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The Proposal
Dante:
When I flew overseas for my brother’s wedding, the last thing I expected was to come back with a wife of my own.
Arabella Rossi is the eldest daughter of one of Italy’s most powerful crime lords. When I turned to him for help in getting my nephew back—after his mother ran off with him—I knew it would come with a price, but I never imagined it would be her.
She hated me from the moment we met, and if I’m being honest, I wasn’t too fond of her either. There was a cold superiority about her; she looked at me as nothing more than an inconvenience … like I was beneath her somehow. But one thing I’ve never shied away from is a challenge, so I knew that breaking her spirit was going to be one hell of a ride.
Arabella:
Dante Mancini is everything I’ve come to despise. Beneath the good looks, charm, and effortless charisma, he’s what I’d best describe as a smiling assassin … dangerous, calculating, and always two steps ahead.
He’s entrenched in a world I’ve been trying to escape since I was old enough to understand its darkness. So being forced to marry him and move to a foreign country felt like a fate worse than death. But the more time I spend with him, I begin to realise there’s a side to this man he keeps hidden from everyone but me.
And as much as I hate to admit it, I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been wrong about him—about everything.
When I flew overseas for my brother’s wedding, the last thing I expected was to come back with a wife of my own.
Arabella Rossi is the eldest daughter of one of Italy’s most powerful crime lords. When I turned to him for help in getting my nephew back—after his mother ran off with him—I knew it would come with a price, but I never imagined it would be her.
She hated me from the moment we met, and if I’m being honest, I wasn’t too fond of her either. There was a cold superiority about her; she looked at me as nothing more than an inconvenience … like I was beneath her somehow. But one thing I’ve never shied away from is a challenge, so I knew that breaking her spirit was going to be one hell of a ride.
Arabella:
Dante Mancini is everything I’ve come to despise. Beneath the good looks, charm, and effortless charisma, he’s what I’d best describe as a smiling assassin … dangerous, calculating, and always two steps ahead.
He’s entrenched in a world I’ve been trying to escape since I was old enough to understand its darkness. So being forced to marry him and move to a foreign country felt like a fate worse than death. But the more time I spend with him, I begin to realise there’s a side to this man he keeps hidden from everyone but me.
And as much as I hate to admit it, I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been wrong about him—about everything.
Published May 30, 2025
82 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Perry
33 books1,463 followers**OVERALL WINNER OF THE 2018 RWA RUBY AWARD FOR ROMANTIC BOOK OF THE YEAR**
Jodi is a wife and mother, born in Sydney, Australia. She recently moved to property in the Hunter Valley with her family for a tree change. Under the name of J. L. Perry, five of her books have been #1 Bestsellers; including BASTARD, JAX, HOOKER, NINETEEN LETTERS and THE BOSS. Foreign rights to some of her books have been sold to Germany, Hungary, Czech and France where BASTARD became a top #20 bestseller. Some of her other titles include, FINDING HIM, FINDING FOREVER, FINDING US, FINDING FORGIVENESS, THE THIEF, ONLY ONE NIGHT, MR. BLACK, MR. EDWARDS and THE STRANGER.
NINETEEN LETTERS was debuted under the name of Jodi Perry through publishing giants, Hachette where it won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romance Book of the Year. She also secured a publishing deal in the UK, with Sphere, an imprint company of Little Brown.
J. L.'s love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her heartfelt stories. Her other loves are travelling, shopping, shoes and wine.
J. L. Perry would love to hear from you. She can be contacted here:
Email: jlperryauthor@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1P9vuNc
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18894...
Amazon Authors page: http://amzn.to/1lUgadR
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1maWcei
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1NtKXU5
Jodi is a wife and mother, born in Sydney, Australia. She recently moved to property in the Hunter Valley with her family for a tree change. Under the name of J. L. Perry, five of her books have been #1 Bestsellers; including BASTARD, JAX, HOOKER, NINETEEN LETTERS and THE BOSS. Foreign rights to some of her books have been sold to Germany, Hungary, Czech and France where BASTARD became a top #20 bestseller. Some of her other titles include, FINDING HIM, FINDING FOREVER, FINDING US, FINDING FORGIVENESS, THE THIEF, ONLY ONE NIGHT, MR. BLACK, MR. EDWARDS and THE STRANGER.
NINETEEN LETTERS was debuted under the name of Jodi Perry through publishing giants, Hachette where it won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romance Book of the Year. She also secured a publishing deal in the UK, with Sphere, an imprint company of Little Brown.
J. L.'s love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her heartfelt stories. Her other loves are travelling, shopping, shoes and wine.
J. L. Perry would love to hear from you. She can be contacted here:
Email: jlperryauthor@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1P9vuNc
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18894...
Amazon Authors page: http://amzn.to/1lUgadR
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1maWcei
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1NtKXU5
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 1, 2025
I loved THE PROPOSAL so much!!!
prəˈpoʊ·zəl proposal(n.) "a plan or scheme offered for acceptance," 1650s, from propose + -al (2); specific sense of "offer of marriage" in by 1749.
I loved Dante and Arabella's story. I. Loved. It. I don't even know where to start because there is so much to love about THE PROPOSAL that my review is just going to be a gabble about its fantastic qualities anyway! It could be considered as stand-a-lone read but does follows on from THE DEAL where had Dante approached Arabella's father for aid to get his nephew back after he was kidnapped in Italy by the boy’s waste-of-skin mother. Stefano Rossi's proposal/demand to Dante was to marry his daughter and in turn a reluctant Dante's proposal to a cold and defiant Arabella was accordingly less than stellar.
I believe it's of great benefit that you check out THE DEAL first, seriously.
Arabella Rossi and her sister had been at the mercy of their controlling and physically brutal father who considered them no more than advantageous trading chattels. He didn't even care about the quality of the man. Home-schooled and sequestered, she'd witnessed more in her young life than anyone should have, and so hated the Cosa Nostra and everything that her father represented with the blazing passion of 1000 suns. She'd assumed life with Dante would be more of the same. However, she'd been forcibly moulded to be the perfect mafia wife and would mutinously carry out her duties with the calculating coldness and disdainful manner she'd perfected. In no way was she ready for the depth of care and consideration that Dante showed her from the moment they met. This man from the Australian branch of the mafia was an entirely different kettle of fish.
Events from THE DEAL changed Dante's outlook on life. We'd first known him from his older brother's POV where Alexander had walked away from the Mancini Family legacy and had tried to encourage Dante to do the same. We read about his father's assassination and him almost losing his own life. Dante had since recovered, became the new Don, and in THE PROPOSAL we see him forge a new direction for his famiglia.
I loved his character. He was deadly when required, and usually took no enjoyment in the task but he took pride in the men around him, wanting to encourage loyalty through the sense of family and strong bonding and trust between them all. He was loving and generous and as he set his new structure in place I appreciated that he gave a breakdown on the way his ‘famiglia' was put together along with the laws that governed their organisation.
My favourite aspect about THE PROPOSAL as a whole was Dante's patience after appreciating why Arabella was the standoffish Ice Queen that she was and Ms Perry wrote their developing relationship oh-so-romantically. It almost seemed to me that it falls into a he-falls-first trope. Dante was starting to realise that these weird new feelings he’s not felt before might be love and I love the vulnerability that Ms Perry is allowing him to reveal to us;
“Every day, Arabella is unlocking parts of me I didn’t even know existed. There’s something oddly terrifying about feeling this vulnerable. What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”
It took time for her to trust the respect she was afforded from him and to learn the more relaxed Australian way of life. It wasn't long before she could see that Dante's men extended that same respect to her.
My favourite scene is one that had me crying in public. Us readers will take our phones out to read our books at any opportunity and while standing in a line, the moment of realisation came to Arabella that Dante really did love her. I can't add more, but not only was it the epitome of romance for me, but in their world, Ms Perry defined it perfectly.
“It’s at that very moment I finally find the clarity I’ve been searching for. Dante’s confessed his love for me twice now, and I’ve never said it back. Not because I didn’t feel what he felt, but because I wasn’t sure if he truly meant it. ..... I now know with absolute certainty that he means it when he says he loves me because I would do the same for him.”
This is a watershed moment between the two mafia families and even now, I'm starting to cry again 😭😭😭 It's Chapter 26, it's awesome and so beautifully romantic *hearts & flowers – mafia style* 😭
I adored the sheer talent that Ms Perry displayed almost with a natural ease in the flow of her writing. The banter and wit came through with perfect timing, whether the scenes be dark and sombre, or sexy bedroom ones. It can break tension or add a side of fun, and lifts a story to the next level of enjoyment in my view. THE PROPOSAL is my favourite book so far and deserves more than the 5-maximum-romantic-mafia-Stars✰🖤💛
#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj
prəˈpoʊ·zəl proposal(n.) "a plan or scheme offered for acceptance," 1650s, from propose + -al (2); specific sense of "offer of marriage" in by 1749.
I loved Dante and Arabella's story. I. Loved. It. I don't even know where to start because there is so much to love about THE PROPOSAL that my review is just going to be a gabble about its fantastic qualities anyway! It could be considered as stand-a-lone read but does follows on from THE DEAL where had Dante approached Arabella's father for aid to get his nephew back after he was kidnapped in Italy by the boy’s waste-of-skin mother. Stefano Rossi's proposal/demand to Dante was to marry his daughter and in turn a reluctant Dante's proposal to a cold and defiant Arabella was accordingly less than stellar.
I believe it's of great benefit that you check out THE DEAL first, seriously.
Arabella Rossi and her sister had been at the mercy of their controlling and physically brutal father who considered them no more than advantageous trading chattels. He didn't even care about the quality of the man. Home-schooled and sequestered, she'd witnessed more in her young life than anyone should have, and so hated the Cosa Nostra and everything that her father represented with the blazing passion of 1000 suns. She'd assumed life with Dante would be more of the same. However, she'd been forcibly moulded to be the perfect mafia wife and would mutinously carry out her duties with the calculating coldness and disdainful manner she'd perfected. In no way was she ready for the depth of care and consideration that Dante showed her from the moment they met. This man from the Australian branch of the mafia was an entirely different kettle of fish.
Events from THE DEAL changed Dante's outlook on life. We'd first known him from his older brother's POV where Alexander had walked away from the Mancini Family legacy and had tried to encourage Dante to do the same. We read about his father's assassination and him almost losing his own life. Dante had since recovered, became the new Don, and in THE PROPOSAL we see him forge a new direction for his famiglia.
I loved his character. He was deadly when required, and usually took no enjoyment in the task but he took pride in the men around him, wanting to encourage loyalty through the sense of family and strong bonding and trust between them all. He was loving and generous and as he set his new structure in place I appreciated that he gave a breakdown on the way his ‘famiglia' was put together along with the laws that governed their organisation.
My favourite aspect about THE PROPOSAL as a whole was Dante's patience after appreciating why Arabella was the standoffish Ice Queen that she was and Ms Perry wrote their developing relationship oh-so-romantically. It almost seemed to me that it falls into a he-falls-first trope. Dante was starting to realise that these weird new feelings he’s not felt before might be love and I love the vulnerability that Ms Perry is allowing him to reveal to us;
“Every day, Arabella is unlocking parts of me I didn’t even know existed. There’s something oddly terrifying about feeling this vulnerable. What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”
It took time for her to trust the respect she was afforded from him and to learn the more relaxed Australian way of life. It wasn't long before she could see that Dante's men extended that same respect to her.
My favourite scene is one that had me crying in public. Us readers will take our phones out to read our books at any opportunity and while standing in a line, the moment of realisation came to Arabella that Dante really did love her. I can't add more, but not only was it the epitome of romance for me, but in their world, Ms Perry defined it perfectly.
“It’s at that very moment I finally find the clarity I’ve been searching for. Dante’s confessed his love for me twice now, and I’ve never said it back. Not because I didn’t feel what he felt, but because I wasn’t sure if he truly meant it. ..... I now know with absolute certainty that he means it when he says he loves me because I would do the same for him.”
This is a watershed moment between the two mafia families and even now, I'm starting to cry again 😭😭😭 It's Chapter 26, it's awesome and so beautifully romantic *hearts & flowers – mafia style* 😭
I adored the sheer talent that Ms Perry displayed almost with a natural ease in the flow of her writing. The banter and wit came through with perfect timing, whether the scenes be dark and sombre, or sexy bedroom ones. It can break tension or add a side of fun, and lifts a story to the next level of enjoyment in my view. THE PROPOSAL is my favourite book so far and deserves more than the 5-maximum-romantic-mafia-Stars✰🖤💛
#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj
May 29, 2025
Gripping & romantic ... unputdownable
Jodi, Jodi, Jodi ... You've done it again! Another gripping story which I couldn't put down. THE PROPOSAL is a standalone mafia romance, however I do suggest reading The Deal before, even if it is to get background on Dante and his family. THE PROPOSAL was EVERYTHING, it had dark mafia vibes, an age gap, a virginal but feisty bride, a morally grey hero, intense chemistry, humour, suspense, and amazing characters. How could I pass on it? Simple, I couldn't.
Dante Mancini, the unexpected heir and new leader of the Mancini Mafia Family, is determined to prove his worth. First though, he has an oath to fulfill in Italy, marriage to Arabella Rossi, daughter to the Rossi Family Don, a sheltered, virginal bride. Dante is calculating, domineering, commanding, and he still stole my heart with his caring, gentleness, and patience with Arabella. Arabella was a delight, growing up in a Mafia household she thought she knew what to expect in her marriage to Dante, but he surprised her. Dante showed her loyalty, understanding, trust, encouraged her voice, and relished her feistiness. There was definitely no second guessing who "the Boss" was in this couple (I'll let you find that one out)! I loved the journey their relationship took, how their love and their marriage grew with their mutual trust and understanding.
Family is at the core of THE PROPOSAL, and, to me, Jodi delivered this theme with perfection. Family is not always found in bloodlines, it is more than often found in the people chosen to be a part of a tight circle, those people you trust the most. When Dante cleaned out his father's men, he replaced them with those he most trusted, and Isabella ensured the Mafia Family were an extension of her and Dante. The mystery, suspense, violence wasn't overdone, they melded into the story, became a necessity to show Dante's strength of leadership. It was fun catching up with Alexander, Chloe, and little Giovanni, but the character who definitely stole the show was Lucia, Arabella's younger sister, she was an absolute hoot. I can't wait for her and Roman's book.
Congratulations Jodi on another fabulous read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Jodi, Jodi, Jodi ... You've done it again! Another gripping story which I couldn't put down. THE PROPOSAL is a standalone mafia romance, however I do suggest reading The Deal before, even if it is to get background on Dante and his family. THE PROPOSAL was EVERYTHING, it had dark mafia vibes, an age gap, a virginal but feisty bride, a morally grey hero, intense chemistry, humour, suspense, and amazing characters. How could I pass on it? Simple, I couldn't.
Dante Mancini, the unexpected heir and new leader of the Mancini Mafia Family, is determined to prove his worth. First though, he has an oath to fulfill in Italy, marriage to Arabella Rossi, daughter to the Rossi Family Don, a sheltered, virginal bride. Dante is calculating, domineering, commanding, and he still stole my heart with his caring, gentleness, and patience with Arabella. Arabella was a delight, growing up in a Mafia household she thought she knew what to expect in her marriage to Dante, but he surprised her. Dante showed her loyalty, understanding, trust, encouraged her voice, and relished her feistiness. There was definitely no second guessing who "the Boss" was in this couple (I'll let you find that one out)! I loved the journey their relationship took, how their love and their marriage grew with their mutual trust and understanding.
Family is at the core of THE PROPOSAL, and, to me, Jodi delivered this theme with perfection. Family is not always found in bloodlines, it is more than often found in the people chosen to be a part of a tight circle, those people you trust the most. When Dante cleaned out his father's men, he replaced them with those he most trusted, and Isabella ensured the Mafia Family were an extension of her and Dante. The mystery, suspense, violence wasn't overdone, they melded into the story, became a necessity to show Dante's strength of leadership. It was fun catching up with Alexander, Chloe, and little Giovanni, but the character who definitely stole the show was Lucia, Arabella's younger sister, she was an absolute hoot. I can't wait for her and Roman's book.
Congratulations Jodi on another fabulous read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
May 30, 2025
The Proposal is a must-read story! Honestly, I could leave my review at that one sentence because it sums it up neatly but… I should explain why.
In this romance between Dante Mancini and Arabella Rossi, things do not start out well, as one would expect from a forced/arranged marriage. The story revolves around their marriage and Dante’s leadership as Don. Both situations evolve as time passes and things become more settled.
Readers are gifted with witnessing the growth of Arabella, and to some extent, Dante too. I say gifted because that’s what it feels like as if being invited to watch her in a more personal capacity. Arabella certainly matures quickly and at times I have to remind myself that she is still only twenty. Her caring nature shines through even if she isn’t feeling particularly happy. However, it’s the innocent, and sometimes not so-innocent, moments that are adorable. These make her even more likable to me.
Dante is a great character too. I like how he chooses to lead his men and the fact that respect is not a one-way thing. He is extremely patient with Arabella and their interactions at times are extremely funny. On the flip side, I feel immense sadness for both main characters having similar parental circumstances. For example how Dante’s father, like Arabella’s, didn’t treat him with the respect he deserved. Grr that really pushed my buttons and in The Deal, the previous book, it highlights just how poorly his father treated him.
One of the best aspects of this book is its original storyline. After reading thousands of books, I don’t expect to come across an original story so this is such a treat. Yes, of course, there are many things that are in other books like the arranged marriage and that’s normal. However, it’s what happens next that makes this so special, and thus I go back to my original statement.
In this romance between Dante Mancini and Arabella Rossi, things do not start out well, as one would expect from a forced/arranged marriage. The story revolves around their marriage and Dante’s leadership as Don. Both situations evolve as time passes and things become more settled.
Readers are gifted with witnessing the growth of Arabella, and to some extent, Dante too. I say gifted because that’s what it feels like as if being invited to watch her in a more personal capacity. Arabella certainly matures quickly and at times I have to remind myself that she is still only twenty. Her caring nature shines through even if she isn’t feeling particularly happy. However, it’s the innocent, and sometimes not so-innocent, moments that are adorable. These make her even more likable to me.
Dante is a great character too. I like how he chooses to lead his men and the fact that respect is not a one-way thing. He is extremely patient with Arabella and their interactions at times are extremely funny. On the flip side, I feel immense sadness for both main characters having similar parental circumstances. For example how Dante’s father, like Arabella’s, didn’t treat him with the respect he deserved. Grr that really pushed my buttons and in The Deal, the previous book, it highlights just how poorly his father treated him.
One of the best aspects of this book is its original storyline. After reading thousands of books, I don’t expect to come across an original story so this is such a treat. Yes, of course, there are many things that are in other books like the arranged marriage and that’s normal. However, it’s what happens next that makes this so special, and thus I go back to my original statement.
May 6, 2025
Once again, J.L. Perry has penned a story that I literally could not put down! I read The Proposal in one day – hooked from the very first chapter and absolutely loving every moment of Dante and Arabella’s story.
Dante may not have been the expected heir to the Mancini empire; however, he quickly showed us that he was made for the job! He continually surprised me, and I loved this. I know that Alex stole my heart whilst reading The Deal but, in all honesty, Dante stole it from him. At every step, I fell further and further in love with the man. Exactly like with Chloe, I absolutely adore our leading lady and don’t begrudge that Dante handed over his heart to Arabella.
I thought Arabella’s character development throughout this story was incredible! I have so much respect and admiration for her.
I adore the interactions between Dante and Arabella – their exchanges being a definite highlight. In fact, I loved witnessing the couple interact with all their supporting characters. There are many moments that made me laugh and smile, and many that made me swoon too.
I highly recommend The Proposal to you to read. As well as loving its storyline and characters there are unexpected twists and turns and that will always get a huge tick from me! I’m already excited for Romeo and Lucia’s story which is titled The Temptation.
Dante may not have been the expected heir to the Mancini empire; however, he quickly showed us that he was made for the job! He continually surprised me, and I loved this. I know that Alex stole my heart whilst reading The Deal but, in all honesty, Dante stole it from him. At every step, I fell further and further in love with the man. Exactly like with Chloe, I absolutely adore our leading lady and don’t begrudge that Dante handed over his heart to Arabella.
I thought Arabella’s character development throughout this story was incredible! I have so much respect and admiration for her.
I adore the interactions between Dante and Arabella – their exchanges being a definite highlight. In fact, I loved witnessing the couple interact with all their supporting characters. There are many moments that made me laugh and smile, and many that made me swoon too.
I highly recommend The Proposal to you to read. As well as loving its storyline and characters there are unexpected twists and turns and that will always get a huge tick from me! I’m already excited for Romeo and Lucia’s story which is titled The Temptation.
August 24, 2025
The Proposal pulled me right into the dark, dangerous world of the Mafia with a forced marriage at its center, and I honestly couldn’t put it down.
Dante Mancini is every bit the cold, calculating don you’d expect, but what made him stand out for me was the way his protective side crept in at the most unexpected moments.
Arabella Rossi, on the other hand, is the daughter of a ruthless crime lord, trapped by family duty and traditions that felt suffocating, and her strength and defiance made me root for her every step of the way.
Their relationship begins with nothing but disdain—she despises him for being everything she wants to escape, and he thinks she’s arrogant and dismissive—but the slow burn of chemistry, the biting banter, and those flickers of vulnerability between them made their story addictive.
I loved how their dynamic shifted from reluctant enemies to something deeper, and Arabella’s father was so vile that I found myself dreading every scene he appeared in.
Still, this book delivered exactly what I love in this trope—high tension, fiery chemistry, a strong heroine standing her ground, and a hero who proves there’s more to him than his ruthless exterior.
If you enjoy arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, and mafia romance with both grit and heart, this one’s worth picking up.
Dante Mancini is every bit the cold, calculating don you’d expect, but what made him stand out for me was the way his protective side crept in at the most unexpected moments.
Arabella Rossi, on the other hand, is the daughter of a ruthless crime lord, trapped by family duty and traditions that felt suffocating, and her strength and defiance made me root for her every step of the way.
Their relationship begins with nothing but disdain—she despises him for being everything she wants to escape, and he thinks she’s arrogant and dismissive—but the slow burn of chemistry, the biting banter, and those flickers of vulnerability between them made their story addictive.
I loved how their dynamic shifted from reluctant enemies to something deeper, and Arabella’s father was so vile that I found myself dreading every scene he appeared in.
Still, this book delivered exactly what I love in this trope—high tension, fiery chemistry, a strong heroine standing her ground, and a hero who proves there’s more to him than his ruthless exterior.
If you enjoy arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, and mafia romance with both grit and heart, this one’s worth picking up.
June 8, 2025
These brothers🔥🔥🔥
A great mother leaving a huge impact on her babies even long after she is gone. These two really show how a loving, caring, attentive mother can make or break someone. Alex & Dante still believed that great love can find them, that they value their family above all else, just the way it should be.
Dante, ughh what a man! Even though he was forced to be put in this situation, he still made the most of it. He could have been a douche, a cheater, treated Arabella like dirt, but from the beginning he was soo considerate of her feelings. He showed compassion, care, kindness & that was all from the beautiful mother he had. Even though their dad changed after her death, they still seen their parents relationship before which was of genuine love & beauty.
Also the way he treats his men, beautiful! Family first always🩵
Arabella, geezuz, what a life she had been living. I think the positive of the life with her dad was she could easily adapt to Dante’s life style, she was able to cater to his needs, she understood when to ask questions & when to show compassion. She was beautiful! And the way Dante loved her was soo deserving!
They were a great couple, loved these brothers & their wives😍😍
A great mother leaving a huge impact on her babies even long after she is gone. These two really show how a loving, caring, attentive mother can make or break someone. Alex & Dante still believed that great love can find them, that they value their family above all else, just the way it should be.
Dante, ughh what a man! Even though he was forced to be put in this situation, he still made the most of it. He could have been a douche, a cheater, treated Arabella like dirt, but from the beginning he was soo considerate of her feelings. He showed compassion, care, kindness & that was all from the beautiful mother he had. Even though their dad changed after her death, they still seen their parents relationship before which was of genuine love & beauty.
Also the way he treats his men, beautiful! Family first always🩵
Arabella, geezuz, what a life she had been living. I think the positive of the life with her dad was she could easily adapt to Dante’s life style, she was able to cater to his needs, she understood when to ask questions & when to show compassion. She was beautiful! And the way Dante loved her was soo deserving!
They were a great couple, loved these brothers & their wives😍😍
May 8, 2025
I loved how Bella's perspective changed through this story from the rigid, cruelty of her father and the bleakness of her and her sisters lives to a life almost completely opposite with Dante. Intiatly expecting more of the same I felt she was extremely surprised with her new life. Dante was born for the life he leads but the old ways are exactly that old! Succeeding from his murdered father he wants things slightly updated, but first there are a few things that need dealing with. This is Mafia, therefore a certain degree of violence, drugs, but this is so much more than that. Two people forced together find an unexpected connection and kinship through their vulnerabilities and loss, they find sparks, friendship and love, not just the two of them but family not just of blood. Gripping, intense, suspenseful and lots more in a fairly fast paced read. Definitely not one to miss.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHauntingHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticSteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHauntingHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticSteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
June 1, 2025
Reviewed For Saucy Review
On Kinky Korner
This book is bloody fantastic. Forget Dante, Arabella is the Don in this book. She is a badass, and the revenge that she served "Cold" blew me away. I loved the instant connection through the hate that was brilliant. And let's not forget Lucia. She is brilliant.
Now I can't say a lot, although I think I've already said too much. But I will say this book is so emotional, fun in parts, especially the banter between Dante and Arabella, and Dante and Alexander. But it's also about revenge and making right what people ripped from your life.
This book, like I said, was a fantastic read. I really can't recommend it enough. I really can't wait for The Temptation.
On Kinky Korner
This book is bloody fantastic. Forget Dante, Arabella is the Don in this book. She is a badass, and the revenge that she served "Cold" blew me away. I loved the instant connection through the hate that was brilliant. And let's not forget Lucia. She is brilliant.
Now I can't say a lot, although I think I've already said too much. But I will say this book is so emotional, fun in parts, especially the banter between Dante and Arabella, and Dante and Alexander. But it's also about revenge and making right what people ripped from your life.
This book, like I said, was a fantastic read. I really can't recommend it enough. I really can't wait for The Temptation.
June 9, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
The Proposal was an addictive, engaging mafia-lite romance. The characters are from the same world as Perry's previous novel, The Deal, but this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
The MMC, Dante, had such a strong, commanding presence, but with Arabella, we got to see part of his somewhat gentler, patient, and protective side. I really loved how he softened his hard exterior for her. Arabella had great character development throughout the story, and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own.
As a couple, Arabella and Dante's chemistry was amazing, and I felt the growth of their emotional connection as well as their sexual attraction. I thought they were a great match!
All in all, I loved the combination of sexy romance with some action, edge, and a bit of suspense. I don't love super dark mafia romance with tons of triggers, so this was the perfect balance for me.
◇◇◇
Spice Meter: 3.5/5 🌶
Tropes:
Arranged Marriage
Virgin Heroine
Mafia-lite
Enemies to Lovers
Age Gap
______
*Complimentary copy for review provided by the author. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.
The Proposal was an addictive, engaging mafia-lite romance. The characters are from the same world as Perry's previous novel, The Deal, but this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
The MMC, Dante, had such a strong, commanding presence, but with Arabella, we got to see part of his somewhat gentler, patient, and protective side. I really loved how he softened his hard exterior for her. Arabella had great character development throughout the story, and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own.
As a couple, Arabella and Dante's chemistry was amazing, and I felt the growth of their emotional connection as well as their sexual attraction. I thought they were a great match!
All in all, I loved the combination of sexy romance with some action, edge, and a bit of suspense. I don't love super dark mafia romance with tons of triggers, so this was the perfect balance for me.
◇◇◇
Spice Meter: 3.5/5 🌶
Tropes:
Arranged Marriage
Virgin Heroine
Mafia-lite
Enemies to Lovers
Age Gap
______
*Complimentary copy for review provided by the author. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.
May 21, 2025
“Everything around me seems dark, but when I look at you, all I see is light.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! From the mafia side to the sweet and endearing side, it has danger and vulnerability and keeps you engaged.
Dante and Arabella are both scarred by events of their pasts. They are thrown into a life together and, between their banter, mafia problems, and helping each other work through their pasts, watching them navigate their life changes and challenges keeps you entertained. I enjoyed watching them grow and heal together.
This series is growing a beautiful family network, and I can’t wait for Romeo and Lucia’s story. She is going to keep him on his toes.
“We are simply two broken people trying to heal each other with love.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! From the mafia side to the sweet and endearing side, it has danger and vulnerability and keeps you engaged.
Dante and Arabella are both scarred by events of their pasts. They are thrown into a life together and, between their banter, mafia problems, and helping each other work through their pasts, watching them navigate their life changes and challenges keeps you entertained. I enjoyed watching them grow and heal together.
This series is growing a beautiful family network, and I can’t wait for Romeo and Lucia’s story. She is going to keep him on his toes.
“We are simply two broken people trying to heal each other with love.”
June 2, 2025
Ok so I knew I would love Dante but oh my freaking gosh I would weep if that man turned up at my doorstep he is the perfect mix of Alpha when he needs to be but also so attentive and caring which Anabella needs. Seeing these two slowly fall for each other and open up and seeing how good they are for each other along with how he will do anything for his Mancini family whether it close or extended. Betrayal, secrets of the past along with heartbreak and healing along with some steamy moments has you hooked from the start.
I gobbled this up in one night staying up till 1am as I couldn't put it down and I am counting down till the next book!!!
I gobbled this up in one night staying up till 1am as I couldn't put it down and I am counting down till the next book!!!
May 14, 2025
Oooh la la! Where I can I find me a Dante?
Okay, I'll be realistic and admit that in the beginning, I would have been Arabella. Hating the life that she had grown up in and grown up fast. I would have fought tooth and nail to avoid what she was informed her fate was to be. I was impressed with how Dante handled himself and the situations.
J.L. Perry writes these Mafia stories as if she has firsthand experience. The story is believable. Mafia genre hasn't been my jam but I rather enjoyed The Proposal. And I'm really looking forward to The Temptation.
Okay, I'll be realistic and admit that in the beginning, I would have been Arabella. Hating the life that she had grown up in and grown up fast. I would have fought tooth and nail to avoid what she was informed her fate was to be. I was impressed with how Dante handled himself and the situations.
J.L. Perry writes these Mafia stories as if she has firsthand experience. The story is believable. Mafia genre hasn't been my jam but I rather enjoyed The Proposal. And I'm really looking forward to The Temptation.
May 30, 2025
A forced marriage between a mafia don and a mafia princess, what could possibly go wrong? I loved every moment of this book. Dante and Arabella start out with a healthy loathing of each other.
Dante is taking his place as his father's heir, but he has a leak in his organization. Arabella realizes that her husband is nothing like her father.
The tension between them makes for intense foreplay. As they both begin to open up to each other, they learn more about what really drives them. Watching them become the team they are destined to be was very satisfying.
Dante is taking his place as his father's heir, but he has a leak in his organization. Arabella realizes that her husband is nothing like her father.
The tension between them makes for intense foreplay. As they both begin to open up to each other, they learn more about what really drives them. Watching them become the team they are destined to be was very satisfying.
June 19, 2025
Another fab book to a fantastic series
After reading the first two books of the series, obviously, I was going to be reading this one! Dante and Arabella are just perfect 💜
Brilliantly written story of enemies to lovers that is perfectly paced and isn't just a 'they hate each other, get married, happy ever after.' There is so much detail into their life and how they grow to love each other.
J L Perry has done it again. One of those authors that you read whatever they publish .
After reading the first two books of the series, obviously, I was going to be reading this one! Dante and Arabella are just perfect 💜
Brilliantly written story of enemies to lovers that is perfectly paced and isn't just a 'they hate each other, get married, happy ever after.' There is so much detail into their life and how they grow to love each other.
J L Perry has done it again. One of those authors that you read whatever they publish .
May 4, 2025
Couldn’t put this one down! What a page turner! Absolutely loved it
Wowsers the chemistry between these 2 is off the charts!
At first Arabella is angry about having to be married to Dante but he loves a challenge.
Follow along as these two go from hate to absolute love!
I don’t think either of them could really foresee what they would become & how their life would change together.
I could read more on these 2! Happy to see a 3rd book coming!!
Well done Jodi another great read ❤️
Wowsers the chemistry between these 2 is off the charts!
At first Arabella is angry about having to be married to Dante but he loves a challenge.
Follow along as these two go from hate to absolute love!
I don’t think either of them could really foresee what they would become & how their life would change together.
I could read more on these 2! Happy to see a 3rd book coming!!
Well done Jodi another great read ❤️
May 11, 2025
Absolutely so delicious!
I have waited for Dante’s story since finishing up The Deal! Let me tell you J did not disappoint!
Dante and Arabella’s story is not for the faint of heart, but I promise it is a must!
J. L. Is the master when it comes to crime, mafia stories! Please read The Deal first for the best understanding of the Mancini family! I know you will not be disappointed!
Now Lucia, Arabella’s sister will get her story next! I am SO ready! Happy reading! 10 ⭐️
I have waited for Dante’s story since finishing up The Deal! Let me tell you J did not disappoint!
Dante and Arabella’s story is not for the faint of heart, but I promise it is a must!
J. L. Is the master when it comes to crime, mafia stories! Please read The Deal first for the best understanding of the Mancini family! I know you will not be disappointed!
Now Lucia, Arabella’s sister will get her story next! I am SO ready! Happy reading! 10 ⭐️
May 29, 2025
Ooooof Arabella, Dante, perfection 🥰
This was pure magic, as is everything Jodi writes.
Only this had the extra tasty splash of dark and twisted..
Absolutely LOVED reading this book, twice 🤭
I couldn't imagine living a life Bella did but if I was to live this lifestyle, Dante would definitely have made it bearable!
This is a must read book!!!
And if you haven't done so yet, get the rest of Jodi's teasing tales. They are soooo worth it! 😉
This was pure magic, as is everything Jodi writes.
Only this had the extra tasty splash of dark and twisted..
Absolutely LOVED reading this book, twice 🤭
I couldn't imagine living a life Bella did but if I was to live this lifestyle, Dante would definitely have made it bearable!
This is a must read book!!!
And if you haven't done so yet, get the rest of Jodi's teasing tales. They are soooo worth it! 😉
June 2, 2025
An Australian Italian mafia man could not be more perfect. Dante truly adored his wife, Arabella, even if it was a marriage arranged to unite their families. Dante would protect all those he loves, including his men in his mafia family. The chemistry between Dante and Arabella was hot. I need Romeo and Lucia‘s book immediately. It was nice to see Perry tap into her darker side, which we rarely see but know is there.
July 25, 2025
Jodie Perry is a new to me author, and I'm quite impressed that a Mafia don can be so understanding. Dante could have made Arabella's life so difficult, yet he still made sure to understand Arabella and treat her lovingly. A completely different kind of don. A welcome change. I'm looking forward to the next book.
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May 13, 2025Wow jodi Perry has done it again.
Dante and Arebella the girls father has always been mean and he thought he ruled.
But when Dante meets Arabella well.....
It's a stunning gorgeous read 📚
But will they get together? And what does she think of him?
Loved it 😍❤️😍
Dante and Arebella the girls father has always been mean and he thought he ruled.
But when Dante meets Arabella well.....
It's a stunning gorgeous read 📚
But will they get together? And what does she think of him?
Loved it 😍❤️😍
May 29, 2025
OMG!! I absolutely loved Arabella and Dante’s story! I can semi relate to Arabella with her mannerisms and demeanor as the eldest. Their story kept me turning each page anticipating the next move! Cannot wait for the next story!
June 4, 2025
First time reading a book by this author and loved it. Loved the way the relationship blossomed between Arabella and Dante. He is the typical macho man yet when he around her.... he melts. I also loved the banter n quirkiness between them both. Cant wait to read the next one in the series.
June 3, 2025
Obsessed with Dante!! Swoon swoon swoon!
This one was a one sitting read, couldn't put it down. Absolutely loved it! Can't wait to read the next one.
This one was a one sitting read, couldn't put it down. Absolutely loved it! Can't wait to read the next one.
June 26, 2025
Beautiful cover. Best review I can make.
August 6, 2025
I loved this book! I really enjoyed Dante and Arabella’s story. It was exciting, thrilling and tense. I’m looking forward to Lucia’s book next, I can’t wait to read it!
July 21, 2025
Beautiful cover. Best review I can make.
June 2, 2025
Dante is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romance with explosive chemistry and emotional depth. Arabella and Dante’s journey from hatred to unexpected love is filled with tension, danger, and surprising tenderness. Perfect for fans of dark romance with powerful characters and high stakes. Couldn’t put it down!
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