Because I'm Yours

by Claire Contreras

Lenora De Luca
I've always been a good girl. The perfect daughter. The perfect sister. And, in two weeks, I'm supposed to become the perfect wife. I don't know or like the man my father chose to marry me off to but I have no say in the matter. That's why when I see Rocco Marchetti, the man I've had a crush on my entire life, I decide he'll be my first. When he looks at me it's electric and I know he wants me. We keep stealing glances and hiding smiles, but I want more. I want one night with him. So what if I'm the daughter of the most feared man in organized crime? So what if he's my overprotective brother's best friend? It's just one night.
Rocco Marchetti
Lenora De Luca is as forbidden as they get. She's also kind, and thoughtful, and makes my d . . . makes it hard to think. It starts off innocent enough, just flirting, but then she kisses me and tells me she wants to spend one night with me. It's wrong on so many levels, but I don't even try to deny that I want her. I tell myself that it'll be her wedding present (I know I'm sick, get over it). I've had plenty one nightstands that end amicably. Lenora can't possibly be any different. As long as her brother doesn't find out, things will be fine. I usually strategize and think through every decision, but something about her makes me walk right into the fire.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Dark, Contemporary Romance

300 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2023

About the author

Claire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance.
When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.

Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter

Reviews

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHH!! I absolutely adore Claire Contreras' Sins & Deceit series. I could not get enough of Lenora and Rocco. Their story was SO SO sexy and just so addicting! I loved the banter between the entire crew and the obvious affection between them all.

Overall, I enjoyed Lenora and Rocco's fiery chemistry and how protective he was of her. I love how she was the exception to his rule and how he has always been it for her. This series is just incredible. I never want the author to stop writing it as every new story has something special and memorable about it. It was also amazing to see so many familiar faces as well as new family members that I am now curious about. This story gave me all the swoons, and I seriously can't wait for Dean's book next! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula ❤️

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this was my fave story of the whole standalone series and Rocco rivaled my love of Gio. I loved it from cover to cover.

***beta copy

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Anything for you, Principessa. Everything for you.”

Brother’s best friend, but make it steamy, mafia, and extra forbidden because she’s engaged to be wed to someone else. I loved Lenora and Rocco’s story. I can’t explain it fully, but it was just the perfect balance of the trope-y romance and then the mafia happenings. I just love this world Claire has created with this found family of made men on the up and up and then women that are turning their worlds upside down. Like the power Lenora has over Rocco’s heart and she doesn’t even truly know it. Sigh. I love a man who falls hard when he doesn’t plan to.

Anywho. If you want mafia with brother’s best friend forbidden, then you’ll gobble this up.

CW/TW - physical assault from a parent, gun violence, murder, mentions of off page SA/rape not to main, mentions of off page abuse

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRpEtwGW/

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐'s

I was really looking forward to Rocco's book, unfortunately, it didn't really do it for me.

I didn't feel the love between Rocco and Lenora. Lust? Yes, but that was it. However, I did enjoy how all the feelings affected Rocco and the scene between Rocco and Dominic was classic.

I'm really hoping for Dean's book next.

[Ajla Reads]

DNF at 70%. Mafia romance but the guys in here might as well be in Mr Rogers neighbourhood

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️

Finished this audiobook in one sitting. Really enjoyed it. I didn’t realize going in that it was book 4 in a series of interconnected standalones, but I definitely plan on going back to read the rest of them.

Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden Romance
- Childhood Crush
- Virgin FMC
- Possessive MMC

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, would've loved to have more from the couple but quite abit of drama and I think that took away from the love story but when Nora and Rocco were together it was 🔥🔥 just wanted more from them as a couple.

[Melluvsbooks]

DNF @ 20% - this is boring. These “mobsters” just feel like they are playacting. The h and H seem to have known each other for years but treat each other like strangers. It’s weird.
Nothing is happening.

[✨Lucy❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book was perfection, especially the narration. Will be thinking of Rocco’s deep voice for days, maybe months. So good!

RTC

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
The writing style wasn’t for me. Plus, the insta lust/love didn’t work for me either.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

Having read the previous installments in this series i couldn't wait for more from this world! As soon as this book was announced i got excited for it! It's always such a joy to get into another book by Ms.Contreras! I picked it up and got right back into the Sins & Deceit world! I really enjoyed this story so much!

Right from the prologue Lenora and Rocco's story pulled me in! Lenora and Rocco have been in each other's lives for years as Rocco is best friends with Lenora's brother. Lenora is set to be married and she wants just one thing for herself, a night with Rocco. Can these two give into their desires and then go their separate ways?

I really liked how quickly i got into Lenora and Rocco's story. I felt for Lenora and admired her for what she wanted in her life. Rocco had me falling! The chemistry between these two was absolutely electric and heat filled. I didn't know how Lenora and Rocco would tackle things between them with everything thrown their way which had me turning the pages even more so. I loved the way these two and their story had me feeling so much!

This story and it's characters definitely kept me on my toes! It was awesome being back in the Sins & Deceit world and getting to reunite with characters as well!

With Because I'm Yours, Ms.Contreras has created such a great mafia read with all kinds of feels that will keep you glued to your kindle! I can't wait to dive back into this series with the fifth installment, Because I Found You! 💙



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Valentine PR / the author*

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are the most sinful men, also the most romantic? I mean in books anyway! My gosh Claire knows how to write the best hero’s!! Rocco is EVERYTHING! All the men in this series take my breathe away but what Rocco does for Lenora! The way he saves her and loves her and OMG these two are just everything!

My words and all intelligence has failed me because I can’t stop thinking of Rocco! His dominance, his loyalty but most of all his love. Him and Lenora start with a juicy bang (I mean literally) and things just get more involved from there! He doesn’t back down, he doesn’t shy away he just keeps his eye on the prize and does what he needs to!

Lenora though my goodness my heart hurt for her so many times. She definitely was a kick butt heroine and I love how strong and sure she was in the end. She took charge and didn’t shy away. She also didn’t let the big guy get away with his BS!

I absolutely loved every part of this story and this has got to be one of my fave series! These men and their strong, no nonsense heroines are the BEST!

[Jemimah Jatau · Rating 5 out of 5]

the girls were right. Rocco definitely gave Gio a run for his money. everything about this book was sooo sexy & just 🥵 like these men can all get it!!! but Rocco first🤭

I loved Lenora very much, she was such a great & well rounded FMC. she had big shoes to fill as the other girls where EVERYTHING but she delivered. even though i’m soo jealous that she gets Rocco because it should’ve been ME!!😔

Ms. Claire is def 4-0 rn. she simply can’t lose. I love her so much but I would love her more if she accidentally released Dean’s book TODAY👀

I actually went back and read my fav scenes from the first 3 books and I just feel recharged & rejuvenated again.

Also thank you Katie for the gifting me an online copy of this book in exchange for my honest review😇

[Dayle Hoffman Kerns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like it could’ve been better. The mafia part was okay for me. It didn’t get good until the action started for me. I wanted to like Lenora way more but she literally cried the entire book. I felt like she was just super adolescent and was too skiddish. I also didn’t really feel like Rocco actually loved her. It felt like he was like yeah she’s hot and then bam he was in love out of nowhere. I don’t know it didn’t feel believable to me

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Rocco and Gio are hands down my two favorite from this series. I think this might be my favorite book. Rocco and Lenora together made my heart so happy. Plus the fact we get resolution on what happened to all theirs mothers was satisfying. I have loved this series and I can’t wait for the next book even though we don’t who it will be about. I definitely recommend it and I did the audio on this one and it was great.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series is my new obsession and this book is just everything! 😫♥️

The audiobook is ✨Chef Kiss✨

Rocco Marchetti & Leonora De Luca was the sweetest story and the twist the story took on this one had me 🫣🤯

*Childhood Crush
*Brother’s Best Friend
*She is a Virgen, Good girl, The perfect daughter
*one night

I cannot wait for book 5 !!!! Like.. I need it ✨N O W✨

[Emma Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[JoMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mafia read with good spice! If that’s what you’re looking for, this delivers.

[Kiersten Spanos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is she always crying?????

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when you read books from a series and each one you say, "this is my favorite"? Or maybe you say, "this hero/heroine is my favorite" and tops the previous one? This is what I've thought of each book in the 'Sins and Deceit' aka 'Because' series from Claire Contreras. Because I'm Yours just may be my favorite. Rocco and his dang mouth sold me!

From beginning to end, this book hooks you and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
An arranged marriage. A childhood crush. Siblings best friend. Forced Proximity. Forbidden romance. All mixed in with an action-packed mafia romance that kept me glued to its pages right from the get go. I never wanted to put this book down.

Lenora is set to marry an older man who is looking for a submissive wife that he can keep under his thumb. Her father has arranged this marriage to become more powerful and Lenora has to follow through for the family. She didn't ask for this and wants a real love. A love that makes your lover obsessed over you like she has seen happening around her. She does have someone she is attracted to, but she could never go there because he's her brother's best friend. Well, that and the fact that she is getting married sooner rather than later.

Rocco is 'the fixer' in the family. He keeps his 'job' within the family very separate from his everyday life. He has to. Otherwise his world would turn dark. He has never been one to think he can have a serious relationship like his friends/family around him. That doesn't interest him. He just wants to run his new legit bar. But someone keeps catching his eye. Someone that was always there, but has been forbidden. And when that someone starts to play with him and ask for him to show her what he is made of, it becomes increasingly difficult to hold back.

"Don't do that again, unless you want me to spread your legs and f*ck the virtue out of you."

Well, hot damn did Rocco and that mouth of his just whip me right into shape. He's bad, he's sexy and he knows how to satisfy a woman. The chemistry between him and Nora was fire! And the banter between not only them but the supporting characters was perfection. They all added their element to this journey and I loved every minute of it. This story was much more violent than the previous books, but also kept you intrigued and glued to the pages. We got some answers to a past that put some of these characters into an uncomfortable situation, but that is the life of the mafia.

This book is definitely for the mafia lovers that love the romantic suspense and don't mind some bloodshed. Great cast of characters. Dang hot scenes. And a series that I can't get enough of. I loved every second of it and want more more more!!

[Thindbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*this e-arc was sent to me by the PR team to give an honest review in return*

4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this book which is part of the Because series though could be read as a standalone. This book is about Lenora who is being married off to a duke who she doesn't like and wants to have a one night stand with her brother's best friend who also can't stop thinking about her. I haven't read the other books in the series and I would really love to because this book was so good. Contreras is such an incredible writer who didn't make me feel like I was missing out on the story. I enjoyed the storyline which kept me hooked until the end. There is some information about the world but I believe that if the other books are read then you will have a lot more idea of it though you won't miss out on anything. The pacing was perfect and fast. So much happens but there are also so many great scenes that it was like a movie playing in my head.

This book is written in dual perspective. I really loved Rocco and thought that he was such an amazing character. I enjoyed his development and seeing his love for Lenora. Lenora was a great character with a great development but I do have to say that her character annoyed me a bit. I see why she was written the way she was but sometimes it got to me. There were many side characters in this book who were very involved with the book. They were mostly from the previous books but again the author didn't make it feel like you missed out on something or made it confusing. The romance is one night stand and brother's best friend. There are many spicy scenes in this book too!

The ending was well done and so cute. At first I was getting nervous but readers get a HEA. I really enjoyed this book and would totally go back to read the first three especially Dom because I think his story will be great. I totally recommend reading this series because it's the best thriller romance next to The Insiders trilogy if you read that.

[GA Bookaholics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, Claire Contreras did it again!! She has such an incredible way of writing books that stir so many different emotions in these fictional worlds! This book was par for the course in that regard. I felt happy, sad, mad, confused, excited, anxious, and so many other ways in reading this story!

Because I’m Yours is set in the fictional mafia world of the La Cosa Nostra. It is the 4th book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I have read the entire series though and would highly recommend reading it all as you get to see bits and pieces of other couples you have fallen in love with in earlier books in this book and I can promise that will make your heart happy!

It was easy to fall in love both with Rocco and Lenora, the two main characters in this story. Lenora just made my heart hurt for the horrible situation she was put in, but I loved her fire, I loved her spirit, I loved her moxy. She was not going to go down without a fight or at least be able to make some of her own choices regardless of what others wanted her to do! Rocco is the type of man who takes care of business, no matter what the business is. He seems like he’s worked on himself and has such a good attitude, trying to keep the laughs happening often and choosing each day to find the happiness in life, despite having a job that doesn’t necessarily encourage either of those things! The passion between these two is next level and there was definitely a time or two where a little fanning of my red cheeks was needed! I love the family (well, most!) aspect of this book and the friends who are family. And the very end of this book?! So good in so many ways! The big gift at the end took the cake for me though, Rocco brought the tears with that one!! Overall, I really enjoyed this story and hope you’ll take the time to read it too!

[Cookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I'm Yours is the fourth book in the Because standalone series. Lenora De Luca has lived a very sheltered life. She has always been the good girl and she does what is asked of her. Lenora's father has betrothed her to another mafia boss but she can't stop thinking about Rocco Marchietti. He has always had her heart and all she wants is one night with him. That one night turns into something neither of them expect and their relationship puts both of their lives in danger.

I was in the mood for a drama-filled mafia romance and this one hit the spot! This book is a wild ride - between the romance and the murder and big secrets revealed - I was HOOKED! When the big reveal came and they started to make plans, I was on the edge of my seat. The way Claire Contreras started the book with a glimpse of the climactic scene of the book was ingenious because I needed to know how they got there and what would happen.

Rocco and Lenora's relationship was intense just how I like it. He was a brooding, intelligent, calculating man who is known to be ruthless. But when it came to Lenora, he was gentle, thoughtful, and wanted to care for her. Rocco didn't think he was worthy of her because she was innocent and good but she didn't care about all the bad things that he had done. I loved how they didn't get their HEA right after the climax of the story. They needed time to process what they went through and to figure out what they really wanted.

Pick this one up for a dark and suspenseful mafia story with a forbidden romance!

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥½
⚠️: torture, murder, death of a parent, mention of rape

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

“I wanted you. I’ve always wanted you.”

This is my first time reading this author and it was such a good read. I really enjoyed reading it. The book has me at Brother’s best friend.

Lenora is a mafia princess who is being married off by her father to someone she doesn’t want. Lenora know once she’s married she will be trapped, so she decide that before she gets married she wants one night with the Rocco the man she’s always wanted. The man that just so happens to be her brother best friend. Rocco know he can’t have Lenora and that’s he not good enough for her but that doesn’t stop him wanting her. When Rocco finally gives in to Lenora demands, they both know that one time will never be enough. With everything going on in Lenora life that she has no say in she decides she needs a break, so she leaves but she takes something she shouldn’t have. Can Rocco find a way to save her from everything or will they lose the one thing they care about each other?
Their chemistry from beginning to end was amazing and they definitely didn’t disappoint in the spice department. I loved Lenora and Rocco from start to finish, I love how he wasn’t into relationship & love until her and how protective he was of her. This book was fast paced and had a bit of everything drama, secrets, revenge, twist, and romance.

I would recommend if you like:
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Brother’s Best friend
🖤Age Gap
🖤Steamy Scences🔥

Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!!!

[andreasbooktea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as an arc and I was unfortunately disappointed, and I really wanted to like this book. I’ve actually been avoiding writing this review because I just didn’t want to revisit this book at all in any capacity but here we go.

This is my first book by this author so maybe I just don’t like her writing style because the timing and saving of this book felt so jumpy and confusing. She also over explained things that i felt weren’t important to the story so I was like “okay what does this have to do with anything” or sometimes she wouldn’t explain certain things enough so it just left me confused.

Now for the plot, I’m realizing that I’m more of a bada** FMC type of girl cause the FMC in this book pissed me off. She was so annoying and immature and naive. I didn’t feel the love connection between the two and felt like everything was done sloppily and out in the open for a mafia book. Also wth was that little bit of pro cop propaganda in a mafia book as well. That was hella confusing and gross. Also the lackluster reveal and aftermath of everyone finding out they were ✨together✨ was disappointing as well. The reason I read forbidden romance (this one is brothers best friend) is because I know drama is gonna pop off once everyone finds out but that didn’t happen here

This book had everything I usually like in a book but it was not something I enjoyed unfortunately. Very forgettable and underwhelming.

[Stefii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Principessa

I am completely in LOVE I tell you with Rocco and Nora I knew it from chapter one that these two would steal the show for this series and I was 100% correct!!!

Rocco the tough broody mafia man and Nora the sweet virgin mafia princess how could I not fall in love with these two and what makes it that much better is that she’s his best friends little sister!!!

The moment he saw her again he was hooked after all those years little Nora had become a women and she had set her eyes on him since she was a little girl. Now being arranged to get married to a duke she wasn’t going to let her last weeks of freedom go to waste without finally having Rocco Marchetti in her life once more. His Principessa had a lot of growing up to do with her sheltered up bringing from her father she had duties to fulfill you’d think she would have crumbled but no she she had her brothers and a second family that would protect her.

When it came down to it I knew he wouldn’t be able to just let her go even with the final blow of events that unfolded. I never doubted the things he would do for Nora but even I was terrified of what could happen in the final moments. I truly believe their story was the best with one final book to go let’s see if another mafia man can steal my heart.

[Lexi Cubbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book in this series has been perfect and Because I'm Yours didn't disappoint either. Gio has been my favorite but Rocco definitely gave him a run for his money.

Lenora has lived a quite sheltered life. She also always knew she'd have an arranged marriage, his husband his father's choice. But now that it's time and she's supposed to marry an older Italian duke, all she wants is a little more time. A little more space to breathe and just be free. And when she sees Rocco again, who she's had a crush on forever, she wants the choice of deciding who she gives her virginity to.
Rocco is probably the most badass hero of them all. A happy-go-lucky guy who's also a human killing machine. Lenora's his best friend's little sister and the daughter of the man who considers him a son. He can't go there or can he? Lenora tries real hard not to give him a choice.
Sparks are flying whenever they are in the same room but soon things get even more complicated. When Lenora steals something from her father to blackmail him to postpone the wedding, decade-long secrets are revealed that change the course of all their lives.

I know that La Cosa Nostra is basically gone, but I hope it's not the end of this series because I need more!

[Kernia_Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This took dayssss to listen to. I lost interest from the beginning but still tortured myself and made it 90% in and then I said fuxk it.

The men got their revenge and I don't care for the HEA because no one made me feel. I do not even see how Lenora and Rocco fell in love.

Rocco??? Is he a do- Anyways.🥲 I have never heard or read that name until this book.

We went from Lenora liking this man to her sleeping with him, making him jealous by ignoring him and then running and him finding her and everything was not it. There was no hype.

Sorry not sorry.

And why was that marriage about to happen???? She disappeared and returned and that father of hers still wanted her to marry??? And so quickly???? Who was the man?? Did they even-

I don't even know where the mother is.

The father was so dumb because you're killing two other innocent woman to cover the death of one? Useless. Perfect murder where??? And that man loves his wife???? I don't know what kind of love that is but it's foul.😑

Garbage.

And she didn't care when- You know what nevermind. No chemistry so 0 everything.

The narrators voices????? I have never heard anything more boring. Fuxking he!!😧 So slow with no life.

No hate to the author but this book wasn't it. My first and last read from her too.🙂

[Dawn Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. Because I’m yours is the fourth book & a fantastic addition to this fantastic series.
B.I.Y like the other books can be read as a complete standalone but the other books are so good; I’d recommend them all.

Lenora & Rocco story was so sexy, full of passion, chemistry, romance, banter & sin ~ everything I want in a good book.

Lenora grows throughout the book, her father has arranged a marriage to a man she doesn’t love or care for. I loved that she wasn’t going down without a fight. If she had to marry; she was going to have a little fun first !
She shows real determination & strength of character. She is very spirited.
Rocco is dangerous & dominant & will do anything to protect Lenora, he’s very torn as she’s his best friends little sister but the pull/chemistry is to strong to resist !!

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was full of suspense. I was completely consumed by it from beginning to end.

This series has been one of my favourites. Everyone of the strong/ruthless men & their families come together perfectly.

Thank you Valentine PR for my arc