Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Lupu Chronicles #1

The Chosen Heir

Rate this book
I am Alexandru, the chosen one. The ruler of the Romanian mafie Lupu clan.

I strive to follow in my father's footsteps. I strive to be the perfect head of the family, the perfect son and brother, the perfect... man. In this dog-eat-dog mafie world, a single mistake could end in bloodshed.

After years of conflict with a rival family, my little sister is contracted to marry their son and bring peace. But when the bride runs away and threatens the truce, I need to convince my sister’s best friend, Nina, to help me track her down.

Arranged marriages are common in my world and doing my duty has never been a problem. That was, until Nina grew up into a sexy, little minx. She may be an outsider, she may be forbidden, but she’s the only woman I want.

As our chemistry heats up, a soldier's irreparable mistake starts a war that can only be stopped with the ultimate sacrifice. Myself. Marrying your own kind is the primal rule that reigns over my world, but as I uncover secrets, I learn my perfect father may not have been so perfect after all...

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2021

582 people are currently reading
944 people want to read

About the author

Monique Moreau

20 books283 followers
About Monique

Growing up in New York City, I used to walk the hot pavements in the melting heat of the long summers, and dream. Uptown to downtown, eastside to the westside, and underground to catch a subway racing out into the boroughs.

During my wanderings, my magic pencil spun out fantasies full of romance, with first meetings, heartbreaks, and reunions. Sometimes my boy crush (unrequited, of course) starred as the hero.

I grew up, and after a stint in art school, became a lawyer ‘cuz a woman’s got to make a living. I came from parents who fled to France as refugees, and as an attorney, I dedicated my work to helping survivors of trauma and persecution.

I believe in them. In their grit, in their determination to hold on, to pull through and, somehow, someway, to keep themselves intact, body and soul.

Perhaps that is why I am drawn to writing stories of men and women who live through heart-rending pain, desperate yearnings and, ultimately, reach a place of redemption.

For a long time, I fought the urge to veer off the expected, safe path until I couldn’t go on unless I took a chance and made a change. I began to write, stopped, and began again. Finally, I gave in and here I am.
Come join me on my journey…

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
339 (46%)
4 stars
196 (27%)
3 stars
118 (16%)
2 stars
44 (6%)
1 star
26 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].
276 reviews156 followers
August 4, 2021
wow this pissed me off

1. no indents (again)
2. not safe from both sides
3. another virgin pornstar (but this time a malicious one)

He was attracted to her but didn't want to pursue things because he knew he was going to get married for the family. She was the one following him around like a lost pup. I think this pissed me the most because she claimed she was in love with him, but also she'd done everything in the book but sex because she knew that the H's culture valued blood, so she manipulated the H into taking her virginity to make him 'honor bound' to her.

I may have been a virgin, but I was no nun and knew my way around oral sex. Giving and receiving it. - She's never had a boyfriend, though. 🤨

I knew Romanians like him considered blood to be symbolic and that virginity tied a man and woman together in the mafie. While I’d plotted, I wasn’t sure the blood bond applied to me. I was just a regular American girl.

You have no idea what a good thing you did. I didn’t deserve it. You bestowed your virgin blood on me without me having to work for it. A truly selfless present. There are forces at work holding me back right now, but I’ll never take you for granted. It’s the opposite. I intend to treasure every fucking moment we have together

Verdict: I need to stop going blind in these books 😫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Arianna.
12 reviews
June 27, 2022
As a Romanian it makes me happy to see books written about us. Typically in mafia love novels you see a lot of Italian mobsters or Russian mobsters. I like how the author paid attention to small details like the brandy we drink, the food we eat, and idiomatic expressions. Personally I know this book is part of a series but reading the first one was enough for me. It was extremely light hearted and easy to follow the perfect distraction to immerse yourself in during the summer months.
Profile Image for Luna  ♡.
657 reviews248 followers
October 13, 2023
»You’re going to forget you ever kissed that fucker, and I’m the one who’s going to make you forget.«

★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑵𝒊𝒏𝒂
Sadly she doesn‘t had any personality at all besides being in love with Alex. She‘s naive and a little bit flat. In front of Alex she forgets every moral and self confidence, very sad.

❥ 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙
He was bossy and the typical mafia boss but I kinda liked him.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
It was an okay read.
This book would have been better if Nina had a real personality. I mean she lost her virginity to Alex on the fucking employee toilet of his club… talk about niveau. Everytime they see each other they f*ck and I got the feeling Alex only sees her as a f*cktoy. I‘m sick of female characters that follow their man like a lost puppy and loose every bit of self respect in their presence.
The plot was build around the s*ex-scenes so it was no literary masterpiece but entertaining.
I liked the Lupu clan and Alex brothers, they were funny. It was interesting to read about romanian mafia.
If you search for a smutty mafia read then this one is the right book for you.

plot: 3/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 3/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

keywords: possessive and protective hero, touch her and you‘ll die, mafia, forced proximity, virgin female lead, insta lust

𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆
ages: 20/21 (Nina) and 28 (Alex)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
September 14, 2021
Crime family romance

Alex is the head of his family, Romanian mafia; Nina is his sister"s best friend who has crushed on him for years. When sister Tasa goes missing, the fallout brings Alex and Nina together, but he expects to marry within the community, and Nina is from Chinese stock. An interesting twist on the mafia romance, aside from a couple of confusing parts, this is a well-written tale. Part of a series, it works perfectly well as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,373 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2023
This was my first book of this author and definitely won’t be my last! I enjoyed everything about Alex and Nina! They definitely had me from the very beginning! I loved how protective he was Nina. These two just knew exactly what the other needed! So happy everything worked for them in the end! Can’t wait to continue this series!
506 reviews14 followers
May 2, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read of Monique and it won’t be the last. I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I loved how alpha and protective Alex was. And Nina just wanted him. Can they find a way to be together? Now, I have to read them all.
Profile Image for Emily.
37 reviews
November 12, 2023
I don’t understand how the average on this book is four stars. Honestly a 0,5/5
Profile Image for Lacie Jae Pringle.
42 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2021
OH. MY. WORD.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. I LOVED this book. I can't wait to see what else Monique brings us in this world because I can already tell there will be more!

In The Chosen Heir, we meet Alex and Nina, who are both rocked by Tasa- Alex's little sister and Nina's best friend- running away. This brings them together and they both find something they thought they'd never have.

The world-building is incredible, the details are out of this world. I need more! Their story kept my attention from the very first sentence! I'm honored to have had the chance to read it!
3,707 reviews40 followers
May 20, 2021
This is book one in The Lupu Chronicles which is a Dark Romanian Mafia Romance Series and it is Alex and Nina's story and omg what an amazing start to a new series. Alex is the leader of The Romanian Mafia and he had promised that his sister Tasa would marry Cristo from another family to strengthen their ties but she has disappeared leaving Alex in a difficult situation so he speaks to Nina who is his sister's best friend and the one woman that he wants but can't have to find out if she knows where his sister has gone but things don't always go as planned. Nina has had feelings for Alex for as long as she can remember but he never acknowledged her other than his sister best friend and now he is questioning her about where Tasa is but Nina doesn't know either. Alex and Nina get closer and the connection and chemistry between them grows stronger but will anything become of it or will Nina end up heartbroken with the decision that Alex has to make for his family. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and kept you on the edge of your seat until the last one and I couldn't put this book down. The twists and turns along the way is what makes this book a real page turner and a must read. This is the first book that I have read by Monique Moreau but definitely not the last as it was so well written and addictive and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing and Emotional Book.
Profile Image for L.C. Taylor.
Author 75 books433 followers
August 14, 2021
Dark Mafia Must Read

This is the first book that I have read from this author was not disappointed. Sibling control, forbidden love , and steamy scenes make this a Mafia Romance that will suck you in! It's a must read for sure.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,325 reviews23 followers
September 26, 2021
The Chosen Heir is book one in The Lupu Chronicles series. The is my first book by this author and I must say she did not disappoint she has definitely added to new fan to her roster. It was intriguing, riveting and delicious. This taboo romance with a big brother bound by duty and his little sister best friend who had always had a crush on but he's already arranged to marry someone else. Nina is from Asian descent and his best friend and room mate with Alex sister Tasa she had always has been in love with Alex for years but knows that she's younger than him. She also knows that he will not break the custom of the mafia even though he feels the same way about her. They always marry within the mafia culture and she is an outsider. Alex is very ambitious and he would rather follow in his father footsteps and follow his heart to be the perfect head mafia.
Alex father was kill and now he is the head mafia of the Romanian family he has setup an arranged marriage for his sister Tasa with another family but she didn't want to get married so she ran away. If she was not located a replacement must go through with the marriage deal or this could cause a war and Alex did want any bloodshed in the streets. He has enlisted the help of Nina in order to bring her back. She doesn't know where her best friend went. The two went to look for her and they got closer and succumb to their attraction it was passionate, steamy, and sensual. The Chosen Heir was was filled with drama, surprises, twists and turns, passion, arranged marriage, loyalty, betrayal, secrets, love, happiness, deception, action and suspense. There were world building characters and a in storyline pull in from beginning and keep you engaged to the end. So amazing! Awesome start to a new series by Monique Moreau. I loved all the angst and the feels it kept me turning the pages as past as the kindle would allow to.


I received an free copy via Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts
Profile Image for Sara.
2,352 reviews13 followers
May 23, 2021
Monique Moreau has become a guaranteed 5-star read for me. Her Demon Squad MC series was phenomenal and I really enjoyed Whistle’s War which was a blend of biker/mafia and introduced Tasa Lupu’s family. The Chosen Heir is the start of a new series, but I think it would be best enjoyed if Whistle’s War is read first because you will better understand why Tasa ran away, and have a greater appreciation for the character development of Alex in this book.

Tasa’s best friend Nina, and her oldest brother Alex are both upset and concerned with her running away. I loved the story being told from dual POVs so we can understand what Nina and Alex were thinking and feeling because their is a vast amount of layers to their relationship and the complications both are dealing with to try to be together.

The arranged marriage to tie two mafia families together and caused his sister Tasa to runaway from her Romanian mafia family is now an obstacle to Alex’s own future happiness and his oath to his father. Now he has to figure out how to navigate forming a partnership with the groom’s family to fulfill a deathbed promise to his dad and to prevent a war between these two families.

The author’s storytelling is always engrossing and full of unexpected turns along with plenty of steamy scenes. I received an ARC from Hidden Gems the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Arfacio Lili.
3 reviews
March 24, 2024
I like to keep my opinions mostly to myself but this one I find to be just criminally offensive.
Please note that I can not speak for all romanians , but only as someone who had grown up as one.
If you had enjoyed the book, more power to you, I am merely sharing my opinion as a romanian.

I do not like to DNF books, it has happened a few times but only after I had read at least a few chapters. For this one I couldn't get past the first page.

A thing that I always found weird, and it seems to come up often specifically in dark romance books, is the sudden appearence of words in another language. Like with italian romances there are italian words that are used suddenly to, idk, show the characters ethnicity or smth? This books is no different and I find it to be problematic because the romanian words ARE NOT USED CORRECTLY. It was very clear to me from the moment I saw the word "bunică" that the author had not done any research into the language, nor had anybody to proof read it and make sure that the grammer was being used correctly. (As an actual suggestion, it would've been better to use "buni", which is short for "bunica".)

With this in mind, I can only imagine how the italians feel knowing how prevelant it is in italian romances written by authors that have no knowledge of neither their language nor their culture.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,516 reviews43 followers
July 26, 2021
4 1/2 STARS!

Decadently dark and addictive! With the first book in The Lupu Chronicles series Monique Moreau brings the Lupu Romanian mafia clan to life that we caught a glimpse of in her Demon Squad MC series in Whistle and Tasa's book. Because I read WHISTLE'S WAR first, I already knew Tasa's background and had a good bit of groundwork in my mind, but if you're coming into this one first I'm not sure there is enough detail to make you appreciate it quite as much. I wanted to see a bit more development of Alex and Nina's ultimate relationship play out, but overall I loved the book and am looking forward to watching this series unravel in future books. It's dark and dangerous but oh so fun!

Alexandru Lupu is dark and deadly and does what has to be done on a daily basis, but beneath it all he's a man who loves his family more than anything. I enjoyed seeing his side of the Tasa drama and seeing him fall for the girl least likely.

Nina is sweet and loyal. Some might call her gullible, but I liked the hint of that about her because she was able to look past the dark deeds and see the heart and soul of the matter.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dark mafia romance with a depth of heart built in.
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,282 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2024
A Mafia Romance with a Unique Twist

As someone new to Romanian mafia romance, I found 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓’s cultural elements refreshing and the story well-written. Alex’s role as the head of his family comes with the expected challenges, but his interactions with Nina bring a unique emotional twist to the plot. Nina’s long-standing crush on Alex adds complexity, especially when his missing sister, Tasa, becomes the link that forces them together. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the tension between Alex’s duty to marry within his community and his feelings for Nina kept me turning the pages.

However, there were a few moments where the storyline became confusing, and I found myself needing to go back to piece together the details. These sections slightly disrupted the flow, but overall, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of the story. Despite being part of a series, this book works well as a standalone, and I didn’t feel like I was missing any backstory.

I appreciated the new perspective on a familiar genre. If you’re a fan of mafia romances looking for something a little different, this one is worth checking out. While not perfect, it’s an engaging read with well-drawn characters and a satisfying plot.
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,450 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2021
Once again, Monique Moreau has pulled me into another one of her stories! You have Nina, who is the best friend to Tasa (Alex’s little sister) the sweet, naïve, girl next door (or is she?) Then you have Alex – he is the head of the Romanian mafia who is your typical alpha. He can be dark, dominating, ruthless and stubborn. Nina has always had a thing for Alex, but never acted on it because well, he was older than her and she just believed that he could never like her like that. But what happens when Tasa runs away so she doesn’t have to get married? Alex has the weight of the world on his hands and everything he does not only affects him, but it affects his family and those he cares about. Eyes are opened, feelings change and things are seen in a new light

This story has it all – drama, family, loyalty, secrets, deception, betrayal, arranged marriages, passion, chemistry, and love. Great story with great characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. And I look forward to reading more about Alex’s sister Tasa in Whistle’s War! I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,536 reviews21 followers
May 20, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "THE CHOSEN HEIR"
What a great addicting story the start of a new series Monique Moreau did an awesome job writing this it pulls you from beginning beginning to end drama, humor, steamy scenes, twists that have you turning the pages.
I loved the chemistry between Alex & Nina she's his baby sister Tasa's BF who ran away when she found there was an arrange marriage to a Rival Mafia family.
Nina & Alex have to find Tasa or its up to him to marry a Mafia princess that won't be Nina she brings him to knees will he honor what's expected of him or be with Nina is their a way they can be together change tradition you must get this excellent book to see how it turns out I'm looking forward to Lucy's story.
I defintely recommend to get this book it won't disappoint so well worth the read with great interesting, captivating, engaging characters that pull you right into all the chaos.
6,527 reviews27 followers
May 19, 2021
I loved this authors Demon Squad series so when i saw she had a new series it was a no brainer for me and I am so glad that I grabbed it. This is a the perfect combination of smart woman and alpha male with all the angst dram and humour that is caused by that particular combination.

Alex has always been aware of Nina after all she is his baby sisters best friend but he also knows that because of that she is also strictly off limits but when Tasa runs after been promised in marriage to a rival mafia clan to bring peace all bets are off. The clos proximity to one another as they search for his sister makes them realise that they both want one another but if they can't find her then the only way to peace is for him to be thee one to marry and it won't be to Nina can he give her up for the good of the family You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,694 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2021
I absolutely loved Alex as the bad boy with the heart of gold. As head of the family, he has to make the hard choices based on old world tradition, Romanian beliefs and family duty. He had made a death bed promise to a father he idolized, but it would come between his love for Nina and his responsibilities. After his sister, Tasa*, has run away from an arranged marriage that would have avoided war between two major families, Alex has no choice but to make another agreement. The struggle he faced to save his family, those loyal to him and still find his own happiness was heart wrenching. The book is labeled as dark, but I wouldn't have labeled it as such. It contains violence, dark characters, and sometimes graphic scenes.

*Another 5 star read is Whistle's War. Tasa's story in another series from this Author.
Profile Image for KitKat821.
677 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2021
I really really really wanted to like this book more. I love this author’s writing style and the book is extremely well written. Alex is was such a strong and intimidating character in the book Whistle’s War (such an awesome book) that I just expected more from him in this book. I don’t enjoy such sweet stories of insta-love. I thought that this was going to be insta-lust (and dirty) with Alex being over the top possessive and jealous, but him also full out fighting their happily ever after. What we get is a hot first encounter, and then Alex just deciding he’s in love but getting semi-whiney about obstacles. That was my issue, Alex just wasn’t impressive as an alpha male character to me and Nina was just sickeningly, simperingly sweet. I am looking forward to Luca and Nicu’s books, and I hope the danger and alphaness increase exponentially.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,397 reviews35 followers
January 12, 2024
Gree

Soon to be 21 Nina, 1st generation Oriental American, lost her best friend due to her friend's family, well oldest brother,29 year old Alex. Who is the Boss of his Romanian family and mafia. Tesais Nina's best friend and has her own story to know why she ran and what was her commitment was to her family. Nina has been in lust for Alex for a very long time and kept her secret a secret from everyone but her best friend, even being nugged to go after the man from Tesa. Now with Tesa gone, her brother is all over looking for her when Nina became his target to find his sister. Will Nina give in for her crust and give her v-card to the man and find hea? Or will responsibilities of his Romanian clan and follow in his father's footsteps let true love guide away from his iron clad control of duty???
Profile Image for Amy.
195 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2025
DNF @ 50%

I hated both main characters. Alex is creepy and weird and does not act at all like someone who is the head of a mafia empire. Nina is weak and stupid and has absolutely no personality.

It was so full of tropes and not in a good way. And the story made no sense. She's his little sisters best friend since she was two but the main characters barely know each other? And she isn't supposed to know he's in the mafia? What kind of weird family dynamic is that? Why is their family being in the mafia a secret?

The insta-love happened so fast. But what did they even like about each other? All he talked about was how sweet and innocent and young she was and how big her tits were. All she talked about was how big and strong and handsome he was. No character depth at all, the story was boring and to be honest, poorly written.
Profile Image for Amy Reads Romance.
993 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2021
Nina has been in love with her best friend's older brother for as long as she can remember. Alex has definitely noticed her, too. When they finally come together it's fire. He needs help finding his runaway sister, and someone to ground him. His life as the head of his Romanian mafie family is filled with duty, but with Nina he can be himself. When they are nearly torn apart by his responsibilities, both are a shell of themselves. Thank goodness for HEA's.
Darker than some, but not as dark as others, this story is a strong start to a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
507 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2021
“Firefly... in the dark of the night, you’re my light.”

For Alex being boss actually means he's a slave to his clan. So loving the girl next door who also happens to be his little sister's best friend is out of the questions. Tradition and expectations prevent a future with her.
Nina has loved him from star afar until she decides that enough is enough and she takes a chance to provoke him into acting out his ​desires.

But will tradition and enemies stand in their way?

There was so much talk of Tasa leaving and finding her yet that was really summarized even though it was mentioned constantly.

I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
770 reviews
May 19, 2021
Intense Mafia Romance!

This is a great start for this spinoff series. Monique Moreau’s world building and characters are so realistic. Nina brings Alex to his knees. He’s resisted her for years as she is his baby sister’s best friend. But now that Tasa has left he can’t resist the temptation anymore. Alex always to to protect and shield those that he loves. Sometimes to the point of angering the specific loved one. Specially Nina. There is humor and heartbreak. And lots of hot, steamy love scenes. I did receive an advance copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Trisha.
334 reviews54 followers
May 5, 2022
Romanian Mafia Romance 🌶

Who doesn’t love a sexy, broody, possessive, mafia boss ? 🤤
I’m over here drooling over Alex! The love he has for his family is heartwarming and the story of him falling for Nina will make you want a mafia man for yourself.
Nina is Tasa’s lifelong best friend and has always had a crush on Alex, but never wanted to make a move. Her lust grows and grows for Alex until finally she makes her move and things get a little spicy.
If you like broody, sexy, possessive, mafia men, this is the book for you!
587 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2023
Alex and his duty

After his father was assassinated, Alex became the head of the family with that came all the responsibilities, he made a promise to his father that one of them should marry into a family they hated so the continual fighting would stop and an alliance between the two families would be made, his sister was now to marry Christo the only son of the horrendous family BUT she had run away rather then go through with the marriage. Great story with lots of characters to continue into Other books, book one concluded has no cliff hanger. Recommended.,
Profile Image for DeAnn.
948 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2023
Amazing!

A spin-off from a biker romance, Chosen Heir steps right into the fire within a few chapters and sets your soul ablaze. Interestingly, Monique Moreau brings us with her into her fantasies of the Romanian mafia. No repeats for her. She researched extensively to find anything she could about this secretive crime organization. She brought their Old World ways out of the shadows and served the romance up to us like a prime, rare steak on a platter, in all its bloody glory! The poignancy weeps from this novel until you can feel it stabbing you in the heart.
Profile Image for Holly Grays.
224 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2021
Sexy Mafia Read

Monique Moreau knocks this one out the park. It's well written. The characters descriptions are amazing. It has the feel that you want to be apart of this world.

Alex is what dreams are made of. He command's the room and doesn't back down from anyone but her.

Nina is sweet, caring, loves everyone close to her. She has a vibe that's amazing.

Alex and Nina will set you on fire with their love for each other. They will draw you into their world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.