Bound by Survival: Part One

Cosa Nostra #5

by A.J. Wyatt

Killian
I am not a good man. I've never been one and never claimed to be one. Being the Underboss to the Godfather gives me the freedom to wreak havoc in the Underworld, to release my demons on those deserving. Although, since the first night I spent with Liz Devereaux, I've been struggling to control them. Because as much as I want her, I also want to hurt her.
She's reluctant to accept what exists between us, but I can see the same darkness inside of her. Like calls to like.
And I will have her.

Liz
I belong to no man. I've made a point of not being controlled by any man, their money or their wants. I want freedom.
But ever since I've met Killian de Luca, freedom seems to be evading me more and more. The moment I allowed him to cross my threshold a second time, all was lost. Something inside him sets me alight, makes me feel alive.
But I can't give in, because if I do, I will never be free.
I will belong to him forever.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Forced Proximity

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 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

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5, Part 1, Killian and Liz: The emotional damage each has suffered has made them perfect for each other. They fit. Its just Liz worries about everything. Her worries are realistic. Its just due to her past, she feels shame and guilt. This creates a gloom and doom cloud of doubt over every relationship she has ever had. Now that she has found her soulmate in Killian she does not trust herself and runs. I really enjoyed reading this. Plenty of emotional ups and downs, plenty of mafioso action, plenty of angst, shame, guilt, anger and love. I look forward to reading the next part. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

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

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Entertaining
Original
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Did I just read this book in one sitting? EH HELL YES

Since I’ve started this series I have been ITCHING to read Killian & Liz’s story because basically Killian & Liz is one of the reasons this journey even began🤷🏻‍♀️

This couple is absolutely explosive and honestly I expected nothing less for them. Killian fell hard, he has and will do anything for Liz and I can’t stop swooning because of it. While it took a bit longer for Liz to accept how she felt she got there.. but then THAT CLIFFHANGER OH MY GOD.

I NEED PART TWO LIKE NOW.

Unpopular opinion but I am a big fan of pregnancies in books whether they’re accidental or now - my heart was so full over Killian he hasn’t even met his kid and he had so much love, even though he was afraid of disappointing them. But honestly I think that’s common for new parents🥹

Mafia romance✔️
Touch her & you’ll die✔️
Badass FMC✔️
Possessive MMC✔️
Accidental pregnancy✔️

Thank you to the author for providing this ARC for an honest review.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

and now we get Killian De Luca , and Liz Devereaux . story . Liz has a big problem she is pregnant with Killian baby but they are not together ,now Liz is a one woman who does not do relationships but Killian so hurt her with the redhead in her hotel bed , now Killian cant move on from Liz his princess . now they both have secrets and demons from there past they have never told each other . Killian finds out about the baby and he wants to work on there relationship but there life is not like other s he is part of the Cosa Nostra he is the under boss to the Dom Neal and Liz want no part of that life as she loves her freedom and all that will change can they be together ?. I a big fan of this author you devour each book and wanting more this one is the most emotional book in the series I cried so cant wait for part 2 and the next book from this author I so recommend this authors books .

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about coming from two different worlds! Killian and Liz definitely come from different worlds. Killian, the Underboss and Liz the society Princess couldn't be any more different, yet seem to fit together flawlessly. These two bring us a gritty, raw, emotional story with no holds barred. This author brought these characters to life in Loyalty That Binds and brings us their in depth story in Bound By Survival.  They aren't perfect by any means but their journey is perfect for them. It's heartbreakingly beautiful and sad and I felt every single bit of it. This book ends on a cliffhanger that left me starving for more.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn! That’s about all I can say. This ending made me want to throw my kindle and yell. I need the conclusion to Liz and Killian’s story. These two were oh so toxic, but oh so right for each other. Their chemistry definitely never fizzled out, that’s for damn sure. This isn’t your typical romance, it’s dark, heartbreaking, sad and yet they are perfect for each other. But he’s the underboss and Liz wants nothing to do with that world. As much as Killian is willing to change, and wants to make it work with her, they both got a bad past.
Think book is a definite recommendation!! But it ends on a very emotional cliffhanger… so be warned!!

[✨natalie✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason this doesn’t get one less star is because of Killian. His POVs were everything, and I loved reading about his true feelings for Liz. I love a softie mafia killer. The heroine, Liz, ruined this for me. She did not communicate ANY of her feelings with him (except one), but instead fought him through the entirety of the book. She had these mental battles, and I hated how she literally let 0 people in, especially her baby daddy.

That epilogue made me so angry lol. I absolutely hated what she did!!! I can’t wait to see how Killian responds though.

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and this series is just amazing we have been following the others and now it is Killian and Liz’s story and boy does it explain a lot about why they are the way they are I enjoyed their journey, I have been binge reading this series and have spent the past week falling in love with this author

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

[A.J. Wyatt]

If you've read this latest Dark Mafia Romance - make sure to leave a review.! xxx

[Andra Kapule · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE

Oh my gosh I just can’t get enough of this authors books!!! I absolutely can not wait to read the second half of Killian and Liz

[Yomaira Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness…

AJ Wyatt send me an advanced reader copy of this book and I am so glad she did!

The whole Cosa Nostra series is really good. But this book, Liz and Killian’s story was something else entirely.

Killian has a dark soul, has gone through tough times and that is why he is the Underboss of the Cosa Nostra Family. He is so, so broken and he is also a jokester but he relishes in violence. He is a divine and delicious character.

Liz is this tough, independent, woman who has created a barrier around all of herself thanks to events of her past and being a New York socialite. She want to break free of the social chains.

They are crazy for each other and they don’t even it understand how much. There is so much push and pull, so much anger.

This story keeps you on your toes, you know that something is going to happen, that hell is about to break loose and everything is about to go down… and then it does. And you’ll have to read it because it is amazing.

There is a part 2 coming. Yay! I’m going to have to lose myself in something else while I wait got this.

[Sido · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Thank you AJ Wyatt for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well I can honestly say that I love AJ Wyatt’s writing and Bound by Survival was no exception 😍

This story is raw with emotions, makes no excuses, and gives us all the good and the bad of being in a relationship with a mafia underboss who has a very different sense of morality than the FMC.

I have loved Killian and Liz since Loyalty that Ties and could not wait to read their story. I was wondering how they could ever grow closer and form a relationship and then the reveal of Liz’s pregnancy at the end of Ling of Fire made sense.

This book was everything I needed. Liz coming to terms with her pregnancy and her feelings for Killian while battling her apprehension and fear of being part of the Cosa Nostra.

I loved how well the story was woven with Killian’s dark past, him trying to overcome his demons and her trying to break away from her controlling high society parents.

Liz and Killian help and heal each other in very brutal ways at times but it works. Unfortunately the mafia politics and war get in the way and I can totally understand Liz’s fears leading to the heartbreaking cliffhanger at the end.

I loved that the other characters were also very present in this book, especially the girls, Arielle, Sofia, Amelia and Olivia.

If you enjoy bad boy MMC with jaded NYC princess with hot, smutty scenes 🌶🌶🌶 then this book is for you.

Now I need to distract myself until part 2 comes out. I cannot wait to see how their story ends!

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

In BOUND BY SURVIVAL, Killian is unapologetically dangerous, criminal, violent and troubled. He has no intention of changing. His relationship with Liz broke up when she caught him with another woman - a woman he was using for revenge.

Liz has wealthy parents with messed up priorities and has been taken advantage of and manipulated in such a way that she o longer trusts men or herself.

Killian is the second in command in the Costa Nostra. The mafia staples just flow from him - no family except the mafia, gets a thrill from killing and torturing people that deserve it, and he puts loyalty to the family above all else.

This is such a good book because the balance of their contentious relationship is achieved by spirited dialog and steamy encounters. Can’t wait for # 6!

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

[Ashley Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killian and Liz's story is the best of this series so far! The way they fight each other and yet love each other keeps me from putting this book down. I have enjoyed all the other Cosa Nostra books I have read and this one does not disappoint either! I can't wait for part 2 to see where Liz and Killian end up!

[Katie Hooge · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️/3.5🌶️

I finished this book the night before and I needed the time to decompress from this book. I have mixed emotions on this book and at first last night, I was going to leave 4⭐️ as my rating but this morning waking up and the first thing I think about is the book… right there shows the effect, the pull, the connection you get in this book and is a 5⭐️ for me.

The relationship was complicated, emotional, heartbreaking, electrifying, and loving.

Killian has had a very hard and dark upbringing and we truly understand they way he is now.

Liz had the typical socialite upbringing in NYC but also has had a hard past that makes you understand why she’s always so focused on power.

I am not gonna lie and say I’m the biggest fan of Liz, I think she is very selfish and every time I think she is finally understanding that Killian is not going to take away her power, she goes right back to focusing on her being in control of her life, even if she takes control over someone else’s choice. That’s the thing that bothers me here with the cliffhanger, I understand why she believes she has to protect herself and who she loves but, she took so much from Killian at that point and I am very intrigued to see how it plays out in the next book.

The chemistry and spice between these two came off the page.

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

[Katie Robbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Man. I don’t even know what to say or where to start. Ms. Wyatt succeeded in ripping my heart out, slowly piecing it back together, just to stomp all over it—in the greatest, most beautiful way.

Killian is psychopath-leaning perfection, and Liz is what all strong female leads should be made of. Their relationship is tumultuous, raw, and tugged at every heartstring I possess. Everything about their story is heartfelt, deeply invocative, and intensely emotional in ways I wasn’t prepared for.
It isn’t often that I’m so deeply effected by a book, but this one has me by the throat. I already know that this is a story I will be thinking about for a very, very long time. And I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment. Until then, Killian will be living rent free in my head and I have no complaints about that!

If you are a fan of mafia romance and morally grey men who are really leaning towards black… read this book, read this entire series. You will never regret it. Ms. Wyatt is a mafia romance master and I bow to her greatness in this genre.

I received an ARC of Bound by Survival and am leaving this honest review of my own free will.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow another fantastic book to read, the story was exhilarating to read and the characters were sensational. This time the story was about Elizabeth (Liz) Devereaux and Killian de Luca the love hate relationship. Liz would do anything her father asked of her but really hated being told what to do, Liz didn't like going to Amelia's every Friday for a family dinner she didn't think she belonged she wasn't growing with them she always felt out of sorts doesn't believe in relationships. She had a second chance with Killian but will she take it and in brace it. Killian was fourteen when he had his first kill and he wears a leather jacket to remind him, he has had a thing for Liz everything she is near he wants to sink in her. He ends up finding out what happened to Liz at the age of seventeen and took care of that problem. Killian is going away with Neal and the other Costa Nostra while they were killing their enemies they were loosing a lot of soldiers Killian was shot then Neal the (Godfather) was shot a couple of times it took a bit longer to see their women after needing doctors first.

[Ophelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I loved the backstory of the characters and the angst between them. I loved the tension as well as the difficulty in their relationship.

I was really disappointed in how rushed I felt the story was. A lot of details were missed and a lot of things I wanted to hear about weren’t in the story. I thought quite a lot was missed out.

At times I found the characters annoying and I really hate to say this but I disliked how the character of Liz was written. I wished we had more character development.

I also was left on a cliffhanger for the ending which I found upsetting (partly my fault). This also may be an unpopular opinion but I really did wish the book was tied up at the end and I wasn’t left waiting for a second book. I am excited and slightly scared in what is in for me in the second book.

I would love to read the other books in the series as this is my first one.

Overall I found the writing good but I just longed for slightly more in this book.

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

[Megs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a bunch of mafia romances, and I’ve rated this one because of the trope stack: unplanned pregnancy, opens with m$rder, frenemies to lovers, billionaire, heiress. I liked the alternating viewpoints his/hers.

Downsides? I have been waiting with baited breath to finally find a mafia romance where the female main character realizes this entire thing is insane and runs away. Because … seriously duh.
Well now that it happened I’m kinda sad about it. I got what I wanted and I hated it. How dare she take the kid away from the murderous boyfriend?? And he didn’t even propose after he unalived her ex??? Ugh

I’m going to need a palette cleanser. Maybe a nice psych thriller where the bad guy really is an actual bad guy. Not a hot killer guy who has a place for love in his heart. This monster came out looking redeemable. I like my monsters undeniable. Maybe it was always her. I want her to wake up one night and k7ll him in his sleep.

Either one of them can embrace the dark side.
This review is kinda chaotic. You’re welcome.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A roller coaster of emotions. Excellent. Dramatic. Romantic. Tears of joy and pain. Desire on fire. Fear of the future and what it might hold. Filled with drama over and over again. Liz and Killian unable to say with a really feel for each other, what the consequences would be if they stayed together with Killian being in the mafia and Liz never want anyone to control her again. Liz and Killian had been an item before, but she left. They are thrown together again and Liz is just as feisty and set in her ways. Killian is in the mafia and he loves his job. Can Liz be with someone who kills so easily? It’s always been that way for Killian so he doesn’t see anything wrong with it. The drama in this book is up and down with every page and when you think they are going to work things out it all falls apart again. The ending really shocked me, but I can’t wait for the next book to see if things change. I’ve got to go back and read this series from the beginning.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Rating:🔥🔥🔥
Dark Rating:😈😈😈

What an emotional rollarcoaster! The back and forth between Liz and Killian was a spectacular disaster.

I’m so in love with Killian, his lack of filter and free spirit attitude was addictive. It’s easy to see why Liz couldn’t stay away from him. I might even give her a run for her money 😉

A couple times I had to facepalm my kindle (yes my kindle not my hand) because of the absurd things Killian had said.

I frequently had to stop myself of jumping ahead in the paragraph, because I was so eager to read what would happen. THEN after all the build up over the book the ending shook me to my core! Like one of the most intense blindsides I’ve read in a book.

I’m left reeling, lost and demanding part 2 sooner rather then later! Screw Di Napoli, I want more Liz and Killian

[A Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blah! Liz is annoying.

Not interested in book 2. Liz annoys me and book 2 will be a load of more annoyance. I dislike books when women intentionally have the father miss important moments in their child’s life for selfish reasons, I imagine book 2 will be Liz telling him she doesn’t want to tell their child he’s her father more than 50 percent of the book, at the same time allowing him to come around as a ‘stranger’ while apologizing to him for taking her away, but she will continuously sleep with him for her benefit. Those plots annoy me and usually result In a DNF. THIS COULD’VE BEEN ONE BOOK with just a few more chapters.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second novel by this talented author!

The two main characters are larger than life with complications that kept me engrossed and invested in their story!

Emotional ups and downs.

Steamy, steamy scenes!

Just the right amount of dark!

Cannot wait for more, and I definitely need to get the first three books in this series further up my TBR list! I may just have to cheat and let them frog jump other stories! :)

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Liz is a strong and independent heroine who doesn't need a man but Killian isn't just any man. He is dark, strong, sexy, and demanding. He brings a side of her she didn't expect. Together they are combustible no matter how much she tries the pull is strong. But of course there are other things to enjoy in this story.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killian and liz story has you hooked from thebstsrt, their pasts defined them but can their futures be brighter. Liz runs after Killians betrayle but when he learns of her pregnancy he will do anything for another chance but lots been hurt one to many times can she give him that chance? Well written, great addition to the series, emotions desires angst drama and more!

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mafia underboss, Killian is brutal and he protects Liz. Liz is independent by I don’t always like her. Their story has a great deal going and and will continue into a second book. Jillian’s world isn’t the only one that brings danger.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I am SCREAMING over that ending! I thought I loved the couples before this but I am just LIVING for Liz & Killian. I just have so many things to say but I can’t say them cuz SPOILERS… Omg I’m dying inside not being able to immediately start part 2 of this book!!! I NEEDS IT ***grabby hands***

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

So many ups and downs.
Liz and Killian.
The mafia.
She wants freedom.

I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
I loved the Hot 🔥 chemistry between them.

The only thing I don't like is the Cliffhanger!

Read it.

On to the next book...

[Morgana Bevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional rollercoaster you do not want to miss.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- I really hope Killian comes back with rage in the next book and lets Liz have it for taking away his daughter. I also hope that Liz will do a little bit of begging on her end in this next one.

[Coco.V]

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