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Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #4
Bound by Temptation
Liliana Scuderi has been in love with Romero from the moment she first saw him. After her sisters were married off for tactical reasons, she hopes she might be allowed to choose a husband for herself, but when her father promises her to a man more than twice her age that hope is crushed. No begging can make him change his mind.
Romero has always ignored Lily’s flirting. Her age and status made her off-limits but even someone as dutiful as him has only so much control. Wanting her when she’s supposed to marry another man could mean war between New York and the Chicago Outfit, and Romero has always put the Famiglia first. Lily suspects her sisters and Romero would risk everything for her, but is her happiness worth that much? Is love worth a war between the New York Famiglia and the Chicago Outfit?
Romero has always ignored Lily’s flirting. Her age and status made her off-limits but even someone as dutiful as him has only so much control. Wanting her when she’s supposed to marry another man could mean war between New York and the Chicago Outfit, and Romero has always put the Famiglia first. Lily suspects her sisters and Romero would risk everything for her, but is her happiness worth that much? Is love worth a war between the New York Famiglia and the Chicago Outfit?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2015
2448 people are currently reading
24879 people want to read
About the author
Cora Reilly
49 books29.1k followersI'm an Mafia Romance writer. I'm a lover of good food, wine, travel and books, and I'm hopelessly addicted to bad boys (in books).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,710 reviews
July 27, 2022
The fourth book in the 'Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles' series, 'Bound in Temptation' is the story of Liliana and Romero. If you've read the books in this series in order, you probably remember Lily as Aria and Gianna's younger sister. You probably also remember the crush that she's always had on Romero, the older soldier that is Aria's bodyguard and one of Luca's most trusted men.
Liliana is growing up and is no longer the child that Romero remembers. Despite his best attempts, he can no longer ignore the beautiful young lady that she has become. She hasn't grown out of her infatuation with Romero over the years, she's only become more determined to have him.
Initially, there is a lot of push and pull between Lily and Romero. She keeps coming on to him. He keeps turning her down, while he secretly fantasizes about what it would be like to have her.
Romero does his best to stay loyal to The Family. He's never wanted anything other than being a loyal soldier, until Lily. Now, he's forced to betray his heart or betray his vows. I think you can guess what he'll choose. He is only a man, after all.
I love a forbidden love story, so this one was right up my alley. Add in a dangerous guy with serious bad-boy appeal and I'm hooked! It's no wonder that I loved Lily and Romero's story.
While I don't want to give too much away, I will say that Lily surprised me with her strength. As the youngest sister, she was always portrayed as the silly little girl that was left out of the grown-up conversations before. She definitely came into her own in this book. Honestly, she was kind of a little bad-ass.
Similarly, I really came to appreciate Gianna in this book. While Aria seemed more submissive and happy to be the good little wife to Luca, Gianna wasn't afraid to stir things up on behalf of her little sister. I absolutely loved Gianna in this book!
Despite the fact that the story was predictable and like many other mafia romances out there, I didn't care. If it works, it works. This book worked for me. I enjoyed every minute and I don't feel guilty for it.
The only downside to this story was that there was a large amount of grammatical errors. Incorrect word usage, misspellings and other elementary grammar oversights were pretty common. It was a bit distracting at times. For such a popular series and author, I'd expect the editing to be much better.
Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was predictable, but entertaining. I was left feeling happy and contented. With war on the horizon for the New York and Chicago organizations, I'm curious to see where the next book in the series will lead.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
Liliana is growing up and is no longer the child that Romero remembers. Despite his best attempts, he can no longer ignore the beautiful young lady that she has become. She hasn't grown out of her infatuation with Romero over the years, she's only become more determined to have him.
Initially, there is a lot of push and pull between Lily and Romero. She keeps coming on to him. He keeps turning her down, while he secretly fantasizes about what it would be like to have her.
Romero does his best to stay loyal to The Family. He's never wanted anything other than being a loyal soldier, until Lily. Now, he's forced to betray his heart or betray his vows. I think you can guess what he'll choose. He is only a man, after all.
I love a forbidden love story, so this one was right up my alley. Add in a dangerous guy with serious bad-boy appeal and I'm hooked! It's no wonder that I loved Lily and Romero's story.
While I don't want to give too much away, I will say that Lily surprised me with her strength. As the youngest sister, she was always portrayed as the silly little girl that was left out of the grown-up conversations before. She definitely came into her own in this book. Honestly, she was kind of a little bad-ass.
Similarly, I really came to appreciate Gianna in this book. While Aria seemed more submissive and happy to be the good little wife to Luca, Gianna wasn't afraid to stir things up on behalf of her little sister. I absolutely loved Gianna in this book!
Despite the fact that the story was predictable and like many other mafia romances out there, I didn't care. If it works, it works. This book worked for me. I enjoyed every minute and I don't feel guilty for it.
The only downside to this story was that there was a large amount of grammatical errors. Incorrect word usage, misspellings and other elementary grammar oversights were pretty common. It was a bit distracting at times. For such a popular series and author, I'd expect the editing to be much better.
Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was predictable, but entertaining. I was left feeling happy and contented. With war on the horizon for the New York and Chicago organizations, I'm curious to see where the next book in the series will lead.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
May 20, 2019
2.5 Stars
Le sigh.
I just can't seem to make this series work me. I want it so bad. Maybe too bad lol. I've said after books two and three that I wouldn't continue...and yet here we are.
I have no idea why. I've been so in the mood for some mafia awesomeness the last couple months and these feel thisclose to being great. But, alas, I think I am calling it quits on this series - for REAL this time.
I have no interest in the blurb for the next book and the book after that sounds like a rehashing of the first 1-4 books from idiotic Aria's perspective - no thanks.
HOWEVER. I have heard good things about the The Camorra Chronicles . So maybe those will have whatever these seem to be missing for me.
Fingers crossed.
Le sigh.
I just can't seem to make this series work me. I want it so bad. Maybe too bad lol. I've said after books two and three that I wouldn't continue...and yet here we are.
I have no idea why. I've been so in the mood for some mafia awesomeness the last couple months and these feel thisclose to being great. But, alas, I think I am calling it quits on this series - for REAL this time.
I have no interest in the blurb for the next book and the book after that sounds like a rehashing of the first 1-4 books from idiotic Aria's perspective - no thanks.
HOWEVER. I have heard good things about the The Camorra Chronicles . So maybe those will have whatever these seem to be missing for me.
Fingers crossed.
August 28, 2015
Fans of this series are well aware of young Lilianna’s crush on her sister’s bodyguard, Romero. Romero is Luca’s solider, any relationship with him is totally unacceptable.
"Somehow I knew he was the one, the person I was meant to be with. I'd known it pretty much from the beginning. If there was something like fate, this was it."
Lily faces a lot of loss in this book and finds that as the years go by her crush is no longer one sided.
”Where had the blushing, flirting girl gone?”
Romero can’t resist the older Lily and the two fall in love and her virtue is lost to this man she loves. Lily’s father has other plans for his last unmarried daughter and another mafia wedding will take place and our Lily will have to marry a much older disgusting man. Lily is torn between running away with Romero or assuring her sisters' and his safety.
”Could I risk everyone’s happiness for my own?”
This story was well paced as the author kindly refreshed my not so great memory. The ending was so exciting and action packed leaving me a bit nervous as to what will come next. My favorite character is Dante and I would hate to see Luca, Matteo, and Romero brought down by my favorite mob head. On the other hand, I can’t see Dante agreeing blindly to all the insanity that is Scuderi!!
”Love was worth every risk.”
September 4, 2015
Scuderi sisters know better!!!
Viva la New York Famiglia!!!
Chicago Outfit just sucks!!!
I will explain you right away what i mean with the above sentences...
All of them were born in blood, but New York's mobsters are more humanly creatures... They protect their people... Yes, they are killing too, but when it's absolutely necessary!!! Who am i kidding??? Hahaha...
The Chicago outfit in every new book just give me reasons to hate them more than the previous books!!!
And especially, Rocco Scuderi... He is the most disgusting person and i thought that he was cruel with Aria and then with Gianna...
What were you thinking, man, when you did what you did to your youngest daughter???
And what the hell have you done to poor, little Fabiano????
Phew!!! I'm so pissed off with him and the whole situation!!!
The Chicago Outfit's members are monsters. Period.
But enough with that... I have more juicy things to tell you...
We all know that Liliana had a crush on Romero since the first moment that she laid her eyes on him when she was just fourteen years old...
What i didn't know is that Romero never got her serious...
Did you knew that??? Because i thought that he liked her also...
No, my friends! He was seeing her like a child...
The years that they follow their first meeting Liliana tried to seduced him in many occasions with no succession...
You see, Romero was a good soldier. Yes, the girl was beautiful but he knew his position and he had an oath to keep...
When Liliana became eighteen, a tragic incident messed up all her life. A life that before two years with Gianna's run away became like a prison... You see, her father wanted to keep her untouched and pure for her future husband... So, that devastating incident, made Lily to meet Romero for once again and this time something had changed.
Not for Lily... Lily always knew that she wanted Romero, but for Romero...
Suddenly he saw in front of him not an adorable young girl, but a beautiful woman...
He lost it!!! Everything that he fought for all of his life was about to destroyed!!!
Everyone around him warned him to stay away from her....
His Capo, his Capo's wife, even his self...
He was just a soldier and a girl like her wasn't made for a simple soldier... Then he had made an oath to the Famiglia and he had to keep it. And finally if he let himself free to be with her that could mean war between the two mobster families...
But the temptation was too big for both of them...
How can they resist to each other???
Which will be the consequences if they let themselves to fall for each other???
I really loved that book... I think even more that the previous three...
Lily was a good girl with a wild heart... I liked the fact that i saw this young girl to turned out a lovely woman. She had to bare a lot of nasty things, but she was a fighter...
I won't lie to you, in some point she made me furious... but i can't keep it to her...
She loved Romero so much and all her actions were saying it out loud...
Romero from the other hand, was absolutely gorgeous...
And believe me when i'm saying that this statement is huge for me because i love desperately Luca, but i think that Romero was better than him... In every possible way.
He was more kind, more caring, more gentle...
(But don't get me wrong!!! I still love Luca more... Hahahaha!!!)
Maybe the difference in this book came because in the previous two stories there were forced marriages, but in this one was a willing love that everyone else around them could not accept it and they have to fight with different obstacles... And what obstacles!!!
I almost lost it in some point...
My heart was breaking in tiny pieces....
My nerves was hunging from a thin thread...
The only thing that i can say is that this series is one of my favorite...
I can't help it!!! I'm addicted to those guys!!!
I need more and more of them!!!
Cora, please don't stop writing about them!! Ever!!!
Viva la New York Famiglia!!!
Chicago Outfit just sucks!!!
I will explain you right away what i mean with the above sentences...
All of them were born in blood, but New York's mobsters are more humanly creatures... They protect their people... Yes, they are killing too, but when it's absolutely necessary!!! Who am i kidding??? Hahaha...
The Chicago outfit in every new book just give me reasons to hate them more than the previous books!!!
And especially, Rocco Scuderi... He is the most disgusting person and i thought that he was cruel with Aria and then with Gianna...
What were you thinking, man, when you did what you did to your youngest daughter???
And what the hell have you done to poor, little Fabiano????
Phew!!! I'm so pissed off with him and the whole situation!!!
The Chicago Outfit's members are monsters. Period.
But enough with that... I have more juicy things to tell you...
We all know that Liliana had a crush on Romero since the first moment that she laid her eyes on him when she was just fourteen years old...
What i didn't know is that Romero never got her serious...
Did you knew that??? Because i thought that he liked her also...
No, my friends! He was seeing her like a child...
The years that they follow their first meeting Liliana tried to seduced him in many occasions with no succession...
You see, Romero was a good soldier. Yes, the girl was beautiful but he knew his position and he had an oath to keep...
When Liliana became eighteen, a tragic incident messed up all her life. A life that before two years with Gianna's run away became like a prison... You see, her father wanted to keep her untouched and pure for her future husband... So, that devastating incident, made Lily to meet Romero for once again and this time something had changed.
Not for Lily... Lily always knew that she wanted Romero, but for Romero...
Suddenly he saw in front of him not an adorable young girl, but a beautiful woman...
He lost it!!! Everything that he fought for all of his life was about to destroyed!!!
Everyone around him warned him to stay away from her....
His Capo, his Capo's wife, even his self...
He was just a soldier and a girl like her wasn't made for a simple soldier... Then he had made an oath to the Famiglia and he had to keep it. And finally if he let himself free to be with her that could mean war between the two mobster families...
But the temptation was too big for both of them...
How can they resist to each other???
Which will be the consequences if they let themselves to fall for each other???
I really loved that book... I think even more that the previous three...
Lily was a good girl with a wild heart... I liked the fact that i saw this young girl to turned out a lovely woman. She had to bare a lot of nasty things, but she was a fighter...
I won't lie to you, in some point she made me furious... but i can't keep it to her...
She loved Romero so much and all her actions were saying it out loud...
Romero from the other hand, was absolutely gorgeous...
And believe me when i'm saying that this statement is huge for me because i love desperately Luca, but i think that Romero was better than him... In every possible way.
He was more kind, more caring, more gentle...
(But don't get me wrong!!! I still love Luca more... Hahahaha!!!)
Maybe the difference in this book came because in the previous two stories there were forced marriages, but in this one was a willing love that everyone else around them could not accept it and they have to fight with different obstacles... And what obstacles!!!
I almost lost it in some point...
My heart was breaking in tiny pieces....
My nerves was hunging from a thin thread...
The only thing that i can say is that this series is one of my favorite...
I can't help it!!! I'm addicted to those guys!!!
I need more and more of them!!!
Cora, please don't stop writing about them!! Ever!!!
June 23, 2015
You can preorder it on Amazon !!!
And you can also pre-order it on iTunes!
And you can also pre-order it on iTunes!
December 14, 2021
[reread: 12/12/2021]
Lily and Romero are the best couple in this series.
and Liliana is the superior Scuderi sister, too. so with as much disrespect as possible fuck Aria and Gianna.
me watching Lily and Romero:
me watching Mateo and Gianna:
me watching Luca and Aria:
and sorry, no, i will not comment further😗
Lily and Romero are the best couple in this series.
and Liliana is the superior Scuderi sister, too. so with as much disrespect as possible fuck Aria and Gianna.
me watching Lily and Romero:
me watching Mateo and Gianna:
me watching Luca and Aria:
and sorry, no, i will not comment further😗
March 1, 2024
2.5 stars
This, whatever it was that they had, was definitely not worth starting war over.
This, whatever it was that they had, was definitely not worth starting war over.
February 25, 2023
I don’t even know how to feel about this series at this point. Last time I read it was back in 2021 and I stopped at book 3, since those characters irritated me so much.
I was expecting this to be a bit better (because of the tropes) but it wasn’t all that great for me. The romance lacked. The chemistry was non-existent. I could not tell you why they wanted to be together and thought their relationship was worth risking war for.
I’m mainly getting through it so I can get to the Camorra Chronicles but I’m having doubts at this point. It seems to be getting worse.
But I really want to see the father die, so maybe I should continue on with it.
This book made me bloodthirsty, don’t mind me.
I was expecting this to be a bit better (because of the tropes) but it wasn’t all that great for me. The romance lacked. The chemistry was non-existent. I could not tell you why they wanted to be together and thought their relationship was worth risking war for.
I’m mainly getting through it so I can get to the Camorra Chronicles but I’m having doubts at this point. It seems to be getting worse.
But I really want to see the father die, so maybe I should continue on with it.
This book made me bloodthirsty, don’t mind me.
May 23, 2024
"Why was it that we sometimes wanted something that was impossible? Something that only led to hurt?"
"Bound by Temptation" dives into the gripping world of organized crime, where alliances are forged and broken, and danger lurks around every corner. At the heart of the story are Romero and Lily, two souls entwined in a passionate and perilous romance.
My Rating : 4⭐
My thoughts :
This book is hands down my favorite from the series, and let me tell you why. It's not just about the characters this time, though they're fantastic. Nope, it's the plot that really got me hooked. Picture this: childhood crushes blossoming into a full-blown love story. The way the plot weaves through the complexities of forbidden love, the struggle against external pressures, and the ultimate triumph of love conquering all – that's what had me turning pages at lightning speed. It's like watching a slow-burning fire ignite into an inferno of passion, and I couldn't get enough of it.
Coming to the characters, Romero stole the show for me. He's like a walking contradiction - strong and dangerous, yet sweet and fiercely loyal. I mean, talk about swoon-worthy! Every time he graced the page, I was hooked like a fish on a line.
“Nobody will take you away from me. I’ll fight a million wars if it means I can keep you.”
And, guess what? He did! He really started a war because of her.
And Lily? She's a force to be reckoned with. I admired her strength and determination, especially when it came to fighting for their love. These two didn't just tiptoe around obstacles; they charged at them like bulls in a china shop, ready to take on anything that stood in their way.
But let's not forget about Luca and Aria. Their love story simmered in the background like a slow-burning fire, and I couldn't get enough.
Now, here's the kicker: that cliffhanger ending! I need to know what happens next between Chicago and New York. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife, and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to read. Talk about leaving me hanging!
In conclusion, "Bound by Temptation" is a rollercoaster ride of passion, danger, and undying love. With Romero and Lily leading the charge, Luca and Aria hot on their heels, and the looming threat between Chicago and New York, this book has it all. So buckle up, because the ride's just getting started, and I can't wait to see where it takes us next!
March 18, 2018
I’d hoped I could marry for love now that my sisters had already been married off for tactical reasons.
“Gianna and I married for political reasons. Why should Lily not be allowed to marry someone she wants?”
And I'm done with this series. I cannot take this any longer. How come that everyone suddenly turned so stupid? Like with the hope she'll be able to marry for love. Who could have even thought that after reading more than a page about their father? They all say how cruel he is and then they hope he'll be nice? Come on!
And the huge love story that started back then when Lily fell from Romero when she was like 14- years-old or whatever? Nope, there was nothing between them, felt forced and stupid.
“Mother told me to be happy shortly before she died. And Romero makes me happy. I want to be with him.”
I thought that Gianna was dumb, but Lily takes the cake. This is just completely ridiculous. Luca actually won the Scuderi lottery. He got the only Scuderi girl that is not absolutely annoying and does not act on pure emotions.
I went against his direct orders after all. That’s still a crime.”
Yes! He went against his boss, against direct orders. And after three books where Luca was painted as monster etc. he should have just put a bullet in his head and shipped Lily off to her father. This makes no sense. Same with "I won't go to war with Outfit because of this" and then suddenly "Fine, the war is happening no matter what."
Also, there are a lot of inconsistencies. Like the girl, Rocco goes from being named Ramona to Maria. That's just sloppy.
So no, this series is so OVER for me. Nothing makes sense, and the characters just get more annoying with each other book in the series.
“Gianna and I married for political reasons. Why should Lily not be allowed to marry someone she wants?”
And I'm done with this series. I cannot take this any longer. How come that everyone suddenly turned so stupid? Like with the hope she'll be able to marry for love. Who could have even thought that after reading more than a page about their father? They all say how cruel he is and then they hope he'll be nice? Come on!
And the huge love story that started back then when Lily fell from Romero when she was like 14- years-old or whatever? Nope, there was nothing between them, felt forced and stupid.
“Mother told me to be happy shortly before she died. And Romero makes me happy. I want to be with him.”
I thought that Gianna was dumb, but Lily takes the cake. This is just completely ridiculous. Luca actually won the Scuderi lottery. He got the only Scuderi girl that is not absolutely annoying and does not act on pure emotions.
I went against his direct orders after all. That’s still a crime.”
Yes! He went against his boss, against direct orders. And after three books where Luca was painted as monster etc. he should have just put a bullet in his head and shipped Lily off to her father. This makes no sense. Same with "I won't go to war with Outfit because of this" and then suddenly "Fine, the war is happening no matter what."
Also, there are a lot of inconsistencies. Like the girl, Rocco goes from being named Ramona to Maria. That's just sloppy.
So no, this series is so OVER for me. Nothing makes sense, and the characters just get more annoying with each other book in the series.
June 8, 2021
3 Refusal to Conform Stars ⭐
Bound by Temptation surprised me in a good, but also in a disappointing way. I have been looking forward to Liliana and Romero’s story since I started this series. Because who falls in love at the tender age of 14 and gets her wish? It’s so damn romantic.
Somehow I knew he was the one, the person I was meant to be with. I’d known it pretty much from the beginning. If there was something like fate, then this was it.
We knew this was never going to be an easy love match. Lily is practically mafia royalty whereas Romero is merely a soldier. And it wasn’t love at first sight because he was already a man when Lily first laid eyes on him. A crush. Except it was always more to her. It just took a few years before Romero felt it too.
“You know,” he said in a strangely rough voice. “If someone found us like this, they might get the wrong idea. An idea that could cost me my life, and you your reputation.”
Initially you think that Lily is the obedient daughter. Except grief and disappointment creates a new perspective. One where life is too short and the need to live in the moment. But actions have consequences. Getting involved with Romero is forbidden but it doesn't stop them. Except their tryst is cut short when Lily's villainous father arranges a marriage for her. And holy shit was that creepy to read…
The storyline itself was great. Unfortunately, it lacked the depth and magic I have come to expect from Cora Reilly. I kind of felt I was reading this book on autopilot with no real emotion. I guess you can’t love them all.
Bound by Temptation surprised me in a good, but also in a disappointing way. I have been looking forward to Liliana and Romero’s story since I started this series. Because who falls in love at the tender age of 14 and gets her wish? It’s so damn romantic.
Somehow I knew he was the one, the person I was meant to be with. I’d known it pretty much from the beginning. If there was something like fate, then this was it.
We knew this was never going to be an easy love match. Lily is practically mafia royalty whereas Romero is merely a soldier. And it wasn’t love at first sight because he was already a man when Lily first laid eyes on him. A crush. Except it was always more to her. It just took a few years before Romero felt it too.
“You know,” he said in a strangely rough voice. “If someone found us like this, they might get the wrong idea. An idea that could cost me my life, and you your reputation.”
Initially you think that Lily is the obedient daughter. Except grief and disappointment creates a new perspective. One where life is too short and the need to live in the moment. But actions have consequences. Getting involved with Romero is forbidden but it doesn't stop them. Except their tryst is cut short when Lily's villainous father arranges a marriage for her. And holy shit was that creepy to read…
The storyline itself was great. Unfortunately, it lacked the depth and magic I have come to expect from Cora Reilly. I kind of felt I was reading this book on autopilot with no real emotion. I guess you can’t love them all.
August 23, 2020
3.75 “You are worth a war” stars 🌟
“Lily, don’t make me into a hero that I’m not. I’m not kind or nice.”
“You are to me.”
This is the sweetest book of the series so far, and very different from the others. While the previous books started with an arranged marriage trope, here that doesn't come before 70℅ of the book (and it's not even between the H and h).
Right in this moment, in this cold, hopeless house he was the light and I was the moth.
I must say the middle part of the book was a little monotonous for me, but I can see why it was needed for the story. I was honestly surprised by how strong Lily was.
For the record, I didn't think their father could be any more of a jerk, but apparently I was mistaken because he crosses all limits when he arranges for Lily to be married to a 50-something man, just so he could marry his daughter (who's the same age as Lily).
Fabi stabbed at his fruit with his fork, looking like he wished it was Father.
Yes, Fabi, you and me both.
This book is more emotional than the others, and also deals a lot with Lily and Romero's budding relationship.
“God, you’re so damn beautiful. I can’t believe you’re finally mine.”
“I’ve always been yours.”
The ending left me curious about what's coming next, and I'll surely read the next book, because let's face it, this series is like a terrible addiction I can't quit lol! These dumbass characters have grown on me.
“Nobody will take you away from me. I’ll fight a million wars if it means I can keep you.”This is Lily's story, who has been in love with Romero from the moment she first saw him when she was fourteen. Romero has always ignored Lily’s flirting because her age and status made her off-limits to him.
“Lily, don’t make me into a hero that I’m not. I’m not kind or nice.”
“You are to me.”
This is the sweetest book of the series so far, and very different from the others. While the previous books started with an arranged marriage trope, here that doesn't come before 70℅ of the book (and it's not even between the H and h).
Right in this moment, in this cold, hopeless house he was the light and I was the moth.
I must say the middle part of the book was a little monotonous for me, but I can see why it was needed for the story. I was honestly surprised by how strong Lily was.
For the record, I didn't think their father could be any more of a jerk, but apparently I was mistaken because he crosses all limits when he arranges for Lily to be married to a 50-something man, just so he could marry his daughter (who's the same age as Lily).
Fabi stabbed at his fruit with his fork, looking like he wished it was Father.
Yes, Fabi, you and me both.
This book is more emotional than the others, and also deals a lot with Lily and Romero's budding relationship.
“God, you’re so damn beautiful. I can’t believe you’re finally mine.”
“I’ve always been yours.”
The ending left me curious about what's coming next, and I'll surely read the next book, because let's face it, this series is like a terrible addiction I can't quit lol! These dumbass characters have grown on me.
Love was worth risking it all.
September 6, 2025
yeah i don’t think this series is getting any better but i can’t look away from it type of thing
August 30, 2015
3 Liked It Stars
This one started off pretty good and then it just kind of sizzled out for me. I think I liked the other three in this series so much because it was enemies to lovers/forced marriage which is one of my favorite things to read about.
Lily has always been a big flirt and since she was a teenager she always had this huge crush on Romero. Romero is only a solider. He will never be good enough to marry Lily in her fathers eyes. Lily was very bold letting Romero know that she wanted him. Of course Romero only looked at Lily like she was a child.
Once Lily graduates from high school and is exhausted from taking care of her sick mother her dad finally lets her visit her sisters for the summer. Now that Lily is of age Romero is finding it harder and harder to resist her. Lily really doesn't give him any choice. She is constantly sneaking in his room. Spying on him in the shower. After so many times of forcing Lily away Romero finally caves. These two become lovers in hiding. They both are risking so much by being together.
This is where I felt things got meh for me. I didn't feel the love between Romero and Lily. All I felt we got were them sneaking around exploring each other. I felt no connection at all with them. The ending didn't work for me either. I guess I wanted Romero to step up and stop the disaster that was happening before it went to hell and a war was started. Ugh!
** I thought the next book was Fabi's story but it's actually Growls story and it sounds really good! **
The book after the next one will be about Fabiano the sisters brother who is still 13 in this book. He's already packing a gun. I can't wait to see what's in store for us.
War has been declared between New York and Chicago at the end of this one.
This one started off pretty good and then it just kind of sizzled out for me. I think I liked the other three in this series so much because it was enemies to lovers/forced marriage which is one of my favorite things to read about.
Lily has always been a big flirt and since she was a teenager she always had this huge crush on Romero. Romero is only a solider. He will never be good enough to marry Lily in her fathers eyes. Lily was very bold letting Romero know that she wanted him. Of course Romero only looked at Lily like she was a child.
Once Lily graduates from high school and is exhausted from taking care of her sick mother her dad finally lets her visit her sisters for the summer. Now that Lily is of age Romero is finding it harder and harder to resist her. Lily really doesn't give him any choice. She is constantly sneaking in his room. Spying on him in the shower. After so many times of forcing Lily away Romero finally caves. These two become lovers in hiding. They both are risking so much by being together.
This is where I felt things got meh for me. I didn't feel the love between Romero and Lily. All I felt we got were them sneaking around exploring each other. I felt no connection at all with them. The ending didn't work for me either. I guess I wanted Romero to step up and stop the disaster that was happening before it went to hell and a war was started. Ugh!
** I thought the next book was Fabi's story but it's actually Growls story and it sounds really good! **
The book after the next one will be about Fabiano the sisters brother who is still 13 in this book. He's already packing a gun. I can't wait to see what's in store for us.
War has been declared between New York and Chicago at the end of this one.
August 31, 2015
So this book was...
Ohhhh men...this series...
I was so excited about Liliana and Romero's story and I couldn't fall asleep until I finished it...and now I'm out of words because they had such a beautiful story that was very different from the other in this series. What can I say? I'm a sucker for forbidden love :P
She has to marry for status...he's just a soldier.
She's loved him for years...he just starts to see her as a woman.
He's everything she ever wanted...she's everything he should stay away from.
But in the end...love prevails...
Ohhhh men...this series...
I was so excited about Liliana and Romero's story and I couldn't fall asleep until I finished it...and now I'm out of words because they had such a beautiful story that was very different from the other in this series. What can I say? I'm a sucker for forbidden love :P
She has to marry for status...he's just a soldier.
She's loved him for years...he just starts to see her as a woman.
He's everything she ever wanted...she's everything he should stay away from.
But in the end...love prevails...
July 23, 2020
⭐️���️⭐️⭐️✨4.25 stars
This book holds a special place in my heart among Cora Reilly Mafia books. It’s so sweet. It’s like fifteen percent friends-to-lovers/high school romance vibes and eighty-five percent mafia romance.
Lily (18) is so adorable, but she really grew up from the previous books. I liked that she had her mother as kind of an excuse for her actions so they weren’t too selfish, which is a pet-peeve of mine in mafia romance. It’s like you know that you will probably be married off to someone terrible, don’t act so surprised. She is brave, self-less, and really strong. She is the perfect mix between Aria and Gianna.
Romero (24) was a really good character. Not a ton of attention was put on him compared to Lily, but you still understood him. He was an honorable man, but when it came to Lily he was bound by (wait for it) temptation *hehe*
In conclusion, even if you don’t like mafia romance, I would really suggest reading this book because it is really good and, in a way, wholesome.🤍🤍🤍
This book holds a special place in my heart among Cora Reilly Mafia books. It’s so sweet. It’s like fifteen percent friends-to-lovers/high school romance vibes and eighty-five percent mafia romance.
Lily (18) is so adorable, but she really grew up from the previous books. I liked that she had her mother as kind of an excuse for her actions so they weren’t too selfish, which is a pet-peeve of mine in mafia romance. It’s like you know that you will probably be married off to someone terrible, don’t act so surprised. She is brave, self-less, and really strong. She is the perfect mix between Aria and Gianna.
Romero (24) was a really good character. Not a ton of attention was put on him compared to Lily, but you still understood him. He was an honorable man, but when it came to Lily he was bound by (wait for it) temptation *hehe*
In conclusion, even if you don’t like mafia romance, I would really suggest reading this book because it is really good and, in a way, wholesome.🤍🤍🤍
Want to read
October 5, 2020So I am not at all interested in Lolita 2.0(yikes 😑)
But Romero is killing me with curiosity 😍 so yeah 😋 that's about it
But Romero is killing me with curiosity 😍 so yeah 😋 that's about it
February 25, 2018
Bound By Temptation es el cuarto libro de la saga Born In Blood Mafia Chonicles de Cora Reilly y narra la historia de Liliana y Romero.
Despues del desproposito que resulto ser la historia de Gianna me pense mucho si continuar o no esta serie, finalmente decidi darle otra oportunidad, principalmente porque la relacion entre Romero y Liliana me causaba mucha curiosidad ademas de tener todos los ingredientes para ser el tipo de novela que me encanta.
Bound By Temptation se ha convertido en mi libro favorito de los que llevo leidos, me gusto incluso mas que la historia de Luca y Aria, no solo por la trama dulce y tierna ( con sus momentos ardientes, obviamente ) sino tambien porque me parecio un libro con mas equilibrio que los anteriores, en mi opinion no le sobra ni le falta nada.
Liliana me agrado mucho, donde Aria era demasiado cobarde y pusilanime y Gianna una hipocrita insoportable, ella destaca al ser un personaje valiente, fuerte, luchadora y nada egoista, junto a Romero se han convertido en mi pareja preferida de la saga.
En conclusion, una novela adictiva ( aun no me puedo creer que la devorara en un solo dia ), fascinante y con mucho mas romance de lo que imaginaba.
El quinto libro me llama muchisimo la atencion, espero que siga en la misma linea que este.
4 Estrellas!!
September 28, 2020
If you read the previous book, you know about Liliana's crush on Romero. Romero used to think, she was a little girl but in this book, we see Romero started to notice Liliana as a woman. Besides Liliana also changes. She is not the little girl protected by her sisters. She is alone, she saw her mother slowly drift to death, her father pressuring her little brother to become a made man. She is extremely lonely and having a hard time to accept everything.
Liliana is sent to her sisters for a visit after her mother's death. The emotional turmoil and loneliness were too much for her. That's when she and Romero started having an affair. But Romero is a soldier and Liliana is the daughter of a consigliere. This is forbidden. But love conquers all, and Liliana and Romero evade every obstacle and finally found their happiness.
Even though it had steamy and emotional scenes, I got bored with some parts. But the ending was a bit action-packed. It wasn't the author's best work, but it was good.
Liliana is sent to her sisters for a visit after her mother's death. The emotional turmoil and loneliness were too much for her. That's when she and Romero started having an affair. But Romero is a soldier and Liliana is the daughter of a consigliere. This is forbidden. But love conquers all, and Liliana and Romero evade every obstacle and finally found their happiness.
Even though it had steamy and emotional scenes, I got bored with some parts. But the ending was a bit action-packed. It wasn't the author's best work, but it was good.
December 19, 2023
2.5/5
Liliana and Romero were probably the cutest and healthiest couple from the series. It’s a mafia romance so no totally healthy but you know. I don't know if it's just me, but I only notice in Matteo and Gianna's book that his real name is Romero, not Romeo. But I’m blind so that’s probably the reason.
I found that weird that they were so in love after "being together" for three months. Still, I loved that Romero was so gentle with Liliana, and they fought for each other until the end.
At one point the plot was a bit boring, but these books are so monothematic that if you read them all at once, you might get bored of them. The ending was rushed too, but honestly, every book in the series has that problem.
Liliana and Romero were probably the cutest and healthiest couple from the series. It’s a mafia romance so no totally healthy but you know. I don't know if it's just me, but I only notice in Matteo and Gianna's book that his real name is Romero, not Romeo. But I’m blind so that’s probably the reason.
I found that weird that they were so in love after "being together" for three months. Still, I loved that Romero was so gentle with Liliana, and they fought for each other until the end.
"Nobody will take you away from me. I’ll fight a million wars if it means I can keep you.”
At one point the plot was a bit boring, but these books are so monothematic that if you read them all at once, you might get bored of them. The ending was rushed too, but honestly, every book in the series has that problem.
August 10, 2018
5 días después de terminar de leerlo y aun no estoy lista para hacerle reseña, demasiados sentimientos.
July 16, 2020
They started war for each other🥺🥺
And what did the other couples do??
Anyways, stan lilyromeo for clear skin🧚🏻✨
And what did the other couples do??
Anyways, stan lilyromeo for clear skin🧚🏻✨
January 13, 2023
#0 Luca Vitiello — 2.75 stars
#1 Bound by Honor — 1.5 stars
#2 Bound by Duty — 3.25 stars
#3 Bound by Hatred — 3 stars
this had things/tropes that i dont normally gravitate towards, but RomAna (Romero & Liliana 🤣) somehow made me want to root for their forbidden relationship. i mean, these two literally caused war between two mafia families just to be together. i loved that Romero stayed even though Lily pushed him away, and how he was ready to die for her. 😭 Lily was persistent with her flirting and advances towards Romero, but honestly anything she did was better than Sofia flashing her boobs at Danilo 🤭 (Fragile Longing).
btw, why is this Scuderi old man still alive?? i know he was evil, but i didnt know he’d be this disgusting. also, ive read Fabianos book in the Camorra Chronicles, but i dont remember anything. reading about his childhood with the Scuderi family was just so sad. 😔 i adored his relationship with his sisters, but i hated them for leaving him behind. on another note, i wish Cora Reilly would stop romanticising childhood crushes. referring to underaged heroines’ infatuation with older, young men as “falling in love” is a bit extreme and just icky, inappropriate.
(read as an audiobook)
#1 Bound by Honor — 1.5 stars
#2 Bound by Duty — 3.25 stars
#3 Bound by Hatred — 3 stars
this had things/tropes that i dont normally gravitate towards, but RomAna (Romero & Liliana 🤣) somehow made me want to root for their forbidden relationship. i mean, these two literally caused war between two mafia families just to be together. i loved that Romero stayed even though Lily pushed him away, and how he was ready to die for her. 😭 Lily was persistent with her flirting and advances towards Romero, but honestly anything she did was better than Sofia flashing her boobs at Danilo 🤭 (Fragile Longing).
btw, why is this Scuderi old man still alive?? i know he was evil, but i didnt know he’d be this disgusting. also, ive read Fabianos book in the Camorra Chronicles, but i dont remember anything. reading about his childhood with the Scuderi family was just so sad. 😔 i adored his relationship with his sisters, but i hated them for leaving him behind. on another note, i wish Cora Reilly would stop romanticising childhood crushes. referring to underaged heroines’ infatuation with older, young men as “falling in love” is a bit extreme and just icky, inappropriate.
(read as an audiobook)
July 7, 2019
Loving ⭐️
Finally, something different! I mean, i was getting a little bit tired of those forced loveless marriages.
Thankfully, Liliana & Romero’s story is a loving one. It wasn’t easy for them, but at least there were true feelings and passion. Plus, there was that forbidden type of love that made it worth it.
Liliana, Aria and Gianna’s little sister became infatuated with Romero soooooo long ago. Once she became of age, he couldn’t ignore her anymore, so they started a secret affair during one summer. That was a huge risk they both took, since all the girls in the mob business must be virgins when they marry and many of them weren’t even kissed before that.
They couldn’t be together just because he was a low rank soldier in the NY Familia and nobody had to gain anything from their marriage. 🙄
I waited a lot to see them together, there was some drama, Aria surprised me being totally different from back when I read her story and I loved the way the story progressed and how things turned towards the end.
Finally, something different! I mean, i was getting a little bit tired of those forced loveless marriages.
Thankfully, Liliana & Romero’s story is a loving one. It wasn’t easy for them, but at least there were true feelings and passion. Plus, there was that forbidden type of love that made it worth it.
Liliana, Aria and Gianna’s little sister became infatuated with Romero soooooo long ago. Once she became of age, he couldn’t ignore her anymore, so they started a secret affair during one summer. That was a huge risk they both took, since all the girls in the mob business must be virgins when they marry and many of them weren’t even kissed before that.
They couldn’t be together just because he was a low rank soldier in the NY Familia and nobody had to gain anything from their marriage. 🙄
I waited a lot to see them together, there was some drama, Aria surprised me being totally different from back when I read her story and I loved the way the story progressed and how things turned towards the end.
February 7, 2025
2.75⭐
FINALLY DONE WITH IT !!
After 50% I just skimmed through the dialogues. There was lots of unnecessary drama and it was kind of boring to me. Maybe because I knew their story already that's why I couldn't enjoy it that much.
I can't wrap my mind around the plot of the book, why put Lily through a whole marriage subplot if war was inevitable and they eventually have to declare war at the end. Why go through so much drama ??
I actually like Lily and Romero. I felt so bad for Lily, and the way she felt left out amongst her siblings but as a couple I couldn't connect with them. I couldn't feel the spark in their chemistry.
I loved little Fabi crumbs.
FINALLY DONE WITH IT !!
After 50% I just skimmed through the dialogues. There was lots of unnecessary drama and it was kind of boring to me. Maybe because I knew their story already that's why I couldn't enjoy it that much.
I can't wrap my mind around the plot of the book, why put Lily through a whole marriage subplot if war was inevitable and they eventually have to declare war at the end. Why go through so much drama ??
I actually like Lily and Romero. I felt so bad for Lily, and the way she felt left out amongst her siblings but as a couple I couldn't connect with them. I couldn't feel the spark in their chemistry.
I loved little Fabi crumbs.
May 6, 2023
4.5 stars
I love them!! My poor babies
I love them!! My poor babies
October 14, 2017
***3.5 STARS***
La pareja de Lilly y Romero es la más linda de hasta ahora, me encantó que por fin Lilly después de tanto coquetear con él y ser rechazada a lo largo de los años fuera correspondida.
La historia es tipo Romeo y Julieta un amor imposible donde él pertenece a la organización de NY y ella a la de Chicago un simple soldado y la hija del consigliere, un amor que puede quebrar la frágil paz y desatar la guerra.
Todo el tiempo estuve en suspenso por la relación secreta así de “Porfis que no los descubran”
Lilly fue mucho mejor protagonista que sus hermanas eso no hay duda, Aria es demasiado remilgada y santurrona. Gianna una perra idiota, Lilly era valiente y luchaba por lo que quería Romero, pero sin arriesgar y llevarse entre las patas a todo el mundo como Gianna.
Romero fue bastante tierno, me sorprendió gratamente, aunque no me enamoro como Lucca o mi amado Matteo que es mi favorito, tiene lo suyo.
Odié con todas mis fuerzas al papá de ellas que tipo tan cruel, repugnante y asqueroso, casar a su hija con un tipo wacala sólo para poder él casarse con una de la edad de su Lilly iuug y luego con la frialdad con la que las trataba yo me quedé con ganas de que alguien le metiera un balazo en la cabeza como en el libro anterior que quería que Matteo le desgarrara la garganta.
Y Fabiano ya quiero su libro, la evolución que tuvo fue wow pasó de ser un niño tierno a un potencial Made Man de esos de miedo.
Ese final me dejó en ascuas o sea muchas cosas que resolver inconclusas
La pareja de Lilly y Romero es la más linda de hasta ahora, me encantó que por fin Lilly después de tanto coquetear con él y ser rechazada a lo largo de los años fuera correspondida.
La historia es tipo Romeo y Julieta un amor imposible donde él pertenece a la organización de NY y ella a la de Chicago un simple soldado y la hija del consigliere, un amor que puede quebrar la frágil paz y desatar la guerra.
Todo el tiempo estuve en suspenso por la relación secreta así de “Porfis que no los descubran”
Lilly fue mucho mejor protagonista que sus hermanas eso no hay duda, Aria es demasiado remilgada y santurrona. Gianna una perra idiota, Lilly era valiente y luchaba por lo que quería Romero, pero sin arriesgar y llevarse entre las patas a todo el mundo como Gianna.
Romero fue bastante tierno, me sorprendió gratamente, aunque no me enamoro como Lucca o mi amado Matteo que es mi favorito, tiene lo suyo.
Odié con todas mis fuerzas al papá de ellas que tipo tan cruel, repugnante y asqueroso, casar a su hija con un tipo wacala sólo para poder él casarse con una de la edad de su Lilly iuug y luego con la frialdad con la que las trataba yo me quedé con ganas de que alguien le metiera un balazo en la cabeza como en el libro anterior que quería que Matteo le desgarrara la garganta.
Y Fabiano ya quiero su libro, la evolución que tuvo fue wow pasó de ser un niño tierno a un potencial Made Man de esos de miedo.
Ese final me dejó en ascuas o sea muchas cosas que resolver inconclusas
August 6, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
I started this series awhile ago and then took a break between the last book and this one. Now I'm completely unsure of why I let Romero's book sit on my Kindle for so long. I loved his and Liliana's story and getting to see his inner struggle of wanting the Mafia princess but unable to have her. Their sexual tension was the best thing about this book and it kept going, even after they first slept together. It really captivated me and made me unable to put this book down until I knew that they were going to get the ending they deserved. I can't say that they are my favorite couple of the series but they are definitely up there on my list. I had forgotten how much I liked this authors writing but this brought all back and is a highly recommended read.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
I started this series awhile ago and then took a break between the last book and this one. Now I'm completely unsure of why I let Romero's book sit on my Kindle for so long. I loved his and Liliana's story and getting to see his inner struggle of wanting the Mafia princess but unable to have her. Their sexual tension was the best thing about this book and it kept going, even after they first slept together. It really captivated me and made me unable to put this book down until I knew that they were going to get the ending they deserved. I can't say that they are my favorite couple of the series but they are definitely up there on my list. I had forgotten how much I liked this authors writing but this brought all back and is a highly recommended read.
January 18, 2020
Well, I don’t know how to go from here. I like the characters, but this book was both super sweet and soft and really boring.
There are a lot of things I liked and Romero/Lily is one of them but there’s this thing about childhood and of age that bothers me and is so very present in this book. It’s a really fine line since the world we are in the book is dark and twisted but being reminded that Romero saw Lily as a child not too long ago and now she’s all woman well… you guys know how this bothers me.
I tried to look past it but it was hard and while I like bits here and there (mostly the interactions between the characters) the book was plain boring. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one or jump to continue reading The Camorra Chronicles.
There are a lot of things I liked and Romero/Lily is one of them but there’s this thing about childhood and of age that bothers me and is so very present in this book. It’s a really fine line since the world we are in the book is dark and twisted but being reminded that Romero saw Lily as a child not too long ago and now she’s all woman well… you guys know how this bothers me.
I tried to look past it but it was hard and while I like bits here and there (mostly the interactions between the characters) the book was plain boring. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one or jump to continue reading The Camorra Chronicles.
September 29, 2015
I've spent the last day and half thinking of how to do this review and words escape me. It's been an incredible journey watching Lily grow up and her unwavering feelings towards Romero. Picture being told all your life your duty towards your family, sheltered from loving who you want or their position. My heart crumbled a thousand folds during the epic tale. Cora Reilly kept me on the edge of my seat guessing, "saying no...no and hell no! Five star fabulous read and highly recommended. This is one I'll be rereading again and again! Can't wait for the next in the sequel! Enjoy.
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