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Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #1-4
Born in Blood Collection Volume 1: Books 1-4
The first four books in the bestselling Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles in one big book!
Bound By Honor
Bound By Duty
Bound By Hatred
Bound By Temptation
Bound By Honor
Bound By Duty
Bound By Hatred
Bound By Temptation
795 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2020
758 people are currently reading
1652 people want to read
About the author
Cora Reilly
49 books29.2k 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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If you are a fan of audiobooks, many of my books are already available as audios & on Audible:
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If you want to be notified of new releases and cover reveals, AND get the occasional bonus, then you should sign up for my
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 19, 2023
Dnf at 27%
I just couldn’t finish this, I got so bored and I couldn’t connect with the characters. I wouldn’t say it was directly bad, it just wasn’t for me.
I just couldn’t finish this, I got so bored and I couldn’t connect with the characters. I wouldn’t say it was directly bad, it just wasn’t for me.
January 7, 2021
I will give each book its own review.
Bound by Blood - 4 stars
I was immediately pulled into the story, then as the story progressed I was riveted to the pages. I will admit that the long descriptions slowed down the story for me, and that is one of the reasons I gave this book 4 stars. This author’s writing made me understand where Aria was coming from in terms of her decisions. She was stubborn, and I liked that! Getting to know a little bit about Luca’s past was fascinating, and his past broke my heart. He did do something at the beginning that disappointed me, but he redeemed himself throughout the rest of the book. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, but I felt their actual falling in love could have had more depth (that is the other reason I gave this book 4 stars). But they were fire together! I enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
Bound by Duty - 4 stars
I was intrigued where this story between Dante and Valentina would go since both were widowers. Valentina’s first marriage was for show (you will have to read to find out why), so she wanted to try for a real marriage this time. Dante loved his first wife, so can he let go of her and see the woman in front of him? My heart hurt for Valentina numerous times because of Dante’s attitude towards her. He was cold and aloof, and I would have relished having his POV. Not having his POV was why I gave this 4 stars. She was a strong, stubborn, sarcastic woman whom I liked, and I loved that she didn’t give up on Dante. There were some shocking turns in this book too, and the end made me smile! Again, I enjoyed this book just like I did Bound by Blood, and I can’t wait to see what happens between Gianna and Matteo in the next book!
Bound by Hatred - 4.5 stars
Gianna and Matteo were more alike that they thought, and I couldn’t wait to dive into their story! Oh my goodness, I loved Matteo in the other books, and he made me swoon in the prologue. I was looking forward to reading Matteo and Gianna’s story, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was my favorite! My love for him grew even more throughout this book. He wanted her because she was a challenge and liked that was sassy. She hates that she actually liked him, was attracted to him, and I liked that she actually saw him. Even though I knew what was coming from reading Bound by Duty, it still made my heart hurt that Gianna did what she did. She did frustrate me, because she was so stubborn and fought he feelings for Matteo. That was why I gave this 4.5 stars instead of 5. He was arrogant, wild and funny, and I just adored him! Matteo would not give up on her that easily, but at what point does he realize he may need to let her go? What would make Gianna come to her senses and admit her feelings? You will have to read to find out, because I loved this book and definitely recommend it! On to the last book in this collection...
Bound by Temptation - 4 stars
Liliana crushed on Romero through the previous books, and I definitely related to her having a crush. I never knew how Romero felt, so I was glad to have his POV in this book; plus she was of age/older in this book. My heart hurt for what Lily went through with her mother especially since she had no support, but you will have to read to find out what that was. I understood, felt and related to her loneliness. Romero was only a soldier in the NY mafia and Lily the daughter of a consigliere from Chicago, so how could they be together? I love a good forbidden romance, and this one was! I had no idea how their love story would unfold, so I was riveted to the pages to find out; some of the events shocked me! Once I got to the end after the emotional ups and downs, I was smiling.
This was a new to me author, and I loved, enjoyed and recommend these mafia love stories! I can’t can’t wait to continue the this series! I give the this whole collection 4 stars.
Bound by Blood - 4 stars
I was immediately pulled into the story, then as the story progressed I was riveted to the pages. I will admit that the long descriptions slowed down the story for me, and that is one of the reasons I gave this book 4 stars. This author’s writing made me understand where Aria was coming from in terms of her decisions. She was stubborn, and I liked that! Getting to know a little bit about Luca’s past was fascinating, and his past broke my heart. He did do something at the beginning that disappointed me, but he redeemed himself throughout the rest of the book. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, but I felt their actual falling in love could have had more depth (that is the other reason I gave this book 4 stars). But they were fire together! I enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
Bound by Duty - 4 stars
I was intrigued where this story between Dante and Valentina would go since both were widowers. Valentina’s first marriage was for show (you will have to read to find out why), so she wanted to try for a real marriage this time. Dante loved his first wife, so can he let go of her and see the woman in front of him? My heart hurt for Valentina numerous times because of Dante’s attitude towards her. He was cold and aloof, and I would have relished having his POV. Not having his POV was why I gave this 4 stars. She was a strong, stubborn, sarcastic woman whom I liked, and I loved that she didn’t give up on Dante. There were some shocking turns in this book too, and the end made me smile! Again, I enjoyed this book just like I did Bound by Blood, and I can’t wait to see what happens between Gianna and Matteo in the next book!
Bound by Hatred - 4.5 stars
Gianna and Matteo were more alike that they thought, and I couldn’t wait to dive into their story! Oh my goodness, I loved Matteo in the other books, and he made me swoon in the prologue. I was looking forward to reading Matteo and Gianna’s story, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was my favorite! My love for him grew even more throughout this book. He wanted her because she was a challenge and liked that was sassy. She hates that she actually liked him, was attracted to him, and I liked that she actually saw him. Even though I knew what was coming from reading Bound by Duty, it still made my heart hurt that Gianna did what she did. She did frustrate me, because she was so stubborn and fought he feelings for Matteo. That was why I gave this 4.5 stars instead of 5. He was arrogant, wild and funny, and I just adored him! Matteo would not give up on her that easily, but at what point does he realize he may need to let her go? What would make Gianna come to her senses and admit her feelings? You will have to read to find out, because I loved this book and definitely recommend it! On to the last book in this collection...
Bound by Temptation - 4 stars
Liliana crushed on Romero through the previous books, and I definitely related to her having a crush. I never knew how Romero felt, so I was glad to have his POV in this book; plus she was of age/older in this book. My heart hurt for what Lily went through with her mother especially since she had no support, but you will have to read to find out what that was. I understood, felt and related to her loneliness. Romero was only a soldier in the NY mafia and Lily the daughter of a consigliere from Chicago, so how could they be together? I love a good forbidden romance, and this one was! I had no idea how their love story would unfold, so I was riveted to the pages to find out; some of the events shocked me! Once I got to the end after the emotional ups and downs, I was smiling.
This was a new to me author, and I loved, enjoyed and recommend these mafia love stories! I can’t can’t wait to continue the this series! I give the this whole collection 4 stars.
March 28, 2023
I'm in love with Cora Reilly's mafia world. Matteo and Luca have my heart ❤️
November 11, 2024
Book 1: 3 stars
Book 2: 2 stars
Book 3: 2 stars
Book 4: 3 stars
Book 2: 2 stars
Book 3: 2 stars
Book 4: 3 stars
7-tbr-ooit
December 7, 2020
The first four books in the bestselling Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles in one big book!
Lenght: 909 pages.
February 17, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🌶🌶🌶 all 🍒
+18 Dark Romance - Light Mafia
• collection
• series of connected stand-alones
• arranged marriage / forged marriage
One thing Cora seems to do well, besides steamy spice is unrequited love.
I think this collection is great, cheaper then getting the books one by one.
The books are light, short and spicy.
I do have to say that I found the female leads a little problematic overall. I would’ve rated it more if the fem-leads didn’t feel… 2-dimensional. They felt too submissive, or juvenile - yet there was potential to make them stronger, or give them a bit more growth in their journey.
I still would recommend these and don’t regret reading them.
This collection includes
• Bound by Honour (Aria & Luca)
• Bound by Duty (Val & Dante)
• Bound by Hatred (Gianna & Matteo)
• Bound by Temptation (Lily & Romero)
Aria, Gianna & Lily are sisters. Luca & Matteo are brothers.
Please check TWs.
+18 Dark Romance - Light Mafia
• collection
• series of connected stand-alones
• arranged marriage / forged marriage
One thing Cora seems to do well, besides steamy spice is unrequited love.
I think this collection is great, cheaper then getting the books one by one.
The books are light, short and spicy.
I do have to say that I found the female leads a little problematic overall. I would’ve rated it more if the fem-leads didn’t feel… 2-dimensional. They felt too submissive, or juvenile - yet there was potential to make them stronger, or give them a bit more growth in their journey.
I still would recommend these and don’t regret reading them.
This collection includes
• Bound by Honour (Aria & Luca)
• Bound by Duty (Val & Dante)
• Bound by Hatred (Gianna & Matteo)
• Bound by Temptation (Lily & Romero)
Aria, Gianna & Lily are sisters. Luca & Matteo are brothers.
Please check TWs.
May 22, 2023
The couple: Luca/Aria; Dante/Valentine; Matteo/Gianna; Romero/Lilliana
Romance trope: mafia
Series: Born in Blood
Length: 797 pages
Plot:
This collection includes the following books:
Bound By Honor - Luca and Aria, arranged marriage
Bound By Duty - Dante and Valentina, arranged marriage
Bound By Hatred - Matteo and Gianna, arranged marriage and enemies to lovers
Bound By Temptation - Romero and Lilliana, forbidden/secret love
Commentary: Mafia and new adult is not my favorite mashup, and Luca and Aria are definitely that. They were young - he kept referring to "getting a boner," which is a very teenage boy thing to say, and she, of course, was very innocent in both speech and action. The cheating was a concern for most everyone who gave the first book a bad review, with good reason. Luca pledged himself in a wedding and a couple of days later was in someone else's bed. He was unapologetic and I think that was supposed to highlight his bad-boy mafia persona, but it seemed to only highlight his lack of integrity when it suited him. But once he told Aria he loved her, he was all in. Aria was sometimes irritatingly morose and whiny, but some of that was understandable (but still irritating).
Gianna hated Matteo so much that it was difficult to read - the more she picked a fight with him, the more smug he was. She was trapped and reacted the exact opposite of how Aria did. And then of course there was the whole "of course I don't hate you, I've loved you all along, I just didn't want to admit it to myself," which I always think is a bit of a cop-out since it implies that love has to be instant and doesn't need time to grown.
Lilliana had a massive crush on Romero and it was interesting that it actually developed into a love affair because I feel that it doesn't usually happen that way. Her story was the one that evoked the most reaction from me, solely because of her interactions with her mother. I could feel her weariness.
And then there was the one heroine who was not a Scudero sister - Valentine. She was so composed and strong compared to the others. She and Dante were the only couple who weren't new adult and I appreciated that. They had both been married before, but for me that was part of the problem, since we never really found out anything about Dante's first wife and their relationship. That might have helped his actions make more sense.
I will say that I'm not interested in reading the next collection, especially since there are a couple books that are the same story but from a different point of view and then there's a story from a completely different place/outfit and that seems random. I'm sure it's not, but I'm not that invested. I know lots of people are absolutely rabid for this series, so I'm glad it fulfills that desire for mafia stories for them.
**casual use of homophobic slur - I know that in one of the books, there is a storyline about a gay member of the outfit and maybe the slur was meant to highlight the attitudes of the Made Men (always capitalized in these stories, lol) - I just couldn't tell if that was the reason. It didn't really need to be in there, though.
Next book in the series: Born in Blood Collection Volume 2
Romance trope: mafia
Series: Born in Blood
Length: 797 pages
Plot:
This collection includes the following books:
Bound By Honor - Luca and Aria, arranged marriage
Bound By Duty - Dante and Valentina, arranged marriage
Bound By Hatred - Matteo and Gianna, arranged marriage and enemies to lovers
Bound By Temptation - Romero and Lilliana, forbidden/secret love
Commentary: Mafia and new adult is not my favorite mashup, and Luca and Aria are definitely that. They were young - he kept referring to "getting a boner," which is a very teenage boy thing to say, and she, of course, was very innocent in both speech and action. The cheating was a concern for most everyone who gave the first book a bad review, with good reason. Luca pledged himself in a wedding and a couple of days later was in someone else's bed. He was unapologetic and I think that was supposed to highlight his bad-boy mafia persona, but it seemed to only highlight his lack of integrity when it suited him. But once he told Aria he loved her, he was all in. Aria was sometimes irritatingly morose and whiny, but some of that was understandable (but still irritating).
Gianna hated Matteo so much that it was difficult to read - the more she picked a fight with him, the more smug he was. She was trapped and reacted the exact opposite of how Aria did. And then of course there was the whole "of course I don't hate you, I've loved you all along, I just didn't want to admit it to myself," which I always think is a bit of a cop-out since it implies that love has to be instant and doesn't need time to grown.
Lilliana had a massive crush on Romero and it was interesting that it actually developed into a love affair because I feel that it doesn't usually happen that way. Her story was the one that evoked the most reaction from me, solely because of her interactions with her mother. I could feel her weariness.
And then there was the one heroine who was not a Scudero sister - Valentine. She was so composed and strong compared to the others. She and Dante were the only couple who weren't new adult and I appreciated that. They had both been married before, but for me that was part of the problem, since we never really found out anything about Dante's first wife and their relationship. That might have helped his actions make more sense.
I will say that I'm not interested in reading the next collection, especially since there are a couple books that are the same story but from a different point of view and then there's a story from a completely different place/outfit and that seems random. I'm sure it's not, but I'm not that invested. I know lots of people are absolutely rabid for this series, so I'm glad it fulfills that desire for mafia stories for them.
**casual use of homophobic slur - I know that in one of the books, there is a storyline about a gay member of the outfit and maybe the slur was meant to highlight the attitudes of the Made Men (always capitalized in these stories, lol) - I just couldn't tell if that was the reason. It didn't really need to be in there, though.
Next book in the series: Born in Blood Collection Volume 2
January 4, 2021
3.75 stars!
This was my fist series by Cora Reilly and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I started this collection With Aria and Luca and was blown away! From there tho it did get a little flat for me, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the collection.
These first four books followed three sisters and their cousin with in the mob of Chicago and NY. Each woman being married off to either a Capo or a higher up in the ranking.
Each book in a way retold the story but from that couples point of view. So if reading the entire series at once, many things are repeated.
I will say I do have my favorite couple of the series and I am definitely continuing on with the books that are remaining.
This was my fist series by Cora Reilly and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I started this collection With Aria and Luca and was blown away! From there tho it did get a little flat for me, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the collection.
These first four books followed three sisters and their cousin with in the mob of Chicago and NY. Each woman being married off to either a Capo or a higher up in the ranking.
Each book in a way retold the story but from that couples point of view. So if reading the entire series at once, many things are repeated.
I will say I do have my favorite couple of the series and I am definitely continuing on with the books that are remaining.
January 2, 2021
Fantastic Mafia Series
This was my 1st read of the Born in Blood series by Cora Reilly...and I was not disappointed at all! Found this set when I was digging around Amazon for a FANTASTIC (I am picky about my Mafia books) Mafia book...and I found 4 in 1 ❤
It contains the 1st 4 books of the series so it is perfect if you want to start your binge read of the series.
Dark book has it own set of dark Mafia characters but not your stereotypical "I kidnapped my enemy's daughter and made her my wife" storyline. Each story had their own unique stories and held my interest and intrigue.
Will definitely read the rest of series!
This was my 1st read of the Born in Blood series by Cora Reilly...and I was not disappointed at all! Found this set when I was digging around Amazon for a FANTASTIC (I am picky about my Mafia books) Mafia book...and I found 4 in 1 ❤
It contains the 1st 4 books of the series so it is perfect if you want to start your binge read of the series.
Dark book has it own set of dark Mafia characters but not your stereotypical "I kidnapped my enemy's daughter and made her my wife" storyline. Each story had their own unique stories and held my interest and intrigue.
Will definitely read the rest of series!
February 18, 2021
I had read Bound by Honor a few years ago and wanted to know, what became if Aria's other sisters. Well here you can find! In addition to them, we get Valentina's story which is not an easy story to read. Her friend Bibi's side story will break your heart!
Gianna, Aria's outspoken sister that we met in the first book, finally gets the spotlight. Her story was my favorite!
We finally see little Lily grow up and go after what she really wants. Her story will show just how corrupt her father really is and the lengths he will go to to get what he wants.
If you enjoy Mafia romance with high drama and suspense, this is the anthology for you. It contains the first 4 books in the series.
Gianna, Aria's outspoken sister that we met in the first book, finally gets the spotlight. Her story was my favorite!
We finally see little Lily grow up and go after what she really wants. Her story will show just how corrupt her father really is and the lengths he will go to to get what he wants.
If you enjoy Mafia romance with high drama and suspense, this is the anthology for you. It contains the first 4 books in the series.
December 10, 2022
I missed reading about Born in Blood Chronicles characters and these extra chapters of them were good and I enjoyed them 💖
Aria and Luca are as perfect as ever, their family is my happiness🥺❤️
Gianna and Mateo are perfect for each other and it hurt a lot at first when they decided to give their daughter to Aria and Luca, but then it changed and they started their own family😩
Growl and Cara I missed them so much and there are things that I no longer remember about their books but I know that I loved him and the family they formed after all😭😭 I LOVE THEM
Aria and Luca are as perfect as ever, their family is my happiness🥺❤️
Gianna and Mateo are perfect for each other and it hurt a lot at first when they decided to give their daughter to Aria and Luca, but then it changed and they started their own family😩
Growl and Cara I missed them so much and there are things that I no longer remember about their books but I know that I loved him and the family they formed after all😭😭 I LOVE THEM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
I’m a fan of the mafia stories, and love the way Cora Reilly writes. All of these stories were very enjoyable for me, and if you are a fan, you might as well get the collection!j
She does write books that include things that can sometimes be triggers for others, but for me they just work and in the end she has very devoted H’s who are all about their h.
She does write books that include things that can sometimes be triggers for others, but for me they just work and in the end she has very devoted H’s who are all about their h.
February 3, 2023
Como dije esta colección la tome para marcar el libro 6.5 de la saga, que no sale en goodreads. En verdad al libro le he dado un 2,75/5 ⭐️ “amo’s birthday” .
Cuando nace amo básicamente. Es un poco relleno, así que si no te lo has leído, tampoco se pierde uno de mucho.
Es un libro corto de menos de 40 páginas.
Pero marco a la colección con 3.5 estrellas.
Cuando nace amo básicamente. Es un poco relleno, así que si no te lo has leído, tampoco se pierde uno de mucho.
Es un libro corto de menos de 40 páginas.
Pero marco a la colección con 3.5 estrellas.
May 16, 2023
What can I say? Cora is my favourite author, I love mafia romance and know one writes it like her. I love the bound series so much, each story is different and intertwined. I get completely hooked on these books when i do a reread, I just can't put them down. I recommend these books so much, they are must reads.
March 2, 2025
Aria is my favorite of the girls. She really is. And she's the reason I enjoyed this set so much. Gianna was extremely self-centered and horrible to everyone, even those that didn't deserve it. The way she judged everyone like she was so much better was ridiculous. I couldn't stand her story. However, Liliana and Aria more than made up for it.
August 25, 2025
i give her a 5. aria and luca was a good hit. but i loved dante and val's story. thou would have preferred val not to tell dante her secret v. wanted dante to get shocked 😆.
matteo and Gi was a hit, too.
this author w got me from the start. will admit i have only been reading her books since my first one. i love her story telling. and the unexpected unfolding . 5 start for you
matteo and Gi was a hit, too.
this author w got me from the start. will admit i have only been reading her books since my first one. i love her story telling. and the unexpected unfolding . 5 start for you
May 8, 2021
There books are so disturbing that I didn't I don't know what this author was thinking about the way these people was killing kids whole families and everything I was like I was just sick to my stomach reading this b******* so I will never ever read another book from this author
July 15, 2021
A great series
This was a great beginning to this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it. There were some minor editing errors, but nothing that took away from the stories.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
This was a great beginning to this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it. There were some minor editing errors, but nothing that took away from the stories.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
December 9, 2021
Riveting
I'm in love and I can't get enough. I feel like I know each and every character. This authors style of writing is nothing short than brilliance. I highly recommend ALL of her books.
I'm in love and I can't get enough. I feel like I know each and every character. This authors style of writing is nothing short than brilliance. I highly recommend ALL of her books.
March 23, 2022
I liked all 4 stories. I liked how they were all similar people but so vastly different from eashother. I found the stores moved along at a great paste. was never board and didn't want to put the book down
March 30, 2023
Enjoyable series
I love getting started on a new multi-character series. This was emotional at times, devastating at others. While it isn’t perfect (some editing and continuity issues), it was a great read and I’m off to get the next volume.
I love getting started on a new multi-character series. This was emotional at times, devastating at others. While it isn’t perfect (some editing and continuity issues), it was a great read and I’m off to get the next volume.
July 26, 2023
I liked the first 4 books in this series. I enjoyed her writing style but several things bothered me. First was the term “Made Men” it was in the books hundreds of times. Second was the grammatical errors in book three specifically.
December 9, 2020
Five star review
Fanastic series of very dramatic romances loved all four of this box set. Will be looking out for more from this authwr
Fanastic series of very dramatic romances loved all four of this box set. Will be looking out for more from this authwr
December 10, 2020
This author is new to me and this series is an absolute treat. I laughed and cried and laughed some more.
It is a wonderful read about the mafia and their families.
It was an easy 5 🌟 from me
It is a wonderful read about the mafia and their families.
It was an easy 5 🌟 from me
December 13, 2020
Fabulous series
Don’t even hesitate- buy this set. Each book is fantastic and sucks you into the mafia world. One of the best mafia series I have read.
Don’t even hesitate- buy this set. Each book is fantastic and sucks you into the mafia world. One of the best mafia series I have read.
January 5, 2021
Loved it
Loved it. Loved it. Loved this series. It was captivating. Could not put it down. Loved each of the couples & how their relationships came to be. Definitely recommend reading this author’s books
Loved it. Loved it. Loved this series. It was captivating. Could not put it down. Loved each of the couples & how their relationships came to be. Definitely recommend reading this author’s books
January 15, 2021
These old pigs really need to die horribly
January 19, 2021
Loved this collection
Loved this collection, started a little backwards by reading the Camorra Chronicles first. Loved those as well. Loved all the characters and their stories.
Loved this collection, started a little backwards by reading the Camorra Chronicles first. Loved those as well. Loved all the characters and their stories.
February 17, 2021
Gianna & Matteo
The whole book was very good, but I have to say I literally was laughing and crying with Gianna and Matteo Story.
The whole book was very good, but I have to say I literally was laughing and crying with Gianna and Matteo Story.
March 5, 2021
Bound by Honor - 3.5/5
Bound by Duty - 4.5/5
Bound by Hatred - 4.5/5
Bound by Temptation - 3.5/5
Bound by Duty - 4.5/5
Bound by Hatred - 4.5/5
Bound by Temptation - 3.5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews