Rule

The Larussio Legacy #1

by Via Mari

Katarina Larussio Prestian, left to fulfill her father’s dream after a mafia hit leaves him incapacitated, must first overcome her Italian family’s opposition. It will not be easy. They do not trust her, they have traditions, and they have rules!

Chase Prestian, one of the wealthiest men in the world, has vowed to protect his wife and submissive, but can he allow Katarina the freedom she needs to fight for her father’s legacy after everything he has learned about the Italian don and Katarina’s cousin, Giovanni?

Serena Moretti has lived her life in fear of the Larussios, but when she finds herself in Giovanni Larussio’s employ, the racing of her blood is all consuming, hot and molten. Will she be strong enough to resist the desire coursing through her veins or succumb to the man that has cost her and her family absolutely everything?

Giovanni Larussio, next in line as the Italian don, finds himself caught between mafia family interests and conflicts, personal obligations, and the longing that surges through him every time Serena is near. Will he be able to balance the complexity of his responsibilities and deal with his own personal convictions and desires when he learns the family’s darkest secrets and must take charge to bring order to the family?

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1)
By: Via Mari
5 out of 5 stars

The story Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari is a romantic/suspense book. It is a story that pulls you in from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the final page. I loved reading about the characters of Katarina and Chase. These two have an undeniable love for each other. There are romantic scenes between them that make the temperature in the room rise. You can feel the passion and desire that these two have for one another. Katarina finds herself trying to fulfill her father’s dream. She first will have to get her Italian family’s trust and agreement. Chase will do anything and spare no expense to keep Katarina safe and protected. What does the future hold for Katarina and Chase? Read this book to find out. This story also includes the characters of Serena and Giovanni. He finds a strong attraction to her. She holds a secret. He will protect Serena. Will they find themselves together? This book has danger, secrets, as well as twists and turns. Don’t miss out on the first book in this series. You will not be disappointed.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Larussio Legacy and their coming into the 21st century is complex, suspenseful, and dangerous. Serena and Gio, and Sheldon and Alexis will have some interesting stories. Katarina and Chase are coming into some excitement. I'm anxious for the next book in what will be an epic series.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Via upped her game and hit this one out of the park! It's an intense, suspenseful, intriguing story that hooked me from the first page until the last. The storyline is amazing and the writing is fantastic and I can't wait for the next book!

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Loved Chase and Kate
Loved Gio and Serena
Had me on the edge
Intense emotional broken heart stopping love story
Ready for more

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book! Love meeting new characters and seeing the characters from the other series are also in this book. Absolutely cant wait for the next book!

[Debbie Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding book by Via Mari. This just moved up to my favorite book by this author!! I absolutely love how she puts other characters from previous books in her new books. After you read her books you are so attached to the characters, they stay on your mind after you close the last page. And I loved hearing about these characters.

This is about the Larussio's and the Prestian's. The Larussio's are Katarina's family, she is married to Chase Prestian When her dad is left severly injured from a mob hit, Katarina has to take over his dream of the Vegas Casino.

Then we meet Giovanni Larussio and Serena. Wow these two are amazing characters. She was raised to fear the Larussio family. But when these two meet ,the Sparks are flying!!! I'm surprised the page didn't melt, it was so hot!!!

This is just an amazing book. If you like heat, drama, suspense, action and some sexy as heck bad boys....not to mention billionaires. This book is for you!!!

The sexy scenes can melt the pages. You will not be able to put this book down! A definite must read!!

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule by Via Mari a five-star read that will surprise you. This is the first story in the Larussio Legacy series and shows us what a great series we are in store for. Via Mari does it again and writes a great story that will never let you go, bringing passion and action to the story, bringing the suspense and drama, showing us a different side on every page, keeping it cool enough that it’s not so done that you can’t keep up, but hot enough to melt. If you have read any of the previous stories then you will see some familiar faces popping up, but also some new ones that will keep you on your toes.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite authors. I know that I am in for a steamy, suspenseful story that I won’t be able to put down. This one is no different. This story is in POV of four characters which made the story engaging. In this story Katrinia and Chase goes up against family to take over her father’s dream. I loved seeing Katrinia showing us how strong she really is. There is steam, action and suspense that left me turning pages fast. This is a must read and I highly recommend reading the previous books by this author.

[Bonnie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and can't wait for the next book!

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari

5 +++++++ Stars

I’m in shock...seriously...how can an author (an absolute favorite author) keep starting new series that feel like the other series involving the same people as well as some new ones and make them feel completely fresh each time? I’m going to be completely honest and say that of course there was no doubt I was going to read this because I mean..it’s Via Mari, but I was so worried that it would feel overdone maybe? Like maybe a brand new series would have been better? I feel completely stupid after finishing this…I almost feel like I should send an apology to this author for not trusting her.

Katarina and Chase will forever be one of my favorite book couples, I already knew that but this story just reinforced that… I can’t emphasize enough how much I loved being back with them. They have my heart and I loved how her strength shined through in this story and that she hasn’t lost that while in the complete and utter fog of protection and love given to her by Chase...sigh….

I loved the two stories going on in this book..two stories that actually on one hand were one yet on the other completely separate. This is where Gio and Serena come in...there was so much to their story...Serena fearing Gio’s Larussio family for good reason doing everything possible to protect Nonna and holding on to secrets from even her own family, but when Gio decides he will have Serena as his own vowing to protect and care for her can Serena trust this man that she has feared and suffered because of for so many years?

Someone tried to kill Carlos, the head of the Larussio family who happens to be Katarina’s father and Gio’s favorite uncle..these two finally meet as Carlos has made it very clear that all the plans he had and has for the family are to be carried out by these two cousins who have never met. Katarina meets a family that is hers by blood, while Gio meets a cousin he has never been sure even shares his blood..how this all plays out makes for an amazing story that had me reading non stop and my head throbbing because I couldn’t read fast enough, then just looking down shaking my head because it was over….when I say i didn’t want this book to end I’m saying it with complete sincerity..so many times I felt like I had transported in to this world this author created and I wasn’t ready for it to be over. This could be at this point my favorite in them all, take my advice and pick up all of the books that are involved in these series...definitely worth every penny, and I can’t wait to reread everything!

Now I wait for Rise...so many unanswered questions I need answers to, a looming drs appt, who is behind it all, what happened to the brothers, Antonio?, how is Nonna, Sheldon and Alexis? (fell in love with these two) and does Gaby get her bigger kitchen???

~~ sigh ~~

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule is the first book in The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari. I have read several books by this author and have loved every single one of them. I hang my head in shame to say that I haven’t read the Prestian Affair series yet, where we get Chase and Katarina’s story. This is a fact that I must remedy ASAP.
There are several interlinked stories going on in this book and it is written from several points of view. The author used this to drive me nuts lol. As when one chapter left you hanging, the next chapter was from another POV and you had to wait to find out what happened next. To be fair, this is a great tactic from the author to keep you gripped to the story and it worked so well. So well, that I was tearing my hair out.
In this book Katarina is up against the rest of the Larussio family. Her father has been badly injured in a hit and run and has left Katarina and her cousin Giovanni in charge of fulfilling his dreams, dreams which the family in Italy are against and it is Katarina’s job to convince them otherwise.
In a second storyline we get to delve deeper into cousin Giovanni. Gio himself has branched out from the family business and has made himself a very wealthy man. During a flight on a private jet he meets the beautiful Serena and is smitten immediately. However, to Serena, and member of the Larussio family is the enemy and she wants nothing to do with him, even though her body is telling her otherwise.
There is also the hint of a 3rd storyline starting and that is between Sheldon (a member of the Prestian security team) and Alexis who is Katarina’s stylist. I’m pretty sure there is a story here that may just make it’s way into a Billionaire’s Bodyguards book. Please, please please!!
This book was amazing. It will have you on the edge of your seat with the danger and intrigue and at other time you will be fanning yourself with the steamy, hot sex scenes that Via Mari writes to perfection. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari is another great story that is part of the original story of one of the most powerful families in the world. It can be read as a standalone but as a lot of the main characters are from the original Prestian series, I would go back to the beginning so you have a much better idea where it all started. Trust me they are just as good. I love that the original characters share an active part of each of the series. I love the worlds she has created and the new characters fit in perfectly. What can I say, I love her work.

Katarina Prestian is now in charge along with her cousin Giovanni Larussio's of making her father’s wishes come true. But there is only one thing standing in her way and threat is the rest of the Larussio family. That should be easy right? But not when the family is the Italian Mob. Can Chase and his team keep her safe and carry out her father’s dream?

Giovanni Larussio doesn’t know Katarina from Adam and doesn’t know what to expect but rest assured everything he does is for the family and nothing will get in the way of that. However, an unexpected beauty now fills his thoughts but she wants nothing to do with him and his family after what they have put her through. Can Giovanni help Katarina fulfil his uncle’s dream without upsetting the family? Can he find out the problem that is standing in his way of love and keep them all safe?

This is a definite addition to your TBR book list. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in any of the series from Via but I look forward to seeing where she goes with Sheldon and Alexis. I think it will be explosive. I just can’t get enough of any of these amazing and sexy characters.

[Kayla Interdonato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Via Mari does a wonderful job telling the story in Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) through the eyes of 4 individual people. Though some of them are connected, like Katarina is married to Chase and is a cousin to Giovanni, and Giovanni is interested in Serena, I think the author did a magnificent job being able to blend each person’s story to make one cohesive story. Most stories I read have two characters that may go back and forth telling the story, but I have not read many 4 main character stories and I am amazed she was able to keep everything straight and flowing so well. I definitely will be looking into more books by this author.

This story has an interesting blend of a mob family, which can have its own mysteries and suspense intertwined into it, and romance. I was thoroughly intrigued to read the workings of a mob family and thought the author did a great job showing the differences between the American family and the Italian family. Katarina and Chase balanced themselves quite well. The submissive/dominant partnership they shared was romantic, as Chase wanted nothing to do but protect his wife in any aspect of their life, but then steamy at times as well. Then the “relationship” between Gio and Serena kept me wanting more, as every time Serena would turn down Gio, which was unheard of for him, it just fueled his want for her even more. But the mystery behind why Serena hates his family so much makes for an interesting conflict throughout the story.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another blockbuster in a continuing saga of powerful families learning of new family, new situations and new conflicts. This is the story with not just Katarina and Chase, but getting to meet the other side of her family that she didn't know that she had, and that due to her father's health at risk Katarina with the help of her husband, Chase they are getting to know The Larussio family.
In comes Giovanni, her cousin who is to work with Katarina in making sure her father's dream for the future of the Larussio family becomes through. Meanwhile Giovanni who is leary of accepting Katarina, meets Serena Morelli , who was raised to fear anything and anyone from the Larussio family when they meet sparks start flying.
Then in the background, you have tiny sparks sputtering with Sheldon and Alexis(Katarina's hairstylist). So many twists and turns in this book to determine who will be the ones running the Larussio family in the end, who is out to end them, is the family of Prestian and Larussio about to start a new era, and what delights does Via have for us...can't wait to keep reading these wonderful books...

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule
The Larussio Legacy
Book 1
By Via Mari
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is a full length novel. In it you will find romance as well as suspense.
Not for those under 18, due to adult content.

Katarina Larussio Prestian and Chase Prestian are at it again. Them against the Mafia. Katarina's father has been in an accident, and his health is what has brought out his Will. Now Katarina and her cousin Giovanni Larussio must get through to both families.Can these two families follow the rules? As well as satisfying the context in said Will? What a stressful, suspenseful, romantic story. There is so much I could say about this book. But I will not send out spoilers. Just believe it is one you will not want to miss.

Having followed this series, Via Mari has written another smash hit. After all of her books in the series, I say, "This is my favorite." I have been wrong, as this is my favorite! Via Mari brings her characters back to life. I enjoy when she brings some of her characters back to help out where needed. She keeps her stories fresh and new. Take a chance on Via Mari, you will not be disappointed.

[Krystal Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari
4 out of 5 Stars
What a fantastic way to start a new series. Via Mari never ceases to amaze me with both her quality of writing and her development of characters. This book brings in characters from her previous books. While not a necessity, I would recommend reading Via Mari’s previous works to know more about the family and the dynamic behind it.
Rule is a romantic/suspense novel that follows the characters of Katarina and Chase. The love these two have for each other is tangible. You can feel how hot they are for each other from the pages of the book, (or kindle).
Katarina is caught with wanting to make her Italian father proud, while at the same time, honoring the wishes of her husband. She has to try to get her family to trust and agree that she knows what is best with the family business.
Chase will do everything in his power to ensure Katarina’s protection, even risking the wrath of her mob family.
The drama that ensures with both Katarina and Chase and then the families is fast paced, quick witted and passionate. You will need to read to find out what happens and you will not be disappointed.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Rule is the first book in The Larussio Legacy series by Via Mari. It is a fantastic romantic suspense- with lots of drama, action, danger, secrets, passion, intrigue, spice, threats, twists and turns- and really superb characters. I have been working my way through Via Mari’s books, and have really enjoyed them all- so, as you can imagine, I had pretty high expectations for this book. Via Mari definitely didn’t let me down, producing a captivating story, which kept me engrossed the whole way through.
There is plenty of suspense, and Via Mari built the tension to quite a high level- keeping me on the edge of my seat a lot of the time. There were a few unexpected developments and twists which kept thing quite interesting and had me clamouring to know how it all played out.
I loved that we get to revisit characters we’ve met in previous series, whilst also meeting new ones as well. I can’t wait to see where this series will lead!!
Bring on Book two!

Thank you, Via Mari!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mari’s series. I like how each series is about a different family, each book about a different couple but that the families over-lap through-out each series.

I really liked this story line. Katarina and Chase were introduced in The Torzial Series, as friends of Jenny and Brian. We later fell more in love with them in the Prestian Series. And now during the Larussio Legacy we continue to follow their story! We also get to meet Katarina’s cousin Giovanni and his new friend Serena. What a match these two are! Katarina has to prove she can rule the family while her father is injured and possibly on his death bed; Gio has to prove that he can rule his own life without his uncle’s guidance and judgement; Serena proves to herself that she is smart, strong and worthy.

As I have said before, Mari’s mafia families and crazy good sex make for amazing stories! You don’t have to read the other series before this one, but if you do, when you get to this story it feels like you have a better connection with the characters

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule is the first of a new series, The Larussio Legacy, from Via Mari. If you are familiar with her work you will notice characters from her previous novels and series will pop up. Personally, I like to see old and familiar favorites again. I don’t think it would be too much of an issue to start with this series and know what is all happening however, so that is a bonus if you are new to Via Mari.

Rule will knock your socks off with the steam again much line Mari’s writing usually does, so be prepared for that and do not read if you are sensitive to such steam. I always have found that Via Mari manages to keep all the kink and sexy times tasteful which goes a long way to make it enhance the story rather than the whole story. I found this one to step up the suspense game and I loved how I found myself on the edge of my seat several times waiting to find out what would come next. I will definitely be back for more of this series and hope we don’t have to wait too long!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule is the first book in our amazing Via Mari’s new series called Larussio Legacy. I hesitate to call it a spin-off of her Prestian series as Larussio is Katarina’s family and for the ones who are in the same boat with me aka die-hard fans of Via Mari, then you all know that Katarina is the lead character in the Prestian series with her husband Chase Prestian … so you can see it is all kept in the family!
Rule is told from FOUR different points of views! Of course Katarina and Chase and then Giovanni, the next in line to become the Don of the Family AND Serena who has lived her life in the fear of the Larussio family … Throw these four together, add to this the magic that Via Mari adds to all her writing and you are left with an opening move that will leave you panting for the next book in the series!

[Moriah Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule is the first novel in the Larussio series by Via Mari. This is my fourth novel by this author.

Katarina Larussio is trying to fill her father’s footsteps. But with the mistrust between her and the Italian family, it’s going to be hard. Chase Prestian made vows to protect his wife, but Katarina needs freedom to continue her father’s legacy in the mafia and freedom comes with consequences.

Her cousin Giovanni has employed Serena Motetti but how can she resist the attraction to the man that costs her everything?

I love this author and was so excited when I noticed there was going to be another series.

There are so many intricate stories that weave together. They are written so beautifully that it’s hard not to love them even when the characters aren’t the greatest.

I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Erica Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I see Via Mari has a new book, I need to read it because I know its a good book. Rule is no different. Mari takes a Italian family story and runs with it. The characters are engaging and personalities that just pop off the page. Katarina and Chase have a steaming relationship. They are trying to fulfill her father’s dream. Katarina has to remember when it comes to Italian family dynamics there are traditions and rules. Katarina is on a long road but maybe Chase will help her along the way. Katarina is a strong female character and I love watching her grow with the story. Will Katarina fulfill her father’s dream? Will Chase help protect Katarina? You will have to read the story to find out all the details of this story and more.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star
Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari is a romantic suspense story that I found myself lost in the pages and couldn’t stop reading till the end. This is one of my favorite authors and I was super excited to see this book. Chase and Katrina, her father is recovering from the accident that almost took not only his life but his wife’s as well. Katrina finds herself trying to fulfill her father’s dream. But she will have to get her Italian family’s trust and agreement. Chase will do anything to keep her protected no matter at what cost..These two have a undeniable love and passion. There are some steamy scenes that will make the temperature rise. What does their future look like? Find out what happens next in this must read. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule by Via Mari is the first book in the Larussio Legacy series. This is another fantastic book by this author. Although this is the first in the series the author has brought in characters from previous books which I do think would be worth reading first.
Every time I think these characters are finished with, every time I think the author cannot possibly do any more with them, she completely proves me wrong. This book was brilliant. The characters were as strong and compelling as ever. The capture your attention with ease.
And the story is just brilliant. From the moment I started reading I knew I was going to have to finish the book in one sitting. I cannot wait to read what else is to come!

[Katie Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari.
This author has quickly climbed to my one click list and once again I know why. This book immediately pulled me in so deep I didn’t want to leave. The characters truly grab readers and take them on their journey. I found myself completely lost in the story world the author created. It’s got suspense and romance that can make the room temperature rise, it’s everything I love in a book. It’s a well thought out story line that’s both written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. Each character brings something unique to this incredible story. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers next. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy) by author Via Mari begins a new chapter for the Prestian characters Chase and Katarina. Katarina is now in charge of building her father’s dream since he was injured and in recuperation. While doing this she is introduced to family she never knew existed until recently. Enter Gio, her cousin, who isn’t sure what to make of this new family member. In true Via Mari fashion there are twists, turns, romance and steam. Who is after the family? Will Gio and his lady love find a happy ending? What will happen next in the Larussio/Prestian family? It’s a thrill a minute that you won’t be able to put down until the very last sentence!

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule by Via Mari
Four Stars

Rule is the first book in the Larussio Legacy series by Via Mari. I love the complexity and feeling that Via puts into all of her books and the way the series that she writes intertwine with each other. You learn a different aspect of the characters from a different point of view. This book is no different and it had me hooked from the very first page. I just couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Giovanni and Serena are a very dinamic and interesting couple. This is just a really great book to read. It is one of my favorites by Ms. Via. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari
5 stars


I must start this by saying I was nervous to see a new series based around another series but I shouldn't have worried as Via Mari knows what she's doing!
We get 4 pov's in this book, Chase, Katarina, Gio and Serena. We get the same heat and passion as with all her books, but we also get to see more in depth of the goings on inside the family business.
I can't really say much it would give this whole story away, but I will say I loved the news we learn and can't wait to find the answer to that burning question. And we have some other unanswered questions around many other people too! Bring on the next please!

[Robin Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule by Via Mari is the first book in The Larussio Legacy series and I couldn't put it down. I don't know if I've read a book with four different points of view, but it totally worked for this book and for me.

I think I fell in love with Chase a little more and now I'm crushing on Giovanni on top of it. He has me intrigued and I want to get to know him more, I think he will be very good for Serena.

Katarina has grown so much since the first book and I have loved reading it and almost found myself beaming like a proud Mama.

I hope I don't have to wait too long for book two to come out, because I don't want to wait to find out what happens next.

[Amanda Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story Rule (The Larussio Legacy Book 1) by Via Mari is a must read! This is a suspense / romance book that follows the POV of 4 main characters. This book has everything you could ask for in a book, suspense, action, romance, heat, twists and turns that will have you lost in the pages until the last one. I fell in love with both of the Alpha men Gio and Chase but I think my favorite characters would be Serena and Katarina. Both these women are struggling in their own ways and yet they are both so strong! The storyline in this book was amazing and I can’t wait to see what comes next for these characters.