemistry between them is explosive and fortunately for them they're perfect together. I can't wait for what's next with this family.

[Kelli Daniels-Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arianna Arrangement’ is a gripping, heart-pounding tale of loyalty, love, and power. Jenilee Wallace masterfully weaves a story where childhood promises clash with dangerous family politics, and forbidden desire sparks amidst betrayal and bloodlines. Tucker and Arianna’s journey from obligation to inevitable passion is both intense and beautifully crafted. The tension, stakes, and emotional depth make this a must-read for fans of romance with high stakes and sharp intrigue

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgosh, I loved this. Tucker and Arianna were an amazing couple throughout this book. Having an arranged marriage as children. But since they’ve grown up together, they already had love for one another. Both of them together worked well. Arianna was a strong woman in her own right. I love the intensity, hire complex, and loving these two were.

This book grabbed me, it kept me turning the pages. I truly couldn’t get enough of this one. Loved every minute.

[Sofia Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arianna and Tucker, both young and strong-willed, entered into an arranged marriage. A Mafia family like Tucker's respected its women, protecting them with their men—something completely different from Arianna's family. For them, normality was the complete opposite.
Themes explored:
• Marriage of convenience
• Emotional barriers and reserved hearts
• Power dynamics
• Trust and vulnerability
• Slow-burning romantic development

[Brenda Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Jenilee book and let me say … I really liked it !!!!!!!! I like how it started and how faithful he was to Ari. Ari was one tough cookie and took no bull I liked her. I can’t wait to read Sandro and Valentina’s story and also Layla’s she was a trip 😂. We all need a friend like Layla!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arianna Arrangement
Written by Jenilee Wallace

My favorite character is Arianna from first of book.

Tucker wants Arianna are waiting until the wedding to be intimate, she must be a virgin.

Must read to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

At nine and ten years old, Tucker and Arianna knew their fate is sealed, they are promised to each other. Their marriage will unite the Vitale and Givenchy families in an alliance. This is an obligation on both their parts but becomes something so much more.


Looking forward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book through book siren and am leaving this review by my choice.

this was an absolutely amazing book. The world building, storyline and characters were wonderful.
the build up of emotions and the way this book held my heart the entire time was something I definetly did not expect.
honestly I absolutely can not wait to see what else happens.