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Cosa Nostra #1

Loyalty that Binds

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Duty. Loyalty. Family.

Neal Sanders is the heir to one of the most powerful Mafia Families in New York City. It’s time for him to take his rightful place as Don, however Neal didn’t expect there to be certain conditions…an arranged marriage. He never intended to get married and chooses to live his life serving his Family and La Cosa Nostra.

Amelia Hudgens is a nursing student with a plan for her life. Graduate, get married, have children. It’s what every girl wants…right? Meeting a handsome stranger changes everything for her. She got more than she bargained for as she falls deeper and deeper into the dark edges of the New York Underworld.

Neal has always done what is expected of him, until he met her. He didn’t expect Amelia to crack open the very foundation his life is built upon. She didn’t expect the future Don to steal her heart and make her question the plan set out for her.

Will she be able to handle the New York Underworld?
Will he be able to resist her and stay true to his contract?
Or will their love be the downfall of all they’ve ever known?

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2021

130 people are currently reading
899 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Wyatt

10 books156 followers
Dark Romance Author who loves to bring the small piece of darkness in my characters to life.

Mafia Romance:
The Cosa Nostra Series
Kings of Commission Series

To stay updated on all the latest news and releases, join me on Facebook: A.J. Wyatt's Mafia World


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5 stars
177 (41%)
4 stars
135 (31%)
3 stars
66 (15%)
2 stars
30 (7%)
1 star
19 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews730 followers
October 11, 2022
2,5 🤨🤨⭐️s

Insta love, minimum communication between the mcs, the heroine was not glorious at all…
The mafia aspect of the story was intriguing though.

It might have been the 1st part of this series, yet there was no note or indication that the specific story is completed in the third part!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️


Profile Image for Caitlin.
400 reviews2,920 followers
September 8, 2021

"He's like an angel from Hell"


Loyalty that Binds is the first book in A.J Wyatt's new mafia romance series Cosa Nostra and this was such a great start to a new series. This book was well written and had me hooked from the start. The ending leaves you needing to read the next book and I am so excited to read Family That Binds!

The chemistry between Neal and Amelia was EVERYTHING. Neal is the heir to one of the Mafia Families in New York City and he's your usual ruthless and brooding mafia man while Amelia is your good girl nursing student, but as soon as they meet sparks fly. The spice was REALLY GOOD too!

Neal is forced by his uncle into an arranged marriage but he can't deny the feelings between him and Amelia. There's a lot of drama and twists and I couldn't put the book down. If you're a sucker for a mafia romance then definitely read this!

*ARC PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

Profile Image for Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews).
922 reviews1,215 followers
July 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

''Will I be a mistake?''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Violence
- Torture
- Blackmail
- Mention of s*xual assault
- Mention of s*icide
- Cliffhanger

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

I jumped straight from King of Fire when I realized I was missing A LOT of backstory and info concerning so many characters we meet in that book and even our MMC Christiano, he does not make a full appearance in this book, but he is present in book 2 (which I am currently reading).

This book follows Neal and Amelia who come from very different worlds. Neal is part of the Cosa Nostra and has been raised to take over as the Don. Amelia is just a nursing student who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when she comes face to face with Neal.

Neal and Amelia meet very briefly while she is out with her friends and her boyfriend one evening but they both felt a pull towards each other. Amelia is struggling to make her long-distance relationship work and the lack of commitment her bf is giving her prompting her to break up with him the same night because he refused to give her a final answer on their future.

Once Neal and Amelia meet again though sparks fly but so does bullets. Amelia and her friend Liz (who is currently hooking up with one of Neals closest friend Killian) witness a murder and this prompts Neal's uncle to force him to either kill the girls or sign an NDA, but the NDA comes with a price, Amelia will be forced to do as Romero (Neal's uncle) wishes. Amelia takes the risk and accepts. Neal’s only way to protect her is to make her an associate to the Cosa Nostra so she can be protected without any judgement.

Neal and Amelia both had a lot of chemistry but it was also very angsty, he knew he could not have her as his life would never allow it and she deserved better and he is also being forced to marry an Italian princess by his uncle and he cannot get out of it as they signed a contract but once he gets married he will take over from Romero and become the Don and have power he always worked for but in all that he loses Amelia as he never would ask her to be his mistress, he doesn't want Arica (his fiancée).

Sadly, despite trying to work a way out of the engagement it never works, and Amelia finds out about his fiancée, and this is where things get extremely complicated. Amelia is being used as a pawn by Romero and he is showing his true colors little by little, why does this matter? Well, you see Neal Sanders is Half Irish (mother) and Half Italian (father). His mother was the sister of the Irish mafia boss, and he killed her and her husband even after their marriage was approved.

Neal was 7 years old and has lived his whole life being raised by Romero and his aunt knowing the Irish were responsible and one day he would kill them. Though all this comes to a crazy revelation (but not to me) that Seamus aka the uncle from his mother’s side never killed them nor put a hit out to kill them. Flynn (Seamus's son) also Neal’s cousin reveals that, and reveals his father still mourns his sister and visits her grave even to this day.

Romero is slated to have orchestrated the murders because of power and hatred of the Irish but Neal cannot bring it forward until he has concrete proof of the deception.

Honestly, I saw the Romero angle coming but I think AJ wrote it, so you did see it unfold earlier but you are in for the ride to watch Neal lose his fucking mind over it all.

Neal was completely obsessed with Amelia; her safety was all that mattered and there are moments where he is an absolute asshole to her because he needs to push her away but there is nothing that can stop his feelings for her.

There is a scene towards the end (where Neal and Amelia are NOT together) and Neal is being forced to show that he is interested in his fiancée by his Uncle in fear of what the uncle is planning he agrees and puts on a short show to let people know he is interested in her, he touches her body and kisses her but hates every second of it. This scene is where Arica is also made to go by tradition which allows the woman to perform a dance for their future husband in front of everyone. I hated it as much as Neal did.

Romero is constantly forcing Amellia to be in his presence and even goes as far as threatening her with rape, forced prostitution on her or her friends. Because of the clause in the NDA he basically owns her and it’s just gross/creepy.

There are more things happening besides the main plot. Amelia's friends are each both taken by Neal's friends. Olivia/Hunter and Liz/Killian. I suggest always reading the bonus scenes that is in these books as they give you a better insight to moments we don't get to see! The bonus scene for this book was Olivia/Hunter meetup and beginnings.

This did end on a cliffhanger but it's not bad and thankfully the trilogy is complete!
Profile Image for Auj.
1,702 reviews119 followers
December 29, 2021
Amelia runs into Neal, Underboss of the Castellano mafia family and soon to be Don of it, at a club. They try to stay away from each other, but the attraction is too strong. Neal is also being forced into an arranged marriage with a woman he is uninterested in. Meanwhile, the Castellano family is kind of at war with the Irish mafia.

I feel like the book got better as it went along. There were some lines/quotes I really liked that I highlighted. My biggest complaint, which is my complaint for most books, is that there wasn't enough conversation between Amelia & Neal in the beginning. I didn't know why they liked each other besides the physical aspect.

Warning: This book ends on a cliffhanger. I probably will read Book 2 sometime.

{Note for myself}: I got this book free on Amazon :)
Profile Image for A.J. Wyatt.
Author 10 books156 followers
Read
June 30, 2021
Release Day - NOW LIVE.!
Loyalty that Binds is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.!
Profile Image for afomya.
76 reviews27 followers
December 31, 2021
*there are a few minor spoilers*
i really tried to like this book but it was just so boring. I honestly felt like nothing was happening. it’s 330 pages long but honestly it could probably be condensed to 100. I finished about half of it and the entire thing was just about how they were obsessed with each other from the moment they met(which was less then a week) but how he couldn’t be with her because he’s basically “bad news” and not good enough for her.
there was honestly nothing special about either main character. one was in a mafia and obsessed and the other was just plain obsessed even when she had a boyfriend… also why is Amelia so stuck on men who don’t even want to commit to her. first her ex then he current obsession.

DNF @ 50%
Profile Image for Andrea.
223 reviews
June 30, 2021
I liked the characters of Neal and Amelia. They had it tough going for a while until they began to open up. I liked how the author used the secondary characters to prop up the decisions of the H and the h and I hope that I see more of them, particularly Neal's men.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for No Book Behind.
611 reviews23 followers
September 12, 2021
Neil is a ruthless, dangerous and unforgiving Capo in Cosa Nostra. He’s a future Don for Castellano’s family. Raised, trained and prepared with one job in mind, to take over from his uncle one day. Before that happens all he has to do is to marry a woman chosen for him. Even though he is opposed to it, it wouldn’t be so hard to fulfill his duty if one night he wouldn’t meet Amelia. One look and he was done by her, by her presence, by her beauty.
Amelia just ended a fruitless 3yrs relationship and wasn’t looking for any company. But being spotted by Neil put her in direct danger and from now on she is under his protection. And once you enter the Mafia there is no way out, even more if the current Don sees you as an asset. And despite all her tries, Neil is attracted to Amelia. But does their affection have a chance to survive?
Loyalties That Binds is a debut book by A.J. Wyatt. And it’s such a great, memorable debut this year. It’s all I love the most: intriguing plot, mafia romance, fight for dominance and power, danger and violence, lies, deception, secrets and slowly uncovering buried truths and revealing the worst possible betrayal. Unpredictable twists and turns of events. Affection, passion, sexual and emotional tension, chemistry between the characters so palpable that gave me goosebumps and kept me captivated reading. I finished reading it in two sittings just to move straight to book two.

Profile Image for Kelly Gregory.
1,849 reviews27 followers
June 17, 2021
What a book!! This was written so well, with the perfect mix of Mafia violence, sex and Romance! I could not believe how quickly i was engrossed in the story and characters.
Neal and Amelia had so much chemistry, it literally oozed of the page! I loved the fact that Amelia was a feisty heroine, she knows she wants Neal and is not afraid to go for what she wants, even if he breaks her heart in the process. I just loved how she had all these vulnerabilities, but then came out fighting when she needed too!
As for the other characters, well they complemented the whole story line and added such a depth to the plot, i found myself wanting to know all about them just as much as the new characters...is it wrong to want more of Flynn, Hunter and Killian!!
On top of these amazing characters there is a plot full of Suspense, twists, lies, betrayal and heart break.....what more could you want?
I cannot wait for the next book to release.....5 huge stars! This is one you do not want to miss, a dark mafia Romance you wont forget in a while!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.E. Adams.
Author 4 books32 followers
August 10, 2021
I am a big fan of mob movies but had not read a mafia romance, until this one. I guess I thought the mafia part would be outshone by the romance part. To me, the proper mafia part is essential to the romance part.
The mafia and romance part of this book worked very well together. The attraction between Amelia and Neal is instant and intense. But, the mafia sidelines their hot relationship because it's all about family.
Amelia is a strong lady who takes to her new status almost too well. Neal is set to become Don, and the family has plans for him that seek to derail any love interest from outside.
Get ready for steam, suspense, and a plot twist that will set the mob on its ear. Wyatt does a great job setting up the mafia part of this book to intertwine with the romance part.
Make sure to add this one to your TBR list and also add #2 in the series.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
June 27, 2021
Gawd! I love Neal and Amelia!!! Talk about instant burning fire chemistry that is wanting to jump right out of the pages! Mafia, hot sex and mayhem what more could you ask for right!!! The storyline was well written and had me from the very beginning. I love that Amelia could show her vulnerable side while also still being a badass that went after what she wanted consequences, feels and heart be damned. This story was full f everything you could ever want… The suspense will have you on the edge of your seat dying to know what happens next. I know I will impatiently be waiting for us to get book 2 because I need to know what happens!!
454 reviews
September 27, 2021
Great story, but the h was such a doormat. First it was Stephen who didn’t want to commit then Neal . At some point she needs to stop accepting being someone’s 2nd and put herself first . It’s pathetic and that just makes the romance seem so pretentious. Fake . No true romance revolves around the person they supposedly love always being 2nd to everything and everyone and that’s what she was. Hoping the next book she’s not as pathetic and finds some dignity , but the preview of the next book finds her acting like she’s ok being a dumb mistress. She deserves it if she wants it that bad. I’m done with this story and thus author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,447 reviews18 followers
July 4, 2021
This book is the first book in the Cosa Nostra Series featuring Neal, heir and soon to be don of his mafia family, and Amelia, a nursing student with a plan for her life. Neal finds he must marry to claim his position as don. When Neal and Amelia first meet they are extremely attracted to one another. The book is a great read but ends in a cliffhanger. The next book in the series is the Family That Binds.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jules Rae.
Author 7 books18 followers
June 23, 2021
I saw mafia and I just had to read it and overall it didn’t disappoint.
I was hooked from the moment Neal was introduced. I understood his internal conflict and goal. This was a fun read and I am interested to know what will happen in book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,030 reviews9 followers
June 26, 2021
A fantastic, riveting read. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great characters, well written. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. Would recommend, will read more from this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ✨natalie✨.
667 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2021
This was a good one y’all. The spice was just *chefs kiss* and so was the mafia aspect of it. I loved Amelia as well. She’s a fierce nursing student who gets tangled up in the mafia, and she handles it so well. I had no idea the next book isn’t out yet, Uggghhh!
Profile Image for Nell Alexander.
Author 72 books44 followers
June 30, 2021
An exceptional story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I read Loyalty that binds in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.

I'm in love with Neal Sanders, Underboss for one of New York's Mafia families. And the more I read Amelia the more I know she is his perfect match. Her fiery independence and honest vulnerability are a refreshing change of pace to so many female main characters in the romance genre.

Surrounding this amazing couple there is a whole host of secondary characters that fill out the world and draw you in. I could see myself alongside Amelia and her best friends as easily as I could see myself alongside the Mafia's made men.

Neal brings a darkness to this Mafia Romance, and Amelia brings the light. If that isn't perfection, I don't know what is.

I can't wait for the second instalment of this series! AJ Wyatt has rocketed up to the top of my favourite authors list.
707 reviews55 followers
December 23, 2021
SO GOOD! I absolutely love a good mafia romance book and this one fully delivered. A lot of mafia books I have read contain very little discussion about the actual mafia doings. This book not only had the romance but went in to detail with the mafia aspect! There was a lot of suspense, twists, and steamy scenes throughout the book. The character development is also great for the characters! I literally can't with the uncle. The author writes his horrid character so well you can help but truly hate the Don.

This book leaves off on a cliff hanger, so be prepared to run to the next book to see what happens!
Profile Image for Christy Warthen.
856 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2021
Cliffhanger alert

Loved this story! Engaging and intriguing with twists, drama, action and heat. I can't wait to see how it all resolves.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Profile Image for literaryelise.
442 reviews150 followers
March 4, 2022
DNF at 30%. Instalove is just not my jam and it feels especially out of place in a marriage of necessity book. why 😐 if you don’t mind that trope then you’ll like this, it was otherwise good!
Profile Image for Jordan.
81 reviews
January 21, 2023
A bot must have composed this book, and a malfunctioning bot at that. I’m not even reading book #2 to see if they lived….don’t care….
Profile Image for Kaya.
626 reviews
September 18, 2021
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥



As a beloved villain once said, "NO. MORE. CLIFFHANGERS!"

Okay, maybe it was wire hangers, but cliffhangers are arguably as bad. When a book is so good, getting a cliffhanger is like hitting a brick wall.

It absolutely hurts.

Especially with Loyalty That Binds where you get so immersed in the story. I guess I should be glad that Book Two comes out in a week, but I don't know what I am going to do with the wait for Book Three. Read other books?

So..Loyalty That Binds is about Neal and Amelia. Neal is the heir to the Castellano family business. To strengthen control over the families, his Uncle Romero, the current Don, arranged for Neal to marry into another family, but Neal has zero interest in marriage. His sole purpose in life is to avenge his parents' murder by the rival Irish mob, and he will do anything to get that done.

What he did not account for is meeting Amelia, a smart-mouth nursing student who has become a larger distraction than Neal anticipated.

Amelia is a moth to Neal's flame. She knows she should steer clear, but she can't help to be drawn to him. When she gets in the middle of the crossfires set by his uncle and the Irish, how will Neal and Amelia survive this ever-evolving chess match?

As someone who reads mafia romance for the romance, I was surprised that I was equally as drawn to the action in this book.

Don't get me wrong - the romance is well done, too. The chemistry between Neal and Amelia are undeniable; they were foolish to hide something so palpable and clearly on fire from the likes of Romero. I love the equal balance of power in their relationship. Amelia is no damsel in distress. While she is not physical strong, she is cunning and smart.

But the action and suspense. I am thrilled that Neal and Amelia are climbing uphill to win this chess match. That Romero always seems to be ten steps ahead. Because it is how it should be! Dons with years of experiences are not sloppy; they are conniving, brutal, and cold. And I am here for all of it.

I am looking forward to how this plays out in Books Two and Three.
Profile Image for J.
4,112 reviews21 followers
June 5, 2022
4.5 stars
This is book 1 in Wyatt's series Cosa Nostra. Forewarning - Cliffhanger ending!
This is a great beginning to a new mafia romance series. Great characters (Neal and Amelia) and storyline which is well written, captivating and smooth flowing. Twists and turns keep the reader enthralled and Wyatt balances the mafia and romance aspect very well - in that neither outshines the other. Great character chemistry - loved everything about this book other than the cliffhanger ending - but I get it...gotta keep em coming back for more! Please note that book 2 is currently out so while I don't yet have it, feel free to get it and continue the journey with these two!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for April.
1,204 reviews25 followers
July 10, 2022
Hooked.

I’m definitely hooked. Can’t wait to see what happens next. I love the push and pull between these two, while also getting an interesting story around them. Everyone around them is interesting and playing a role though your left wonder what exactly their part is. Very interesting.
Profile Image for Felicity Rose.
Author 2 books47 followers
July 24, 2021
This was my first mafia romance and I loved it.
The heat in this most definitely had the desired effect!
It's dangerous, edge of your seat, hot and heavy!
I have pre-ordered part two and am counting down the days until I find out what happens!!
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,841 reviews39 followers
June 20, 2022
Part of a fabulous series, this story will have you mesmerised, I loved everything about it and the characters were great.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
733 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2022
Intense story

With lots of page turning highlights and strong characters, including devious bad guys. Hot and sexy romance with lots of tension.
Profile Image for Court Small.
637 reviews36 followers
April 16, 2023
Surprisingly Good

Wow... Good call n my behalf starting this series before continuing with The Kings Of The Commission Series.
Absolutely loving the story of Neal & Amelia and the mafia plot is on point.
This is another one of those series with well written secondary characters also
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,385 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2023
Neal and Amelia took me for a ride. Their relationship has so many ups and downs. I couldn’t get enough of them! I’m definitely rooting for them. Can’t wait to see how it all goes for these two.
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