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Billionaire Legacy #1
Legacy of Deception: A Billionaire Romance
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26An Italian billionaire.
His little sister’s best friend.
An arranged marriage neither of them wanted.
One secret that could ruin everything.
Marco Deluca has spent his life being used as a pawn in his father’s empire. But when an ironclad stipulation in the will threatens his shot at becoming CEO, Marco is forced into one role he never wanted.
Future husband.
Even worse? His intended bride is Brooklyn his younger sister’s best friend, a reckless temptation wrapped in high society trouble, and the last woman he should want.
There’s just one problem.
She’s pregnant.
And the baby isn’t his.
Their engagement is supposed to be nothing more than obligation. A business arrangement. Marco needs leverage to take back control of his family’s empire, and Brooklyn needs protection from the mess her father made.
Neither of them expects the attraction. Or the jealousy.
But once Marco decides Brooklyn is his, he’ll burn every rule, every secret, and every legacy standing in their way.
Legacy of Deception is a steamy billionaire arranged marriage romance from #1 Amazon bestselling author duo Dani Ryan, featuring dislike to love, his sister’s best friend, not his baby, forced proximity, family secrets, and a possessive Italian billionaire who falls hard.
His little sister’s best friend.
An arranged marriage neither of them wanted.
One secret that could ruin everything.
Marco Deluca has spent his life being used as a pawn in his father’s empire. But when an ironclad stipulation in the will threatens his shot at becoming CEO, Marco is forced into one role he never wanted.
Future husband.
Even worse? His intended bride is Brooklyn his younger sister’s best friend, a reckless temptation wrapped in high society trouble, and the last woman he should want.
There’s just one problem.
She’s pregnant.
And the baby isn’t his.
Their engagement is supposed to be nothing more than obligation. A business arrangement. Marco needs leverage to take back control of his family’s empire, and Brooklyn needs protection from the mess her father made.
Neither of them expects the attraction. Or the jealousy.
But once Marco decides Brooklyn is his, he’ll burn every rule, every secret, and every legacy standing in their way.
Legacy of Deception is a steamy billionaire arranged marriage romance from #1 Amazon bestselling author duo Dani Ryan, featuring dislike to love, his sister’s best friend, not his baby, forced proximity, family secrets, and a possessive Italian billionaire who falls hard.
- GenresRomance
Audible Audio
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Dani Ryan
16 books230 followers#1 Amazon bestselling author duo Dani Ryan is the author of contemporary billionaire romances featuring high-stakes settings and flawed, emotionally relatable characters. When they aren’t penning fictional characters, they are probably with their Iggy, or adding more stunning books to their shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ARC Review ✨
🩶 Arranged Marriage
🩶 Not his baby
🩶 Forced Proximity
🩶 Best friends brother
🩶 Dislike to love
First book by Dani Ryan and the first in the new series.
This book is definitely a slow burn as both of these characters dislike each other. Think rival families and two people forced to be together.
This book follows Brooklyn and Marco. They are forced to marry and within moments of the agreement occurring, Brooklyn finds out she’s pregnant…with another man’s baby.
It took me a bit to get into the book as it’s not the usual tropes I read and I didn’t like Brooklyn’s personality at first. As the book went along and Brooklyn had to navigate pregnancy, her feelings for Marco and the family dynamics, I could appreciate the growth for the character.
It’s an enjoyable book and if you love these tropes you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Dani Ryan for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ARC Review ✨
🩶 Arranged Marriage
🩶 Not his baby
🩶 Forced Proximity
🩶 Best friends brother
🩶 Dislike to love
First book by Dani Ryan and the first in the new series.
This book is definitely a slow burn as both of these characters dislike each other. Think rival families and two people forced to be together.
This book follows Brooklyn and Marco. They are forced to marry and within moments of the agreement occurring, Brooklyn finds out she’s pregnant…with another man’s baby.
It took me a bit to get into the book as it’s not the usual tropes I read and I didn’t like Brooklyn’s personality at first. As the book went along and Brooklyn had to navigate pregnancy, her feelings for Marco and the family dynamics, I could appreciate the growth for the character.
It’s an enjoyable book and if you love these tropes you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Dani Ryan for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want to Read
July 7, 2026Can’t wait to read this book !!! Dani Ryan is always a must read / auto buy author !
Currently Reading
July 6, 2026Can’t wait to read this book!
Currently Reading
July 6, 2026I CANNOT wait to read this one and get to know Marco and Brooklyn more! 😍😍
Currently Reading
July 26, 2026releasing August 25
🧡ebook: https://geni.us/6ZbmM
🧡deluxe paperback: https://geni.us/dzRx
🧡ebook: https://geni.us/6ZbmM
🧡deluxe paperback: https://geni.us/dzRx
Review of advance copy received from Author
BLURB:
Brooklyn Briggs is forced into an arranged marriage with billionaire heir Marco DeLuca to secure a business deal between their fathers, but an unexpected pregnancy, family secrets, and their undeniable attraction complicate everything.
REVIEW:
This was my first billionaire romance and also my first book by Dani Ryan, and I was impressed. It’s also the first book in Billionaire Legacy series, and with the straightforward writing and two contrasting protagonists, Brooklyn Briggs and Marco DeLuca, I was immediately pulled into the story. Both MCs come from influential families where their fathers have control over their lives—so much so that they’re working out a business deal forcing Brooklyn and Marco into an arranged marriage, which makes for an interesting setup! There are lots of great tropes here too, including forced proximity, enemies to lovers, sister’s best friend, Italian family drama, sibling rivalry, unexpected pregnancy, and lots of juicy secrets and lies!
The story is told through alternating POVs of Brooklyn and Marco, and I thought the authors did a really good job, early on, at giving enough backstory to understand where they come from and their motivations. Marco’s big Italian family is headed by his powerful billionaire father, Santo DeLuca, who’s ruthless and controlling. Marco has seven brothers—Lorenzo, Vito, Carmine, Rocco, Dario, Massimo, and Dominic—and you quickly find out that there’s tension between them, and this isn’t a happy, close-knit family. Marco wants more control over his future and a place in the family business, which is a big part of his motivation.
What I found especially interesting from Brooklyn’s POV is that she doesn’t even know which DeLuca son she’s going to marry when she arrives at their Italian billionaire villa. She’s known the family for years because she grew up being friends with Capri DeLuca, one of Marco’s younger sisters, so she’s familiar with the corrupt family dynamics. But Brooklyn turned out not at all what I expected. I first assumed that someone accepting being forced into an arranged marriage might be passive and fearful, but she’s the complete opposite. She’s outspoken, feisty, and stands up to powerful people. She’s also pretty reckless, and early on we learn that she’s unexpectedly pregnant after sleeping with one of her father’s business interests. I’m not always a fan of unexpected pregnancy threads, but this one’s very much a subplot and showcases Brooklyn’s vulnerability and tenacity—especially when she confronts the father of her child. I did have to suspend my disbelief about how accepting Marco and his family members were that the baby wasn’t his while still wanting to go ahead with the arranged marriage. Considering how much Santo DeLuca cares about control and reputation, I expected the revelation to have a bigger fallout.
One of my favorite parts of the book was watching Brooklyn and Marco’s relationship develop. In the beginning, there’s a lot of mistrust between them, and both are looking for a way out of the marriage. Marco’s also working behind the scenes with some of his brothers to try to get the upper hand against Santo and gain control over his own life. Despite neither wanting the marriage, there’s an undeniable chemistry and attraction between them. I really enjoyed how that attraction turned into a real connection as they started spending more time together and opening up to each other—and it was not only believable but also a relationship I could eventually root for by the end!
This isn’t a thriller, but there are suspenseful elements in the story—particularly when Marco’s dealing with Santo and his oldest brother, Vito. I was surprised by how much tension there was between the DeLuca brothers in general—you can feel the hostility, resentment, and competitiveness over what’s at stake in the family business between them.
The alternating POVs, short chapters, and all of the dramatic conversations easily kept me flipping pages. There isn’t a ton of action or plot twists, but there’s always some kind of family or relationship drama happening, which keeps the story moving. I also appreciated how the spice is handled. There are definitely some spicy scenes, but they’re tastefully done and don’t ever take over the story.
My only minor complaint is that while the pace does pick up and there are more plot points toward the end, I never felt like there was one huge climax that totally gripped me, and the last few chapters were a bit predictable. Having said that, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed Marco and Brooklyn’s relationship development. Their connection by the end felt real and way more meaningful than the raw physical attraction between them at the start. The epilogue is satisfying, giving much-needed resolution while also leaving me wondering what’s next for Marco and Brooklyn. There are so many directions the authors could take in the sequel, and I’m curious to see where they go from here!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, especially considering it was my first billionaire romance. If you enjoy contemporary romances, arranged marriage storylines, sibling rivalry, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and lots of (Italian) family drama, this is definitely one to pick up!
Brooklyn Briggs is forced into an arranged marriage with billionaire heir Marco DeLuca to secure a business deal between their fathers, but an unexpected pregnancy, family secrets, and their undeniable attraction complicate everything.
REVIEW:
This was my first billionaire romance and also my first book by Dani Ryan, and I was impressed. It’s also the first book in Billionaire Legacy series, and with the straightforward writing and two contrasting protagonists, Brooklyn Briggs and Marco DeLuca, I was immediately pulled into the story. Both MCs come from influential families where their fathers have control over their lives—so much so that they’re working out a business deal forcing Brooklyn and Marco into an arranged marriage, which makes for an interesting setup! There are lots of great tropes here too, including forced proximity, enemies to lovers, sister’s best friend, Italian family drama, sibling rivalry, unexpected pregnancy, and lots of juicy secrets and lies!
The story is told through alternating POVs of Brooklyn and Marco, and I thought the authors did a really good job, early on, at giving enough backstory to understand where they come from and their motivations. Marco’s big Italian family is headed by his powerful billionaire father, Santo DeLuca, who’s ruthless and controlling. Marco has seven brothers—Lorenzo, Vito, Carmine, Rocco, Dario, Massimo, and Dominic—and you quickly find out that there’s tension between them, and this isn’t a happy, close-knit family. Marco wants more control over his future and a place in the family business, which is a big part of his motivation.
What I found especially interesting from Brooklyn’s POV is that she doesn’t even know which DeLuca son she’s going to marry when she arrives at their Italian billionaire villa. She’s known the family for years because she grew up being friends with Capri DeLuca, one of Marco’s younger sisters, so she’s familiar with the corrupt family dynamics. But Brooklyn turned out not at all what I expected. I first assumed that someone accepting being forced into an arranged marriage might be passive and fearful, but she’s the complete opposite. She’s outspoken, feisty, and stands up to powerful people. She’s also pretty reckless, and early on we learn that she’s unexpectedly pregnant after sleeping with one of her father’s business interests. I’m not always a fan of unexpected pregnancy threads, but this one’s very much a subplot and showcases Brooklyn’s vulnerability and tenacity—especially when she confronts the father of her child. I did have to suspend my disbelief about how accepting Marco and his family members were that the baby wasn’t his while still wanting to go ahead with the arranged marriage. Considering how much Santo DeLuca cares about control and reputation, I expected the revelation to have a bigger fallout.
One of my favorite parts of the book was watching Brooklyn and Marco’s relationship develop. In the beginning, there’s a lot of mistrust between them, and both are looking for a way out of the marriage. Marco’s also working behind the scenes with some of his brothers to try to get the upper hand against Santo and gain control over his own life. Despite neither wanting the marriage, there’s an undeniable chemistry and attraction between them. I really enjoyed how that attraction turned into a real connection as they started spending more time together and opening up to each other—and it was not only believable but also a relationship I could eventually root for by the end!
This isn’t a thriller, but there are suspenseful elements in the story—particularly when Marco’s dealing with Santo and his oldest brother, Vito. I was surprised by how much tension there was between the DeLuca brothers in general—you can feel the hostility, resentment, and competitiveness over what’s at stake in the family business between them.
The alternating POVs, short chapters, and all of the dramatic conversations easily kept me flipping pages. There isn’t a ton of action or plot twists, but there’s always some kind of family or relationship drama happening, which keeps the story moving. I also appreciated how the spice is handled. There are definitely some spicy scenes, but they’re tastefully done and don’t ever take over the story.
My only minor complaint is that while the pace does pick up and there are more plot points toward the end, I never felt like there was one huge climax that totally gripped me, and the last few chapters were a bit predictable. Having said that, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed Marco and Brooklyn’s relationship development. Their connection by the end felt real and way more meaningful than the raw physical attraction between them at the start. The epilogue is satisfying, giving much-needed resolution while also leaving me wondering what’s next for Marco and Brooklyn. There are so many directions the authors could take in the sequel, and I’m curious to see where they go from here!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, especially considering it was my first billionaire romance. If you enjoy contemporary romances, arranged marriage storylines, sibling rivalry, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and lots of (Italian) family drama, this is definitely one to pick up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
(ALC Review)
Marco and Brooklyn are two characters you aren't necessarily going to love right away, and I think that's exactly why I ended up enjoying their growth so much.
Marco is your broody, possessive MMC desperately trying to free himself from the bonds of his father and the family empire he's spent his life being used as a pawn in. Then there's Brooklyn: spoiled, bratty, impulsive, and absolutely FILLED with female fury. The wrath of this woman is intense, and she makes some truly questionable decisions along the way.
So naturally, their fathers decide these two should get married.
Neither Marco nor Brooklyn wants the arrangement, and both initially see it as an opportunity to gain leverage of their own. They just weren't supposed to actually start caring about each other.
Their progression was probably my favorite part because it takes TIME. Lots and lots of TIME. The feuding slowly becomes attraction. Attraction becomes softness. Softness becomes respect, protectiveness, and eventually something that begins looking a whole lot like a family.
Brooklyn's growth was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She's forced to confront the fact that soon another human being will depend on her when she's barely been able to depend on herself. Watching her question whether she's capable of becoming the mother her baby deserves added a vulnerability to her character that I wasn't expecting after meeting the wild, impulsive woman from the beginning.
And Marco?
THAT MAN MADE ME SO MAD.
Brooklyn kept trying. She fought for him and tried to make his life easier. Sometimes her attempts were completely misguided, but she always meant well. Meanwhile, Marco's actions were screaming what he wanted long before the stubborn man was willing to admit it to himself.
But those little cracks in his armor? They got me.
The tenderness. The admiration. The way his protectiveness begins extending beyond Brooklyn to her unborn baby. Watching this hardened man slowly realize what, and who, he wants was worth all the times I wanted to shake him.
I also loved the chess analogy woven throughout the story. There are so many moving pieces between these families: businesses, secrets, alliances, fathers manipulating their children, and decisions that can completely change the game. But at the center are Marco and Brooklyn, two people who know what it feels like to have someone else try to move them around the board.
And they refuse to stay pawns.
Their chemistry also benefits from that slower progression. The hostility doesn't suddenly become lust because the story says it should. You can feel something shifting underneath all that feuding until they finally give in, and by then, it felt earned.
Also, Marco reveals he has a hidden tattoo and Brooklyn immediately assumes it's on his penis.
It's not.
I CACKLED. 😂
🎤 LET'S TALK AUDIO
Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezza were both new narrators for me, and I really enjoyed what they brought to these characters.
Savannah perfectly captures Brooklyn's feistiness and rage in the beginning. Her delivery is clipped and almost biting at times, but as Brooklyn grows, Savannah's performance changes with her. More vulnerability starts creeping in without ever losing the fire that makes Brooklyn who she is. I loved being able to actually hear Brooklyn mature throughout the story.
Alberto had me almost immediately. His voice has this magnetic quality that works ridiculously well for Marco. He brings the broody, possessive energy, the Italian-family charm and allure, and all that underlying anger and control.
And THE GROWLING.
Sir.
But what I loved most was hearing his performance soften as Marco did. Alberto never turns him into a completely different character simply because he's developing feelings. You can still hear Marco's harder edges underneath the tenderness and protectiveness, which made those softer moments hit even harder.
At its heart, Legacy of Deception became a story about two flawed people whose families have spent their lives trying to control them finally beginning to make choices for themselves and deciding they can be better for each other and this baby than the people who came before them.
Their fathers may have put the pieces on the board.
But Marco and Brooklyn refuse to let anyone else decide how they move.
Marco and Brooklyn are two characters you aren't necessarily going to love right away, and I think that's exactly why I ended up enjoying their growth so much.
Marco is your broody, possessive MMC desperately trying to free himself from the bonds of his father and the family empire he's spent his life being used as a pawn in. Then there's Brooklyn: spoiled, bratty, impulsive, and absolutely FILLED with female fury. The wrath of this woman is intense, and she makes some truly questionable decisions along the way.
So naturally, their fathers decide these two should get married.
Neither Marco nor Brooklyn wants the arrangement, and both initially see it as an opportunity to gain leverage of their own. They just weren't supposed to actually start caring about each other.
Their progression was probably my favorite part because it takes TIME. Lots and lots of TIME. The feuding slowly becomes attraction. Attraction becomes softness. Softness becomes respect, protectiveness, and eventually something that begins looking a whole lot like a family.
Brooklyn's growth was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She's forced to confront the fact that soon another human being will depend on her when she's barely been able to depend on herself. Watching her question whether she's capable of becoming the mother her baby deserves added a vulnerability to her character that I wasn't expecting after meeting the wild, impulsive woman from the beginning.
And Marco?
THAT MAN MADE ME SO MAD.
Brooklyn kept trying. She fought for him and tried to make his life easier. Sometimes her attempts were completely misguided, but she always meant well. Meanwhile, Marco's actions were screaming what he wanted long before the stubborn man was willing to admit it to himself.
But those little cracks in his armor? They got me.
The tenderness. The admiration. The way his protectiveness begins extending beyond Brooklyn to her unborn baby. Watching this hardened man slowly realize what, and who, he wants was worth all the times I wanted to shake him.
I also loved the chess analogy woven throughout the story. There are so many moving pieces between these families: businesses, secrets, alliances, fathers manipulating their children, and decisions that can completely change the game. But at the center are Marco and Brooklyn, two people who know what it feels like to have someone else try to move them around the board.
And they refuse to stay pawns.
Their chemistry also benefits from that slower progression. The hostility doesn't suddenly become lust because the story says it should. You can feel something shifting underneath all that feuding until they finally give in, and by then, it felt earned.
Also, Marco reveals he has a hidden tattoo and Brooklyn immediately assumes it's on his penis.
It's not.
I CACKLED. 😂
🎤 LET'S TALK AUDIO
Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezza were both new narrators for me, and I really enjoyed what they brought to these characters.
Savannah perfectly captures Brooklyn's feistiness and rage in the beginning. Her delivery is clipped and almost biting at times, but as Brooklyn grows, Savannah's performance changes with her. More vulnerability starts creeping in without ever losing the fire that makes Brooklyn who she is. I loved being able to actually hear Brooklyn mature throughout the story.
Alberto had me almost immediately. His voice has this magnetic quality that works ridiculously well for Marco. He brings the broody, possessive energy, the Italian-family charm and allure, and all that underlying anger and control.
And THE GROWLING.
Sir.
But what I loved most was hearing his performance soften as Marco did. Alberto never turns him into a completely different character simply because he's developing feelings. You can still hear Marco's harder edges underneath the tenderness and protectiveness, which made those softer moments hit even harder.
At its heart, Legacy of Deception became a story about two flawed people whose families have spent their lives trying to control them finally beginning to make choices for themselves and deciding they can be better for each other and this baby than the people who came before them.
Their fathers may have put the pieces on the board.
But Marco and Brooklyn refuse to let anyone else decide how they move.
Review of advance copy received from Author
At its core this is a love story with relatively low conflict. A Mafia romance that doesn't have under-the-table dealings and what not? No, you still get that, and trust me, Santos will give you all the creepy mafia vibes you never asked for. What I mean is that this one focuses more on Marco and Brooklyn falling in love rather than the crime family. Don't get me wrong at first, as these two are forced into an arranged marriage to bind their families, and they are not happy. What starts as an arranged marriage full of anger and hate, like she legit slaps him (which is HOT), and they are both working to untangle their forced bond. Oh, and to make things more complicated, she is pregnant, but it's not his. Like any good romance, hate turns to lust, and then suddenly the under-the-table dealings and work to dissolve the arranged marriage don't matter. Marcos is a typical mafia man, brooding, scheming, and trying desperately to free himself from his father, Santos's, grasp. He is less than pleased when his betrothed is a spoiled want-to-be influencer whom he cannot stand. Trust me when I say Brooklyn is spoiled and naive. She charges forward with only feminine rage to protect herself from danger to discover anything to dissolve this marriage before it happens. There were moments when I yelled at my Kindle because this girl was stressing me out. I have never wanted to take the side of a man, but I was fully team Marco, trying to wrangle her in. This is a fast hate-to-love story, and I was here for it. Marco continued to fight against his fear of becoming his father and started to fall for Brooklyn and her baby, no matter how crazy she drove him. The way he stepped up to love her and her baby had me kicking my feet. Brooklyn will grow on you as she quickly grows up during the pregnancy. I loved that these two moved past the limits set by their parents' mistakes and worked so hard to be the parent you wished that you had as a child. Much like a game of chess, there are a lot of moving parts, strategies unseen, and split decisions that change the game, but they refuse to be anyone's pawn.
4/5 stars 2/5 spice
tropes
Mafia
Not his baby
arranged marriage
hate to love
forced proximity
4/5 stars 2/5 spice
tropes
Mafia
Not his baby
arranged marriage
hate to love
forced proximity
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚Legacy of Deception by Dani Ryan
🎤Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezza
DUAL NARRATION
Beta Listen
Thanks to Dani Ryan for an advanced copy of the audio to review. All thoughts are my own.
What to expect:
🖤Not his baby
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤Hate to love
🖤Forced proximity
It's not too often we get to read a mafia romance with an arranged marriage that comes with relatively low conflict. For a mafia romance, we get to see more of these two falling in love rather than the shady dealings from a crime family.
Marco and Brooklyn are forced into an arranged marriage to bind their families together. Basically just told, you're doing this, and neither of them are happy about it. Their relationship begins full of loathing and hate while they try to navigate their way through this new bond. To complicate things, Brooklyn is pregnant with another guy's baby, really just a fling, but she's worried that this will thwart the plans that have been laid out for her.
Marco is your typical broody, possessive MC that is trying desperately to free himself from the bonds of his father. When he meets Brooklyn, a very spoiled and bratty influencer, he's not too pleased. She's filled with female fury. The wrath of this woman is intense but Marco tries to get ahold of her as best he can. The feuding between these two quickly becomes lust. Marco makes it clear that he will do anything for Brooklyn and her baby.
I really loved how these two were able to set their family differences aside and try to be the best for each other and the baby. The game of chess is used as an analogy in this story and there are lots of moving parts, lots of characters and decisions made that change the game but these two just refuse to be a pawn in the twisted game of their mafia families.
🎤Let's talk audio: Both Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezza are new narrators to me. Savannah did a wonderful job bringing Brooklyn to life. Performing with a feistiness and rage that was perfect for the character but she also shows a softer side as Brooklyn starts to lean into Marco's protective arms. I really enjoyed her voice and tone. Alberto's voice is honestly perfect for the mafia type MC that comes from a scheming Italian family. He shows off Marco's protective side and brings out all that mafia charm and allure. Overall, this was a great audio experience.
This book does have an intense storyline and a fiery romance which makes for a perfect mafia romance. 👌🏻
🎤Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezza
DUAL NARRATION
Beta Listen
Thanks to Dani Ryan for an advanced copy of the audio to review. All thoughts are my own.
What to expect:
🖤Not his baby
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤Hate to love
🖤Forced proximity
It's not too often we get to read a mafia romance with an arranged marriage that comes with relatively low conflict. For a mafia romance, we get to see more of these two falling in love rather than the shady dealings from a crime family.
Marco and Brooklyn are forced into an arranged marriage to bind their families together. Basically just told, you're doing this, and neither of them are happy about it. Their relationship begins full of loathing and hate while they try to navigate their way through this new bond. To complicate things, Brooklyn is pregnant with another guy's baby, really just a fling, but she's worried that this will thwart the plans that have been laid out for her.
Marco is your typical broody, possessive MC that is trying desperately to free himself from the bonds of his father. When he meets Brooklyn, a very spoiled and bratty influencer, he's not too pleased. She's filled with female fury. The wrath of this woman is intense but Marco tries to get ahold of her as best he can. The feuding between these two quickly becomes lust. Marco makes it clear that he will do anything for Brooklyn and her baby.
I really loved how these two were able to set their family differences aside and try to be the best for each other and the baby. The game of chess is used as an analogy in this story and there are lots of moving parts, lots of characters and decisions made that change the game but these two just refuse to be a pawn in the twisted game of their mafia families.
🎤Let's talk audio: Both Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezza are new narrators to me. Savannah did a wonderful job bringing Brooklyn to life. Performing with a feistiness and rage that was perfect for the character but she also shows a softer side as Brooklyn starts to lean into Marco's protective arms. I really enjoyed her voice and tone. Alberto's voice is honestly perfect for the mafia type MC that comes from a scheming Italian family. He shows off Marco's protective side and brings out all that mafia charm and allure. Overall, this was a great audio experience.
This book does have an intense storyline and a fiery romance which makes for a perfect mafia romance. 👌🏻
Review of advance copy
3.75 stars rounded up
They both are stubborn and both want the right to choose their own destiny, neither want to be in an arranged marriage and they are tired of their father's deciding for them, maybe they could work together after all?
I liked the tropes for this book and love a good frienemies to more, best friends brother story but felt the pacing was kind of all over the place it was slow in places and then parts of the story felt so fast that I wondered if I missed part of the progression of their relationship like they weren't even spending all that much time together as a couple and Marco is kind of a jerk towards her but then all of a sudden they were both were all in? what??
I liked that Marco stepped up for Brooklyn but just wish there would have been more focus on how their relationship got there, I think part of this might have been that I wasn't sure of the timeline and there were time jumps.
Some of the plots that were bigger throughout the story (like the situation between their father's and the horses, and another situation with Marco not going into that right here but if you've read it you know what I'm talking about) were just dropped towards the end also which kind of threw me off the story... like why was this such a big part of the story only to be dropped at the end?
I listened to this as an ALC and felt the narrators did a good job with the story
I am interested to find out other members stories, this was a lower stakes powerful family drama and it kept me interested throughout and I did like how Brooklyn & Marco grew closer together creating their own little family even if I did feel that I was missing some of the story at times.
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Hambright PR ALC *Arranged Marriage *Surprise pregnancy *not his baby *dislike --> love
*Little Sister's best friend *forced proximity *meddling families *Billionaire romance
*powerful family *deception *Family drama *lies *Spice
They both are stubborn and both want the right to choose their own destiny, neither want to be in an arranged marriage and they are tired of their father's deciding for them, maybe they could work together after all?
I liked the tropes for this book and love a good frienemies to more, best friends brother story but felt the pacing was kind of all over the place it was slow in places and then parts of the story felt so fast that I wondered if I missed part of the progression of their relationship like they weren't even spending all that much time together as a couple and Marco is kind of a jerk towards her but then all of a sudden they were both were all in? what??
I liked that Marco stepped up for Brooklyn but just wish there would have been more focus on how their relationship got there, I think part of this might have been that I wasn't sure of the timeline and there were time jumps.
Some of the plots that were bigger throughout the story (like the situation between their father's and the horses, and another situation with Marco not going into that right here but if you've read it you know what I'm talking about) were just dropped towards the end also which kind of threw me off the story... like why was this such a big part of the story only to be dropped at the end?
I listened to this as an ALC and felt the narrators did a good job with the story
I am interested to find out other members stories, this was a lower stakes powerful family drama and it kept me interested throughout and I did like how Brooklyn & Marco grew closer together creating their own little family even if I did feel that I was missing some of the story at times.
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Hambright PR ALC *Arranged Marriage *Surprise pregnancy *not his baby *dislike --> love
*Little Sister's best friend *forced proximity *meddling families *Billionaire romance
*powerful family *deception *Family drama *lies *Spice
August 11, 2026
Brooklyn has done many things to keep her father happy, but being forced into marriage is not something she ever expected she’d have to do. Finding out she’d have to marry one of her best friend’s brothers is one thing, but the absolute disdain he shows her when he finds out was hard to bear. When she finds out she’s pregnant from a one night stand she had before she knew about the engagement, she assumes he’ll use it as an excuse to walk away, but instead, he stays. As she finds herself taking risks to not only protect her future husband, but also try to ruin his manipulative father, her fiance saves her more than once, and soon she finds herself falling.
Marco never wanted to marry, especially not to a troublemaker like Brooklyn. Coming up with a plan to overthrow his father in the company, he knows it’s only a matter of time before he can break off the engagement. As much as he tries to ignore her, Brooklyn quickly gets under his skin, and he finds himself thinking of her baby as theirs. But when he uncovers his father’s true motivations in entering into this arrangement, he knows that it could change everything.
I was able to do an early immersive read of this book thanks to @Hambright_PR and I really enjoyed it. I loved that Brooklyn seems like the embodiment of chaos, but in reality, she’s always been motivated by keeping those she loves safe. While I would have loved to hear her perspective on some of the parts of her past Marco mentioned, knowing was not really crucial to the story. While they both are loyal to their respective families, it quickly becomes clear that their roles within the family are similar, with them both being treated more like pawns than key players, but as they realize this about each other, I loved watching them work together towards a shared future of their choosing. While their relationship wasn’t easy, it became real, and in the end that’s all that mattered.
Marco never wanted to marry, especially not to a troublemaker like Brooklyn. Coming up with a plan to overthrow his father in the company, he knows it’s only a matter of time before he can break off the engagement. As much as he tries to ignore her, Brooklyn quickly gets under his skin, and he finds himself thinking of her baby as theirs. But when he uncovers his father’s true motivations in entering into this arrangement, he knows that it could change everything.
I was able to do an early immersive read of this book thanks to @Hambright_PR and I really enjoyed it. I loved that Brooklyn seems like the embodiment of chaos, but in reality, she’s always been motivated by keeping those she loves safe. While I would have loved to hear her perspective on some of the parts of her past Marco mentioned, knowing was not really crucial to the story. While they both are loyal to their respective families, it quickly becomes clear that their roles within the family are similar, with them both being treated more like pawns than key players, but as they realize this about each other, I loved watching them work together towards a shared future of their choosing. While their relationship wasn’t easy, it became real, and in the end that’s all that mattered.
Review of advance copy
New author to me and I really enjoyed this mafia arranged marriage romance! 🖤 Legacy Of Deception is book one in the Billionaire Legacy series by Dani Ryan. If you love a possessive billionaire mafia romance, she’s his sister’s best friend pregnant and it’s not his baby, add in an arranged marriage and family secrets, then you will love this start to a new series!
Marco De Luca is your confident, broody, possessive Italian billionaire who is trying to break free from his father and the family empire that he has spent his entire life loyal to even though he is treated like a pawn. Always used for the sake of the family. Brooklyn Briggs is a strong-willed woman with a little bit of a reckless, impulsive side, working toward building her career as an influencer. She has her own plans for her future, but her deep sense of loyalty to protect her family puts those plans on hold when she finds herself thrown into a planned marriage she never wanted. Marco can't stand Brooklyn and her troublemaking ways, but the more time he spends with her, the harder it becomes for him to deny what he's feeling. AND when Marco finds out she's pregnant and it's not his, he stays. He protects her and the baby. And this man will do whatever it takes to make sure they're safe. These two have both spent their lives being treated like pawns, so watching them finally realize they could change the game and finally stand up for themselves was one of my favorite parts. And this love, it's a slow burn worth the wait. Their chemistry was 🔥
Give me a possessive, alpha who slowly falls to his knees for the woman he isn't supposed to fall in love with. Add in him becoming so fiercely protective of both her and her baby, I loved it!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Arranged marriage
❤️ Best friend’s brother
🖤 Dislike to love
❤️ Forced proximity
🖤 Not his baby
🌻Thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for my arc!
#HPRLegacyofDeception
#DaniRyan
#HambrightPR
Marco De Luca is your confident, broody, possessive Italian billionaire who is trying to break free from his father and the family empire that he has spent his entire life loyal to even though he is treated like a pawn. Always used for the sake of the family. Brooklyn Briggs is a strong-willed woman with a little bit of a reckless, impulsive side, working toward building her career as an influencer. She has her own plans for her future, but her deep sense of loyalty to protect her family puts those plans on hold when she finds herself thrown into a planned marriage she never wanted. Marco can't stand Brooklyn and her troublemaking ways, but the more time he spends with her, the harder it becomes for him to deny what he's feeling. AND when Marco finds out she's pregnant and it's not his, he stays. He protects her and the baby. And this man will do whatever it takes to make sure they're safe. These two have both spent their lives being treated like pawns, so watching them finally realize they could change the game and finally stand up for themselves was one of my favorite parts. And this love, it's a slow burn worth the wait. Their chemistry was 🔥
Give me a possessive, alpha who slowly falls to his knees for the woman he isn't supposed to fall in love with. Add in him becoming so fiercely protective of both her and her baby, I loved it!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Arranged marriage
❤️ Best friend’s brother
🖤 Dislike to love
❤️ Forced proximity
🖤 Not his baby
🌻Thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for my arc!
#HPRLegacyofDeception
#DaniRyan
#HambrightPR
Review of advance copy received from Author
🧡AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🧡
Dani Ryan is an instant read for me. One of my favorite series is the Morelli Sisters Series and I was sad to see it come to an end. But then they said they were creating this series and I was so excited to learn more about the Deluca family. If you read the Morelli Sisters then you already met Dominic Deluca who married Maria. Marco is Dominic's brother and this is his story.
The narrators Alberto Frezza & Savannah Rivers were phenomenal! I thought these two were the perfect narrators to tell Marco & Brooklyn's story. They will keep you entertained and hold your attention the entire time you are listening. I loved being able to immerse read this story because I always feel like you get different vibes from each version.
Marco was absolutely amazing! I loved getting to know this man! Even though Marco can't stand Brooklyn and her troublemaking ways, the more time he spends with her the more he starts falling for her. Brooklyn was the perfect match for Marco. She tested him and made him see what he was missing. When he finds out she's pregnant that man didn't blink on leaving her. He will do anything to help and protect her and that baby!
This story will take you on a wild ride! There are moments when you will get mad because Santo Deluca is a JERK!! But other than that there will be more moments where you will be smiling, laughing, swooning, blushing and then be left with a beautiful ending! I also loved spending time with characters from the Morelli Sisters series and getting to know the Deluca brothers. I can't wait to find out which brother will be next to grace us with their greatness! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Dani Ryan for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion. Thank you Dani Ryan & Hambright PR for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
Dani Ryan is an instant read for me. One of my favorite series is the Morelli Sisters Series and I was sad to see it come to an end. But then they said they were creating this series and I was so excited to learn more about the Deluca family. If you read the Morelli Sisters then you already met Dominic Deluca who married Maria. Marco is Dominic's brother and this is his story.
The narrators Alberto Frezza & Savannah Rivers were phenomenal! I thought these two were the perfect narrators to tell Marco & Brooklyn's story. They will keep you entertained and hold your attention the entire time you are listening. I loved being able to immerse read this story because I always feel like you get different vibes from each version.
Marco was absolutely amazing! I loved getting to know this man! Even though Marco can't stand Brooklyn and her troublemaking ways, the more time he spends with her the more he starts falling for her. Brooklyn was the perfect match for Marco. She tested him and made him see what he was missing. When he finds out she's pregnant that man didn't blink on leaving her. He will do anything to help and protect her and that baby!
This story will take you on a wild ride! There are moments when you will get mad because Santo Deluca is a JERK!! But other than that there will be more moments where you will be smiling, laughing, swooning, blushing and then be left with a beautiful ending! I also loved spending time with characters from the Morelli Sisters series and getting to know the Deluca brothers. I can't wait to find out which brother will be next to grace us with their greatness! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Dani Ryan for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion. Thank you Dani Ryan & Hambright PR for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Dani Ryan & team for this arc. I appreciate the opportunity so much.
An arranged marriage and a baby that isn’t his? I was so sat for all the ways this could go wrong (or right!)
Brooklyn and Marco are two sides of the same coin. Born into wealthy families, loyal to a fault, and currently the latest pawns in their fathers’ quests for power.
Our FMC, Brooklyn, is such a force. She’s full of grit, overly stubborn, slightly chaotic, and borderline immature. She’s also, honestly, just a girlie. And I respect that.
Our MMC, Marco, is a certified sasshole. He’s dry, brash, assertive, and has a slutty little lip tattoo. I liked to dislike him, and I was rooting for him only a little bit, if that makes sense?
They’re both caught in the tangled web of family drama, lies, loyalty, and manipulation while sharing the same hunger for revenge, payback, and freedom from their families.
I enjoyed the premise of this and where it was going, but I feel like the momentum kind of fell off halfway through, and it left a lot to be desired.
Both the FMC and MMC were very strong in their individual characters, but I didn’t necessarily get much from the two of them together. There wasn’t this big push and pull or source of passion I was expecting from the earlier sass and banter we were getting. They just sort of flipped from dislike to lovers in a very underwhelming way, and I was definitely left wanting more.
The storyline with the fathers started so heavy and just kind of… fell off. I did love how Brooklyn & Marco found solace and comfort in each other, and made a family together that they so deeply wanted.
The story had good bones; it just, respectfully, lacked execution in certain parts that would’ve propelled it further for me personally.
An arranged marriage and a baby that isn’t his? I was so sat for all the ways this could go wrong (or right!)
Brooklyn and Marco are two sides of the same coin. Born into wealthy families, loyal to a fault, and currently the latest pawns in their fathers’ quests for power.
Our FMC, Brooklyn, is such a force. She’s full of grit, overly stubborn, slightly chaotic, and borderline immature. She’s also, honestly, just a girlie. And I respect that.
Our MMC, Marco, is a certified sasshole. He’s dry, brash, assertive, and has a slutty little lip tattoo. I liked to dislike him, and I was rooting for him only a little bit, if that makes sense?
They’re both caught in the tangled web of family drama, lies, loyalty, and manipulation while sharing the same hunger for revenge, payback, and freedom from their families.
I enjoyed the premise of this and where it was going, but I feel like the momentum kind of fell off halfway through, and it left a lot to be desired.
Both the FMC and MMC were very strong in their individual characters, but I didn’t necessarily get much from the two of them together. There wasn’t this big push and pull or source of passion I was expecting from the earlier sass and banter we were getting. They just sort of flipped from dislike to lovers in a very underwhelming way, and I was definitely left wanting more.
The storyline with the fathers started so heavy and just kind of… fell off. I did love how Brooklyn & Marco found solace and comfort in each other, and made a family together that they so deeply wanted.
The story had good bones; it just, respectfully, lacked execution in certain parts that would’ve propelled it further for me personally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
This is definitely between a 3.75-4⭐️ for me
I firstly want to say thank you to Dani and Ryan (along with their PA) for reaching out to me in regards to reading the arc of this novel. The writing style is beautiful and so so descriptive. It really helped me picture the story and setting. The scenes played out on my mind quite vividly. The beginning was a wee bit slow for me at times and I felt myself struggling to pick up the book, but I feel like once I got to 40% of the way through, the tension was beginning to be palpable. I truly love how Marco and Brooklyn are almost like two sides of the same coin. They deal with things differently but they’re not as different as they think. And as their relationship grew, it just made me giddy. Marco seemed to really covet Brooklyn and treasure her. It reminds me of ‘Mine’ by Taylor Swift. Although it was a forced proximity situation that brought them together, it became so much more than that. I would’ve loved a teensy bit more detail into the shifting of perspectives of them and what it really felt like in their heads to realize what they meant to each other. But honestly, not much. I kind of liked that their relationship with each other or the way they treated each other didn’t change much. Like she continued to call him out on his bullshit and asked for transparency while he was still honest with her when he didn’t like what she did. It felt very realistic in that way. I’m really intrigued to see what happens next in the series and how the DeLuca’s empire will continue and if Santo will really be brought down eventually. If you enjoy spicy billionaire romances with complicated family dynamics, then you would LOVE this!
I firstly want to say thank you to Dani and Ryan (along with their PA) for reaching out to me in regards to reading the arc of this novel. The writing style is beautiful and so so descriptive. It really helped me picture the story and setting. The scenes played out on my mind quite vividly. The beginning was a wee bit slow for me at times and I felt myself struggling to pick up the book, but I feel like once I got to 40% of the way through, the tension was beginning to be palpable. I truly love how Marco and Brooklyn are almost like two sides of the same coin. They deal with things differently but they’re not as different as they think. And as their relationship grew, it just made me giddy. Marco seemed to really covet Brooklyn and treasure her. It reminds me of ‘Mine’ by Taylor Swift. Although it was a forced proximity situation that brought them together, it became so much more than that. I would’ve loved a teensy bit more detail into the shifting of perspectives of them and what it really felt like in their heads to realize what they meant to each other. But honestly, not much. I kind of liked that their relationship with each other or the way they treated each other didn’t change much. Like she continued to call him out on his bullshit and asked for transparency while he was still honest with her when he didn’t like what she did. It felt very realistic in that way. I’m really intrigued to see what happens next in the series and how the DeLuca’s empire will continue and if Santo will really be brought down eventually. If you enjoy spicy billionaire romances with complicated family dynamics, then you would LOVE this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The intensity and dynamic storyline was truly captivating. Marco & Brooklyn’s fiery romance of animosity to lovers gives all the angsty, tumultuous heat that burned into an all-encompassing love. When Marco speaks Italian to Brooklyn - muay caliènte. 😮💨 The way Marco came to appreciate Brooklyn, to step up to be her partner and her love showed a true growth. Brooklyn equally grew up so much in this story. Gone was the wild, impulsive girl who acted rashly and somewhat selfishly. Instead she became the supportive partner Marco needed to be the man he was born to be. Together they could weather any storm and navigate their treacherous family dynamics. This series is set up to be full of all kinds of family strife, backbiting and even backstabbing, but at its core are siblings who have the potential to become true family in love & support and I can’t wait to see that dynamic grow. The little appearances by each of the Morelli’s ties us back to a world we love and builds that love into this new series. A mafia-esque world of dirty dealings, unwanted unions and inevitable love.
Alberto Frezza, what can I say. This man oozes mafia charisma & strength. His portrayal of Marco was magnetic and alluring and don’t get me started on the effects of his Italian. The only thing missing in this story was more Italian words for this man to speak. Savannah Rivers was equally compelling as Brooklyn. I love that her voice evolved with Brooklyn’s growth, going from backbiting to sweet. These two had wonderful chemistry that made their scenes leap of the page. The overall audio made for a fabulous listening experience.ll story made for a truly wonderful audio experience.
Alberto Frezza, what can I say. This man oozes mafia charisma & strength. His portrayal of Marco was magnetic and alluring and don’t get me started on the effects of his Italian. The only thing missing in this story was more Italian words for this man to speak. Savannah Rivers was equally compelling as Brooklyn. I love that her voice evolved with Brooklyn’s growth, going from backbiting to sweet. These two had wonderful chemistry that made their scenes leap of the page. The overall audio made for a fabulous listening experience.ll story made for a truly wonderful audio experience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marco has just been told by his father Santo that he’s going to marry Brooklyn Briggs. Why, you ask? Because Brooklyn’s father has something Santo wants. Brooklyn gets a similar talk, with her parents telling her that she has to marry Marco Deluca. Oh, and there’s this little complication…she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. A man who wants nothing to do with said baby.
Both Marco and Brooklyn have spent their lives doing what they were told. Both of them think it’s loyalty. But is it? Arranged marriages in this day and age? That seems less like loyalty and more like using your own family for your gain, not theirs.
Honestly, Marco is awful to Brooklyn at first, which made me a little angry. She’s been forced into the same thing he has, and he ought to remember that. Marco’s brother Dom (see the Morelli Sisters books if you haven’t already) escaped that “duty”, leaving the family to be a model. Now he’s happily married and has kids.
I understand the impetus to do what’s best for your family. But if blindly doing what’s best for your family means losing your own autonomy…well, it’s not an equitable situation, and it will drag you down.
There’s no big turn when Marco and Brooklyn start treating each other with respect. It quietly builds throughout the story, until you’re nearly at the end and realize how far these two have come. I’m not going to spoil any more of the plot, but you will love the conclusion. These two will get their happy ending, but it is hard-earned, and it's worth the journey, so get the book, won’t you?
Both Marco and Brooklyn have spent their lives doing what they were told. Both of them think it’s loyalty. But is it? Arranged marriages in this day and age? That seems less like loyalty and more like using your own family for your gain, not theirs.
Honestly, Marco is awful to Brooklyn at first, which made me a little angry. She’s been forced into the same thing he has, and he ought to remember that. Marco’s brother Dom (see the Morelli Sisters books if you haven’t already) escaped that “duty”, leaving the family to be a model. Now he’s happily married and has kids.
I understand the impetus to do what’s best for your family. But if blindly doing what’s best for your family means losing your own autonomy…well, it’s not an equitable situation, and it will drag you down.
There’s no big turn when Marco and Brooklyn start treating each other with respect. It quietly builds throughout the story, until you’re nearly at the end and realize how far these two have come. I’m not going to spoil any more of the plot, but you will love the conclusion. These two will get their happy ending, but it is hard-earned, and it's worth the journey, so get the book, won’t you?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start by saying that this was my first Dani Ryan read and I am so thankful their PA reached out to me and offered an ARC/ALC of this book!
I'm definitely going to be keeping up with the rest of the Deluca family.
Alberto Frezza and Savannah Rivers were absolutely phenomenal. Alberto Frezza excelled in his portrayal of Marco Deluca and Savannah Rivers captured Brooklyn's character beautifully. Both narrators captured the characters perfectly, showing exactly how strong and resilient they are and how badly they both wanted change within their families.
Being forced into an arranged marriage, one their father's made thinking they'd be gaining an upper hand on the other. Marco and Brooklyn agree to this arrangement but only because they want to use it to gain their own leverage. Not knowing they would actually grow to care for the other.
Watching as Brooklyn and Marco navigate an unwanted marriage as it grew into a real relationship warmed my heart. Seeing the genuine care they both really had from the beginning, even though it was buried deep, as it turned into a passion fueled need for the other.. was so so good.
There seemed to not be a true conflict between Brooklyn and Marco, until there was and it was resolved quickly thankfully. But this book did set up the conflict that is sure to be resolved in the future books of the series!
Though this is a billionaire romance there are Mafia vibes, with lower less life threatening consequences!
Thank you so much Dani Ryan, and Sery for reaching out, for an advanced reader, and listener copy of Legacy of Deception.
I'm definitely going to be keeping up with the rest of the Deluca family.
Alberto Frezza and Savannah Rivers were absolutely phenomenal. Alberto Frezza excelled in his portrayal of Marco Deluca and Savannah Rivers captured Brooklyn's character beautifully. Both narrators captured the characters perfectly, showing exactly how strong and resilient they are and how badly they both wanted change within their families.
Being forced into an arranged marriage, one their father's made thinking they'd be gaining an upper hand on the other. Marco and Brooklyn agree to this arrangement but only because they want to use it to gain their own leverage. Not knowing they would actually grow to care for the other.
Watching as Brooklyn and Marco navigate an unwanted marriage as it grew into a real relationship warmed my heart. Seeing the genuine care they both really had from the beginning, even though it was buried deep, as it turned into a passion fueled need for the other.. was so so good.
There seemed to not be a true conflict between Brooklyn and Marco, until there was and it was resolved quickly thankfully. But this book did set up the conflict that is sure to be resolved in the future books of the series!
Though this is a billionaire romance there are Mafia vibes, with lower less life threatening consequences!
Thank you so much Dani Ryan, and Sery for reaching out, for an advanced reader, and listener copy of Legacy of Deception.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okayyy I genuinely LOVED this one 😭❤️🔥 This was my first ever Dani Ryan book and I'm SOOO seated for more books from herrrr.
I am such a sucker for mafia romances and I did NOT expect to get this invested in Marco and Brooklyn 😭 Their relationship had me SAT. what I loved most was how much this story focused on Marco and Brooklyn actually falling for each other. Their relationship had me invested FAST. The arranged marriage, the pregnancy, the constant "I cannot stand you" energy turning into "wait… why do I want you?" I ATE IT UP.
Honestly, the song "uh oh, I'm falling in love..." started playing in my head while listening to it AHHHHH
And listen, Marco DeLuca was a walking red flag for the most part but somehow I still found myself completely rooting for this man. Watching him struggle with becoming his father while slowly falling for Brooklyn and her baby was probably my favorite part. The way he eventually started choosing the kind of man and father he wanted to be had me GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET
Brooklyn had me stressed at times but I really loved watching her grow throughout the story. And I especially loved that these two refused to let their parents' mistakes dictate the kind of family they were going to have.
I think I have found myself a new favorite author!!!
Thank you so much to Dani Ryan for sending me an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻 I genuinely had such a fun time listening to this <3
I am such a sucker for mafia romances and I did NOT expect to get this invested in Marco and Brooklyn 😭 Their relationship had me SAT. what I loved most was how much this story focused on Marco and Brooklyn actually falling for each other. Their relationship had me invested FAST. The arranged marriage, the pregnancy, the constant "I cannot stand you" energy turning into "wait… why do I want you?" I ATE IT UP.
Honestly, the song "uh oh, I'm falling in love..." started playing in my head while listening to it AHHHHH
And listen, Marco DeLuca was a walking red flag for the most part but somehow I still found myself completely rooting for this man. Watching him struggle with becoming his father while slowly falling for Brooklyn and her baby was probably my favorite part. The way he eventually started choosing the kind of man and father he wanted to be had me GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET
Brooklyn had me stressed at times but I really loved watching her grow throughout the story. And I especially loved that these two refused to let their parents' mistakes dictate the kind of family they were going to have.
I think I have found myself a new favorite author!!!
Thank you so much to Dani Ryan for sending me an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻 I genuinely had such a fun time listening to this <3
August 15, 2026
Thank you Hambright PR and Dani Ryan for this ALC and ARC.
The audio is in dual narration with Savannah Rivers and Alberto Freda narrating. Both were new to me narrators and I thought they did a great job.
The tropes for this book were right up my alley, so I snagged it up! Unfortunately I didn’t feel like everything flowed and executed in this book as well as it could have been. Both main characters, Marco and Brooklyn, started out as angry about the arranged marriage, defiant and I was looking forward to how the tension between them was going to be dealt with… but then all of a sudden none of that was there. I felt that there should have been more focus on the development of their relationship.
One major part to the book was that the FMC was pregnant and found out at the start of this arrangement, and the father wanted nothing to do with the baby… but I needed to know how everyone else reacted to it. What did their family’s think? How did the public see this since they were higher profile. I loved how he stepped up but even that felt super rushed.
The elements to the story and plot were there but it felt rushed and timelines skipped where I kind of was lost. I did want to DNF at one point but I wanted to see what happened. I honestly think that it wasn’t a bad storyline, but just needed to be more developed in some areas. It started out pretty intense and I loved that!
The audio is in dual narration with Savannah Rivers and Alberto Freda narrating. Both were new to me narrators and I thought they did a great job.
The tropes for this book were right up my alley, so I snagged it up! Unfortunately I didn’t feel like everything flowed and executed in this book as well as it could have been. Both main characters, Marco and Brooklyn, started out as angry about the arranged marriage, defiant and I was looking forward to how the tension between them was going to be dealt with… but then all of a sudden none of that was there. I felt that there should have been more focus on the development of their relationship.
One major part to the book was that the FMC was pregnant and found out at the start of this arrangement, and the father wanted nothing to do with the baby… but I needed to know how everyone else reacted to it. What did their family’s think? How did the public see this since they were higher profile. I loved how he stepped up but even that felt super rushed.
The elements to the story and plot were there but it felt rushed and timelines skipped where I kind of was lost. I did want to DNF at one point but I wanted to see what happened. I honestly think that it wasn’t a bad storyline, but just needed to be more developed in some areas. It started out pretty intense and I loved that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was just what I was waiting for and definitely didn’t disappoint. What more can you ask for, but a hot, Italian billionaire named Marco Deluca. He is confident, focused, determined, and loyal to his family. Mix that with a knockout FMC. Brooklyn Briggs is working toward becoming an influencer. She is known to some as being, reckless, impulsive, determined, and strong willed. Brooklyn has her own agenda, with a strong obligation to her family that puts her smack dab in the middle of a planned marriage.
These characters have you on a rollercoaster ride through their uncharted relationship, and dealing with another man’s baby. However, Marco and Brooklyn’s relationship builds through each chapter and you see it develop as their arrangement to help their families begin to turn into something more. These characters were strong, and written so vividly with amazing description that draws you right into each scene.
Dani Ryan also brings the entire Deluca family into play at a Sunday dinner in the home of Santo and Cecilia Deluca, which I loved. Each Deluca front and center and bringing their own personalities to the table.
I really enjoyed this first book in the Billionaire Legacy series and can’t wait for more to come. It truly is a 5 star read for me! Thank you Dani Ryan for bringing us Legacy of Deception, the story of Marco and Brooklyn. It was worth the wait! 😍🔥🧡
These characters have you on a rollercoaster ride through their uncharted relationship, and dealing with another man’s baby. However, Marco and Brooklyn’s relationship builds through each chapter and you see it develop as their arrangement to help their families begin to turn into something more. These characters were strong, and written so vividly with amazing description that draws you right into each scene.
Dani Ryan also brings the entire Deluca family into play at a Sunday dinner in the home of Santo and Cecilia Deluca, which I loved. Each Deluca front and center and bringing their own personalities to the table.
I really enjoyed this first book in the Billionaire Legacy series and can’t wait for more to come. It truly is a 5 star read for me! Thank you Dani Ryan for bringing us Legacy of Deception, the story of Marco and Brooklyn. It was worth the wait! 😍🔥🧡
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I would like to express my gratitude to Dani, Ryan, and their PA for reaching out to me regarding the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
Marco has just been told by his father Santo that he’s going to marry Brooklyn Briggs because her father has something Santo wants. Brooklyn gets a similar talk, with her parents telling her that she has to marry Marco Deluca. However, Brooklyn is pregnant with another man’s baby. A man who wants nothing to do with said baby.
Marco Deluca, a hot and confident Italian billionaire, is known for his focus, determination, and loyalty to his family.
Brooklyn Briggs is aspiring to become an influencer. Some people know her as being reckless, impulsive, determined, and strong-willed.
These characters take you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through their uncharted relationship, all while dealing with the complexities of another man’s baby. However, Marco and Brooklyn’s relationship gradually unfolds throughout the chapters, revealing its growth as they navigate their arrangement to help their families evolve into something more profound. The characters are incredibly strong and vividly written, with captivating descriptions that draw you right into each scene.
You'll love this book especially if you enjoy these tropes:
~Arranged Marriage
~Best Friends Brother
~Dislike to Love
~Forced Proximity
~Not His Baby
Marco has just been told by his father Santo that he’s going to marry Brooklyn Briggs because her father has something Santo wants. Brooklyn gets a similar talk, with her parents telling her that she has to marry Marco Deluca. However, Brooklyn is pregnant with another man’s baby. A man who wants nothing to do with said baby.
Marco Deluca, a hot and confident Italian billionaire, is known for his focus, determination, and loyalty to his family.
Brooklyn Briggs is aspiring to become an influencer. Some people know her as being reckless, impulsive, determined, and strong-willed.
These characters take you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through their uncharted relationship, all while dealing with the complexities of another man’s baby. However, Marco and Brooklyn’s relationship gradually unfolds throughout the chapters, revealing its growth as they navigate their arrangement to help their families evolve into something more profound. The characters are incredibly strong and vividly written, with captivating descriptions that draw you right into each scene.
You'll love this book especially if you enjoy these tropes:
~Arranged Marriage
~Best Friends Brother
~Dislike to Love
~Forced Proximity
~Not His Baby
Review of advance copy received from Author
🧡♟️Dani Ryan has done it once again! I think every time I read a new book from them, it becomes my new favorite obsession! 😍 thank you so much to Dani Ryan for the gifted copy. 🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
♟️Legacy of Deception (Billionaire Legacy, Book 1)
🧡by Dani Ryan
♟️Release Date: August 26th, 2026
Marco Deluca is the most captivating MMC. I loved seeing more of his character get revealed the further into the pages I got. A suave businessman with a heart of gold once you get to know him! And man, can he make you SWOON!!!! 🔥
Brooklyn Briggs is our FMC who is dealing with not only an arranged marriage that neither her nor the groom-to-be is fond of, but she also gets another surprise when she realizes she’s pregnant from a past heated encounter. 🤭
What started out as a reluctant business deal to benefit both parties and appease family tensions turns into so much more when Marco and Brooklyn start to feel like things may be more real than either of them first expected!
I also absolutely LOVED the mini cameos/mentions of well loved characters from the DR universe! 🧡
Another home run that will make you laugh, contemplate life, and melt your heart one page at a time! 🥹 I can’t wait for everyone to read this next world coming from Dani Ryan!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
♟️Legacy of Deception (Billionaire Legacy, Book 1)
🧡by Dani Ryan
♟️Release Date: August 26th, 2026
Marco Deluca is the most captivating MMC. I loved seeing more of his character get revealed the further into the pages I got. A suave businessman with a heart of gold once you get to know him! And man, can he make you SWOON!!!! 🔥
Brooklyn Briggs is our FMC who is dealing with not only an arranged marriage that neither her nor the groom-to-be is fond of, but she also gets another surprise when she realizes she’s pregnant from a past heated encounter. 🤭
What started out as a reluctant business deal to benefit both parties and appease family tensions turns into so much more when Marco and Brooklyn start to feel like things may be more real than either of them first expected!
I also absolutely LOVED the mini cameos/mentions of well loved characters from the DR universe! 🧡
Another home run that will make you laugh, contemplate life, and melt your heart one page at a time! 🥹 I can’t wait for everyone to read this next world coming from Dani Ryan!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marco and Brooklyn are forced into an arranged marriage to bind their families together. Basically, they’re told, “You’re doing this or your on your own." Needless to say they are not happy about it!
Their relationship starts with plenty of loathing and hate as they try to navigate this new bond. And to make things even more complicated, Brooklyn is pregnant with another man’s baby. It was a one-night stand, but she’s worried that her pregnancy could change the plans that have already been laid out for her.
Overall, this was a great read! I loved the sister’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, and not-his-baby tropes.
There were a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. There were SO many characters that I had a hard time keeping track of everyone. I actually went back to make sure this was the first book in the series! 😂 To be fair, I later found out it’s a spinoff from another series, which definitely explains the huge cast of characters.
I also felt like the middle dragged a bit. The beginning pulled me in and the ending was solid, but I found myself getting a little bored in the middle.
Still, I really enjoyed Marco and Brooklyn’s story and all the drama that came with their forced marriage! ❤️
Their relationship starts with plenty of loathing and hate as they try to navigate this new bond. And to make things even more complicated, Brooklyn is pregnant with another man’s baby. It was a one-night stand, but she’s worried that her pregnancy could change the plans that have already been laid out for her.
Overall, this was a great read! I loved the sister’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, and not-his-baby tropes.
There were a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. There were SO many characters that I had a hard time keeping track of everyone. I actually went back to make sure this was the first book in the series! 😂 To be fair, I later found out it’s a spinoff from another series, which definitely explains the huge cast of characters.
I also felt like the middle dragged a bit. The beginning pulled me in and the ending was solid, but I found myself getting a little bored in the middle.
Still, I really enjoyed Marco and Brooklyn’s story and all the drama that came with their forced marriage! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I haven’t read a billionaire romance book in a long time, so I was so excited to sign up for an ARC read of Legacy of Deception! This book was so fun. I got the audio and e-book and was able to immerse myself in reading, which was fantastic. The audio had a duet narration, and both narrators were very good! This book had tons of amazing tropes like arranged marriage, not his baby, dislike to love, and forced proximity. I enjoyed the family business side of things. Watching how the characters struggled and dealt with family vs. their own morals and beliefs. The FMC was dealt a rough hand with her parents, her accidental pregnancy, and then being forced into an arranged marriage with a man she barely tolerates, but she handled things with grace and determination! If you like a quick, fun read full of Italian brothers, New York, family diners, private jets, and lots of jewelry, then you’re definitely going to enjoy Legacy of Deception!
I will be honest and say I didn’t love the pacing. The ending felt a tad rushed, and we went from dislike to love pretty quickly with not a lot of details in between. HOWEVER, I still enjoyed the read and the vibes and would recommend to people who enjoy contemporary or billionaire romance!!
I will be honest and say I didn’t love the pacing. The ending felt a tad rushed, and we went from dislike to love pretty quickly with not a lot of details in between. HOWEVER, I still enjoyed the read and the vibes and would recommend to people who enjoy contemporary or billionaire romance!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An amazing narration by Alberto Frezza and Savannah Rivers. Alberto Frezza did a great job narrating as Marco Deluca. Savannah Rivers narrating Brooklyn perfectly highlighted the strength that Brooklyn possessed, even when she was having to follow through with choices that were not hers to make.
Marco and Brooklyn intend to follow through the arranged marriage only for their families sake. However, it turns out that Brooklyn and Marco might get more out of the bargain than their fathers ever intended them to.
Something I really appreciated about Dani Ryan's writing of these characters was how Marco Deluca ensured that Brooklyn Briggs knew that her voice mattered, especially to him. If you’ve read Dani Ryan’s first series The Morelli Sisters, then I’m sure you will be happy to hear that many familiar faces make an appearance.
Seeing worlds and characters come together was a very fun part of the reading journey. I can’t wait to see where this series goes and what the Deluca brothers will get up to!
Thank you to Dani, Ryan, and their team for the opportunity to receive an ALC & ARC.
Marco and Brooklyn intend to follow through the arranged marriage only for their families sake. However, it turns out that Brooklyn and Marco might get more out of the bargain than their fathers ever intended them to.
Something I really appreciated about Dani Ryan's writing of these characters was how Marco Deluca ensured that Brooklyn Briggs knew that her voice mattered, especially to him. If you’ve read Dani Ryan’s first series The Morelli Sisters, then I’m sure you will be happy to hear that many familiar faces make an appearance.
Seeing worlds and characters come together was a very fun part of the reading journey. I can’t wait to see where this series goes and what the Deluca brothers will get up to!
Thank you to Dani, Ryan, and their team for the opportunity to receive an ALC & ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When I signed up for the ARC the tropes for the book sounded like something I would usually devour. But I have to be completely honest and say I DNF’d at 90%.
I really struggled with this book. The main reason is I just felt the connection beteen Marco & Brookyln to be really flat. Completely understand their circumstances to start with was neither of their choosing so thats to be expected but I didn’t feel any growth on this throughout the book.
Their first physical intimacy chapter seemed to come out of nowhere. I had to do a retake of a couple of chapters previous to see if I had skipped another encounter between them.
The scandal/deception between the fathers being focused on a horse I found really unusual and if I’m being completely honest it didn’t hook me like a plot usually would.
I vowed to give my complete honest review on the book and I hope it has come across as constructive as to why I felt the way I did.
I understand authors put their blood sweat and tears into their books and even though this wasn’t the right book for me doesn’t mean it won’t be right for someone else and non the less I am still very grateful for the ARC read
I really struggled with this book. The main reason is I just felt the connection beteen Marco & Brookyln to be really flat. Completely understand their circumstances to start with was neither of their choosing so thats to be expected but I didn’t feel any growth on this throughout the book.
Their first physical intimacy chapter seemed to come out of nowhere. I had to do a retake of a couple of chapters previous to see if I had skipped another encounter between them.
The scandal/deception between the fathers being focused on a horse I found really unusual and if I’m being completely honest it didn’t hook me like a plot usually would.
I vowed to give my complete honest review on the book and I hope it has come across as constructive as to why I felt the way I did.
I understand authors put their blood sweat and tears into their books and even though this wasn’t the right book for me doesn’t mean it won’t be right for someone else and non the less I am still very grateful for the ARC read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whew, okayyyy!!!
I had never read billionaire romance, arranged marriage, OR not his baby tropes before this book, and this is what I’ve been missing out on?!
So the book started off a little slow, but that might just be because I’m not used to these kinds of tropes. About a third of the way through it really picked up and I absolutely sped through it!! Marco? Hot. Sexy. Delicious. Brooklyn? Queen. Genius. Cunning. Their dynamic together? Submissive. Controlling (in the best way, if that’s possible? LOL), protective.
I enjoyed this book so much and appreciated that it wasn’t super sappy romance-esque (although I do enjoy a super sappy romance.) The writing was superb, and this may sound super nerdy of me, but the similes and personification that the authors used? I ATE THEM UP!!
You guys are definitely going to want to read this when it comes out!! Thank you to Dani Ryan and team for the ARC copy, I throughly enjoyed it, and you might’ve just introduced me to some new favorite tropes.
I had never read billionaire romance, arranged marriage, OR not his baby tropes before this book, and this is what I’ve been missing out on?!
So the book started off a little slow, but that might just be because I’m not used to these kinds of tropes. About a third of the way through it really picked up and I absolutely sped through it!! Marco? Hot. Sexy. Delicious. Brooklyn? Queen. Genius. Cunning. Their dynamic together? Submissive. Controlling (in the best way, if that’s possible? LOL), protective.
I enjoyed this book so much and appreciated that it wasn’t super sappy romance-esque (although I do enjoy a super sappy romance.) The writing was superb, and this may sound super nerdy of me, but the similes and personification that the authors used? I ATE THEM UP!!
You guys are definitely going to want to read this when it comes out!! Thank you to Dani Ryan and team for the ARC copy, I throughly enjoyed it, and you might’ve just introduced me to some new favorite tropes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75⭐️
this was such a beautiful and well written book. dani ryan style of writing is always gonna make me feel all the feelings. i loved every detail about this book.
marco was definitely a surprise. there are moments where you want to strangle him, but he was so sweet to her, so understanding in many moments. and what i love the most about him was that he knew she was badass, even before he was actually in love with her. even when he “supposedly” (hehe) didn’t like her, he respected how fantastic she is.
brooklyn is definitely an amazing fmc. she was a badass. she’s the embodiment of “is a cinnamon roll, could kill you” lol
i am honored that i got to read this book so soon. i’ve fallen in love with these characters even before i read the book (because i got to draw some of the character arts and i will brag about that!)
i’m definitely in for the ride with this crazy family, honestly, if i had this many siblings ill be going crazy, marco is stronger than me.
this was a fantastic read! 💜
this was such a beautiful and well written book. dani ryan style of writing is always gonna make me feel all the feelings. i loved every detail about this book.
marco was definitely a surprise. there are moments where you want to strangle him, but he was so sweet to her, so understanding in many moments. and what i love the most about him was that he knew she was badass, even before he was actually in love with her. even when he “supposedly” (hehe) didn’t like her, he respected how fantastic she is.
brooklyn is definitely an amazing fmc. she was a badass. she’s the embodiment of “is a cinnamon roll, could kill you” lol
i am honored that i got to read this book so soon. i’ve fallen in love with these characters even before i read the book (because i got to draw some of the character arts and i will brag about that!)
i’m definitely in for the ride with this crazy family, honestly, if i had this many siblings ill be going crazy, marco is stronger than me.
this was a fantastic read! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
new author, new book, IMMEDIATE obsession 😭📖
Marco just found out daddy dearest Santo is marrying him off to Brooklyn Briggs. why? bc her father has something Santo wants (classic). meanwhile Brooklyn’s getting the same speech from her parents…oh and she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. a man who wants nothing to do with it 👀
both of these two have spent their whole lives doing what they’re told and calling it loyalty. but is it really loyalty when your family’s using you for their own gain and dressing it up as family first?
this book had me on a ROLLERCOASTER watching Marco & Brooklyn go from “arrangement to save our families” to something real, chapter by chapter. the writing is so vivid you’re living in every scene with them
can’t wait to see what’s next for this family 🥹
🎧 shoutout to Alberto Frezza & Savannah Rivers for bringing this one to life on audio
Things to know
dual narration, dual pov, arranged marriage, not his baby, best friend’s brother, dislike to love, forced proximity, he has a slutty lip tattoo, billionaire romance, mafia
Marco just found out daddy dearest Santo is marrying him off to Brooklyn Briggs. why? bc her father has something Santo wants (classic). meanwhile Brooklyn’s getting the same speech from her parents…oh and she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. a man who wants nothing to do with it 👀
both of these two have spent their whole lives doing what they’re told and calling it loyalty. but is it really loyalty when your family’s using you for their own gain and dressing it up as family first?
this book had me on a ROLLERCOASTER watching Marco & Brooklyn go from “arrangement to save our families” to something real, chapter by chapter. the writing is so vivid you’re living in every scene with them
can’t wait to see what’s next for this family 🥹
🎧 shoutout to Alberto Frezza & Savannah Rivers for bringing this one to life on audio
Things to know
dual narration, dual pov, arranged marriage, not his baby, best friend’s brother, dislike to love, forced proximity, he has a slutty lip tattoo, billionaire romance, mafia
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