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Forced to marry a paralyzed Don who swear he will never touch her.
She refuses to live unwanted in her own marriage.SHE was currency. Traded by her father to settle his gambling debts, Antonella is forced to marry a man who doesn't want her—a scarred, bitter Don who rules from a wheelchair and swears he'll never touch her.
HE was the perfect heir. Until a bullet took his legs and his future. Now Bruno Sartori wants nothing but solitude. Certainly not a wife. And definitely not one who refuses to be invisible.
SHE won't accept a marriage built on silence and neglect.
HE can't stop watching her. Wanting her. Breaking every vow he made.
She was supposed to be a transaction.
She became his obsession.
Preorder Bruno's Story Now!
She refuses to live unwanted in her own marriage.SHE was currency. Traded by her father to settle his gambling debts, Antonella is forced to marry a man who doesn't want her—a scarred, bitter Don who rules from a wheelchair and swears he'll never touch her.
HE was the perfect heir. Until a bullet took his legs and his future. Now Bruno Sartori wants nothing but solitude. Certainly not a wife. And definitely not one who refuses to be invisible.
SHE won't accept a marriage built on silence and neglect.
HE can't stop watching her. Wanting her. Breaking every vow he made.
She was supposed to be a transaction.
She became his obsession.
Preorder Bruno's Story Now!
564 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 11, 2026
This book put me out of my reading slump and just for that it deserves an extra ⭐️
A lot of brownie points:
✅MMC was not a manwh0re. Hasn’t had anyone for the past 2 years and didn’t look for anyone
✅ He was cold towards the h at first (yes I liked this)
✅Arranged marriage at its finest
✅Writing was great
✅MMC was disabled and grumpy because of that
✅ Nice banter
✅ h was strong without being a brat
✅kidnapped by the villain and some 🩸
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice and action well balanced
It was neither too sweet nor too dark
Really enjoyed it!!
Will check the other books
A lot of brownie points:
✅MMC was not a manwh0re. Hasn’t had anyone for the past 2 years and didn’t look for anyone
✅ He was cold towards the h at first (yes I liked this)
✅Arranged marriage at its finest
✅Writing was great
✅MMC was disabled and grumpy because of that
✅ Nice banter
✅ h was strong without being a brat
✅kidnapped by the villain and some 🩸
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice and action well balanced
It was neither too sweet nor too dark
Really enjoyed it!!
Will check the other books
Did Not Finish
July 16, 2026No rating, DNF at 17%, the wedding. I was so interested in reading about a stoic, wheelchair-bound MMC… but I could not even make it to them having their first conversation together.
463 pages (on iPad) of fragments, repetitions and editing issues.
✍️ Editing:
in one scene, the FMCs brother is driving, “Claudio drives. My father on the passenger seat next to him. No one speaks. No one looks at each other.” Two seconds later, “Papa pulls to the curb. Kills the engine.”
⛓️💥 Fragments:
“Claudio opens his door. Climbs out. Offers his hand to Gianna. She takes it. Slides across the seat. Disappears from view.
I'm alone in the back seat.
The veil obscures my vision. Everything looks soft. Blurred. Like a dream I can't wake up from.
Papa appears at my door. Opens it. The cold hits me full force. I gasp.
He extends his hand.”
There might be a great love story in there, but the writing keeps pulling me out of the story. 😩
463 pages (on iPad) of fragments, repetitions and editing issues.
✍️ Editing:
in one scene, the FMCs brother is driving, “Claudio drives. My father on the passenger seat next to him. No one speaks. No one looks at each other.” Two seconds later, “Papa pulls to the curb. Kills the engine.”
⛓️💥 Fragments:
“Claudio opens his door. Climbs out. Offers his hand to Gianna. She takes it. Slides across the seat. Disappears from view.
I'm alone in the back seat.
The veil obscures my vision. Everything looks soft. Blurred. Like a dream I can't wake up from.
Papa appears at my door. Opens it. The cold hits me full force. I gasp.
He extends his hand.”
There might be a great love story in there, but the writing keeps pulling me out of the story. 😩
June 13, 2026
4.0. Rated R. Contemporary Mafia Romance.
Good Mafia book.
Forced arranged marriage. Age gap 40 vs 21. He was in a wheelchair after a shooting. Lots of rage to deal with.
The couple were good together, age difference did not seem to matter.
Kept my interest. Writing was good.
The ending was entertaining and interesting even though totally unbelievable. Did not irritate. 😜
Several things not tied up or addressed. Oh well. We are left to wonder.
Recommend.
Good Mafia book.
Forced arranged marriage. Age gap 40 vs 21. He was in a wheelchair after a shooting. Lots of rage to deal with.
The couple were good together, age difference did not seem to matter.
Kept my interest. Writing was good.
The ending was entertaining and interesting even though totally unbelievable. Did not irritate. 😜
Several things not tied up or addressed. Oh well. We are left to wonder.
Recommend.
April 30, 2026
Bruno (40) & Antonella (21) are the MCs in this arranged marriage mafia romance.
It’s a standalone in a series but I hadn’t read any of the previous books. All the necessary history was well documented though.
The beginning was very intriguing and kept my interest. I have some objections regarding how quickly their relationship changed and how they developed feelings in such a short time but it was well written and I ate it up very fast.
Bruno is grumpy, negative, broken and has many secrets. I liked watching his transformation. Antonella is great, maybe a tad too mature for her age. I don’t usually like such huge age gaps but she didn’t act like a typical girl of that age, so it felt ok.
I found the family dynamics quite interesting and I’m curious to read the other brothers’ stories.
The writing style was nice although it could use some polishing; there are some phrases that are repeated too may times for example, and the ending was slightly abrupt. I was left with a couple of questions that were not answered.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.
It’s a standalone in a series but I hadn’t read any of the previous books. All the necessary history was well documented though.
The beginning was very intriguing and kept my interest. I have some objections regarding how quickly their relationship changed and how they developed feelings in such a short time but it was well written and I ate it up very fast.
Bruno is grumpy, negative, broken and has many secrets. I liked watching his transformation. Antonella is great, maybe a tad too mature for her age. I don’t usually like such huge age gaps but she didn’t act like a typical girl of that age, so it felt ok.
I found the family dynamics quite interesting and I’m curious to read the other brothers’ stories.
The writing style was nice although it could use some polishing; there are some phrases that are repeated too may times for example, and the ending was slightly abrupt. I was left with a couple of questions that were not answered.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.
I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I need this yesterday 🖤🔥
Many thanks to Sherry Blake, and to her publisher for the ARC.
From the first book, when Bruno was still in a coma, I knew that there was a story hiding there, and it turned out to be a great story.
I didn't hate him in the previous books, when he was mean to everyone, I was just waiting for a story from his point of view.
And Sherry managed to do a very good job.
The story is difficult because he is a man who was supposed to do everything, and ended up in a wheelchair, angry, more at himself than at others.
He was drowning, and he didn't know how to get out of the situation, he was helpless, and he refused all help from people who loved him. Because he was the future Don, he didn't need help.
In fact, he is a man like everyone else, who missed a hug and someone who would believe in him the most.
Antonella is a daughter, a sister and, above all, a great protector of her family.
Since the death of her mother, she has been taking care of her family.
In order to cancel her father's debt and protect her family, she agrees to marry a man she has never seen.
A very strong and brave person for her age. But that's what Bruno needed, someone to stand up to him and pull him out of his dark thoughts.
She was someone who understood his struggle, who was waiting, who could calm his anger with a single touch.
At first he was confused by the feelings that she awakened in him, he as a future Don did not need to feel, feelings are for the weak. But he didn't want to drown anymore, he wanted to learn to swim, and she was there to help.
I enjoyed their story and was sorry when I got to the end, I wanted more.
Five stars from me.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Many thanks to Sherry Blake, and to her publisher for the ARC.
From the first book, when Bruno was still in a coma, I knew that there was a story hiding there, and it turned out to be a great story.
I didn't hate him in the previous books, when he was mean to everyone, I was just waiting for a story from his point of view.
And Sherry managed to do a very good job.
The story is difficult because he is a man who was supposed to do everything, and ended up in a wheelchair, angry, more at himself than at others.
He was drowning, and he didn't know how to get out of the situation, he was helpless, and he refused all help from people who loved him. Because he was the future Don, he didn't need help.
In fact, he is a man like everyone else, who missed a hug and someone who would believe in him the most.
Antonella is a daughter, a sister and, above all, a great protector of her family.
Since the death of her mother, she has been taking care of her family.
In order to cancel her father's debt and protect her family, she agrees to marry a man she has never seen.
A very strong and brave person for her age. But that's what Bruno needed, someone to stand up to him and pull him out of his dark thoughts.
She was someone who understood his struggle, who was waiting, who could calm his anger with a single touch.
At first he was confused by the feelings that she awakened in him, he as a future Don did not need to feel, feelings are for the weak. But he didn't want to drown anymore, he wanted to learn to swim, and she was there to help.
I enjoyed their story and was sorry when I got to the end, I wanted more.
Five stars from me.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 11, 2026
Dnf at 74%. I'm pretty sure I have read at least one other book in the series but I'm not 100% sure. Which I guess comes to my first issue with the book. There are at least 12 books in the series right now and I think this book needed a prologue chapter or at least needed a recap in chapter 1 instead of sprinkling information throughout the book or just assuming that you already have the information even though all of the context says that these are Standalone books and it doesn't seem like there's any interconnected storyline other than the fact that these people are related and they were there during some of the activities.
Now that comes to another issue in the book is there a lot of freaking people and all of them except for I think one lives at the family compound. But we're not really given any details about them other than that they're there and convenient for certain situations like Nora being pregnant so she's always around but not around and Kristen and Lily being around but also not around. The only one that's not living there is the sister that is married to Dimitri because he is a different Mafia organizations they live somewhere else.
There is so much repetition that it almost makes this book unreadable and it's one of the reasons I chose to not continue considering I was almost finished reading the book. But there's lots of internal dialogue and then there's a lot of dialogue that just doesn't make a whole bunch of sense then you get the whole oops surprise baby even though we kind of talked about it but didn't talk about it but also didn't use protection but now I don't know if he actually wants a kid so let me freak out but if he doesn't want me and the baby I'm going to leave kind of dialogue and I was just over it. I feel like this story gets kind of lost in the fact that they didn't give us enough information in the beginning of the story. We're not really giving a whole lot in this book and a lot of the information is fragmented but I'm assuming if I have read the other 10 books before this one I probably would have more of a complete story and be a little bit less confused but that's boring and that should be all included in the first chapter of the book. Like I don't 100% know what happened with Bruno other than he was in some sort of attack I don't know what kind don't know what happened I just know that I guess his dad died and he was shot and then he was in a coma for 6 months and during this time his one brother that started with a p and I think is married to Nora took over at the dawn for now but doesn't really want to and Bruno says he wants to take over cuz that's what he was trained to do but his dad died at the same time and then he was in a coma for 6 months woke up wasn't able to walk and now spent two years doing recovery and at the beginning of the book he has been able to stand up for 5 or 10 seconds at a time with a physical therapist and has not told anyone and then towards the end of the book he is able to at least stand for like a minute and take a couple steps but hasn't really told anyone until he shows one of his brothers. Then the FMC got pregnant and took the test with the other wives and I just got bored and stuff. Probably won't continue. The book is just too long. You probably could have cut it down to 250 pages and it would have been perfect.
I did like the FMC even though I think she was a little tstl too stupid to live. She didn't go into the relationship with any heartfelt ideas but she knew that she wanted to stand her ground and she did fairly well. One thing that annoys me about certain books that this book also did is that the FMC treated her sister like she was a fucking idiot and childish. Her sister is 19 years old and the FMC is 21 years old but she's acting like her sister is this fragile thing and doesn't want to tell her the truth. But looking at the situation and it's like if you put yourself in your sister's place and your family is lying and treating you like basically a child and not an adult which she is then what are they expect. The whole section with her trying to buy her skin care products and the card not working was just dumb just like Bruno was being dumb with the FMC by not just saying your dad relapsed with gambling especially when the FMC basically already knew her dad relapsed with gambling she just wanted the confirmation.
Now that comes to another issue in the book is there a lot of freaking people and all of them except for I think one lives at the family compound. But we're not really given any details about them other than that they're there and convenient for certain situations like Nora being pregnant so she's always around but not around and Kristen and Lily being around but also not around. The only one that's not living there is the sister that is married to Dimitri because he is a different Mafia organizations they live somewhere else.
There is so much repetition that it almost makes this book unreadable and it's one of the reasons I chose to not continue considering I was almost finished reading the book. But there's lots of internal dialogue and then there's a lot of dialogue that just doesn't make a whole bunch of sense then you get the whole oops surprise baby even though we kind of talked about it but didn't talk about it but also didn't use protection but now I don't know if he actually wants a kid so let me freak out but if he doesn't want me and the baby I'm going to leave kind of dialogue and I was just over it. I feel like this story gets kind of lost in the fact that they didn't give us enough information in the beginning of the story. We're not really giving a whole lot in this book and a lot of the information is fragmented but I'm assuming if I have read the other 10 books before this one I probably would have more of a complete story and be a little bit less confused but that's boring and that should be all included in the first chapter of the book. Like I don't 100% know what happened with Bruno other than he was in some sort of attack I don't know what kind don't know what happened I just know that I guess his dad died and he was shot and then he was in a coma for 6 months and during this time his one brother that started with a p and I think is married to Nora took over at the dawn for now but doesn't really want to and Bruno says he wants to take over cuz that's what he was trained to do but his dad died at the same time and then he was in a coma for 6 months woke up wasn't able to walk and now spent two years doing recovery and at the beginning of the book he has been able to stand up for 5 or 10 seconds at a time with a physical therapist and has not told anyone and then towards the end of the book he is able to at least stand for like a minute and take a couple steps but hasn't really told anyone until he shows one of his brothers. Then the FMC got pregnant and took the test with the other wives and I just got bored and stuff. Probably won't continue. The book is just too long. You probably could have cut it down to 250 pages and it would have been perfect.
I did like the FMC even though I think she was a little tstl too stupid to live. She didn't go into the relationship with any heartfelt ideas but she knew that she wanted to stand her ground and she did fairly well. One thing that annoys me about certain books that this book also did is that the FMC treated her sister like she was a fucking idiot and childish. Her sister is 19 years old and the FMC is 21 years old but she's acting like her sister is this fragile thing and doesn't want to tell her the truth. But looking at the situation and it's like if you put yourself in your sister's place and your family is lying and treating you like basically a child and not an adult which she is then what are they expect. The whole section with her trying to buy her skin care products and the card not working was just dumb just like Bruno was being dumb with the FMC by not just saying your dad relapsed with gambling especially when the FMC basically already knew her dad relapsed with gambling she just wanted the confirmation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2026
Pretty good
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1\2
Trope: age gap
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1\2
Good read by a new to me author. Story kind of wandered a bit, but paced well overall.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1\2
Trope: age gap
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1\2
Good read by a new to me author. Story kind of wandered a bit, but paced well overall.
July 6, 2026
Bruno by Sherry Blake absolutely consumed me from start to finish! As the eleventh book in the Feretti Syndicate series, it delivered everything I love about a mafia romance—danger, loyalty, intense emotions, and a hero who would do anything for the woman he loves.
Bruno was such a compelling MMC. Beneath his ruthless reputation and powerful presence was a man capable of fierce devotion and protectiveness. Watching him struggle between his responsibilities and his feelings had me completely invested. Every scene with him carried so much tension and emotion that I couldn't put the book down.
The chemistry between the main characters was incredible. Their interactions were packed with sparks, longing, and emotional depth, making every moment together feel meaningful. I loved how their relationship developed despite the chaos surrounding them.
What I enjoyed most was how the story balanced romance with the high-stakes world of the Feretti Syndicate. There were twists, suspense, family dynamics, and plenty of moments that kept me anxiously turning pages. The emotional scenes hit hard, and the romantic moments made my heart melt.
If you're a fan of possessive mafia heroes, intense romance, family loyalty, and stories that keep you hooked until the very last page, Bruno is a must-read. Sherry Blake once again proved why the Feretti Syndicate series is so addictive. I finished this book with a huge smile on my face and immediately wanted more from this world.
Bruno was such a compelling MMC. Beneath his ruthless reputation and powerful presence was a man capable of fierce devotion and protectiveness. Watching him struggle between his responsibilities and his feelings had me completely invested. Every scene with him carried so much tension and emotion that I couldn't put the book down.
The chemistry between the main characters was incredible. Their interactions were packed with sparks, longing, and emotional depth, making every moment together feel meaningful. I loved how their relationship developed despite the chaos surrounding them.
What I enjoyed most was how the story balanced romance with the high-stakes world of the Feretti Syndicate. There were twists, suspense, family dynamics, and plenty of moments that kept me anxiously turning pages. The emotional scenes hit hard, and the romantic moments made my heart melt.
If you're a fan of possessive mafia heroes, intense romance, family loyalty, and stories that keep you hooked until the very last page, Bruno is a must-read. Sherry Blake once again proved why the Feretti Syndicate series is so addictive. I finished this book with a huge smile on my face and immediately wanted more from this world.
July 8, 2026
Esperaba mucho más de este libro por el tipo de personaje que ha sido durante los otros libros. Me ha decepcionado un poco.
May 7, 2026
Dnf
Skimmed
New author for me.
Writing was fine just the story dragged a bit, was kinda boring actually. I really wanted to love it as I love Grumpy vs sunshine type of books. book didnt need to be nearly 600 pages.
Skimmed
New author for me.
Writing was fine just the story dragged a bit, was kinda boring actually. I really wanted to love it as I love Grumpy vs sunshine type of books. book didnt need to be nearly 600 pages.
July 19, 2026
Notes for me
Bruno - set to lead his mafia family. Shot at his first wedding and paralyzed
Antonella - her mafia family used to be strong until her father gambled everything away
She has to marry Bruno to pay father’s $2MM debt
Bruno - set to lead his mafia family. Shot at his first wedding and paralyzed
Antonella - her mafia family used to be strong until her father gambled everything away
She has to marry Bruno to pay father’s $2MM debt
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2026
♥︎ Maya's Reads ♥︎
★★★★★ overall rating
Okay, for some context, I have had this series saved to read since December 2025. Another thing was that I actually found this series actually scrolling on Amazon. What caught my attention was the covers, and immediately I knew that they were mafia books, so I took a picture and finally got around to reading them, not knowing there are so many books, but I’m now determined to finished the Sartori Syndicate series!! So here it goes…
*Spoilers Ahead*
For this book, Bruno & Antonella was truly such an unexpected couple but I was so excited that we finally got an ending to Bruno because he he and Riccardo were sent. She's the first brothers we met of this family and this Siri started with Ricardo's dad and Bruno coma and we finally got to see throughout the books his growth and his journey to get to the point is asking to be Don. I think for so long and especially how he was raised he was raised to be the spare, but when Riccardo dies, and essentially he becomes the heir it is slowly taken away when he falls into his coma and then wakes up from his coma to find out that Pierto is Don now. I think him for this two years has been realizing that he isn't the guy he used to be and never will be the guy that he used to be but him not understanding and burning the new guy he needs to be. I think it was smart for the family to request him to get married to Antonella's family even though it was under the pretenses of fixing an old debt by her father and their wants were to have Bruno show and commit to maintaining stability. I think this was good because it finally gives him a reason to open up a bit to someone that isn't their family that had a previously saw him and Antonella was the perfect person to do that.
When it came to Antonella and her family, even though she was the middle child she took on a lot of the responsibility I think after her mother says she became the mother figure because her father was just so distraught that he just went deeper into his gambling addiction, which in thrust is destroyed his father relationship with his children, which prompted the Sartori family to propose the manner in which their debt could be fulfilled and that was marriage between Antonella and Bruno. I think for me the best part was seeing Antonella not backing down to Bruno's grumpiness and truly just being there for him, regardless if he wanted it or not, and Bruno still realizing that he wanted everything to do with Antonella. This truly was a story where after an arranged marriage they truly ended up falling in love due to the family. They were able to maintain and where they were able to learn from one another.
I think another part that was truly the highlight for me in the story was two things one being when Antonella defended Bruno towards his brothers, especially Lorenzo and having them see another side to him and see that she truly loved and cared for him enough to defend him, and I think that released it out to the brothers in which allowed them to respect her even more and rethink why Bruno's actions or words have been the way it has been. And the other thing that truly was the highlight was after everything was Bruno and Lorenzo's talk of the maintaining their secrets and then closure and then talking about just the realities of their decision to keep secret and how both of them understood that it was to protect the family they thought, and both admitted that it was wrong decisions, but stood by their decisions and I think that was healthy for them in regards to relationship.
I was not expecting the pregnancy of Antonella in this book, but it just truly made sense after thinking of how to because I think that was able to bring them even more closer. And it truly was another motivation for to get better which prompted months along secret recovery process, and wanting to walk at his coronation for Antonella and for himself also to be able to be there for his future child. Only came to her kidnapping. I think it was the traditional mafia story or trope where the woman gets kidnapped and the guy loses his mind over it and that's why it's actually for system to fully commit to the woman, and I think in this case, it works absolutely for Bruno because he needed to be obsessive with her and risk losing her for him to truly just accept that he loves her. And honestly, the best thing was him walking.
I think this entire story of Bruno has been so interesting to read because you have seen him throughout the entire entirety of the series and just how far he has come from the Bruno that we met who was initially going to get married before his coma and now him assuming the position has Don.
★★★★★ overall rating
Okay, for some context, I have had this series saved to read since December 2025. Another thing was that I actually found this series actually scrolling on Amazon. What caught my attention was the covers, and immediately I knew that they were mafia books, so I took a picture and finally got around to reading them, not knowing there are so many books, but I’m now determined to finished the Sartori Syndicate series!! So here it goes…
*Spoilers Ahead*
For this book, Bruno & Antonella was truly such an unexpected couple but I was so excited that we finally got an ending to Bruno because he he and Riccardo were sent. She's the first brothers we met of this family and this Siri started with Ricardo's dad and Bruno coma and we finally got to see throughout the books his growth and his journey to get to the point is asking to be Don. I think for so long and especially how he was raised he was raised to be the spare, but when Riccardo dies, and essentially he becomes the heir it is slowly taken away when he falls into his coma and then wakes up from his coma to find out that Pierto is Don now. I think him for this two years has been realizing that he isn't the guy he used to be and never will be the guy that he used to be but him not understanding and burning the new guy he needs to be. I think it was smart for the family to request him to get married to Antonella's family even though it was under the pretenses of fixing an old debt by her father and their wants were to have Bruno show and commit to maintaining stability. I think this was good because it finally gives him a reason to open up a bit to someone that isn't their family that had a previously saw him and Antonella was the perfect person to do that.
When it came to Antonella and her family, even though she was the middle child she took on a lot of the responsibility I think after her mother says she became the mother figure because her father was just so distraught that he just went deeper into his gambling addiction, which in thrust is destroyed his father relationship with his children, which prompted the Sartori family to propose the manner in which their debt could be fulfilled and that was marriage between Antonella and Bruno. I think for me the best part was seeing Antonella not backing down to Bruno's grumpiness and truly just being there for him, regardless if he wanted it or not, and Bruno still realizing that he wanted everything to do with Antonella. This truly was a story where after an arranged marriage they truly ended up falling in love due to the family. They were able to maintain and where they were able to learn from one another.
I think another part that was truly the highlight for me in the story was two things one being when Antonella defended Bruno towards his brothers, especially Lorenzo and having them see another side to him and see that she truly loved and cared for him enough to defend him, and I think that released it out to the brothers in which allowed them to respect her even more and rethink why Bruno's actions or words have been the way it has been. And the other thing that truly was the highlight was after everything was Bruno and Lorenzo's talk of the maintaining their secrets and then closure and then talking about just the realities of their decision to keep secret and how both of them understood that it was to protect the family they thought, and both admitted that it was wrong decisions, but stood by their decisions and I think that was healthy for them in regards to relationship.
I was not expecting the pregnancy of Antonella in this book, but it just truly made sense after thinking of how to because I think that was able to bring them even more closer. And it truly was another motivation for to get better which prompted months along secret recovery process, and wanting to walk at his coronation for Antonella and for himself also to be able to be there for his future child. Only came to her kidnapping. I think it was the traditional mafia story or trope where the woman gets kidnapped and the guy loses his mind over it and that's why it's actually for system to fully commit to the woman, and I think in this case, it works absolutely for Bruno because he needed to be obsessive with her and risk losing her for him to truly just accept that he loves her. And honestly, the best thing was him walking.
I think this entire story of Bruno has been so interesting to read because you have seen him throughout the entire entirety of the series and just how far he has come from the Bruno that we met who was initially going to get married before his coma and now him assuming the position has Don.
June 27, 2026
4 sarcastic banter-y stars! Antonella (arranged bride after dad gambled away everything and couldn’t pay back Sartori fam.) and Bruno (oldest bro, shot 2 years prior and in wheelchair, angry and closed off).
Better than Nico and Kristen’s story, not as good as Enzo and Sienna (Ruined by Blood).
This was such a well done grumpy/sunshine. Bruno is the epitome of gruff asshole, cloaked in bitterness and rage, and he’s perfected the cruelty of pushing everyone away while he wallows in self pity and his wheelchair following the shooting 2 years ago. Antonella becomes his arranged bride, his unwilling recipient of his lashing out, and exactly what he needs to start choosing life again.
Antonella was almost perfect. I loved her quiet defiance, he slight sass and sarcasm, and the fact she was never bitchy, whiny, cruel, entitled, combative, os TSTL. The way she handled Bruno, and she did handle him, was hilarious, poised, and exactly what he needed. Their first interaction had me cackling
B “hang up on me again and there will be consequences.”
A “promises, promises. Goodnight husband.”
🤣🤣 The sheer shock he felt at her cheeky sarcastic response in the face of his threat had me rolling. She keeps him off balance like that for most of their “courtship” and it was delightful. She’s the first person to truly not go away when he screams at them to, and while I felt bad for how much of an asshole he is to her in the beginning, I loved how she dealt with it.
The banter here was top tier. These two argue in the sexiest way, and it’s laced with desire and flirting, but also something deeper. Antonella never backs down from Bruno, but she also seems to understand him. She picks her battles, challenges him in quiet respectful ways, and it was so much more effective than if she threw tantrums and stomped her feet.
Bruno was not hard to love. He was cold and rude and sometimes cruel, but Blake let us see so very clearly how deep his pain and anger and grief went. He feels something different for Antonella from the beginning, and while it terrifies him she’s able to keep knocking him off balance, it draws him to her as well. His growth was so magical to witness. He never really changes who he is, we don’t get some dramatic thaw where he turns into a mushy cupcake, but more a slow awakening of feelings he thought long dead, and the terrifying realization he cares about someone else and wants to be better for her. Their dynamic felt real and authentic and not forced.
Dropped a star for the amount of angst in this one, again feelings like it overshadowed much of the romance. The push/pull was almost too much, though I was hooked and devoured the story. I knew their HEA would be worth it, and it was, but these books are long at over 540 pages, and for much of it to be angsty back and forth, him pulling away constantly, it becomes taxing.
Also, where was the found family? I honestly felt terrible for Antonella, I felt like she got none of the family aspect rallying around her. Everyone is married and living off site so she spent a lot of time alone. Nico, who I adored in the previous book, was honestly a d!ck in this one, and not in a sexy way. He was cold and hard to Antonella, and it made her “welcome” to the compound feel ever frostier. We get a few moments sprinkled in with Lily and Kristen, some nice scenes with Aria loving Antonella, but mostly the family is absent in this one. Brooding over family politics away from the couple, and it made the whole atmosphere feel cold. Antonella’s loved ones felt like obligatory side characters, her siblings and best friend not even apart of the lovely scene at the end. It felt lazy, honestly, to not include more complex scenes with many of the characters we’ve come to love, as well as Antonella’s family. I wanted more.
Still, if you love angsty push/pull of arranged marriage, broody broken scarred hero who hates everyone (except secretly his new wife), and a quietly defiant sarcastic likable FMC who doesn’t let her new angry husband drown, this one is for you!
Better than Nico and Kristen’s story, not as good as Enzo and Sienna (Ruined by Blood).
This was such a well done grumpy/sunshine. Bruno is the epitome of gruff asshole, cloaked in bitterness and rage, and he’s perfected the cruelty of pushing everyone away while he wallows in self pity and his wheelchair following the shooting 2 years ago. Antonella becomes his arranged bride, his unwilling recipient of his lashing out, and exactly what he needs to start choosing life again.
Antonella was almost perfect. I loved her quiet defiance, he slight sass and sarcasm, and the fact she was never bitchy, whiny, cruel, entitled, combative, os TSTL. The way she handled Bruno, and she did handle him, was hilarious, poised, and exactly what he needed. Their first interaction had me cackling
B “hang up on me again and there will be consequences.”
A “promises, promises. Goodnight husband.”
🤣🤣 The sheer shock he felt at her cheeky sarcastic response in the face of his threat had me rolling. She keeps him off balance like that for most of their “courtship” and it was delightful. She’s the first person to truly not go away when he screams at them to, and while I felt bad for how much of an asshole he is to her in the beginning, I loved how she dealt with it.
The banter here was top tier. These two argue in the sexiest way, and it’s laced with desire and flirting, but also something deeper. Antonella never backs down from Bruno, but she also seems to understand him. She picks her battles, challenges him in quiet respectful ways, and it was so much more effective than if she threw tantrums and stomped her feet.
Bruno was not hard to love. He was cold and rude and sometimes cruel, but Blake let us see so very clearly how deep his pain and anger and grief went. He feels something different for Antonella from the beginning, and while it terrifies him she’s able to keep knocking him off balance, it draws him to her as well. His growth was so magical to witness. He never really changes who he is, we don’t get some dramatic thaw where he turns into a mushy cupcake, but more a slow awakening of feelings he thought long dead, and the terrifying realization he cares about someone else and wants to be better for her. Their dynamic felt real and authentic and not forced.
Dropped a star for the amount of angst in this one, again feelings like it overshadowed much of the romance. The push/pull was almost too much, though I was hooked and devoured the story. I knew their HEA would be worth it, and it was, but these books are long at over 540 pages, and for much of it to be angsty back and forth, him pulling away constantly, it becomes taxing.
Also, where was the found family? I honestly felt terrible for Antonella, I felt like she got none of the family aspect rallying around her. Everyone is married and living off site so she spent a lot of time alone. Nico, who I adored in the previous book, was honestly a d!ck in this one, and not in a sexy way. He was cold and hard to Antonella, and it made her “welcome” to the compound feel ever frostier. We get a few moments sprinkled in with Lily and Kristen, some nice scenes with Aria loving Antonella, but mostly the family is absent in this one. Brooding over family politics away from the couple, and it made the whole atmosphere feel cold. Antonella’s loved ones felt like obligatory side characters, her siblings and best friend not even apart of the lovely scene at the end. It felt lazy, honestly, to not include more complex scenes with many of the characters we’ve come to love, as well as Antonella’s family. I wanted more.
Still, if you love angsty push/pull of arranged marriage, broody broken scarred hero who hates everyone (except secretly his new wife), and a quietly defiant sarcastic likable FMC who doesn’t let her new angry husband drown, this one is for you!
May 11, 2026
Bruno by Sherry Blake was a random download from OceanPDF’s new releases. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but after this book I’m definitely considering exploring more of her work.
What really drew me in was the disabled male main character, Bruno. I absolutely love the disabled trope when it’s done well, and this one really caught my attention.
We follow Antonella, who ends up marrying Bruno to settle her father’s gambling debt with Bruno’s family. From the beginning, she makes it clear she refuses to be silent or submissive, and I loved that about her.
Bruno, on the other hand, agrees to the marriage to prove to his family that he is ready to reclaim his position as Don and take control of his emotions. He intends to have nothing to do with his new young wife—but Antonella is determined to prove him wrong.
Honestly, I really enjoyed Antonella’s character. Not only do we share the same birth month, and both being Virgos made me oddly fond of her, but I loved how she stood her ground with Bruno and was never afraid to voice her thoughts. Bruno trying to distance himself from her definitely didn’t last long—he becomes drawn to her in a way he didn’t expect.
His possessiveness was also one of my favorite parts, especially the coffee shop scene with her male best friend and the misunderstanding involving the gun. That moment was intense but also entertaining to read.
I also really enjoyed their growing closeness, especially the surprise pregnancy storyline (I’m a big fan of the surprise baby trope). Bruno’s reaction to the news was amazing.
One of the best parts for me was seeing Bruno slowly become emotionally available to Antonella. I love a man who can actually communicate his feelings, especially a grumpy one. Watching him open up and share his thoughts with her was very satisfying.
The kidnapping scene had me stressed, especially with Antonella being pregnant at the time. I was genuinely worried about what would happen, but I admired how Bruno took charge during the rescue and also proved to his brothers that he was ready to lead while still accepting their support.
His physiotherapy journey was also very powerful to read. It showed a man determined to regain the use of his legs and prove he is more than his disability.
Seeing him reunite with his family afterward and finally appreciate their support—after previously pushing them away—was really moving.
Overall, while the book may not have been the most action-packed or “unique” storyline-wise, every moment felt well executed. The communication between Bruno and Antonella was one of my favorite parts—whether they were setting boundaries or expressing expectations - they actually talked things through.
And I can’t forget adorable Lily and Bruno’s loving mother—they were such a great addition to the story.
Overall, this was definitely a strong read for me this year.
What really drew me in was the disabled male main character, Bruno. I absolutely love the disabled trope when it’s done well, and this one really caught my attention.
We follow Antonella, who ends up marrying Bruno to settle her father’s gambling debt with Bruno’s family. From the beginning, she makes it clear she refuses to be silent or submissive, and I loved that about her.
Bruno, on the other hand, agrees to the marriage to prove to his family that he is ready to reclaim his position as Don and take control of his emotions. He intends to have nothing to do with his new young wife—but Antonella is determined to prove him wrong.
Honestly, I really enjoyed Antonella’s character. Not only do we share the same birth month, and both being Virgos made me oddly fond of her, but I loved how she stood her ground with Bruno and was never afraid to voice her thoughts. Bruno trying to distance himself from her definitely didn’t last long—he becomes drawn to her in a way he didn’t expect.
His possessiveness was also one of my favorite parts, especially the coffee shop scene with her male best friend and the misunderstanding involving the gun. That moment was intense but also entertaining to read.
I also really enjoyed their growing closeness, especially the surprise pregnancy storyline (I’m a big fan of the surprise baby trope). Bruno’s reaction to the news was amazing.
One of the best parts for me was seeing Bruno slowly become emotionally available to Antonella. I love a man who can actually communicate his feelings, especially a grumpy one. Watching him open up and share his thoughts with her was very satisfying.
The kidnapping scene had me stressed, especially with Antonella being pregnant at the time. I was genuinely worried about what would happen, but I admired how Bruno took charge during the rescue and also proved to his brothers that he was ready to lead while still accepting their support.
His physiotherapy journey was also very powerful to read. It showed a man determined to regain the use of his legs and prove he is more than his disability.
Seeing him reunite with his family afterward and finally appreciate their support—after previously pushing them away—was really moving.
Overall, while the book may not have been the most action-packed or “unique” storyline-wise, every moment felt well executed. The communication between Bruno and Antonella was one of my favorite parts—whether they were setting boundaries or expressing expectations - they actually talked things through.
And I can’t forget adorable Lily and Bruno’s loving mother—they were such a great addition to the story.
Overall, this was definitely a strong read for me this year.
May 29, 2026
You know it was an interesting story with a slightly new take on a mafia alpha male (with him in a wheelchair) and I was liking the book, but then there were inconsistencies and bits that don’t make sense in the 21st century, so I’m not sure if this is 3 whole stars, maybe 2.75.
Inconsistencies: (semi spoiler with the second one)
- Antonella seeing her sister off to her first day of HS and watching Gianna enter the school, then going off to school herself. Makes no sense. Why do they go to separate schools when they’re only two years apart? If Gianna is going to 9th grade, Antonella would be in 11th - would they not go to the same HS? Nothing was said before this scene to make their schools so complicated.
- Antonella falls to the ground and Antonella is on the mattress.
So a good editing run through would be useful.
Then the fact that the doctor bans them from having sex. That makes no sense.
And Chicago having an orphanage run by nuns. In the 21st century!? There are no orphanages. A foster home, yes. An orphanage, no.
Aria being excited she’s having two grandchildren is quite hurtful to Kristen and her daughter, Lily. Kristen is married to Nico, so Lily is his stepdaughter. Aria should say a third grandchild when finding out about
So while these are albeit more minor details, they bother me enough to ruin a pretty interesting story.
The bonus scene is not what I was hoping for.
Inconsistencies: (semi spoiler with the second one)
- Antonella seeing her sister off to her first day of HS and watching Gianna enter the school, then going off to school herself. Makes no sense. Why do they go to separate schools when they’re only two years apart? If Gianna is going to 9th grade, Antonella would be in 11th - would they not go to the same HS? Nothing was said before this scene to make their schools so complicated.
- Antonella falls to the ground and Antonella is on the mattress.
So a good editing run through would be useful.
Then the fact that the doctor bans them from having sex. That makes no sense.
And Chicago having an orphanage run by nuns. In the 21st century!? There are no orphanages. A foster home, yes. An orphanage, no.
Aria being excited she’s having two grandchildren is quite hurtful to Kristen and her daughter, Lily. Kristen is married to Nico, so Lily is his stepdaughter. Aria should say a third grandchild when finding out about
So while these are albeit more minor details, they bother me enough to ruin a pretty interesting story.
The bonus scene is not what I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW...
Bruno has been living in anger for two years since the accident that disabled him. The past that had been carved out for him now seem out of reach, but he's determined to reclaim his position as Don of the Sartori Syndicate. When his brother Pietro tells him he must marry to prove he is ready, Bruno accepts. Antonella and her family have been drowning in debt since her mother passed. With a father who can no longer function and a business that's barely floating, Antonella carries the weight all on her. When the Sartori brothers come with a marriage proposal, Antonella accepts it to save her family. What started out as a transaction quickly turns into more.
I had high hopes for this book! I have been invested since Ruined by Ravishment! Sherry exceeded all my expectations! My biggest worry was that Bruno was going to be mean for most of the book because he's so angry and jaded. But its a "I hate everyone but her" type thing. Antonella was such a strong FMC. She carried the weight of her family's problems with grace. She was strong, resilient, and didn't back down to Bruno. She knew he needed the push and to bot be treated differently. Antonella saw past the man in the wheelchair and saw him as the man he has the potential to be. The storyline was amazing! The author didn't drag the storyline on, but she didn't speed it up. The details in the progression of Antonella and Bruno were so good. I cannot recommend this book enough! I highly suggest starting from the beginning to get the whole background of Bruno. His story starts at Ruined by Ravishment. But really, go all the way back to Ruined by Revenge because the series is soo good! This book will live rent free in my head until we get to Dante's!
Bruno has been living in anger for two years since the accident that disabled him. The past that had been carved out for him now seem out of reach, but he's determined to reclaim his position as Don of the Sartori Syndicate. When his brother Pietro tells him he must marry to prove he is ready, Bruno accepts. Antonella and her family have been drowning in debt since her mother passed. With a father who can no longer function and a business that's barely floating, Antonella carries the weight all on her. When the Sartori brothers come with a marriage proposal, Antonella accepts it to save her family. What started out as a transaction quickly turns into more.
I had high hopes for this book! I have been invested since Ruined by Ravishment! Sherry exceeded all my expectations! My biggest worry was that Bruno was going to be mean for most of the book because he's so angry and jaded. But its a "I hate everyone but her" type thing. Antonella was such a strong FMC. She carried the weight of her family's problems with grace. She was strong, resilient, and didn't back down to Bruno. She knew he needed the push and to bot be treated differently. Antonella saw past the man in the wheelchair and saw him as the man he has the potential to be. The storyline was amazing! The author didn't drag the storyline on, but she didn't speed it up. The details in the progression of Antonella and Bruno were so good. I cannot recommend this book enough! I highly suggest starting from the beginning to get the whole background of Bruno. His story starts at Ruined by Ravishment. But really, go all the way back to Ruined by Revenge because the series is soo good! This book will live rent free in my head until we get to Dante's!
May 18, 2026
Bruno’s story delivers exactly the kind of emotional intensity and character depth I had been hoping for—and then some. As the rightful Don, his life should have been defined by power, control, and respect. Instead, an assassination attempt leaves him in a coma, and when he finally wakes, he’s forced to face a reality he never imagined: confined to a wheelchair and stripped of the authority he once commanded so effortlessly. That loss of identity shapes so much of who he becomes in this story, and watching him grapple with it is both heartbreaking and compelling.
In the beginning, Bruno is deep in denial. His frustration, anger, and sense of inadequacy manifest in the way he treats Antonella—pushing her away, lashing out, and trying to convince both her and himself that he’s no longer capable of being the man he once was. It’s not pretty, but it feels very real. What makes this dynamic so powerful, though, is Antonella. She doesn’t back down. She sees straight through his defenses and refuses to accept the version of himself he’s trying to hide behind. Where others might have pitied him or walked away, she stands her ground, challenging him at every turn until he has no choice but to confront both his feelings for her and the truth about himself.
Antonella was easily one of my favorite parts of this book. She’s strong without being overbearing, compassionate without being naive, and she absolutely does not tolerate Bruno’s attempts to push her aside. There’s a quiet resilience about her that makes her presence feel steady and grounding, especially against Bruno’s emotional turmoil. That said, the age gap—nineteen years—did throw me off at times. Antonella comes across as incredibly mature, often seeming far older than her actual age, which made the dynamic feel a little inconsistent in places. It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it’s something I couldn’t completely ignore.
As their relationship develops, there’s a real sense of growth on both sides. Bruno slowly begins to rebuild himself—not into the exact man he was before, but into someone stronger in different ways. That evolution is one of the most satisfying aspects of the book. He learns that strength isn’t just physical or tied to power, but also about resilience, vulnerability, and the ability to adapt. With Antonella believing in him and refusing to let him settle for less, he starts stepping into his role as Don again, proving not only to others but to himself that he’s still capable.
Just when things seem to be falling into place, the story takes a sharp, emotional turn. The tragedy that hits is intense and chaotic, sending everything spiraling and pushing every character to their limits. It adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps you fully invested, even when it hurts to read.
I really felt for Bruno throughout this book—his loss, his anger, and his struggle to find himself again were written in a way that made it easy to connect with him, even when he wasn’t at his best. And that’s what made his growth so impactful. By the end, he’s not the same man he was before the assassination—he’s better, stronger in ways he never expected, and more deserving of the position he holds.
Overall, this book was everything I’d been waiting for. Bruno’s journey was emotional, messy, and ultimately rewarding, and Antonella was the perfect counterpart to his storm. I’ve been anticipating his story for a while, and I’m so glad it finally delivered in such a powerful way.
I received an arc copy from the author and i this is my honest review of the book. If i could i would rate it 10 starts
In the beginning, Bruno is deep in denial. His frustration, anger, and sense of inadequacy manifest in the way he treats Antonella—pushing her away, lashing out, and trying to convince both her and himself that he’s no longer capable of being the man he once was. It’s not pretty, but it feels very real. What makes this dynamic so powerful, though, is Antonella. She doesn’t back down. She sees straight through his defenses and refuses to accept the version of himself he’s trying to hide behind. Where others might have pitied him or walked away, she stands her ground, challenging him at every turn until he has no choice but to confront both his feelings for her and the truth about himself.
Antonella was easily one of my favorite parts of this book. She’s strong without being overbearing, compassionate without being naive, and she absolutely does not tolerate Bruno’s attempts to push her aside. There’s a quiet resilience about her that makes her presence feel steady and grounding, especially against Bruno’s emotional turmoil. That said, the age gap—nineteen years—did throw me off at times. Antonella comes across as incredibly mature, often seeming far older than her actual age, which made the dynamic feel a little inconsistent in places. It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it’s something I couldn’t completely ignore.
As their relationship develops, there’s a real sense of growth on both sides. Bruno slowly begins to rebuild himself—not into the exact man he was before, but into someone stronger in different ways. That evolution is one of the most satisfying aspects of the book. He learns that strength isn’t just physical or tied to power, but also about resilience, vulnerability, and the ability to adapt. With Antonella believing in him and refusing to let him settle for less, he starts stepping into his role as Don again, proving not only to others but to himself that he’s still capable.
Just when things seem to be falling into place, the story takes a sharp, emotional turn. The tragedy that hits is intense and chaotic, sending everything spiraling and pushing every character to their limits. It adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps you fully invested, even when it hurts to read.
I really felt for Bruno throughout this book—his loss, his anger, and his struggle to find himself again were written in a way that made it easy to connect with him, even when he wasn’t at his best. And that’s what made his growth so impactful. By the end, he’s not the same man he was before the assassination—he’s better, stronger in ways he never expected, and more deserving of the position he holds.
Overall, this book was everything I’d been waiting for. Bruno’s journey was emotional, messy, and ultimately rewarding, and Antonella was the perfect counterpart to his storm. I’ve been anticipating his story for a while, and I’m so glad it finally delivered in such a powerful way.
I received an arc copy from the author and i this is my honest review of the book. If i could i would rate it 10 starts
June 6, 2026
Bruno
A Broken Marriage Mafia Romance
Satori Syndicate #5
Sherry Blake
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 5.8.26):
⭐: DNF/Almost DNF
⭐⭐: Had Potential. Fell Short.
⭐⭐⭐: Good. Something Was Missing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great Book. Strong Overall Story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved. Reread Worthy. I recommend it.
—-------------------
Tropes/Vibes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕Arranged Marriage
💕Touch Her and Die
💕MF Romance
💕No Cheating
💕Part of a Series
💕Disabled Representation
Triggers:
🚩Violence
🚩Gambling Addiction
Spice Level (as of 5.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
Bruno Sartoni's sits in a wheelchair.
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: Medium
Slow: Takes Time to Build
Medium: Things Move Steadily
Fast: Things Happen Quickly
—-------------------------
Summary:
MMC was the don until he was shot and placed into a coma. In order to get his position back he must marry and prove himself. The FMC has sacrificed herself to marry the MMC instead of her sister. Eventual HEA.
Review:
A great addition to the series. MMC is fighting his own demons. The FMC is trying to find her way but she is not a push over. The push and pull of this relationship--loved it. The way the FMC stood her ground and became what the MMC needed---loved it.
Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4e2c6VP
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Join the community and read with me: https://bibliodarling.substack.com
A Broken Marriage Mafia Romance
Satori Syndicate #5
Sherry Blake
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 5.8.26):
⭐: DNF/Almost DNF
⭐⭐: Had Potential. Fell Short.
⭐⭐⭐: Good. Something Was Missing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great Book. Strong Overall Story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved. Reread Worthy. I recommend it.
—-------------------
Tropes/Vibes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕Arranged Marriage
💕Touch Her and Die
💕MF Romance
💕No Cheating
💕Part of a Series
💕Disabled Representation
Triggers:
🚩Violence
🚩Gambling Addiction
Spice Level (as of 5.8.26): 🔥🔥🔥
🔥: Clean
🔥🔥: Mild
🔥🔥🔥: Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥: Very Spicy
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Explicit/Kink-Heavy
—----------------------
Quote From Book:
Bruno Sartoni's sits in a wheelchair.
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: Medium
Slow: Takes Time to Build
Medium: Things Move Steadily
Fast: Things Happen Quickly
—-------------------------
Summary:
MMC was the don until he was shot and placed into a coma. In order to get his position back he must marry and prove himself. The FMC has sacrificed herself to marry the MMC instead of her sister. Eventual HEA.
Review:
A great addition to the series. MMC is fighting his own demons. The FMC is trying to find her way but she is not a push over. The push and pull of this relationship--loved it. The way the FMC stood her ground and became what the MMC needed---loved it.
Want to read this for yourself? Grab your copy here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4e2c6VP
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Join the community and read with me: https://bibliodarling.substack.com
April 29, 2026
Bruno's book was outstanding!
I was so intrigued to see how his story would play out, and to say it was an emotional journey is an understatement. He wasn't my favourite person in the previous books because of the way he treated everyone, but he certainly redeemed himself in his own book. Seeing the world through his eyes and his mind made me understand him a lot more.
Antonella's father owes a lot of money to a lot of people, so a marriage is arranged between her and Bruno to clear the debt. He also wants to take back his rightful place as the head of the family, but he needs to prove himself.
Bruno expects everyone to leave, so he pushes them away first. He hates himself; he hates the wheelchair that he is having to use, and he hates the world, until Antonella walks into his life. I love the growth of his character and how his true personality starts to come through the further into the book you get.
Antonella is sassy and defiant when it comes to Bruno. She doesn't just bow down to his moods or his attitude. She tests him and gets him to open up and talk about what's going on in his head.
There's jealousy, possessiveness; he'd burn the city to the ground for her. Their love story starts out rocky, but in the end, their love is the purest kind, and he would do anything to keep her safe and happy. I'm a sucker for the big, scary mafia man who is mean to everyone else except the love of his life, and Bruno fits that trope perfectly.
I really loved Bruno's book ❤️
I was so intrigued to see how his story would play out, and to say it was an emotional journey is an understatement. He wasn't my favourite person in the previous books because of the way he treated everyone, but he certainly redeemed himself in his own book. Seeing the world through his eyes and his mind made me understand him a lot more.
Antonella's father owes a lot of money to a lot of people, so a marriage is arranged between her and Bruno to clear the debt. He also wants to take back his rightful place as the head of the family, but he needs to prove himself.
Bruno expects everyone to leave, so he pushes them away first. He hates himself; he hates the wheelchair that he is having to use, and he hates the world, until Antonella walks into his life. I love the growth of his character and how his true personality starts to come through the further into the book you get.
Antonella is sassy and defiant when it comes to Bruno. She doesn't just bow down to his moods or his attitude. She tests him and gets him to open up and talk about what's going on in his head.
There's jealousy, possessiveness; he'd burn the city to the ground for her. Their love story starts out rocky, but in the end, their love is the purest kind, and he would do anything to keep her safe and happy. I'm a sucker for the big, scary mafia man who is mean to everyone else except the love of his life, and Bruno fits that trope perfectly.
I really loved Bruno's book ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
An arranged marriage, age gap, angsty, hero with disability, strong heroine, hurt/comfort, slow burn, mafia story.
Check the trigger warnings before diving.
Heroine, Antonella, is the daughter of an addicted to gambling father. After owing a very large amount of money to the other families they come to an agreement Antonella to get married to hero, Bruno, the rightful Don but due to an assassination he was in a coma and now in a wheelchair.
Initially Bruno is in denial and treats Antonella badly to push her away. But Antonella sees through him and stands her ground until Bruno can't deny his feelings for her. The story continues as they find their way to each other until tragedy his and everyone loses their mind. Meanwhile Bruno tries to prove that he can step up as Don.
I loved how strong was Antonella and didn't take any shite by Bruno. She was very mature for her age and I'm confused a little bit about their age gap (19 years) as Antonella seems to be much older.
I hurt for Bruno and his misfortune and how his life was turned upside down but when the right person believed in him and didn't take BS he flourished and became not what he was before the assassination but better.
I really liked the writing of the Author and I'm really curious to find out about the rest of the family.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion
Check the trigger warnings before diving.
Heroine, Antonella, is the daughter of an addicted to gambling father. After owing a very large amount of money to the other families they come to an agreement Antonella to get married to hero, Bruno, the rightful Don but due to an assassination he was in a coma and now in a wheelchair.
Initially Bruno is in denial and treats Antonella badly to push her away. But Antonella sees through him and stands her ground until Bruno can't deny his feelings for her. The story continues as they find their way to each other until tragedy his and everyone loses their mind. Meanwhile Bruno tries to prove that he can step up as Don.
I loved how strong was Antonella and didn't take any shite by Bruno. She was very mature for her age and I'm confused a little bit about their age gap (19 years) as Antonella seems to be much older.
I hurt for Bruno and his misfortune and how his life was turned upside down but when the right person believed in him and didn't take BS he flourished and became not what he was before the assassination but better.
I really liked the writing of the Author and I'm really curious to find out about the rest of the family.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion
April 30, 2026
ARC Review
This book… honestly, it made me feel so much.
Bruno isn’t your typical main character. He’s angry, broken, and dealing with so much internally, and you can feel all of it while reading. Watching him try to pull himself back together and figure out who he is now was really powerful and seeing him take back what’s rightfully his just hits even harder. And the fact that this man was still ruling everything while in a wheelchair? Yeah… that says everything.
There were definitely moments that got to me and I teared up, and that alone is because of how good Ms. Blake’s writing is. Especially that Bruno’s mindset and the weight he was carrying mentally. My man needed a break and that’s when my girl comes in.
I loved Antonella too. She’s strong, stands her ground, and doesn’t let him bulldoze over her. And together? They just work. It’s messy, intense, and not easy at all, but that’s what makes it so good. You can feel everything building between them, and it makes you root for them.
The writing is just… on another level. Everything flows, everything matters, and it pulls you in without trying too hard.
This book isn’t just romance it’s about healing, growth, and finding yourself again after everything falls apart.
And I’m just gonna say it out of the entire series, Bruno’s book is #1 for me. He’s officially my book boyfriend now 😭
5 ⭐️’s
This whole series honestly doesn’t miss.
This book… honestly, it made me feel so much.
Bruno isn’t your typical main character. He’s angry, broken, and dealing with so much internally, and you can feel all of it while reading. Watching him try to pull himself back together and figure out who he is now was really powerful and seeing him take back what’s rightfully his just hits even harder. And the fact that this man was still ruling everything while in a wheelchair? Yeah… that says everything.
There were definitely moments that got to me and I teared up, and that alone is because of how good Ms. Blake’s writing is. Especially that Bruno’s mindset and the weight he was carrying mentally. My man needed a break and that’s when my girl comes in.
I loved Antonella too. She’s strong, stands her ground, and doesn’t let him bulldoze over her. And together? They just work. It’s messy, intense, and not easy at all, but that’s what makes it so good. You can feel everything building between them, and it makes you root for them.
The writing is just… on another level. Everything flows, everything matters, and it pulls you in without trying too hard.
This book isn’t just romance it’s about healing, growth, and finding yourself again after everything falls apart.
And I’m just gonna say it out of the entire series, Bruno’s book is #1 for me. He’s officially my book boyfriend now 😭
5 ⭐️’s
This whole series honestly doesn’t miss.
May 17, 2026
Let's be honest, there is not enough romances with disabilities representation. Written well, describing characters and their struggles, emotions with such depth, complexity. Portraying all the feelings of loneliness, sadness, hated and bitterness, from processing them, understanding them, finally to acceptance and love. To allow themselves love and being loved. Proving that right person can unconsciously do wonders even to the most stubborn and grumpy one.
And Sherry Blake just deliver all of the above to her readers.
In previous books Bruno was bitter, angry at himself, the family, at circumstances - the list can go on... After waking up from coma, finding out all changes within his family, how they moved on, but most importantly him being bound to wheelchair, he closed himself off, pushed everyone away as his coping mechanisms. Becoming this broken man who suffers in silence, blinded by pain and loss of his furure. Until Antonella walks into his world, thru arranged marriage forced into his space, slowly getting him opening to her and others, make him feel again, giving hope for better tomorrow he never thought would be there for him.
Their story is example of slow burn at it best, with feelings and emotions flowing at the right time, passion and tension building up gradually. Showing the reader there is nothing that can stop the growing love between them.
And Sherry Blake just deliver all of the above to her readers.
In previous books Bruno was bitter, angry at himself, the family, at circumstances - the list can go on... After waking up from coma, finding out all changes within his family, how they moved on, but most importantly him being bound to wheelchair, he closed himself off, pushed everyone away as his coping mechanisms. Becoming this broken man who suffers in silence, blinded by pain and loss of his furure. Until Antonella walks into his world, thru arranged marriage forced into his space, slowly getting him opening to her and others, make him feel again, giving hope for better tomorrow he never thought would be there for him.
Their story is example of slow burn at it best, with feelings and emotions flowing at the right time, passion and tension building up gradually. Showing the reader there is nothing that can stop the growing love between them.
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
ARC Review, thx Sherry Blake
As I mentioned with the last two books, the writing keeps getting better and better, and Bruno's storyline is truly excellent.
The chemistry between Bruno and Antonella is off the charts.
While there's not much action, except at the very end, it doesn't detract from the reading pleasure at all. The story focuses on the relationship between Antonella and Bruno and between the individual family members, and it does so in a wonderfully sensitive way.
There's one inconsistency for me: Antonella, who was lying in the basement before Bruno rescued her, suddenly knew about the ledgers and the Castellano family, even though no one had told her. Scar never mentioned the name or the reason, only that it was something important. And I'd like to know what became of Claudio. He and Antonella's sister weren't even at the coronation.
My only criticism is the age gap. Nineteen years is far too much. I also don't understand why this age range was chosen, especially since Antonella behaves more like a woman in her late twenties.
Nevertheless, I definitely recommend this book. Enjoy the vibrant interplay of emotions, forgiveness, conquering inner demons, and a touch of smut.
I'm so excited to read Dante and Marina's story.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 3.5/5
As I mentioned with the last two books, the writing keeps getting better and better, and Bruno's storyline is truly excellent.
The chemistry between Bruno and Antonella is off the charts.
While there's not much action, except at the very end, it doesn't detract from the reading pleasure at all. The story focuses on the relationship between Antonella and Bruno and between the individual family members, and it does so in a wonderfully sensitive way.
There's one inconsistency for me: Antonella, who was lying in the basement before Bruno rescued her, suddenly knew about the ledgers and the Castellano family, even though no one had told her. Scar never mentioned the name or the reason, only that it was something important. And I'd like to know what became of Claudio. He and Antonella's sister weren't even at the coronation.
My only criticism is the age gap. Nineteen years is far too much. I also don't understand why this age range was chosen, especially since Antonella behaves more like a woman in her late twenties.
Nevertheless, I definitely recommend this book. Enjoy the vibrant interplay of emotions, forgiveness, conquering inner demons, and a touch of smut.
I'm so excited to read Dante and Marina's story.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book completely pulled me in—I couldn’t put it down. All of Sherry's books, I devour!
From the earlier books, when Bruno was in a coma after the ambushed wedding, I knew there was a deeper story there. Finally getting his POV did not disappoint. He was always so mean to everyone after he woke back up, I was just waiting to understand him, and Sherry Blake delivered.
Bruno’s journey is emotional and heavy. He was meant to lead the Family, and instead woke up paralyzed, angry, and lost. There was a moment in this book (towards the end) that Bruno and his family needed to happen, and I am so glad Sherry put that in the book. It showed just how much he’d grown.
Antonella is exactly what he needed. Strong, selfless, and willing to stand up to him, she slowly helps pull him out of that darkness. Their connection is intense—the spice is 🔥—but it’s the emotional depth that really makes their story stand out. She understands him.
And that ending… WOW. There’s a surprise, and it made everything even more unforgettable.
Sherry Blake is such an AMAZING author and the way she writes her books, you literally feel every single emotion written on the pages! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! 5 Stars ALL THE WAY!!!
This book completely pulled me in—I couldn’t put it down. All of Sherry's books, I devour!
From the earlier books, when Bruno was in a coma after the ambushed wedding, I knew there was a deeper story there. Finally getting his POV did not disappoint. He was always so mean to everyone after he woke back up, I was just waiting to understand him, and Sherry Blake delivered.
Bruno’s journey is emotional and heavy. He was meant to lead the Family, and instead woke up paralyzed, angry, and lost. There was a moment in this book (towards the end) that Bruno and his family needed to happen, and I am so glad Sherry put that in the book. It showed just how much he’d grown.
Antonella is exactly what he needed. Strong, selfless, and willing to stand up to him, she slowly helps pull him out of that darkness. Their connection is intense—the spice is 🔥—but it’s the emotional depth that really makes their story stand out. She understands him.
And that ending… WOW. There’s a surprise, and it made everything even more unforgettable.
Sherry Blake is such an AMAZING author and the way she writes her books, you literally feel every single emotion written on the pages! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! 5 Stars ALL THE WAY!!!
June 12, 2026
This is the first book I have read by Sherry Blake. This book is the eleventh book in the Feretti Syndicate book series. I really was intrigued by the book because the main character a Don was in a wheelchair. I was perplexed with how a mafia Don could run an effective organization being wheelchair bound. I truly enjoyed this story of Bruno and Antonella. Antonella’s father was good friends years ago with Bruno’s father. However, after the lost of his wife Antonella’s father became addicted to gambling and had an extremely high debt that was being collected by more than one family. Bruno’s brother who was the current Don while Bruno was recuperating decided that if Bruno wanted to be Don he needed to be married and assume responsibility for Antonella’s family which consisted of three people including Antonella. So Antonella agrees to marry Bruno sight unseen to spare her father. Antonella was such a strong and confident woman that she was a perfect match for Bruno. I truly enjoyed this story that is definitely a slow burn but a great story of two people finding themselves and love. Now after reading this book I must make the time to read the first ten books because I missed a lot of previous events.
May 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sherry did it again — I absolutely loved this book and this series just keeps getting better and better. As always, the writing was flawless and completely pulled me in from the very first page.
Bruno and Antonella’s chemistry was OFF the charts. Watching their relationship blossom and grow was everything. Bruno has been miserable and grumpy for the past two years, but Antonella knew exactly how to handle him, and it was so satisfying to watch it unfold. She brought out his protective, possessive side, but also awakened hopes and desires he thought were long gone. She made him feel again, and I loved every second of it.
One of my favourite things about this series is the family dynamic. The Sartoris feel so real, and honestly, I just want to be part of the family at this point.
This book had everything for me — I laughed, cried, felt anxious, and had so many soft, mushy moments too. It hit every emotional note perfectly.
This book landed right smack bang on the bullseye for me.
Thank you, Sherry, for the ARC. This is my honest review, and I bloody loved it.
Sherry did it again — I absolutely loved this book and this series just keeps getting better and better. As always, the writing was flawless and completely pulled me in from the very first page.
Bruno and Antonella’s chemistry was OFF the charts. Watching their relationship blossom and grow was everything. Bruno has been miserable and grumpy for the past two years, but Antonella knew exactly how to handle him, and it was so satisfying to watch it unfold. She brought out his protective, possessive side, but also awakened hopes and desires he thought were long gone. She made him feel again, and I loved every second of it.
One of my favourite things about this series is the family dynamic. The Sartoris feel so real, and honestly, I just want to be part of the family at this point.
This book had everything for me — I laughed, cried, felt anxious, and had so many soft, mushy moments too. It hit every emotional note perfectly.
This book landed right smack bang on the bullseye for me.
Thank you, Sherry, for the ARC. This is my honest review, and I bloody loved it.
May 11, 2026
A beyond 5⭐️ read! I was looking forward to Bruno’s book so much! Literally my most anticipated brother to read about. I loved him and Antonella so much as a couple and as individual characters as well. Their story flowed perfectly and wasn’t rushed at all. You truly got to see the development of their relationship. The character development of Bruno was amazing to read. He’s a true grump and a tough person, but it was nice to see his personality develop over the story and see a different side of him. It took me a little bit to read this book because on a personal level I can relate to Bruno currently. To be so angry to have things ripped from you and feeling angry with the world for physically being disabled in the moment. To see him work so hard to gain strength and to do more. He had so much motivation. It was refreshing for me to read about using that anger as motivation to get back to some sort of normalcy. Bruno was everything and very relatable.
Looking forward to Dante’s story 🫶🏻
Looking forward to Dante’s story 🫶🏻
June 5, 2026
Bruno lost a lot in a single day. Not only his brother, but also his title and control over his own body. Two years of captivity and being bound to his wheelchair have made him so angry and mean. Antonella was truly the best thing that could have happened to him, because she saw him and helped him. My heart really bled for Bruno and Antonella. She deserved so much better and not a marriage arranged because her father was addicted to gambling and could no longer provide for his children.At first, the two of them only have a marriage on paper, but Bruno falls hard and quickly for his wife. Watching their relationship develop from something distant and forced into something real and deeply emotional was really beautiful to read.
(***Maybe spoiler***)
The pregnancy didn’t come as a surprise, but I still found myself genuinely happy for both of them.
By the end, their story felt like it had come full circle in a very satisfying way. The development of the couple was not only touching but also really engaging to follow, especially as things became more intense toward the ending.
(***Maybe spoiler***)
The pregnancy didn’t come as a surprise, but I still found myself genuinely happy for both of them.
By the end, their story felt like it had come full circle in a very satisfying way. The development of the couple was not only touching but also really engaging to follow, especially as things became more intense toward the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review ❤️
Thank you Sherry Blake and team for sending me this ARC!
Dare I say this book has become my new favorite in the series!
We have the story of Antonella (FMC) and Bruno (MMC) who are brought together by an arranged marriage.
We have had some glimpses of Bruno in the previous books, and I was excited to finally hear his story.
Bruno was grumpy, rude, ruthless, but also scared to let anyone in and the author wrote the perfect FMC for him.
Loved the way the author wrote Antonella. Antonella was selfless, sweet, but she could be feisty when needed, which usually came with dealing with Bruno.
Loved the chemistry between Antonella and Bruno. The build up of them finally giving in to each-other was amazing. I was literally on the edge of my seat and yelling at my Kindle 😂
I was happy with the ending and overall this book had me engaged from start to finish. Definitely recommend reading this one.
Thank you Sherry Blake and team for sending me this ARC!
Dare I say this book has become my new favorite in the series!
We have the story of Antonella (FMC) and Bruno (MMC) who are brought together by an arranged marriage.
We have had some glimpses of Bruno in the previous books, and I was excited to finally hear his story.
Bruno was grumpy, rude, ruthless, but also scared to let anyone in and the author wrote the perfect FMC for him.
Loved the way the author wrote Antonella. Antonella was selfless, sweet, but she could be feisty when needed, which usually came with dealing with Bruno.
Loved the chemistry between Antonella and Bruno. The build up of them finally giving in to each-other was amazing. I was literally on the edge of my seat and yelling at my Kindle 😂
I was happy with the ending and overall this book had me engaged from start to finish. Definitely recommend reading this one.
April 29, 2026
What a refreshing book i mean i didn’t expect less
Bruno is a grumpy person but underneath all that hatred he was just a sweetheart drown on the depression of being bound to a wheelchair he was just waiting to someone really notice him not the wheelchair just him
Antonella love the name btw she was strong capable and the most important thing she was not afraid of him she was sassy and upfront very very good fmc even with all her issues she stays strong
The spicy 🌶️
Again like with vittoria u got a extra pepper for the squirt scene like wtf 😬
I love it overall i love this books because i got plot i got spicy i got tension this one meet all my favorite criterias
Surprise baby 😍😍😍 love love that trope so i am always down for it
Overall excellent book is a mix of this mafia world with a sweet note
Thank you for the ARC
Cant wait for Dante and valentino if he is the cards soon 😍😍😍
Bruno is a grumpy person but underneath all that hatred he was just a sweetheart drown on the depression of being bound to a wheelchair he was just waiting to someone really notice him not the wheelchair just him
Antonella love the name btw she was strong capable and the most important thing she was not afraid of him she was sassy and upfront very very good fmc even with all her issues she stays strong
The spicy 🌶️
Again like with vittoria u got a extra pepper for the squirt scene like wtf 😬
I love it overall i love this books because i got plot i got spicy i got tension this one meet all my favorite criterias
Surprise baby 😍😍😍 love love that trope so i am always down for it
Overall excellent book is a mix of this mafia world with a sweet note
Thank you for the ARC
Cant wait for Dante and valentino if he is the cards soon 😍😍😍
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