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Deadly Alliance: A Forced Marriage Mafia Romance

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My father forced me to replace my sister at the altar.
Now I belong to the mafia devil who wanted her, not me.


Cassio Vellutini looks at me like I'm an insult wrapped in silk,
The wrong bride forced into his castle.

Every stare burns.
Every touch leaves me trembling on the edge of ruin.

In his world, marriage is not about love.
It is about power, possession, and blood.

I should fear him.
But fear is a treacherous thing when it begins to taste like hunger.

And the longer I’m trapped in Cassio’s world,
The more his fury turns feral,
And the more I realize my husband does not want freedom for either of us.

Instead, he wants my body in his bed…
Addicted to the darkness I should run from.

And now that Cassio has me
He would rather spill blood than lose his unwanted bride.

447 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2026

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Eliana Ezra

18 books14 followers

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5 stars
236 (53%)
4 stars
128 (28%)
3 stars
57 (12%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Eva  ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ‌.
98 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2026
1,8⭐️/5 DNF at 45%
Ohh it was bad, can someone give me back the time I lost on this ???

I read this book BECAUSE I read another review talking about how much of a badass the FMC was etc.
But I guess that I’ve been HEAVILY misled and I truly HATE that, so I will hold the person who wrote that responsible for the time I sadly lost

Let’s talk about that mess of a story, first: the characters.

The FMC was fine at the beginning, and then once she got with the MMC at first she tried to show that she had a temper. But soon enough she was just a small puppy, eagerly waiting for her master orders. And she also started crying all the time. There’s nothing wrong with crying, but going from being this supposedly thick skinned character who can hold her own against dangerous and powerful men. To a character who somehow cannot pass half a day without crying, yeah get out of my face. And suddenly she start listening to her husband, just because he’s her husband and I guess in her eyes he has the right to just rule her life lol. Oh but don’t worry she’ll keep on having “temper” by somehow being a psycho Ice queen towards others. You can have a temper and be strong, resilient without being just flat out mean for no reason.

And the MMC wow what a disappointment, misogyny still has a long life ahead I guess. “Yeah but you know mafia book are inherently misogynistic because of the world they’re evolving into.” A LOT of authors are able to write MMC involved in a mafia setting without them being just flat out misogynistic piece of sh.t (that’s normally a non Main character thing). It was utterly disgusting and deeply funny the 180 the MMC temper did towards the FMC. Because he discovered that he liked her temper ? He got to know her more deeply and it changed his perspective? NONE of the above. He just took her virginity and when he discovered that she was “untouched” he started calling her “his queen” and moved her into his room. And it was atrocious the sheer number of times that he was referring to the FMC as untouched. Even the FMC called him out on it but still somehow fell for him (for no reason it seems, despite it). I get virginity being a criteria that seems important for some, but then making a character changes his whole demeanor toward another character JUST because they’re a virgin wooow. Like she became interesting and important enough ONLY because her hymen was still completely intact LOOOOL. Oh and he wasn’t interesting at all besides all this, he was just a deeply psychotic man who was acting like a piece of sh.t with EVERYONE around him. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so it’s not by terrorizing EVERYONE around you that you’ll get a deeply loyal team.

The love story, lol, it started out of nowhere and picked up for absolutely NO reason. They HATE each other’s guts, they have s.x, he moves her to his room, we don’t see them interact together all that much and suddenly without even seeing them getting close: the FMC start talking about how she’s in love with the MMC ???????? Just because you’re sleeping in the same bed and he spy on you all day ???????

The plot was non interesting, the love story wasn’t good. And the writing ? It wasn’t all that better, you don’t need to repeat in the first 3 chapters at least 4/5 times how’s the Russian and Irish are trying to get the Italian’s territories. I swear by the second time we would have got it 😀😀😀😀😀

I’m so mad that I lost a big part of my day off on this, so NO thank you to the other reviews that described the FMC in a good light !
Profile Image for Sonia.
488 reviews
April 29, 2026
A nice read but everything is too instant. The most unbelievable thing is how things conveniently turn around for mmc and mmf to drive the story forward but feels so forced. Eg. The mmc got obsessed over mmf just five seconds after finding out she was a virgin when he was hating her just five seconds ago. The mmf suddenly knows how to treat bullet wounds and conveniently saves mmc, or how suddenly she is this badass that knows how to fire a gun. Or not obsessed over a guy she was obsessed over. And the guy conveniently turns out to be a spineless villain. It feels like the story is full of gratuities to just tick a few boxes.
Profile Image for BiblioDarling.
525 reviews103 followers
May 2, 2026
Deadly Alliance
A Forced Marriage Mafia Romance
Eliana Ezra

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 4.8.26):
⭐: DNF/Almost DNF
⭐⭐: Had Potential. Fell Short.
⭐⭐⭐: Good. Something Was Missing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great Book. Strong Overall Story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved. Reread Worthy. Recommend.

One Sentence Summary/Review:
He thought he was marrying a shrew-she became a queen.
—-------------------
Tropes/Vibes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕Arranged Marriage
💕Sister's Fiancé
💕Boss/Alpha Woman
💕Hate to Love
💕Enemies to Lovers
💕HEA
💕Virgin

Triggers:
🚩Violence

Emotion Impact Rating: 💞😍
😢Crying/Heartbroken 🤯Shocked/Mind-blowing
😠Frustrated/Angry 💞Emotionally Invested/Obsessed
😍In Love/Swooning 😊Comfort/Cozy

Spice Level (as of 4.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
"Orlando didn't trick me twice, Noemi." Cassio whispers. "He thought he was disposing of Dario's leftovers, but instead he gave me a crown, and the stupid bastard didn't even realize it."

Writing Style Rating: Simple
Simple: Flows Quickly/Easy Reading
Descriptive: Lots of Imagery/Detailed
Lyrical: Feels Poetic/Pretty Sentences
Heavy: Dense/May Have to Reread Sentences

Pace Rating: ⚖
🐢: Slow/Takes Time to Build
⚖: Medium Pacing/Things Move Steadily
🚀: Fast/Things Happen Quickly
—-------------------------
Summary:
MMC is at war with the FMCs dad. An arranged marriage is set up to stop the war. The MMC wanted to marry the FMCs sister but at the last moment the sisters are switched. Eventual HEA.

Full Review:
This is my first time reading a book by this author. I found her through a FB Group recommendation. I checked the reviews on the book and almost didn't read it-that would have been a mistake.

Reviews tore apart several areas of the book. As I read the book, I was like that's totally different than what the reviewer stated. I am not trying to go against other reviewers, but I do want to give my review and set some things straight.

1-This is a mafia romance so grovel is never going to be a lot. Made men don't grovel. They strive to make things right, possibly apologize, have one conversation about the situation, etc. If you are a grovel lover, you will be hard pressed to find a full on grovel in a mafia romance.

2-The virgin scene. Yes, he was happy that she was a virgin. He was shocked. It was because another made man had put out rumors that he had been sleeping with the FMC. Her reputation was trash. I am not sure if she knew but her dad did and so did the MMC. So yeah, he felt some kind of way when the daughter with the virginal reputation was switched for the FMC. Is it right-NO but understandable to a point.

3-The FMC knowing how to handle guns. She had been left alone as a spinster at 24 years old. Her family was all about her younger sister. It makes sense to me that she would learn how to defend herself. I mean her dad hated her because she wasn't a docile mafia woman.

4-I saw a review where they talked about the FMCs medical knowledge. The FMC knows to stop the bleeding but no surgical stuff. She packed her husband's bullet wound and stopped him from bleeding to death. She taped his wound. She didn't do stitches, etc.

Having said all that. This book was really good. As a lover of mafia romance, I can say that. I have reread several sections of this book repeatedly. The story hooks you from the start and keeps you engaged. You watch as the FMC is accepted and loved by the MMC. She isn't just his mafia wife-she is the queen of his family, his protector and partner.

Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4tS5Yoo
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join the community and read with me: https://bibliodarling.substack.com
Profile Image for Diana Page.
1,230 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
March 5, 2026
Cassio and Noemi’s story was a fairly well written “touch her and die “, “mafia arranged marriage” with a few other tropes thrown in story. The characters had me hooked from the first shrewish comment from Noemi and Casio’s inability to keep himself from reacting badly to them or dig himself deeper into a hole in reaction to them. Nothing goes exactly to plan for these two as he thinks he’s the big mafia Don who knows everything, and she’s sure everyone wants her perfect younger sister, instead of her. This is my first book by Eliana Ezra and it won’t be my last. Though I have to wonder about the “Maybach” armored car that gets blown up and bullet ridden, yet 3 days later they are able to drive it to a netting, or was this possibly another Maybach ? I might bee being to nit picky. Either way , it’s a well written story with great characters. 4✨’s
Profile Image for Amber.
7 reviews
March 26, 2026
I’m not exactly sure how I stumbled upon this little gem, but I’m so glad I did.

If you’re looking for a badass FMC paired with an unhinged, touch her and you die MMC—this is the book for you. I absolutely adored Cassio and Noemi.

This arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers story delivered on so many levels. The character development was chef’s kiss. Noemi has been through hell her entire life, and watching her step into her power and demand respect—just like her husband—was everything.

Together, they’re an unstoppable force. A true ride-or-die couple who face attack after attack from every direction… constantly. And yet, they never break.

If you’re looking for a new author or craving a fierce FMC with a just-as-intense MMC—this is your next read. 🔥
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
5,042 reviews137 followers
Review of advance copy
March 6, 2026
This was a great arranged marriage, enemies to lovers story. Cass didn’t want Noemi, he wanted her sister. But her dad decided differently at the last minute. He wants nothing to do with her. She feels like he found her sister more attractive. But as they spend more time together, a connection slowly starts to form. This book was intense. And the twists and turns had me consumed with wanting to know what was going to happen next between them. I loved seeing their blossoming romance. Finding love with one another. This was a really great book. First time reading this author and it definitely went be my last.
Profile Image for L KQ.
6,266 reviews29 followers
March 19, 2026
Marriage Alliance

Marriage to secure an alliance between the Italian families should strengthen their bonds. However, internal struggles complicate matters, especially when a switch in brides ignites intensity. Cassio and Noemi start off as enemies but what develops is so much more. It was an exciting read with a lot of action and steam. I could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Annette.
273 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2026
Strong woman with spine of steel

Noemi is bartered as the lesser daughter. The unwanted one. No one sees her worth. Especially not her new husband.
Cassio is disgusted and betrayed that he has been shackled to the shrew. The sloppy seconds of Dario.
But they will learn. They will navigate this new alliance but traitors are out to bring it all down. But Cassio will find the truth of his bride and find out she is what he has needed all along.
Profile Image for Barbara .
7,610 reviews25 followers
March 8, 2026
I found my heart racing and pulse skipping beats while devouring this mafia romance book. You will become obsessed with not just the way the book reads but the characters Cassio and Noemi too. I haven’t read a lot of books by Eliana but the ones I have including this one is a chef's kiss to perfection.
Profile Image for Tedra.
566 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2026
Dnf

New author for me
Writing was okay

Too insta love for me.
I loved the beginning, I loved the intensity of the MMC. I liked it up until they first have sex. Then that cold, brooding intensive mmc turned i to a on his knees marshmallow for the fmc.. this is like at the 30% mark?
Yeah, no thx
41 reviews
March 10, 2026
Wow

That's what im talking about Neomi was a bad lady I love when the lady is kick butt tough and boldly can defend herself. This is my first time read Eliana Ezra book . I love this writing. The book was awesome 👌
8 reviews
March 10, 2026
I read a lot of Romance & Dark love stories. "Kudos" to Eliana Ezra on this first book from her! I could not put Deadly Alliance down with her compelling Characters!!!! I loved the model cover photo she used... he's hot... More please 💕💃😘Cathi in Prescott, AZ
22 reviews
April 6, 2026
O M G!!!!!!!!!! read it!!!!

This book kept me on my toes and I couldn’t put it down!!!! You have to read this book, it’s chefs kiss! The heroine had a spine of steel and I think I fell in love with her character! Both main characters were amazing but whew…..just read it!
Profile Image for iAmJulietteXoX.
248 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
"I don't mind the confinement, Noemi, as long as you're the one locking the door."
This book was good! There was a lot of fighting to where H seemed like a god, cause I still needed sleep between all the war in the book, ha!
Profile Image for Denise Knox.
157 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2026
Five Rare stars from me

It is not often that I give a five star review, but this is a truly exceptional mafia book. This is a new to me author, and I won’t hesitate to pick up another book of hers. Ezra breathed new life into a male dominated genre of the mafia. Well done!
Profile Image for Susie Jefferson.
70 reviews
May 16, 2026
Wow!

What a great ride this book is. It started off the usual 'I don't want to marry this one' but then took off like a rocket. Betrayal, war, several plot twists, lots of bodies, two home invasions - and a highly satisfying ending. Thoroughly enjoyed it 😊
11 reviews
May 25, 2026
I love it when they’re obsessed

This was a good one. The review at first seemed to be just like all the others but it was better than imagined. He is obsessed first, she comes into her own. Good job!
Profile Image for Mlovreads.
155 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2026
Yeah wrap it up…

I know when a author is bad at writing when they use the term

Bang! Or boom!

But this was a new one

”RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!”

I’m sorry WHAT 😅 are we in the ghetto cause wtf. why would you use that term to explain a gun going off, just say the words….
Profile Image for Lynn Porter.
329 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2026
If you like a mafia book, I thought this one was very good – I’m onto reading book 2 now in the series
Profile Image for The Bou.
356 reviews29 followers
Did Not Finish
March 27, 2026
Scene with OW like right in the beginning…. Thanks but no thanks
6 reviews
March 31, 2026
excellent!

One of the best mafia novels I have read, and for a reader who consumes roughly 400 books a year, this is a remarkable compliment.
9 reviews
April 3, 2026
I enjoyed this one,no weak FMC. Misunderstandings was solved quickly and not dragged out for the whole book. loved the couples dynamic to work together and even reverse the roles.
Profile Image for Talula.
405 reviews
April 13, 2026
I enjoyed Cassio and Neomi's romance, it was fast with lots of action.
38 reviews
April 20, 2026
Loved this book

my Eliana Ezra is an amazing writer. This is a page Turner of a read that I highly recommend. Great beginning, great middle and perfect ending. A must read.
998 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2026
Deadly Alliance

I read a lot of Russian, Italian and Irish Mafia books. It saddened me when Cassio killed Ivan. He is in most books a hero.
Profile Image for Andreea.
36 reviews
May 23, 2026
I just couldn't..... It annoyed me soooo much that I didn't have the willpower to continue.
312 reviews
May 24, 2026
Surprising story line with the heroine playing a vital role in the mafia business. Not just a damsel in destress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews