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Collided
They say keep your enemies close. But what if you fell in love with your worst enemy? Chiara Fiore My father selling my hand in marriage had pissed me off. It was his fault that he’d drained the entirety of the family money gambling. I was paying the price. But then, I finally met Luca. I was really annoyed with how good-looking he was. I wanted to hate him but his strong jaw, and an attitude that screamed “take charge” made me lose my mind. Luca Mendacius Chiara was such a breath of fresh air. She isn’t a woman that takes things lying down. She's sharp-witted and smart-mouthed. It’s a pity that she’s just a pawn in my game.I’d waited seventeen years to get my revenge on the Fiores, and I wasn’t going to waste my chance now. Chiara and Luca will have to navigate a rough road to become closer, and even if their differences don’t tear them apart, their enemies might. Read on to see how the sparks fly when these two heated personalities collide! Collided is the third book in the Mafia Sinners Series and can be read as a standalone an Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2021
30 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 18, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: This is a mafia romance with more action than romance. It didn’t make me feel any strong feelings and was a quick read.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I felt the story was a bit rushed and there were some plot inconsistencies. Actions don’t fit the inner monologues. She asked for more time, but she’s glad she’s engaged, all before she’s proposed to. Then, the h doesn’t have social media, but she updates her status to engaged. The H gets shot, but then there is no other mention of it and he makes a full recovery instantly.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I did not feel the chemistry. The h is ruthless, wooden, and impulsive. The H becomes instalove sick and completely aborts a plan that took years to develop. I didn’t feel any buildup between the two MC’s that justified the instalove.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Mafia romance, arranged marriage, deception romance
* What did you think about the ending?: The twist at the end was a surprise, but it seemingly came out of nowhere.
* What is your impression of the author?: This author has talent, but I would like to see better-developed characters and more editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
* How did the book make you feel?: This is a mafia romance with more action than romance. It didn’t make me feel any strong feelings and was a quick read.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I felt the story was a bit rushed and there were some plot inconsistencies. Actions don’t fit the inner monologues. She asked for more time, but she’s glad she’s engaged, all before she’s proposed to. Then, the h doesn’t have social media, but she updates her status to engaged. The H gets shot, but then there is no other mention of it and he makes a full recovery instantly.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I did not feel the chemistry. The h is ruthless, wooden, and impulsive. The H becomes instalove sick and completely aborts a plan that took years to develop. I didn’t feel any buildup between the two MC’s that justified the instalove.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Mafia romance, arranged marriage, deception romance
* What did you think about the ending?: The twist at the end was a surprise, but it seemingly came out of nowhere.
* What is your impression of the author?: This author has talent, but I would like to see better-developed characters and more editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
The novel should've received a much higher rating from me considering enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope but the story needed to be way more interesting. Especially more adventurous in the romance department.
July 12, 2022
This is definitely my favorite mafia book by Anna Ray so far.
Chiara father has found himself in debt and needs money, the only way for him to get back on track is by arranging his daughter to marry the wealthy powerful man Luca. Luca has his own plan and plays the part of a handsome man looking for a wife but really he wants revenge. There are lots of twists and turns.. many secrets that come out which I didn't see coming.
I absolutely loved this book. Luca is beautiful, I fell in love with him right away. He is a mafia man not to be messed with but he has a side to him that is so dominating and hot I just love him.
Chiara is head strong, she has looked after her father and brothers since her mum has passed. She plays a role in the mafia business, and she wants to keep it that way but with the family not having any money and no more business, she agrees to marry Luca. She isn't stupid she learn quickly and by the influence of her brother that something isn't right.
Overall a very easy read, I read this in one sitting. I love mafia romance so much. I will definitely be reading more from Anna Ray.
Chiara father has found himself in debt and needs money, the only way for him to get back on track is by arranging his daughter to marry the wealthy powerful man Luca. Luca has his own plan and plays the part of a handsome man looking for a wife but really he wants revenge. There are lots of twists and turns.. many secrets that come out which I didn't see coming.
I absolutely loved this book. Luca is beautiful, I fell in love with him right away. He is a mafia man not to be messed with but he has a side to him that is so dominating and hot I just love him.
Chiara is head strong, she has looked after her father and brothers since her mum has passed. She plays a role in the mafia business, and she wants to keep it that way but with the family not having any money and no more business, she agrees to marry Luca. She isn't stupid she learn quickly and by the influence of her brother that something isn't right.
Overall a very easy read, I read this in one sitting. I love mafia romance so much. I will definitely be reading more from Anna Ray.
February 16, 2021
ARC received from author
3.5 stars
Chiara is entering an arranged marriage against her will, but she hopes that it will result in her leading her family instead of her idiot brothers. Luca is not who he says he is, and I got dizzy trying to keep track of all of the family lines. Luca woos her while trying to keep the lines drawn and not fall for her. They do fall for each other, but an evil person tries to keep them apart.
3.5 stars
Chiara is entering an arranged marriage against her will, but she hopes that it will result in her leading her family instead of her idiot brothers. Luca is not who he says he is, and I got dizzy trying to keep track of all of the family lines. Luca woos her while trying to keep the lines drawn and not fall for her. They do fall for each other, but an evil person tries to keep them apart.
March 3, 2023
I enjoyed this. I like a good romance where boy and girl meet and don't like each other but end up together. Mixed with a bit of mafia drama, this made for an entertaining read. It was fast paced and maybe the love story could have been drwan out a bit but that made it easy to read. It is simply written and had me eye rolling the first few pages but I soon got into the story and thought it was a great easy read.
February 25, 2021
Collided is an arranged marriage mafia romance by Anna Ray. Collided follows Chiara Fiore, the only daughter of the Fiore family of Chicago, and Luca Mendacius, a mysterious tech business owner with a mysterious past. Chiara must enter an arranged marriage with Luca to save her family from debt. Luca wants revenge from the family that wronged him and attempts to seek revenge against the Fiores by using Chiara.
Chiara is a strong, independent woman who wants to lead and care for her family. The only way she can prove to her father that she is capable is by marrying Luca and securing the family with the money that Luca will give in exchange for her hand in marriage. Luca’s life was ruined at twelve when his parents were murdered in a car accident as retaliation for the death of Chiara’s mother and life as he knew it changed. Luca believes the Fiores caused his parents' accident, and he seeks revenge against them. Chiara and Luca had sizzling chemistry and intense attraction. They constantly struggled with their attraction to one another and their duty towards their families.
I really enjoyed reading this book and the mystery surrounding the death of Chiara’s mother and Luca’s parents. This book was well written with interesting characters. I was not expecting the plot twist in this book as to the person who was responsible for the deaths that changed Chiara and Luca’s lives.
*I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving an advanced copy.*
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chiara is a strong, independent woman who wants to lead and care for her family. The only way she can prove to her father that she is capable is by marrying Luca and securing the family with the money that Luca will give in exchange for her hand in marriage. Luca’s life was ruined at twelve when his parents were murdered in a car accident as retaliation for the death of Chiara’s mother and life as he knew it changed. Luca believes the Fiores caused his parents' accident, and he seeks revenge against them. Chiara and Luca had sizzling chemistry and intense attraction. They constantly struggled with their attraction to one another and their duty towards their families.
I really enjoyed reading this book and the mystery surrounding the death of Chiara’s mother and Luca’s parents. This book was well written with interesting characters. I was not expecting the plot twist in this book as to the person who was responsible for the deaths that changed Chiara and Luca’s lives.
*I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving an advanced copy.*
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 1, 2021
3.75 stars-- COLLIDED is the third instalment in Anna Ray’s contemporary, adult ARRANGED MARRIAGE MAFIA ROMANCE erotic, romance series of stand alone story lines. This is Luca Mendacius, and Chiara Fiore’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Luca and Chiara) COLLIDED follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-nine year old Luca Mendacius and nineteen year old Chiara Fiore. Approximately seventeen years earlier Chiara Fiore lost her mother to a tragic drowning, and in the ensuing years her family but more specifically her father, the head of the Chicago underworld, vowed revenge against the family he held responsible. Upon the death of his parents Luca Mendacious was sent to Sicily to be raised by his family, he too, vowing revenge for the murder of the parents he loved. With the Fiore family struggling financially, Chiara Fiore is offered up to the highest bidder in exchange for money and power. Enter Luca Mendacius, the man with whom Chiara will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Chiara and Luca, a relationship predicated upon secrets and lies.
Luca Mendacius is vowing revenge for the murder of his parents, and his first step is to take control of what’s left of the Fiore empire starting with their only daughter, nineteen year old Chiara, but Luca never expected their instant palpable sexual attraction, a attraction that makes our hero reconsider his plans for the future. Chiara Fiore suspects there is more to Luca’s intentions than a powerful Mafia marriage but as her brother continues to dig deeper into the Mendacius family, Chiara will quickly discover nothing and no one is at it seems.
The relationship between Chiara and Luca is an arranged marriage in an effort to stabilize the collapse of the Fiore family. Chiara considers herself nothing more than a pawn, a wh*re to be used to help the family but Luca has other plans for our story line heroine, plans her reconsiders when his heart falls for his intended victim. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Chiara’s brothers: Manny, Vinny, Pete and Joey, and their father Vito Fiore, as well as several uncles; Luca’s uncle Sal; driver Freddy.
COLLIDED is story of family, vengeance, betrayal, power and control. The premise is entertaining, the angst level is low; the romance is sweet and tender; the characters are animated and wounded. For followers of the series, COLLIDED is similar in tone and premise to book two TRAPPED but the author’s style of writing has matured and greatly improved.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Luca and Chiara) COLLIDED follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-nine year old Luca Mendacius and nineteen year old Chiara Fiore. Approximately seventeen years earlier Chiara Fiore lost her mother to a tragic drowning, and in the ensuing years her family but more specifically her father, the head of the Chicago underworld, vowed revenge against the family he held responsible. Upon the death of his parents Luca Mendacious was sent to Sicily to be raised by his family, he too, vowing revenge for the murder of the parents he loved. With the Fiore family struggling financially, Chiara Fiore is offered up to the highest bidder in exchange for money and power. Enter Luca Mendacius, the man with whom Chiara will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Chiara and Luca, a relationship predicated upon secrets and lies.
Luca Mendacius is vowing revenge for the murder of his parents, and his first step is to take control of what’s left of the Fiore empire starting with their only daughter, nineteen year old Chiara, but Luca never expected their instant palpable sexual attraction, a attraction that makes our hero reconsider his plans for the future. Chiara Fiore suspects there is more to Luca’s intentions than a powerful Mafia marriage but as her brother continues to dig deeper into the Mendacius family, Chiara will quickly discover nothing and no one is at it seems.
The relationship between Chiara and Luca is an arranged marriage in an effort to stabilize the collapse of the Fiore family. Chiara considers herself nothing more than a pawn, a wh*re to be used to help the family but Luca has other plans for our story line heroine, plans her reconsiders when his heart falls for his intended victim. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Chiara’s brothers: Manny, Vinny, Pete and Joey, and their father Vito Fiore, as well as several uncles; Luca’s uncle Sal; driver Freddy.
COLLIDED is story of family, vengeance, betrayal, power and control. The premise is entertaining, the angst level is low; the romance is sweet and tender; the characters are animated and wounded. For followers of the series, COLLIDED is similar in tone and premise to book two TRAPPED but the author’s style of writing has matured and greatly improved.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 4, 2021
An enjoyable, standalone arranged marriage mafia romance with an “enemy to lovers” theme. The plot is intriguing & has quite a bit of suspense that keeps the reader’s attention. The characters are interesting & have good chemistry between them and as they grow emotional closer they begin to complement each other. There is good support from the secondary characters.
It is about: a not so willing, strong-willed mafia princess (Chiara) is basically sold in marriage by her father (Vito Fiore) to a wealthy male Italian billionaire (Luca Mendacius/Barbieri) with vengeance in his heart towards the Fiore family but things don’t go exactly according to his plans.
There is: crime syndicates, family issues, a villainous villain, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, action, adventure, vengeful feelings, ulterior motives, devious plans, deceit, betrayal, abduction, danger, threats, violence, murder, suspicions, manipulations, strange attractions, confrontations, trust issues, accusations, discovery, compromises, some steamy scenes, contentment, love and a hard-earned satisfying epilogue. This book is definitely worth reading & I look forward to more from this talented author.
It is about: a not so willing, strong-willed mafia princess (Chiara) is basically sold in marriage by her father (Vito Fiore) to a wealthy male Italian billionaire (Luca Mendacius/Barbieri) with vengeance in his heart towards the Fiore family but things don’t go exactly according to his plans.
There is: crime syndicates, family issues, a villainous villain, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, action, adventure, vengeful feelings, ulterior motives, devious plans, deceit, betrayal, abduction, danger, threats, violence, murder, suspicions, manipulations, strange attractions, confrontations, trust issues, accusations, discovery, compromises, some steamy scenes, contentment, love and a hard-earned satisfying epilogue. This book is definitely worth reading & I look forward to more from this talented author.
March 26, 2021
To Whom This May Concern:
I would like to say that this is the first time I am a reading a product of Anna Ray. Also, this is the third book in the Mafia series. From my research, the books is not interconnected and can be read as a stand alone.
The couple in this book is Chiara Fiore and Luca Mendacius. Chiara is the only daughter out of five siblings in rivalry to become the heir to the Fiore family. Luca is a tech mogul that’s after Chiara’s hand in marriage. Their love story is based around the concept of an arranged marriage, but not really. It is more optional and not forced. It’s not really an enemy to lover troupe either because do they really hate each other or is it just miscommunication that occur during the plot. The couple’s love story is quite sweet. However, I felt the way the heroine was supposed to be perceived was not how she was written. Chiara is considered smart and not an easy bimbo, but her character was easily swayed with all of Luca’s attempts.
The plot line of the story resembled almost like 365 days. Not the actual plot line of 365 days, but the writing style. The story had a lot of courtship between the couple and very little plot in actuality. The last 5 chapters of the book was basically the storyline. The writing style of the author fits more of a young adult/teenage read than an adult romance fiction. The book was written in dual point of view with the character’s name as the chapter title to let the readers know.
The “romance” scene was not very steamy. I will never judge on the amount of romance scenes in a book, but more the quality of the scenes themselves. There are about 3 sexual scenes per se in the book. However, the scenes are very brief. This is more of quick love session more than page turners, shy to read around the public. The scenes were all “vanilla” and the most intense thing was when Chiara said please.
The ending of the book was well written and ties everything together. Everything was explained thoroughly.
With that being said, I give the book a 3 out of 5.
With thanks.
Disclaimer: I did get this book for free through NetGalley. However, I did not get paid for a skewed review. This is an honest review with no intentions to sway readers to persuade sales.
I would like to say that this is the first time I am a reading a product of Anna Ray. Also, this is the third book in the Mafia series. From my research, the books is not interconnected and can be read as a stand alone.
The couple in this book is Chiara Fiore and Luca Mendacius. Chiara is the only daughter out of five siblings in rivalry to become the heir to the Fiore family. Luca is a tech mogul that’s after Chiara’s hand in marriage. Their love story is based around the concept of an arranged marriage, but not really. It is more optional and not forced. It’s not really an enemy to lover troupe either because do they really hate each other or is it just miscommunication that occur during the plot. The couple’s love story is quite sweet. However, I felt the way the heroine was supposed to be perceived was not how she was written. Chiara is considered smart and not an easy bimbo, but her character was easily swayed with all of Luca’s attempts.
The plot line of the story resembled almost like 365 days. Not the actual plot line of 365 days, but the writing style. The story had a lot of courtship between the couple and very little plot in actuality. The last 5 chapters of the book was basically the storyline. The writing style of the author fits more of a young adult/teenage read than an adult romance fiction. The book was written in dual point of view with the character’s name as the chapter title to let the readers know.
The “romance” scene was not very steamy. I will never judge on the amount of romance scenes in a book, but more the quality of the scenes themselves. There are about 3 sexual scenes per se in the book. However, the scenes are very brief. This is more of quick love session more than page turners, shy to read around the public. The scenes were all “vanilla” and the most intense thing was when Chiara said please.
The ending of the book was well written and ties everything together. Everything was explained thoroughly.
With that being said, I give the book a 3 out of 5.
With thanks.
Disclaimer: I did get this book for free through NetGalley. However, I did not get paid for a skewed review. This is an honest review with no intentions to sway readers to persuade sales.
February 15, 2021
So good! And unexpected!
It's been a while since a book kept me guessing and marveling at the turn of events! Such an awesome feeling!
Collided is the story of Chiara, a mafia princess who has to sacrifice in order for her decaying family wealth to get back on track. That means agreeing to marry a handsome rich Italian, Luca, who wants to make a name for himself but actually has a bigger agenda. Turns out, they have a lot in common.
I loved so many things about this book! It was the perfect length, pretty fast paced, the action rolled nicely and just when you thought you knew how the story would go, bam, came the surprise! I liked how good Chiara and Luca were together, the dual pov is a great asset of this book, the hotness, their understanding of one another - beautifully built! I liked the lush setting, the little drama and how the violence was quite low, not dark but nevertheless, a mafia romance.
But most of all, I liked Chiara's character. How she kept being surprising and sassy, smart and to some extend ruthless, yet trusting, if not a bit naïve and intuitive, trying her best to love her flawed family and giving love a chance despite the secrets that emerged. An intriguing combination of mafia queen and innocence, without any silliness. A great character!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
It's been a while since a book kept me guessing and marveling at the turn of events! Such an awesome feeling!
Collided is the story of Chiara, a mafia princess who has to sacrifice in order for her decaying family wealth to get back on track. That means agreeing to marry a handsome rich Italian, Luca, who wants to make a name for himself but actually has a bigger agenda. Turns out, they have a lot in common.
I loved so many things about this book! It was the perfect length, pretty fast paced, the action rolled nicely and just when you thought you knew how the story would go, bam, came the surprise! I liked how good Chiara and Luca were together, the dual pov is a great asset of this book, the hotness, their understanding of one another - beautifully built! I liked the lush setting, the little drama and how the violence was quite low, not dark but nevertheless, a mafia romance.
But most of all, I liked Chiara's character. How she kept being surprising and sassy, smart and to some extend ruthless, yet trusting, if not a bit naïve and intuitive, trying her best to love her flawed family and giving love a chance despite the secrets that emerged. An intriguing combination of mafia queen and innocence, without any silliness. A great character!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 19, 2021
⭐️3,5 Luca & Chiara stars⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BOOKSIRENS and thank you author Anna Ray.
I do enjoy a marriage of convenience story immensely. In fact I could read the same plot again and again and would sigh happily every time I finish one.
So when I found this book while browsing the BOOKSIRENS site , I was excited.
Collided was an okay read for me. I loved the unpredictability of the plot and the way the author presented Chiara as a driven princess with such a strong personality .
But to be honest , this story could have been way better had the author gave Luca a real Mafioso personality.
When I'm reading about an arranged marriage to a mafia lord who is out for revenge, I expect a ferocious guy that would send tingles to my heart. Luca was presented in a sweet way that made it impossible for me to think of him as a member of a crime family.
An arc provided by the author through BookSiren for an honest review
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BOOKSIRENS and thank you author Anna Ray.
I do enjoy a marriage of convenience story immensely. In fact I could read the same plot again and again and would sigh happily every time I finish one.
So when I found this book while browsing the BOOKSIRENS site , I was excited.
Collided was an okay read for me. I loved the unpredictability of the plot and the way the author presented Chiara as a driven princess with such a strong personality .
But to be honest , this story could have been way better had the author gave Luca a real Mafioso personality.
When I'm reading about an arranged marriage to a mafia lord who is out for revenge, I expect a ferocious guy that would send tingles to my heart. Luca was presented in a sweet way that made it impossible for me to think of him as a member of a crime family.
An arc provided by the author through BookSiren for an honest review
Want to read
June 7, 2024🎁 Books 2 & 3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (6/30/2022)! 🎁
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
February 25, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how deep hate can run, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
It’s edgy yet always within boundaries of morality. It’s compelling, like Nutella, bacon and oreo cookies had a threesome and this story is their lovechild. Chiara, a mafia princess coming from a family who are hurting financially not sure that happen, but you are a mafia family who has done a lot of dirt to other families and now need their help financially. Now Chiara must be the one to sacrifice herself in marriage to save her family and of course it was drilled into her family first always. Luca family was murder when he was young and his family came to take him back to Italy now he is an adult with his own money without his families money he can stand on his own and he wants revenge on the family who ripped his family away from him so he offers to accept her hand in marriage not really realizing that she is a great person to know and the chemistry between these two if off the charts but will there be a marriage? Will he tell her the truth as to why he asked for her hand? Is there a HEA for them?
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how deep hate can run, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
It’s edgy yet always within boundaries of morality. It’s compelling, like Nutella, bacon and oreo cookies had a threesome and this story is their lovechild. Chiara, a mafia princess coming from a family who are hurting financially not sure that happen, but you are a mafia family who has done a lot of dirt to other families and now need their help financially. Now Chiara must be the one to sacrifice herself in marriage to save her family and of course it was drilled into her family first always. Luca family was murder when he was young and his family came to take him back to Italy now he is an adult with his own money without his families money he can stand on his own and he wants revenge on the family who ripped his family away from him so he offers to accept her hand in marriage not really realizing that she is a great person to know and the chemistry between these two if off the charts but will there be a marriage? Will he tell her the truth as to why he asked for her hand? Is there a HEA for them?
May 19, 2021
Collided was a nice spin on mafia romances. I felt like it had a bit of everything. A nice mix of contract marriage, enemies-to-lovers, and billionaire romance. The plot was really great also, it was very clear cut and you feel like you could almost guess how it was going to end but then there’s a nice twist at the end. I thought this book was great!
Chiara Fiore and Luca Mendacius are complete strangers but circumstances has them in the strangest business deal of their lives. While Chiara is forced into this new arrangement, Luca has been planning this and has an endgame in mind. Feelings and certain revelations change everything!
This book was great. Chaira seemed like a super smart vixen who could definitely hold her own in the mafia world. I was upset about her family situation but finding Luca was probably the best thing that could have happened for her. Luca sounds like everything. Self made, mafia boss who’s a legit billionaire. Their story was both heartbreaking, dark and suspenseful while being steamy and low key romantic. I really enjoyed this and it was a nice escape. I was quite surprised the way it ended but they had a HEA and that’s all that matters to me.
This is the third book I’ve read from Anna Ray. I enjoy her books but I feel like they could all use a little more depth and this one was no different. They’re usually quite short and the story’s seem to lack some meat. All the plots are really great, and I always enjoy the characters, I’m just always feeling like I needed more of everything. I’d definitely recommend this to mafia romance readers.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Chiara Fiore and Luca Mendacius are complete strangers but circumstances has them in the strangest business deal of their lives. While Chiara is forced into this new arrangement, Luca has been planning this and has an endgame in mind. Feelings and certain revelations change everything!
This book was great. Chaira seemed like a super smart vixen who could definitely hold her own in the mafia world. I was upset about her family situation but finding Luca was probably the best thing that could have happened for her. Luca sounds like everything. Self made, mafia boss who’s a legit billionaire. Their story was both heartbreaking, dark and suspenseful while being steamy and low key romantic. I really enjoyed this and it was a nice escape. I was quite surprised the way it ended but they had a HEA and that’s all that matters to me.
This is the third book I’ve read from Anna Ray. I enjoy her books but I feel like they could all use a little more depth and this one was no different. They’re usually quite short and the story’s seem to lack some meat. All the plots are really great, and I always enjoy the characters, I’m just always feeling like I needed more of everything. I’d definitely recommend this to mafia romance readers.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
February 22, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Collided, book 3 in the Mafia Sinners series by Anna Ray is Luca's and Chiara's story. She is a mafia princess who is to marry Luca, a man she has never met. He is willing to give a dowry go cover her father's and family's massive debt. She plans on getting the money and ducking out before the wedding. Luca has an ulterior motive as well. He believes that his parent's brakes were cut by Chiara's father, Vito causing them to go off a cliff. Vito's actions are in retaliation for Chiara's mother drowning in the pool of Luca's parents.
In this story almost everyone is hiding a secret and they are plotting revenge. As the plot advances we learn more and more about the families' histories together. Just when I thought I knew where the story is headed, there is a plot twist. It totally caught me of guard! Both characters struggle as you know they would at the fact they are falling in love with someone connected to love ones' deaths. Chiara comes across as a strong, smart woman. She speaks her mind and isn't afraid to go after what she wants. She wants to inherit the family business. Luca comes to realize very quickly that Chiara has become what he craves most: family. With her he can see a future rather than feeding on revenge.
The standalone story keep my captivated. It has romance, action, kidnapping, death and deceptions. The characters have a chemistry that visible to readers. The story will hold you but its the plot twist that you will remember.
Collided, book 3 in the Mafia Sinners series by Anna Ray is Luca's and Chiara's story. She is a mafia princess who is to marry Luca, a man she has never met. He is willing to give a dowry go cover her father's and family's massive debt. She plans on getting the money and ducking out before the wedding. Luca has an ulterior motive as well. He believes that his parent's brakes were cut by Chiara's father, Vito causing them to go off a cliff. Vito's actions are in retaliation for Chiara's mother drowning in the pool of Luca's parents.
In this story almost everyone is hiding a secret and they are plotting revenge. As the plot advances we learn more and more about the families' histories together. Just when I thought I knew where the story is headed, there is a plot twist. It totally caught me of guard! Both characters struggle as you know they would at the fact they are falling in love with someone connected to love ones' deaths. Chiara comes across as a strong, smart woman. She speaks her mind and isn't afraid to go after what she wants. She wants to inherit the family business. Luca comes to realize very quickly that Chiara has become what he craves most: family. With her he can see a future rather than feeding on revenge.
The standalone story keep my captivated. It has romance, action, kidnapping, death and deceptions. The characters have a chemistry that visible to readers. The story will hold you but its the plot twist that you will remember.
March 13, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5
Chiara Fiore is the daughter of a mafia family that is on the brink of destruction. Her family needs money and they have been approached with an offer that is hard to refuse. There is a twist to this age-old story though, and Chiara could let her family crumble if she makes the wrong decision.
Luca Mendacius has offered to give money to the Fiore family to come back from the brink of destruction, but he wants the hand of the beautiful Chiara Fiore in marriage for his offer. He’s a self-made man as a wealthy tech genius in Sicily. He’s also a man that has returned home to Chicago to regain what should have been his years ago. He’s sexy, rich and looking for vengeance.
This was a good story. I liked most of the characters and the I liked the story line. There are some twists and turns that were unexpected and made the story even better. Chiara is a smart woman. She’s strong willed, smart and won’t take anything from anyone. When she and Luca are alone her walls start to come down a bit and her soft side shows. I enjoyed the book and give it a 4-star review. This was my first time reading a book by Anna Ray, but I look forward to reading more of her books.
Chiara Fiore is the daughter of a mafia family that is on the brink of destruction. Her family needs money and they have been approached with an offer that is hard to refuse. There is a twist to this age-old story though, and Chiara could let her family crumble if she makes the wrong decision.
Luca Mendacius has offered to give money to the Fiore family to come back from the brink of destruction, but he wants the hand of the beautiful Chiara Fiore in marriage for his offer. He’s a self-made man as a wealthy tech genius in Sicily. He’s also a man that has returned home to Chicago to regain what should have been his years ago. He’s sexy, rich and looking for vengeance.
This was a good story. I liked most of the characters and the I liked the story line. There are some twists and turns that were unexpected and made the story even better. Chiara is a smart woman. She’s strong willed, smart and won’t take anything from anyone. When she and Luca are alone her walls start to come down a bit and her soft side shows. I enjoyed the book and give it a 4-star review. This was my first time reading a book by Anna Ray, but I look forward to reading more of her books.
February 19, 2021
Anna Ray is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. This is the 3rd book in the series and it does not disappoint. This is the story of Chiara and Luca. Chiara is a mafia princess, the only daughter to Vito Fiore. Luca is head of the Mendacious family from Sicily. The Fiores are in trouble and the only way out is an arranged marriage between Chiara and Luca. Chiara is not your typical mafia princess, she is strong, smart, beautiful and wants to be the heir to her father. She sees this marriage as a way to get what she wants. Luca is out for revenge and will use Chiara to his advantage.
Things aren’t always as they seem! This story is full of betrayal, passion, lies, deception, and a chemistry so strong. I look forward to reading more from Anna Ray and cannot wait to see what is next. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Booksprout ARC’s for an honest review.
Things aren’t always as they seem! This story is full of betrayal, passion, lies, deception, and a chemistry so strong. I look forward to reading more from Anna Ray and cannot wait to see what is next. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Booksprout ARC’s for an honest review.
March 13, 2021
Revenge is… not so sweet or simple after all
Collided: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance by Anna Ray is a good mafia romance read with strong characters. Chiara and Luca are like minded and therefore a good match for an arranged marriage. If only they can get past the past.
The plot of this dark mafia romance is fraught with deceit while also quite truthful. Luca and Chiara are in a sense victims forced into revenge, manipulation and using one another. It darkens further when revealed lies produce the real lies of the past.
Overall, this dark mafia romance brings Chiara and Luca together for nefarious purposes only to bond them into working together - revenge for the truth. What I love about these dark romance, arranged mafia marriages is that they despite the angst, all is well in the end. The same can be said for Chiara and Luca, they get their HEA and then some.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Collided: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance by Anna Ray is a good mafia romance read with strong characters. Chiara and Luca are like minded and therefore a good match for an arranged marriage. If only they can get past the past.
The plot of this dark mafia romance is fraught with deceit while also quite truthful. Luca and Chiara are in a sense victims forced into revenge, manipulation and using one another. It darkens further when revealed lies produce the real lies of the past.
Overall, this dark mafia romance brings Chiara and Luca together for nefarious purposes only to bond them into working together - revenge for the truth. What I love about these dark romance, arranged mafia marriages is that they despite the angst, all is well in the end. The same can be said for Chiara and Luca, they get their HEA and then some.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
March 30, 2021
3.5 stars
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, as I had read the previous two books in this series and although I enjoyed them, I definitely thought the first book was better than the second book. This book was a good mafia romance: there was a good amount of conflict and plot considering the book was so short and the second half of the book definitely kept me interested. However, I definitely think the romance in this book could have been better. Chiara and Luca’s chemistry just wasn’t really there for me and I think this was due to the fact that there were just not enough scenes between the two of them because the book was so short. Overall, I would say this was a good read but it really needed to be longer in order for the character relationships to be better developed.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for reviewing it, but all opinions are my own.
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, as I had read the previous two books in this series and although I enjoyed them, I definitely thought the first book was better than the second book. This book was a good mafia romance: there was a good amount of conflict and plot considering the book was so short and the second half of the book definitely kept me interested. However, I definitely think the romance in this book could have been better. Chiara and Luca’s chemistry just wasn’t really there for me and I think this was due to the fact that there were just not enough scenes between the two of them because the book was so short. Overall, I would say this was a good read but it really needed to be longer in order for the character relationships to be better developed.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for reviewing it, but all opinions are my own.
April 3, 2021
Arranged marriage books can be hard to pull off. In this day and age, there has to be a good reason for someone who wants to enter in one. For Chiara, it's the thought of saving her family. After the death of her mother, her father, a mafia boss, has slowly gambled away the family business and drunk whatever was left. She needs to ally with rich newcomer Luca in order to change their fortunes.
Luca isn't all that he seems to be and has his own agenda and reasons for wanting to be with Chiara. The more time that they spend together, the more difficult it becomes to keep everything on a purely business footing, for either of them.
This was an entertaining romance that keeps you guessing until the end. Chiara and Luca make a great couple. It's clear that they are both facing threats, but can they work out who they can trust.
I really enjoyed this great read and loved Chiara and Luca's story. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
Luca isn't all that he seems to be and has his own agenda and reasons for wanting to be with Chiara. The more time that they spend together, the more difficult it becomes to keep everything on a purely business footing, for either of them.
This was an entertaining romance that keeps you guessing until the end. Chiara and Luca make a great couple. It's clear that they are both facing threats, but can they work out who they can trust.
I really enjoyed this great read and loved Chiara and Luca's story. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
May 4, 2021
*This was kindly sent to me in exchange for an honest review*
This was so similar to the one before this in the series, if you asked me to pick them apart I don't know if I could.
The writing was so cliche and so downright unbelievable in places that I had to put the book down. No one speaks in the way this was written, especially not some of the lines Luca said. It made everything feel forced and fake and took out so much enjoyment from the story.
I liked the idea of the romance but felt they lacked a connection out with lust. I wish they focused on it more, rather than it being an immediate attraction that didn't seem to develop from common ground or conversation. Also, the sex was very unrealistic and rushed. It felt like it was shoved in for no reason and didn't add anything.
But I did like the premise (other than it being a bit too similar to the last in the series)
So overall, not a great read in my opinion but definitely not the worst thing I have read.
This was so similar to the one before this in the series, if you asked me to pick them apart I don't know if I could.
The writing was so cliche and so downright unbelievable in places that I had to put the book down. No one speaks in the way this was written, especially not some of the lines Luca said. It made everything feel forced and fake and took out so much enjoyment from the story.
I liked the idea of the romance but felt they lacked a connection out with lust. I wish they focused on it more, rather than it being an immediate attraction that didn't seem to develop from common ground or conversation. Also, the sex was very unrealistic and rushed. It felt like it was shoved in for no reason and didn't add anything.
But I did like the premise (other than it being a bit too similar to the last in the series)
So overall, not a great read in my opinion but definitely not the worst thing I have read.
June 26, 2021
I never read a mafia love story before but I liked it. What attracted me to the book was it has everything I love in a good story: enemy to lover, spice, and mafia.
There were a couple of things I enjoyed like Fiore’s family dynamic even though it was toxic as hell. I also enjoyed reading from the point of view of Luca and Chiara. Collided was easy to read and fast pace which only took me two days to finish.
Now there were parts I thought could have been better. For example, Luca and Chiara went on a couple of dates that were off the page. Then the next thing I know Chiara is falling in love with Luca when she supposes to be using or hating him. Because some dates happened off the page, them falling in love seemed super rushed. Especial since Chiara is supposed to be a “take no bullshit” type of girl.
I also expected more mafia savagery but only got a glimpse.
Thank you BoookGoSocial and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange of honest review
There were a couple of things I enjoyed like Fiore’s family dynamic even though it was toxic as hell. I also enjoyed reading from the point of view of Luca and Chiara. Collided was easy to read and fast pace which only took me two days to finish.
Now there were parts I thought could have been better. For example, Luca and Chiara went on a couple of dates that were off the page. Then the next thing I know Chiara is falling in love with Luca when she supposes to be using or hating him. Because some dates happened off the page, them falling in love seemed super rushed. Especial since Chiara is supposed to be a “take no bullshit” type of girl.
I also expected more mafia savagery but only got a glimpse.
Thank you BoookGoSocial and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange of honest review
February 19, 2021
Chiara Fiora has high hopes of taking over the top position in the family but with the mounting debts and no money to pay them, she has just been informed that her father has given her hand in marriage to Luca Mendacius who will, for the privilege, pay off these debts plus a bonus to her father and keep Chiara in the style of living she has grown accustomed to.
But Chiara is not going to make things easy for Luca, and along with her adopted brother Manny try to find out where Luca fits in in the Mafia families. No information can be found on him and their suspicions are aroused. As Luca woos Chiara, feelings develop, feelings both try to deny and just as they realise these feelings, everything comes to a head and past wrongs they believe in, are proven very different to reality.
This was a short enjoyable read and I thank Anny Ray for the opportunity to read and review this book.
But Chiara is not going to make things easy for Luca, and along with her adopted brother Manny try to find out where Luca fits in in the Mafia families. No information can be found on him and their suspicions are aroused. As Luca woos Chiara, feelings develop, feelings both try to deny and just as they realise these feelings, everything comes to a head and past wrongs they believe in, are proven very different to reality.
This was a short enjoyable read and I thank Anny Ray for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 25, 2021
AMAZING BOOK
Chiara was the daughter of a mob boss and determined to take over despite her families attitude that a woman's place was at home having babies.
Luca offered to satisfy the Fiore family debts. Little did they know he planned to ruin them.
I so loved this book! Anna Ray has written an amazing book. The storyline keeps you turning the pages and I couldn't put it down until I finished the story. The characters are very complex and you can feel their emotions jump off the page. I would really love to have a tour of Luca's home as the description of this cliffside home are like something from an architectural magazine.
I highly recommend this book and only wish that there were more books by Anna Ray to read. The 3 that I have read are not nearly enough.
Chiara was the daughter of a mob boss and determined to take over despite her families attitude that a woman's place was at home having babies.
Luca offered to satisfy the Fiore family debts. Little did they know he planned to ruin them.
I so loved this book! Anna Ray has written an amazing book. The storyline keeps you turning the pages and I couldn't put it down until I finished the story. The characters are very complex and you can feel their emotions jump off the page. I would really love to have a tour of Luca's home as the description of this cliffside home are like something from an architectural magazine.
I highly recommend this book and only wish that there were more books by Anna Ray to read. The 3 that I have read are not nearly enough.
April 1, 2021
Luca agrees to pay a fortune for Chiara Fiore to marry him. Her father Vito had bankrupted the family with bad gambling debts and selling his daughter in marriage was the only way to survive. Chiara agrees to it but plans to skip out after the wedding...or cut his brakes if all else fails! Luca has his owns reasons for the arrangement, mainly revenge against Vito for the death of his parents. But as he gets closer to Chiara, he discovers what he wants more than revenge is a place to belong and a family with her.
This book is exactly what you expect from an enemies to lovers romance. There were a couple plot twists but overall it was pretty predictable.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book through BookSirens. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and given voluntarily.
This book is exactly what you expect from an enemies to lovers romance. There were a couple plot twists but overall it was pretty predictable.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book through BookSirens. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and given voluntarily.
February 25, 2021
Chiara was the daughter of a mob boss and determined to take over despite her families attitude that a woman's place was at home having babies.
Luca offered to satisfy the Fiore family debts. Little did they know he planned to ruin them.
I so loved this book! Anna Ray has written an amazing book. The storyline keeps you turning the pages and I couldn't put it down until I finished the story. The characters are very complex and you can feel their emotions jump off the page. I would really love to have a tour of Luca's home as the description of this cliffside home are like something from an architectural magazine.
I highly recommend this book and only wish that there were more books by Anna Ray to read. The 3 that I have read are not nearly enough.
Luca offered to satisfy the Fiore family debts. Little did they know he planned to ruin them.
I so loved this book! Anna Ray has written an amazing book. The storyline keeps you turning the pages and I couldn't put it down until I finished the story. The characters are very complex and you can feel their emotions jump off the page. I would really love to have a tour of Luca's home as the description of this cliffside home are like something from an architectural magazine.
I highly recommend this book and only wish that there were more books by Anna Ray to read. The 3 that I have read are not nearly enough.
March 6, 2021
What a great story. This is the story of Chiara and her father giving her hand in marriage to Luca. Their family is in financial distress and she knows to do this for the family. When she meets Luca and they spend time together they actually like each other. I liked Chiara she is strong and smart and is not a push over. Luca is out for revenge and this plays into his plans. This story has a great story going on up front and behind the scenes. The characters are great and the story flowed really well. Great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2021
Exchanged for my honesty. I found this book to be enjoyable. Truth be told I found it to be a little lacking, when you read mafia you expect domineering and underhanded dealings. We had underhanded but there was tithing to sinister here. Therefore I only gave it four stars.
I mean the story flowed just not the way I’m used to for mafia books. The characters where as they should be a bad guy, a man and women who fall in love, and their eager families who want resolution. I think this could be even better if they took it back to the drawing board and changed some things. Maybe make it a bit longer and add some evil to it.
HEA!
I mean the story flowed just not the way I’m used to for mafia books. The characters where as they should be a bad guy, a man and women who fall in love, and their eager families who want resolution. I think this could be even better if they took it back to the drawing board and changed some things. Maybe make it a bit longer and add some evil to it.
HEA!
March 15, 2021
Got an ARC in exchange for a review.
3,5 stars
An arranged marriage, a plan for revenge and a lot of sexual tension
Chiara, a mafia princess on a quest to prove herself to her father.
Luca, a mafia heir plotting revenge for the death of his parents.
They both use each other for their own purposes, but feelings are bound to get in the way.
Did I like it? Sure.
Would I love it if it was longer? Absolutely.
I think it was a bit short which made everything really fast paced but it's a good book to read quickly.
The writing was great, you get the point of view from both Luca and Chiara. It really helps understanding their actions.
3,5 stars
An arranged marriage, a plan for revenge and a lot of sexual tension
Chiara, a mafia princess on a quest to prove herself to her father.
Luca, a mafia heir plotting revenge for the death of his parents.
They both use each other for their own purposes, but feelings are bound to get in the way.
Did I like it? Sure.
Would I love it if it was longer? Absolutely.
I think it was a bit short which made everything really fast paced but it's a good book to read quickly.
The writing was great, you get the point of view from both Luca and Chiara. It really helps understanding their actions.
March 16, 2021
I've been binge reading mafia romance and when Collided hit me, I knew, this was a must read.
This story is a slow build, making it all the more delicious.
Luca has a plan and Chiara is a part of it. But, and this is a big but, other things are starting to happen, feelings, memories.
Sparks are flying in all the right places, and intrigue will keep you glued to the pages.
Can't wait to check out more by this new to me author!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This story is a slow build, making it all the more delicious.
Luca has a plan and Chiara is a part of it. But, and this is a big but, other things are starting to happen, feelings, memories.
Sparks are flying in all the right places, and intrigue will keep you glued to the pages.
Can't wait to check out more by this new to me author!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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