Bound by Honor

Title: Bound by Honor
Series: Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #1
Author: Cora Reilly
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Released Date:December 6, 2014
Standalone: Yes (It is a full series, the sequels also feature the main characters of this book)


Born into one of the leading Mob families in Chicago, Aria Scuderi struggles to find her own path in a world where no choices are given. Aria was only fifteen when her parents betrothed her to Luca – The Vice – Vitiello, the oldest son of the head of the New York Cosa Nostra to ensure peace between the two families. Now with eighteen, the day Aria has been dreading for years is looming dangerously: her wedding to Luca. Aria is terrified of marrying a man she hardly knows, especially someone like Luca who got his nickname ‘the Vice’ for crushing a man’s throat with his bare hands. Luca might be one of the most sought after men in New York thanks to his good looks, wealth and predator-like charisma that radiates power, but the society girls throwing themselves at him don’t know what Aria does: that the bad boy aura isn’t just a game; blood and death lurk beneath Luca’s striking gray eyes and arrogant smile. In her world a handsome exterior often hides the monster within; a monster who can just as easily kill as kiss you. The only way to escape the marriage to Luca would be to run away and leave everything she’s ever known behind but Aria can’t bear the thought of never seeing her family again. Despite her fear, she decides to go through with the marriage; Aria has grown up among predators like Luca and knows that even most cold-hearted bastards have a heart and she has every intention of working her way into Luca’s.

This is the first book of Cora Reilly's I read and trust me this book got me hooked from the beginning. Luca is hot possessive, a complete alpha male you want in a mafia book.

 Aria is naive, innocent and vulnerable, her meek characteristics were understandable and I love that about her. 

The ending was sweet, when Luca confessed his love for Aria, it was emotional. I wish this book was a bit longer, I often complain when authors drag their books, however, this book had more potential and the ending felt a bit rushed.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. It's a well-written book. I loved how the couple slowly explored their sexual intimacy, fell in love. Luca has a softer side that only Aria knows. Their chemistry was undeniable, Luca was patient with Aria, the slow seduction was alluring. It would be really great if there were more to the story. However, this is not a dark romance. Most mafia books are very dark but this was more sweet and intimate. The author pulled it really well. This is a must-read for every mafia romance lover. 

“Maybe love is a risk, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take and as you said, it’s not a choice. I never thought I would, never thought I could love someone like that but I fell in love with you. I fought it. It’s the first battle I didn’t mind losing.”
― Cora Reilly, Bound by Honor