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Freedom and a meaningful life away from the violence of the Trassato Crime Family is all I ever wanted…

But what I want doesn’t matter now that I’m caught in a tug of war between two men in the dangerous world of organized crime.

Marcello Masciantonio is the man my father expects me to marry. He wants me because I’m the daughter of Dominick Trassato, New York’s most powerful crime boss. He says he’s my future, and I want to hate him, but I can’t deny the spark that burns between us.

Salvatore D’Amico is perfect. He supports me. He understands me. He’s willing to betray my father and give up his family to have me. He doesn’t care about the power that comes with being part of my family. He wants me for me.

My choice is simple, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has an agenda, including Salvatore and Marcello, and just when I think I have everything figured out, I realize I don’t know a damn thing.

Truths are lies. Freedom is lonely. But worst of all…

My love triangle is actually a hate triangle.

Unknown Binding

Published May 16, 2017

59 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Cardiff

26 books373 followers
After spending years practicing law and a million other things, Lisa decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and she must confess that inventing characters is so much more fun than writing contracts and legal briefs. A native of Colorado, she lives with her husband and three children in Denver. When she isn’t managing the chaos of raising three children and owning her own business, she can be found reading or writing a book.

You can read more about Lisa and her upcoming work at www.lisacardiff.com.

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5 stars
105 (56%)
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55 (29%)
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18 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
July 13, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (7/13/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Freedom and a meaningful life away from the violence of the Trassato Crime Family is all I ever wanted…

But what I want doesn’t matter now that I’m caught in a tug of war between two men in the dangerous world of organized crime.

Marcello Masciantonio is the man my father expects me to marry. He wants me because I’m the daughter of Dominick Trassato, New York’s most powerful crime boss. He says he’s my future, and I want to hate him, but I can’t deny the spark that burns between us.

Salvatore D’Amico is perfect. He supports me. He understands me. He’s willing to betray my father and give up his family to have me. He doesn’t care about the power that comes with being part of my family. He wants me for me.

My choice is simple, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has an agenda, including Salvatore and Marcello, and just when I think I have everything figured out, I realize I don’t know a damn thing.

Truths are lies. Freedom is lonely. But worst of all…

My love triangle is actually a hate triangle.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
May 25, 2017
All Emilia Trassato wants is to get away from the Crime Family that she was born into. Her life isn't her own, and father expects her to marry a stranger, and as far as Emilia is concerned, it's not happening. While she's working out her plan to leave, she develops a crush on Salvatore D'Amico, who is perfect for her. And the more time they spend together, the more her feelings grow into real emotions. But unfortunately, everyone has an agenda, and as layers of betrayal are revealed, who will be left standing? I'm so mad right now that I could scream obscenities at the top of my lungs, (and believe me, have already screamed colorful metaphors more than once.), as this story nearly KILLED. ME. DEAD! I want to hurt Emilia's father, Marcello (her arranged husband to be), and even Sal at this point. What I've decided is that she needs an army of no B.S. women, (like me), who will have her back because the men can surely suck it. I actually fell in love with Sal throughout, but he needs to be nut punched like the rest. There's so much more to my rant, but I will spare everyone all of my dramatic emotions. Now, with all of this emotion and rage flying, it stands to reason that Lisa Cardiff is simply brilliant, as I still feel like I'm in Emilia's world firsthand, as I went through the house slamming things on her behalf long after I finished this story. The out of this world writing style obviously transported me into this crime world, as I'm all kinds of jacked up. I'm going on and on with emotions because otherwise the details that make spoilers will fly out inadvertently, and I'm just not down with that. Let me talk about that ending, WHY OH WHY?! Ms. Cardiff is now the newest member on the list of authors trying to KILL ME at this point, and she shall be hash tagged forevermore, #EVILWHORE! I NEED MORE OF EMILIA, AND I NEED IT NOW! In other news, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Emilia Part 1 to ALL AND SUNDRY!
Profile Image for Angels.
2,041 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2017
First time author for us and we are happy to sat that I enjoyed our first read by them.

Emilia was a character that you felt sorry for,as her life was not her own.The only outlet she had was her piano lessons and the rest of the time under lock and key.Her father a monster with countless enemies she always needs protection.You definitely felt her loneliness and sadness about her.She lost her mother and her father is a controlling monster.Emilia's only flicker of happiness is her friendship with one of her fathers men Sal.As Emilia's feelings grow deeper for Sal that little bit of happiness is about to be destroyed by a brokered marriage.Another way for her father to gain more wealth and power not the happiness of his daughter.

I really liked Sal in the beginning of the story.I loved how he was willing to risk his life to be with the one he loves. Omg what a disappointment this guy turned out to be.Then you have the mysterious Marcello who is lethal and dangerous and use to getting what he wants.I loved the letter writing between Emilia and himself as
he seemed to be courting what was already his.Another disappointment for me in another long line of deceit and betrayals.

I enjoyed the characters as they were easy to connect with.There were many surprises in the story that you never saw coming.I liked that everything you expected to happen was just the opposite.The story flowed easily and kept your interest as the characters were was like-able and some love-able.You had to love Emilia as she had an innocence about her .I loved that about her as she grew up in a world of violence and greed.

A cute romance story about love,romance,deceit,betrayals among one of the most power crime families.Looking forward to what happens next in Emilia's newest adventure.

A recommended read to all.
4 stars Arc for honest review
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2017
These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...

I love Emilia!! She is so young and naïve, yet already broken.

Trying to get out from under her father's oppressive thumb since her mom died, she starts making plans to get as far away from the Family as quickly as possible.

She's being forced to marry someone she doesn't love or know and is forbidden to be with the guy she does love. Things start getting a bit harrier for Emilia when she learns some truths she never wanted to know.

I love how Emilia actually feels like a real person and not just a story character. Thankfully, I knew from the start her story wouldn't be finished in this book. This tells us about her past and how she gets to be where she is today.

Will Emilia be able to find her Happily Ever After eventually?
20 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2019
The story makes no sense. The girl is the dumbest Iv come across recently. She has peanuts for brains. Id like to explain her naivete by her age but being young doesnt make you foolish. Id expect someone with brains, especially someone born and living in a crime family, especially someone trying to get out of the said family. She missed important information and clues all the time. One fourth into the book I knew she's being conned, while she had no idea, and was blissfully in love. And the fickleness in her. She has no redeeming quality in my eyes. Nothing that'd make me understand her and side with her. All I felt was irritation at her stupidity. Honestly, Id say the story made no sense.
Spoiler alert:
When she found out that sal was sent by her dad and her dad wants her to marry Sal, why did she run from Marcello? Why does she still think that her dad wants her to marry Marcello? Throughout the story there are hints that her father doesnt want her to marry marcello and she sees right through them, like the idiot that she is. And even when Sal's truth comes out to her, she still runs from Marcello believing her dad wants her to marry Marcello. That story doesnt make sense. Her logic doesnt make sense. I think its a plot flaw. The author didnt think this through.
Wouldnt recommend this book.
Profile Image for Bo.
122 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2017
This should’ve been posted a week ago. But because of some unforeseen events, I wasn’t able to get into it even if I wanted to. Now I’m second guessing my choices.

I really love reading stories that make you feel alive, make you feel things you normally wouldn’t, something that will actually get a reaction our of you. And Emilia did just that. I nearly threw my phone when I came to the twist of events, cursing and all that kind of things. The story lags in the first few parts but when it escalated, it really did put up with its name. It kept me on my toes and the fact that you don’t know how the story is going to end make it a lot more interesting. The only thing that’s keeping me from loving it full force is a few Italian words here and there. But not really much of deal breaker and not something I can’t look up.

I’m at a loss for words on what to say about the characters. I liked them at one point but then I wanted to hate them in another. I keep second guessing what the characters would do. Sometimes I’m right, and sometimes not. Emilia’s responses on how the men in her life treat her are acceptable if she came from a regular family. But I think if you come from a family that’s all crimes and mafias; it would’ve made you more apprehensive. But that wasn’t the case for her. But it was okay nonetheless because it gave the story much depth, at least for me. I was torn between Sal and Marcello. Both would’ve been good at one point in Emilia’s life.

I would give this 4.5 stars, mainly because it kept me on my toes and kept me excited. One thing that I didn’t understand was why they would’ve “five years ago” at the beginning of the story when the whole novel was actually five years ago, if you get what I mean. But overall, this is one interesting read and I can’t wait for the part two to be released
Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews66 followers
May 17, 2017
Firstly, another great cover for this series, I love them all. I have read Kon and Gian (Trassato Crime Family #1 & #2) and I highly recommend you read these aswell as although not linked I think you will understand the underlying mafia connections.

Emilia’s story I devoured, I had knots of fear and hurt in my throat, there were times I put the book down took a breathe and dived back in. Emilia has so many people controlling her life, making decisions and at Chapter 21 I too felt so desolate with her.

The author wove the love triangle/hate triangle together perfectly, I was torn as to who was the good guy and bad guy, I changed corners like Emilia did and I too believed the lies and secrets and felt betrayed towards the end of this story. This also answered questions and explained to me more in-depth the relationship between Emilia and her father as I had so many questions after completing Kon (Book #2).

When all is revealed at the end I was shattered and was willing Emilia to make her hardest decision of her life.

Now onto the ending, personally some readers will think it is a cliffhanger and yes in a way it is but you do get some answers but I still have so many questions and my god will Emilia: Part 2 have some explosive revelations? If Emilia: book 2 was available I would have one clicked and downloaded that bad boy and continued my trip with Emilia to the point where she gets her justice.

I am actually going to go back and read Kon again as Emilia returns to the family fold and I want to go back and see if I missed anything.

I cannot wait to see what twists, turns and secrets the author is going to reveal in the next instalment of the Trassato Crime Family.

Quote: You’re my reward… Brought me to you…
Profile Image for Tanaka K.
898 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2017
What a toe curling and wild ride this book was. Omg. It totally outdid Gian and Kon in terms of drama and action. I was definitely impressed. I am super picky when it comes to mafia romances because it is my favourite genre. But when I picked out Emilia and started reading it, I was blown away. Emilia was a powerhouse of a story filled with lies, love, deceit and loyalty.

Emilia really pulled out all the stops. Gian and Kon were all about action and suspense but Emilia had everything- suspense, emotions and gut wrenching moments that touched my heart. It was more than a mafia romance but more about a woman's desire and loyalty for the Italian mafia. Emilia was about one's journey for freedom. It was a beautiful yet poignant and sad story that really moved me. There was something that was just extra special and it pulled me in. Actually I was drowning in the story because I quickly devoured it. Sexy. Addictive. Suspenseful. Emilia was a bag of delicious desserts that I wanted to take a bite off.

Emilia was a book about Emilia, a young woman fight for freedom in a world of danger. Written in her POV, Emilia had undeniable strength in her that I absolutely loved about her, Her fight to get away from the life of the mafia really showed her tenacity. I found myself relating to her. For an 18 year old girl. there was some maturity in her. I cannot wait to know how her story progresses in Part 2.

What can I say is you need to read Emilia. This book has a different edge that you will be able to enjoy like I did.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review via Enticing Book Promotions,
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,239 reviews46 followers
May 22, 2017
First off, I LOVE Lisa Cardiff books! I started reading her Vegas Cartel series (if you haven’t read it? GO DO IT!!!) and fell. She can write the hell out of a mafia book. Plus all the different languages and bilingual terms of endearment ❤ ❤ .

Granted, most might find the whole killing/robbing for hire, etc distasteful but you still love the characters. Typically, they’re the people who want to get out of the life or have a conscientious about it.

Now on to Emilia. Oh Emilia. She didn’t want to be the head of the Italian mafia’s daughter and she certainly does not want to have an arranged marriage with a man who she’s never met and only wants to expand his mafia power. She’s locked away in her father’s house, no longer allowed to go to her only form of sanity, piano lessons. She’s escorted everywhere by Sal, hot captain under her father who is attracted to her. But then there’s Marcello, the man she’s promised to, who revs her engine too. She just doesn’t know who or what she can trust.

Ends on a cliffhanger – of sorts – but it is part 1. So now I need Part 2 STAT!!! I got wrapped up in Emilia’s story (possibly reading at work…) and now I need the rest!!
Profile Image for Amy.
357 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2017
Angst!!

Lisa has given us Another 5 Star Story with her continuation of the Trassato crime family.
Although it can be read as a stand alone- interconnected to the previous books- you get more by reading the other 2 and the history of the family.
Lisa pulls you in from the beginning and holds you in suspense through the entire story.
The synopsis of the book is the perfect description of this story. Love Triangle/ Hate Triangle..
It will keep your mind intrigued as you try and figure out which direction Emilia's path is going.
She loves Sal one of her fathers soldiers however she is promised to Marcello, head of another crime family.
You will love Sal one minute and question his motives the next..
The small glimpses of interaction between Emilia and Marcello had my mind wandering with curiosity as to this mysterious man.
As of now, I know which direction I'd like to see Emilia go in.. That I will keep to myself!
Anxiously awaiting Part 2
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,681 reviews85 followers
May 18, 2017
Reviewer: Lindsey
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This was a great story. When I started this story, I had my doubts that I would like it but turns out it only took me getting lost in the first three chapters. This was one of those books I didn’t want to end at all. Knowing that there is more to come makes me a tad bit excited to see what happens between the three of them. This has been an emotional rollercoaster of love and lost. Of lies and deceit. This book wasn’t made to be cut and dry it was meant to hold you and keep you pressed to the screen. This bookkeep me until the end and left me wanting more and more.
Emilia is a strong she took control of her life, leading herself away from the pain she left at home no matter the consequences. The writing, the, characters, the plot all of this made a great story that I need the next book to. This book will lead you in a world that will leave you breathless. Lisa is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for C Dorsey.
221 reviews20 followers
June 14, 2017
Lisa Cardiff delivers on the third installment of her Trassato Crime Family novels. (Gian and Kon being books 1 & 2)

In this well written, quick paced story, Emilia faces a choice.
Basically - hers, or her fathers.

In love with a solider that works for her father, but promised to another.. Who will Emilia choose?

I loved this book, the quick pace. There was a lot of mystery, intrigue, lust, angst.

The sexual tension crawls off the screen of your kindle.

I cant wait for part 2 - because I was left with so many questions.

Too many questions, maybe? It left me a little confused.

Perhaps it was the quick pace of the book, too. But I felt there was .. a little bit of something missing that would make this book perfect. I couldnt tell you what it was tho. And Im very very eager for part 2. This was a very good book, I highly recommend it! :)
Profile Image for Cassandra Hunt .
159 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2018
What the hell? This was too good!

Emilia's story kept me in suspense for 95% of the book! So many questions unanswered! What really happened to Ava, was Sal serious about Emilia? What was the deal with Lettie? Had she been screwing around with Sal? Who was Marcello and what did he have over Dominic? Then Jesus! Everything was revealed and I could barely breathe from the shock. So unbelievably twisted!! Then the ending! What the Hell? I need a book 4 now! Please tell me there's a book 4! I loved this book it was definitely the high point of the series. I refuse to give anything away. Read it! You won't be disappointed, just anxious for more.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
May 23, 2017
This is the first time I have read any of this author’s work, and my goodness, what an introduction it is! Emilia is in a love / hate triangle with Sal and Marcello. Who will she choose? Is everything as it seems? No spoilers, you really need to read this for yourself!!
This story is packed with suspense, angst, drama, and love. This is well written and flows seamlessly, and I was intrigued and hooked from the very beginning. Hats off to the author! I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this awesome series, and I will be 1-clicking the other book ASAP.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
October 12, 2017
I absolutely love the Trassato Crime Family series! Although this is book three it chronologically happened before book one Gian and book two Kon. If you've read the first two books then you know that Emilia is a strong, independent, passionate woman who went through a lot as an adult. By reading this book you will learn more about her and the way she grew up. Well developed characters, a well written story full of angst, drama, suspense, danger, love and romance make this a 5-star read. I can't wait to read part two.
Profile Image for niteskycs.
384 reviews114 followers
May 7, 2020
2 stars, honestly this book was going well until the very ending. emilia slowly warms up to the idea of marcello and her fixed engagement to him while coming to terms with the fact that sal was using her but at the very end she runs away to some random ranch and gets married to her friend gavin because it was his mother's dying wish. like ... okay? the second part could have focused on how her and marcello work through their relationship because he didn't even show up till half this book was complete but instead we have dead ex husband drama, family drama, separation drama etc.
Profile Image for Cheryl Harbinson.
37 reviews
August 8, 2017
The twists and turns in this story will keep you wondering who to trust and not to trust. I'd begin to like one of the characters only to find out Emilia was being manipulated by them. Her trusting soul and need to be loved was played upon by family and those she "loved". The ending will leave you wanting more.
Profile Image for Fiona  Moran.
172 reviews
July 14, 2018
It's okay

I found it quite drawn out and the characters didn't really claw themselves inside of me as I would have liked. I really didn't know who to trust in it. I'm hoping that Emilia will grow up in the next book. She's young and it shows. I just want an improved, less naive, more kick ass version of her in book two.
14 reviews
June 2, 2017
Great book

This was the best one yet. A must read ..I was hooked by the first page .yes it's a cliffhanger and I am bummed I have to wait till the next one to come out to see how it ends
132 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2017
Enjoyed

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the third in the series but chronicalogically it was actually at a time before books one and two. Loved the suspense and the romance. Can't go wrong with a book about the mob with some backstabbing and romance. I recommend.
6 reviews
December 21, 2017
Now I understand why so many reviewers wanted to kick the male characters in the nuts. I want to take my earrings off and kick some butt myself! Oh dear Lisa, how long are you going to make us wait for Part 2????
Profile Image for Nicole Mcclain.
795 reviews9 followers
August 27, 2018
And a cliffhanger

Wow...what a way to end on. Emilia, you don't want to feel sorry for her because she is naive but I couldn't help it. And the men on her life, yikes.
I really hope book two she finds some happiness. Poor girl deserves it.
Profile Image for Lori Laidlaw.
Author 14 books7 followers
June 17, 2025
Immediately started reading Part 2 of this duet and will review when finished.
Profile Image for Jazzysmum.
707 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2023
This is the third in the Trassato family series and we are dealing with the Italian mafia.
Emilia is the Boss/Don's daughter and has been kept in the dark while those around her, especially her father make plans for her life and use her as a pawn.

When she is informed that she is to marry Marcello - to settle a long time family dispute, she decides to take life into her own hands with long reaching consequences.

I liked Emilia though at times I wanted to shake her for her decisions and actually liked Marcello even though he was much older and more experienced, probably more than Sal, one of her father's men with whom Emilia has a dream of running away with.

The story takes place before one and two (Gian and Kon) in the series so felt at times I was reading things the wrong way.
It ends on a cliffie and you need to have book 4 available to fully appreciate the whole story.
Profile Image for Kasi.
47 reviews
May 22, 2018
This was the best one out of all 3! Are we ever going to get a part 2?
668 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2017
I want more of Emilia!!!

We've read of stories about men in mafia, their stories, their lives and their women. In this book, however, we will see the flip side of the story - the daughter of a mafia, and the unwilling fiancee of a mafia.

Emilia's story will intrigue you, excite you and confuse you! Her strength, her smarts and her troubles will take you for an unforgettable ride into the life of a mafia princess, and you won't be able to have enough. Excited for the next part of Emilia's life!

I was provided a copy for review purposes.
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
828 reviews110 followers
June 17, 2018
Oh what a treat to be back in the world that this author has created! I read TONS of mafia romance, and Lisa Cardiff is always someone I would recommend. Emilia Part 1 has been a wild ride-but I wouldn’t trade anything for it.
Be warned, this is a cliffhanger-but my goodness it’s so utterly satisfying that it basically starts to tie things up then completely shatters in just a few chapters. I completely loved the descent into “throw your kindle” territory because my jaw was left on the floor, and I’m totally itching to read part 2 of this book!
There was something about Sal that really rubbed me wrong this whole story, and I’m not giving any spoilers, but I’m excited to see where his character stands in the next book. He was truly creatively thought out, and I know this author will throw som more curve balls at us with his character. Marcelo... I wanted to like him! I’m probably that weird percentage that hoped for a happy ending that included him, but I feel like I just can’t dismiss him because the author has created a truly interesting character to add to this crazy dynamic. Emilia, I loved-and I know she’s going to be out for herself in part 2. She had a tough time with people manipulating her, and I know she will be looking for answers in the upcoming conclusion. Definitely one click this book-this series has been amazing!!!!!
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