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The DiLustro Arrangement #2
Mafia King
Santino is my king. My lover. My husband.
He’s the head of the Cavallo crime family and the moment he choked my vows from me, my life was bound to his.
I’m done fighting my fate, until I hear two rumors, and I’m shaken to the core.
One rumor about the past—that I wasn’t the first bride Santino took.
Another about the future—a new bride is about to be taken.
Changing the old ways is like dousing the flames of hell with tears.
But I married the devil himself, and when I vowed to obey, I lied.
Book two of three in the The Dilustro Arrangement.
He’s the head of the Cavallo crime family and the moment he choked my vows from me, my life was bound to his.
I’m done fighting my fate, until I hear two rumors, and I’m shaken to the core.
One rumor about the past—that I wasn’t the first bride Santino took.
Another about the future—a new bride is about to be taken.
Changing the old ways is like dousing the flames of hell with tears.
But I married the devil himself, and when I vowed to obey, I lied.
Book two of three in the The Dilustro Arrangement.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2021
736 people are currently reading
2071 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Reiss
112 books9,641 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
March 10, 2024
5 stars for Santino DiLustro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A meh 2 stars for the rest.
I'm redoing my review because I think it was initially harsh on this book. First, if you enjoy the mafia romance genre in general please ignore my review and give this a try. I do think this is better written than most out there.
This book started out promising, but became a huge letdown. Warning for serious spoilers throughout this review.
First, the positives:
Santino. More about his background is revealed in this book, and he becomes a multifaceted, complex character.
The age-gap dynamic between the two mcs was initially really appealing to me. I liked that Santino wasn't necessarily attracted to the heroine by her young age, and at times I felt like he wished she was older, or would at least act older. Emotionally, there was most depth to their relationship surrounding Santino's previous relationship to her father. They learn they share grief - a powerful thing to share with someone.
And that's the only positive thing I can say about this book. Beyond that the writing style was nice & competent.
Now onto my problems:
1. Violetta
I'm okay with immature, young heroines at the beginning of series. It gives an opportunity for growth. Violetta was so immature - I felt her actions were often reckless, impulsive, shortsighted, and put her and her husband in danger.
Examples
a) When she has the temper tantrum and destroys the roses that were under the saint.
What did she expect that to achieve? This is a symbol money has been exchanged and a debt bride is promised to a groom (in this case Santino's younger cousin, Gia). That just made things more difficult, as well as more dangerous for her husband.
b) When Santino explains her life could be at risk, but fails to provide all the information, Violetta resorts to impulsive actions, such as the dinner stunt. At a big dinner with the family she announces he will end the arranged marriage and pay off the debt himself.
While a central conflict does center on the difference between the old world and the world Violetta grew up in, this came across as stupid to me. It achieved nothing except putting her husband in a bad position and flaming tensions. Time would have been more wisely spent on her end trying to get more information from her husband that he's obviously hiding. Without that information she's acting on blind impulse. Considering the Tabunas who tried to kill her in the last book, she should have strong motivation to find out more about her husband's business before taking a drastic action like that.
This connects to my pet peeve,
2. The #girlboss "I won't stop until I end all arranged marriages" subplot.
This was so eye roll inducing to me. Violetta is clearly upset to see someone she cares about entering into an arranged marriage, but the projection she was putting onto Gia was so strong. From a narrative standpoint, this wasn't an interesting subplot. This gungho attitude to change traditions almost felt....abrasive to read?
Look, I don't read mafia romances like this for feminist commentary. The author laid on the old world culture in the last book. I would have much preferred to see Violetta grow as a wife and make a space for herself within Santino's business vs. trying to knock down engrained traditions by nagging her husband constantly. It's difficult for me to respect Violetta's wish to take down sexist traditions when she goes about it so idiotically.
Putting the gun to her husband? That was lame. I'm not sure what the author was trying to achieve with that.
Overall there was this faux feminism undercurrent to the book that felt hollow and out of place. Even if Santino does what Violetta asks and ends arranged marriages - she still does not have a more empowered place within her life. All of this is very obvious to me coming from books like White Rabbit by London Miller. There the heroine comes upon agency within her relationship in a much more powerful way. It's authentic to character, it's interesting because along her journey she becomes morally grey. This "Lets end all arranged marriages" subplot is shallow on several levels.
The heroine towards the end recklessly decides to not take her husband's advice and ends up endangering herself & him. It was just so stupid. For her to grow she really needs to recognize that her husband might know more than her about a few issues, trust he has her best interest at heart (& he's given her reason to trust him), and *attempt* to learn more about his business. She doesn't do any of those things.
3. The ow drama
I have my own limits when it comes to ow drama and cheating. A main angst factor in the first book was the heroine finding out the Hero was formerly married to her sister. This is explained away so safely, so neatly by the author I felt like that entire plot thread was a waste of my time. I can't believe I'm saying this but the thought crossed my mind while reading that the book would have been more interesting if Santino had been in love and slept with the sister (for those concerned about safety he didn't).
4. The sex
The main reason I picked up this book was for the erotic elements. While I was relieved to not have any bdsm, and surprisingly no spanking/punishment scenes (nothing against BDSM, imo it doesn't fit their dynamic), the sex was boring. Much of it was fade to black. When they do get a scene it went by quickly. There were times where I wished there had been a spanking/punishment scene because the heroine deserved it. There was one particular sex scene that was particularly frustrating for me to read because I could tell the author wanted to make it shocking for the reader - edging on dubcon/noncon...and it just wasn't at all. The heroine is asking for rough sex, verbally consenting over and over again with different variations of 'yes' - so why did Santino act remorseful and apologize? As a reader this wasn't emotionally impactful in anyway and just took me out of the story.
5. The plot. The most interesting thing to me is the conflict with the rival family, but Damien is such a two-dimensional villain I'm no longer interested in following this plot to the next book. The crown thing seems silly to me.
This book made me really appreciate some of the bodice rippers I've read for various reasons - stronger plots, authors who aren't afraid and won't pull back when writing sex scenes, heroines who undergo character growth. Not all bodice rippers have insightful feminist commentary or strong heroines...but many do. This is one of those romances that reminds me of the sad state of commercial contemporary romance and why it's a waste of my time for me to read and try to enjoy it. While starting out promising, this series is beginning to feel hollow.
A meh 2 stars for the rest.
I'm redoing my review because I think it was initially harsh on this book. First, if you enjoy the mafia romance genre in general please ignore my review and give this a try. I do think this is better written than most out there.
This book started out promising, but became a huge letdown. Warning for serious spoilers throughout this review.
First, the positives:
Santino. More about his background is revealed in this book, and he becomes a multifaceted, complex character.
The age-gap dynamic between the two mcs was initially really appealing to me. I liked that Santino wasn't necessarily attracted to the heroine by her young age, and at times I felt like he wished she was older, or would at least act older. Emotionally, there was most depth to their relationship surrounding Santino's previous relationship to her father. They learn they share grief - a powerful thing to share with someone.
And that's the only positive thing I can say about this book. Beyond that the writing style was nice & competent.
Now onto my problems:
1. Violetta
I'm okay with immature, young heroines at the beginning of series. It gives an opportunity for growth. Violetta was so immature - I felt her actions were often reckless, impulsive, shortsighted, and put her and her husband in danger.
Examples
a) When she has the temper tantrum and destroys the roses that were under the saint.
What did she expect that to achieve? This is a symbol money has been exchanged and a debt bride is promised to a groom (in this case Santino's younger cousin, Gia). That just made things more difficult, as well as more dangerous for her husband.
b) When Santino explains her life could be at risk, but fails to provide all the information, Violetta resorts to impulsive actions, such as the dinner stunt. At a big dinner with the family she announces he will end the arranged marriage and pay off the debt himself.
While a central conflict does center on the difference between the old world and the world Violetta grew up in, this came across as stupid to me. It achieved nothing except putting her husband in a bad position and flaming tensions. Time would have been more wisely spent on her end trying to get more information from her husband that he's obviously hiding. Without that information she's acting on blind impulse. Considering the Tabunas who tried to kill her in the last book, she should have strong motivation to find out more about her husband's business before taking a drastic action like that.
This connects to my pet peeve,
2. The #girlboss "I won't stop until I end all arranged marriages" subplot.
This was so eye roll inducing to me. Violetta is clearly upset to see someone she cares about entering into an arranged marriage, but the projection she was putting onto Gia was so strong. From a narrative standpoint, this wasn't an interesting subplot. This gungho attitude to change traditions almost felt....abrasive to read?
Look, I don't read mafia romances like this for feminist commentary. The author laid on the old world culture in the last book. I would have much preferred to see Violetta grow as a wife and make a space for herself within Santino's business vs. trying to knock down engrained traditions by nagging her husband constantly. It's difficult for me to respect Violetta's wish to take down sexist traditions when she goes about it so idiotically.
Putting the gun to her husband? That was lame. I'm not sure what the author was trying to achieve with that.
Overall there was this faux feminism undercurrent to the book that felt hollow and out of place. Even if Santino does what Violetta asks and ends arranged marriages - she still does not have a more empowered place within her life. All of this is very obvious to me coming from books like White Rabbit by London Miller. There the heroine comes upon agency within her relationship in a much more powerful way. It's authentic to character, it's interesting because along her journey she becomes morally grey. This "Lets end all arranged marriages" subplot is shallow on several levels.
The heroine towards the end recklessly decides to not take her husband's advice and ends up endangering herself & him. It was just so stupid. For her to grow she really needs to recognize that her husband might know more than her about a few issues, trust he has her best interest at heart (& he's given her reason to trust him), and *attempt* to learn more about his business. She doesn't do any of those things.
3. The ow drama
I have my own limits when it comes to ow drama and cheating. A main angst factor in the first book was the heroine finding out the Hero was formerly married to her sister. This is explained away so safely, so neatly by the author I felt like that entire plot thread was a waste of my time. I can't believe I'm saying this but the thought crossed my mind while reading that the book would have been more interesting if Santino had been in love and slept with the sister (for those concerned about safety he didn't).
4. The sex
The main reason I picked up this book was for the erotic elements. While I was relieved to not have any bdsm, and surprisingly no spanking/punishment scenes (nothing against BDSM, imo it doesn't fit their dynamic), the sex was boring. Much of it was fade to black. When they do get a scene it went by quickly. There were times where I wished there had been a spanking/punishment scene because the heroine deserved it. There was one particular sex scene that was particularly frustrating for me to read because I could tell the author wanted to make it shocking for the reader - edging on dubcon/noncon...and it just wasn't at all. The heroine is asking for rough sex, verbally consenting over and over again with different variations of 'yes' - so why did Santino act remorseful and apologize? As a reader this wasn't emotionally impactful in anyway and just took me out of the story.
5. The plot. The most interesting thing to me is the conflict with the rival family, but Damien is such a two-dimensional villain I'm no longer interested in following this plot to the next book. The crown thing seems silly to me.
This book made me really appreciate some of the bodice rippers I've read for various reasons - stronger plots, authors who aren't afraid and won't pull back when writing sex scenes, heroines who undergo character growth. Not all bodice rippers have insightful feminist commentary or strong heroines...but many do. This is one of those romances that reminds me of the sad state of commercial contemporary romance and why it's a waste of my time for me to read and try to enjoy it. While starting out promising, this series is beginning to feel hollow.
June 13, 2021
CD has a tight grip on mafia romance Genre and has time and time again given the best Villainous heroes we can't help but fall in love with. Santino DiLustro is another one of her jonathan-esque creation and as the story was left on a question mark in book 1 Mafia Bride, Now What?
Violetta is at the crossroads where her desires are at war with her conscience and so was mine.
How strong is their love to weather such a storm in their relationship.
Well, CD proceeds to show in this Uber dramatic, ultra violent story that shocks the bejeezus out of you. Esp the end..OMG THE END!!!
In between the raging passions swell up to fill the pages, agendas are unearthed but betrayals are just around the corner.
Prepare to be amazed, you'll find your heart thumping hard as the pot boiler is bubbling away noisily.
I'm definite that book 3 will blow my mind!!
4 stars for jaw-dropping twists
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Violetta is at the crossroads where her desires are at war with her conscience and so was mine.
How strong is their love to weather such a storm in their relationship.
Well, CD proceeds to show in this Uber dramatic, ultra violent story that shocks the bejeezus out of you. Esp the end..OMG THE END!!!
In between the raging passions swell up to fill the pages, agendas are unearthed but betrayals are just around the corner.
Prepare to be amazed, you'll find your heart thumping hard as the pot boiler is bubbling away noisily.
I'm definite that book 3 will blow my mind!!
4 stars for jaw-dropping twists
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
June 13, 2021
4.5 STARS
Holy. Mother. Of. Cliffhangers!!! CD Reiss, you sadist! And the below is actual footage of me at the end of this book.
Where book one was a slower paced climb, this was roller coaster plummeting from the highest high to the lowest low, with my heart in my throat from beginning to finish. After the cliffhanger at the end of Mafia Bride, I wasn't sure how I felt. The story could have taken a really rapid turn into my no bueno territory. But I should have known better than to doubt the brilliance that is CD Reiss. Because she took everything I thought I knew and understood and tilted it on its axis. Mind. Blown.
Violetta made my head spin. I loved her growth as a character. I loved seeing this almost child bride who was thrust into a world of strict tradition, hard men, and harder secrets. And I loved watching her glow and the way she slowly made her way into her own. I was also beyond frustrated with the way she forgets what world she's in at times with her self-righteousness and unknowingly throw her and Santino into further danger. I wanted to slap a sense into this woman numerous times, not even going to lie.
Santino is everything I've come to love from Reiss's alphas; he's fiercely protective, borderline domineering, dominant, and with a filthy mouth you want to lick clean. Uhem. His dark secrets begin to unravel here, and when they come to light, it's enough to leave your head spinning.
The story is quick paced, and I spent the entire time waiting for the other shoe to drop. And when it did, my jaw dropped right along with it. MY GOD. That cliffhanger.
I'm desperate for book three. Absolutely desperate! If you're looking for a dark and sizzling arranged marriage mafia romance, this is going to hit spots you didn't even know you had.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I hate him for letting me love him almost as much as I hate him for loving me.
Holy. Mother. Of. Cliffhangers!!! CD Reiss, you sadist! And the below is actual footage of me at the end of this book.
Where book one was a slower paced climb, this was roller coaster plummeting from the highest high to the lowest low, with my heart in my throat from beginning to finish. After the cliffhanger at the end of Mafia Bride, I wasn't sure how I felt. The story could have taken a really rapid turn into my no bueno territory. But I should have known better than to doubt the brilliance that is CD Reiss. Because she took everything I thought I knew and understood and tilted it on its axis. Mind. Blown.
Violetta made my head spin. I loved her growth as a character. I loved seeing this almost child bride who was thrust into a world of strict tradition, hard men, and harder secrets. And I loved watching her glow and the way she slowly made her way into her own. I was also beyond frustrated with the way she forgets what world she's in at times with her self-righteousness and unknowingly throw her and Santino into further danger. I wanted to slap a sense into this woman numerous times, not even going to lie.
Santino is everything I've come to love from Reiss's alphas; he's fiercely protective, borderline domineering, dominant, and with a filthy mouth you want to lick clean. Uhem. His dark secrets begin to unravel here, and when they come to light, it's enough to leave your head spinning.
The story is quick paced, and I spent the entire time waiting for the other shoe to drop. And when it did, my jaw dropped right along with it. MY GOD. That cliffhanger.
I'm desperate for book three. Absolutely desperate! If you're looking for a dark and sizzling arranged marriage mafia romance, this is going to hit spots you didn't even know you had.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
June 29, 2021
Audio - 4 Stars overall
Story - 3 Stars
I should have left well enough alone, but my curiosity got the better of me. Admittedly, this book was better than book 1 because secrets are revealed, but there was still a lot of the blah blah blah filler.
I'm 99.9% sure I'm done with this series. I feel too indifferent towards all the key characters to care if they get a HEA or a DOA ending.
Story - 3 Stars
I should have left well enough alone, but my curiosity got the better of me. Admittedly, this book was better than book 1 because secrets are revealed, but there was still a lot of the blah blah blah filler.
I'm 99.9% sure I'm done with this series. I feel too indifferent towards all the key characters to care if they get a HEA or a DOA ending.
June 24, 2021
4.5 Rules, Traditions Be Damned Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
The Mafia is steeped in rules and traditions causing a feel of a life not of these times. I think C.D. Reiss took this overall concept and brought it to life for her readers. The norms as We know them, have almost no barring in this very controlled world.
We pick up right where we were left at the end of Mafia Bride and this arc we go through is devastating for Violetta and Santino. Their relationship, the secrets Santino holds too close, the need Violetta has to stop a practice that she was unwillingly part of, all of these factors come into play. The layering of the emotions how they come together takes us by the hand and lets us feel everything.
This is a trilogy and we know something is coming and it will catch our breath. C.D. Reiss did not hold back in her crafting. Everything worked and leaves us wanting more, almost screaming at our kindles. Job Well Done.
Mafia Bride (The DiLustro Arrangement Book 1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mafia King (DiLustro Arrangement, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mafia Queen (DiLustro Arrangement, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
June 19, 2021-Going in
May 26, 2021-Update-New Release June 15th
March 19, 2021
He Made Her His Wife...
Trial By Fire And Hand...
She Made The Connection...
She Had Made Her Choice...
Now She Hears Two Important Nuggets...
There Was A Wife Before...
Bad Enough...
But There Is A Hint...
Of A Replacement Of Her...
Never...
She Made Her Choice...
And She Will Fight To Win...
No One Stands Between Her And Him...
Mafia King (DiLustro Arrangement, #2)- May 25, 2021
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
The Mafia is steeped in rules and traditions causing a feel of a life not of these times. I think C.D. Reiss took this overall concept and brought it to life for her readers. The norms as We know them, have almost no barring in this very controlled world.
We pick up right where we were left at the end of Mafia Bride and this arc we go through is devastating for Violetta and Santino. Their relationship, the secrets Santino holds too close, the need Violetta has to stop a practice that she was unwillingly part of, all of these factors come into play. The layering of the emotions how they come together takes us by the hand and lets us feel everything.
This is a trilogy and we know something is coming and it will catch our breath. C.D. Reiss did not hold back in her crafting. Everything worked and leaves us wanting more, almost screaming at our kindles. Job Well Done.
Mafia Bride (The DiLustro Arrangement Book 1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mafia King (DiLustro Arrangement, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mafia Queen (DiLustro Arrangement, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
June 19, 2021-Going in
May 26, 2021-Update-New Release June 15th
March 19, 2021
He Made Her His Wife...
Trial By Fire And Hand...
She Made The Connection...
She Had Made Her Choice...
Now She Hears Two Important Nuggets...
There Was A Wife Before...
Bad Enough...
But There Is A Hint...
Of A Replacement Of Her...
Never...
She Made Her Choice...
And She Will Fight To Win...
No One Stands Between Her And Him...
Mafia King (DiLustro Arrangement, #2)- May 25, 2021
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 11, 2021
I missed the memo, this is a trilogy and boy did Mafia King end in a doozy. While I have my theories about what is really happening, I will have to ponder all the ways this author will continue to prove me wrong.
The cliffhanger ending from Mafia Bride was finally explained but there were still secrets left to uncover. Santino and Violetta’s relationship deepens and her hate becomes love and his fierce loyalty becomes more passionate and protective.
How will this all end is exciting to think about!! Looking forward to Mafia Queen and seeing how Violetta wears her crown.
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
The cliffhanger ending from Mafia Bride was finally explained but there were still secrets left to uncover. Santino and Violetta’s relationship deepens and her hate becomes love and his fierce loyalty becomes more passionate and protective.
How will this all end is exciting to think about!! Looking forward to Mafia Queen and seeing how Violetta wears her crown.
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
July 23, 2022
DNF
It seems 2022 is the year, I break my record of DNF.
Mafia King is just unbearable. This series started with a good start. I was hoping Miss Reiss gives some growth into Violetta character. Sadly, she did not.
Violetta is the reason I quit this series. I get it that Miss Reiss likes to write with such OTT dramatic fanfare. I just wish, she creates a kick ass heroine. Sassy, clever and strong. Not immature, whinny, naive, angry and spoil heroine.
Anyway... moving on...
2 stars
It seems 2022 is the year, I break my record of DNF.
Mafia King is just unbearable. This series started with a good start. I was hoping Miss Reiss gives some growth into Violetta character. Sadly, she did not.
Violetta is the reason I quit this series. I get it that Miss Reiss likes to write with such OTT dramatic fanfare. I just wish, she creates a kick ass heroine. Sassy, clever and strong. Not immature, whinny, naive, angry and spoil heroine.
Anyway... moving on...
2 stars
June 21, 2021
Bak yine tarih ertelenmiş, senin abv. :(
21.06.21 okuma sonrası edit:
Ay nasıl kötü kötü, nasıl özensiz…
Çok şey konuşurum kitapla ilgili ama derli toplu tek yorum yapamam. Ele alınır, dişe dokunur tek bir şey yok. Düşüncesiz, saplantılı ve pervasız davranışlar sergileyen, bilmediği ve anlamadığı kültüre ait geleneksel ritüelleri akşamdan sabaha değiştirebileceğini düşünen, güçlü(!) kadın karakter seven buyursun okusun. Sırf seks sırasında partnerine sert davrandığı için kendine ‘canavar’ etiketini yapıştıran bir erkek karakter isteyen buyursun okusun. Bol bol kadının yeri mutfaktır, sen erkek işlerine karışma minvallerinde cümleler isteyen buyursun okusun. Birbirinden lame seks sahneleri isteyen buyursun okusun. Yok ya ben sadece derli toplu bir romance okumak istiyorum diyenler buyursun başka kitaplara göz atsın.
O kadar kopuk ki her şey, bir ara Santino'nun dedesinin 2. dünya savaşı sırasında faşist öldürdüğü altıpatlar silahın hikayesini falan okudum. Olaylar 15 Temmuza bağlansaydı inanın şaşırmazdım asjkdjhfkjf
Alnından öpmelik şöyle bir yorum gördüm. Buyurun ona bakın.
21.06.21 okuma sonrası edit:
Ay nasıl kötü kötü, nasıl özensiz…
Çok şey konuşurum kitapla ilgili ama derli toplu tek yorum yapamam. Ele alınır, dişe dokunur tek bir şey yok. Düşüncesiz, saplantılı ve pervasız davranışlar sergileyen, bilmediği ve anlamadığı kültüre ait geleneksel ritüelleri akşamdan sabaha değiştirebileceğini düşünen, güçlü(!) kadın karakter seven buyursun okusun. Sırf seks sırasında partnerine sert davrandığı için kendine ‘canavar’ etiketini yapıştıran bir erkek karakter isteyen buyursun okusun. Bol bol kadının yeri mutfaktır, sen erkek işlerine karışma minvallerinde cümleler isteyen buyursun okusun. Birbirinden lame seks sahneleri isteyen buyursun okusun. Yok ya ben sadece derli toplu bir romance okumak istiyorum diyenler buyursun başka kitaplara göz atsın.
O kadar kopuk ki her şey, bir ara Santino'nun dedesinin 2. dünya savaşı sırasında faşist öldürdüğü altıpatlar silahın hikayesini falan okudum. Olaylar 15 Temmuza bağlansaydı inanın şaşırmazdım asjkdjhfkjf
Alnından öpmelik şöyle bir yorum gördüm. Buyurun ona bakın.
June 5, 2021
Holy Hell! My heart just about exploded!!! Santino DiLustro is a heightened blend of animal magnetism, incendiary lust and fucked up honor, and I am absolutely IN LOVE. He's so dirty and tender with Violetta, fighting his own passions and instincts every step of the way, willing to be consumed by his need for her.
This a motherfucking mafia book - not a generic organized crime story starring a kinky bully with a good tailor and a big gun. Reiss' world building is what makes this story resonant in a raw, blazing, soul deep way. The culture, and culture clash, is so pitch perfect. The layer upon layer of rules and secrets, lies and blind loyalty puts you on edge from the moment you step into this world. Superstition and tradition are the underpinnings of power, and Violetta's struggle to understand - and fight against - the power surrounding and suffocating her - creates a brutal crucible which transforms our lovers into something unbreakable and transcendent.
It is so rare that the bridge book of a trilogy grabs you by the throat and takes you on a thrill ride the way Mafia King does. I was on the edge of my seat, absolutely enthralled. You will be too.
#onehandedoneclick
#TopReadOf2021
This a motherfucking mafia book - not a generic organized crime story starring a kinky bully with a good tailor and a big gun. Reiss' world building is what makes this story resonant in a raw, blazing, soul deep way. The culture, and culture clash, is so pitch perfect. The layer upon layer of rules and secrets, lies and blind loyalty puts you on edge from the moment you step into this world. Superstition and tradition are the underpinnings of power, and Violetta's struggle to understand - and fight against - the power surrounding and suffocating her - creates a brutal crucible which transforms our lovers into something unbreakable and transcendent.
It is so rare that the bridge book of a trilogy grabs you by the throat and takes you on a thrill ride the way Mafia King does. I was on the edge of my seat, absolutely enthralled. You will be too.
#onehandedoneclick
#TopReadOf2021
July 10, 2021
3.5 stars
Looking forward to the third book.
Looking forward to the third book.
June 11, 2021
Hot damn! Can that be my whole review? I'll give you a bit more, but not much....
**Be forewarned that this is a trilogy and must be read in order.**
Mafia King starts off right where Mafia Bride left off. Mafia Bride was the first book and left us hanging in a major way. But let me tell you, that is NOTHING! Mafia King is filled with Santino and Violetta goodness. We are seeing their relationship grow and how they come to some understandings with their way of life. Santino is still our dark Mafia King, but then there is Violetta. She may be young, but she is giving him a run for his money. This book gives us more answers to questions we had from book one, and we get to see Violetta really grow into her new life. With those answers we get a few more questions about mafia life and the way it needs to change.
I really liked watching Violetta quickly transform into the woman of the house. She was the highlight for me. Santino will always be king and I love their explosive scenes, but watching her change into this woman? It's pretty dang magical and empowering!
But all I'll say is.... HOW CAN CD REISS LEAVE ME LIKE THIS?? I'm dying here, man!
I’ll be anxiously waiting book 3!
"Go be a king and a saint."
"And I'll bring the devil to bed tonight."
**Be forewarned that this is a trilogy and must be read in order.**
Mafia King starts off right where Mafia Bride left off. Mafia Bride was the first book and left us hanging in a major way. But let me tell you, that is NOTHING! Mafia King is filled with Santino and Violetta goodness. We are seeing their relationship grow and how they come to some understandings with their way of life. Santino is still our dark Mafia King, but then there is Violetta. She may be young, but she is giving him a run for his money. This book gives us more answers to questions we had from book one, and we get to see Violetta really grow into her new life. With those answers we get a few more questions about mafia life and the way it needs to change.
I really liked watching Violetta quickly transform into the woman of the house. She was the highlight for me. Santino will always be king and I love their explosive scenes, but watching her change into this woman? It's pretty dang magical and empowering!
But all I'll say is.... HOW CAN CD REISS LEAVE ME LIKE THIS?? I'm dying here, man!
I’ll be anxiously waiting book 3!
"Go be a king and a saint."
"And I'll bring the devil to bed tonight."
June 6, 2021
Good God! I need to lie down in a dark room to cry. Or gin. Lots of gin. And some kittens.
Jesus Christ on the one true cross, Re Santino and his blood Violet will be the death of me. Swearing and dirty sexy words sound so much sexier and dirtier in Italian #fact!
At the end of Mafia Bride I was desperate to know what the debt was. What did Violetta’s dad, Emilio do that warranted his 19 year old daughter would settle the debt? What did happen with Rosetta? Why is Santino so fucking hot and where can I find a man like him?
Questions are answered, and time is ticking like a bomb. Another marriage is arranged and it will be on Violetta’s birthday. Plans are put in place. Trying to breathe is futile. Breathing is for losers. You can’t stop the clock from ticking.
Gulp! CD Reiss, you’re killing me.
The words of a goddess:
“Old sins have long shadows.”
“Violetta is like the ocean’s shifting waves. She is the stars dancing around the moon.”
Jesus Christ on the one true cross, Re Santino and his blood Violet will be the death of me. Swearing and dirty sexy words sound so much sexier and dirtier in Italian #fact!
At the end of Mafia Bride I was desperate to know what the debt was. What did Violetta’s dad, Emilio do that warranted his 19 year old daughter would settle the debt? What did happen with Rosetta? Why is Santino so fucking hot and where can I find a man like him?
Questions are answered, and time is ticking like a bomb. Another marriage is arranged and it will be on Violetta’s birthday. Plans are put in place. Trying to breathe is futile. Breathing is for losers. You can’t stop the clock from ticking.
Gulp! CD Reiss, you’re killing me.
The words of a goddess:
“Old sins have long shadows.”
“Violetta is like the ocean’s shifting waves. She is the stars dancing around the moon.”
June 21, 2021
Book 1
I loved Mafia Bride, book 1 in this 3 part saga.
Mafia Bride …was about an arranged marriage of an Italian/ Americanised girl to an older Italian Mafia suitor.
It was deliciously slow burning and it lit up at the end to a scorching fire and took us into Mafia King.
But I’m definitely a little disappointed with Mafia King to be honest.
It focuses on mainly Violetta coming to terms that she wasn’t his first choice.
Then finding out there is to be another arranged marriage within the Mafia Italian families.
This time cousin Gia is to be married off.
I found this part of the story very distracting from Santino and Violetta’s relationship. It also took up most of the book.
Santino …. well
what can I say, he definitely kept my interest. He is one hundred percent a hot Italian lover.
Violetta his wife shows her immaturity being that much younger, with her demands on Santino.
Her hate / love for Santino comes and goes but they reach a place where their relationship can hopefully develop.
This book was very slow in parts and all the old traditional mafia Italian life was probably the reason why. Beautiful as it was, it gave the book an old fashioned feel to it and I became slightly detached by it all.
It ends with another cliffhanger to take us into Mafia Queen.
Yes I’ll continue with it, mainly to get a little more of Santino.
I loved Mafia Bride, book 1 in this 3 part saga.
Mafia Bride …was about an arranged marriage of an Italian/ Americanised girl to an older Italian Mafia suitor.
It was deliciously slow burning and it lit up at the end to a scorching fire and took us into Mafia King.
But I’m definitely a little disappointed with Mafia King to be honest.
It focuses on mainly Violetta coming to terms that she wasn’t his first choice.
Then finding out there is to be another arranged marriage within the Mafia Italian families.
This time cousin Gia is to be married off.
I found this part of the story very distracting from Santino and Violetta’s relationship. It also took up most of the book.
Santino …. well
what can I say, he definitely kept my interest. He is one hundred percent a hot Italian lover.
Violetta his wife shows her immaturity being that much younger, with her demands on Santino.
Her hate / love for Santino comes and goes but they reach a place where their relationship can hopefully develop.
This book was very slow in parts and all the old traditional mafia Italian life was probably the reason why. Beautiful as it was, it gave the book an old fashioned feel to it and I became slightly detached by it all.
It ends with another cliffhanger to take us into Mafia Queen.
Yes I’ll continue with it, mainly to get a little more of Santino.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
After the shocking ending of book 1 in The Dilustro Arrangement Series i wasn't sure what to expect.
Violetta is everything in a lead female, proud, determined and strong - she doesn't take shit of ANYONE.
Santino is her perfect partner and they bounce of each other so well, C.D.Reiss wrote my dream characters.
Violetta and Santino battle of the wills against each other most of the book.
But the attraction between the two is off the charts and the spice scenes where explosive.
Fighting old traditions and enemies.
A great plot, i devoured this book in less then a day.
A brilliant Mafia romance read.
Violetta is everything in a lead female, proud, determined and strong - she doesn't take shit of ANYONE.
Santino is her perfect partner and they bounce of each other so well, C.D.Reiss wrote my dream characters.
Violetta and Santino battle of the wills against each other most of the book.
But the attraction between the two is off the charts and the spice scenes where explosive.
Fighting old traditions and enemies.
A great plot, i devoured this book in less then a day.
A brilliant Mafia romance read.
June 15, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Misogyny is synonymous with mafia romance. As readers of it, we lie to ourselves, renaming a mafia hero an "alpha-hole" or "anti-hero" to cover our discomfort, accepting and entreating him for more alpha-esque behavior because we deem it "hot."
Let's be real about CD Reiss's Mafia Bride, the first book of Reiss’s mafia trilogy. It's a captivity narrative, one where the hero is already entranced with the heroine. But it's love from forced proximity. And it should make readers uncomfortable, but under Reiss's deft hand, it titillates and excites more than it does anything else because the promise of the antihero's redemption through love is a siren's call to a romance reader's heart.
CD Reiss’s Mafia King is a cavalcade of emotions. With the cliffhanger of Mafia Bride, you enter Reiss’s newest story with trepidation. The feelings professed by Reiss's Santino late in Mafia Bride now seem disingenuous, and Violetta's heart has been broken, so you tiptoe into Mafia King with a hand over your eyes simultaneously peeking through your fingers. Reiss has invested you in Santino and Violetta's journey.
But Mafia King shows us the depth of Violetta's character. That misogyny I speak of at the beginning of this review is interrogated in Mafia King. The discomfort we've felt reading mafia romance is placed under a microscope and Reiss weaves her magic in pointing to problems while trying to find a solution.
This book is more $ex, more drama, and more story but it is still far from the end. In fact, Reiss leaves her readers with a bigger cliffie than the first book. But the true gem of this book is Violetta's persistence and power. The kingly status of Santino from the first book is now eclipsed with the burgeoning stately queenliness of Violetta.
With the turn of the final page of Mafia King, I groaned in agony. I hope I survive until later in the year when Mafia Queen is released because CD Reiss seriously left her readers hanging by our fingernails with her newest book.
Misogyny is synonymous with mafia romance. As readers of it, we lie to ourselves, renaming a mafia hero an "alpha-hole" or "anti-hero" to cover our discomfort, accepting and entreating him for more alpha-esque behavior because we deem it "hot."
Let's be real about CD Reiss's Mafia Bride, the first book of Reiss’s mafia trilogy. It's a captivity narrative, one where the hero is already entranced with the heroine. But it's love from forced proximity. And it should make readers uncomfortable, but under Reiss's deft hand, it titillates and excites more than it does anything else because the promise of the antihero's redemption through love is a siren's call to a romance reader's heart.
CD Reiss’s Mafia King is a cavalcade of emotions. With the cliffhanger of Mafia Bride, you enter Reiss’s newest story with trepidation. The feelings professed by Reiss's Santino late in Mafia Bride now seem disingenuous, and Violetta's heart has been broken, so you tiptoe into Mafia King with a hand over your eyes simultaneously peeking through your fingers. Reiss has invested you in Santino and Violetta's journey.
But Mafia King shows us the depth of Violetta's character. That misogyny I speak of at the beginning of this review is interrogated in Mafia King. The discomfort we've felt reading mafia romance is placed under a microscope and Reiss weaves her magic in pointing to problems while trying to find a solution.
This book is more $ex, more drama, and more story but it is still far from the end. In fact, Reiss leaves her readers with a bigger cliffie than the first book. But the true gem of this book is Violetta's persistence and power. The kingly status of Santino from the first book is now eclipsed with the burgeoning stately queenliness of Violetta.
With the turn of the final page of Mafia King, I groaned in agony. I hope I survive until later in the year when Mafia Queen is released because CD Reiss seriously left her readers hanging by our fingernails with her newest book.
October 17, 2021
3.5 stars. Not quite as boring as the first book and the ending did surprise me. Now lets see if Violetta can stop coming off as a spoiled brat.
June 18, 2021
Mann these cliffhangers are brutal 😭
January 13, 2025
The biggest part of my review is in Book 1. This is just some notes on this book.
CD Reiss does have a beautiful way of writing. There are some lines here that I really loved. Sadly, annoying Violetta, repetition, silly fights, and the odd plot kill it for me. The sex is really good in this one, though.
VIOLETTA: She spends this entire book bitching about the arranged marriages thing. I get it, it should be stopped; however, she expects it to be done at the snap of her fingers. Santi tries to explain to her how the mafia works and that there are bigger groups out there that will bring war to them if he tries to do this too quickly. She doesn't listen to anything he says. Of course, she does end up causing a war. Here are some of her annoying moments.
"What am I supposed to do?" Santino yells over the traffic. He extends his palms. "I can’t unmarry you."
"Yes, you can," I yell back. The words come out so violently, they break past generations of marital tenacity. "You know it’s not right. Prove it. Prove you could have me without forcing me."
Through the rage-induced hazy tint of crimson, I spot the little plaster shrine to the Virgin Mary and the vase of roses...... Santino has nothing, because I rush past him and through the gate to step on the flowers, squashing the hard buds underfoot
"We should go inside."
"No." She crosses her arms. "It’s been a terrible night..."
"Do not get in that car."
"Why not?"
"Because I don’t like it and I don’t trust it," I whisper to Violetta.
"That’s it?"
"What else do you need?"
"I can talk to him. Apologize for last night. Try some diplomacy."
"No! You stay. Put Armando on."
"This is you being controlling and bossy!"
"This is me protecting the only thing I love in this world," I snarl.
Lines that I loved:
He laughs, full and rich. Parts of my heart sell themselves to him, and he buys in bulk.
Violetta is like the ocean’s shifting waves. She is the stars dancing around the moon.
I was destined to spend my days looking Death in the face, and I was always destined to love Violetta. When weighed against love, death is light as a feather.
Funniest thing in the book:
"That cologne stinks like a fresh asshole."
CD Reiss does have a beautiful way of writing. There are some lines here that I really loved. Sadly, annoying Violetta, repetition, silly fights, and the odd plot kill it for me. The sex is really good in this one, though.
VIOLETTA: She spends this entire book bitching about the arranged marriages thing. I get it, it should be stopped; however, she expects it to be done at the snap of her fingers. Santi tries to explain to her how the mafia works and that there are bigger groups out there that will bring war to them if he tries to do this too quickly. She doesn't listen to anything he says. Of course, she does end up causing a war. Here are some of her annoying moments.
"What am I supposed to do?" Santino yells over the traffic. He extends his palms. "I can’t unmarry you."
"Yes, you can," I yell back. The words come out so violently, they break past generations of marital tenacity. "You know it’s not right. Prove it. Prove you could have me without forcing me."
Through the rage-induced hazy tint of crimson, I spot the little plaster shrine to the Virgin Mary and the vase of roses...... Santino has nothing, because I rush past him and through the gate to step on the flowers, squashing the hard buds underfoot
"We should go inside."
"No." She crosses her arms. "It’s been a terrible night..."
"Do not get in that car."
"Why not?"
"Because I don’t like it and I don’t trust it," I whisper to Violetta.
"That’s it?"
"What else do you need?"
"I can talk to him. Apologize for last night. Try some diplomacy."
"No! You stay. Put Armando on."
"This is you being controlling and bossy!"
"This is me protecting the only thing I love in this world," I snarl.
Lines that I loved:
He laughs, full and rich. Parts of my heart sell themselves to him, and he buys in bulk.
Violetta is like the ocean’s shifting waves. She is the stars dancing around the moon.
I was destined to spend my days looking Death in the face, and I was always destined to love Violetta. When weighed against love, death is light as a feather.
Funniest thing in the book:
"That cologne stinks like a fresh asshole."
October 27, 2021
5 "I cannot stop her from setting my life on fire." Stars
THIS. This one right here. Mafia King, to me, showcases the bread of butter of C.D. Reiss storytelling. It proves her prowess, intellect, and honesty of darkly erotic story telling. It's the kind of storytelling that C.D. Reiss had me hooked on many years ago.
I really enjoyed the first book of this DiLustro Arrangement series. I rated it 4 stars because I did have a couple minor things and the pacing was slow until almost the end when it just wasn't. The way it ended I couldn't wait for book two and so glad I didn't. The pacing here is perfect for me.
The story is rich in dark, twisted history. The romance is also dark but scorching hot. The whole thing is meaningful & thoughtful, and non-stop not only in terms of action but in the emotional and mental growth too.
I find the ongoing plot and the plight of Violetta Moretti DiLustro to be quite profound in terms of power, feminism, and the true gravity of what it means to be a partner. She's a warrior for everyone even though it's set in a fictionalized world, what she stands for is moving. Who she is, her age and where she "should be" versus where she is, and what she stands for - it's all just so good. All the while accepting the truth and love of something you wanted to rebel against and hate. There's true vulnerability (for both mains) in this story but from that also grows great strength and integrity to find the will to create a destiny you desire.
And Santino DiLustro, well come on, a tortured yet whole, doting yet stern, forgiving yet understanding C.D. Reiss hero with a penchant for tender violence? Give. Him. To. Me.
5 stars. I loved it. And I can't wait to see how it all unfolds in book three.
NOTE: This is a trilogy. You absolutely cannot read the second without having read the first.
THIS. This one right here. Mafia King, to me, showcases the bread of butter of C.D. Reiss storytelling. It proves her prowess, intellect, and honesty of darkly erotic story telling. It's the kind of storytelling that C.D. Reiss had me hooked on many years ago.
I really enjoyed the first book of this DiLustro Arrangement series. I rated it 4 stars because I did have a couple minor things and the pacing was slow until almost the end when it just wasn't. The way it ended I couldn't wait for book two and so glad I didn't. The pacing here is perfect for me.
The story is rich in dark, twisted history. The romance is also dark but scorching hot. The whole thing is meaningful & thoughtful, and non-stop not only in terms of action but in the emotional and mental growth too.
I find the ongoing plot and the plight of Violetta Moretti DiLustro to be quite profound in terms of power, feminism, and the true gravity of what it means to be a partner. She's a warrior for everyone even though it's set in a fictionalized world, what she stands for is moving. Who she is, her age and where she "should be" versus where she is, and what she stands for - it's all just so good. All the while accepting the truth and love of something you wanted to rebel against and hate. There's true vulnerability (for both mains) in this story but from that also grows great strength and integrity to find the will to create a destiny you desire.
And Santino DiLustro, well come on, a tortured yet whole, doting yet stern, forgiving yet understanding C.D. Reiss hero with a penchant for tender violence? Give. Him. To. Me.
5 stars. I loved it. And I can't wait to see how it all unfolds in book three.
NOTE: This is a trilogy. You absolutely cannot read the second without having read the first.
October 3, 2021
Back into the drama of Santino and Violetta, and while I still didn’t quite flove this as much as I wanted, I did enjoy it far more than book 1. True to the title- MAFIA KING- I feel like we’re finally getting more of Santino and his story. We see some real and promising depth finally with Santino, some secrets come to light,and it feels like the plot is moving more steadily. The age gap dynamic continues to be yummy, though I lost some esteem for Violetta in this story. I love a soft, naive heroine, but I don’t love when a heroine is so petulant or naive that they consistently make moves out of stubbornness that put everyone or themselves at risk- and it sometimes just feels like a cheap plot device to create tension- when we already have plenty of it. The chemistry felt a bit more stable here, and I’m excited to check out book 3.
August 16, 2025
This book was goodd! I loved them both altho it got repetetive towards the end
October 20, 2021
the second installment in this series was a tad bit flat for me, since the somewhat "angsty" ending in the first book, I just expected something, I dunno, bigger...some big revelation and explanation BUT it all ended up being just a slip up in the timeline...since the main characters have also bigger age gap between them, BUT that didn't stop Santino to work his way up (through mobster promises and obligaitons *roll eyes*) until the "right" woman came to her legal age, so he can finally have her and fulfilled his promise...
Gah, too much of this, just makes it more, blah...
And yeah, Violetta comes to terms with her situation and decides to take what she can and wants put of it, so good for you girl!!!
Gah, too much of this, just makes it more, blah...
And yeah, Violetta comes to terms with her situation and decides to take what she can and wants put of it, so good for you girl!!!
January 16, 2022
Nothing worse to read than a weak ass female.
Let's take the heroine for example.. wishy washy at it's finest.
"I love you", "I don't love you"
Then she wants to follow traditions, cook and clean for her man, but oh no she is independent and no one can tell her anything.
She has been playing the victim for too long.. grow a pair.
Let's take the heroine for example.. wishy washy at it's finest.
"I love you", "I don't love you"
Then she wants to follow traditions, cook and clean for her man, but oh no she is independent and no one can tell her anything.
She has been playing the victim for too long.. grow a pair.
June 28, 2021
Santino is my king. My lover. My husband. He’s the head of the Cavallo crime family and the moment he choked my vows from me, my life was bound to his. Book 2 in this series was amazing, the story line is intense and addictive, Santino is sexy and hot, the sex is rough but steamy, all over I loved this book. Only downside for me was that I am amazed his wife wasn't knocked off at some stage from being so annoying. She has been smart enough to work things out so far and yet she does not realize that the trouble she keeps causing is going to get both her and Santino killed WTF? Hate cliffhangers, but I am so waiting for the next installment.
June 16, 2021
Mafia King by C.D. Reiss is book two in the DiLustro Arrangement. It is a dark, age-gap, arranged marriage, mafia romance. After the jaw-dropping revelation at the end of book 1, things between Violetta and Santi are rocky as she struggles to accept the changes in her life. Violetta is a strong woman, and she wants to change the old ways, the traditions that force women to forcibly marry a stranger.
Santi and Violetta’s love for each other is deep and Violetta goes from hating her husband to loving him. Santi who has to watch his back finally has someone to trust wholeheartedly, his wife and the love of his life. We learn more about Santi’s past as it plays a major role in the reason for Santi and Violetta’s arranged marriage and I was not expecting some of the things that were revealed. I loved these two and the way their relationship has developed, especially in this book. They had such perfect moments and their love for each other shows in the way they would do anything to protect each other.
The TWISTS though, MY GOD. C.D. Reiss has developed a tale woven so thick I was completely blindsided at the end. Thrown for a whirlwind with that cliffhanger and I need the conclusion to this trilogy ASAP! Everything leading up to the cliffhanger of this book suggests things will work out the way Santi and Violetta want and I was expecting something small.
Mafia King is a roller coaster of emotions, and I was engaged from the beginning. I absolutely LOVE the individual growth of both Violetta and Santi and I can’t wait to see what twists and turns are in store for them in Mafia Queen.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Santi and Violetta’s love for each other is deep and Violetta goes from hating her husband to loving him. Santi who has to watch his back finally has someone to trust wholeheartedly, his wife and the love of his life. We learn more about Santi’s past as it plays a major role in the reason for Santi and Violetta’s arranged marriage and I was not expecting some of the things that were revealed. I loved these two and the way their relationship has developed, especially in this book. They had such perfect moments and their love for each other shows in the way they would do anything to protect each other.
The TWISTS though, MY GOD. C.D. Reiss has developed a tale woven so thick I was completely blindsided at the end. Thrown for a whirlwind with that cliffhanger and I need the conclusion to this trilogy ASAP! Everything leading up to the cliffhanger of this book suggests things will work out the way Santi and Violetta want and I was expecting something small.
Mafia King is a roller coaster of emotions, and I was engaged from the beginning. I absolutely LOVE the individual growth of both Violetta and Santi and I can’t wait to see what twists and turns are in store for them in Mafia Queen.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 19, 2021
Mafia King is the second story in the DiLustro Arrangement trilogy, so it will end in a cliffhanger. This one starts right up where the last (Mafia Bride) ended. Which was a bombshell in of itself. Violetta learned some secrets about Santino and his past that he really didn't want her to know about (yet) or maybe never.
Now Santino has to deal with a wife that is horribly pissed off at him, and the rest of the mafia that wants to take Violetta away from him so that he will never get what is due to him now that they are married.
Violetta will have to try to get over all the secrets that are in her marriage and the concept of marriage for debt release. The old ways are not something that Violetta is happy with and she wants to change them. But to do so could start a war.
For the second book in a trilogy, they can be iffy, but CD did a wonderful job keeping the characters engaged, the story going, and us guessing. The ending is nail-biting and I am excited about the next book!
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Now Santino has to deal with a wife that is horribly pissed off at him, and the rest of the mafia that wants to take Violetta away from him so that he will never get what is due to him now that they are married.
Violetta will have to try to get over all the secrets that are in her marriage and the concept of marriage for debt release. The old ways are not something that Violetta is happy with and she wants to change them. But to do so could start a war.
For the second book in a trilogy, they can be iffy, but CD did a wonderful job keeping the characters engaged, the story going, and us guessing. The ending is nail-biting and I am excited about the next book!
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June 9, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Santino is my king. My lover. My husband. He's the head of the Cavallo crime family and the moment he choked my vows from me, my life was bound to his. I'm done fighting my fate, until I hear two rumors, and I'm shaken to the core. One rumor about the past-that I wasn't the first bride Santino took. Another about the future-a new bride is about to be taken. Changing the old ways is like dousing the flames of hell with tears. But I married the devil himself, and when I vowed to obey, I lied.
This is the second book of the DiLustro Arrangement. You have to read Mafia Bride before you read Mafia King or you are going to be lost. This book picks up right where Mafia Bride left off and this one is going to leave you gasping at the very end. My heart is still going about three hundred fifty miles an hour. Your also going to fall more in love with Santino DiLustro. I loved getting to see the softer side of him at times and I also love the guy who is the ruler who has married a girl he vowed to protect but there is about to be another man that comes along that used to be his best friend and wants what Santino has. I loved that we got to see the past and learn a lot more about how it came to be that he is with Violetta and about her sister and much more about her father too. Violetta is growing into a wife and she is fighting her feelings for Santino every step of the way at times. This book is going to have you swooning one minute and one the edge of your seat. I loved every single second of it but I am wondering how I survived that ending. You guys do not want to miss this book. If you love Mafia books then this one is a must read. You have everything and so much more that you look for in a mafia book and I so can not wait to get the third one in my hands.
Santino is my king. My lover. My husband. He's the head of the Cavallo crime family and the moment he choked my vows from me, my life was bound to his. I'm done fighting my fate, until I hear two rumors, and I'm shaken to the core. One rumor about the past-that I wasn't the first bride Santino took. Another about the future-a new bride is about to be taken. Changing the old ways is like dousing the flames of hell with tears. But I married the devil himself, and when I vowed to obey, I lied.
This is the second book of the DiLustro Arrangement. You have to read Mafia Bride before you read Mafia King or you are going to be lost. This book picks up right where Mafia Bride left off and this one is going to leave you gasping at the very end. My heart is still going about three hundred fifty miles an hour. Your also going to fall more in love with Santino DiLustro. I loved getting to see the softer side of him at times and I also love the guy who is the ruler who has married a girl he vowed to protect but there is about to be another man that comes along that used to be his best friend and wants what Santino has. I loved that we got to see the past and learn a lot more about how it came to be that he is with Violetta and about her sister and much more about her father too. Violetta is growing into a wife and she is fighting her feelings for Santino every step of the way at times. This book is going to have you swooning one minute and one the edge of your seat. I loved every single second of it but I am wondering how I survived that ending. You guys do not want to miss this book. If you love Mafia books then this one is a must read. You have everything and so much more that you look for in a mafia book and I so can not wait to get the third one in my hands.
June 23, 2021
DNF @50%.
Being Sold on zon as a 2 parter but it seems to be a trilogy.
Being Sold on zon as a 2 parter but it seems to be a trilogy.
February 23, 2024
4.5 stars
Lets just say this is why I avoid reading series that aren't fully released!!!
This book was soooooo good!!!
Ngl at the start I was very annoyed but that's generally the case with me when the book before is left on a cliffhanger I don't like - I mean I loved it but hated it at the same time. I loved the whole mystery and "all is not as it seems" vibe at the start. I loved how all of the clues from the first book came together in this book and everything is revealed. Well sort of, otherwise there wouldn't be another book.
Violetta, my girl, I loved her even more in this book. I also loved the other characters in this book, especially Gia. (If she doesn't get a happy ending, I want a spin off just for her.) The characters were so well written to be important parts of the story without taking away from Violetta or Santino.
Again, the writing was fucking amazing. I read this in one sitting!!
I am so annoyed I have to wait for the next book because the ending of this book was very dramatic!
This is my first series by this author and I will be finding more to read!!!
Lets just say this is why I avoid reading series that aren't fully released!!!
This book was soooooo good!!!
Ngl at the start I was very annoyed but that's generally the case with me when the book before is left on a cliffhanger I don't like - I mean I loved it but hated it at the same time. I loved the whole mystery and "all is not as it seems" vibe at the start. I loved how all of the clues from the first book came together in this book and everything is revealed. Well sort of, otherwise there wouldn't be another book.
Violetta, my girl, I loved her even more in this book. I also loved the other characters in this book, especially Gia. (If she doesn't get a happy ending, I want a spin off just for her.) The characters were so well written to be important parts of the story without taking away from Violetta or Santino.
Again, the writing was fucking amazing. I read this in one sitting!!
I am so annoyed I have to wait for the next book because the ending of this book was very dramatic!
This is my first series by this author and I will be finding more to read!!!
September 25, 2021
Violetta is one of the most annoying, stupid and immature characters I have ever read. She was so dumb that I won't even bother reading the rest of the series
Is it me or does the romance genre have a lot of douchecanoe female leads?
Is it me or does the romance genre have a lot of douchecanoe female leads?
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