What do you think?
Fatal Alliances #2
Torn by Fate
From Amazon bestselling author Lylah James comes a new dark, arranged-marriage romance about a mafia wife on the run and her vengeful husband who will do everything to get her back.
Serafina
When I was fifteen, I made a promise.
One day I would have my revenge.
For years, I played my part.
The obedient daughter. The perfect fiancée. The devoted wife.
And when the time finally came…
I pulled the trigger.
Because vengeance had always been the plan.
A life for a life.
What I never planned for was Adrian Salvatore surviving my bullet.
And now he was chasing me across the world.
The man I betrayed was more dangerous than ever.
More ruthless.
More obsessed.
And worst of all…
He still wants me to be his.
Adrian
Our marriage was built on lies.
But I never expected Serafina to be as ruthless as I was.
My wife thought a bullet would stop me.
But she was wrong.
Now she was forcing me to chase her across the oceans.
Such a silly game of hers.
But I wasn’t chasing.
I was hunting.
For answers. For revenge.
For the woman who had always belonged to me.
Serafina could run all she wanted.
But the world wasn’t big enough to keep her from me.
She started this game. Now I would be the one to finish it.
Till death do us part, wife.
TORN BY FATE is book two in the dark and twisted FATAL ALLIANCES Series. Adrian and Serafina's story continues. Please read the author's note at the beginning of the book.
Serafina
When I was fifteen, I made a promise.
One day I would have my revenge.
For years, I played my part.
The obedient daughter. The perfect fiancée. The devoted wife.
And when the time finally came…
I pulled the trigger.
Because vengeance had always been the plan.
A life for a life.
What I never planned for was Adrian Salvatore surviving my bullet.
And now he was chasing me across the world.
The man I betrayed was more dangerous than ever.
More ruthless.
More obsessed.
And worst of all…
He still wants me to be his.
Adrian
Our marriage was built on lies.
But I never expected Serafina to be as ruthless as I was.
My wife thought a bullet would stop me.
But she was wrong.
Now she was forcing me to chase her across the oceans.
Such a silly game of hers.
But I wasn’t chasing.
I was hunting.
For answers. For revenge.
For the woman who had always belonged to me.
Serafina could run all she wanted.
But the world wasn’t big enough to keep her from me.
She started this game. Now I would be the one to finish it.
Till death do us part, wife.
TORN BY FATE is book two in the dark and twisted FATAL ALLIANCES Series. Adrian and Serafina's story continues. Please read the author's note at the beginning of the book.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2026
About the author
Lylah James
30 books5,107 followersAuthor of The Mafia and His Angel. Creator of Alessio Ivanshov and Aylessio.
Reading is her first love and always will be.
Writing is her passion. She writes because the voices in her head won't stop and because they deserve to be heard and read. Lylah James writes about drool worthy and total alpha males, with strong and sweet heroines. She makes her readers cry - sob their eyes out, swoon, curse, rage and fall in love. Mostly known as the Queen of cliffhanger and the #evilauthorwithablacksoul, she likes to break her readers' hearts and then mend them again.
She uses all her spare time to write. If she is not studying, sleeping, writing or working - she can found with her nose buried in a good romance book, preferably with a hot alpha male.
Reading is her first love and always will be.
Writing is her passion. She writes because the voices in her head won't stop and because they deserve to be heard and read. Lylah James writes about drool worthy and total alpha males, with strong and sweet heroines. She makes her readers cry - sob their eyes out, swoon, curse, rage and fall in love. Mostly known as the Queen of cliffhanger and the #evilauthorwithablacksoul, she likes to break her readers' hearts and then mend them again.
She uses all her spare time to write. If she is not studying, sleeping, writing or working - she can found with her nose buried in a good romance book, preferably with a hot alpha male.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 12, 2026
😐 Girl, really… No, this was just filler. I wish you'd just stuck with the duet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Dark
*Mafia
*Possessive MMC
*Black cat FMC
*Suspense
*Twist
After being left in cliffhanger in previous book where Serafina has shot her husband Adrian, we read Adrian stalking his wife, while said wife is trying to escape making a world tour. Until events ar catching up on them and truths come to surface.
Serafina is a strong woman with a hidden agenda which we all want to know and especially the reason of shooting her husband.
Adrian is the kind of unhinged, who even though he was shot by his wife, he can't stay away from her.
I swear this author is trying to make my pressure go high from the suspense and the twists. I did NOT see that coming. Also I'm curious to find out about the whole truth. I believe the third installment will be seismic.
I can't really say much because it would be a spoiler and it would be best if you just dive in.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
*Mafia
*Possessive MMC
*Black cat FMC
*Suspense
*Twist
After being left in cliffhanger in previous book where Serafina has shot her husband Adrian, we read Adrian stalking his wife, while said wife is trying to escape making a world tour. Until events ar catching up on them and truths come to surface.
Serafina is a strong woman with a hidden agenda which we all want to know and especially the reason of shooting her husband.
Adrian is the kind of unhinged, who even though he was shot by his wife, he can't stay away from her.
I swear this author is trying to make my pressure go high from the suspense and the twists. I did NOT see that coming. Also I'm curious to find out about the whole truth. I believe the third installment will be seismic.
I can't really say much because it would be a spoiler and it would be best if you just dive in.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
September 18, 2026
After shooting her husband, Adrian Salvatore, Serafina Morelli goes on the run. Not one to back down, Adrian gives chase, only to discover he’s not the only one hunting his wife. Forced to change tactics, he has to figure out what the hell is really happening while Serafina remains determined to see the vengeance she’s spent years planning through to the end.
But when Adrian finally hears her truth, it becomes clear that there are pieces of their history neither of them fully understands and that everything we thought we knew about their story may only be part of it.
Holy shit! This second installment brought the edge-of-your-seat action, with Adrian in pursuit and unknown assassins closing in on Serafina. But for me, the real payoff was finally getting some of the backstory that was only hinted at in book one. We knew things weren’t quite what they seemed, but getting the truth behind some of it? Ugh. Heartbreaking.
And, of course, because apparently, I enjoy suffering, getting answers only leaves us with even more questions.
I live for a book that keeps me guessing. Sure, some pieces started to fall into place, and the bigger picture is becoming a little clearer, but there is still so much I can’t quite connect. I have theories, but I absolutely do not have the full picture and I love that.
This is one of those stories where every answer seems to uncover another piece of the puzzle, and I cannot wait to see how it all comes together. I need the rest of this story, the full truth, and whatever the hell is coming next.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
Length: 📚📚📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
Emotions: 🤫🫣😩🥵😤
Darkness: 🩶🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥
Pacing: 🏃♀️ {Moderate}
Spice: 🌶️
Vibe: Angsty, Chaotic, Emotional, Gritty, Intense, Unhinged, WTF
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Revenge, Stalker
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Secrets & Lies, Pet Name (Princess), She’s a Runner, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises, Mafia Princess, Underground Fighter, Writer
💋 Kinks: Bondage/Restraints, Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Dominant MMC, Drugged (by MMC), “My Wife”, Touch-Her-and-💀
⛔️ Safety Squad: Assault, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, in the past and/or present, and to main and/or side characters. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: On the Run
📣 Type: Torn by Fate is part of the Fatal Alliances trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. This series must be read in order.
⚠️ Warning: The hate-to-want-you in this one will give you whiplash and sticky thighs.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
But when Adrian finally hears her truth, it becomes clear that there are pieces of their history neither of them fully understands and that everything we thought we knew about their story may only be part of it.
Holy shit! This second installment brought the edge-of-your-seat action, with Adrian in pursuit and unknown assassins closing in on Serafina. But for me, the real payoff was finally getting some of the backstory that was only hinted at in book one. We knew things weren’t quite what they seemed, but getting the truth behind some of it? Ugh. Heartbreaking.
And, of course, because apparently, I enjoy suffering, getting answers only leaves us with even more questions.
I live for a book that keeps me guessing. Sure, some pieces started to fall into place, and the bigger picture is becoming a little clearer, but there is still so much I can’t quite connect. I have theories, but I absolutely do not have the full picture and I love that.
This is one of those stories where every answer seems to uncover another piece of the puzzle, and I cannot wait to see how it all comes together. I need the rest of this story, the full truth, and whatever the hell is coming next.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
Length: 📚📚📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
Emotions: 🤫🫣😩🥵😤
Darkness: 🩶🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥
Pacing: 🏃♀️ {Moderate}
Spice: 🌶️
Vibe: Angsty, Chaotic, Emotional, Gritty, Intense, Unhinged, WTF
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Revenge, Stalker
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Secrets & Lies, Pet Name (Princess), She’s a Runner, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises, Mafia Princess, Underground Fighter, Writer
💋 Kinks: Bondage/Restraints, Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Dominant MMC, Drugged (by MMC), “My Wife”, Touch-Her-and-💀
⛔️ Safety Squad: Assault, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, in the past and/or present, and to main and/or side characters. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: On the Run
📣 Type: Torn by Fate is part of the Fatal Alliances trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. This series must be read in order.
⚠️ Warning: The hate-to-want-you in this one will give you whiplash and sticky thighs.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
September 19, 2026
4 STARS
After absolutely INHALING book one, I was on pins and needles waiting for the conclusion. I've spent months stalking Lylah's socials waiting for any word of the release of this book. So to say I wasn't a little disappointed to see that this will not be the conclusion I've been desperately anticipating as this story is now a trilogy, well I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't. But on the other hand, having read this story, I also understood the decision to expand it into three books. I saw a few reviews mentioning they feel like it was a filler. For a reader who generally struggles with trilogies because I regularly feel like book two suffers from the filler syndrome, I didn't find that here. This is a story that needed its own book. Serafina and Adrian's story is complex, and this added a layer that I never saw coming. It completely blindsided me, but in the best of ways. So while I am disappointed to have to wait even longer for the conclusion, I enjoyed this book immensely.
After the jaw dropping conclusion of book one, I couldn't wait to see how things will progress. This story starts a few months after the events of book one. Adrian is hunting his wife who shot him and left him for death. For months, he's been playing a game of cat and mouse with her. And it doesn't take him long to realize that there's so much more to the woman he thought he knew as a pawn in his game. Serafina is no one's pawn, and her mastery for the chessboard is a direct match for her husband.
I was riveted to the pages and didn't feel like there was a word of filler to the story. It builds an additional complex layer that amplified an already addictive story. The tension and chemistry between these two is simply unmatched. I loved seeing the dangerous push and pull between them. And if there's one thing that Lylah can do, is give one hell of a plot twist. And this one had me with my jaw on the floor. I didn't see that coming in a million years and I was left absolutely reeling. I can't wait to see how this story concludes and only hope that Lylah doesn't keep us waiting too long for book 3.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I shot my husband and left him for dead. In his story, that made me the villain. But he wrote himself into mine long before I ever held a gun.
After absolutely INHALING book one, I was on pins and needles waiting for the conclusion. I've spent months stalking Lylah's socials waiting for any word of the release of this book. So to say I wasn't a little disappointed to see that this will not be the conclusion I've been desperately anticipating as this story is now a trilogy, well I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't. But on the other hand, having read this story, I also understood the decision to expand it into three books. I saw a few reviews mentioning they feel like it was a filler. For a reader who generally struggles with trilogies because I regularly feel like book two suffers from the filler syndrome, I didn't find that here. This is a story that needed its own book. Serafina and Adrian's story is complex, and this added a layer that I never saw coming. It completely blindsided me, but in the best of ways. So while I am disappointed to have to wait even longer for the conclusion, I enjoyed this book immensely.
I felt his smile against my cheek. “I know, Princess.” His thumb traced the line of my jaw where I was sure his fingers had left red marks. “I like the way you hate me.”
After the jaw dropping conclusion of book one, I couldn't wait to see how things will progress. This story starts a few months after the events of book one. Adrian is hunting his wife who shot him and left him for death. For months, he's been playing a game of cat and mouse with her. And it doesn't take him long to realize that there's so much more to the woman he thought he knew as a pawn in his game. Serafina is no one's pawn, and her mastery for the chessboard is a direct match for her husband.
I was riveted to the pages and didn't feel like there was a word of filler to the story. It builds an additional complex layer that amplified an already addictive story. The tension and chemistry between these two is simply unmatched. I loved seeing the dangerous push and pull between them. And if there's one thing that Lylah can do, is give one hell of a plot twist. And this one had me with my jaw on the floor. I didn't see that coming in a million years and I was left absolutely reeling. I can't wait to see how this story concludes and only hope that Lylah doesn't keep us waiting too long for book 3.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
September 20, 2026
3.75🌟 | 3🌶️
The secrets, obsession, and constant tension had me questioning everything right along with the characters.
After that brutal cliffhanger, Serafina and Adrian’s relationship becomes even more complicated, with their anger and attraction constantly battling for control. Their push and pull was easily one of my favorite parts, especially because neither of them can seem to stay away from the other for long.
Serafina felt much stronger and more intriguing this time around, and getting more insight into her motives finally helped some of her choices make sense. Adrian is still completely obsessed with her, and his possessive devotion added so much to their chemistry. I did find the pacing a little uneven in places, especially through some of the slower stretches where the story felt more focused on setting things up than moving the romance forward. Still, the tension and character dynamics kept those sections from dragging too much for me.
The reveals were definitely where this book won me back over. That major twist genuinely caught me off guard, and I liked finally getting some answers to questions that had been hanging around since book one. At the same time, I finished with quite a few things still unresolved, so this definitely feels like a stepping stone toward the bigger conclusion rather than a fully contained installment.
Even with that, the chemistry, suspense, and new layers to their story kept me invested, and I am still very curious to see how everything ultimately comes together.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Lylah James and her Team for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
The secrets, obsession, and constant tension had me questioning everything right along with the characters.
After that brutal cliffhanger, Serafina and Adrian’s relationship becomes even more complicated, with their anger and attraction constantly battling for control. Their push and pull was easily one of my favorite parts, especially because neither of them can seem to stay away from the other for long.
Serafina felt much stronger and more intriguing this time around, and getting more insight into her motives finally helped some of her choices make sense. Adrian is still completely obsessed with her, and his possessive devotion added so much to their chemistry. I did find the pacing a little uneven in places, especially through some of the slower stretches where the story felt more focused on setting things up than moving the romance forward. Still, the tension and character dynamics kept those sections from dragging too much for me.
The reveals were definitely where this book won me back over. That major twist genuinely caught me off guard, and I liked finally getting some answers to questions that had been hanging around since book one. At the same time, I finished with quite a few things still unresolved, so this definitely feels like a stepping stone toward the bigger conclusion rather than a fully contained installment.
Even with that, the chemistry, suspense, and new layers to their story kept me invested, and I am still very curious to see how everything ultimately comes together.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Lylah James and her Team for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 12, 2026
Again with the plot twist at the end!!!! I’ll be honest, I wasn’t feeling this book. It had a lot of show and no tell, imo. Like a bad case of cat chase mouse. I respect the author for putting out this book but there really wasn’t much going on until close to the end( and I’m not gonna spoil it either). She could have just stuck to her original plan of making this a duet because book 2 was nothing but filler. Now, book 3 should be slammin’ with all of that suspense being dropped. Looking forward to finding out what is happening with the bait-n-switch we’ve got going on.
***Reviewed ARC is my honest opinion ***
***Reviewed ARC is my honest opinion ***
September 14, 2026
لو بتدور ع كتاب يشلك وناس مختلين عقليا وحاجه اخر هباب انصحك بالكتاب الجميل ده … انا تقريبا كنت بعمل سكيب اكتر مابقراأ
بدل ال 3 كتب اللي مليانيين رغي كانت ممكن تبقي قصه حلوه ف كتاب واحد انما الرغي كتير والتكرار الرخم ده big NO
بدل ال 3 كتب اللي مليانيين رغي كانت ممكن تبقي قصه حلوه ف كتاب واحد انما الرغي كتير والتكرار الرخم ده big NO
September 12, 2026
Disappointed again
Giving up on this author. Every book release is the same 'wrong version's nonsense. Also nothing happened in this entire book and the story line is dragged into a third which is very unnecessary. After years of this I'm done
Giving up on this author. Every book release is the same 'wrong version's nonsense. Also nothing happened in this entire book and the story line is dragged into a third which is very unnecessary. After years of this I'm done
September 12, 2026
I have so many things to say, and… at the same time, I don’t have the interest to say any of them.
You know that feeling when an author seems to be dragging out a story just for the sake of turning it into a duology, trilogy, or whatever comes next? Yeah. That’s exactly how this series feels to me.
I was so excited for this release. Even with my exams and all the study chaos going on, I still managed to read it because I genuinely couldn’t sleep thinking about Adrian and Serafina. And then… WOW.
The story felt like it was going absolutely nowhere, and then, at the end—BOOM—a plot twist.
Miss Lylah is known for her iconic plot twists, so obviously I knew there would be one. But… I didn’t expect to reach it feeling so bored. And that honestly hurts more than the twist itself.
It felt like the story kept going through the same loophole over and over again, and I found myself skimming pages and pages, literally praying for it to end as soon as possible. The ending came with a major plot twist, and my reaction was simply… meh.
I genuinely wish the best for the third book in this series, but without me. I’m giving up on this series. Somewhere along the way, the excitement I had for it just died. I don’t really care about Adrian, Serafina, or whatever you want to call her anymore.
And honestly, I’m deeply confused about how much the writing style seems to have changed.
As a reader who started reading mafia romance on Wattpad and fell in love with this author’s characters, I’m not going to lie — I’m deeply concerned and equally hurt. She has genuinely been one of my favorite authors for a long time, which is probably why this disappointment hits harder than it otherwise would.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series anymore, but I’m still eagerly waiting for the Tainted Hearts series. That excitement is very much alive for that one.
And as always, love your books, author. 🤍 Thank you for giving me the chance to be one of your ARC readers. I’m genuinely grateful for that opportunity, even if this particular book didn’t work for me.
You know that feeling when an author seems to be dragging out a story just for the sake of turning it into a duology, trilogy, or whatever comes next? Yeah. That’s exactly how this series feels to me.
I was so excited for this release. Even with my exams and all the study chaos going on, I still managed to read it because I genuinely couldn’t sleep thinking about Adrian and Serafina. And then… WOW.
The story felt like it was going absolutely nowhere, and then, at the end—BOOM—a plot twist.
Miss Lylah is known for her iconic plot twists, so obviously I knew there would be one. But… I didn’t expect to reach it feeling so bored. And that honestly hurts more than the twist itself.
It felt like the story kept going through the same loophole over and over again, and I found myself skimming pages and pages, literally praying for it to end as soon as possible. The ending came with a major plot twist, and my reaction was simply… meh.
I genuinely wish the best for the third book in this series, but without me. I’m giving up on this series. Somewhere along the way, the excitement I had for it just died. I don’t really care about Adrian, Serafina, or whatever you want to call her anymore.
And honestly, I’m deeply confused about how much the writing style seems to have changed.
As a reader who started reading mafia romance on Wattpad and fell in love with this author’s characters, I’m not going to lie — I’m deeply concerned and equally hurt. She has genuinely been one of my favorite authors for a long time, which is probably why this disappointment hits harder than it otherwise would.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series anymore, but I’m still eagerly waiting for the Tainted Hearts series. That excitement is very much alive for that one.
And as always, love your books, author. 🤍 Thank you for giving me the chance to be one of your ARC readers. I’m genuinely grateful for that opportunity, even if this particular book didn’t work for me.
September 14, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
Rating : 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Torn by fate is the second book from the series fatal alliances, a dark mafia romance and the second book following Adrian and Serafina.
I genuinely don’t even know where to start because I absolutely loved this book! After Bound by Lies, I already knew I was invested in this story, but Torn by Fate somehow managed to exceed all my expectations.
The plot had me hooked from beginning to end, and THAT plot twist?! I knew there was something being kept from us, but I absolutely did not see it coming. I was genuinely shocked, and looking back, I love how all the little pieces were there without making the twist obvious. It completely changed the way I looked at the story and made everything so much more interesting.
And can we talk about the chemistry between these two?! The banter, the tension, the constant push and pull… I ate it all up. Their dynamic was one of my favourite things about this book, and every interaction between them had me completely invested. The tension was chef’s kiss.
The spice wasn’t necessarily a huge part of the book, but honestly? It didn’t need to be. What we got was more than enough, especially because the chemistry and tension between them were already doing all the heavy lifting. 😂
I loved the storyline, the twists, the characters, the tension, the banter… basically, I loved EVERYTHING. Lylah James had me completely hooked, and I genuinely could not put this book down.
And now I have only one question: WHERE IS BOOK THREE?! Because after that ending, I need it immediately. Like, yesterday. I am absolutely not emotionally prepared to wait. 😭
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because this book gave me everything I wanted and then left me desperately needing more.
Rating : 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Torn by fate is the second book from the series fatal alliances, a dark mafia romance and the second book following Adrian and Serafina.
I genuinely don’t even know where to start because I absolutely loved this book! After Bound by Lies, I already knew I was invested in this story, but Torn by Fate somehow managed to exceed all my expectations.
The plot had me hooked from beginning to end, and THAT plot twist?! I knew there was something being kept from us, but I absolutely did not see it coming. I was genuinely shocked, and looking back, I love how all the little pieces were there without making the twist obvious. It completely changed the way I looked at the story and made everything so much more interesting.
And can we talk about the chemistry between these two?! The banter, the tension, the constant push and pull… I ate it all up. Their dynamic was one of my favourite things about this book, and every interaction between them had me completely invested. The tension was chef’s kiss.
The spice wasn’t necessarily a huge part of the book, but honestly? It didn’t need to be. What we got was more than enough, especially because the chemistry and tension between them were already doing all the heavy lifting. 😂
I loved the storyline, the twists, the characters, the tension, the banter… basically, I loved EVERYTHING. Lylah James had me completely hooked, and I genuinely could not put this book down.
And now I have only one question: WHERE IS BOOK THREE?! Because after that ending, I need it immediately. Like, yesterday. I am absolutely not emotionally prepared to wait. 😭
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because this book gave me everything I wanted and then left me desperately needing more.
September 15, 2026
So I quickly realized into reading this book that a lot of the other reviews that were saying this was a filler book… were right BUT! I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing. There are a few chapters from the FMCs pov in the past that were unnecessary but overall I think this book was important for the story building… I really really really hate how we have to wait A YEAR for the next book but I’ve loved this story so I’m willing to wait. The dynamic b/t the FMC and MMC is dark, traumatic and beautiful and I have to see how it ends. This story is heavy on the plot so if you’re looking for straight spice with just a little storyline sprinkled in… this book isn’t for you
September 19, 2026
this book is literally empty except for the last two chapters, like why would i read an entire book just for the actual plot to start in the last chapter?? the author really should’ve stuck with her original plan and made this a duet instead of a trilogy!
the whole book is just serafina running away while adrian chases after her like a dog lol where did all of adrian’s intelligence from book one go?? you made him the dumbest creature on the face of the earth !!
nothing about this makes sense neither the plot nor the characters literally nothing feels logical
the whole book is just serafina running away while adrian chases after her like a dog lol where did all of adrian’s intelligence from book one go?? you made him the dumbest creature on the face of the earth !!
nothing about this makes sense neither the plot nor the characters literally nothing feels logical
September 25, 2026
I admit, I was a little disappointed at first… but honestly, not by much! 🫣
I wasn’t fully invested in the first half of the book, but the second half? THAT PLOT TWIST?! That alone has me so giddy for Book 3 because I’m fully expecting it to completely destroy my brain circuits! Haha
And as for Torn By Fate? I am officially addicted to unhinged Adrian! Hahaha, he is absolutely wild. A mafia husband who will do anything to get his runaway wife back? Say less. The obsession and revenge energy in this one was so good.
Tropes
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
💍 Arranged Marriage
🏃♀️ Mafia Wife on the Run
🗡️ Possessive / Obsessive MMC
Thank you CandiKanePR for the ARC
I wasn’t fully invested in the first half of the book, but the second half? THAT PLOT TWIST?! That alone has me so giddy for Book 3 because I’m fully expecting it to completely destroy my brain circuits! Haha
And as for Torn By Fate? I am officially addicted to unhinged Adrian! Hahaha, he is absolutely wild. A mafia husband who will do anything to get his runaway wife back? Say less. The obsession and revenge energy in this one was so good.
Tropes
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
💍 Arranged Marriage
🏃♀️ Mafia Wife on the Run
🗡️ Possessive / Obsessive MMC
Thank you CandiKanePR for the ARC
September 23, 2026
***4 "Thud!!!" stars***
"Every sacrifice. Every lie.
For the perfect moment. For the perfect revenge.
A life for a life."
The first book blew my mind and I was waiting for the next book like a hawk!!!
Unfortunately for me, I thought that this would be a duet.... but it turned out a trilogy and I started to realize it near to the end cause I was missing too many pieces of the puzzle!!! LOL!!!
And for once again, I am desperate for the last part cause I need so many freakin' answers!!!
The second book was okay!!! It felt like a transition between the first and the third part, but it left me craving for more...
"I shot my husband and left him for dead. In his story, that made me THE villain.
But he wrote himself into mine long before I ever held a gun. He destroyed my happily ever after before I even knew who he truly was -the devil incarnate."
The ending of the first book, it literally blew my mind!!!
I was thinking about this story for days!!!
I thought that things between Adrian and Serafina was getting better until the ultimate betrayal took place...
Adrian was left behind bleeding in the verge of dying and Serafina ran away...
But a single bullet couldn't stop Adrian from chasing his wife around the world!!!
Se was his and he would take her back even though things had changed...
He, like us, needed answers...
"I was her husband, whether she liked it or not, accepted it or not.
Till death do us fucking part."
I love Adrian and Serafina... There is so much intensity and passion between them... But also, there is so much tension and hidden truth and lies...
Who is Serafina after all??? What's her hidden agenda??? Is she really a pawn here???
And what Adrian will do about her thirst for revenge??? Will he stop her or will he let her destroy him???
I liked the flashbacks cause we got a glimpse in the past, even though the questions are remaining!!!
The only sure thing is that I am dying to take answers and to see more of these two unhinged and crazy enemies/lovers!!!
Their marriage was truly built upon lies... Can it survive the ugly truth???
"Somewhere between the hate and vengeance became a reckless obsession. And with that obsession came destruction. We were both damned."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"Every sacrifice. Every lie.
For the perfect moment. For the perfect revenge.
A life for a life."
The first book blew my mind and I was waiting for the next book like a hawk!!!
Unfortunately for me, I thought that this would be a duet.... but it turned out a trilogy and I started to realize it near to the end cause I was missing too many pieces of the puzzle!!! LOL!!!
And for once again, I am desperate for the last part cause I need so many freakin' answers!!!
The second book was okay!!! It felt like a transition between the first and the third part, but it left me craving for more...
"I shot my husband and left him for dead. In his story, that made me THE villain.
But he wrote himself into mine long before I ever held a gun. He destroyed my happily ever after before I even knew who he truly was -the devil incarnate."
The ending of the first book, it literally blew my mind!!!
I was thinking about this story for days!!!
I thought that things between Adrian and Serafina was getting better until the ultimate betrayal took place...
Adrian was left behind bleeding in the verge of dying and Serafina ran away...
But a single bullet couldn't stop Adrian from chasing his wife around the world!!!
Se was his and he would take her back even though things had changed...
He, like us, needed answers...
"I was her husband, whether she liked it or not, accepted it or not.
Till death do us fucking part."
I love Adrian and Serafina... There is so much intensity and passion between them... But also, there is so much tension and hidden truth and lies...
Who is Serafina after all??? What's her hidden agenda??? Is she really a pawn here???
And what Adrian will do about her thirst for revenge??? Will he stop her or will he let her destroy him???
I liked the flashbacks cause we got a glimpse in the past, even though the questions are remaining!!!
The only sure thing is that I am dying to take answers and to see more of these two unhinged and crazy enemies/lovers!!!
Their marriage was truly built upon lies... Can it survive the ugly truth???
"Somewhere between the hate and vengeance became a reckless obsession. And with that obsession came destruction. We were both damned."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
September 27, 2026
3 ⭐
At the start, it felt like a filler book. But my mind changed with last few chapters. I have noticed one thing in Lylah James book that at first her books look mundane and she flips it at the end and makes her readers read the book until it is finished. I am glad the truth about seraphina- elyssa came out in this book only. I was getting impatient. I felt like the author's wish to make this series a trio is justifiable since there is lot to discover between the dyanmics of elyssa and adrian. And they have a lot to get through together. If it was a duet I feel like it would have felt rushed. So, I am patiently waiting for the third book.
It was so fun to unravel the secrets with them and I was kinda got to half of them and I am proud of it lol. It was so fun to watch that adrian was fooled and that stupid man thought he is the one in control. I loved seeing him making a fool of himself and see his overconfidence getting shattered. I did not like that man even a little bit. He doesn't know boundaries and is a fucking liar. I disliked him thoughout the book and will keep disliking him
I felt like seraphina has no personality but god?? She is the baddest bitch but the only downside was her lust towards adrian. It was so icky and made me cringe. She was smart I had to give it to her. The reveal of her being an illegitimate child of morelli was a shocker and I was definitely not expecting that.
The book was alright and I am excited for the next book. I hope it drops soon.
————————————————————
pre-read ꕤ
Don't have high hopes. Just reading it because I am curious to know who the hell is serafina? That cliffhanger intrigued me to read the second book and I am glad it is a short one.
At the start, it felt like a filler book. But my mind changed with last few chapters. I have noticed one thing in Lylah James book that at first her books look mundane and she flips it at the end and makes her readers read the book until it is finished. I am glad the truth about seraphina- elyssa came out in this book only. I was getting impatient. I felt like the author's wish to make this series a trio is justifiable since there is lot to discover between the dyanmics of elyssa and adrian. And they have a lot to get through together. If it was a duet I feel like it would have felt rushed. So, I am patiently waiting for the third book.
It was so fun to unravel the secrets with them and I was kinda got to half of them and I am proud of it lol. It was so fun to watch that adrian was fooled and that stupid man thought he is the one in control. I loved seeing him making a fool of himself and see his overconfidence getting shattered. I did not like that man even a little bit. He doesn't know boundaries and is a fucking liar. I disliked him thoughout the book and will keep disliking him
I felt like seraphina has no personality but god?? She is the baddest bitch but the only downside was her lust towards adrian. It was so icky and made me cringe. She was smart I had to give it to her. The reveal of her being an illegitimate child of morelli was a shocker and I was definitely not expecting that.
The book was alright and I am excited for the next book. I hope it drops soon.
————————————————————
pre-read ꕤ
Don't have high hopes. Just reading it because I am curious to know who the hell is serafina? That cliffhanger intrigued me to read the second book and I am glad it is a short one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌙 4.5 ⭐
This is a very different experience from book 1, and I think of it more as a transition between book 1 and book 3, one that finally explains why the events at the end of book 1 happened. Not everything is revealed yet, and there are still SO many secrets and unknowns, but the biggest twist is finally explained… and WOW!!! I honestly did NOT see that coming, and I loved it.
This book focuses mainly on Adrian’s reaction after being shot by his own wife and following her halfway around the world. The ruthless mafia enforcer we met in book 1 is almost replaced by a “gentler side” of Adrian, one that cares deeply about Sera despite everything she has done. And I absolutely loved him here. As for Sera, I hated her at first for what she did. Then, little by little, I started feeling sorry for her. Adrian saving her life had me wondering whether he wanted to punish her and kill her himself… or whether he simply loves her so much that he can’t bear to lose her. The chemistry between them is ever so hot and palpable, almost guiding all their actions.
There were moments when I was a little confused (no spoilers!), but knowing what I know now, I think that was part of what made it work. The suspense, the secrets, the tension, and the anticipation for what’s coming… even though I’m now left with even MORE questions, I loved that. And honestly, I hate the waiting. I know book 3 is going to be worth it, but waiting for it is going to be torture. This book revealed the biggest secret in the story so far, yet somehow I still feel like we’ve only scratched the surface. Now please give me book 3!!!
This is a very different experience from book 1, and I think of it more as a transition between book 1 and book 3, one that finally explains why the events at the end of book 1 happened. Not everything is revealed yet, and there are still SO many secrets and unknowns, but the biggest twist is finally explained… and WOW!!! I honestly did NOT see that coming, and I loved it.
This book focuses mainly on Adrian’s reaction after being shot by his own wife and following her halfway around the world. The ruthless mafia enforcer we met in book 1 is almost replaced by a “gentler side” of Adrian, one that cares deeply about Sera despite everything she has done. And I absolutely loved him here. As for Sera, I hated her at first for what she did. Then, little by little, I started feeling sorry for her. Adrian saving her life had me wondering whether he wanted to punish her and kill her himself… or whether he simply loves her so much that he can’t bear to lose her. The chemistry between them is ever so hot and palpable, almost guiding all their actions.
There were moments when I was a little confused (no spoilers!), but knowing what I know now, I think that was part of what made it work. The suspense, the secrets, the tension, and the anticipation for what’s coming… even though I’m now left with even MORE questions, I loved that. And honestly, I hate the waiting. I know book 3 is going to be worth it, but waiting for it is going to be torture. This book revealed the biggest secret in the story so far, yet somehow I still feel like we’ve only scratched the surface. Now please give me book 3!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Queen of cliffhangers is back!
•
Literally the only thought that came into my mind after reading this book was Lylah you can’t get getting away with this!
•
I swear reading those last two chapters I was like oh this is why the events in book one happen, then flip the page PYSCH you thought it’s actually this.
•
The song House by Charlie xcx from wuthering heights popped into my head once I turned off that kindle
•
Torn by Fate is out Sep 12th on KU
•
Literally the only thought that came into my mind after reading this book was Lylah you can’t get getting away with this!
•
I swear reading those last two chapters I was like oh this is why the events in book one happen, then flip the page PYSCH you thought it’s actually this.
•
The song House by Charlie xcx from wuthering heights popped into my head once I turned off that kindle
•
Torn by Fate is out Sep 12th on KU
September 19, 2026
I loved the hunt, as stated by Adrian, in this one. The cat and mouse chase was wild. I couldn’t believe he lived after a Sera shot him. But this was story was intense and a wild rollercoaster ride. The back and forth was great. I was glued to my seat, being touchy invested. Loved the storyline, loved the Sera wanted out, but Adrian wanted answers. This was a really great read.
September 20, 2026
I have been impatiently waiting for this book to release since I finished book one so when I got this a few days ago I could not wait to dive in!
I didn’t love it as much as book one but I did like it.
I am obsessed with Adrian and Sera. Adrian is a SAVAGE when it comes to Sera and I couldn’t get enough of it. He just oozes sex appeal. 🥵 🔥 Their story is wild, unhinged, and I think deep down there’s something that could be really beautiful between them. I hope anyways. 🥺😭
Book two delves into Sera’s past and wow, what a plot twist! Totally didn’t see that coming and it was so good. I cannot wait to see how this all plays out!
I didn’t love it as much as book one but I did like it.
I am obsessed with Adrian and Sera. Adrian is a SAVAGE when it comes to Sera and I couldn’t get enough of it. He just oozes sex appeal. 🥵 🔥 Their story is wild, unhinged, and I think deep down there’s something that could be really beautiful between them. I hope anyways. 🥺😭
Book two delves into Sera’s past and wow, what a plot twist! Totally didn’t see that coming and it was so good. I cannot wait to see how this all plays out!
September 12, 2026
Torn by Fate
Amazing book! Just as good as the first one. Has some twists. Someone trying to kill the FMC. MMC protects her even though she doesn't want him to. Book is left on a cliffhanger. Can't wait for book 3.
Amazing book! Just as good as the first one. Has some twists. Someone trying to kill the FMC. MMC protects her even though she doesn't want him to. Book is left on a cliffhanger. Can't wait for book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this. I loved Serafina and Adrian. The cliffhanger killed me tho I need the next book now 😭😭😂😂
September 29, 2026
4.5/5
I can't wait for the third book!
I can't wait for the third book!
September 14, 2026
i waited for this ?? this book was disappointing, the “big reveal” could have been done in book one imo. 80% of the book is the fmc trying to be mysterious and the author repeating each paragraph in a different format and the grand reveal was dragged. a filler book isn’t necessarily in a story like this
September 13, 2026
Torn By Fate picks up in the aftermath of the absolute craziness that went down in Bound By Lies. Serafina and Adrian are both full of anger and animosity toward each other after their respective betrayals, but as truths start coming out, they realize that despite everything standing between them, the bond they've formed is simply too strong to break.
This one started off dark…the hatred between Serafina and Adrian was intense, their emotions were all over the place, and their passion was basically sitting right on the edge of madness. But underneath all that anger, it was also painfully obvious as a reader that just how completely in love these two were. This is true enemies to lovers, their little cat and mouse game somehow became hilariously endearing because after a while I was just sitting there like...you two realize you're absolutely obsessed with each other, right? They'd be furious one minute and magnetized toward each other the next.
Serafina had such dark queen energy in this book and she felt fiercer and stronger than she did in the first book. The whole unreliable narrator trope that we were warned about in book 1 came out in full swing and and after everything that had happened, there was this new edge to her that I really loved.
And Adrian, my homeboy was WHIPPED…NAY OBSESSED. That man can be as angry as he wants, but when it comes down to it, he's going to be there for Serafina. Their circumstances might change, they might want to murder each other occasionally, but his devotion to her never really disappears.
One thing that Lylah James is SO unbelievably good at is creating these insane mysteries where you think you understand what's happening and then suddenly another piece falls into place and your jaw is on the FLOOR. And this series is absolutely a testament to that craft that Lylah has perfected over the years. Even the small details leave you stunned, because my face when I put together who Arabella was...YEEEEEP. If you're a longtime Lylah James reader, you know that the absolute LORE you need to fully appreciate some of these connections is honestly brilliant. There are layers upon layers to this world, and realizing how certain pieces fit together had me losing my mind.
There was also a lot of movement between the past and present in this one, which made Torn By Fate feel like such a revelatory book. So much of what we thought we knew gets more context, secrets finally start coming out, and we're slowly getting the real picture of what actually happened and how everyone ended up here. And somehow, after ALL OF THAT, we still have another book left to go. I can already feel that the final book is going to be an absolute game changer. There are still pieces left to fall into place, and knowing Lylah, I'm fully expecting her to pull the rug out from underneath me at least seventeen more times before Serafina and Adrian get their ending. The only question now is HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE UNTIL IT COMES OUT?!
This one started off dark…the hatred between Serafina and Adrian was intense, their emotions were all over the place, and their passion was basically sitting right on the edge of madness. But underneath all that anger, it was also painfully obvious as a reader that just how completely in love these two were. This is true enemies to lovers, their little cat and mouse game somehow became hilariously endearing because after a while I was just sitting there like...you two realize you're absolutely obsessed with each other, right? They'd be furious one minute and magnetized toward each other the next.
Serafina had such dark queen energy in this book and she felt fiercer and stronger than she did in the first book. The whole unreliable narrator trope that we were warned about in book 1 came out in full swing and and after everything that had happened, there was this new edge to her that I really loved.
And Adrian, my homeboy was WHIPPED…NAY OBSESSED. That man can be as angry as he wants, but when it comes down to it, he's going to be there for Serafina. Their circumstances might change, they might want to murder each other occasionally, but his devotion to her never really disappears.
One thing that Lylah James is SO unbelievably good at is creating these insane mysteries where you think you understand what's happening and then suddenly another piece falls into place and your jaw is on the FLOOR. And this series is absolutely a testament to that craft that Lylah has perfected over the years. Even the small details leave you stunned, because my face when I put together who Arabella was...YEEEEEP. If you're a longtime Lylah James reader, you know that the absolute LORE you need to fully appreciate some of these connections is honestly brilliant. There are layers upon layers to this world, and realizing how certain pieces fit together had me losing my mind.
There was also a lot of movement between the past and present in this one, which made Torn By Fate feel like such a revelatory book. So much of what we thought we knew gets more context, secrets finally start coming out, and we're slowly getting the real picture of what actually happened and how everyone ended up here. And somehow, after ALL OF THAT, we still have another book left to go. I can already feel that the final book is going to be an absolute game changer. There are still pieces left to fall into place, and knowing Lylah, I'm fully expecting her to pull the rug out from underneath me at least seventeen more times before Serafina and Adrian get their ending. The only question now is HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE UNTIL IT COMES OUT?!
October 4, 2026
Wtf 😭🔥
بصراحة، بداية الكتاب كانت مملة شوي بالنسبة لي 😭
أعرف أن هذا التمهيد البطيء كان ضرورياً حتى تنكشف كل الأسرار والمفاجآت لاحقاً، لكن ما راح أكذب... كنت أعاني شوي خلال الربع الأول 💀
لكن بعدهاااا؟ 👀🔥
الأحداث بدأت تتحرك أخيراً، وفجأة وجدت نفسي مندمجة تماماً. صارت القصة أكثر إثارة وحماساً بكثير، وكل ما كنت أتقدم أكثر، كنت أرغب بمعرفة ما سيحدث بعدها.
وسيرافينا؟؟؟ يا بنت؟؟؟ 😭🔥
هذه الفتاة لا يُستهان بها أبداً. ذكية بشكل جنوني، وتساوي أدريان في المكر والدهاء، وهذا الشيء أحببته فيها جداً. بعض الأسرار التي انكشفت عنها جعلتني أجلس أمام الكتاب هكذا:
😳😳😳
عفوًااا؟؟؟
ثم نأتي إلى أدريااان... 😩♥️
هناك مشهد في الفندق أحببته جداً. لن أدخل في التفاصيل لأنني لا أريد حرق الأحداث على أحد، لكن الطريقة التي تعامل بها مع الموقف وحاول فيها أن يجعل سيرافينا تشعر بالأمان من دون أن يتجاوز حدودها؟
قلبي. 😭♥️
هذا المشهد غمرني بشعور غريب لا يوصف. أحببته كثيرًااا.
ثم هناك تلك التفصيلة الصغيرة المتعلقة بالرصاصة... 👀💔
لن أقول أي شيء إطلاقاً لأنني أرفض أن أحرقها على أحد، لكن عندما وصلت إلى ذلك الجزء كنت فقط جالسة أمام الكتاب هكذا:
«...أوه.»
عفوًااا؟؟؟ 😭😭
أدريان، ماذااا تفعل بي؟؟؟
المهم...
أنهيت الكتاب الثاني وأنا محطمة عاطفياً، والآن أجلس هنا وأعاني لأنني أحتاج الكتاب الثالث فورًااا 🥲💔
أحتاج أن أعرف ماذا سيحدث لسيرافينا وأدريان.
يعني... الآن. 😭
Wtf 😭🔥
Honestly, the beginning of this book was a little boring for me 😭
I KNOW the slow buildup was necessary for all the secrets and revelations later on, but I’m not gonna lie... I was struggling a little during the first quarter 💀
BUT THEN??? 👀🔥
Things finally started picking up, and suddenly I was invested. The story became SO much more interesting and exciting, and I just kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.
And SERAPHINA??? Girl??? 😭🔥
She is NOT to be underestimated. She’s insanely clever and just as cunning and manipulative as Adrian, and I absolutely loved that about her. Some of the revelations about her had me sitting there like:
😳😳😳
EXCUSE ME???
And then there’s ADRIAN... 😩♥️
There’s this scene at the hotel that I absolutely LOVED. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the way he handled the situation and tried to make Seraphina feel safe without crossing her boundaries???
MY HEART. 😭♥️
That scene gave me such a weird, indescribable feeling. I loved it SO much.
And then there’s THAT little detail with the bullet... 👀💔
I’m saying absolutely NOTHING because I refuse to ruin it for anyone, but when I got to that part I was just sitting there like:
“...Oh.”
EXCUSE ME??? 😭😭
Adrian, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME???
Anyway...
Wtf 😳🔥
I swear I got hit with the biggest plot twist in the history of fiction. My jaw literally dropped 😲
I finished book two feeling emotionally DESTROYED, and now I’m just sitting here suffering because I NEED book three already 🥲💔
I NEED to know what happens next with Seraphina and Adrian.
Like... NOW. 😭
بصراحة، بداية الكتاب كانت مملة شوي بالنسبة لي 😭
أعرف أن هذا التمهيد البطيء كان ضرورياً حتى تنكشف كل الأسرار والمفاجآت لاحقاً، لكن ما راح أكذب... كنت أعاني شوي خلال الربع الأول 💀
لكن بعدهاااا؟ 👀🔥
الأحداث بدأت تتحرك أخيراً، وفجأة وجدت نفسي مندمجة تماماً. صارت القصة أكثر إثارة وحماساً بكثير، وكل ما كنت أتقدم أكثر، كنت أرغب بمعرفة ما سيحدث بعدها.
وسيرافينا؟؟؟ يا بنت؟؟؟ 😭🔥
هذه الفتاة لا يُستهان بها أبداً. ذكية بشكل جنوني، وتساوي أدريان في المكر والدهاء، وهذا الشيء أحببته فيها جداً. بعض الأسرار التي انكشفت عنها جعلتني أجلس أمام الكتاب هكذا:
😳😳😳
عفوًااا؟؟؟
ثم نأتي إلى أدريااان... 😩♥️
هناك مشهد في الفندق أحببته جداً. لن أدخل في التفاصيل لأنني لا أريد حرق الأحداث على أحد، لكن الطريقة التي تعامل بها مع الموقف وحاول فيها أن يجعل سيرافينا تشعر بالأمان من دون أن يتجاوز حدودها؟
قلبي. 😭♥️
هذا المشهد غمرني بشعور غريب لا يوصف. أحببته كثيرًااا.
ثم هناك تلك التفصيلة الصغيرة المتعلقة بالرصاصة... 👀💔
لن أقول أي شيء إطلاقاً لأنني أرفض أن أحرقها على أحد، لكن عندما وصلت إلى ذلك الجزء كنت فقط جالسة أمام الكتاب هكذا:
«...أوه.»
عفوًااا؟؟؟ 😭😭
أدريان، ماذااا تفعل بي؟؟؟
المهم...
أنهيت الكتاب الثاني وأنا محطمة عاطفياً، والآن أجلس هنا وأعاني لأنني أحتاج الكتاب الثالث فورًااا 🥲💔
أحتاج أن أعرف ماذا سيحدث لسيرافينا وأدريان.
يعني... الآن. 😭
Wtf 😭🔥
Honestly, the beginning of this book was a little boring for me 😭
I KNOW the slow buildup was necessary for all the secrets and revelations later on, but I’m not gonna lie... I was struggling a little during the first quarter 💀
BUT THEN??? 👀🔥
Things finally started picking up, and suddenly I was invested. The story became SO much more interesting and exciting, and I just kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.
And SERAPHINA??? Girl??? 😭🔥
She is NOT to be underestimated. She’s insanely clever and just as cunning and manipulative as Adrian, and I absolutely loved that about her. Some of the revelations about her had me sitting there like:
😳😳😳
EXCUSE ME???
And then there’s ADRIAN... 😩♥️
There’s this scene at the hotel that I absolutely LOVED. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the way he handled the situation and tried to make Seraphina feel safe without crossing her boundaries???
MY HEART. 😭♥️
That scene gave me such a weird, indescribable feeling. I loved it SO much.
And then there’s THAT little detail with the bullet... 👀💔
I’m saying absolutely NOTHING because I refuse to ruin it for anyone, but when I got to that part I was just sitting there like:
“...Oh.”
EXCUSE ME??? 😭😭
Adrian, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME???
Anyway...
Wtf 😳🔥
I swear I got hit with the biggest plot twist in the history of fiction. My jaw literally dropped 😲
I finished book two feeling emotionally DESTROYED, and now I’m just sitting here suffering because I NEED book three already 🥲💔
I NEED to know what happens next with Seraphina and Adrian.
Like... NOW. 😭
September 12, 2026
4.25stars-TORN BY FATE is the second instalment in Lylah James’s contemporary, adult TWISTED ALLIANCES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is the continuing story of Adrian Salvatore, and Serafina Morelli. TORN BY FATE should not be read as a stand alone as if picks up after the cliffhanger of book one BOUND BY LIES.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: Since she was five years old, Serafina Morelli had been promised in marriage to Matteo Salvatore but the night before they were to be married, a frightening betrayal resulted in Adrian claiming Serafina as his own but all is not as it appears to be, Serafina soon realizes she is a pawn in a dangerous game between rivals and brothers
Told from dual first person perspectives (Adrian and Serafina) using present day and memories from the past, TORN BY FATE picks up six weeks after the events and cliff hanger of BOUND BY LIES. Our heroine is on the run, in hiding from the man she blames for destroying her life but there are secrets and lies that are pitting brother against brother, and Seraphina Morelli-Salvatore continues to be a pawn in a dangerous game. A deadly past haunts our heroine, a past she blames on the man she will grow to love but once again, all is not as it appears to be, and the twisted reality will destroy any hope for a future.
The world building is more of a written narrative for a good portion of the story; a dual contemplation and introspection of a life destroyed by betrayal and death. As Adrian seeks answers, Serafina is determined to execute vengeance on our story line hero, regardless of the truth. Trauma induced perseverance and determination is the mainstay of their lives. An unreliable narrator sets the scene for personal destruction.
The relationship between Adrian and Serafina is contemptuous at best, catastrophic in nature. A hostility between combatants pits our couple against one another, a war with no true winner , and a misguided need for revenge. The $ex scenes are impassioned and intense.
The interesting secondary and supporting characters are limited including a cameo by Adrian’s brother Matteo; Adrian’s right hand man Rocco, and Serafina’s roommate Elyssa.
TORN BY FATE is a dark story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, death and destruction, family and relationships. The character driven premise is raw, gritty, twisted and haunting-; the characters are broken, desperate, and destructive; the romance is virtually non-existent. TORN BY FATE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: Since she was five years old, Serafina Morelli had been promised in marriage to Matteo Salvatore but the night before they were to be married, a frightening betrayal resulted in Adrian claiming Serafina as his own but all is not as it appears to be, Serafina soon realizes she is a pawn in a dangerous game between rivals and brothers
Told from dual first person perspectives (Adrian and Serafina) using present day and memories from the past, TORN BY FATE picks up six weeks after the events and cliff hanger of BOUND BY LIES. Our heroine is on the run, in hiding from the man she blames for destroying her life but there are secrets and lies that are pitting brother against brother, and Seraphina Morelli-Salvatore continues to be a pawn in a dangerous game. A deadly past haunts our heroine, a past she blames on the man she will grow to love but once again, all is not as it appears to be, and the twisted reality will destroy any hope for a future.
The world building is more of a written narrative for a good portion of the story; a dual contemplation and introspection of a life destroyed by betrayal and death. As Adrian seeks answers, Serafina is determined to execute vengeance on our story line hero, regardless of the truth. Trauma induced perseverance and determination is the mainstay of their lives. An unreliable narrator sets the scene for personal destruction.
The relationship between Adrian and Serafina is contemptuous at best, catastrophic in nature. A hostility between combatants pits our couple against one another, a war with no true winner , and a misguided need for revenge. The $ex scenes are impassioned and intense.
The interesting secondary and supporting characters are limited including a cameo by Adrian’s brother Matteo; Adrian’s right hand man Rocco, and Serafina’s roommate Elyssa.
TORN BY FATE is a dark story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, death and destruction, family and relationships. The character driven premise is raw, gritty, twisted and haunting-; the characters are broken, desperate, and destructive; the romance is virtually non-existent. TORN BY FATE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
September 14, 2026
Noooooooooooo, I can’t believe you did this to me, Lylah! I’ve been staring at the ceiling for an hour, thinking about Adrian and the truth about Elyssa, trying to figure out what the hell I just read, because once again, I did NOT see it coming. I can’t believe you did the exact same thing to us that you did in book one.
This book picks up exactly where Bound by Lies left us, and if I thought nothing could surprise me after that ending, I was clearly wrong. This story gets even more intense and twisted. Adrian is still Adrian: dark, possessive, unpredictable, and completely incapable of letting Serafina go. But now there is so much more behind everything we thought we knew about them, and every new revelation makes you question absolutely everything.
What I loved most was that constant feeling of not knowing who to trust. Serafina is no longer simply the woman trapped in the circumstances we saw in the first book. She makes her own decisions, even when you know they’re probably going to have huge consequences.
And Adrian… well, he keeps doing things that make you want to throw the book across the room, but at the same time, you can’t stop wanting to know what the hell is going on inside his head.
Their relationship is still complicated, intense, and completely chaotic. This isn’t a sweet or easy love story, and that’s exactly why it works in this world. There’s resentment, secrets, manipulation, desire, and an absurd amount of things we still don’t know.
But that ending… WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! After everything that happens, I was still hoping we’d finally get some answers, and instead I ended up exactly where I was after the first book: staring into the void and wondering what the hell just happened.
The suspense is not going to let me sleep peacefully until I read the third book. I need answers, and most of all, I need to know what’s going to happen with Adrian.
This book picks up exactly where Bound by Lies left us, and if I thought nothing could surprise me after that ending, I was clearly wrong. This story gets even more intense and twisted. Adrian is still Adrian: dark, possessive, unpredictable, and completely incapable of letting Serafina go. But now there is so much more behind everything we thought we knew about them, and every new revelation makes you question absolutely everything.
What I loved most was that constant feeling of not knowing who to trust. Serafina is no longer simply the woman trapped in the circumstances we saw in the first book. She makes her own decisions, even when you know they’re probably going to have huge consequences.
And Adrian… well, he keeps doing things that make you want to throw the book across the room, but at the same time, you can’t stop wanting to know what the hell is going on inside his head.
Their relationship is still complicated, intense, and completely chaotic. This isn’t a sweet or easy love story, and that’s exactly why it works in this world. There’s resentment, secrets, manipulation, desire, and an absurd amount of things we still don’t know.
But that ending… WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! After everything that happens, I was still hoping we’d finally get some answers, and instead I ended up exactly where I was after the first book: staring into the void and wondering what the hell just happened.
The suspense is not going to let me sleep peacefully until I read the third book. I need answers, and most of all, I need to know what’s going to happen with Adrian.
September 13, 2026
Review of Advance Copy Received from the Author.
I absolutely loved the first book, it left me completely mind-blown and desperate for more of Adrian and Serafina. So going into book two, I really wanted MORE of them.
I understand why the backstory was necessary, but I wish we had gotten that while also getting more of Adrian and Serafina. I’m pretty sure they didn’t have a real conversation until near the very end, and I really wish that had happened much earlier. At 34% in, we were only just getting our first real interaction between them that actually included dialogue. Before that, it was mostly lingering, watching from afar, and building up to their eventual interaction. And I was sitting there like… I NEED MORE OF THEM.
That being said, I was still obsessed with Adrian’s love and obsession with Serafina and Serafina’s internal turmoil over her feelings for him. Their dynamic is what kept me invested. I could feel the tension between them throughout the entire book. Their connection feels so real and special, and that’s something Lylah James knows how to write incredibly well. Overall, it was a good book. I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, Lylah knows how to create a fantastic story, and I’m still completely invested in these two.
“Three months of following her across countries, watching from the shadows yet never closing the distance. I enjoyed the chase, truly. Her little games. Her little victories, as I was sure she liked to believe.”
Now I just need MORE Adrian and Serafina! I can’t wait for the next book.
“This is war, Princess. And had only just begun.”
Tropes
Dark mafia romance
Runaway wife
Enemies to lovers (again)
Obsessive and possessive MMC
He chases her around the world
Villain FMC
Unhinged couple
Touch her and d!e (literally)
Age-gap
Forced proximity
Breeding
Second chance romance
I absolutely loved the first book, it left me completely mind-blown and desperate for more of Adrian and Serafina. So going into book two, I really wanted MORE of them.
I understand why the backstory was necessary, but I wish we had gotten that while also getting more of Adrian and Serafina. I’m pretty sure they didn’t have a real conversation until near the very end, and I really wish that had happened much earlier. At 34% in, we were only just getting our first real interaction between them that actually included dialogue. Before that, it was mostly lingering, watching from afar, and building up to their eventual interaction. And I was sitting there like… I NEED MORE OF THEM.
That being said, I was still obsessed with Adrian’s love and obsession with Serafina and Serafina’s internal turmoil over her feelings for him. Their dynamic is what kept me invested. I could feel the tension between them throughout the entire book. Their connection feels so real and special, and that’s something Lylah James knows how to write incredibly well. Overall, it was a good book. I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, Lylah knows how to create a fantastic story, and I’m still completely invested in these two.
“Three months of following her across countries, watching from the shadows yet never closing the distance. I enjoyed the chase, truly. Her little games. Her little victories, as I was sure she liked to believe.”
Now I just need MORE Adrian and Serafina! I can’t wait for the next book.
“This is war, Princess. And had only just begun.”
Tropes
Dark mafia romance
Runaway wife
Enemies to lovers (again)
Obsessive and possessive MMC
He chases her around the world
Villain FMC
Unhinged couple
Touch her and d!e (literally)
Age-gap
Forced proximity
Breeding
Second chance romance
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - September 12, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark mafia romance
- arranged marriage
- enemies to lovers
- betrayal & revenge
- obsessive hero
- wife on the run
- forced proximity
- possesive MMC
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Torn by Fate is book two in the Fatal Alliances series and follows Serafina and Adrian, whose marriage is built on secrets, betrayal and revenge. Serafina has spent years planning her revenge and finally pulls the trigger on Adrian, only for him to survive. She runs, but Adrian is not someone who is going to let his wife disappear that easily.
This book was SUCH a ride. I genuinely loved how intense and unpredictable everything felt. The twists kept coming and every time I thought I understood where the story was going, something else happened and completely changed the mood.
Serafina was such a fascinating character to read because she is not just the sweet wife in the story. She has her own plans, secrets and reasons behind everything she does. And Adrian was exactly the kind of dangerous, obsessive mafia hero this story needed. Their chemistry, tension and messy relationship had me completely hooked.
The revenge, the secrets, the chase and all those little reveals made this book so addictive. And THAT CLIFFHANGER 😭 I was absolutely not ready for it. I need the next book immediately because I cannot just sit here and pretend I am okay after that ending.
Lylah James really gave us a dark, dramatic and twisty romance with so much tension. Definitely a 5 star read for me. 🖤
Thank you candi pr for the ARC!!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - September 12, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark mafia romance
- arranged marriage
- enemies to lovers
- betrayal & revenge
- obsessive hero
- wife on the run
- forced proximity
- possesive MMC
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Torn by Fate is book two in the Fatal Alliances series and follows Serafina and Adrian, whose marriage is built on secrets, betrayal and revenge. Serafina has spent years planning her revenge and finally pulls the trigger on Adrian, only for him to survive. She runs, but Adrian is not someone who is going to let his wife disappear that easily.
This book was SUCH a ride. I genuinely loved how intense and unpredictable everything felt. The twists kept coming and every time I thought I understood where the story was going, something else happened and completely changed the mood.
Serafina was such a fascinating character to read because she is not just the sweet wife in the story. She has her own plans, secrets and reasons behind everything she does. And Adrian was exactly the kind of dangerous, obsessive mafia hero this story needed. Their chemistry, tension and messy relationship had me completely hooked.
The revenge, the secrets, the chase and all those little reveals made this book so addictive. And THAT CLIFFHANGER 😭 I was absolutely not ready for it. I need the next book immediately because I cannot just sit here and pretend I am okay after that ending.
Lylah James really gave us a dark, dramatic and twisty romance with so much tension. Definitely a 5 star read for me. 🖤
Thank you candi pr for the ARC!!
September 13, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCE READER COPY FROM AUTHOR
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Okay, this book was WILD. After the way Bound by Lies ended, I knew I needed to know what was actually going on, and this book gave me even more questions along the way. 😭
Serafina was probably my favourite part of this book. She felt so much stronger and darker this time around, and I loved seeing more of what was going on in her head. She has her own plans, her own secrets, and she is definitely not the helpless wife everyone thinks she is.
And Adrian... this man is OBSESSED with Serafina. 😂 No matter how angry he was or how much they wanted to destroy each other, he just couldn't stay away from her. Their relationship is messy, toxic, full of anger and revenge, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.
The twists were another highlight for me because every time I thought I finally understood what was happening, another secret came out and changed everything. I genuinely had so many "WAIT, WHAT?!" moments while reading this.
And that ending?? Absolutely NOT okay. 😭 After everything that happened, we still have another book to go and I have no idea how I'm supposed to wait for it.
Serafina and Adrian are completely unhinged, the story is full of secrets and betrayal, and I was here for all of it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Okay, this book was WILD. After the way Bound by Lies ended, I knew I needed to know what was actually going on, and this book gave me even more questions along the way. 😭
Serafina was probably my favourite part of this book. She felt so much stronger and darker this time around, and I loved seeing more of what was going on in her head. She has her own plans, her own secrets, and she is definitely not the helpless wife everyone thinks she is.
And Adrian... this man is OBSESSED with Serafina. 😂 No matter how angry he was or how much they wanted to destroy each other, he just couldn't stay away from her. Their relationship is messy, toxic, full of anger and revenge, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.
The twists were another highlight for me because every time I thought I finally understood what was happening, another secret came out and changed everything. I genuinely had so many "WAIT, WHAT?!" moments while reading this.
And that ending?? Absolutely NOT okay. 😭 After everything that happened, we still have another book to go and I have no idea how I'm supposed to wait for it.
Serafina and Adrian are completely unhinged, the story is full of secrets and betrayal, and I was here for all of it.
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