RILEY He’s not ready to be a father. How do I tell him I’m pregnant after overhearing him say that? I keep putting it off because he’s too distracted with the mafia, or it’s not the right time. I tell myself that I’ll tell him eventually, but the more time that passes, the harder it is to get the words out. But then it’s too late. I’ve been lying to him for weeks. He makes it very clear he’ll never forgive me. Have I lost the only man I’ve ever truly loved?
KIERAN My brother betrayed our family. The mafia, my family’s legacy, is at risk of being torn apart. The woman I thought I could trust hid her pregnancy from me. My world is falling apart and it feels like there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I’m going to be a father. It’s the one thing I’m not sure I’ll be good at. What if I mess this kid up? I know I’m taking my insecurities out on Riley, but I need to direct my anger somewhere. If I keep pushing her away, I might end up losing the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Bound Lies is Book 2 of the second duet in The Sullivan Mafia Series, featuring shattered trust, brutal consequences, possessive devotion, and high-stakes mafia fallout—with a hard-won HEA. This duet brings Riley and Kieran’s story to its conclusion, and sets up the next Sullivan brother’s story.
**Book Review – Bound Lies by Kira Cole** ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 Stars)
*Bound Lies* is the second book in this duet, and unfortunately, my opinion of Kieran didn't improve much from what I saw of him in Ronan's book. While the story delivered plenty of intrigue, betrayal, and family drama, the romance itself fell a little flat for me because I never felt like the MMC truly evolved or groveled enough for the damage he caused.
Kieran is a hothead from beginning to end. Even though he and Riley start as enemies, some of the things he says to her were downright cruel. There were several moments that genuinely hurt to listen to, and I think a lot of that credit goes to the narrators, who were absolutely superb. Riley's narrator especially captured her heartbreak and vulnerability so well that I found myself getting emotional right alongside her.
Riley seeks protection from the Sullivan family after obtaining evidence surrounding the death of their father, Seamus. At the same time, she's desperately trying to escape an arranged marriage to a much older and cruel man that her uncle and brother have planned for her. The solution? Marry Kieran instead.
One thing Kira Cole seems to enjoy is the surprise pregnancy trope, and while I don't mind it, readers will immediately know this particular secret is destined to explode. The title gives that much away. The reveal happens around the 60% mark, and Kieran's reaction is every bit as frustrating as expected. While he eventually begins to understand Riley's reasoning, I still wanted a lot more accountability from him.
Meanwhile, Kieran spends most of the book convinced that his brother Cormac betrayed the family and murdered their father. The man is stubborn to a fault and refuses to listen to anyone around him. By the end, I simply didn't feel like he had to eat enough crow for all of his assumptions and actions.
That said, the story itself is packed with suspense, family secrets, betrayal, and mystery. There are plenty of twists to keep the pages turning, and the kidnapping storyline adds another layer of tension.
Overall, *Bound Lies* wasn't my favorite Kira Cole book, but it still kept me engaged. The standout for me was Brennan, who had me laughing throughout both books in the duet. After everything I saw from him here, I cannot wait to get my hands on his story.
**Tropes:**
* Enemies to Lovers * Arranged Marriage * Secret Pregnancy * Irish Mafia Romance * Family Betrayal * Forced Proximity * Touch Her and Die
Bound Lies picks up exactly where Broken Lies left off, and the tension doesn’t let up for a second.
Kieran is absolutely convinced that Cormac has betrayed the family, while Ronan isn’t so sure. He believes Cormac is being set up, and that was my thoughts, I’ve never suspected Cormac!
Meanwhile, Riley is carrying a secret BUT she’s been desperately trying to tell Kieran. Just as she’s about to finally come clean, she overhears a conversation between Kieran and Ronan that stops her in her tracks. In that moment, you completely understand why she stays silent. You can feel her fear, her guilt, and the loneliness of carrying such a huge burden on her own. My heart genuinely ached for her.
Having already seen a similar situation unfold with Ciara, I knew exactly where this was heading… and I dreaded every page leading up to it.
The anticipation was almost worse than the reveal itself.
When the truth finally comes out, it’s every bit as explosive as I expected. Even though I knew it couldn’t stay hidden forever, it still hit hard. Watching everything unravel was heartbreaking for both of them.
After the fallout, Riley being taken had me on edge. The desperation pouring from both her and Kieran was palpable. They were both carrying so many regrets, wishing they’d handled things differently, and you could feel every ounce of that heartbreak.
Thankfully, Kieran reaches her before it’s too late, and the rescue had me breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Then…They finally find Cormac.But the condition he’s in, is absolutely devastating.
One thing I loved throughout this series is how the overarching mystery continues to unfold alongside each couple’s romance. And I have to say…
My suspicions were right! (I did a little fist pump in the air)
I’d been convinced about the identity of the traitor for a while now, and finally having that confirmed was so satisfying. The only thing that hurt my heart a little was Kieran’s reaction. He was so quick to believe Cormac could betray them, yet struggled to accept the truth when it involved someone else. That double standard stung.
One of my favourite moments came towards the end when Kieran wanted to renew their vows. Much like Ronan and Ciara before them, he wanted to rewrite the beginning of their story, replacing pain with love. It was such a beautiful way to show just how much he’d grown.
And then that cliffhanger involving Cormac?
I won’t lie…I had a feeling something along those lines was coming, but it still left me desperate for the next book.
This series just keeps getting better. The romance, the family dynamics, the betrayals, and the overarching mystery all weave together so effortlessly that every ending leaves me immediately reaching for the next instalment.
“Broken Lies” is the fourth book in “The Sullivan Mafia Series” - featuring shattered trust, brutal consequences, possessive devotion, and high-stakes mafia fallout - with a hard-won HEA. This duet brings Riley and Kieran’s story to its conclusion, and sets up the next Sullivan brother’s story. Kieran Sullivan is the second son and his brother Ronan relies on him now that taken over as head of the Sullivan Irish Mob after their father was recently assassinated. “Every bruise, every cut, every bullet hole, I wore them with pride because Ronan and I were a family. A team.”
“My stomach churns at the possibility, but if I tell him now when he’s in this mood, he’ll never forgive me. He’ll see my secret as just another betrayal, and I can’t bear to lose him when I’ve barely had the chance to have him. Before I can say anything, Kieran reaches out and lifts my chin so that I have no choice but to look at him. Even after all this time, my breath catches under the intensity of his gaze.”
The story is full of passion, humor, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love ♥️ There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes from pages that sizzle, to extreme violence, to the most beautiful tender moments! You will fall in love with Kieran and Riley hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together.
“He presses a kiss to my neck. “I’ve got you.” I hold him close as he starts to move inside me, savoring how warm and strong his body is against mine. The way he makes me feel is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I can’t believe I ever doubted this man’s love. “I love you.”
Kieran and Riley’s relationship started as a marriage of convenience and very quickly develops into more. I love these two characters - things heat up very quickly. The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes through moments of the thoughts or possibilities that it could happen to, to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I’m very happily hooked! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Bound Lies is the continuation of Kieran and Riley’s story from book 3.
This is a mafia/dark romance so please be aware of your mental health and do not pick up this book if dark romances trigger you. There is torture, kidnapping, attempted rape, murder and some serious shoot outs.
We left off book 3 in the aftermath of the safe house being ambushed. Ronan brings the girls back to the Sullivan estate and we pick up with Riley and Ciera talking about Riley’s pregnancy and the fact that she still hasn’t told Kieran yet. I understand the need to not want to tell him and all her attempts at telling him. It’s hard when the situation has been so tenuous.
Kieran is not the easiest person to talk to either so her half hearted attempts are easy to excuse because he is so preoccupied with all the mess with Cormac and Sean. And when he finds out about the baby he flys off the deep end. It made me sad and angry. While I get his side that she lied about the baby, he never gave her a chance to explain. And while she should have told him I get why she struggled with it.
The scene where Kieran barges into the ultrasound and what he says to Riley outside nearly broke me. I wanted to cry with her because his words cut so deep. Same when she writes him the letter, you could feel the emotions rolling off of her. I remember being pregnant and not being in control of my emotions and everything was bigger and more intense.
This book was a trip and I love this family more than I thought I would. If you like the mafia romances give this series a read. Kira Cole is an amazing author and I love this series. She really knows how to hold you hostage and keep your attention! Plus the spice level especially between these two was off the charts hot!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. Bound Lies completely pulled me back into the Sullivan world without missing a beat. Kieran and Riley have been through so much already, and at this point, their love story is my favorite of the series.
Picking up right where Broken Les left off, this book is full steam ahead from the beginning. Riley is carrying the (very heavy) weight of her huge secret...her pregnancy. Watching her hold on to that despite everything else going on? I was stressed for her!! But when she finally decides to lay it all out in the open, Kieran is so consumed with protecting his family that he can't slow down long enough to hear her. The tension from that alone addd an extra layer of emotion throughout.
There's so much packed into this story between the mafia movements, relationship struggles, and the ongoing mystery of who's targeting the Sullivan family, that I flew through this one.
I also loved getting more moments with Ronan and Ciera and their growing family. While they aren't the main focus at this point, the scenes with Kieran and Ronan as well as the friendship/sisterhood with Ciera and Riley really added to the story. A little bit of the story felt a little like deja vu from the first two books, but in the end you'll find that they're very different.
And let's talk about the last page of the book...I did NOT see that coming. My jaw literally dropped. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on book #5 to see what happens next.
Bound Lies continues on from the cliffhanger in Book Three Broken Lies, in the Sullivan Mafia Series. Riley and Kieran are now staying at Ronan's house for everyone's safety. Meanwhile, their brother Cormac is still missing, and Kiran and Ronan are trying to solve the mystery of what he's up to and whether he is their mole. They are also trying to find out where and what Sean is up to for Riley's safety. Riley finds out she is pregnant, and when she finally plucks up the courage to tell Kieran, there is always another work call that takes him away. What will happen when Kieran finds out? Kira keeps you turning the pages with all the twists and turns that you dont see coming. I received an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a very dark Mafia with lots of twists and turns that you don't see coming. Bound Lies' final chapter leads us into what sounds like a fascinating story for their brother Cormac. I can't wait to see what his story is. However, this book may not be for everyone, as it is a very dark mafia romance. Therefore, please heed the author's trigger warnings before reading or purchasing the book.
Kieran and Riley’s story is a continuation from Book 3, Broken Lies.
Kieran has not told Riley she is pregnant which adds to the angst in the story about will he accept and love the baby. The chemistry between the main characters is immediate but complicated, layered with secrets, power plays, and emotional baggage which makes you want to dive into the story even further. Further secrets lie as they try and determine who is the mole inter organization trying to destroy their family.
What makes this book stand out is how the lies unfold. Nothing is revealed all at once. Instead, you get pieces, half truths, hidden motives, and shocking revelations that completely shift how you see the characters. Every time you think you understand what’s going on, something changes.
If you love dark mafia stories, with twists and turns that keep you wondering, Broken Lies is intense, addictive, and emotionally charged. A story where love and betrayal are inseparable, and every truth comes at a cost
So so frustrating with this duet!!! I was really loving this series and it had such great potential. The author can provide a great story. But why was this duet so similar to the first duet in this series?!??? The same in both duets: ➡️ arranged marriage/ fake marriage between the MMC and a FMC whose father the MMC’s family is responsible for their death ➡️ miscommunication, secret keeping ➡️ possessive protective MMC who has to be in control at all times ➡️ MMCs who fly off the handle instead of communicating ➡️ FMC who does stupid things because she feels like a “prisoner” despite knowing she is in danger & MMC trying to protect her ➡️ FMC sneaking away from guards ➡️ “stubborn” FMC ➡️ pregnancy in which the FMC keeps from MMC for a prolonged duration ➡️ multiple times the FMC can tell the MMC about the pregnancy but doesn’t or the phone rings and he has to take care of something ➡️ “it’s not a good time to tell him “ ➡️ “fun” “crazy” BFF for FMC ➡️ FMC with shady brother ➡️ end of book with a proposal and 2nd wedding
Same story with different characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bound Lies, book four of the Sullivan Mafia series, and book two of Kieran and Riley’s story continues from the end of book three. After overhearing Kieran tell his brother that he doesn’t want to be a father, Riley panics and decides not to tell him until she can find the right time, but every time she tries, something happens. Worried that Kieran will hate her, and that she might miscarry before she even has a chance to give birth, she sneaks off to an appointment with an obgyn only for Kieran to discover the truth anyway. Swearing to never forgive her for lying to him, Kieran storms off, leaving Riley confused and alone. Instead of facing Riley, Kieran goes on a bender, waking up to find Riley has been kidnapped. Now, with the possibility of never seeing his wife and child again, Kieran will stop at nothing to get her back.. even if it means sacrificing himself in the process.
Bound Lies is the fourth story in The Sullivan Mafia series. It is the continuation of Kiernan and Riley's story.
Riley is carrying the weight of her secret pregnancy. She wants to tell Kiernan but overhears a conversation that he doesn't want to be a father. After deciding to tell him at another time she goes to a doctor's appointment. Kiernan finds out the truth of her pregnancy and is angry with her. He doesn't face their problems and while he is out having drinks she gets kidnapped. Kiernan is now obsessed with getting Riley back and saving their baby.
I loved all the twists in this story. They will keep you on the edge trying to guess what will happen next. I look forward to the next story from this very talented author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bound Lies continues right on from the previous book Broken Lies with Riley and Chiara rescued from the safe house after the attack by Sean’s men. They all move to Ronan and Chiara’s estate to wait out the birth of the twins and Kieran, Brennan and Ronan brainstorm trying to find Cormac and to wipe out Sean. Riley still hasn’t told Kieran of her pregnancy although she has tried a couple of times, There are intense emotions, lies, betrayals, anger, kidnapping, surprises, love and plenty of steam. This book finishes the story of Riley and Kieran but finishes on a cliffhanger for another brother’s story, and I can’t wait to read it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in a duet and it drove me nuts. The heroine, Riley, didn’t tell Kieran about her pregnancy and he found out from someone else. This didn’t happen until about 60%! That’s so darn predictable. The Kieran chapters were good, and the war with Sean was exciting and interesting. And I liked Kieran. But I just couldn’t get over the secret lasting so long and being the main drama of the Riley chapters. Cat’s stats Heat- explicit Bechdel test- passed Safety? Y Triggers- graphic violence, high-risk pregnancy, language Tropes- secret pregnancy, fake marriage, forced proximity, simply mad about the mob.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 4th story in The Sullivan Mafia Series where Riley and Kieran’s rollercoaster ride continues. Riley is unsure how to share her secret and it bothers her everyday hiding it from Kieran. We have Kieran who’s been given the task to lead the family while Ronan stays by his wife, Ciera and boy do these Sullivan men have one enemy after another coming for them. Being in charge of protecting his family it leaves him little time with Riley setting the both up for unseen danger and broken promises. Each member of the family forge unbreakable bonds and it’s wonderful to see how when danger comes they find a way to move forward together and heal until the next attack…leaving us on another cliffhanger! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Bound Lies is Book 2 of the second duet in The Sullivan Mafia Series, featuring shattered trust, brutal consequences, possessive devotion, and high-stakes mafia fallout—with a hard-won HEA. This duet brings Riley and Kieran’s story to its conclusion, and sets up the next Sullivan brother’s story.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series and a satisfying conclusion to Kieran an Riley's story. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- mafie rodina - překvapující těhotenství - válka mafie rodin - zrada v rodině - únos
Omlouvám se, ale trochu jsem v tomto druhém díle začala ztrácet trpělivost s hrdinkou. Hrdinka odkládá oznámení těhotenství hl. hrdinovi. Klasika, chápu probíhající válka mafie, musel zaujmout místo hlavy rodiny když bratr byl u vysoce těhotné manželky. Brala jsem to, neustále vyrušovali telefony, zaslechnutí rozhovory, kdy tvrdil že nechce děti. Ale jsme tu o mnoho dnů později, ví to nejlepší kamarádka, těhotná manželka, její kamarádka. Už pětkrát prosí hl. hrdinu aby mohla jít ven za falešnou zástěrku (doslova má obrovský terč na zádech, chtějí ji zabít a ona tvrdí jak v sídle je na trní a potřebuje ven). Jde k gynekologovi, dítě má pomalý tep, bojí se potratu...... ale stále neřekne to hrdinovi, tváří se jak je vše vpohodě a o dva dny zase falešně prosí aby šla ven. Řekne to bratrovi (mají napjatý vztah) aby ji kryl!!!! a mohla odejít z kavárny k doktorovi bez dozoru bodyguardů....
Wow this was such a fantastic duet and much credit goes to Kira. I loved these two.
The action and drama ramps up as Kieran finds out about the secrets Riley has kept.
Riley is so protective of all those she loves and does everything she can to keep them safe even to her own detriment. But the communication between Riley and Kieran needs work.
I loved how one problem sorts itself but the other issue is on going. But most of all these characters told a story in so glad I didn't miss.
Beautiful writing, fantastic plot and a real story that stayed with me to the end. Just brilliant!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an explosion ending for Riley and Keiran. The story picks up where it left off in first book. Can they trust each other, secretes can and will tear them apart, but is betrayal is worse. Ciara and Ronan are waiting the arrival of their twins. They continue to look for the mole in organization and their brother Cormac is still acting suspiciously. A captivating story will twists and turns that will keep you on the end of your seat as secrets, lies and betrayal come to light in the fast paced dangerous dark mafia romance. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These books are amazing. I’m loving those series so far. This one is about Kieran and Riley. She’s pregnant but doesn’t know how to tell him. She’s not sure if it would just make matters worse since Kieran is already facing so much. But these two have been through the wringer and then some. They’ve already dealt with so much as it is. This story is another notch in she’s great series. I love hire they all pull me in and keep me turning the pages. This one definitely has me invested. The twists and turns are great. I love the back and forth between these two. A really great and captivating story.
So more than half of this book was Riley hiding her pregnancy from Kieran. Literally more than half. How many times she tried to tell him but something always came up. How hard was it to blurt out “I’m pregnant”…clearly difficult. So much angst for nothing. Although he was pissed when he found out from her brother and I actually couldn’t blame him.
Clearly there is going to be a book 5/6 with Cormack’s story since this one left you hanging too. Why must authors want to torture us?!? It’s painful.
These books definitely hold my interest, they are simple and thrilling. Kira Cole knows her mafia bad boys and writes a decent story.
Yo sigo insistiendo en que no entiendo porque esta autora tiene que hacer DOS libros de casi 400 páginas cada uno para contar una historia que se puede contar en uno solo de máximo 300.
De verdad que no lo entiendo.
Ahora bien, la historia de Kieran y Riley, bueno la segunda parte de la historia de estos dos tiene la misma línea que la historia anterior, entonces si, es adictiva y quieres seguir leyendo, pero no, no es como la más enganchadora del mundo la verdad.
⭐⭐⭐ Para un libro al que le falta mucho en todos los niveles para ser una historia realmente emocionante.
Bound Lies is book 4 in The Sullivan Mafia series. It's Riley and Kieran's steamy, intense, secret baby story. This whole series so far has been intriguing. These couples are fantastic and their stories even better. Ronan and Kieran are faced with a detrimental realization and while Ronan is patient, Kieran is all in. He wants something done immediately. Things are not as they seem and the deeper we get into the story the more intense it gets. Kieran and Riley brings us a consuming story. I can't wait to see who's next.
This is Book 4 of The Sullivan Mafia series, but is Book 2 of the second duet of the series. As always this book did not disappoint! Riley and Kierans relationship hits so many obstacles, brutal consequences, shattered trust, possessive devotion, a surprise pregnancy, and so much drama and angst! These two hit all my feels over and over again! Well written, great characters, and a hard fought HEA!!! Excited for the next Sullivan brothers story!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They have weathered many storms, and Kieran is about to face his biggest challenge being a father. He doesn't feel he is ready for the responsibility and finding out has thrown him for a loop. He takes it out on Riley not because he doesn't love her, but he has so many things coming at him from all directions. Will they face this one like they have everything else. This thrilling story is filled with drama and kept me glued to it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Riley and Kieran’s story comes to a conclusion but not without danger, suspense and complications. A secret emerges that could tear them apart, leaving a sense of heartbreak and conflicted emotions. With a climax to their story having built up since the previous book, the end is just the beginning of something larger at play. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series to find out as this one was fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this story but if i would have read this before book 1 and 2 i would have gave this 5 stars but i did read these in order as we should and book 3 was amazing 4 felt a lot like a copy and paste from book 1 and 2 when it came to Riley’s “situation” and that irked me a lot. However, the outcome was different which pulled me back in and then i was hooked again. I do think this book dragged a little could have been shorter and the climax ( not the spicy scene) i am talking about the revenge parts should have been a bit more dramatic and longer.
Kieran and Riley have been through it all, danger, lies, near death, treachery and anything else you could imagine. Two great characters that had me fully engrossed in their story from first page to the last. But, Just when you think they’re letting you go they pull you back in. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Riley and Kierans story has you hooked, picking up after the safe house in prev book, Riley is holding ontp her secret pregnancy, one she tried to tell Kieran about but the criminal world doesnt come with a pause button, and when he discovers shes pregnant he doesnt handle that well leaving Riley devastated, can Kieran come to his sense before he loses everything and everyone he loves? Well written the story is engaging, high emotions, drama, action and more
This is Book Four of the Sullivan Mafia Series and picks up where Book Three, Broken Lies, leaves off. The author has given us a darker story that pulls us into the lives of Kieran and Riley. The heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with connection, secrets, danger, trust issues, action and steam. The book ends with a mini cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 4 in The Sullivan Mafia Series by this author. It is the conclusion to the enemies to lovers romance between Kieran and Riley. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. Their love story ends with more drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, danger and suspense, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. Quite an emotional read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The continuation of Riley and Kieran's story is a wild ride, just when you think you have things figured out in this Mafia family... think again. In my review for Broken Lies I said I'd be going back to listen to Ronan and Ciara's story... but after that ending, I need to move on in the story before I visit they story. Kira Cole does not disappoint again with the wit and banter with the conclusion of Riley and Kieran's story. There's just something about them Sullivan men. 🥰🥰