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Unwilling Bride
My father sold my hand to settle his debts… but my virginity wasn’t part of the bargain.
My father never turns down a sure bet.
It was a win/win for him--no more owed money and an alliance with the Bruno family to boot.
He didn’t ask me if I wanted to marry a mobster.
He didn’t have to.
What I want doesn’t matter.
But if I’m forced to leave one uncaring man’s home for another, there is one thing I can take.
Or rather, lose.
And the delicious Irishman who wants to buy me a drink is the perfect man to take it.
That face.
That accent.
That body.
Every bit of it, all for me, for one perfect, toe-curling night before I’m married off to a stranger.
Only my new fiance isn’t a stranger at all…
He’s the one night stand who took my first time.
My father never turns down a sure bet.
It was a win/win for him--no more owed money and an alliance with the Bruno family to boot.
He didn’t ask me if I wanted to marry a mobster.
He didn’t have to.
What I want doesn’t matter.
But if I’m forced to leave one uncaring man’s home for another, there is one thing I can take.
Or rather, lose.
And the delicious Irishman who wants to buy me a drink is the perfect man to take it.
That face.
That accent.
That body.
Every bit of it, all for me, for one perfect, toe-curling night before I’m married off to a stranger.
Only my new fiance isn’t a stranger at all…
He’s the one night stand who took my first time.
66 pages, ebook
222 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Stella Gray
64 books746 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 48 reviews
April 27, 2023
★★★☆
This novella is related to the Bellanti Brothers universe which includes the Broken Trilogy, the Forbidden Trilogy, and the Captive Trilogy. It is about Charlie, Frankie's sister from the Broken Trilogy. It really just covers the one-night stand Charlie had once she found out her father had arranged a marriage for her to settle his debts to the mafia world of the Bruno family.
Her one-night stand - who also took her v-card - happens to be her newly discovered fiancee. They both didn't know who each other was at that point so the discovery is shocking the next morning. Now, they cannot get out of the arrangement because of what happened *that* night.
Charlie and Clayton work out some things that would like to be done prior to their marriage and that was it. That is what this novella covered. The rest is pretty much mentioned throughout the trilogies. Charlie and Clayton's story does have potential to expand. I would love to see that because I was left hanging. I finished reading in one sitting like "That's it? Where's the wedding?" LOL... Overall, it was a good novella. It has it's spicy touch while still being a contemporary romance a la Stella Gray.
❈•≫────≪•◦𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕◦•≫────≪•❈
• age gap
• arranged marriage
• dark, contemporary romance
• forced proximity
• girl obsessed
• hidden identity
• mafia romance
• morally grey mmc
• one-night stand
• virg!n heroine
April 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 STARS
I enjoyed reading Charlie and Clayton’s story. It is a quick read and short novella about a marriage of convenience with a twist. Unwilling Bride by Stella Gray is an enjoyable read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-SUPERIOR.
I enjoyed reading Charlie and Clayton’s story. It is a quick read and short novella about a marriage of convenience with a twist. Unwilling Bride by Stella Gray is an enjoyable read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-SUPERIOR.
September 17, 2025
enjoyable little novel. I was hoping for a little more angst. and one hand I guess his future bride can do what she wants but at the same time it would have been nice to see him a little ott/jp at discovering his future bride without trying to hook up with someone after finding out she was to be married. I might check out some of the other stories in the series but it seemed very light gray in the novella. mind you the others are trilogies so maybe they might be a little more intense.
April 8, 2022
Unwilling bride is a short novella and isn't exactly what you expect from the title Stella Gray has a finesse about bringing you a thrilling story of a marriage of convenience.
When Charlie's father arranges her to marry someone for a business deal automatically we think the worst of her father of course Charlie is a Spitfire and refuses going to blow off some steam she meets a handsome stranger and there's a connection this incredible connection with Clayton has her mind in a whirl and when the morning light shines and realization hits Secrets step out and Charlie is thrown for a loop Clayton the handsome stranger ends up to be her "Forced betrothed" Clayton isn't the evil one she thought when her father told her about this arranged marriage she finds herself the seemingly to be able to possibly care for this man she feels the connection whether it's just the new feeling and Sparks between them or if it's something deeper that fate has control of she's not sure.
Unwilling bride is one of those books don't judge by the title. you have the villain you have the Damsel in Distress and you have the knight in shining armor. however there are twists and it thrilled me that this short novella was actually so intriguing that I became so involved with the characters in such a short time. I would love to see this novela be turned into a complete series starring Charlie Clayton and all the other side characters like Charlie's younger sisters I think that series would be remarkable
I loved this novella I'm giving it a 3.5 star only because I want so much more of these characters I was sad that it ended so quickly.
When Charlie's father arranges her to marry someone for a business deal automatically we think the worst of her father of course Charlie is a Spitfire and refuses going to blow off some steam she meets a handsome stranger and there's a connection this incredible connection with Clayton has her mind in a whirl and when the morning light shines and realization hits Secrets step out and Charlie is thrown for a loop Clayton the handsome stranger ends up to be her "Forced betrothed" Clayton isn't the evil one she thought when her father told her about this arranged marriage she finds herself the seemingly to be able to possibly care for this man she feels the connection whether it's just the new feeling and Sparks between them or if it's something deeper that fate has control of she's not sure.
Unwilling bride is one of those books don't judge by the title. you have the villain you have the Damsel in Distress and you have the knight in shining armor. however there are twists and it thrilled me that this short novella was actually so intriguing that I became so involved with the characters in such a short time. I would love to see this novela be turned into a complete series starring Charlie Clayton and all the other side characters like Charlie's younger sisters I think that series would be remarkable
I loved this novella I'm giving it a 3.5 star only because I want so much more of these characters I was sad that it ended so quickly.
May 6, 2023
We first meet Charlie in her sister, Frankie's story, Broken Bride, where she's already married to Clayton. It's alluded to the fact that their marriage didn't come about in the traditional "girl meets boy, falls in love, then gets married" way. In Unwilling Bride, we get the back story of their meet-cute.
When Charlie finds out her father bartered her away to clear a gambling debt, she decides that her husband to-be doesn't get her v-card and seeks out a willing participant. Clayton didn't know who she was when he sidled up to her at the local bar. Fortunately they hit it off in one important area since they were headed down the aisle together...soon!
I wished this novella could have been a little longer to see into their lives when Clayton first meets the Bellantis. Although I enjoyed the story, I found it a little ironic that it was relatively light-hearted compared to the Bellanti Brothers trilogies.
When Charlie finds out her father bartered her away to clear a gambling debt, she decides that her husband to-be doesn't get her v-card and seeks out a willing participant. Clayton didn't know who she was when he sidled up to her at the local bar. Fortunately they hit it off in one important area since they were headed down the aisle together...soon!
I wished this novella could have been a little longer to see into their lives when Clayton first meets the Bellantis. Although I enjoyed the story, I found it a little ironic that it was relatively light-hearted compared to the Bellanti Brothers trilogies.
August 8, 2023
A mafia arranged-marriage novella - a quick and enjoyable read
Charlie is young, but not too young for her father to use her to settle his debts to the Bruno family. Clayton has been told to settle down and get his green card, with a bride that has been chosen for him. Charlie and Clayton cross paths as each heads out to escape their arranged destiny for a night. And they hit it off very well. At least until they realize the other is actually their fiance.
Given the brevity of a novella, Stella Gray has presented a lot of heart in this story. It pulls you in, you won't want to put it down, and the pacing is perfect. No fluff, every word serves the story. Finishes well and leaves you wanting more.
Charlie is young, but not too young for her father to use her to settle his debts to the Bruno family. Clayton has been told to settle down and get his green card, with a bride that has been chosen for him. Charlie and Clayton cross paths as each heads out to escape their arranged destiny for a night. And they hit it off very well. At least until they realize the other is actually their fiance.
Given the brevity of a novella, Stella Gray has presented a lot of heart in this story. It pulls you in, you won't want to put it down, and the pacing is perfect. No fluff, every word serves the story. Finishes well and leaves you wanting more.
April 26, 2023
imo too short.
I LOVE this little novella — my literal only complaint is that it is way too short and I would love to see a full length novel.
Charlie and Clayton have this connection that is so very organic from the get go from the very beginning when they initially meet and have their night unknowing of their fate. I mean. We can call it their destiny right?
From where she flees only to have him chase her back down in haste, this highly charged short novel will absolutely leave you wanting and in my opinion a great prequel into the first novel in the Bellanti Brothers series!
I LOVE this little novella — my literal only complaint is that it is way too short and I would love to see a full length novel.
Charlie and Clayton have this connection that is so very organic from the get go from the very beginning when they initially meet and have their night unknowing of their fate. I mean. We can call it their destiny right?
From where she flees only to have him chase her back down in haste, this highly charged short novel will absolutely leave you wanting and in my opinion a great prequel into the first novel in the Bellanti Brothers series!
May 1, 2023
This novella is a wonderful addition to this series!
Clayton and Charlie’s beginning story is one of an arranged marriage. The circumstances of their first meeting is a novel one. She’s looking to forget her troubles in a bar drinking. She meets an Irishman who hits on her and they’re off into a one-night stand territory. The attraction is off the charts. Oh, the irony of it all. Then they find out who the other is to each of them. Surprise, surprise. Read this great novella to find out the start of what happens between them.
Clayton and Charlie’s beginning story is one of an arranged marriage. The circumstances of their first meeting is a novel one. She’s looking to forget her troubles in a bar drinking. She meets an Irishman who hits on her and they’re off into a one-night stand territory. The attraction is off the charts. Oh, the irony of it all. Then they find out who the other is to each of them. Surprise, surprise. Read this great novella to find out the start of what happens between them.
November 6, 2023
The book cover doesn't adequately portray an 18 year old heroine. At least forewarn your readers in the blurb so people are aware you have a very young heroine in your story. I am done reading about barely 18 year old heroine's who are forced into an arranged marriage by their scumbag father and merely being leveraged to pay off a gambling debt or to gain power. If you want to provide me with a h that actually has some life experiences and is several years older with an actual backbone and not some submissive pushover, then I am more than happy to read the book.
May 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella. I truly wish it was longer and we could have even read about the wedding. I would have also enjoyed it if Clayton and Charlie's sisters could have had more interactions. I loved how Clayton and Charlie had a connection right away, and you could really feel the energy coming from them.
May 28, 2024
I loved getting to see Charlie’s story however I felt it was extremely rushed. Obviously with making this a novella instead of a full book I expected it to feel slightly rushed but i felt that certain problems were never resolved or were just skipped over in order to get the novella to its end point. I wish she had just done a whole book and given us more time for things to be resolved.
May 9, 2023
It’s too short that’s my man issue with that
I know it was a novella going in, so that’s not my issue. Mainly she was with so much potential in the story that it just wasn’t developed. A instant connection was it came across, but it could’ve been a whole booking at self and it wasn’t explored enough I felt in 100 pages, unless it needed to be a full novel, which I thought would have been easily done.
I know it was a novella going in, so that’s not my issue. Mainly she was with so much potential in the story that it just wasn’t developed. A instant connection was it came across, but it could’ve been a whole booking at self and it wasn’t explored enough I felt in 100 pages, unless it needed to be a full novel, which I thought would have been easily done.
September 10, 2023
Great Start
This was a great intro to the Abbott sisters. I have listened to the series and wondered about Charlie and Clayton’s story. Glad to have their story to complement the other books in the Bellanti Brothers series!
This was a great intro to the Abbott sisters. I have listened to the series and wondered about Charlie and Clayton’s story. Glad to have their story to complement the other books in the Bellanti Brothers series!
May 14, 2023
No Choice
Charlie's father has given her no choice in who she marries. She is just a means to settle his debt but will go with it in her terms.
Charlie's father has given her no choice in who she marries. She is just a means to settle his debt but will go with it in her terms.
Read
June 27, 2023Meh.
January 22, 2024
Not for me. It wasn’t interesting enough to keep reading other half.
February 14, 2024
Great short read
I have enjoyed several of the author's stories and this is no.exception. Great intro to the broken, forbidden and captive series stories.
I have enjoyed several of the author's stories and this is no.exception. Great intro to the broken, forbidden and captive series stories.
July 4, 2024
I’d actually give this 3.5 stars. It was a quick novella to tell Charlie and Clayton’s story. Charlie is such a pivotal point in 2 of the next books in the series that it was great to read her story.
August 30, 2024
Loved this book. Would recommend reading it first in the Bellanti Brothers series. Such a great story. I loved it! My favorite book series EVER!
April 15, 2025
Short and sweet the story of Charlie and Clayton ...... hope to meet them again in later books .
July 3, 2023
Such a good book, my only complaint is that I wanted more from this couple in the book. This book is about Charlie and Clayton. Charlie's dad is crappy and uses her to pay his debt, and Clayton works for the Bellanti brothers and needs a wife. Charlie finds out what's going to happen to her and takes her life into her own hands for a night. Charlie meets Clayton and they are both drawn to one another and deicide a night between them is what they need, until the worlds are rocked when they wake up beside one another the following day. From there we find out what's going to happen between the two. The book is spicy, short and has a HEA.
May 15, 2023
Having Charlie and Clayton as background characters throughout the Bellanti Brothers Series, it was great to see their story.
Much like her younger sister, Charlie was used to pay off her father's debts. This time to the Bruno family. But this isn't something she cares too much for, so she decides to take one night for herself. Where she meets Clayton. And the sparks fly immediately between them. Only to find out the following day, Clayton's the one she's arranged to marry, which should be what changes everything. Instead, after a rocky first couple of days, learn to work together and see where this could go.
While this novella leaves off with a happy-for-now ending, throughout the Bellanti Brothers series we see how well these two are together.
I would have loved to have seen more with this couple. How do they go from a mostly truce to the couple we see them in later? How does Charlie explain this to her sisters? How does Clayton go from working with the Brunos to the Bellantis? Even with those questions, it was great to see how the attraction was there between Charlie and Clayton before they knew they were marrying each other.
I received an advanced review copy from Paige Press LLC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Much like her younger sister, Charlie was used to pay off her father's debts. This time to the Bruno family. But this isn't something she cares too much for, so she decides to take one night for herself. Where she meets Clayton. And the sparks fly immediately between them. Only to find out the following day, Clayton's the one she's arranged to marry, which should be what changes everything. Instead, after a rocky first couple of days, learn to work together and see where this could go.
While this novella leaves off with a happy-for-now ending, throughout the Bellanti Brothers series we see how well these two are together.
I would have loved to have seen more with this couple. How do they go from a mostly truce to the couple we see them in later? How does Charlie explain this to her sisters? How does Clayton go from working with the Brunos to the Bellantis? Even with those questions, it was great to see how the attraction was there between Charlie and Clayton before they knew they were marrying each other.
I received an advanced review copy from Paige Press LLC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2023
So this is my first Stella book and it was a good quick read. This is the prequel to her Bellanti Brothers series. It is Charlie and Clayton’s first meeting and the push and pull before she gives in and agrees to her arranged marriage.
We definitely get a sense of who these characters are right from the start. Charlie although young is the protector in her family. Everything she does is to ensure her sisters’ safety. She’s also a businesswoman in the making. As is often the case she has a nightmare for a dad, making decisions for her that will alter her future. Clayton starts off as this charming Irish guy she meets in a bar. She gives him her first and they have wicked chemistry. The spice is nice! They later find out that her fiance-to-be is actually the guy from the bar and now they have to navigate moving forward. She’s torn between wanting him and not wanting the life he’s in.
A great intro to Stella’s books. We see the relationship start to develop and I was left wanting more. I’m curious to see where their story goes and Stella was on-point with all the little Irish nuances for Clayton’s character.
If you’re looking for a romance some nice spice and a touch of danger, pick UNWILLING BRIDE.
We definitely get a sense of who these characters are right from the start. Charlie although young is the protector in her family. Everything she does is to ensure her sisters’ safety. She’s also a businesswoman in the making. As is often the case she has a nightmare for a dad, making decisions for her that will alter her future. Clayton starts off as this charming Irish guy she meets in a bar. She gives him her first and they have wicked chemistry. The spice is nice! They later find out that her fiance-to-be is actually the guy from the bar and now they have to navigate moving forward. She’s torn between wanting him and not wanting the life he’s in.
A great intro to Stella’s books. We see the relationship start to develop and I was left wanting more. I’m curious to see where their story goes and Stella was on-point with all the little Irish nuances for Clayton’s character.
If you’re looking for a romance some nice spice and a touch of danger, pick UNWILLING BRIDE.
April 27, 2023
Unwilling Bride
A Bellanti Brothers Novella
By Stella Gray
The truth is I have always wondered how Charlie and Clayton ended up together.
Charlie is being forced into a marriage of convenience she’s not happy, she doesn’t want it, but she will more than likely end up saying I do, if only to keep her sisters safe.
Clayton was just informed that he is going to be married and his first thoughts were, well the boss wants me to do it and if it gets him a Green Card quicker then there isn’t that much to lose. Until he meets his intended who he actually meet without even realizing who she was. Will Charlie go through with this wedding or will she grab her sisters and take off?
This novella was a short quick read, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Having already met Charlie and Clayton in several of Stella Gray’s books, I wanted to know the beginning of their story. I wanted to learn about Charlie but I wanted to know more about Clayton. I’m so glad I did because I see him in a much clearer light.
Don’t hesitate to pick this book up, most especially if you are just starting to read Author Stella Gray’s Bellanti Brothers series.
A Bellanti Brothers Novella
By Stella Gray
The truth is I have always wondered how Charlie and Clayton ended up together.
Charlie is being forced into a marriage of convenience she’s not happy, she doesn’t want it, but she will more than likely end up saying I do, if only to keep her sisters safe.
Clayton was just informed that he is going to be married and his first thoughts were, well the boss wants me to do it and if it gets him a Green Card quicker then there isn’t that much to lose. Until he meets his intended who he actually meet without even realizing who she was. Will Charlie go through with this wedding or will she grab her sisters and take off?
This novella was a short quick read, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Having already met Charlie and Clayton in several of Stella Gray’s books, I wanted to know the beginning of their story. I wanted to learn about Charlie but I wanted to know more about Clayton. I’m so glad I did because I see him in a much clearer light.
Don’t hesitate to pick this book up, most especially if you are just starting to read Author Stella Gray’s Bellanti Brothers series.
April 23, 2023
Unwilling Bride is a short novella about Charlie and Clayton and how they came to be a couple. I loved it! I wish it was a long novel, but okay, it's not. I get that. It is a great introduction to the characters and how they came to be together. It sure seems like they were fated to be together. Having read all the Bellanti Brothers stories, I got a pretty good sense of what kind of man Clayton is, yet I always wanted to know more. Reading this novella only reinforced that feeling. I defintely want to know more, more, more about him! Oh well, maybe one day... In the meantime, grab Unwilling Bride and enoy this quick, steamy, dreamy introduction to Clayton and the young woman he comes to love, Charlie Abbott. Enjoy!
March 7, 2022
Mixed feelings. On one hand the MMC presents himself as being dedicated to FMC's well-being, happiness, and family (sisters, obvi, not the deadbeat father). On the other hand, duh, he's a mob enforcer. The FMC is caring, selfless, and protective, but also impulsive, kinda naïve, just 18, and a strange mix of stubborn yet spineless. Yeah, this is a novella, but I wish there had been an extended epilogue. Personally I'd like to see that 1) the MMC did indeed eventually retire from mob life and he and the FMC were in a mutually happy and respectful relationship and 2) that they took over her beloved winery from the idiot abusive father.
April 27, 2023
**I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
After finishing the Bellanti Brothers trilogies, I've been looking forward to reading Charlie and Clayton's beginnings.
This is a cute story. It's quick and steamy but has some depth as well. Would I love to read more? Absolutely! I really love the chemistry and the dynamic between these two and I'd love to watch their relationship evolve to what it is in the Bellanti series. Give me a full length novel!
But as a novella, it hit all the right notes and was a great read!
After finishing the Bellanti Brothers trilogies, I've been looking forward to reading Charlie and Clayton's beginnings.
This is a cute story. It's quick and steamy but has some depth as well. Would I love to read more? Absolutely! I really love the chemistry and the dynamic between these two and I'd love to watch their relationship evolve to what it is in the Bellanti series. Give me a full length novel!
But as a novella, it hit all the right notes and was a great read!
October 13, 2022
This was a quick read about a girl named Charlie who is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father and the sexy Irishman who is at the same pub as Charlie trying to wrap his head around the arranged marriage his boss suggested to win his citizenship. Little does she know that the sexy Irish stranger will not remain a stranger much longer. The best part is that the Irishman wants her, cannot seem to be okay without her. Only Charlie needs to decide if she can truly be with him. Great story, planning on jumping right into the next book called, Broken Bride.
April 26, 2023
This is a short novella.
Charlie’s father is into the mob for money, so in order to wipe away his debt he arranges for Charlie to get married. Going against her father’s wishes Charlie meets a mysterious man at the bar who ends up being the man she is going to marry.
Stella Gray has a way of giving you a relationship that starts out as a relationship of convenience but end end up a relationship where they both care for each other.
This short story is a great start for anyone who is looking to start reading Stella Gray.
Charlie’s father is into the mob for money, so in order to wipe away his debt he arranges for Charlie to get married. Going against her father’s wishes Charlie meets a mysterious man at the bar who ends up being the man she is going to marry.
Stella Gray has a way of giving you a relationship that starts out as a relationship of convenience but end end up a relationship where they both care for each other.
This short story is a great start for anyone who is looking to start reading Stella Gray.
April 26, 2023
Unwilling Bride is part of the Zoric Series and is a quick read mafia arranged marriage novella between Charlie, who learns she is to be part of an arranged marriage to a stranger in order to pay off her father’s gambling debts, and Clayton, an Irish enforcer for the Bruno Mafia who must marry for five years to obtain a green card. This well written quick read has intriguing characters, some angst, a big surprise as to who their spouse is to be, a little suspense, and steamy passion.
I received a free copy of this book via Paige Publishing LLC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Paige Publishing LLC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews