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Cosa Nostra #2
Family that Binds
Vengeance gives you purpose. Heartache cripples you. Pick your poison.
Neal Sanders is on the precipice of getting all he’s ever wanted in life, becoming Don and obtaining his seat on the Commission. However, it all seems to come at a cost. His love for Amelia, an outsider, is stronger than he ever imagined possible but still he must marry Arica Bastone, the princess of Cosa Nostra.
With her heart in shreds, Amelia embraces her role as a newly appointed associate of the Castellano Family. Helping Neal in every way she can will have to be enough. However, Romero has other plans for her. She is willing to face the shark-infested waters of Cosa Nostra to help Neal obtain his title and in doing so, her freedom from her contract. But is that what she truly wants?
Suspecting that Romero has been laying the chessboard in his favor all these years, Neal is determined to take his birthright and his future. Amelia has a chance to live a life free of all the darkness that threatens to drown her every chance it gets. Will she take it or will she give everything to the man who owns her heart?
Neal Sanders is on the precipice of getting all he’s ever wanted in life, becoming Don and obtaining his seat on the Commission. However, it all seems to come at a cost. His love for Amelia, an outsider, is stronger than he ever imagined possible but still he must marry Arica Bastone, the princess of Cosa Nostra.
With her heart in shreds, Amelia embraces her role as a newly appointed associate of the Castellano Family. Helping Neal in every way she can will have to be enough. However, Romero has other plans for her. She is willing to face the shark-infested waters of Cosa Nostra to help Neal obtain his title and in doing so, her freedom from her contract. But is that what she truly wants?
Suspecting that Romero has been laying the chessboard in his favor all these years, Neal is determined to take his birthright and his future. Amelia has a chance to live a life free of all the darkness that threatens to drown her every chance it gets. Will she take it or will she give everything to the man who owns her heart?
306 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2021
38 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Wyatt
10 books157 followersDark 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
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 27, 2021
"I will always come for you. I will crawl through hell to get to you. No one will ever keep me away from you. No one."
Family that Binds is the 2nd book in the Cosa Nostra Series By A.J. Wyatt. If you love mafia romance, the 'I hate everyone but you' trope, this series is perfect for you!
Family that Binds takes place directly after the events of Loyalty that Binds. It's full of drama, full of twists and full of mafia men that you will either swoon over or absolutely hate. The chemistry between Amelia and Neil is off the charts and I am rooting for them.
This book left me wanting more and I was hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a new mafia world to dive into I 100% recommend the Cosa Nostra series.
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review*
July 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
''Living a life without you is hardly living''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- OW drama (MMC has no choice)
- Violence/d*ath
- Blackmail
- Mention of r*pe/human trafficking
- Cliffhanger
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
We pick up right after the events of that cliffhanger from book 1!
Neal and Amelia are still unable to be together and this causes a lot of issues between them in this book. Neal is forced by rules, tradition, and a damn contract to marry Arica. He does not want it and wants to find a loophole in any way he can to get out of the marriage which has been pushed up from three months to just a mere short amount of time.
Arica's father was poisoned and that is the reason the wedding is being pushed but then he dies, and the wedding/funeral will happen in the same weekend so Neal can officially take over from him and be the Don of that family as per the contract states but there is a little bit of bright light for him and Amelia.
You see Amelia finds out that Arica is pregnant when she faints and Amelia being a nurse gets the info. She spends some time thinking Neal slept with her and got her pregnant and this causes another issue, but it's soon revealed that Arica has been sneaking off and meeting Flynn behind everyone’s back and HE is the father. She was also the one who released him at the end of book 1 after she followed Neal that night and decided to fuck him over. Flynn and Arica will be getting their own book later on so we will get to see their story).
Amelia is still being used as a pawn by Romero and it's not looking because he sold her off to Christiano, yes that Christiano from King of Fire.
Amelia spends a lot of the time in this book trying to show her loyalty to Neal and show him that he deserves to have that from, but he is hesitant until he cannot stop himself from being with her and now having his forced engagement called off, he is free to marry Amelia except something occurs that pushes his mind from that thought for one last time.
They confess their love for each other, and it looks like it's too soon for their HEA though.
Amelia ended up being shot and needed surgery to survive. Her mother shows up and brought her ex-bf from book 1 Stefan too, he shows up and tells her that they need to be together and try again and he wants to marry her and then figure it all out but wants her. She doesn't feel the same and Neal shows up. At first, we think he will send Stefan packing but in reality, he is telling Amelia to marry Stefan and be free from this mafia life she was pushed into. To be safe and happy.
''Marry him. Be happy. Be safe''
We also find out in this book for sure that Romero killed Neal's parents out of pure jealousy and power-hungry motives. And he fucks off after killing another Don and shooting another one. He is happily going to be dealt with in book 3 but for now we have to know he is free to cause more havoc and work against Neal.
At the end of the book, she is kidnapped by Romero and Christiano and Neal is left knowing his decision to let her go cost her safety.
''Living a life without you is hardly living''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- OW drama (MMC has no choice)
- Violence/d*ath
- Blackmail
- Mention of r*pe/human trafficking
- Cliffhanger
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
We pick up right after the events of that cliffhanger from book 1!
Neal and Amelia are still unable to be together and this causes a lot of issues between them in this book. Neal is forced by rules, tradition, and a damn contract to marry Arica. He does not want it and wants to find a loophole in any way he can to get out of the marriage which has been pushed up from three months to just a mere short amount of time.
Arica's father was poisoned and that is the reason the wedding is being pushed but then he dies, and the wedding/funeral will happen in the same weekend so Neal can officially take over from him and be the Don of that family as per the contract states but there is a little bit of bright light for him and Amelia.
You see Amelia finds out that Arica is pregnant when she faints and Amelia being a nurse gets the info. She spends some time thinking Neal slept with her and got her pregnant and this causes another issue, but it's soon revealed that Arica has been sneaking off and meeting Flynn behind everyone’s back and HE is the father. She was also the one who released him at the end of book 1 after she followed Neal that night and decided to fuck him over. Flynn and Arica will be getting their own book later on so we will get to see their story).
Amelia is still being used as a pawn by Romero and it's not looking because he sold her off to Christiano, yes that Christiano from King of Fire.
Amelia spends a lot of the time in this book trying to show her loyalty to Neal and show him that he deserves to have that from, but he is hesitant until he cannot stop himself from being with her and now having his forced engagement called off, he is free to marry Amelia except something occurs that pushes his mind from that thought for one last time.
They confess their love for each other, and it looks like it's too soon for their HEA though.
Amelia ended up being shot and needed surgery to survive. Her mother shows up and brought her ex-bf from book 1 Stefan too, he shows up and tells her that they need to be together and try again and he wants to marry her and then figure it all out but wants her. She doesn't feel the same and Neal shows up. At first, we think he will send Stefan packing but in reality, he is telling Amelia to marry Stefan and be free from this mafia life she was pushed into. To be safe and happy.
''Marry him. Be happy. Be safe''
We also find out in this book for sure that Romero killed Neal's parents out of pure jealousy and power-hungry motives. And he fucks off after killing another Don and shooting another one. He is happily going to be dealt with in book 3 but for now we have to know he is free to cause more havoc and work against Neal.
At the end of the book, she is kidnapped by Romero and Christiano and Neal is left knowing his decision to let her go cost her safety.
September 12, 2021
Second book in Cosa Nostra Series that follows the Neil and Amelia story. And it’s getting better and better with each read page. The drama, tension, and more truths are coming out from the darkness. Violent twists and turns, the complex of events unfolding, kept me captivated and in suspense that couldn’t put the book away and finished it basically in one sitting.
Neil and Amelia’s affection is so strong, trying to find the way for them to be together in the current situation is like constant push & pull. They are that kind of couple that gives you goosebumps every time they interact.
I loved every bit of it and can’t wait for January 2022 to read the final instalment in the series…
I’ve received an Arc copy in exchange for honest and voluntary review.
Neil and Amelia’s affection is so strong, trying to find the way for them to be together in the current situation is like constant push & pull. They are that kind of couple that gives you goosebumps every time they interact.
I loved every bit of it and can’t wait for January 2022 to read the final instalment in the series…
I’ve received an Arc copy in exchange for honest and voluntary review.
September 13, 2021
Oh My Freaking God!!!
WOW...... just...... WOW!
Once Again A.J. Wyatt kept me up all night, Impossible to stop reading this book!! I thought the 1st book had me hooked BUt this one just blew me away!!!
Hot, Funny, Heartbreaking suspense - oh, did I mentioned HOT, Dark, Dreamy Men? Oh my............kept me on edge to the End! This Book had all my emotions going! And what a freaking Cliffhanger!!!!
I'm Officially Obsessed with your writing, Cannot Wait for the next book! I NEED more Neal, Killian, Hunter and please, please give us more Di Napoli. (HURRY UP ALREADY🤣)
WOW...... just...... WOW!
Once Again A.J. Wyatt kept me up all night, Impossible to stop reading this book!! I thought the 1st book had me hooked BUt this one just blew me away!!!
Hot, Funny, Heartbreaking suspense - oh, did I mentioned HOT, Dark, Dreamy Men? Oh my............kept me on edge to the End! This Book had all my emotions going! And what a freaking Cliffhanger!!!!
I'm Officially Obsessed with your writing, Cannot Wait for the next book! I NEED more Neal, Killian, Hunter and please, please give us more Di Napoli. (HURRY UP ALREADY🤣)
April 10, 2022
Omg this series epic
October 31, 2022
Ever since book 5 in this series came out, I've been in a massive book slump. So, I figured I might as well dive back into the Cosa Nostra.
I read this series as each book came out, but that was before I knew about the importance of reviews. So, this one is way overdue.
It's probably the third time I've read it, but my opinion of it never changes. This book, as well as the entire series, feels like it's been written for me. Like the author knows the things I crave even more than I do, and she delivers in spades.
Family That Binds has everything a reader like me could possibly want - angst, intrigue, full-of-life characters, villains that make your skin crawl, delicious anti-heroes (ahem, Christiano Lucchese), and enough twists and turns to make your head spin. I can't possibly ask for more.
A must read for any mafia romance lover.
💔 Angst 4/5
🔥 Steam 4/5
👤 Character development 5/5
🌍 World-building 5/5
📝 Plot development 5/5
⛔ CW: strong language, graphic violence, s3xual h@rassment (occasionally, toward the FMC - not by the MMC), cliffhanger.
I read this series as each book came out, but that was before I knew about the importance of reviews. So, this one is way overdue.
It's probably the third time I've read it, but my opinion of it never changes. This book, as well as the entire series, feels like it's been written for me. Like the author knows the things I crave even more than I do, and she delivers in spades.
Family That Binds has everything a reader like me could possibly want - angst, intrigue, full-of-life characters, villains that make your skin crawl, delicious anti-heroes (ahem, Christiano Lucchese), and enough twists and turns to make your head spin. I can't possibly ask for more.
A must read for any mafia romance lover.
💔 Angst 4/5
🔥 Steam 4/5
👤 Character development 5/5
🌍 World-building 5/5
📝 Plot development 5/5
⛔ CW: strong language, graphic violence, s3xual h@rassment (occasionally, toward the FMC - not by the MMC), cliffhanger.
September 11, 2021
This book and series is just getting better and better!! I just love Neal and Amelia, their relationship has so much push and pull, angst and steam!! In this book their relationship gets even more complex with plenty of twists, turns and OMG situations. Not content with the hotness of Neal, Killian & Hunter, AJ now introduces a few other hot Mafia men to vie for our attentions, although i'm not sure if they are on Neal's side or not yet...only time will tell?
That ending had me wanting to throw my kindle against the wall....its a killer of a cliff hanger so be warned...book 3 cannot come quick enough!
If you like dark, dominating mafia men, with a gripping and complex storyline, strong feisty heroines and a plot that will have you feeling like your on a roller coaster...then this is a must read!!
That ending had me wanting to throw my kindle against the wall....its a killer of a cliff hanger so be warned...book 3 cannot come quick enough!
If you like dark, dominating mafia men, with a gripping and complex storyline, strong feisty heroines and a plot that will have you feeling like your on a roller coaster...then this is a must read!!
January 9, 2022
The sinister plot unfolds
Aside from a few slow spots, FAMILY THAT BINDS has some surprises that kept me reading. Neal seems a little wishy washy at times, but he’s always the right place at the right time for Amelia.
Amelia must be really hot stuff because the list of men that seem to be under her spell in some form grows in this book. She is for in danger for some reason or another despite her 24/7 guard Dwayne.
So fly in a private jet to Vegas, drive out to the home in the Hamptons, take in the peacefulness of the upstate New York estate, or crash at the Penthouse apartment that everyone has the keypad code while living the mafia life.
Aside from a few slow spots, FAMILY THAT BINDS has some surprises that kept me reading. Neal seems a little wishy washy at times, but he’s always the right place at the right time for Amelia.
Amelia must be really hot stuff because the list of men that seem to be under her spell in some form grows in this book. She is for in danger for some reason or another despite her 24/7 guard Dwayne.
So fly in a private jet to Vegas, drive out to the home in the Hamptons, take in the peacefulness of the upstate New York estate, or crash at the Penthouse apartment that everyone has the keypad code while living the mafia life.
September 23, 2022
Neal keeps pushing Amelia away and then breaks down and loves her up then pushes her away again. Poor Amelia! Neal finally faces the truth of the murders of his parents and no one is safe from his wrath. Amelia's life is forfeit by Neal's uncle and she is one step away from death. Exciting! A must read.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
October 4, 2022
Decent progression of story
I really want to like what's happening between Neal and Amelia, but Neal is not acting like a strong Don. There is no mystery as to who the true villain is, even in the first book. A lot of the back and forth between Amelia and Neal can be condensed to make the story progress at a quicker pace. I understand it's to show the conflicting thoughts Neal has regarding his Family and Amelia, but it's too repetitive for me.
I really want to like what's happening between Neal and Amelia, but Neal is not acting like a strong Don. There is no mystery as to who the true villain is, even in the first book. A lot of the back and forth between Amelia and Neal can be condensed to make the story progress at a quicker pace. I understand it's to show the conflicting thoughts Neal has regarding his Family and Amelia, but it's too repetitive for me.
July 10, 2022
Good Storyline.
This H is so different then the normal and I love it. He so bloodthirsty and focused on his rise to the top refusing to let anything get in his way. Yet soft for the h and lenient enough to allow her to find her own way. On top of that it all comes out natural and smooth. Very well written storyline outside the couple as well.
This H is so different then the normal and I love it. He so bloodthirsty and focused on his rise to the top refusing to let anything get in his way. Yet soft for the h and lenient enough to allow her to find her own way. On top of that it all comes out natural and smooth. Very well written storyline outside the couple as well.
July 19, 2023
4 stars
There’s a lot happening here but we are left with a cliffy again.
I was hoping to get a bit more on Liz and Olivia’s love life but we have to figure out what’s happening with the Cosa Nostra first.
We got some answers about who killed Neal’s parents how he becomes Don not of one family but two.
I will keep reading
There’s a lot happening here but we are left with a cliffy again.
I was hoping to get a bit more on Liz and Olivia’s love life but we have to figure out what’s happening with the Cosa Nostra first.
We got some answers about who killed Neal’s parents how he becomes Don not of one family but two.
I will keep reading
May 1, 2023
Great
The continuation of Neal and Amelia.
I loved reading this story.
I loved most of the characters
The plot and the storyline is great too.
A lot of ups and downs. Twists that will keep you turning those pages.
The only thing I don't like is the cliffhanger!
The continuation of Neal and Amelia.
I loved reading this story.
I loved most of the characters
The plot and the storyline is great too.
A lot of ups and downs. Twists that will keep you turning those pages.
The only thing I don't like is the cliffhanger!
May 2, 2025
yea this story just got worse. this uncle is to much. I would put nothing past him he will do anything for power. Neal shouldn't have went along with him all this time. Alot of things could've been avoided if he just took over from the jump.
July 25, 2022
This one pulls you in even more!
All the characters, though often conflicted, are showing their true colors. Neal has a lot on his plate but should get over himself and commit.
All the characters, though often conflicted, are showing their true colors. Neal has a lot on his plate but should get over himself and commit.
Want to read
December 9, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/8/2022)! 🎁
January 13, 2023
great book
Oh my goodness, I loved this book!!!🖤💗🖤 if only we all had a man like these guys, YUMM yummy YUMM 🤣🤣🤣
Oh my goodness, I loved this book!!!🖤💗🖤 if only we all had a man like these guys, YUMM yummy YUMM 🤣🤣🤣
February 27, 2023
The whole mafia aspect is intriguing but this book is literally a replica of the first one. Was skimming towards the end there was loads of unnecessary dialogue and filler text
April 17, 2023
liking this series
This is the continuation of Neal & Amelia's story with all the family drama, politics, revenge and blood that come to expect in a well written mafia story.
This also has a jealous/possessive, touch her and you die MMC.
This is the continuation of Neal & Amelia's story with all the family drama, politics, revenge and blood that come to expect in a well written mafia story.
This also has a jealous/possessive, touch her and you die MMC.
October 12, 2021
I am a big fan of mafia stories. This particular series is perfect for those who are into these types of stories. Now be warned this book ends in a cliffhanger, but it is well worth reading.
This is the continued story of Neal and Amelia. They continue to grow closer, but at the same time, are being pulled apart. It’s all because of the family.
The chemistry between them is hot.
The story sucks you in, and the writing is easy to follow. I liked this one a good deal.
This is the continued story of Neal and Amelia. They continue to grow closer, but at the same time, are being pulled apart. It’s all because of the family.
The chemistry between them is hot.
The story sucks you in, and the writing is easy to follow. I liked this one a good deal.
January 7, 2022
5+ “What a plot twist you were.” Stars
✔A gorgeous, but slightly tortured, displeased, sullen, grumpy, brooding alpha hero who is dealing with a lot and carries a weight of the world on his shoulders
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy heroine
✔The heir to one of the most powerful Mafia Families in New York City
✔A nursing student with a plan
✔Mafia romance
✔Arranged marriage
✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
A thirst for revenge
✔The mystery / danger they are thrown into
✔Secrets revealed / deception
✔Gripping/gritty/raw
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
✔Unpredictable twists and turns
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Passionate
✔All consuming
✔A beautiful unconventional love story
Family That Binds is the second book in Cosa Nostra series. The series must be read in order to get and understand the full story and backstory but also to witness a beautiful love story between Neal and Amelia. Like with the previous book I loved the writing and plot. It’s passionate, intriguing, intense romance with a mix of mystery, secrets, lies and suspense. It also gives a few answers from the first book and more insight into Neal’s family and danger that surrounds them.
This book continues where the first book left off: after the events at the end of the previous book Neal is relentless to keep the girl of his dreams safe. But with some of the secrets out and shattered trust, he now needs to prove to her that their love is forever, that they are meant to be. They continue to grow together and get closer. Only there is a problem: their existence and plans are threatened by the demons of their past, family’s deceit/ lies and someone is targeting them – Romero. Love that the second book gives a reader more insight in family’s business and their connections.
I think Neal and Amelia became stronger, more solid in the second book. They are even more passionate, swoony and intense and their connection and chemistry even more sizzling. Even from afar. Their journey together isn’t easy - it’s filled with so many obstacles, demons from the past, Romero’s scheming. The stakes are higher in this book and there is more danger, secrets threatening to tear them apart. Both Neal and Amelia are under Romero’s thumb and in a situation with a no way out. The mystery, their family’s secrets, danger and new information about Neal’s parents are the key moments and dare I say the center story in Family That Binds. I swear I live and love the light moments and their banter – it’s so great to see when they get to be playful with each other and to let go of their problems and live in the moment. But it also feels like a foreplay to them. Neal’s possessiveness comes out more in this book. Their transformation and development from book one is incredible. They are utterly beautiful with ALL.THE.FEELS. and SWOON.
This is a really good sequel to a wonderful, unconventional love story with a romantic suspense and twists. Hopefully some of the remaining questions will be resolved in the third and final book. Cannot wait for the conclusion.
✔A gorgeous, but slightly tortured, displeased, sullen, grumpy, brooding alpha hero who is dealing with a lot and carries a weight of the world on his shoulders
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy heroine
✔The heir to one of the most powerful Mafia Families in New York City
✔A nursing student with a plan
✔Mafia romance
✔Arranged marriage
✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
A thirst for revenge
✔The mystery / danger they are thrown into
✔Secrets revealed / deception
✔Gripping/gritty/raw
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
✔Unpredictable twists and turns
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Passionate
✔All consuming
✔A beautiful unconventional love story
Family That Binds is the second book in Cosa Nostra series. The series must be read in order to get and understand the full story and backstory but also to witness a beautiful love story between Neal and Amelia. Like with the previous book I loved the writing and plot. It’s passionate, intriguing, intense romance with a mix of mystery, secrets, lies and suspense. It also gives a few answers from the first book and more insight into Neal’s family and danger that surrounds them.
This book continues where the first book left off: after the events at the end of the previous book Neal is relentless to keep the girl of his dreams safe. But with some of the secrets out and shattered trust, he now needs to prove to her that their love is forever, that they are meant to be. They continue to grow together and get closer. Only there is a problem: their existence and plans are threatened by the demons of their past, family’s deceit/ lies and someone is targeting them – Romero. Love that the second book gives a reader more insight in family’s business and their connections.
I think Neal and Amelia became stronger, more solid in the second book. They are even more passionate, swoony and intense and their connection and chemistry even more sizzling. Even from afar. Their journey together isn’t easy - it’s filled with so many obstacles, demons from the past, Romero’s scheming. The stakes are higher in this book and there is more danger, secrets threatening to tear them apart. Both Neal and Amelia are under Romero’s thumb and in a situation with a no way out. The mystery, their family’s secrets, danger and new information about Neal’s parents are the key moments and dare I say the center story in Family That Binds. I swear I live and love the light moments and their banter – it’s so great to see when they get to be playful with each other and to let go of their problems and live in the moment. But it also feels like a foreplay to them. Neal’s possessiveness comes out more in this book. Their transformation and development from book one is incredible. They are utterly beautiful with ALL.THE.FEELS. and SWOON.
This is a really good sequel to a wonderful, unconventional love story with a romantic suspense and twists. Hopefully some of the remaining questions will be resolved in the third and final book. Cannot wait for the conclusion.
October 3, 2021
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
True Story: I sat down to read a good chunk of the climax for this movie, and my Fitbit buzzed, scaring the crap out of me. Apparently, my heart rate was so elevated from the action that my questionably smartwatch thought I was working out, while sitting still with a Kindle in my hand. 😒
That brings us to second book in the Cosa Nostra trilogy for Neal and Amelia, Family That Binds. When we left off from Loyalty that Binds, our main couple and their friends were up Schitt's Creek, thanks to Neal's Uncle Romero.
Romero does not want to completely relinquish the power he has yielded as the temporary Castellano Family's Don, even though he has only been serving as regent until Neal, the rightful Don, comes of age and is ready. As we found out in Book 1, he has been setting things in place since Neal's father was in power to not only keep control of the Castellanos but also expand his reign over the New York families.
Neal, Amelia, and their friends are trying to thwart Romero's plans, but like in Book 1, our seasoned Don-for-now is more experienced with playing real-life chess. Neal is still stuck in his arranged marriage into another Family. They found out shocking facts about the murder of Neal's parents. Amelia is still under Romero's thumb as a Family Associate and is given a new dangerous assignment. I know -- it's a lot! Try reading it with A.J. Wyatt's adrenaline-inducing writing, so I can't completely blame my Fitbit.
Neal and Amelia's chemistry is just 🔥. I cannot get enough of Amelia's resilience and sassiness, and while you can see how other male characters find her charming, the connection between her and Neal transcends everyone else's flirting. The banter is really verbal foreplay, and if I had a possessive alpha man talking dirty to me like Neal does, I too would not care where we do it and who's within earshot.
I don't think I will ever be okay when this book series ends. I am so glad that A.J. Wyatt just announced additional books for every character I adored in the first two books so far (except for Vincenzo di Napoli..hint..hint..🥺). A.J. writes characters with so much charisma that you want to know more, and I am glad that we can get their stories soon.
If you like mafia or dark romances, this is definitely a must-read.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. **
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
True Story: I sat down to read a good chunk of the climax for this movie, and my Fitbit buzzed, scaring the crap out of me. Apparently, my heart rate was so elevated from the action that my questionably smartwatch thought I was working out, while sitting still with a Kindle in my hand. 😒
That brings us to second book in the Cosa Nostra trilogy for Neal and Amelia, Family That Binds. When we left off from Loyalty that Binds, our main couple and their friends were up Schitt's Creek, thanks to Neal's Uncle Romero.
Romero does not want to completely relinquish the power he has yielded as the temporary Castellano Family's Don, even though he has only been serving as regent until Neal, the rightful Don, comes of age and is ready. As we found out in Book 1, he has been setting things in place since Neal's father was in power to not only keep control of the Castellanos but also expand his reign over the New York families.
Neal, Amelia, and their friends are trying to thwart Romero's plans, but like in Book 1, our seasoned Don-for-now is more experienced with playing real-life chess. Neal is still stuck in his arranged marriage into another Family. They found out shocking facts about the murder of Neal's parents. Amelia is still under Romero's thumb as a Family Associate and is given a new dangerous assignment. I know -- it's a lot! Try reading it with A.J. Wyatt's adrenaline-inducing writing, so I can't completely blame my Fitbit.
Neal and Amelia's chemistry is just 🔥. I cannot get enough of Amelia's resilience and sassiness, and while you can see how other male characters find her charming, the connection between her and Neal transcends everyone else's flirting. The banter is really verbal foreplay, and if I had a possessive alpha man talking dirty to me like Neal does, I too would not care where we do it and who's within earshot.
I don't think I will ever be okay when this book series ends. I am so glad that A.J. Wyatt just announced additional books for every character I adored in the first two books so far (except for Vincenzo di Napoli..hint..hint..🥺). A.J. writes characters with so much charisma that you want to know more, and I am glad that we can get their stories soon.
If you like mafia or dark romances, this is definitely a must-read.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. **
September 24, 2021
Freaking A.J. Wyatt has got me again! Just when I think I have this story figured out she throws me a curve ball! Nothing is as it seems! The rage is boiling within Neal to claim Amelia as his. Amelia is out to prove that she can handle herself and that she is stronger than everyone thinks. They finally feel like everything is going their way and that all changes in an instant. Fear reigns supreme. Can Neal conquer his fears before it’s too late? Is Amelia really as strong as she thinks she is? I for one can’t wait to find out!
September 25, 2021
Amelia and Neils connection is unmistakable. Their chemistry their spark their fire is explosive. Being in their current situation and trying to be together is definitely extra work but so worth the fight. Neil would do anything for Amelia and he will always come for her. This series just keeps getting better! You get a bit of everything from drama, suspense, lies and truth and dark twists and turns. I was captured froM the very beginning all the way to that epic freaking cliffhanger are you kidding me!!!!! What am I going to do with myself while I wait!!!
October 20, 2021
Just recently finished this book and OH MY GOD YOU CANNOT JUST END A BOOK LIKE THAT JGHVJFDNGJ I have never been more excited for a third book to come out in my life!! My favorite thing about this series is how the whole plot isn't just centric on the main characters, i love the side characters just as much and love how they impact the story! You can feel the tension while reading and honestly the way the plot just thickens and more stuff keeps happening - I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN! I definitely recommend reading it! Such a good book and cant wait to have the third in my hands!
January 26, 2022
I am completely in awe of this series!!! I can’t sleep or do anything without needing to know what the characters are doing. Neal is still chasing his Don position and can’t seem to get enough of Amelia but is being forced to marry Arica for this arranged marriage. Neal only has eyes for Amelia and do whatever is in his power to protect her from his enemies. This series just keeps getting better and better!!! The characters make you feel like you are there in their world watching their story take place.
March 22, 2022
Such an exciting plot
"You shouldn't be devoted to me. You should leave while you can."
Just finished book 2.
And frigging hell that ending. Gahhhhh.
Neal's dealing with revenge and deceit at full throttle. Unexpected at parts and left my head spinning.
Amelia's character came into her own. I love read her developing as the series goes.
Constantly battling there feelings for for her each, they must stay away from each other but at what cost?
I love this series and need to start book 3 straight away.
"You shouldn't be devoted to me. You should leave while you can."
Just finished book 2.
And frigging hell that ending. Gahhhhh.
Neal's dealing with revenge and deceit at full throttle. Unexpected at parts and left my head spinning.
Amelia's character came into her own. I love read her developing as the series goes.
Constantly battling there feelings for for her each, they must stay away from each other but at what cost?
I love this series and need to start book 3 straight away.
September 30, 2021
Family that Binds by A. J. Wyatt
I was thankful I received an ARC to this book. It was a very good book. It was a dark mafia book. So if you like dark, dominating mafia men this is the book for you. It is has a gripping and complex storyline that will have you reading not wanting to put it down. I loved the strong feisty heroines Amelia and the oh sit hot Neal. This book had an amazing plot that will have you feeling like your on a roller coaster it is a definite must read!!
I was thankful I received an ARC to this book. It was a very good book. It was a dark mafia book. So if you like dark, dominating mafia men this is the book for you. It is has a gripping and complex storyline that will have you reading not wanting to put it down. I loved the strong feisty heroines Amelia and the oh sit hot Neal. This book had an amazing plot that will have you feeling like your on a roller coaster it is a definite must read!!
April 8, 2022
After the bomb dropped at the end of the first book, this book picked right up with Neal trying to figure out what to do. Everything is in pieces and it’s not looking good. So much happens in this book. I started to get a bit impatient with the drama but it just made things so much sweeter when they came together.
December 25, 2021
Wow
Neal and Amelia story keeps getting better. This had so many secrets exposed but there were some major twist and turns I didn't see coming. I can't wait for the next book after that cliffhanger.
Neal and Amelia story keeps getting better. This had so many secrets exposed but there were some major twist and turns I didn't see coming. I can't wait for the next book after that cliffhanger.
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