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The Bernardi Mafia #3
Bound by Obedience
I was a prisoner in my own home…
That was, until Santo Bernardi set his eyes on me.
In an instant, I became his.
But despite him setting me free,
I still became shackled to his overbearing nature.
He expects perfection.
I am the opposite of that.
I want to love him.
But I’m not sure I can have feelings for a man like him.
How can I fall in love with the man that freed me,
While he keeps me caged in our marriage?
Bound by Obedience is part of a 3 book series but can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed happy ending.
That was, until Santo Bernardi set his eyes on me.
In an instant, I became his.
But despite him setting me free,
I still became shackled to his overbearing nature.
He expects perfection.
I am the opposite of that.
I want to love him.
But I’m not sure I can have feelings for a man like him.
How can I fall in love with the man that freed me,
While he keeps me caged in our marriage?
Bound by Obedience is part of a 3 book series but can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed happy ending.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2022
234 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 16, 2025
I totally forgot about finishing this series until recently. I also think I never rated or reviewed the first two books either? Eh, maybe one day - might have to re-read them first.
Honestly, this being the third book it was okay. I didn't necessarily love the characters but I didn't hate them etiher. It was filled with lots of drama, some unnecessary, but I guess that flows along the deceoption and violence with the Mafia being invovled. The chemistry between them was okay but I just needed something else to make me like everything.
I'm happy that I read this and finished a series. That's about it.
Honestly, this being the third book it was okay. I didn't necessarily love the characters but I didn't hate them etiher. It was filled with lots of drama, some unnecessary, but I guess that flows along the deceoption and violence with the Mafia being invovled. The chemistry between them was okay but I just needed something else to make me like everything.
I'm happy that I read this and finished a series. That's about it.
August 15, 2022
Rapunzel meets Mafia
Bis ich über die Bücher von Ivy Davis gestolpert bin, hätte ich nie für möglich gehalten, dass mir Mafia-Romanzen gefallen könnten. Doch Band 2 der Bernardi Mafia hatte mir so gut gefallen, dass ich Band 3 jetzt einfach nicht widerstehen konnte. Ich wollte unbedingt wissen, wie es dem letzten der drei Brüder ergeht und welcher arrangierten Ehe er zum „Opfer fallen“ würde. 🤣
In „Bound by Obedience“ geht es um Santo, dem jüngsten der Bernardi-Brüder. Er findet in Isabella seine Partnerin für die Zukunft.
Santo ist der verantwortungsbewusste Bruder, der sich um die finanziellen Interessen des „Familienunternehmens“ kümmert. Nach seinem Bruder Nico soll nun auch er verheiratet werden. Anders als bei seinem Bruder soll ihm allerdings nicht die Ehre zuteilwerden, sich seine Braut selbst aussuchen zu dürfen. Da er bisher immer brav die Befehle seines Bruders befolgt hat, geht Dante davon aus, dass er auch die ihm vorgesetzte Braut ehelichen wird. Ohne Widerworte. Doch das ändert sich, als Santo Isabella begegnet und sein Rettersyndrom zum Vorschein kommt. Um Isabella aus ihrer Zwangslage zu befreien, bleibt ihm nur übrig, diese zu heiraten. Doch damit fangen die Probleme erst so richtig an.
Santo ist ruchlos, wenn es um das Familienunternehmen geht. Er treibt Schulden ein, sammelt Leute zur Bestrafung ein usw. Dennoch ist er nicht herzlos. Als er Isabella begegnet, kann er diese unschuldige junge Frau nicht einfach ihrem Schicksal überlassen, er muss ihr helfen. Das ist so süß. Er zeigt sich von einer emotionalen Seite und nicht von dieser starken machobehafteten Mafia-Seite. Er nimmt sie mit und kümmert sich um sie. Er befreit sie aus ihrem Rapunzelturm.
Isabella ist unschuldiger als unschuldig. Niemand weiß von ihr – bis auf ihren Vater. Dieser hält sie gefangen und kleidet sie wie ein kleines Mädchen. Er behandelt sie wie ein Objekt und betrachtet sie zugleich mit lüsternen Blicken. Sie hat keine Schulbildung genossen und hat keine Freunde. Soziale Interaktionen sind ihr fremd. Da erscheint ihr Santo mit dem Angebot zur Freiheit durch Ehe mit ihm wie ein Ritter in glänzender Rüstung. Und wäre es wahrscheinlich auch für andere in einer ähnlichen Situation.
Es ist unglaublich niedlich, wie Santo sich ihrer annimmt, sie mitnimmt und sich für sie einsetzt. Gleichzeitig verlangt er auch viel von ihr, ohne darüber nachzudenken, dass sie keine Erfahrungen mit anderen zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen hat und es erst lernen muss. Sie wird regelrecht ins kalte Wasser geworfen und muss mit sozialen Verpflichtungen in den Rängen der Mafia-Familie zurechtkommen, ohne eigentlich zu wissen, was die Mafia ist.
Die Beziehungsentwicklung zwischen Santo und Isabella ist einerseits schon fast Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Santo scheint vom ersten Moment an von ihr angetan zu sein. Ihre Anziehung zueinander ist vom ersten Augenblick an spürbar. Das fand ich sehr schön. Isabella vertraut Santo instinktiv.
Dennoch birgt das Konzept einige Risiken, die nicht ganz ideal umschifft werden.
Ein Punkt, der mich wirklich gestört hat, war der, dass nie der Bildungsstand von Isabella diskutiert wurde. Klar, Santo hat Geld und sie braucht rein theoretisch nicht zu arbeiten. Aber was ist mit Isabella selbst? Hat sie nicht selbst den Wunsch etwas zu machen, was zu lernen? Dann wird auch nicht das Trauma aufgearbeitet, welches sie durch die Isolation erlitten hat und was ihr Vater ihr sonst möglicherweise angetan hat. Das bleibt alles offen und man fragt sich als Leser schon, welche traumatischen Erlebnisse diese junge Frau durchlebt hat, um dennoch derart unschuldig zu sein. Dann bleiben ziemlich viele Hintergründe zu Isabellas Vergangenheit ungeklärt. Wer ist ihre Mutter? Was ist mit ihrer Mutter passiert? Ist ihr Vater wirklich ihr Vater? Alles ein wenig merkwürdig und nichts davon wird angesprochen oder aufgeklärt. Das finde ich sehr schade. Es wäre nur dieser großartigen Protagonistin gerecht gewesen, wenn man sich etwas mehr ihren Hintergrund angenommen hätte.
Und dann ist da noch Santo. Er ist für einen Mafia-Typen viel zu nett. Mir fehlte hier etwas Durchsetzungskraft des Charakters. Dafür, dass er angeblich so taff ist, hat er sich nicht wirklich gut gegen Isabellas Vater oder seine „Ex-Verlobte“ durchgesetzt. Da wurde mir viel zu viel mit Samthandschuhen gearbeitet. Gerade bei der Ex-Verlobten hätte ich viel schneller die Krallen herausgeholt und ihr die Grenzen und Konsequenzen aufgezeigt. Das war mir persönlich viel zu weich. Hier hat mir echt der Biss gefehlt.
Die Erzählung erfolgt abwechselnd aus der Perspektive von Isabella und Santo. Das fand ich sehr schön, denn dadurch konnte man die Gedanken- und Gefühlswelt beider Protagonisten kennenlernen. Ich mochte es sehr, gerade in Bezug auf Santo. Persönlich mag ich es, wenn man auch einmal die männliche Perspektive als Leser präsentiert bekommt. 😉
Was ich ebenfalls sehr schön fand, ist, dass man das Buch hätte lesen können, ohne die vorherigen Bände zu kennen. Es eignet sich nämlich auch als Einzelband.
Eine gelungene Fortsetzung, die mir sehr gefallen hat und viel Lesevergnügen bereitete. Ich freue mich schon jetzt darauf, weitere Bücher der Autorin zu lesen.
Hinweis: Das Buch habe ich dankenswerterweise von der Autorin via Booksprout als Rezensionsexemplar im Austausch für eine ehrliche Rezension erhalten.
Bis ich über die Bücher von Ivy Davis gestolpert bin, hätte ich nie für möglich gehalten, dass mir Mafia-Romanzen gefallen könnten. Doch Band 2 der Bernardi Mafia hatte mir so gut gefallen, dass ich Band 3 jetzt einfach nicht widerstehen konnte. Ich wollte unbedingt wissen, wie es dem letzten der drei Brüder ergeht und welcher arrangierten Ehe er zum „Opfer fallen“ würde. 🤣
In „Bound by Obedience“ geht es um Santo, dem jüngsten der Bernardi-Brüder. Er findet in Isabella seine Partnerin für die Zukunft.
Santo ist der verantwortungsbewusste Bruder, der sich um die finanziellen Interessen des „Familienunternehmens“ kümmert. Nach seinem Bruder Nico soll nun auch er verheiratet werden. Anders als bei seinem Bruder soll ihm allerdings nicht die Ehre zuteilwerden, sich seine Braut selbst aussuchen zu dürfen. Da er bisher immer brav die Befehle seines Bruders befolgt hat, geht Dante davon aus, dass er auch die ihm vorgesetzte Braut ehelichen wird. Ohne Widerworte. Doch das ändert sich, als Santo Isabella begegnet und sein Rettersyndrom zum Vorschein kommt. Um Isabella aus ihrer Zwangslage zu befreien, bleibt ihm nur übrig, diese zu heiraten. Doch damit fangen die Probleme erst so richtig an.
Santo ist ruchlos, wenn es um das Familienunternehmen geht. Er treibt Schulden ein, sammelt Leute zur Bestrafung ein usw. Dennoch ist er nicht herzlos. Als er Isabella begegnet, kann er diese unschuldige junge Frau nicht einfach ihrem Schicksal überlassen, er muss ihr helfen. Das ist so süß. Er zeigt sich von einer emotionalen Seite und nicht von dieser starken machobehafteten Mafia-Seite. Er nimmt sie mit und kümmert sich um sie. Er befreit sie aus ihrem Rapunzelturm.
Isabella ist unschuldiger als unschuldig. Niemand weiß von ihr – bis auf ihren Vater. Dieser hält sie gefangen und kleidet sie wie ein kleines Mädchen. Er behandelt sie wie ein Objekt und betrachtet sie zugleich mit lüsternen Blicken. Sie hat keine Schulbildung genossen und hat keine Freunde. Soziale Interaktionen sind ihr fremd. Da erscheint ihr Santo mit dem Angebot zur Freiheit durch Ehe mit ihm wie ein Ritter in glänzender Rüstung. Und wäre es wahrscheinlich auch für andere in einer ähnlichen Situation.
Es ist unglaublich niedlich, wie Santo sich ihrer annimmt, sie mitnimmt und sich für sie einsetzt. Gleichzeitig verlangt er auch viel von ihr, ohne darüber nachzudenken, dass sie keine Erfahrungen mit anderen zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen hat und es erst lernen muss. Sie wird regelrecht ins kalte Wasser geworfen und muss mit sozialen Verpflichtungen in den Rängen der Mafia-Familie zurechtkommen, ohne eigentlich zu wissen, was die Mafia ist.
Die Beziehungsentwicklung zwischen Santo und Isabella ist einerseits schon fast Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Santo scheint vom ersten Moment an von ihr angetan zu sein. Ihre Anziehung zueinander ist vom ersten Augenblick an spürbar. Das fand ich sehr schön. Isabella vertraut Santo instinktiv.
Dennoch birgt das Konzept einige Risiken, die nicht ganz ideal umschifft werden.
Ein Punkt, der mich wirklich gestört hat, war der, dass nie der Bildungsstand von Isabella diskutiert wurde. Klar, Santo hat Geld und sie braucht rein theoretisch nicht zu arbeiten. Aber was ist mit Isabella selbst? Hat sie nicht selbst den Wunsch etwas zu machen, was zu lernen? Dann wird auch nicht das Trauma aufgearbeitet, welches sie durch die Isolation erlitten hat und was ihr Vater ihr sonst möglicherweise angetan hat. Das bleibt alles offen und man fragt sich als Leser schon, welche traumatischen Erlebnisse diese junge Frau durchlebt hat, um dennoch derart unschuldig zu sein. Dann bleiben ziemlich viele Hintergründe zu Isabellas Vergangenheit ungeklärt. Wer ist ihre Mutter? Was ist mit ihrer Mutter passiert? Ist ihr Vater wirklich ihr Vater? Alles ein wenig merkwürdig und nichts davon wird angesprochen oder aufgeklärt. Das finde ich sehr schade. Es wäre nur dieser großartigen Protagonistin gerecht gewesen, wenn man sich etwas mehr ihren Hintergrund angenommen hätte.
Und dann ist da noch Santo. Er ist für einen Mafia-Typen viel zu nett. Mir fehlte hier etwas Durchsetzungskraft des Charakters. Dafür, dass er angeblich so taff ist, hat er sich nicht wirklich gut gegen Isabellas Vater oder seine „Ex-Verlobte“ durchgesetzt. Da wurde mir viel zu viel mit Samthandschuhen gearbeitet. Gerade bei der Ex-Verlobten hätte ich viel schneller die Krallen herausgeholt und ihr die Grenzen und Konsequenzen aufgezeigt. Das war mir persönlich viel zu weich. Hier hat mir echt der Biss gefehlt.
Die Erzählung erfolgt abwechselnd aus der Perspektive von Isabella und Santo. Das fand ich sehr schön, denn dadurch konnte man die Gedanken- und Gefühlswelt beider Protagonisten kennenlernen. Ich mochte es sehr, gerade in Bezug auf Santo. Persönlich mag ich es, wenn man auch einmal die männliche Perspektive als Leser präsentiert bekommt. 😉
Was ich ebenfalls sehr schön fand, ist, dass man das Buch hätte lesen können, ohne die vorherigen Bände zu kennen. Es eignet sich nämlich auch als Einzelband.
Eine gelungene Fortsetzung, die mir sehr gefallen hat und viel Lesevergnügen bereitete. Ich freue mich schon jetzt darauf, weitere Bücher der Autorin zu lesen.
Hinweis: Das Buch habe ich dankenswerterweise von der Autorin via Booksprout als Rezensionsexemplar im Austausch für eine ehrliche Rezension erhalten.
August 19, 2022
Normally, I love reading anything by Ivy Davis. But with this story, I had a hard time identifying with Isabella. I get that she was not brought up like other mafia daughters, but sometimes I thought she was a little too immature. Other than that, I did like the story, and I thought Santo Bernardi was nothing but a decent, kind, and gentle man (for growing up pin the mafia world!) He was gentle and patient with Isabella and tried to explain things to her as they came up.
When Santo wronged the Accadi family, Franco’s daughter Ginevra and his wife Dafne wasn’t going to make it easy for him and his new wife. Rumors are started and since it is all about appearances, Isabella must “grow up” and accept the world she was brought into. Let the shenanigans begins, as Ginevra is up to no good and will do anything to get her fiancé back.
Lots of drama, deception, violence, and chemistry come into play during this story. Even though this is not one of my favorites, I do look forward to reading more from this author. I guess for me personally, I don’t like the totally naïve and immature version portrayed in this story of Isabella. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Santo wronged the Accadi family, Franco’s daughter Ginevra and his wife Dafne wasn’t going to make it easy for him and his new wife. Rumors are started and since it is all about appearances, Isabella must “grow up” and accept the world she was brought into. Let the shenanigans begins, as Ginevra is up to no good and will do anything to get her fiancé back.
Lots of drama, deception, violence, and chemistry come into play during this story. Even though this is not one of my favorites, I do look forward to reading more from this author. I guess for me personally, I don’t like the totally naïve and immature version portrayed in this story of Isabella. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2022
Isabella has been held captive in her home all of her life. She's never stepped a single foot outside. When Santo comes kicking down her door like a knight in shining armor, she's attracted to him instantly. So when he suggests marriage (as is the mafia way, you're either owned by your father or another mafia man) she jumps at the chance to be free of her father and be protected by Santo.
Santo, the youngest of the Bernardi brothers, is at Raffa's house to collect a debt owed. He shockingly finds a twenty year old woman chained to her bed in a locked room. In order to save her from her father, Santo asks for her hand in marriage. The problem? He's already engaged.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It's sweet, spicy, and heartwarming! Isabella is almost TOO naive- she doesn't even know what sex is- but I looked past that because I love shy, sheltered heroines like her. Santo is her protector and he takes that job very seriously. Four stars!
important bits:
virgin heroine
age gap
rough sex
dirty talk
OW drama (not encouraged)
no cheating
HEA ♡
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Santo, the youngest of the Bernardi brothers, is at Raffa's house to collect a debt owed. He shockingly finds a twenty year old woman chained to her bed in a locked room. In order to save her from her father, Santo asks for her hand in marriage. The problem? He's already engaged.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It's sweet, spicy, and heartwarming! Isabella is almost TOO naive- she doesn't even know what sex is- but I looked past that because I love shy, sheltered heroines like her. Santo is her protector and he takes that job very seriously. Four stars!
important bits:
virgin heroine
age gap
rough sex
dirty talk
OW drama (not encouraged)
no cheating
HEA ♡
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2022
This is part of The Bernardi Mafia series each book can read as a standalone but connects through the brothers each brother has their own story. So, buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously story 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, arranged marriage, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe love. (ALL THE GOOD STUFF IN A MAFIA STORY) By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Isabella smart a prisoner in a very beautiful cage her home she has never been allowed outside or to live the way she wanted her father kept her away from the world, chained to her bed, locked in her room and when a sexy man comes kicking their door in suggesting marriage which doesn’t surprise her because girls are owned by their father then bargained in a business deal or taken by another mafia member but to gain some type of freedom away from her father she agrees (shhhh she didn’t have much choice). Santo sexy as all get out youngest Bernardi brother out collecting a debt owed to them so when he kicks the door in he wasn’t expecting to see a young women who has never been outside chained to her bed and locked up by the man who was supposed to protect her not treat her in that manner so asking for her hand in marriage (now keep in mind he is already engaged) but something about her draws him to the much younger women. Isabella quickly learns her husband is a stickler for rules, manners, and above all obedience but his patience, his gentleness with her surprised me. She is so shy not use to communicating with others outside of the four walls she has lived in, but he wants to make sure she has the confidence to really be a Bernardi and to deal with her husband’s needs, but also to live, to stand in his world she will need a much stronger backbone. Santo teaches her how to be socially and intimately to become a strong woman, to stand up for herself because she is now a Bernardi. But she sees a side of her husband that she hasn’t ever met when those who mean her harm come after her out to cause harm, he then becomes her protector, but will he keep her safe, why did her father lock her away in such a way, who did he promise her to, and can they find their very own HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Isabella smart a prisoner in a very beautiful cage her home she has never been allowed outside or to live the way she wanted her father kept her away from the world, chained to her bed, locked in her room and when a sexy man comes kicking their door in suggesting marriage which doesn’t surprise her because girls are owned by their father then bargained in a business deal or taken by another mafia member but to gain some type of freedom away from her father she agrees (shhhh she didn’t have much choice). Santo sexy as all get out youngest Bernardi brother out collecting a debt owed to them so when he kicks the door in he wasn’t expecting to see a young women who has never been outside chained to her bed and locked up by the man who was supposed to protect her not treat her in that manner so asking for her hand in marriage (now keep in mind he is already engaged) but something about her draws him to the much younger women. Isabella quickly learns her husband is a stickler for rules, manners, and above all obedience but his patience, his gentleness with her surprised me. She is so shy not use to communicating with others outside of the four walls she has lived in, but he wants to make sure she has the confidence to really be a Bernardi and to deal with her husband’s needs, but also to live, to stand in his world she will need a much stronger backbone. Santo teaches her how to be socially and intimately to become a strong woman, to stand up for herself because she is now a Bernardi. But she sees a side of her husband that she hasn’t ever met when those who mean her harm come after her out to cause harm, he then becomes her protector, but will he keep her safe, why did her father lock her away in such a way, who did he promise her to, and can they find their very own HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2022
This is the 3rd story in The Bernardi Mafia Series and we get Santo’s story along with his bride to be… Santos is the most reliable of the 3 brothers and when his brother, Dante tells him he’ll marry he agrees with no argument. After meeting her, he’s off to handle some family business and gets to the home of a man who owes money to discover a woman, Isabella locked up to her bed in the attic room in her fathers home. When Santos realizes the only way to rescue Isabella it to marry, he steps up and makes a split decision and takes Isabella out of the house for the 1st time in her life. Santos has high expectations of how Isabella represents him and the family. Isabella has no experience with other people her entire life with uncertainty on how to move forward. I enjoy how he struggles with the right way to behave with Isabella and then showing her the patience needed to help her become the woman she’s meant to be socially and intimately becoming a strong woman, standing up for herself. They become a beautiful couple that handles those out to cause harm to Isabella. This was my favorite of the Bernadine Brothers. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2022
Santo is the Youngest of the Bernardino boys.He is to get married. His brother Dante introduced him to the woman he was going to marry. Santo agreed. Santo went on one of his jobs and found a lady locked up to bed in room all alone I a girl nightgown. He ask her father why she was locked up , he did give a good excuse. So Santo asked for the keys and said he would marry her. . So he took Isabella off they go to Dante house to get her some clothes. Isabella has never been outside so he will have to trail her and teach how to be a wife. .It was the only choice then leaving her with her dad that want to keep her locked up. In time she will get to know him. They’re some fussing over the fact the he didn’t marry the first girl. She not taking to well . At the reception she ripped
Isabella dress and did much humiliate her. . It takes Isabella a while to get her strength to see people because she put down and her father keeps her in a room never to see anything. This is amazing story os strength and courage and patience Santo was so good with I need a guy like him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isabella dress and did much humiliate her. . It takes Isabella a while to get her strength to see people because she put down and her father keeps her in a room never to see anything. This is amazing story os strength and courage and patience Santo was so good with I need a guy like him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2022
4.5 Stars!! This is the last book in the Bernardi Mafia series. It is Santo and Isabella's story. Santo is the youngest though he is the most responsible and dependable of the three brothers. Santo will do what is right for his family. When he meets Isabella there is something in him that makes him rescue her from her father's house. Can you imagine being held captive with only one person to speak with for your whole life? Since she is from a mafia family, he has to do what is right and agree to marry her to get her out from under her father. Santo is very precise in what he does and makes sure to always be on the up and up. He has to be patient with his new bride though as she really doesn't know how to do some of the simplest of things. This book has a good story line with good action and suspense as well as some good steam. Enjoy!
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
February 22, 2023
Beautiful Story filled with Love
This book 3 is quite passionate and written beautifully. This book explores themes of captivity, innocence, and the power of love!
Santo is the youngest Bernardi brother and he is the most level headed brother. He’s alway done what is expected of him and he never wants to let down his family. When he agrees to an arranged marriage by Dante he knows what is expected of. He never expected when he did a job for Dante he would find Isabella. She has been threatened and imprisoned by her father. She’s never known the world but when Santo finds her he can’t let her go!
This story is intense and emotional. You will fall hard for Santo. He is patient, compassionate, protective and an all around amazing man who is willing to do anything for Isabella to never feel like a prisoner again. You will thoroughly enjoy their story and it’s a beautiful read. Happy Reading!!!
This book 3 is quite passionate and written beautifully. This book explores themes of captivity, innocence, and the power of love!
Santo is the youngest Bernardi brother and he is the most level headed brother. He’s alway done what is expected of him and he never wants to let down his family. When he agrees to an arranged marriage by Dante he knows what is expected of. He never expected when he did a job for Dante he would find Isabella. She has been threatened and imprisoned by her father. She’s never known the world but when Santo finds her he can’t let her go!
This story is intense and emotional. You will fall hard for Santo. He is patient, compassionate, protective and an all around amazing man who is willing to do anything for Isabella to never feel like a prisoner again. You will thoroughly enjoy their story and it’s a beautiful read. Happy Reading!!!
October 1, 2024
In the book Bound by Obedience, we meet Santo Bernardi the last brother in this series and Isabella. Santo is nice, kind obedient brother. He’s very easy going and a people pleaser. When his oldest brother Dante tells him it’s time to get married he says ok find the girl. Although Dante finds Santo a girl from a reputable mafia family, Santo stumbles onto Isabella. Santo being a gentleman offers marriage to Isabella who accepts. The romance between them is sweet and gentle. Their love story unfolds naturally I don’t know if it’s because Santo was such a nice agreeable guy and he wanted to please Isabella.
I enjoyed all of the books in this series yet I liked this new element that Ivy Davis added to their story. This book could be considered an instalove romance. There are some very cute steamy scenes. I am never disappointed when I read a book by Ivy Davis. I enjoyed the story and their romance.
I enjoyed all of the books in this series yet I liked this new element that Ivy Davis added to their story. This book could be considered an instalove romance. There are some very cute steamy scenes. I am never disappointed when I read a book by Ivy Davis. I enjoyed the story and their romance.
August 13, 2022
I love Santo’s story as he rescues Isabella who’s been held captive in her father’s house her whole life. I especially love how he decides to do the right thing and not leave her in captivity, but his only mafia option is marriage. Can you imagine being held captive in your house for all your life with only her father and her books for company? Santo’s is a stickler for manners and obedience, but he has patience with his new bride. Isabelle is shy at first and she gradually overcomes her shyness and gains the confidence of being Santo’s wife and stands up for herself. It’s so sexy to see the strong mafia man Santo being patient as he teaches his wife about intimacy and how to be his wife as she gains her confidence in herself to live in his mafia world. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series, and this is Santo who is the youngest of the Bernardo brothers, and Isabella’s story. Isabella has spent her life in a gilded cage, locked in her room and chained to her bed, by her father, and she has never been allowed out of the house to live her life. When Santo arrives and knocks down the door to collect a debt, he wants an arranged marriage with Isabella. Over time Santo teacher Isabella about society and living her life as she gains confidence. This is a well written story which has suspense, danger, intrigue, secrets, violence, betrayal, and love, which leads to an addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2022
Bound by Obedience by Ivy Davis is the amazing third book in the Bernardi Mafia Series. I loved the sexy plot, spicy love scenes, angst and the characters themselves.
Poor Isabella, basically a captive of her father, has an awful start in life. She has never spoken to another soul until Santo visits the house. He gets curious, walks around the house and finds her locked up. What's a hot mafia guy to do? Rescue her of course!
There is an abundance of trauma in Isabella's past, and she hooks up with the most proper of the Bernardi brothers. It's not smooth sailing, will these two find a way to be together and beat the odds?
Very passionate book, I loved it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Poor Isabella, basically a captive of her father, has an awful start in life. She has never spoken to another soul until Santo visits the house. He gets curious, walks around the house and finds her locked up. What's a hot mafia guy to do? Rescue her of course!
There is an abundance of trauma in Isabella's past, and she hooks up with the most proper of the Bernardi brothers. It's not smooth sailing, will these two find a way to be together and beat the odds?
Very passionate book, I loved it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2022
Santo is the youngest of the Bernardi brothers, he isnt like his older brothers he prefers the more financial buisness side. And when his brother arranges a marriage for an alliance thats all about to change when Santos goes to collect a debt and finds more than he bargained for. Locked up by her father, Isabella agrees to marry Santos for her chance at freedom, if only she knew she would find herself in another cage. Santos is a man of propriety, but Isabella has never been around people, with a lot to learn can they find a balance that works and can Santos keep her safe? Well written steamy mafia romance, 3rd book in the series and a great addition.
August 19, 2022
This is the 3rd book in The Bernardi Mafia Series, but works well as a standalone. This is the Santo’s story and his bride. Already betrothed, he finds another woman locked in a house while on on family business. He realizes the only way to rescue her is if he marries her. He’s very gentle and understanding with her, since she has no experience with other people her entire life. They become a beautiful couple. This is really a great story, my favorite in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2022
This is book 3 of the Bernardi Mafia series. It's not necessary to read the prior books to follow this story but it does help bring you into the world. This is Isabella and Santo's story. They couldn't be more different really. Isabella is the sheltered princess and she really is naive and innocent. She's been held basically a prisoner so when Santo goes to where she is being held, he's surprised to find her. But things get crazy when he marries her to protect her, setting a whole line of events into motion.
October 18, 2022
not bad but not great either
H- Santo
h-Isabella
So Santo is the 3rd & younger brother of the Bernadi family. He met Isabella who was being held against her will by her father who has kept her their all her life (20yrs) Santo meets her & immediately feels a connection & decides to save her from her dad by taking her hand in marriage. The story is very predictable & kind of boring. I feel like Santo is a softy & I’m kind of used to scary mafia’s men. Everyone is afraid of his oldest brother but not him.
It was an ok quick read.
H- Santo
h-Isabella
So Santo is the 3rd & younger brother of the Bernadi family. He met Isabella who was being held against her will by her father who has kept her their all her life (20yrs) Santo meets her & immediately feels a connection & decides to save her from her dad by taking her hand in marriage. The story is very predictable & kind of boring. I feel like Santo is a softy & I’m kind of used to scary mafia’s men. Everyone is afraid of his oldest brother but not him.
It was an ok quick read.
April 27, 2024
Santo and Isabella were my fave out of the series. Santo learned even more patience during his time with Isabella, even though I thought he was quite patient anyway previously. One thing that had been a little tiresome was Isabella's constant declaration of being a mature grown up, but then acting like a child. I don't blame her for acting childish, it makes sense, she hasn't had any social interaction. But I wish she took power over her lack of knowledge of rules and learning from the grey areas, rather than being delusional.
August 16, 2022
Isabella has been held captive in her father’s house since she was a little girl. When Santo’s comes to the house to collect money his family is owed, he finds Isabella handcuffed to a bed, he offers to get her out and keep her safe. Has she escaped one prison for another? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. Great characters with lots of depth and an entertaining and fast-paced read. I loved this mafia read.
September 10, 2022
Isabella Raffa is 20 years old and is still treated like a young girl by her father. She is not allowed to go outside nor to look out the window. Isabella's father looks at her leeringly, like she is his woman. When Santo Bernardi turns up at the Raffa house, he finds Isabella handcuffed to a little girl's bed and promises to marry her to escape her father. This story has action, romance, and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
October 16, 2023
To sweet.
This was not a mafia book it couldn't have been there was to much weakness on the brothers part all three of them. Tell me when is ok to kidnap the head of the mafia' s wives and not have any punishment inflicted on them, or slap one of the wives? Any of the mafia books I read in the past by other authors had a code to them hurt the families and suffer, this one was to sugary. This is only NY opinion. Those woman got away with to much disrespect towards Isabella.
This was not a mafia book it couldn't have been there was to much weakness on the brothers part all three of them. Tell me when is ok to kidnap the head of the mafia' s wives and not have any punishment inflicted on them, or slap one of the wives? Any of the mafia books I read in the past by other authors had a code to them hurt the families and suffer, this one was to sugary. This is only NY opinion. Those woman got away with to much disrespect towards Isabella.
August 15, 2022
Thrilling suspenseful page turner that I recommend. The characters are charming as well as complex they are heroic and sweet romantic. This book is a part of a phenomenal book series that all have a happily over after ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2022
Santo’s story ends this series and boy was it a good one! This story is a Rapunzel retelling but there was something about the fact that Isabella was so sheltered from the world and never interacted with the outside world. It is more innocent than your typical innocent heroine story and I ate it up!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2023
bound by obedience: an arranged marriage mafia romance ( the Bernardi mafia series)
Santos and Isabell have a very different and unique marriage. Santos finds Isabell chained to her bed and isolated by her disgusting father. The storyline is interesting and fascinating, I enjoyed reading about Santos brothers and wives.
Santos and Isabell have a very different and unique marriage. Santos finds Isabell chained to her bed and isolated by her disgusting father. The storyline is interesting and fascinating, I enjoyed reading about Santos brothers and wives.
February 27, 2024
Great ending to this 3 book series….I truly enjoyed Santo and Isabella’s story; from how they started to All of the learning of sex parts….but I so wanted Isabella to find her real backbone in that restroom with G, and slap her ass into next week over and over again….lol; that was one part that should have been in this book. 💜💜💜💜💜
August 15, 2022
This is an awesome addition to the series. I enjoyed reading this. I love the characters and the storyline. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend reading this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2022
Love Mafia!!
I really enjoyed reading the last book Bound by Obedience in The Bernardi Mafia Series. Once I started this book about Isabella and Santo I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between those two were steamy HOT!!!
I really enjoyed reading the last book Bound by Obedience in The Bernardi Mafia Series. Once I started this book about Isabella and Santo I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between those two were steamy HOT!!!
October 17, 2022
Wow
This was so intense but wonderful!! Santo the most dutiful actually broke the rules and he got his happily ever after with Isabella. Isabella was in need of a white knight and found it in a different way for sure, but Santo was up for the job
This was so intense but wonderful!! Santo the most dutiful actually broke the rules and he got his happily ever after with Isabella. Isabella was in need of a white knight and found it in a different way for sure, but Santo was up for the job
Read
August 15, 2022I was so excited to finally read Santo's story and it did not disappoint. Santo's story to love was unexpected and i love that he strays from being the picture perfect brother. The ending to this book was absolutely perfect.
August 14, 2022
Another great end to a great series
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