Framed for stealing from Chicago’s most lethal syndicate, my only shelter is their ruthless architect. Climbing into his bed is the most dangerous choice I’ve ever made.
Vincenzo Moretti is cold, controlling, and the only man who believes I’m innocent. When an intruder breaks into my apartment, he puts himself between us and beats him bloody.
I’m used to managing weddings and banquets. Now armed guards watch every door while secrets hide inside the walls of my hotel.
He listens like my words matter, holds my clipboard while I command a ballroom, and stays when my family falls apart. Somewhere between midnight confessions and touches that destroy my judgment, he becomes the man I never meant to trust.
By the time I realize I love him, the danger surrounding his family has found mine. His secrets lead to a criminal network that has put my mother and sister in its sights.
If I can’t stop them, I’ll bury my mother and my sister because I fell for a Moretti.
Riley has a good life with a good job. One night she notices someone standing in the room she is working. She had no idea talking to him would. Change her life. Vincenzo walks into a room and watches the room. While at a gala he notices a woman so he stops watching the room and watches her. Once they connect they learn there is so much more to the things that have happened than they know. The information keeps coming and secrets some out.
Ivy has a way of developing her characters that captures your attention and leaves you wanting more. I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between Vincenzo and Riley; it was so fun to read. The story took several unexpected turns, keeping me engaged from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the plot of Claimed by the Don’s Architect. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept the story moving, and I genuinely enjoyed both of the main characters. Their dynamic made the story especially fun to read, and the spice definitely delivered. 🔥 The author did a great job with the sexy scenes for the most part, and they added to the overall story rather than feeling completely out of place.
That said, there were a few wording issues that occasionally pulled me out of the story. Some expressions felt unusual or unclear in context, such as “the phone goes” and “the phone goes on the stone.” At first, I wasn’t sure whether these phrases referred to the phone ringing or to someone placing it somewhere, but the surrounding context eventually made the intended meaning clear. A careful editing pass for natural phrasing and idiomatic expressions could help make moments like these easier to follow.
I also noticed some repetition in the dialogue and narration, particularly phrases such as “say the words,” “say the sentence,” “say your thought,” and “say it.” These expressions appeared frequently enough that they sometimes drew attention away from the characters’ emotions and made certain exchanges feel less natural. Varying the wording or relying more on gestures, reactions, and context could help those scenes flow more smoothly.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, the characters, the twists and turns, and especially the spice. The occasional awkward phrasing and repeated expressions were noticeable, but they didn’t completely take away from my enjoyment of the book. I’m glad I gave it a read and would definitely be interested in seeing what this author writes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
📖 Book Review — Claimed by the Don’s Architect by Ivy Lenox
Claimed by the Don’s Architect by Ivy Lenox is part of the Moretti Dynasty series, but it can be read as an interconnected standalone.
This one was a bit of a mixed read for me. I love a good mafia romance, and there were definitely elements of this story that I enjoyed. Vincenzo is the Don’s architect, and when Riley is framed for stealing sensitive documents from the Moretti family, he steps in to help her.
I really enjoyed the protective energy, the mafia drama, the suspense and the chemistry between Riley and Vincenzo. I also loved getting to see both of their families and how their relationships developed throughout the story. ❤️🔥
That being said, I did find this book a little difficult to get through at times. The pacing and writing style just didn’t pull me in as easily as I would have liked, and I struggled to stay completely invested in the story. There were definitely moments I enjoyed, but it took me a little longer to get into this one.
I did appreciate that their relationship wasn’t an instant “I’m obsessed with you” situation. There was enough time for their feelings to develop, which made their connection feel more believable.
Overall, this had mafia, danger, secrets, family drama and that protective “touch her and die” energy that we love, but unfortunately it wasn’t a complete hit for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
🌶️ Spice: 3/5
If you love mafia romance with a protective MMC, forced proximity and plenty of family drama, this one may be worth adding to your TBR! 🖤🔥
Interesting Romance Story. Riley is great at her job but someone is setting her up for a fall. Curtis Bell is her boss and he bails on her during an important event. The he just disappears. That's something that she learns later and she's worried about him. Things aren't making any sense. However, at the event her assistant, Nina helps her take care of everything for the event. She's very capable. During this event, Vincenzo has been watching her from the balcony and can't stop watching her ! They begin a very intense relationship that gets VERY heated ! I liked the two of them together. At one point he takes her to dinner at his mother's house. That dinner has 8 family members there, some small dinner, lol. A very unusual but interesting interactions with them and his mother likes her right away ! Vincenzo has his trusted man, Gil watching over her sister, Paige. Which creates some interesting push and pull between the two of them. Riley, meets a very charming man , Mr. Avery at an event with Vincenzo but Vincenzo warns her away from him. Jealousy? Yes a bit but he knows more than he tells her at first. This man is dangerous and they find he has been behind the scenes for some time. What else has he been doing? Paige and Riley's mother are something else that is good. I really liked them both. The surveillance by the enemy intensify as do the dangers. Plenty of twists and turns. Some really bad secrets are revealed before the dramatic but good ending. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I voluntarily reviewed "CLAIMED BY THE DON'S ARCHITECT" given for my honest opinion it hooked me from the start it was a intriguing, interesting intense drama with steam, secrets, twists loving the characters. Vincenzo Moretti up on the mezzanine watching Riley the managing caterer for weddings & banquets then one of her helpers has a situation where's he's injured, he's impressed with how she handled it. Riley enters a room the Moretti's had been in the door ajar she goes in where she's not suppose to then in comes Vincenzo asking who she is. Vincenzo tells her someone used her badge to open the door Luca his cousin & boss enters telling him someone made a fake badge it wasn't Riley. Riley is later attacked in her apartment Vincenzo was outside seeing the man on the fire escape break in she screams but he's there to help, tells Riley he was probably there for the key she found in her bag. Riley worries no work to pay her rent & her mom has cancer she won't have enough money to get by, Vincenzo likes her & wants to help her. Riley's worried about her feelings for Vincenzo & the danger surrounding his family has found hers leading to a criminal network thats putting her sister & mother in danger because shes fallen for a Moretti. Will Vincenzo & Riley get a HEA figure out what there after if anyone touches Riley it'll be there last he won't let anything happen to her, you definitely don't want to miss reading.
This is the first of the author's books that I've read, and it certainly won't be the last.
Riley and Vincenzo's story starts with him watching her while she does her job in a crowded ballroom of a hotel he owns and that his grandfather helped plaster. After the function, an intruder breaks into Riley's apartment, and Vincenzo beats him, then does everything in his power to protect her from the unknown criminal element. Riley is feisty and likeable; Vincenzo is intense and quiet in an understated way, a man who observes things and then makes decisions, decisions he doesn't always ask Riley about. But it's not just Riley that's in harm's way; her mother and sister are also in danger. What makes Riley such a wonderful FMC is that she's not just a passive participant; she's smart and demanding, and her love for Vincenzo creeps up on her gradually. And alongside the romance element, there's the threat to Riley and her family.
This book broke my heart, not once but twice ~ something of a revelation; I can't remember when I last experienced it. At one point, I actually put the book aside for a couple of days, as I could see where the author was taking it, but I thought that by not reading it, I could stop it from happening. I can't write more detail as it would be a major spoiler. The second time, well, that was a bolt from the blue ~ I'm not quite sure if I forgive the author for it.
Overall, I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to read more by this author
Riley is an event planner for the Halcyon hotel in Chicago. In the middle of a large gala for the Moretti family, she holds a door for a man who she believes is a vendor, only to find out later he wasn’t, and she is now suspected of stealing from the mafia family. Enter Vincenzo Moretti, owner of the Halcyon, who was fascinated by her and watched her from the mezzanine for much of the event and knows she is innocent. He vouches for her to his family but knows she is still in danger, so he parks outside her apartment and stops an attack on Riley before she is injured (or worse). He convinces her to move in with him till they can get to the bottom of the theft and why she was being targeted. The book is action-packed, intense, and full of twists and turns!
*Claimed by the Don’s Architect* is a fast-paced read for fans of mafia romances. Vincenzo and Riley are complex, strong characters who face an uphill battle due to the history of his family and the impacts it had, and continues to have, on her family. They have amazing chemistry, and the spicy scenes are delish! The true star of the book, though, is Atlas, Vincenzo’s dog. What a good boi!
This is the fourth book in the Moretti series but can be read as a standalone. However, the previous books are great, and I highly recommend starting at the beginning!
This book is part of the Moretti Dynasty Series. It is an interconnected standalone, so you can follow along even if you haven't read the other books (although, I recommend them! They're all so good!!)
This is Riley & Vincenzo's story... Vincenzo is the architect in a Mafia family and he sees Riley getting set up & steps in to help her... while there is a bit of some instalove, enough time goes by that they are able to develop real feelings, which I appreciate.
I love both of their families & that you get to see some of both families. There are some emotional things - with Riley's Mom, who is very sick with a terminal illness (TW).
I really love all the characters in the book...they are well developed and I enjoyed reading the book & seeing how their story played out.
The book is told in a dual 1st person POV
Spice level: 3/5
*mafia romance *he's the Don's architect *she was framed for stealing from the mafia *Chicago mafia romance *forced proximity *Italian mafia romance *morally grey MMC *protective Alpha MMC
Thank you to the author (Ivy Lenox) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Claimed by the Don’s Architect was such an entertaining mafia romance! I was hooked from the beginning and really enjoyed the combination of workplace tension, mafia drama, attraction, and all the complications that came with the relationship.
I loved the dynamic between the main characters. The Don is powerful, intimidating, and used to getting what he wants, while the heroine has her own strength and doesn’t make things too easy for him. Their chemistry and constant push and pull kept me interested, and I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly change as they got to know each other.
The architect angle was also a fun addition and gave the story something different. I liked seeing how her work brought her into his world and how the professional relationship gradually became much more complicated. Of course, being involved with a Don comes with plenty of danger and secrets, so there was never a dull moment.
There was a good mix of romance, suspense, drama, and emotional moments. The twists kept me curious about what would happen next, and I especially enjoyed seeing the characters deal with trust, loyalty, and the consequences of being pulled deeper into the mafia world.
challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Don't expect a nice, comfortable story from this author. You'll be challenged and might have to step away multiple times to get a handle on the emotions that will develop as you work your way through the story.
What sounds like a cute little tale of mistaken identity at first, as a banquet manager is mistaken for a thief, develops into a tale of intrigue and half-truths that go all the way back not only in her history, but into the family who owns the building in which she works.
Step into this story knowing that you will probably be uncomfortable, and yet, it is well worth working through it as you do. Take time with the emotions it digs up. You may be thankful for them, eventually.
This is part of the Moretti Dynasty Series but can be read as a stand-a-lone. The books have inter-connected characters, so if you've read any of the other books you'll recognize some familiar names. If you haven't read them, please do as they are addictive. This is McKenna and Vincenzo Moretti's story and it's one you don't want to miss. He's the architect in the Moretti Mafia family and is cold and controlling. When he sees Riley being framed he steps in to protect and clear her name. The book is full of twists and overflowing with emotion. Plenty of sizzle and lots of drama. A great read with an ending you'll like. You'll fall in love with Atlas, the dog.I received a free arc copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Riley McKenna is an event planner at the upscale Chicago Halcyon Hotel. Vincenzo owns the Chicago Halcyon Hotel. That’s it. End of story.
… except that it isn’t. Riley is framed for stealing sensitive documents from the Morettis. Vincenzo believes her because he's watched her most of the evening.
Cue action, attraction (aka instalove on his part), drama, intrigue, and decades-old secrets. Throw in family dynamics, heartbreak, twists, & passion, and you have an engrossing story that’s impossible to put down.
This is Ivy Lenox’s 7th offering, and it doesn’t disappoint. There are some spicy scenes (it’s a romance, after all – LOL) as well as moments of humorous reprieve. Highly recommend.
Claimed by the Don’s Architect by Ivy Lenox was an addictive mafia romance with plenty of chemistry, suspense, and possessive “touch her and die” energy! I really enjoyed the intense connection between the main characters and the way their relationship developed despite the danger and obstacles surrounding them. The mafia element added plenty of excitement, while the romance kept me invested from beginning to end. The hero’s protective nature and the undeniable chemistry between the characters made their story especially fun to read. Overall, Claimed by the Don’s Architect is a fun read for fans of mafia romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Possess or Control An intensely emotional story that had me looking at emotions rather than actions! What happens when a ballroom becomes a hunting ground? Well Riley has no clue that she’s just become a pawn in a very sick game until her world explodes directly into her face. Vincenzo is smitten, to say the least, by his employee that’s got total control of the ballroom that currently has 400 guests in it. Little does either of them know that a final glance at one another across that ballroom is the last rational thing that will happen in their lives for quite a long time! Past fights, old memories and lots of Love bounces around in this story and yet the struggle is so real to see what will win out in the end.
Overall: 4.35 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice/Heat: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Main Characters: Vincenzo and Riley Epilogue: Yes Ending Type: HEA
This book has a really good story to the book. It kept me on the edge of my toes and at times shaking my head. I needed to keep reading this book to get to the next chapter. There was never a good spot to put the book down. I loved the spice in this book. These two characters definitely had it for each other. I loved the dog in this book as well!
I'm going to be reading more about the Moretti Dynasty. I need to know about the NY side of the family.
Very glad I found Ivy. I love her writing style.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you love reading dark mafia romance books then I would definitely recommend you read this 5/5 star book by Ivy. All it took for me to get hooked on wanting to read this book was the jaw dropping cover as well as Vincenzo’s character. He is a mouth watering, sexy as heck character to keep your heart racing. Riley is just as an amazing character and when you put these two together look out because all of your plans just changed and you’re going to read this book in a day very easily. Fantastic romance book is how I will describe this book as well as how I feel about the author Ivy. She’s FANTASTIC and an EXCELLENT writer.
She was just a woman doing her job when she suddenly found herself caught in something much bigger than she ever expected. He was a man who did what he had to do to survive—and protect what was his.
Their attraction pulled them together, but lies and secrets tore them apart. With danger, passion, and plenty of twists along the way, this story kept me turning the pages.
❤️🔥 The ending was fantastic and made it all worth it! A great mafia romance filled with chemistry, secrets, and second chances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Vincenzo and Riley’s story. When Riley is accused of stealing from a lethal syndicate, her only saving grace is Vincenzo, who is a cold, ruthless, and controlling architect, who is the only one who believes she is innocent. This is a well written action packed, easy to read, emotional roller coaster story, with family dynamics, friendships, tension, danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, touch her and die, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable, thrilling page turner. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First, I love Ivy and this series! I was so excited to get my hands on this. I was engaged from the start. Love the quirky female characters; they are strong women with heart. The male lead was quiet in a strong way and I enjoyed that he was thoughtful and aware of his own flaws. Going to read the whole series again! Would highly recommend this book. Not giving any spoilers; you have to read this! Ivy LenoxIvy Lenox
Another brilliant book from Ivy Lennox that I couldn’t put down! It’s a love story between yet another Moretti family member - Vincenzo and Riley McKenna who works the ballroom I his hotel. The main characters are strong and the two women featured are clever and know their own minds. I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and I am very grateful for it. I am slowly building up my book store of the Moretti family members and hope another one is published very soon. By the way, I particularly liked the role Atlas the dog played throughout the book!
This is Vincenzo and Riley's story. The flow was a bit dry at times, but I rounded up to a five. The emotion of book one and two is back. The family interactions were terrific. It was back to book one and at times surpassed it. To say Riley is complex is an understatement. Her layers have layers. Vincenzo is more straightforward - it's all for family. Atlas is the star. This isn't all action or spice. The reader will have to think and absorb. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'By the time I realize I love him, the danger surrounding his family has found mine. His secrets lead to a criminal network that has put my mother and sister in its sights.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book hooked me from the start! Riley and Vincenzo have fantastic chemistry, and their story is packed with intrigue, danger, secrets, twists, and plenty of steam. I loved how Vincenzo stepped in to protect Riley while their feelings developed naturally despite a touch of instalove. The characters are well developed, the family dynamics add an emotional layer, and the suspense kept me turning the pages. Riley’s mother’s storyline was especially emotional. An intense, entertaining Mafia romance with a satisfying HEA—I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Vincenzo Moretti is cold, controlling, and he decides he wants Riley for his. This is a good storyline . It is very complex and Riveting. It has many twists and turns in-the plot. It is also a love story which is very complicated. The author does an amazing job with the storyline and all the characters. It is one that I will read again in the future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A mafia romance that take its time to, no insta love, or connection. they get to know each other slowly and you can get to know then and who they are. There are a few times where I was a little lost... manly because of some editing issues that can be fixed easily. the book was interesting so I did not feel it stopped me from enjoying the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A book in the Moretti Mafia family series which can be read as a standalone book.
I received this book as an arc copy.
I found this book a bit hit and miss - unlike the others in the series.
Whilst the underlying story of Riley and Vincenzo should be interesting, I found it hard to keep interested and some of the phrases and sentences were far too repetitive, along with a stilted writing style.
Definitely check out some of the earlier books in the series as they’re gripping.
Well, this was quite the story. For me, it came in stages. The entree, the main & followed by desert.
Vincenzo may be quite a supreme character, but living within the mafia is demanding. Poor Riley didn't know quite what to expect. Her life of organisation took a turn when someone framed her. Vincenzo will be her anchor, but it’s the need to survive that will have you captivated.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story about Vincenzo and Riley. Vincenzo is part of the mafia empire run out of New York and Riley is the catering manager of the hotel Vincenzo owns. This story is wonderfully planned and written with the suspense throughout the entire story. Vincenzo is so protective and afraid for Riley’s whole family and is sometimes prone to acting without asking first. This story has a lot of twists and turns in it that keep you thinking and seems to change when you think you have everything figured out. I really enjoyed this story and have no problem recommending it to adults.
Ummm first of all, why did it have to end? The Morretti family is fierce and no holds barred and I want more! Riley gets caught up in things bigger than she ever imagined but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Vincenzo is hot, fierce, and gives no fucks. I love it!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.