Bound by Desire

Cosa Nostra #4

by A.J. Wyatt

When love threatens to unravel everything, do you take a leap or do you turn the other way?

Hunter
The first time I saw her, I knew she’d be important. I’m the right-hand man to the Godfather of New York City, the voice of reason in the Underworld. Yet, reason ceases to exist when it comes to Olivia Thompson.
There is no right or wrong, there is only her.

Olivia
I’ve been living my entire life a specific way - safe.
It all started falling apart the moment I met him, when his gray eyes captured mine across a room, I knew everything would go to hell.
There was just no way to know how literal that would be.
He’s a man from the Underworld of New York, someone who is bound to me, to my past, in ways I could never have anticipated.

Will the ties that bind us bring us closer together or ruin us completely?

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2022

About the author

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

Reviews

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

''I knew my peace would lie with her''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW drama
- Slight OM drama
- Loss of loved one
- Grief
- Alcoholism
- Mention of infidelity
- Violence
- HEA

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

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SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

We finally get the story of Hunter and Olivia! These two had me in an absolute chokehold the entire time I was reading the original trilogy.

Olivia is known as being this innocent, pure and well put together woman who suddenly finds intense attraction towards Hunter from the second they locked eyes and Hunter despite his mafia lifestyle I have to say was pretty much the less douchebag of the three guys. He was solely interested in Olivia from the beginning and all he wanted was for her to want him back and give him a chance to be with her.

The book begins with an annoying scene, one of the two reasons this book did not get a 5-star rating. Hunter is still dealing with the aftermath of his actions at the wedding at the end of book 3 and has not spoken or seen Olivia for two months, I should mention that these two were never together. They had a friendship and spoke/texted everyday but nothing beyond that. They did kiss the first night they met but nothing occurred afterwards.

So back to the annoying scene: He is at a club and one of the strippers who works at the club tries to get his attention and she gets on his lap, but he just wants her off and thankfully she leaves. That's it. he is feeling hopeless though about Olivia and wishes to see her but knows to keep his distance as she demanded it from him.

These two had a lot of angst between them and so much chemistry! They both want each other but there are reasons in their heads to not go through with it and it mostly lies with Olivia.

Olivia a long time ago lost her older brother and that led her family and home life to be basically destroyed and we find out more about her brother’s death especially the fact that Hunter and the guys knew him and know exactly how and why he died.

You see James (Olivia's brother) wanted so badly to be part of the Cosa Nostra that he ended up running drugs but at the time Neal's uncle refused nonexistent members to join their ranks and sent him off to enemy territory for drugs and he was killed. His death actually hurt Hunter as they were friends and close so when Olivia finds out this destroys their relationship.

And she finds out at the worst time, right after they have sex for the first time, and she loses her virginity!

This is another reason why this book did not get the 5-star rating, I wish Hunter had nothing to do with James’s death. I wish he was not connected the way it was made, it’s hard to imagine Olivia being with him after that knowing her mother and father are destroyed over her brother’s death.
They are separated for a few weeks after she takes the internship in South Africa. He lets her go and spends days calling and trying to get a hold of her, but she is absent.... he knew the second he found out she was James's sister that she would hate him...

Olivia realizes she wants to be with Hunter and understands their way of life couldn’t have been avoided and losing her brother happened because of other forces and other choices. She flies back to show him and everyone she belongs in the Family.

I have to say I did not like Neal a lot in this book, he got to choose his wife and be with the woman he loves, and he seems adamant on not allowing others have the same courtesy all in the name of the Family and Cosa Nostra....I wanted him to show a little bit more sympathy towards these arranged marriages. Especially Zeta who is Hunter's 17-year-old sister who is marrying off to some old fart BUT we know from AJ's future book announcements that her betrothed will be the SON of the old geezer. King of Chicago will be that book that delves into this story!

I really liked this book: it had all the elements I always enjoy in these types of books. Loyal MMC and perfectly matched FMC. At the end they are engaged! We only get to witness the wedding between Christiano and his FMC from King of Fire.

HOWEVER, Killian is on my shit list. I cannot believe he did what he did, he seriously makes me so uninterested in reading his book. To me fucking that girl in Liz's hotel bed after she pushed him away was so fucked up and honestly, I would never forgive him especially since she SAW it and is destroyed by it.

OM drama:
Olivia is being pursued by another Don (Vincenzo - King of Vegas MMC) who is told to get married by Neal and he has his sights on her as he thinks she would make a wonderful wife but it's only for convenience. Nothing occurs between them, only massive jealousy from Hunter.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia and Hunters story was perfect.

The attraction is seen in the previous books and I was eager to read their story.

I loved the character development of Olivia as the book went on.
Secrets are kept and threatening to come out. What will happen when they do?

The tension and attraction between these two is electric. I just loved it.

Now I need Killian and Lizs story.

[withryelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

STATS:
OVERALL RATING - 4 / 5
CHARACTERS - 4 / 5
WRITING - 3.5 / 5
PLOT - 3.5 / 5
SPICE - 🌶️🌶️🌶️

GENRE - Dark Romance
PAGE COUNT - 316
RELEASE DATE - 1st April, 2022
FORMAT - Kindle Edition
SERIES - Cosa Nostra Series (#4)

"There has never been, nor will there ever be anyone I love more than I love you, Olivia."
- Dante (Hunter), Bound by Desire by A.J. Wyatt

Will officially be reading the next books written by A.J. Wyatt because wow this book was a wild one and I enjoyed every second of it. The chemistry between Hunter and Olivia as well as his unyielding devotion for her was just *chefs kiss*. The way this man is irrevocably loyal to the Cosa Nostra but if he had to trade his family for Olivia, he would. We love ourselves a loyal man ;) Not to mention a respectful one on top of that, it was adorable the way he always prioritized consent and her comfort over his own satisfaction.

Though this story focuses on Hunter and Olivia, I couldn't help but be drawn to the side characters more especially Liz and Killian. Have I fallen in love with Killian? Yes. Did I dedicate a star from my rating to him? Yes. Do I hope he redeems himself for what he's done? Absolutely yes. The reason I didn't give this book a 5 star is because of Neal and his views on women in the mafia. I understand that their world works differently but I just felt repulsed at the fact that he was trying to praise and even went to the extent of referring to women accepting their fate (i.e. being subjected to arranged marriages) as strength and that if you can't accept that, you're not strong enough to be one of them.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because I'm always down for a good mafia read and you should too ;)

Thank you to the author, A.J. Wyatt, for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Ashley Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I haven't read the first 3 book to this series, this book was great to read and wasn't a problem to read as a stand alone. I do feel that had I read the first 3 books, maybe a few small questions may have been answered though. I really enjoyed following Olivia and Hunter's story. Although I don't typically read mafia type books, this was one that I enjoyed and would read again. Now I just need to get the read of the series and read them as I am sure they are as good as this book is. I am also looking forward to the next book and others that the author has in the works. Nice job!

[Sally D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! This series just blows me away, with every book. Twists, and the Sexiness, WOW!! I highly recommend reading this series. A never putdownable read! A.J.Wyatt, I applaud you on how AMAZING you are at your GIFT of writing! Thank you❤⚘️

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
*Read as a standalone*
A captivating and steamy read. Love the tension and romance between Hunter and Olivia. If you're a fan of mafia romances but don't care too much for the violence, then this is for you. The main focus is definitely on the romance. The violence that was there, was quite tame. Tamer than what I'm used to and expected from a mafia romance. Personally, I wish there was more to the mafia side of the storyline. I wanted to see the boys get their hands dirty, but that's just me. Other than that, it was a great read and I highly recommend. Now I have to go back and start the series properly with book one.

***I would like to thank BookSirens and A.J. Wyatt (the author) for graciously providing an ARC of the novel for me to read & review.***

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this authors books this series I have fallen in love with the characters and so wanting more .the wedding of Amelia and he head Dom Neal . but Hunter and Oliva are still not speaking as he so full of Jealousy of Oliva and Di Napoli friendship .Hunter has other problems to his father they had a good bond but since he been promoted his father is jealous he thinks it should be his .so Hunters father wants his daughter married to a Dom ,Oliva and Hunter get back together but there a few shocks in store .and Killian and Liz are so angry with each other I so cant wait for book 5 to see what happens next to all characters .

[No Book Behind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia and Hunter’s story is heartwarming, slow burn and tension building up is all at the right moments. It’s engrossing from the beginning, with an intriguing plot and unexpected twists. How to find love and happiness and at the same time do not lose your true self totally in the process. It’s romantic at times, sexy and smutty. Affection, chemistry and longing is so unmistakable and palpable. All perfectly balanced.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first novel by this author, but the blurb captured me, and in a trope I love! So, I jumped in! I am so darn glad I did!

This book was captivating!

I absolutely loved learning about the main characters. What made them tick. Would their interest in one another turn into something lasting!

I enjoyed it so much, I will definitely be looking to read the other books in the series, and seeing what else this talented author has written!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. I couldn’t stop flipping pages. I absolutely loved Hunter and Via! This is an awesome mafia romance. So much drama, intrigue and steam. The story is well developed and very exciting. Although I had not read the previous books and there were references to those books, I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

[Jennifer Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! So many good characters

It is hard to understand how Neal can agree with arranged marriages when his unarranged one works so well. Hopefully something will happen so Zeta doesn't have to go through with hers. Vicenzio is another one to watch.

[✨natalie✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hot. She is a virgin waiting for the right man, and he is the right hand man to the Godfather of the Cosa Nostra. I had been waiting to read Olivia and Hunter’s story after seeing them interact in the prior books. I love that we see Hunter’s soft side, and I loved seeing Olivia open up.

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. The storyline was easy to follow and the characters were well matched.
I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥



I am glad that Hunter and Olivia got their story. These two are often overlooked in their circle because of how low-key they are compared to their friends. However, we find that there is more depth to these two than we thought from Neal and Amelia's trilogy.

Adjusting to his new role as Consigliere, Hunter is juggling his responsibilities to the Family with his own wants. And what he wants is Olivia. But how could he -- in good conscience -- subject her to a life with a Made Man?

Olivia is also struggling with her attraction to Hunter. She is frustrated that he keeps her at arm's length even though it is not like she could cut off her friends who are well-embedded into the Family way of life. On top of that, she is being courted by the Las Vegas Don and she is also balancing all of this with family -- with the lowcase f -- problems.

I actually enjoyed that this read was somewhat low angst compared to the first three books. It focused more on Hunter and Olivia while moving things along with the larger picture of this Cosa Nostra world. This was a nice break as we prepare for Killian and Liz's story, and we know how much of a hot mess those two are.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to A.J. Wyatt for providing an ARC. **

[Sido · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book and read it in a few hours. La Cosa Nostra trilogy was so good, so much fun to read and great characters and I could not wait for Hunter and Olivia’s story and I was not disappointed!!

I loved them together. We delve into each character further, find out more about their background and families and pf course their romance evolves and it is Ugh… delicious!!!

I love Hunt and his real name is Dante *melts* He tries so hard to do good but his feelings for Olivia and jealousy get the better of him and gets him into trouble and I love it! He’s sweet and sexy and I think I love him more than Neal.

Olivia understandbly tries to come to terms with Hunt being a made man and that he has ties to her dead brother. I also loved that Vincenzo was vying for her attention as well.

The third act was perfect. Olivia leaving to try and put some distance and then Neal showing up. I just loved how everything unfolded although I will say that Olivia’s brother’s reveal was HUGE and I thought Olivia got over things a little too easily and quickly, but it was great nonetheless.

I’m so excited about Killian and Liz because after what happened in book 2, I don’t know how they’ll ever end up together!

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by desire (Cosa nostra series 4)

This is the fourth book in this series by this author. This is the first book in this series that I've read and it was easily read as a stand alone read. This is the story of Olivia and Hunter, these two characters have a slow burn romance story which is full of chemistry from the start. This story is filled with tension, emotions, sexy, and twists and turns. This is such a good read, I'm going back to read the others in this series.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review

Release date - 01 April 2022
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. once again has me enamored from the very start. I loved Olivia and Hunter in the first 3 books. Their story was one that made me curious because the attraction was obvious but neither wanted to give in. Olivia is the one who always plays it safe. She is level-headed but I also got the sense that she knew what she wanted. Hunter is a mafia man through and through. He knows he’s drawn to her but doesn’t want to corrupt her supposed innocence. The secrets kept and the turns of the story kept me interested. I love how they came together when they finally accepted that there was nothing either of them could do, they were BOUND to one another. I’m very much looking forward to Killian and Liz’s story.

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter and Olivia

Olivia plays her life the safe way, and when she meets Hunter, it becomes anything but safe. But he can't let her go, and she knows he's going to drag her through hell with his life as the right-hand man to the godfather of New York City.

We've seen hints at their story in previous books, so it's exciting finally getting to see it play out. The hints are nothing compared to this incredible story full of twists and turns that you won't be able to see coming.

The plot is on the slower side, but the writing keeps you intrigued throughout the story. I loved Olivia's character and how she goes after what she wants while be supportive of those she loves.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter is now the Consigliere, he can’t seem to get Olivia off his mind especially since she distanced herself from him at Amelia and Neal’s wedding. Their journey is a slow one that doesn’t come easy. Olivia became a woman who went after what she wanted. I loved how she was supportive of not only Hunter but sister as well as they face the threats soling their prompting an arranged marriage for his sister.

I received this ARC and my honest view is voluntary

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read Hunter & Olivia’s story!! I loved them so much. There’s so much passion and love between these two. I also enjoyed getting to see Olivia’s friendship with Liz more closely. Plenty of drama and spice!

[Melissa]

DNF. And thus ends my brief relationship with mafia romance books. I came across a recommendation for King of Fire on TikTok and thought, “what the heck is mafia romance?” I got 2 months of dirt cheap Kindle Unlimited during Prime Day, so I read a few of AJ Wyatt’s books. King of Fire had plenty of misogyny and uncomfortable elements (a grown man testing the loyalty of his 19 year old wife knowing she’s under extreme duress? Gag.) But, the dude who forced his 19 year old daughter into the marriage was clearly the antagonist. In Neal and Amelia’s story, an arranged marriage fails and Amelia is educated and independent. Then we have this book, where our male lead and previous male lead (and previous female lead!) are supporting arranging a marriage for a 17 yr old who plainly objects to it and wants to go college. It was definitely a show stopper for me. Add in some of my least favorite elements, like the appearance of nicknames we’ve never heard before for known characters and we’re all done here, thanks.

[Nina F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite and, at the same time, least favorite books in the series. Here's why.

It's my least favorite because it's the book before Christiano's, and anyone who knows me knows he's my favorite book boyfriend. So, Bound by Desire is always the book in the way of me finally getting to his story (because I have to read in order). 😅

But it's also a favorite because Hunter surprises me every time. In the other books, I'm never a big fan of his. I like him, sure, but he tends to blend with the background despite his presence. If that makes sense.

But when he gets to tell his own story... 🤯🥵 I absolutely love him.

It's kind of the same with Olivia. Possibly because they both have subdued personalities in comparison with the other characters in the series.

But man, when it's finally these two's turn, it's fireworks!

💔 Angst 4/5
🔥 Spice 4/5

👤 Character development 5/5

🌍 World-building 5/5
📝 Plot 5/5

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 - Hunter and Olivia: a complicated mafia romance. Hunter/Dante is mafia whereas Olivia is not. She is not Italian and did not grow up in the life. Dante's father is a hard a*s and does not accept her. Olivia's family is dysfunctional due to the death of her older brother.

When Olivia finds out about a skeleton in Dante's closet, she bolts to South Africa. There she has time to think and realizes how much she loves Dante and wants to be with him.

Amelia and Neal are happy and expecting. Liz and Killian are still a mess. Especially after the cruel way he treated her when the lot of them were in Las Vegas. On to book 5-War.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Entertaining
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been so eager to read a story as i have that of Olivia and Hunter! AJ has exceeded herself, because it captivated me from the start, despite being a slow burn. I think this was because we had already been introduced to these characters in Amelia and Neal's books.
The story had unexpected twists and was packed with emotion, romance and a sizzling chemistry between the MC's.....literally every box was ticked! I cant wait for more from this author...especially Killian and Liz's book!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Wyatt's Cosa Nostra series. While this is part of a series this can be read as a standalone. This is Olivia and Hunters' story and it was perfectly done! Amazing characters with great growth. Well written with smooth storyline flow. Captivating with twists and slow burn chemistry make this a book you will have a hard time putting down and once it's done you'll be eager for more from Wyatt in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Themis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4stars

Love this series so far. The writing and flow of events through out the books is so interesting and captivating.
So glad a read Olivia and Hunters book this couples courtship was sweet at the beginning with a convenient loop and break up with the end Olivia loosing her inhibitions.
A lot happened with Cosa Nostra, a baby, arranged marriages and a war coming.
Can wait to read about the Las Vegas series.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Hunter & Olivia’s book. The first time I saw her, I knew she’d be important. I’m the right-hand man to the Godfather of New York City, the voice of reason in the Underworld. Yet, reason ceases to exist when it comes to Olivia Thompson. There is no right or wrong, there is only her. I enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/20/2022)! 🎁

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I am binge reading this series and I just can’t get enough of these books

[Andra Kapule · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it

I absolutely can not get enough of these books!! I’m so glad I discovered this author. I already downloaded the next book so I can just keep binge reading 🤣🤣