Bound by Temptation
by Cora Reilly
Self-Published
Book 4 in the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles
Liliana Scuderi has been in love with Romero from the moment she first saw him.
After her sisters were married off for tactical reasons, she hopes she might be allowed to choose a husband for herself, but when her father promises her to a man more than twice her age that hope is crushed. No begging can make him change his mind.
Romero has always ignored Lily’s flirting. Her age and status made her off-limits but even someone as dutiful as him has only so much control. Wanting her when she’s supposed to marry another man could mean war between New York and the Chicago Outfit, and Romero has always put the Cosa Nostra first.
Lily suspects her sisters and Romero would risk everything for her, but is her happiness worth that much? Is love worth a war between the Cosa Nostra and the Outfit?
Age Recommendation:
18+
Genre:
Dark Romance
Mafia
Bound by Temptation is the fourth book in Cora Reilly's Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, and centers around Liliana Scuderi, Aria and Gianna's sister, and Romero, Aria's bodyguard, and one of Luca's most loyal and trusted soldiers. Liliana has had a crush on Romero since she first laid eyes on him at 14. Romero ignores her flirting for years, not just because of her age, but because her status in their world. It's been years since they saw one another, but when Liliana becomes depressed after a traumatic few months, she is sent to stay with Aria and Luca for the summer. Romero is entranced the moment he see's her. At 18, she has grown into a beautiful young woman, and her grace, intelligence, and strength makes her that much more to him. And even Romero only has so much self control to stay away. During the day, he plays the indifferent body guard. At night, both Liliana and Romero succumb to their desires. When Liliana finds out her father has promised her to be married to a brutal man twice her age, Romero and Liliana are forced to figure out how to be together - even if it means betraying both their families.
I really liked this one. I mean, I have to put aside the dreadful translation issues to like it, but I did! This is the first book in the series that we have a female MC losing her virginity before marriage. And a male MC that is sweet, tender, and supportive of the her. I mean, yes, the other guys could be as well, but Romero doesn't seem to have a problem with Liliana taking control, and making decisions for herself, which I love. I don't know. I guess to me, it just felt different from the others. Of course, I do wish that Cora Reilly could step away from this freshly 18, ready to wed and breed trope she seems attached to. One of the reasons Valentina's book is my favorite so far is because she is 23.
So I liked the story. In general, I do enjoy the series. The issue that keeps me from loving them is the editing. There is an obvious translation issue here. I have to wonder if she plugs her story into google translate and hopes for the best, because sometimes what is trying to be said comes out weird. I don't know. I think there would be more recognition and appreciation for her work if she put more effort into the editing process. It makes a difference to us readers.
Liliana's mother telling her to do whatever it takes to be happy
Their first time pleasuring one another
Their first time
Liliana and Romero hooking up at her father's wedding
Liliana stabbing her husband when he tries to rape her, and Romero coming to finish the job
Luca sparing Romero and choosing war with the Outfit instead of killing him
One moment Mother was there and the next she was gone. Just like that a life ended, and with it the dreams and hopes of that person. Life was so short, any moment could be your last. The loneliness you felt when you were surrounded by people was the worst kind. Liliana: “I thought you weren’t a mother hen?”
Gianna: “I’m not. I’m the angry mother bear who’s going to tear his dick off if he hurts you.” Liliana: “This life, does it make you happy?”
I asked softly. Sometimes I wished there was an easy definition for what made me happy.
Romero: “At times, but nobody can always be happy.”
He was silent for a moment.
Romero: “What makes you happy?”
Liliana: “I don’t know. This, but I know it’s fleeting.”
Romero’s chest rose and fell under my cheek until I was sure he’d fallen asleep but then he spoke again.
Romero: “Happiness often is. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while it lasts.” Then I hid the phone in my travel bag again and curled up on my bed, letting sobs wrack my body until my muscles hurt, until my throat hurt, until everything hurt, but nothing as much as my heart. Was this it? The end of every dream I had? Matteo: “I always thought that I’d be the one to start a war between the Outfit and the Famiglia. Kudos to you, Romero, for proving me wrong for once,”
Matteo said grinning.
Romero: “I thought that too,” Romero: You are worth a war.” Romero: “Nobody will take you away from me. I’ll fight a million wars if it means I can keep you.”