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Forbidden #1
Forbidden Bride
I was promised to a man my uncle chose… but I ran away with the enemy.
In this valley, my family name means something.
To some, protection. To others, destruction.
When a Bellanti stole my heart, he started a war.
A ring on my finger put a target on his back.
I hardly know the man I threw my life away for.
He looked like I imagined Mr. Darcy would.
He wrote me poetry.
But he’s locked me away exactly the way my uncle had.
Choosing him was my last taste of freedom.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire…
He will burn me alive either way.
Book One of Three in the all-new angsty, sizzling Forbidden Series.
In this valley, my family name means something.
To some, protection. To others, destruction.
When a Bellanti stole my heart, he started a war.
A ring on my finger put a target on his back.
I hardly know the man I threw my life away for.
He looked like I imagined Mr. Darcy would.
He wrote me poetry.
But he’s locked me away exactly the way my uncle had.
Choosing him was my last taste of freedom.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire…
He will burn me alive either way.
Book One of Three in the all-new angsty, sizzling Forbidden Series.
ebook
Published May 10, 2022
16 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Stella Gray
65 books752 followersStella Gray has always had her head in the clouds and has been writing since she was in high school. A contemporary romance author, she loves dark romances with morally gray men. When she’s not writing, she’s either in the kitchen testing out a new baking recipe or spending time in the great outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 28, 2023
Marco Bellanti our playboy/adrenaline junky has found a mate...however the one thing he never counted on is Karina being family to the one family that has to be destroyed.
Karina Rossi is quiet, shy & sheltered girl who is a true romantic that keeps her head in books because her life is spoken for by her patriarch uncle and she is being used as a pawn to get what he wants which is more power.Being punished and guarded at all times especially if she steps out of line, her entire life has been always controlled. With Karina's wedding fast approaching she hates being the perfect Italian wife. Until one night at a party she ordered to wear an angel costume she meets her Romeo and now rebellion & freedom is her new behavior. Believing her Romeo would not recognize her without her custom but forgetting he would soon know her identity because she left her purse behind like Cinderella left her glass slipper.
The only problem is she is a Bruno, the same Bruno crime family who killed his father and kidnapped his brother wife and her sister. However is it too late has he fallen for Karina
Karina Rossi is quiet, shy & sheltered girl who is a true romantic that keeps her head in books because her life is spoken for by her patriarch uncle and she is being used as a pawn to get what he wants which is more power.Being punished and guarded at all times especially if she steps out of line, her entire life has been always controlled. With Karina's wedding fast approaching she hates being the perfect Italian wife. Until one night at a party she ordered to wear an angel costume she meets her Romeo and now rebellion & freedom is her new behavior. Believing her Romeo would not recognize her without her custom but forgetting he would soon know her identity because she left her purse behind like Cinderella left her glass slipper.
The only problem is she is a Bruno, the same Bruno crime family who killed his father and kidnapped his brother wife and her sister. However is it too late has he fallen for Karina
Want to Read
November 10, 2021I just want Marco to fall for the younger sister. It would be SOOO CUTE
Read
January 1, 2024Dnf for now
May 13, 2022
Karina is a girl who is pretty much a prisoner of her evil uncle, so when she had a way out, she took it despite the fact that maybe just maybe she jumped out of the pan into the fire. Marco's family thought they were out of the mafia world but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Marco wasn't really even interested in the family business without the mafia tag as he just wanted to race cars. Things take a turn when Karina & Marco meet as they connect instantly, and they end up together despite the fact it would start a bloody war. Karina was such a sweet bookworm who I loved, but while I did love Marco, he did some things that I got pissy about. In this world, secrets & betrayals bring the twists in hot, and it's just the beginning. It all leads to a cliffhanger ending that has me all jacked up for more, and frankly, I'm not sure how the hell I'll be able to wait for the next two books so yeah, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 12, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I was promised to a man my uncle chose..... but I ran away with the enemy.
In this valley, my family name means something. To some protection. To others destruction. When a Bellanti stole my heart, he started a war. A ring on my finger put a target on his back. I hardly know the man I threw my life away for. He looked like I imagined Mr. Darcy would. He wrote me poetry. But he's locked me away exactly the way my uncle had. Choosing him was my last taste of freedom. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. He will burn me alive either way.
This is the first book in the new Forbidden Series from Stella Gray. This is the story or Karina and Marco. She is a girl who is being forced to marry someone that she does not know much less love. But here Uncle is after more power in the mafia world by bringing two families together. However there is another man. One she met one night out with her cousin that gives her Romeo and Juliet vibes. There is no doubt there is a connection between her and Marco Bellanti. He is a man who thought that he and his brothers were free of the mafia world but they have recently discovered that someone is out to get them and they find themselves being brought back in to the life they thought they had left far far behind. What happens when a girl promised to someone else, takes off with a Bellanti. Well a war of course. And you are going to be living for it. I really love this book. It has a strong female character and smoking hot alpha male who will just melt your heart. Lots of secrets flying around, and betrayal. Karina is a sweet innocent girl who loves to read. A girl who reads great romances and wants just what happens in the book as far as love and romance go. She is not about to settle for what her family wants her to do. Marco is just the perfect book boyfriend really. There wasn't a thing that I did not like about him. He is a racecar driver and will just get your blood really pumping. I can not wait to get the next book in my hands. This was a really great start to a new series.
I was promised to a man my uncle chose..... but I ran away with the enemy.
In this valley, my family name means something. To some protection. To others destruction. When a Bellanti stole my heart, he started a war. A ring on my finger put a target on his back. I hardly know the man I threw my life away for. He looked like I imagined Mr. Darcy would. He wrote me poetry. But he's locked me away exactly the way my uncle had. Choosing him was my last taste of freedom. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. He will burn me alive either way.
This is the first book in the new Forbidden Series from Stella Gray. This is the story or Karina and Marco. She is a girl who is being forced to marry someone that she does not know much less love. But here Uncle is after more power in the mafia world by bringing two families together. However there is another man. One she met one night out with her cousin that gives her Romeo and Juliet vibes. There is no doubt there is a connection between her and Marco Bellanti. He is a man who thought that he and his brothers were free of the mafia world but they have recently discovered that someone is out to get them and they find themselves being brought back in to the life they thought they had left far far behind. What happens when a girl promised to someone else, takes off with a Bellanti. Well a war of course. And you are going to be living for it. I really love this book. It has a strong female character and smoking hot alpha male who will just melt your heart. Lots of secrets flying around, and betrayal. Karina is a sweet innocent girl who loves to read. A girl who reads great romances and wants just what happens in the book as far as love and romance go. She is not about to settle for what her family wants her to do. Marco is just the perfect book boyfriend really. There wasn't a thing that I did not like about him. He is a racecar driver and will just get your blood really pumping. I can not wait to get the next book in my hands. This was a really great start to a new series.
June 12, 2022
Every. Single. Cliffhanger. By. Stella. Gray. Breaks. My. Heart. Every. Single. One.
I was rooting for Marco and Karina. Everything was going so well. They met. They started a forbidden relationship because they’re the Romeo and Juliet of their rival families. She’s engaged to someone else. But I was rooting for them to be together. I was waiting for him to ride in his white horse to take her away in her wedding day.
But the dang cliffhanger came to break my heart and stomp on it.
Now I have to wait for book 2 of the trilogy where I’m gonna be left with yet another cliffhanger… and I’m gonna love every second of it🥲
December 1, 2023
Marco Bellanti of from the Bellanti Crime family and Karina Rossi from the Bruno Crime family. Fall in love. The Bruno family had Marco's father murder, so the families are stark enemies. Making their lives and romance hard for Marco and Karina. They struggle to keep their marriage together.
June 13, 2022
I Danté & Frankie’s story and was very curious about the girl who would bring Marco to his knees!! Who knew that it would be the total opposite to him. He’s a super flirty, loves the ladies type of guy and she is a naive girl who loves Jane Austen💕
For all their differences they are absolutely perfect for each other. Their families not so much:/
After that cliffy I’m anxiously awaiting Forbidden War👀
For all their differences they are absolutely perfect for each other. Their families not so much:/
After that cliffy I’m anxiously awaiting Forbidden War👀
Want to Read
March 23, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2023)! 🎁
September 7, 2023
I missed the Bellanti family! These books are so lovely! Really love this series. Forbidden is about Marco, the younger brother, and Carina a Bruno! The story is so well built, sooo… I have to start with the second one😉I totally recommend these😊
March 1, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
🥵
Mafia Romance, set between vineyards and racetrack, abuse, kidnapping, violence
💋💋
🥵
Mafia Romance, set between vineyards and racetrack, abuse, kidnapping, violence
May 11, 2022
Marco against his better judgment wants Karina even though for some many reasons he shouldn’t but the pull they have is to strong to let go regardless of the consequences they both would have. Can’t wait for the next one
Want to Read
November 27, 2021Loved these books read them in less than a week. Can’t till the find out who Lizzie bodyguard really is. Hint end of book tattoo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
Wow! Where do I begin? I was not expecting that cliffhanger! I was thinking this story was going to go one way when BAM—out of nowhere it turns! This Romeo and Juliet love story is centered in the heart of two Mafia families—Bellantis and Brunos. Marco Bellanti and Karina Rossi belong to opposing families that are supposed to have a truce, but after the patriarch Bellanti’s death, the Bellanti brothers are thrown back into the Mafia to avenge their father’s death. But, one wrong move is all it will take to spark turmoil between the families. Marco Bellanti is an enigma of a man who is very handsome and sexy, dominant, sweetly contrite, and the youngest of the three brothers. Marco never wanted anything to do with the family Mafia business. His only passion is racing cars. Karina knows nothing about her family business. Karina’s life is dictated by certain set of rules… rules by her uncle, and Karina would always follow them because she was intimidated by her uncle. Karina loves books, and she is somewhat naive because her evil and ruthless Mafia uncle boss makes all her choices for her. Since Karina is now 20 years old and a virgin, her uncle stated that it is time for her to show her loyalty to the family by having a prearranged marriage to someone she does not know well—this will give her uncle greater control and power. Karina is a romantic, and she believes in love—she would like to meet her Romeo. When Karina attends the car race, in which her fiancé also races, she is enamored by Marco’s looks and his mesmerizing eyes. But with Marco set on an unwavering quest against another race car driver, he pursues Karina—his Juliet. Karina is now a pawn caught in his crosshairs. The explosive attraction and passion between Marco and Karina is unparalleled. This story has interesting twists and turns. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out—you won’t regret it. This is the first time I read Stella Gray’s books, but I assure you it won’t be the last. Stella Gray delivered a powerful, addictive, intriguing, and all-consuming Mafia romantic story that will lure you into the wee hours and beyond. I highly RECOMMEND this book! I can’t wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 8, 2022
Forbidden Bride
(Forbidden #1)
By Stella Gray
Marco’s life is going full throttle with just about everything he does and what he does can often be dangerous. He drives race cars, he lives for his time on the track, the feeling of the car as he steps on the accelerator, the vibrations of the tires on the tracks circuit, the thrill of being first over the finish line.
So what about Karina Rossi has caught his attention? She’s quiet, she searches out the dark places to hide, and it is obvious she’s use to being hidden not seen. She’s soothing when he talks to her, her shy smile does something to calm him, she has the ability to slow him down and take his time with her. She engaged to a man she hates and Marco is her Romeo.
This was the first book I’ve read by Author Stella Gray. Marco and Karina could be used to compare Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Their families are enemies but they find each other and the just fit together. Marco the outgoing flamboyant person Karina wishes she were; Karina the calm to Marco’s storm.
Karina has been betrothed to Pietro Manzo and everyone knows that Pietro is the wrong person for Karina. Her uncle Sergio Bruno is the one who is a major threat to the Bellanti family and he has sold his sweet, quiet, unassuming niece Karina to strengthen ties for the Bruno family. Add to this the fact Bruno and Manzo are looking for a way to end the Bellanti’s, so yes we have trouble in Napa.
Gray has done a wonderful job moving from Dante and Frankie’s story into Marco and Karina’s story. Truly a modern day mafia Romeo and Juliette! Her ability to weave her words that make readers feel like they are in his race car when Marco is driving and sitting on a blanket underneath the stars when they sneak in time together, but remember the real Romeo and Juliet didn’t have a very happy ending, will Marco and Karina get their happy ending!
(Forbidden #1)
By Stella Gray
Marco’s life is going full throttle with just about everything he does and what he does can often be dangerous. He drives race cars, he lives for his time on the track, the feeling of the car as he steps on the accelerator, the vibrations of the tires on the tracks circuit, the thrill of being first over the finish line.
So what about Karina Rossi has caught his attention? She’s quiet, she searches out the dark places to hide, and it is obvious she’s use to being hidden not seen. She’s soothing when he talks to her, her shy smile does something to calm him, she has the ability to slow him down and take his time with her. She engaged to a man she hates and Marco is her Romeo.
This was the first book I’ve read by Author Stella Gray. Marco and Karina could be used to compare Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Their families are enemies but they find each other and the just fit together. Marco the outgoing flamboyant person Karina wishes she were; Karina the calm to Marco’s storm.
Karina has been betrothed to Pietro Manzo and everyone knows that Pietro is the wrong person for Karina. Her uncle Sergio Bruno is the one who is a major threat to the Bellanti family and he has sold his sweet, quiet, unassuming niece Karina to strengthen ties for the Bruno family. Add to this the fact Bruno and Manzo are looking for a way to end the Bellanti’s, so yes we have trouble in Napa.
Gray has done a wonderful job moving from Dante and Frankie’s story into Marco and Karina’s story. Truly a modern day mafia Romeo and Juliette! Her ability to weave her words that make readers feel like they are in his race car when Marco is driving and sitting on a blanket underneath the stars when they sneak in time together, but remember the real Romeo and Juliet didn’t have a very happy ending, will Marco and Karina get their happy ending!
August 12, 2022
This is Karina and Marco's story, a sort of Romeo & Juliet type of story with mafia and fantastic characters. The plot-line is well developed and as always we are left on a cliffy as we know we are getting three books into this story. The way this started was sweet and of course they weren't' supposed to be together so that forbidden part of the story started to develop, can't wait to read the next one.
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May 3, 2022
After reading the “Broken” series last year, I was so ready for more from the Bellanti Brothers. Marco and Karina have a modern day Romeo and Juliet vibe with a Mafia tie thrown in and I could not put this story down.
Karina is being forced to marry a man that she does not love simply for more power in the mafia world by bringing two families together. Since women are often seen as property, Karina is taken by the attention of a handsome stranger she meets one night out with her cousin. An avid reader, Karina feels an instant Romeo and Juliet connection with Marco Bellanti. Marco thought him and his brothers were free from the Mafia world but when they find out someone is coming after them, they are being brought back into the life.
This was a great start to the new trilogy and Stella Gray is my go to writer when I want a Mafia trilogy that is full of secrets, betrayal, steam, strong women and men who find their match. Karina has a sweet innocence that you can’t help fall for in how pure she is. With her love of books, she knows that there is a great love out there for her and doesn’t want to settle for what her family wants. It’s hard not to be swept away by a Bellanti brother and Marco is definitely one you could fall for. Him being a racecar driver adds a certain danger to him which I find intriguing. Since this is a trilogy, it does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read “Forbidden War” next.
Karina is being forced to marry a man that she does not love simply for more power in the mafia world by bringing two families together. Since women are often seen as property, Karina is taken by the attention of a handsome stranger she meets one night out with her cousin. An avid reader, Karina feels an instant Romeo and Juliet connection with Marco Bellanti. Marco thought him and his brothers were free from the Mafia world but when they find out someone is coming after them, they are being brought back into the life.
This was a great start to the new trilogy and Stella Gray is my go to writer when I want a Mafia trilogy that is full of secrets, betrayal, steam, strong women and men who find their match. Karina has a sweet innocence that you can’t help fall for in how pure she is. With her love of books, she knows that there is a great love out there for her and doesn’t want to settle for what her family wants. It’s hard not to be swept away by a Bellanti brother and Marco is definitely one you could fall for. Him being a racecar driver adds a certain danger to him which I find intriguing. Since this is a trilogy, it does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read “Forbidden War” next.
May 17, 2022
Karina is forced to marry a powerful man in the mafia to bring more power to her family. But she decides to run away and marry a man she thinks would be much better for her, Marco.
The only word that comes to mind to describe how I feel about this book is obsessed. I’m absolutely obsessed with this story and I just want to know more of it. This was such a good start of the series because it pulled me right in and just made me want to know more about this story and these characters.
I absolutely loved all of the twists and turns in this one. It always kept me on the edge of my seat and it made the book so much fun to read. I really liked how the book always pulled me into a false sense of stability to then take it all away from me, it made for a very enjoyable reading experience.
I absolutely loved Karina, she is just so sweet and she is basically my spirit animal. I just loved everything about her and she was just the perfect character for this story. I also enjoyed Marco, he was the exact kind of characters I love in books, so his character really worked for me.
I really enjoyed the chemistry and the romance between Karina and Marco. It was really hot but also really sweet, it was just the right balance of the two and it really worked for me.
I’m so excited to read the next books in this series because i’m very invested in these characters lives now.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
The only word that comes to mind to describe how I feel about this book is obsessed. I’m absolutely obsessed with this story and I just want to know more of it. This was such a good start of the series because it pulled me right in and just made me want to know more about this story and these characters.
I absolutely loved all of the twists and turns in this one. It always kept me on the edge of my seat and it made the book so much fun to read. I really liked how the book always pulled me into a false sense of stability to then take it all away from me, it made for a very enjoyable reading experience.
I absolutely loved Karina, she is just so sweet and she is basically my spirit animal. I just loved everything about her and she was just the perfect character for this story. I also enjoyed Marco, he was the exact kind of characters I love in books, so his character really worked for me.
I really enjoyed the chemistry and the romance between Karina and Marco. It was really hot but also really sweet, it was just the right balance of the two and it really worked for me.
I’m so excited to read the next books in this series because i’m very invested in these characters lives now.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
May 29, 2022
The Bellanti Brothers are back! Forbidden Bride was an edgy, addictive, slow burn steamy ride! I couldn’t get enough. Marco, the youngest Bellanti brother, and Karina, niece of the head of the Bruno family, were a modern day Romeo & Juliet from two rival mafia families, the Bellantis vs The Brunos. Karina is a pawn in her uncle’s power game. She is arranged to marry someone her uncle thinks will help cement his power in the mafia underworld. From the first moment she and Marco meet at the masquerade ball sparks fly. She’s a romantic and believes Marco is her Prince Charming. Karina is the first woman to ever grab Marco’s attention for more than a night. She intrigues him not only because she is forbidden fruit but their chemistry is instant and intense. Their forbidden whirlwind romance keeps you at the edge of suspense, will they get caught or not? Stella Gray gets a bit dark in the newest installment of the Bellanti brothers saga. We find out more about the Bruno family and how they are plotting against the Bellanti family. This story is filled of cute romantic moments, stolen kisses, steamy scenes, and twists and turns you don’t see coming. The cliffhanger is a shocking surprise. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with Marco and Karina. This is definitely a must read!
May 11, 2022
"God help me, I’d still choose Marco Bellanti all over again."
3,5 🌟
This was the first book from the author that a read and I really liked her writing.
I almost instantly liked Karina, with all her innocence, strong will and love for books.
Wasn't quite sure about Marco, but if there's something I can't deny it's the intense chemistry between this two.
I didn't felt enterily connected to the story, because of how quickly things happenned.
I'm not really a fan of instalove, but when it indeed happen, I always expect that things work in a way that you can really see the feelings growing and the couple connection beeing solidified.
In general I liked the book and will probably read the next to discover what will happen.
★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•
"Things between us are moving so fast, and every moment I spend with him invests me even more."
"I fell in love with a man who doesn’t exist, and I damned us all when I did."
"I wanted a hero, a white knight who would fight for me. Marco fights for his family, for his honor... He doesn’t fight for love."
"my traitorous body still yearns for him. Still responds to the sound of his voice, the memories of our long nights together."
★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•
ARC provided for honest review
3,5 🌟
This was the first book from the author that a read and I really liked her writing.
I almost instantly liked Karina, with all her innocence, strong will and love for books.
Wasn't quite sure about Marco, but if there's something I can't deny it's the intense chemistry between this two.
I didn't felt enterily connected to the story, because of how quickly things happenned.
I'm not really a fan of instalove, but when it indeed happen, I always expect that things work in a way that you can really see the feelings growing and the couple connection beeing solidified.
In general I liked the book and will probably read the next to discover what will happen.
★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•
"Things between us are moving so fast, and every moment I spend with him invests me even more."
"I fell in love with a man who doesn’t exist, and I damned us all when I did."
"I wanted a hero, a white knight who would fight for me. Marco fights for his family, for his honor... He doesn’t fight for love."
"my traitorous body still yearns for him. Still responds to the sound of his voice, the memories of our long nights together."
★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•★•
ARC provided for honest review
May 3, 2022
I can't wait for the next book!!!
Forbidden Bride had me turning pages as fast as I could! I couldn't put it down!
Marco Bellanti just wants to keep racing and has his own plans for his life. But, him and his brothers are getting dragged back into Mob life, to go to war with a rival family.
Karina Rossi is a book loving, sweet girl, that is stuck in a life with all her choices made for her. She meets her "Romeo" at a racing event and she is instantly enamoured by him. She cant have him, because she is stuck in an arranged marriage that will bring her family more power. She doesn't want to go through with the wedding at all.
Marco has wanted Karina since he first laid eyes on her, but she is forbidden. He can't get her out of his head and she can't stay away from him, but can they find a way to be together.
This book is AMAZING!! The chemistry between Karina and Marco is insane, and they are perfect together.
And that ending!?!?!? I cant wait for Forbidden War!!!
Forbidden Bride had me turning pages as fast as I could! I couldn't put it down!
Marco Bellanti just wants to keep racing and has his own plans for his life. But, him and his brothers are getting dragged back into Mob life, to go to war with a rival family.
Karina Rossi is a book loving, sweet girl, that is stuck in a life with all her choices made for her. She meets her "Romeo" at a racing event and she is instantly enamoured by him. She cant have him, because she is stuck in an arranged marriage that will bring her family more power. She doesn't want to go through with the wedding at all.
Marco has wanted Karina since he first laid eyes on her, but she is forbidden. He can't get her out of his head and she can't stay away from him, but can they find a way to be together.
This book is AMAZING!! The chemistry between Karina and Marco is insane, and they are perfect together.
And that ending!?!?!? I cant wait for Forbidden War!!!
April 23, 2023
I was promised to a man my uncle chose… but I ran away with the enemy.In this valley, my family name means something. To some, protection. To others, destruction. When a Bellanti stole my heart, he started a war. I really enjoyed this next book in the series I had a feeling that Marco was more than meets the eye, and in this book we actually start moving into a little more of the mafia world something that has been absent in the other books. In this book we meet Corina the daughter kept in a cage and groomed to marry a man simply to bring two mafia families together which goes astray when she meets Marco and everthing goes to hell, well more like war. The story line was interesting and addictive and their story was a very sweet romance. Corine's obsession was a little over the top and immature but she is very innocent so...
All over this was a great read and now on with their story in the next book.
All over this was a great read and now on with their story in the next book.
May 29, 2022
Forbidden bride
This is the story of Marco and Karina, these two characters have intense chemistry between them from the start. This story is filled with secrets, mystery, love and lies. This story will have you turning the pages so fast, you just can’t put this book down till you get to the last page, then you're left wanting more. This is a forbidden love story with so much more added into it from the start. I was hooked from the first page to the very last one.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 10 May 2022
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
May 18, 2022
Fantastic first book to this series!
Marco and Karina come from rival families; Marco is a Bellanti and Karina is a Rossi which is part of the Bruno family. Marco’s family got out of anything illegal, but now the Bruno family is after them, and they have to get back in to it for revenge. They meet at a party for the racing world. Instant attraction and love. Marco races cars. Karina is there because her fiancé for a pre-arranged marriage, is a race driver, too. She has been kept sheltered her whole life, totally. This story takes you on a crazy ride of intensity, mystery and love. It’s a page turner, for sure. The ending is a misconception. I can’t wait for the second book to this series.
Marco and Karina come from rival families; Marco is a Bellanti and Karina is a Rossi which is part of the Bruno family. Marco’s family got out of anything illegal, but now the Bruno family is after them, and they have to get back in to it for revenge. They meet at a party for the racing world. Instant attraction and love. Marco races cars. Karina is there because her fiancé for a pre-arranged marriage, is a race driver, too. She has been kept sheltered her whole life, totally. This story takes you on a crazy ride of intensity, mystery and love. It’s a page turner, for sure. The ending is a misconception. I can’t wait for the second book to this series.
August 4, 2022
Forbidden Bride is the first book in the well written Forbidden Trilogy by Stella Grey. It features the dark mafia romance between Marco Bellanti, a race car driver and youngest Bellanti brother, and Karena Rossi, the niece of the don of the Bruno mafia family who is being forced to marry a man she does not love. The Bellanti and Bruno mafia families are each other’s nemesis but Marco and Karena are immediately attracted to each other against their families’ wishes. Their story is a phenomenal journey with well developed characters, twists, abuse, family disagreements, steamy love, and a surprising cliffhanger. I highly recommend this book as I could not put it down until the final page. The next book in this series is Forbidden War.
November 22, 2022
Here we get Marco's story, the baby of the Bellanti family and the adrenalin junkie. He's into race cars in a big way and has even opened his own business.
It's at one of the race days when he and Karina come face-to-face and suddenly Marco understands what Dante feels when he looks at Frankie!
Karina is a Bruno, the family at war with the Bellantis and they are cruel!
She's not treated as a person, she's locked up, isolated, gets punished, and is 100% under her uncles thumb. It's sad what she goes through!
There's a problem - Dante and Armani knew nothing of Marco and Karina! And when they eventually find out, he says some things to try and smooth it over - guess who hears..... Cue the cliffhanger!!
I'm excited for more!!
It's at one of the race days when he and Karina come face-to-face and suddenly Marco understands what Dante feels when he looks at Frankie!
Karina is a Bruno, the family at war with the Bellantis and they are cruel!
She's not treated as a person, she's locked up, isolated, gets punished, and is 100% under her uncles thumb. It's sad what she goes through!
There's a problem - Dante and Armani knew nothing of Marco and Karina! And when they eventually find out, he says some things to try and smooth it over - guess who hears..... Cue the cliffhanger!!
I'm excited for more!!
May 6, 2022
This book is a good start to what appears to be another promising series from this author. I'm really liking the Bellanti brothers now! Marco is young, idealistic and enticing. The fact that he loves to race cars doesn't hurt either. I immediately felt all kinds of bad for Karina and her lot in life, being used by her Uncle to gain more power for her family in the Mafia hierarchy. I did enjoy her rebelliousness! The story just moved right along with lots of action, intrigue and secrets just waiting to be uncovered. I'm really looking forward to reading Book #2 and seeing what will happen next.
May 20, 2022
I knew this was going to end on a cliffhanger. I knew and still I’m frustrated. But I know that the next one will be out soon!
Marco Bellanti is the ultimate bachelor and he knows that all he needs is racing. But when Karina enters his life everything happens so fast and he falls hard. Karina is a pawn in her family and is just resigned to her fate. When these two meet it’s fireworks from the start. There’s also a lot of drama between the two families that Karina is clueless to until it’s too late. These two are amazing together and even with everything happening I’m trying to patiently wait for book 2. Please let the next one get here soon!
Marco Bellanti is the ultimate bachelor and he knows that all he needs is racing. But when Karina enters his life everything happens so fast and he falls hard. Karina is a pawn in her family and is just resigned to her fate. When these two meet it’s fireworks from the start. There’s also a lot of drama between the two families that Karina is clueless to until it’s too late. These two are amazing together and even with everything happening I’m trying to patiently wait for book 2. Please let the next one get here soon!
May 23, 2022
I knew this was going to end on a cliffhanger. I knew and still I’m frustrated. But I know that the next one will be out soon!
Marco Bellanti is the ultimate bachelor and he knows that all he needs is racing. But when Karina enters his life everything happens so fast and he falls hard. Karina is a pawn in her family and is just resigned to her fate. When these two meet it’s fireworks from the start. There’s also a lot of drama between the two families that Karina is clueless to until it’s too late. These two are amazing together and even with everything happening I’m trying to patiently wait for book 2. Please let the next one get here soon!
Review by Raychel
Marco Bellanti is the ultimate bachelor and he knows that all he needs is racing. But when Karina enters his life everything happens so fast and he falls hard. Karina is a pawn in her family and is just resigned to her fate. When these two meet it’s fireworks from the start. There’s also a lot of drama between the two families that Karina is clueless to until it’s too late. These two are amazing together and even with everything happening I’m trying to patiently wait for book 2. Please let the next one get here soon!
Review by Raychel
June 21, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Author***
This is book 1 of a trilogy focusing on Karina and Marco and I enjoyed it a lot.
It's the 1st book I have read by this author, and it's always fun to find a new author and enjoy the initial book as much as I did. I was engaged with this book from the beginning, and I was interested in the characters.
It's difficult to review the first book in any trilogy without spoiling the books that are still coming in the story, so I am going to leave this with my recommendation to read this one as it's a lot of fun and a great start to a trilogy.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
This is book 1 of a trilogy focusing on Karina and Marco and I enjoyed it a lot.
It's the 1st book I have read by this author, and it's always fun to find a new author and enjoy the initial book as much as I did. I was engaged with this book from the beginning, and I was interested in the characters.
It's difficult to review the first book in any trilogy without spoiling the books that are still coming in the story, so I am going to leave this with my recommendation to read this one as it's a lot of fun and a great start to a trilogy.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
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