The Lies That Bind

by Marie Scully

Alex

The plan was simple- have her fall in love, gain the information, and move on. I was to be long gone before she learned who I truly am. Betraying her was my first mistake, falling for her… is a close second. I will not let losing her be my third. Alex Moretti plays for keeps.

Claire

I fell in love with a lie, a choice that has cost me everything. Falling in love with the façade of Mike Johnson was my biggest mistake, but deceiving me will be his last. The choice between romance and family is simple. No one crosses the Rossi family and lives.

It's a thin line between love and hate. In the end, which will they choose, or will the choice be taken out of their hands?

*Please note some material may not be suitable for younger readers.

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2020

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a stealth second chance mafia romance.
I say stealth as It crept up and pulled this on me unexpectedly.
Second chance romances are just not my jam so I try to avoid them whenever possible got caught out here though.
Luckily I do like my mafia so that was a tick in this book's favour.

So this was enjoyable it wasn’t my favourite in this particular genre by any means but it was ok.
The writing style did take some getting used too and I do think I had some initial trouble connecting to both Claire and Alex and believing in their connection together.

I just wasn’t feeling it maybe it was the past and present narration style concerning there previous encounters together that wasn’t working for me.
I don’t know exactly what was missing for me there was just something.
I also wasn’t a fan of the time spent apart either but the writing with this one was ok and was easy to follow.

So considering this is set in a criminal world I didn’t find it that dark.
Of course, there are dark situations here it’s mafia there just not in any depth and didn’t really touch me in any profound way.
I was just observing and I just never really got a feel for these two or was emotionally on board with them.
I also think this may be because we never get to see much of there actual developing relationship or their feelings towards each other, I don’t know it was just off for me slightly.

What I did like was that this was unusual in the fact that Claire is an active part of the family and not sheltered and protected like most mafia woman.
She also had her own apartment so was somewhat independent.
I find in a lot of these type of romances it’s otherwise so that was refreshing though not awfully safe.

So this was interesting and slightly different to other mafia romances I’ve read before and got to say that ending was a complete shocker.
So that said this does end on a cliffhanger but it’s not in relation to the romance between Alex and Clare (that’s resolved) rather it’s a set-up for future books.
You won’t feel like your missing a part of the story it’s not that kind of ending, you do get your closure.

I also found this one quite tame on my raunch meter it’s there but it’s background and more subtle, maybe that’s another reason why I was having trouble connecting.
For me this was entertaining and the writing itself was fine and it had both positives and negatives.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of the Lies that bind (Dark Legacies Book 1).



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Alex & Claire's book. Great characters. It was an intense & entertaining read I couldn't put down. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written book is gripping, captivating and draws the reader in and does not let go even after the last page. The characters are well developed with depth and growth tangled with realistic array of emotions, the plot and story line is astonishing and filled with twists and turns and revelations. This book has it all intense chemistry, deceit, betrayals, action adventure and suspense.

Claire meets Mike and falls in love, unfortunately Mike is not who he seems to be and is only there to gather information to cause the destruction of her family for his horrible greedy father. When said father goes back on his word to only kill Claire's father for greed and power and instead wipes out the entire family including Claire and her brother and sister Rebecca, by blowing up their home, Alex (Mike) is devastated, and realizes how much he really loved Claire. A few years later he comes face to face with Mia (Claire) and her/his daughter Becca who with her brother Elijah/Karl manged to escape after losing most of their family including sister Rebecca in the blast. When Alex is in a position to try and redeem himself and make amends to the family he betrayed and save them by marrying Claire/Mia he grabs the chance but promises her a way out.

The book has both Claire and Alex's point of view and the author amazing job highlighting and describing the emotions and feelings between them and their re-connection to each other. I loved Claire's strong personality and that she would forgive Alex for his betrayal and lies for her own happiness, she did make his life a bit miserable first though. Alex is apologetic to Claire/Mia but I feel he could have taken that apology to her brother as well. I did feel her brother was a bit weak and unless he is playing it close to the vest I don't care much for him. The supporting characters and relationships between them were realistic and well done and elevate the suspense and the plot.

I loved this book, it’s become a favorite of mine and I can’t wait for the next book. A must read. The book ends on a HUGE cliffhanger leading into the next bookd but its a HEA for this couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2021)! 🎁

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am hooked. I felt like I was on a roller coaster as there were all these ups and downs throughout the story. Mike (Alex) and Claire’s characters are very relatable and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Of course with both of them being from mafia type families, you know that it was never going to be easy!

Family secrets, family drama, gun fights, and explosions – this story is full of lots of action and lots of romance. Alex thought Claire was gone, but runs into Claire 5 years later using the alias Meg who also has a daughter. No one but a few people know that Claire and her brother Elijah made it out of the explosion. Of course the new mafia family that Elijah is a part of wants to marry Claire off to one of their own. Luckily Alex doesn’t let that happen and ends up marrying Claire himself hoping that Claire will see that they belong together and should raise their daughter together.

The book ended in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what Marie Scully comes up with next. I will be following this author to see when the next book will come out.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved it! I adored the main characters Claire and Alex. Claire is one bad@ss heroine. She was born into the mafia life and excelled at it. She moved out of her father's home to get prospective on her life and she met Alex aka Mike. She fell in love. He was everything she never knew she needed. Claire began as a job to Alex. But as time went on it evolved. But unfortunately no matter what Alex did to try to keep her safe the deal he made turned sour and the person reneged on their deal. Clair and her entire family presumed dead but Clair and her secret survived.

Claire and her older brother Elijah stayed under the radar with assumed names for a few years. Then per Clair the unlucky and dangerous event occurred. Alex appeared in their life again. Things got really dicey and extremely dangerous after that. Looking forward to the continuing story.

A must read. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Entertaining
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Jessica Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I was completely drawn into this book and enjoyed everything! It was thrilling to watch these characters lives unfold and fall apart and come back together. This book seems to be your typical mafia romance. In this case the female character, Claire, isn’t a damsel in distress but a “mafia princess” who was trained in the family business. I loved Claire’s firecracker personality. She was lively and feisty and I loved watching her interact with all the men who looked down on her. They underestimated her and she is FIERCE! And her perfect match is Alex. Alex, is the bastard son of a New York mob boss who built his own “family” from the ground up in Texas. He matches Claire in strength and wit. I absolutely loved this couple! They have a bitter and tragic beginning but their ending is sweet. I can’t wait to see what Marie Scully has to offer in the next book of this series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Alex and Claire have a story that is not only emotional but full of deceit. There were parts of this sort that were heartbreaking but in the end you hope that they can win the fight for happiness. Alex makes you go thru a hate love rollercoaster with him. Claire grabs at your heart but you can still feel her strength. These two should never be together but somehow fate has determined otherwise. This book was full of so much that it covered the spectrum. The characters were all well written. They along with a great storyline lead us towards a great second book in the Dark Legacies series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of a new series and it ends in a cliffhanger so be prepared! I loved this book, and it was a perfect introduction to me to this author. The deceit, twists and turns kept me riveted to the edge of my seat as the author had me spiraling through lots of different emotions. The plot is brilliant, and the characters have depth to them and are strong. This book has been a superb journey and I’m eagerly awaiting book two in the series so I can continue to follow these characters and see what else the author has in store for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author, and I must say, she won't be new, and as soon as I finish writing this review, I'm checking out all her books! Yes, all of them!

This mafia romance was so intense, and yet, so darn romantic!!!

I LUV'D Alex, just loved him!!! Claire was a strong heroine!

I loved the banter. Ms. Cavaness made Claire a very sassy heroine too. I smiled, A LOT!

If you want a very well written, mafia romance, this is a sure bet! You won't lose!!!

Loved the twist at the end! Very intriguing, indeed!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
The betrayal and lies that permeates throughout this story were almost overwhelming. There is so much heartbreak that it was difficult to read at times. I kept wanting them to finally have something to cheer about but even then it was always twinged with sadness. The ending was shocking and a great setup for the next story. I’m sure there are more lies and betrayal to come for our next rendezvous with this world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the plot and characters were strong, the story was written well, it was filled with many emotions. Marie Scully did a great job on the story. Alex and Claire's relationship might have started out on the wrong way but they were good for each other, the connection was strong between them, so wasn't their chemistry, it was steamy. They were drawn to each other, they were good together.But nothing about their journey came easy, they had many ups and downs.
I enjoyed this story. Thanks, Marie Scully. Good work :)

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Alex and Claire’s story. Claire is a mafia princess, who has trained in the family business, while Alex is the bastard son of a New York mafia boss. When these two meets Claire’s life soon unravels by a lie. This is a well written story which is intense, intriguing, and sweet, with family, lies, redemption, revelations, betrayal tragedy, and love, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

it has potential…

Storyline had great potential. I was so disappointed in many of the parts. The dialogues that progressed when they find out who Mike really is was cringy cheesy. I wish it had a bit more depth and thought. It seemed… half baked. I was so engaged with the story till that part. Then the missed misspelling of names, missed edits, and odd endings and quotes in dialogues really started getting under my skin. I really, REALLY wanted to like the author. I am disappointed the plot lost its appeal right before the half way point.

[Susana Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five families ruled New York and had their territory. They would have fights within families but would marry daughters to make alliances. Claire, Rebecca, Elijah Rossi's father was the one who had control of the families. Caire meets a man supposedly called Mike but is called Alexander working for Adrain his father to get rid of the Rossi family to have all the power over the five families. Alexander fell for Caire but ghosted her; his father lied to him and returned to Texas where he had his own family. The Rossi suffered big losses and lives.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lies That Bind is the first book in the Dark Legacies series which tells the story of Alex and Claire who share a love/hate relationship at first but find they are perfect for each other in the end. This well written novel has amazing characters who share in a turbulent romance with steamy chemistry and a difficult journey to love. I recommend this emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex was born unwanted in the world with only one use for his mafia father, Claire grew up in the mafia world but was allowed a few freedoms its here she first meets Alex, Alex had a job to do, but when Claire enters the picture it becomes more complicated. their story is filled with twists and turns, lies and deceit, steamy scenes, action that have you hooked from the start!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly, absolutely love Mafia stories! I love the thrill of the unknown, and the fact that their way of life comes before everything else. Power and a domineering spirit of everything/one around them always comes first!


Oh.. my... GOSH! 😍


I definitely recommend every single page in this novel!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are very involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Amii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mafia romance, this is the first book I’ve read from this author and I really enjoyed it. It’s a gripping read with some great twists to keep you guessing. Was a great read! I read this book as an ARC.

[Aspoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much promise for this storyline but outside the Grammer errors (and there were MANY), The story started to become absurd and just started to drag with repetitive actions. I won't read anything else from this author.

[Cynthia Vigil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, Great Characters

This my first Marie Scully book and I am not disappointed!
Lots of twists and turns but good reading.
The cliffhanger is absolutely fantastic. Can't wait for next book.

[Chris]

New Author!

[lea lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait

This book is more than I expected I can't wait to read the Ⅱ of the series thank you to the offer

[Azzie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Time

This is the first book I've read by this author and it want be my last. I really enjoyed this one.

[Paula Elsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I am really surprised this book doesn’t have more reviews. I normally don’t read Mafia books but thought this one sounded good and took a chance on it. I am glad I did. There are so many plots and twists to this story that I don’t even know where to begin. The main characters are likable, the bad guys are deplorable, and there is a shocking end to this book. I liked this book so well that I bought the second book before I was half way finished.

[Cheryl addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series