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Billionaire Legacy #1
Legacy of Deception: A Billionaire Romance
An 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.
Audible Audio
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Dani Ryan
16 books247 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 202 reviews
August 27, 2026
3.75🌟 | 3🌶️
ARC Review 📖
This was a fun slow-burn romance with an arranged marriage, forced proximity, family drama, and a pregnancy that makes an already complicated situation even messier.
Brooklyn and Marco definitely took some time to win me over, but I enjoyed watching their relationship gradually shift from constant friction to genuine understanding.
The slow build worked well here. Their attraction didn’t feel rushed, and I loved seeing Marco’s guarded, possessive side soften while Brooklyn grew into a more vulnerable and grounded version of herself. The DeLuca family drama also kept things interesting, with plenty of secrets and power plays happening around them.
This was my first Dani Ryan book and a solid start to the series. It took me a little while to settle into the story, but once I connected with Brooklyn and Marco, I was invested.
If you enjoy arranged marriage, dislike-to-love, forced proximity, unexpected pregnancy, and messy billionaire family dynamics, this is definitely worth picking up.
~~~~
ALC Review (Audiobook)🎧
I quite enjoyed experiencing this one on audio. Savannah Rivers brought so much attitude and emotion to Brooklyn, while Alberto Frezza was fantastic as the broody, possessive Marco. I especially loved hearing the gradual shift in both characters as their feelings changed, because the narrators made those softer moments really stand out. Their performances worked so well together, and Alberto’s growly delivery as Marco was definitely a highlight for me. This was my first time listening to either narrator, and I would absolutely pick them up again.
~~~~
I was quite excited to experience this one in both formats. Having the ARC and ALC meant I could fully sink into the story, and honestly, it made the experience much better.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the ARC & ALC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
ARC Review 📖
This was a fun slow-burn romance with an arranged marriage, forced proximity, family drama, and a pregnancy that makes an already complicated situation even messier.
Brooklyn and Marco definitely took some time to win me over, but I enjoyed watching their relationship gradually shift from constant friction to genuine understanding.
The slow build worked well here. Their attraction didn’t feel rushed, and I loved seeing Marco’s guarded, possessive side soften while Brooklyn grew into a more vulnerable and grounded version of herself. The DeLuca family drama also kept things interesting, with plenty of secrets and power plays happening around them.
This was my first Dani Ryan book and a solid start to the series. It took me a little while to settle into the story, but once I connected with Brooklyn and Marco, I was invested.
If you enjoy arranged marriage, dislike-to-love, forced proximity, unexpected pregnancy, and messy billionaire family dynamics, this is definitely worth picking up.
~~~~
ALC Review (Audiobook)🎧
I quite enjoyed experiencing this one on audio. Savannah Rivers brought so much attitude and emotion to Brooklyn, while Alberto Frezza was fantastic as the broody, possessive Marco. I especially loved hearing the gradual shift in both characters as their feelings changed, because the narrators made those softer moments really stand out. Their performances worked so well together, and Alberto’s growly delivery as Marco was definitely a highlight for me. This was my first time listening to either narrator, and I would absolutely pick them up again.
~~~~
I was quite excited to experience this one in both formats. Having the ARC and ALC meant I could fully sink into the story, and honestly, it made the experience much better.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the ARC & ALC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
September 1, 2026
Mocne 4/5 i to na sam fakt, że jest to pierwsza część serii (prawdopodobnie będzie o innych braciach).
Trochę czułam niedosyt wątku rodziny Deluca w jednym kluczowym aspekcie.
Mile się zaskoczyłam ich relacją, bo ich czyny w stosunku do nich mówiły same za siebie + nie było tylko otoczki fizyczności.
Wątek szachów jako gry w świecie milionerów czy miliarderów? Interesting af!
Trochę czułam niedosyt wątku rodziny Deluca w jednym kluczowym aspekcie.
Mile się zaskoczyłam ich relacją, bo ich czyny w stosunku do nich mówiły same za siebie + nie było tylko otoczki fizyczności.
Wątek szachów jako gry w świecie milionerów czy miliarderów? Interesting af!
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.
August 25, 2026
Dani Ryan always deliver a stunningly beautiful story, but Brooklyn and Marco truly stole my heart, with angst, steam, and a well-written plot, you're not going to want to miss this one!!! Legacy of Deception starts off by the type of setup that undoubtedly sets up trouble, a rich heir, a lady he never planned to marry, two strong families, and an arrangement that neither one of them expected! Marco DeLuca has spent years living under his father's guidance, so the prospect of losing his place in the family enterprise forces him into a marriage that feels like another move on his father's chessboard! Brooklyn Briggs arrives with her own reasons for opposing the arrangement, and her forthright nature demonstrates that she will not just accept whatever choice strong men make for her. I liked how fast her character established herself as someone ready to confront the DeLuca family, even if it puts her in uncomfortable settings!
.
The tension between Marco's organized approach and Brooklyn's dynamic temperament brings to the scenes' worth as entertainment, their first moments are saturated with bitterness, distrust, and arrogance, leading to a compulsive tension that storms the chapters forward. Marco wants to control his future, while Brooklyn is compelled to defend hers, and neither is ready to give up lightly, the Italian family background delivers drama, especially as Santo DeLuca controls so many elements of his kids' life, from the start, the marriage is revealed to be part of a bigger power battle and that made my whole body shiver!
.
Brooklyn's pregnancy throws another layer to an already tough situation, especially because the kid is not Marco's. I liked how this event remained related to Brooklyn's own difficulties without entirely taking over the story, her tenderness is matched with a surprising amount of toughness, and she fights to allow her situation to convert her into a passive figure. Marco's response also reveals something significant about him, since deep within his domineering appearance is actually someone capable of making judgments based on devotion and real concern, Marco's connection with his father becomes one of the book's most gripping elements!
.
Santo's control over his boys develops in an unsettling family dynamic in which attachment and ambition continuously rival each other. The seven DeLuca brothers also leave ample possibility for competition, hatred, and future disagreements. I really liked the idea that every family talk may include another secret reason! The alternating POV style is especially effective since it allows us to grasp both Marco's goals and Brooklyn's frustrations, their ideas frequently shift in unexpected ways, making their mistakes interesting. The short chapters and emotional exchanges kept the pace fast, and I was intrigued to find out whatever family secret would be revealed next!
.
Legacy of Deception is an intriguing debut to the Billionaire Legacy series, packed with family secrets, sibling rivalry, forced proximity, unanticipated difficulties, and an arranged marriage that neither the protagonist expected! The plot keeps its focus on Marco and Brooklyn while leaving many unsolved questions about the DeLuca family. I liked how the authors dropped hints about potential difficulties without making the novel into a full-fledged thriller, the family politics provide enough tension to keep the atmosphere lively, especially when Marco has to deal with Santo or Vito! The ending made me wonder how the other DeLuca brothers will fit into the series. Dani Ryan's neweest book LEGACY OF DEEPTION has an intriguing story that includes familial battles for power, emotional development, stubborn pride, and surprising partnerships! Marco and Brooklyn establish an unexpectedly interesting partnership since neither is prepared to be someone else's pawn. Their story made me want to see how much more problems this family might cause! Legacy of Deception is a compelling, fascinating romance riddled with secrets and unresolved familial tension that makes the next installment seem difficult to avoid, this is a must read for every Ana Huang or Catharina Maura fans!!!
.
The tension between Marco's organized approach and Brooklyn's dynamic temperament brings to the scenes' worth as entertainment, their first moments are saturated with bitterness, distrust, and arrogance, leading to a compulsive tension that storms the chapters forward. Marco wants to control his future, while Brooklyn is compelled to defend hers, and neither is ready to give up lightly, the Italian family background delivers drama, especially as Santo DeLuca controls so many elements of his kids' life, from the start, the marriage is revealed to be part of a bigger power battle and that made my whole body shiver!
.
Brooklyn's pregnancy throws another layer to an already tough situation, especially because the kid is not Marco's. I liked how this event remained related to Brooklyn's own difficulties without entirely taking over the story, her tenderness is matched with a surprising amount of toughness, and she fights to allow her situation to convert her into a passive figure. Marco's response also reveals something significant about him, since deep within his domineering appearance is actually someone capable of making judgments based on devotion and real concern, Marco's connection with his father becomes one of the book's most gripping elements!
.
Santo's control over his boys develops in an unsettling family dynamic in which attachment and ambition continuously rival each other. The seven DeLuca brothers also leave ample possibility for competition, hatred, and future disagreements. I really liked the idea that every family talk may include another secret reason! The alternating POV style is especially effective since it allows us to grasp both Marco's goals and Brooklyn's frustrations, their ideas frequently shift in unexpected ways, making their mistakes interesting. The short chapters and emotional exchanges kept the pace fast, and I was intrigued to find out whatever family secret would be revealed next!
.
Legacy of Deception is an intriguing debut to the Billionaire Legacy series, packed with family secrets, sibling rivalry, forced proximity, unanticipated difficulties, and an arranged marriage that neither the protagonist expected! The plot keeps its focus on Marco and Brooklyn while leaving many unsolved questions about the DeLuca family. I liked how the authors dropped hints about potential difficulties without making the novel into a full-fledged thriller, the family politics provide enough tension to keep the atmosphere lively, especially when Marco has to deal with Santo or Vito! The ending made me wonder how the other DeLuca brothers will fit into the series. Dani Ryan's neweest book LEGACY OF DEEPTION has an intriguing story that includes familial battles for power, emotional development, stubborn pride, and surprising partnerships! Marco and Brooklyn establish an unexpectedly interesting partnership since neither is prepared to be someone else's pawn. Their story made me want to see how much more problems this family might cause! Legacy of Deception is a compelling, fascinating romance riddled with secrets and unresolved familial tension that makes the next installment seem difficult to avoid, this is a must read for every Ana Huang or Catharina Maura fans!!!
Did Not Finish
August 26, 2026DNF’d at 72% immersive read ARC/ALC
I couldn’t force myself to finish this book. This book was not for me. That’s not saying it’s not for you.
When I applied for this book, the tropes intrigued me.
•Arranged Marriage • Not His Baby • Best Friends Brother •Forced Proximity • Italian Billionaire
Marco is considered a pawn in his father’s legacy and is forced into an arranged marriage with Brooklyn.
Brooklyn does her family’s bidding, she doesn’t say no, and just steps in line. Forcing her to marry Marco is no exception.
I didn’t love how this book flowed. It felt chaotic. Like one second Marco and Brooklyn are arguing over her sneaking into his father’s office and then he literally just drops to his knees for their first intimate scene. It didn’t flow, zero transition, I was like wait, what? Did I miss something? Did I forget that they’ve been intimate before? It definitely didn’t feel authentic.
I didn’t really connect with the characters, I didn’t feel invested in them. I felt I was learning more about Marco’s dozen or so brothers, family members and their spouses. Which honestly caused more confusion , I didn’t know who was who because there was just too many.
There was so much potential for this book. Billionaires, they can be ruthless and touch her and ☠️ vibes, forced marriage, where they’re enemies and become lovers, it just seemed to all fall flat.
This book was just not my cup of tea, but it could be yours.
I couldn’t force myself to finish this book. This book was not for me. That’s not saying it’s not for you.
When I applied for this book, the tropes intrigued me.
•Arranged Marriage • Not His Baby • Best Friends Brother •Forced Proximity • Italian Billionaire
Marco is considered a pawn in his father’s legacy and is forced into an arranged marriage with Brooklyn.
Brooklyn does her family’s bidding, she doesn’t say no, and just steps in line. Forcing her to marry Marco is no exception.
I didn’t love how this book flowed. It felt chaotic. Like one second Marco and Brooklyn are arguing over her sneaking into his father’s office and then he literally just drops to his knees for their first intimate scene. It didn’t flow, zero transition, I was like wait, what? Did I miss something? Did I forget that they’ve been intimate before? It definitely didn’t feel authentic.
I didn’t really connect with the characters, I didn’t feel invested in them. I felt I was learning more about Marco’s dozen or so brothers, family members and their spouses. Which honestly caused more confusion , I didn’t know who was who because there was just too many.
There was so much potential for this book. Billionaires, they can be ruthless and touch her and ☠️ vibes, forced marriage, where they’re enemies and become lovers, it just seemed to all fall flat.
This book was just not my cup of tea, but it could be yours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2026
🔥 I DON’T EVEN USUALLY READ MAFIA ROMANCE… BUT THIS ONE GOT ME. Thanks so much @authordaniryan for the gifted copy.
Legacy of Deception by Dani Ryan had the exact kind of slow burn tension I can’t resist—and I’m very glad I decided to take a chance on it.
Marco and Brooklyn start out with distrust, obligation, and absolutely zero interest in this arranged marriage… or so they think. Watching that slowly unravel as they begin opening up and letting each other in was SO good. The tension builds, the attraction gets harder to ignore, and their relationship develops in a way that felt earned.
They’re both being manipulated by the people around them and pushed into roles they never asked for, basically becoming pawns in their families’ games. As they start realizing just how much they have in common, it becomes about more than an unwanted marriage—it becomes two people finally finding someone who understands what they’re going through.
Add in a secret, a pregnancy that definitely complicates things, billionaire family drama, and plenty of tension, and I was hooked.
This was my first Dani Ryan and the first book in a new series, and I’m already interested in seeing where she takes it next. 👀
Legacy of Deception by Dani Ryan had the exact kind of slow burn tension I can’t resist—and I’m very glad I decided to take a chance on it.
Marco and Brooklyn start out with distrust, obligation, and absolutely zero interest in this arranged marriage… or so they think. Watching that slowly unravel as they begin opening up and letting each other in was SO good. The tension builds, the attraction gets harder to ignore, and their relationship develops in a way that felt earned.
They’re both being manipulated by the people around them and pushed into roles they never asked for, basically becoming pawns in their families’ games. As they start realizing just how much they have in common, it becomes about more than an unwanted marriage—it becomes two people finally finding someone who understands what they’re going through.
Add in a secret, a pregnancy that definitely complicates things, billionaire family drama, and plenty of tension, and I was hooked.
This was my first Dani Ryan and the first book in a new series, and I’m already interested in seeing where she takes it next. 👀
August 25, 2026
This was a do me, I do you situation because Santo Deluca really didn't know what was coming for him 😂
Brooklyn and Marco being forced into an arranged marriage gave me chaos, banter and plenty of headbutting.
Brooklyn is reckless, impulsive and lethal, while Marco is calculated, sarcastic and DONE being his father's pawn.
I loved watching these two slowly go from reluctant partners to actually becoming a team. The corporate drama and family power struggles added so much to the story.
That elevator scene??? Soft, vulnerable and then suddenly HOT 😭🌶️ These two were literally f**king rabbits because apparently everywhere was their bedroom 😂
I loved how protective Marco became of Brooklyn and how Brooklyn brought her own lethal energy to the relationship.
The betrayal when she found his reason for plotting the coup hurt me, but I was happy they communicated and found their way back to each other.
Overall, this was a dramatic, spicy and entertaining read with a hard-earned happy ending and I loved it 💗
Brooklyn and Marco being forced into an arranged marriage gave me chaos, banter and plenty of headbutting.
Brooklyn is reckless, impulsive and lethal, while Marco is calculated, sarcastic and DONE being his father's pawn.
I loved watching these two slowly go from reluctant partners to actually becoming a team. The corporate drama and family power struggles added so much to the story.
That elevator scene??? Soft, vulnerable and then suddenly HOT 😭🌶️ These two were literally f**king rabbits because apparently everywhere was their bedroom 😂
I loved how protective Marco became of Brooklyn and how Brooklyn brought her own lethal energy to the relationship.
The betrayal when she found his reason for plotting the coup hurt me, but I was happy they communicated and found their way back to each other.
Overall, this was a dramatic, spicy and entertaining read with a hard-earned happy ending and I loved it 💗
August 27, 2026
💰 Legacy of Deception 💰
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- Legacy of Deception
Author- Dani Ryan
Genre- Contemporary Billionaire Romance
Series- Billionaire Legacy Series Book 1
Trope City-
💰Forced Proximity
💰Not His Baby
💰Arranged Marriage
💰Enemies to Lovers
💰Sister’s Best Friend
This is a spicy combination of goodness.. if you love hot, Italian billionaires, a pregnancy trope, sketchy business blackmail, sister’s best friend and everything in between, this series is going to be for you! Brooklyn (FMC) is Marco’s little sister’s best friend. To save her family, Brooklyn is told she’ll marry Marco (MMC) our Italian billionaire. A pregnancy was not part of the deal. Brooklyn finds out that she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. A sex situation turned nearly permanent. I’m not sure why, but lately, I LOVE A WELL WRITTEN PREGNANCY TROPE. I like that this surprise was introduced so early got the sake of believability. It also gave another depth and layer to their situationship. Marco evolves in to this protective, supportive, pining husband to be. The father layer adds so much depth. The toxicity levels differ per family but they play a huge role in this book. Brooklyn’s worse than Marco’s, in my opinion. I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds! Book one was so well-done!
Thank you Dani Ryan for sharing the arc with me! I love being on your team 💛💰
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- Legacy of Deception
Author- Dani Ryan
Genre- Contemporary Billionaire Romance
Series- Billionaire Legacy Series Book 1
Trope City-
💰Forced Proximity
💰Not His Baby
💰Arranged Marriage
💰Enemies to Lovers
💰Sister’s Best Friend
This is a spicy combination of goodness.. if you love hot, Italian billionaires, a pregnancy trope, sketchy business blackmail, sister’s best friend and everything in between, this series is going to be for you! Brooklyn (FMC) is Marco’s little sister’s best friend. To save her family, Brooklyn is told she’ll marry Marco (MMC) our Italian billionaire. A pregnancy was not part of the deal. Brooklyn finds out that she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. A sex situation turned nearly permanent. I’m not sure why, but lately, I LOVE A WELL WRITTEN PREGNANCY TROPE. I like that this surprise was introduced so early got the sake of believability. It also gave another depth and layer to their situationship. Marco evolves in to this protective, supportive, pining husband to be. The father layer adds so much depth. The toxicity levels differ per family but they play a huge role in this book. Brooklyn’s worse than Marco’s, in my opinion. I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds! Book one was so well-done!
Thank you Dani Ryan for sharing the arc with me! I love being on your team 💛💰
August 25, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. This book had all of my favorite tropes. This is the first book in this series, I’m excited for the next one.
TROPES
Arranged Marriage
Not His Baby
Dislike to Love
Best Friend’s Brother
Forced Proximity
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TROPES
Arranged Marriage
Not His Baby
Dislike to Love
Best Friend’s Brother
Forced Proximity
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 26, 2026
Arranged marriage with a surprise pregnancy…. Yes please! I loved finding out unexpected things about him along the way and the protective vibes from both of them made it even better!
August 31, 2026
DNF @60%
First time reading Dani Ryan, and I’m really sorry, but this one just wasn’t for me.
I got this ARC from Sery, Dani’s Marketing Director, and the premise sounded right up my alley, so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with the story.
I understood the arranged marriage and their personal issues, but beyond that, I honestly had no idea what was happening with the family drama or the overall plot. Marco and Brooklyn’s chemistry also felt flat, and their relationship progression felt weird.
The writing style wasn’t for me either. I struggled with the amount of description and inner thoughts.
Really sorry I couldn’t enjoy this one, but I had to DNF at 60%. Still super grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC!
First time reading Dani Ryan, and I’m really sorry, but this one just wasn’t for me.
I got this ARC from Sery, Dani’s Marketing Director, and the premise sounded right up my alley, so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with the story.
I understood the arranged marriage and their personal issues, but beyond that, I honestly had no idea what was happening with the family drama or the overall plot. Marco and Brooklyn’s chemistry also felt flat, and their relationship progression felt weird.
The writing style wasn’t for me either. I struggled with the amount of description and inner thoughts.
Really sorry I couldn’t enjoy this one, but I had to DNF at 60%. Still super grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC!
July 6, 2026
Book Review
Legacy of Deception
A Novel Written By Dani Ryan
Fiction - Romance
Published August 2024
378 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of the best arranged marriage romance books I have read. The authors know how to create an unforgettable billionaire romance.
Marco Deluca and Brooklyn Briggs know one thing. Family is important. You do just about anything for your family. For Marco and Brooklyn that means agreeing to an arranged marriage.
Brooklyn can be a trouble maker. She will resort to blackmail to get what she wants. She is also pregnant with another man’s baby.
Marco feels he is used as a pawn by his father in the family business. He has plans to take over the family business from his father in a coup.
This book is well written and filled with intrigue and spice. Although Brooklyn and Marco did not want to marry each other, I loved the way they fell in love.
“I believed we were made for each other, made to be broken so we could put each other back together.”
Legacy of Deception
A Novel Written By Dani Ryan
Fiction - Romance
Published August 2024
378 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of the best arranged marriage romance books I have read. The authors know how to create an unforgettable billionaire romance.
Marco Deluca and Brooklyn Briggs know one thing. Family is important. You do just about anything for your family. For Marco and Brooklyn that means agreeing to an arranged marriage.
Brooklyn can be a trouble maker. She will resort to blackmail to get what she wants. She is also pregnant with another man’s baby.
Marco feels he is used as a pawn by his father in the family business. He has plans to take over the family business from his father in a coup.
This book is well written and filled with intrigue and spice. Although Brooklyn and Marco did not want to marry each other, I loved the way they fell in love.
“I believed we were made for each other, made to be broken so we could put each other back together.”
August 30, 2026
This book checked every single box I look for in a billionaire romance! Marco and Brooklyn had me hooked right away, and their relationship was packed with that perfect combination of forced proximity, tension, and the whole “we’re only doing this because we have to…so why is this attraction so intense?” vibe.
Marco begins the story completely focused on the arrangement and determined not to let feelings get involved. But watching that control slowly unravel when it comes to Brooklyn was SO good. The jealousy, possessiveness, and protective instincts that surface as he falls for her had me absolutely swooning. Seeing him go from treating her like part of a deal to realizing she’s the woman he can’t imagine losing? I was HERE for it.
Brooklyn was such a strong and lovable heroine. She’s caught in an incredibly messy situation while doing everything she can to protect herself and her unborn baby, but she never loses that inner strength. I loved watching her and Marco move from two people reluctantly tied together to a couple with a real, undeniable connection.
And the not his baby trope?! I was completely invested! With all the secrets, family drama, manipulation, and hidden agendas, there was always this feeling that something huge was about to come crashing down. I needed to know what would be revealed next.
The chemistry between Marco and Brooklyn was absolutely perfect. The tension was delicious, their emotional connection kept getting deeper, and watching their feelings develop when neither of them expected it made this such an addictive romance.
If you love billionaire heroes, arranged marriage, forced proximity, possessiveness, jealousy, and family secrets, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Dani Ryan delivered a seriously addictive romance with all the drama, spice, and swoon I could ask for. Marco and Brooklyn completely stole my heart, and I could NOT put this book down!
Huge thank you to @authordaniryan & @hmabrightpr for this ARC!
#HPRLegacyofDeception
#DaniRyan
#HambrightPR
#bookstagram
#bookcommunity
Marco begins the story completely focused on the arrangement and determined not to let feelings get involved. But watching that control slowly unravel when it comes to Brooklyn was SO good. The jealousy, possessiveness, and protective instincts that surface as he falls for her had me absolutely swooning. Seeing him go from treating her like part of a deal to realizing she’s the woman he can’t imagine losing? I was HERE for it.
Brooklyn was such a strong and lovable heroine. She’s caught in an incredibly messy situation while doing everything she can to protect herself and her unborn baby, but she never loses that inner strength. I loved watching her and Marco move from two people reluctantly tied together to a couple with a real, undeniable connection.
And the not his baby trope?! I was completely invested! With all the secrets, family drama, manipulation, and hidden agendas, there was always this feeling that something huge was about to come crashing down. I needed to know what would be revealed next.
The chemistry between Marco and Brooklyn was absolutely perfect. The tension was delicious, their emotional connection kept getting deeper, and watching their feelings develop when neither of them expected it made this such an addictive romance.
If you love billionaire heroes, arranged marriage, forced proximity, possessiveness, jealousy, and family secrets, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Dani Ryan delivered a seriously addictive romance with all the drama, spice, and swoon I could ask for. Marco and Brooklyn completely stole my heart, and I could NOT put this book down!
Huge thank you to @authordaniryan & @hmabrightpr for this ARC!
#HPRLegacyofDeception
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August 26, 2026
Liked it!
💍 Arranged Marriage
🏠 Forced Proximity
👶 Accidental Pregnancy
🚫 Not His Baby
👫 Best Friend’s Brother
😤 Dislike to Love
🔥 Slow Burn
This is book 1 in a new series, and I’m still not entirely sure if this is a second-gen book, a spin-off, or just laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Either way, buckle up, because there are A LOT of characters being name-dropped in a way that makes you feel like you should already know who they are.
It threw me off more than once trying to remember if someone had already been introduced or if they were from another series/book. Eventually, I gave up trying to piece together the family tree and just went with the flow.
Brooklyn and Marco absolutely do not want to marry each other, and they make that painfully obvious out the gate to everyone around them. Brooklyn, bless her heart, at least tries to make the arrangement believable, while Marco couldn't care less. Then, shortly after their agreement, Brooklyn discovers she's pregnant with someone else's baby…and the father REALLY wants nothing to do with her or the baby. Yet, Marco steps up even if he doesn't want the marriage.
It took me a little while to warm up to Brooklyn, but once I did, I really liked her. Once she chooses you, she will fight like hell to protect you. She’s fiercely loyal and protective, while Marco is just trying to live his life on his own terms without everyone constantly telling him what to do.
The tension and angst between these two build slowly before eventually boiling over, and when it does, the spice is SPICING. 🔥
Alberto Frezza and Savannah Rivers really sold these two for me. Their range of emotion, stubborn pride, and all that delicious tension between Marco and Brooklyn came through so well in their performances.
Thank you, Dani, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Select for the ALC!
💍 Arranged Marriage
🏠 Forced Proximity
👶 Accidental Pregnancy
🚫 Not His Baby
👫 Best Friend’s Brother
😤 Dislike to Love
🔥 Slow Burn
This is book 1 in a new series, and I’m still not entirely sure if this is a second-gen book, a spin-off, or just laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Either way, buckle up, because there are A LOT of characters being name-dropped in a way that makes you feel like you should already know who they are.
It threw me off more than once trying to remember if someone had already been introduced or if they were from another series/book. Eventually, I gave up trying to piece together the family tree and just went with the flow.
Brooklyn and Marco absolutely do not want to marry each other, and they make that painfully obvious out the gate to everyone around them. Brooklyn, bless her heart, at least tries to make the arrangement believable, while Marco couldn't care less. Then, shortly after their agreement, Brooklyn discovers she's pregnant with someone else's baby…and the father REALLY wants nothing to do with her or the baby. Yet, Marco steps up even if he doesn't want the marriage.
It took me a little while to warm up to Brooklyn, but once I did, I really liked her. Once she chooses you, she will fight like hell to protect you. She’s fiercely loyal and protective, while Marco is just trying to live his life on his own terms without everyone constantly telling him what to do.
The tension and angst between these two build slowly before eventually boiling over, and when it does, the spice is SPICING. 🔥
Alberto Frezza and Savannah Rivers really sold these two for me. Their range of emotion, stubborn pride, and all that delicious tension between Marco and Brooklyn came through so well in their performances.
Thank you, Dani, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Select for the ALC!
August 28, 2026
Thank you Dani Ryan for this amazing book! Also thank you to Maria for reaching out to me about an ARC collab and also giving me time to read it. Adore you so much.
Legacy of Deception is the first book of the Billionaire Legacy series featuring Marco De Luca and Brooklyn Briggs.
It didn’t take that long for Marco and Brooklyn to admit their feelings for each other it was like ‘f$&k this arrangement I like you let’s give this a try’. I love how this story was focused on them and their growth throughout the whole book and the fact that she is carrying another man’s child Marco stayed especially in the early stages of their arrangement he stayed.
That epilogue it was straight to the point. Marco’s reasoning when Brooklyn found those texts/voice messages he was already in love with her, he didn’t care about his role, he wanted to put her first.
Finally, their daughter— Giada. She may not be Marco’s biological child. He still took care of her even during Brooklyn’s pregnancy. That’s a HEA.
Legacy of Deception is out now KU and paperback on AUG 25th.
Legacy of Deception is the first book of the Billionaire Legacy series featuring Marco De Luca and Brooklyn Briggs.
It didn’t take that long for Marco and Brooklyn to admit their feelings for each other it was like ‘f$&k this arrangement I like you let’s give this a try’. I love how this story was focused on them and their growth throughout the whole book and the fact that she is carrying another man’s child Marco stayed especially in the early stages of their arrangement he stayed.
That epilogue it was straight to the point. Marco’s reasoning when Brooklyn found those texts/voice messages he was already in love with her, he didn’t care about his role, he wanted to put her first.
Finally, their daughter— Giada. She may not be Marco’s biological child. He still took care of her even during Brooklyn’s pregnancy. That’s a HEA.
Legacy of Deception is out now KU and paperback on AUG 25th.
August 25, 2026
This is my first book by Dani Ryan and the ‘not his baby’ trope totally sold me on this one. It is book 1 in the series so it was a perfect place to jump in and enjoy.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Marco Deluca & Brooklyn Briggs
Marco and Brooklyn and set up by their families to be in an arranged marriage. It is a complicated situation for sure. Neither one of them is happy about having to get married. Marco is Brooklyn’s best friend’s brother on top of it. Oh and she is pregnant with another man’s baby. These two have a lot of tension between them but when Marco’s possessive personality comes out things start to heat up between them. I loved how Marco was just ready to make Brooklyn and her baby his.
The audio was narrated by Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezzo. These two are both new to me and I really enjoyed listening to them. Savannah really was able to portray the feisty side of Brooklyn. Alberto absolutely nailed the protective/possessive Marco!
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Marco Deluca & Brooklyn Briggs
Marco and Brooklyn and set up by their families to be in an arranged marriage. It is a complicated situation for sure. Neither one of them is happy about having to get married. Marco is Brooklyn’s best friend’s brother on top of it. Oh and she is pregnant with another man’s baby. These two have a lot of tension between them but when Marco’s possessive personality comes out things start to heat up between them. I loved how Marco was just ready to make Brooklyn and her baby his.
The audio was narrated by Savannah Rivers and Alberto Frezzo. These two are both new to me and I really enjoyed listening to them. Savannah really was able to portray the feisty side of Brooklyn. Alberto absolutely nailed the protective/possessive Marco!
August 25, 2026
Thank you to the authors for the ARC of Legacy of Deception! I had a really good time reading this book and it was my first time reading these authors! Marco and Brooklyn are the main characters of this book and they are not necessarily enemies but they definitely do not like each other in the beginning of the book. They both want nothing to do with each other or their arranged marriage. However, eventually as the book goes on we start to see their annoyance with each other grow into what would become love. I don’t want to give too much away because it was fun to read them without much knowledge of them or the book, but I highly recommend if you like tropes like:
♟️Forced Proximity
♟️Arranged Marriage
♟️He’s not the father
♟️Best Friends Brother
♟️”Enemies” to Lovers
♟️Forced Proximity
♟️Arranged Marriage
♟️He’s not the father
♟️Best Friends Brother
♟️”Enemies” to Lovers
August 30, 2026
I received this as an ALC from the publisher and although the audio wasn’t my favorite the storyline had me intrigued. The beginning starts off strong with an arranged marriage and as well as another surprise I didn’t see coming. As the story progressed though my attention started to waver. The stakes didn’t seem very high and the chemistry between Marco and Brooklyn seemed lacking. Overall, I would say this was a 2.5 rounded up to 3⭐️.
As far as the audio goes… it wasn’t my favorite. The male’s recording had a different quality to it than the female narrator’s and something was off with the sound.
Thank you Dreamscape Select and Dani Ryan for an ALC of Legacy of Deception, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
As far as the audio goes… it wasn’t my favorite. The male’s recording had a different quality to it than the female narrator’s and something was off with the sound.
Thank you Dreamscape Select and Dani Ryan for an ALC of Legacy of Deception, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2026
Marco and Brooklyn’s story is here!!! I loved the enemies to lovers vibes and their chemistry and banter was on fire. I was lucky to get to do an immersive read because the audio for this book was so good! This is a slower burn and it’s not smooth sailing at first - right from the start there is no question these two don’t exactly like each other.
I loved how we get this great character growth from both of our MCs. Marco started out as brooding (ok, yes, he doesn’t exactly change that) but we also get to see under that exterior to someone who is caring and protective. Oh Brooklyn, she was sassy and messy had her walls up…but we slowly see her open up…and maybe she has more in common with Marco than she expects…
✨ What To Expect:
🇮🇹 Italian Billionaire
💍 Arranged Marriage
👩🍼 Not His Baby
💕 Dislike to Love
🧍 Best Friend's Brother
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
🔪 Touch Her & 💀
🎹 He Plays the Piano for Her
I loved how we get this great character growth from both of our MCs. Marco started out as brooding (ok, yes, he doesn’t exactly change that) but we also get to see under that exterior to someone who is caring and protective. Oh Brooklyn, she was sassy and messy had her walls up…but we slowly see her open up…and maybe she has more in common with Marco than she expects…
✨ What To Expect:
🇮🇹 Italian Billionaire
💍 Arranged Marriage
👩🍼 Not His Baby
💕 Dislike to Love
🧍 Best Friend's Brother
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
🔪 Touch Her & 💀
🎹 He Plays the Piano for Her
September 8, 2026
Thank you @NetGalley and @DreamscapeSelect for the ALC. I enjoyed the audio, the narrators did a great job. Legacy of Deception is book one in the Billionaire series by Dani Ryan. Marco Deluca wants to be CEO of his father's company so he agrees to an arranged marriage. His bride is his sister's best friend who just happens to pregnant with another man's child. Marco decides to go through with the marriage because he needs his dad out of the company. Brooklyn did not want to fall for Marco but chemistry is there and when he starts to lower his guard, she is all in.
September 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It was a cute, quick arranged marriage romance!
I liked how everything developed between them and how they navigated their hardships.
It did feel a bit rushed at the end, but overall a really good read!
I liked how everything developed between them and how they navigated their hardships.
It did feel a bit rushed at the end, but overall a really good read!
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, 2026I CANNOT wait to read this one and get to know Marco and Brooklyn more! 😍😍
August 10, 2026
✨✨ARC Review✨✨
Rating : 2.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
I started this book with the ALC AND ARC from Hambright PR and thank you very much. I really wanted to like it, but I just feel that some of the plot were missing. The end of the story was just quick and wrapped up I even thought that it was going to be a cliffhanger by the end of the book I really wanted to like it, but I guess this was a no for me
Also, that relationship with the characters it was OK and mature, but I didn’t feel no emotions whatsoever. Maybe it was just a narration they throw me off, but I didn’t feel any type of romantic relationship between their main characters
Rating : 2.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
I started this book with the ALC AND ARC from Hambright PR and thank you very much. I really wanted to like it, but I just feel that some of the plot were missing. The end of the story was just quick and wrapped up I even thought that it was going to be a cliffhanger by the end of the book I really wanted to like it, but I guess this was a no for me
Also, that relationship with the characters it was OK and mature, but I didn’t feel no emotions whatsoever. Maybe it was just a narration they throw me off, but I didn’t feel any type of romantic relationship between their main characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2026
3⭐⭐⭐ | 2🌶️🌶️ | 2🎧🎧 (Dual narration)
✨Thoughts✨
It took me a bit to get into this book, this may have been in part due to the audiobook not hitting the spot for me. Once I switched over to reading strictly the ebook I was able to get into a groove. The MC's come from rival mafia families who essentially arrange the marriage for further power gain. The slow burn was nicely done as Brooklyn and Marco start off by disliking each other, and slowwwly work their way into actually having feelings for one another. They had moments that worked well, however, I wanted MORE tension and chemistry from them.
✨Narration✨
The narrators were new to me, and while they did a decent job at voicing the characters - the emotions they poured into the characters were clearly heard in the audio, I just didn't feel connected to them.
Do I want to continue the series? I'm not sure yet. It's a maybe for me at the moment.
Thank you so much Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the ARC & ALC in exchange for my own opinion.✨
Tropes
-Mafia romance
-Best friends brother
-Dislike to love
-Slow burn
-Forced proximity
-Arranged marriage
-Not his baby
✨Thoughts✨
It took me a bit to get into this book, this may have been in part due to the audiobook not hitting the spot for me. Once I switched over to reading strictly the ebook I was able to get into a groove. The MC's come from rival mafia families who essentially arrange the marriage for further power gain. The slow burn was nicely done as Brooklyn and Marco start off by disliking each other, and slowwwly work their way into actually having feelings for one another. They had moments that worked well, however, I wanted MORE tension and chemistry from them.
✨Narration✨
The narrators were new to me, and while they did a decent job at voicing the characters - the emotions they poured into the characters were clearly heard in the audio, I just didn't feel connected to them.
Do I want to continue the series? I'm not sure yet. It's a maybe for me at the moment.
Thank you so much Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the ARC & ALC in exchange for my own opinion.✨
Tropes
-Mafia romance
-Best friends brother
-Dislike to love
-Slow burn
-Forced proximity
-Arranged marriage
-Not his baby
August 16, 2026
I would like to thank @authordaniryan and @hambright_pr for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Once again author Dani Ryan knocked it out of the park with this Billionaire Mafia Romance! Brooklyn and Marco had me hooked from the beginning. The tension between the two of them was intense. Marco the MMC was a pawn in his father’s empire. Brooklyn Briggs the FMC was spoiled, impulsive, his sister’s best friend and Marcos intended bride. Oh, and did I mention she was pregnant with another man’s child?! Brooklyns father has something Marco’s father wants. At first Marco planned to get himself out of this engagement that his father forced on him. But first, Marco needs to take control of his father’s empire. What Marco didn’t expect was to fall hard for Brooklyn. The chemistry between Marco and Brooklyn was perfection! This book had everything I wanted: mafia, billionaire, tension, not his baby and lots of secrets. I devoured it!
Currently Reading
May 14, 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
🌶️🌶️/5
Legacy of Deception is a billionaire arranged marriage romance that’s actually a little hard for me to review. I liked certain elements, and so many of the tropes here: arranged marriage, not his baby, sister’s best friend, etc. are usually right up my alley. This book had all the ingredients to really work for me, but I think a few things just missed the mark a little.
Brooklyn and Marco both come from powerful families, and an arranged marriage is set up between them by their fathers. Neither one is particularly happy about it, but they agree to go along with it. I really liked Brooklyn as a character. She’s strong and smart, and she understands her place within her family and what she needs to do to survive in this high-stakes world of money and power. She held her own without ever becoming abrasive or unlikable, which I appreciated.
As for Marco, he definitely came across as a bit of a jerk toward Brooklyn in the beginning, and I wasn’t totally sure whether he was going to be able to win me over. But he did! I ended up liking his character, especially once you start to see how much he cares for Brooklyn. They had good banter together, and I liked watching him begin to treat their relationship as something more than an arrangement.
I think my biggest issue with their romance was the shift from we don’t really like each other to okay, we’re actually going to make this work. That transition happened a little too quickly for me. I would have loved a few more moments between them that really showed that change happening and made me, as a reader, feel like, Okay, I see it. This is going somewhere. I liked them together; I just wanted a little more development to bridge that gap and make the progression of their feelings feel a bit more natural.
My other issue was the pacing. I thought the first half was really well developed. You have the tension between Brooklyn and Marco, the dynamics within both of their families, Marco’s relationship with his father and his desire to take over, and all of these different pieces that had me intrigued. But somewhere in the second half, I felt like some of those threads started to lose momentum, and by the end, a few of them seemed to fall away almost completely. I would have loved to see those elements pursued a little further because they were a big part of what initially pulled me into the story.
Overall, I definitely don’t regret reading this one. It’s well written, has some great tropes, and it’s a quick, easy read. There was plenty here that I enjoyed, but the pacing and the development of the romance held it back from being a four star read for me.
🌟thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the ARC and the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
Legacy of Deception is a billionaire arranged marriage romance that’s actually a little hard for me to review. I liked certain elements, and so many of the tropes here: arranged marriage, not his baby, sister’s best friend, etc. are usually right up my alley. This book had all the ingredients to really work for me, but I think a few things just missed the mark a little.
Brooklyn and Marco both come from powerful families, and an arranged marriage is set up between them by their fathers. Neither one is particularly happy about it, but they agree to go along with it. I really liked Brooklyn as a character. She’s strong and smart, and she understands her place within her family and what she needs to do to survive in this high-stakes world of money and power. She held her own without ever becoming abrasive or unlikable, which I appreciated.
As for Marco, he definitely came across as a bit of a jerk toward Brooklyn in the beginning, and I wasn’t totally sure whether he was going to be able to win me over. But he did! I ended up liking his character, especially once you start to see how much he cares for Brooklyn. They had good banter together, and I liked watching him begin to treat their relationship as something more than an arrangement.
I think my biggest issue with their romance was the shift from we don’t really like each other to okay, we’re actually going to make this work. That transition happened a little too quickly for me. I would have loved a few more moments between them that really showed that change happening and made me, as a reader, feel like, Okay, I see it. This is going somewhere. I liked them together; I just wanted a little more development to bridge that gap and make the progression of their feelings feel a bit more natural.
My other issue was the pacing. I thought the first half was really well developed. You have the tension between Brooklyn and Marco, the dynamics within both of their families, Marco’s relationship with his father and his desire to take over, and all of these different pieces that had me intrigued. But somewhere in the second half, I felt like some of those threads started to lose momentum, and by the end, a few of them seemed to fall away almost completely. I would have loved to see those elements pursued a little further because they were a big part of what initially pulled me into the story.
Overall, I definitely don’t regret reading this one. It’s well written, has some great tropes, and it’s a quick, easy read. There was plenty here that I enjoyed, but the pacing and the development of the romance held it back from being a four star read for me.
🌟thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the ARC and the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
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