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Mafia Bride
(DiLustro Arrangement #1)
by
An epic mafia romance trilogy that sets a new bar for just how dark a hero can get, from NY Times Bestselling author CD Reiss.
Some girls dream of marrying a prince, but I never imagined I’d be sold to a king.
Santino DiLustro.
The king.
The monster.
The keeper of secrets.
When he forced me to marry him, I cried for love I’d never know.
When he locked me away, I cried for t ...more
Some girls dream of marrying a prince, but I never imagined I’d be sold to a king.
Santino DiLustro.
The king.
The monster.
The keeper of secrets.
When he forced me to marry him, I cried for love I’d never know.
When he locked me away, I cried for t ...more
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Published
March 16th 2021
(first published March 14th 2021)
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Vishalisiva
He’s 33 and mentioned in the book that Violeta and him have a 11-12 years difference
Community Reviews
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Start your review of Mafia Bride (The DiLustro Arrangement, #1)
There’s Italian mafia stories and then there’s CD Reiss Italian mafia stories. It’s like the difference between crappy mass produced tomatoes that are full of water and tasteless and the big juicy, full of flavour Mediterranean tomatoes you buy on holiday (well I buy them on my holidays, I miss holidays).
Violetta has had tragedy in her life. She lost her parents when she was just 5 years old, then lost her darling older sister Rosetta. Her aunt and uncle have taken care of her ever since but al ...more
Violetta has had tragedy in her life. She lost her parents when she was just 5 years old, then lost her darling older sister Rosetta. Her aunt and uncle have taken care of her ever since but al ...more
Wow, this was no where near what I expected it to be but it is turning into everything I ever needed in a mafia romance. I immensely enjoyed the amount of culture in this book, it’s not just about crime and flashy action, it’s about the life in it’s entirety. This is why I love CD Reiss. She creates worlds and characters you didn’t even know you needed but once you get a taste of them you’re hopelessly addicted. I need to know what happens like it’s my own story, my own feelings playing in real
...more
OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!
After seven long years, the wait is over. CD Reiss is plunging us back into her Camorra, and it is such gloriously dark and tantalizing seduction. Seduction at the hands of a Mafia King, shrouded in death and power. A prince of darkness - even to a young girl who had grown up in The Life fueled by the promise that she would escape it and live free. But debts must be honored and take precedence over a happily ever after promised to a girl who lost her family.
But, back to the princ ...more
After seven long years, the wait is over. CD Reiss is plunging us back into her Camorra, and it is such gloriously dark and tantalizing seduction. Seduction at the hands of a Mafia King, shrouded in death and power. A prince of darkness - even to a young girl who had grown up in The Life fueled by the promise that she would escape it and live free. But debts must be honored and take precedence over a happily ever after promised to a girl who lost her family.
But, back to the princ ...more
Holy freaking sh*t. This book......I am not sure I can capture in words how much I loved it. I NEED book two yesterday though. The ways of this world, their world, the missing parts and the fact that she knows something is amiss. I cannot wait to read the next book!
Mar 19, 2021
Wendy'sThoughts
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
C.D. Reiss Fans, Romance
4.5 Sacrifice Or Queen Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
There are a few things I know for sure, and one of them is when C.D. Reiss writes a Mafia Book, I will gobble it up immediately. Forget it is the first of a trilogy and I am guaranteed at least two cliffhangers, I won't care. The reasons I put myself through such torture willingly...Because C.D. Reiss's ability to transport me to the worlds she creates is everything.
In Mafia Bride, we are introduced to a world that is run and lives by the rule ...more
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
There are a few things I know for sure, and one of them is when C.D. Reiss writes a Mafia Book, I will gobble it up immediately. Forget it is the first of a trilogy and I am guaranteed at least two cliffhangers, I won't care. The reasons I put myself through such torture willingly...Because C.D. Reiss's ability to transport me to the worlds she creates is everything.
In Mafia Bride, we are introduced to a world that is run and lives by the rule ...more
Mafia Bride
(DiLustro Arrangement #1)
Written by – C.D. Reiss
There is so much the written word can bring to a reader. The Mafia Bride brings readers a journey.
From a young Violetta Moretti coming to America to live with family, to the secrets that are kept from her and the pain of betrayal of family, Violetta has a whole history that needs to be revealed. Add to that a debt of marriage that only she can fulfill brings Violetta into a world where stubbornness, danger, omission and threats brings h ...more
(DiLustro Arrangement #1)
Written by – C.D. Reiss
There is so much the written word can bring to a reader. The Mafia Bride brings readers a journey.
From a young Violetta Moretti coming to America to live with family, to the secrets that are kept from her and the pain of betrayal of family, Violetta has a whole history that needs to be revealed. Add to that a debt of marriage that only she can fulfill brings Violetta into a world where stubbornness, danger, omission and threats brings h ...more
Coming March 16th!!
...more
...more
I absolutely devoured Mafia Bride!! Christine has written the perfect mix of old school mafia with new blood. MB is full of old Italian traditions. Some of them Violetta was privy to growing up but most of them she was sheltered from. Without warning she finds herself in an arranged marriage to The King…As far as arranged marriages go I wouldn’t mind being with Santini😏 but wow does he have some secrets! I feel so bad for Violetta being thrown into her new situation and not having a clue as to w
...more
A phenomenal story of a king, Santino and his Violetta.
Violetta is living her life as a nursing student in a large Italian family. She is surrounded by the love of her aunt and uncle- her zia and zio - until the day Santino DiLustro claims her as his. He is in his 30s she is 19. He is king she is his bride. He loves hard with his black heart. She is trying to protect her broken heart. She is strong and his weakness. Mafia Bride is an amazing book one of a trio. Well done CD Reiss!
#mafiabride # ...more
Violetta is living her life as a nursing student in a large Italian family. She is surrounded by the love of her aunt and uncle- her zia and zio - until the day Santino DiLustro claims her as his. He is in his 30s she is 19. He is king she is his bride. He loves hard with his black heart. She is trying to protect her broken heart. She is strong and his weakness. Mafia Bride is an amazing book one of a trio. Well done CD Reiss!
#mafiabride # ...more
Mar 15, 2021
Jasmine Stells
added it
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Storyline: 5 out of 5
Alpha Male Scale: 5 out of 5
Would You Recommend This Book To A Friend? Yes
I just finished reading this book and I am still trying to process it all. My goodness, Christine has done it yet again. This story had me hooked from the very beginning. I’m going to do my best to talk about this book without giving away any spoilers.
Violetta Moretti is a young girl who is thrust into a marriage with Santino DiLustro one of the most powerful Italian gangsters sh ...more
Storyline: 5 out of 5
Alpha Male Scale: 5 out of 5
Would You Recommend This Book To A Friend? Yes
I just finished reading this book and I am still trying to process it all. My goodness, Christine has done it yet again. This story had me hooked from the very beginning. I’m going to do my best to talk about this book without giving away any spoilers.
Violetta Moretti is a young girl who is thrust into a marriage with Santino DiLustro one of the most powerful Italian gangsters sh ...more
What in the actual Al Pacino is going on here!!! WTF
It finished this book a couple days ago and I still cannot let go, my mind cannot process what just happened!
CD Reiss wrote a beautiful, captivating story, not only a romance but so much culture, legacy and traditions behind it. She gave us a story of the old world colliding with the new.
This is the story of Violetta Morelli and Santino DiLustro.
Now Violetta has a tragic past, she is brought to the USA Very young to be taken care of her uncle a ...more
It finished this book a couple days ago and I still cannot let go, my mind cannot process what just happened!
CD Reiss wrote a beautiful, captivating story, not only a romance but so much culture, legacy and traditions behind it. She gave us a story of the old world colliding with the new.
This is the story of Violetta Morelli and Santino DiLustro.
Now Violetta has a tragic past, she is brought to the USA Very young to be taken care of her uncle a ...more
Mafia Bride by C.D. Reiss was one of my most anticipated books of the year. Once I heard Ms. Reiss talk about her darkest book yet, I knew I had to get my hands on this beauty. And I have to say that this book wasn't quite what I expected and it took me a little while to switch gears. Once I did, I really enjoyed it. C.D. Reiss is definitely a very talented writer and capable of capturing the reader with her beautiful words and transporting them into the world she so masterfully creates. Mafia B
...more
I'm a big fan of mafia romances, so when I saw that C.D. Reiss was writing another mafia series I super excited! Let me tell you Mafia Bride, the first book of the DiLustro Arrangement, didn't let me down!!
The first book centers mostly around Violetta. She’s is payment for a past debt owed to Santino DiLustro. She’s young and innocent with a side of sass and sarcasm. Obviously, she's not exactly happy about this arrangement even if she does find him to be the hottest man she's ever laid eyes on ...more
The first book centers mostly around Violetta. She’s is payment for a past debt owed to Santino DiLustro. She’s young and innocent with a side of sass and sarcasm. Obviously, she's not exactly happy about this arrangement even if she does find him to be the hottest man she's ever laid eyes on ...more
It has been awhile since I've read or listened to a C.D. Reiss book. I was excitedly waiting for this one and jumped at the chance to receive an ARC! I am not disappointed. My heart is still racing a half hour after finishing the book! I LOVE how Reiss wrote this. The journey she takes us into the old world of Italy is spellbinding. It smoothly immerses us into the story and characters, helping us to feel and understand what we do not know from experience. The push/pull between Santino and Viole
...more
Holy smokes this book was outstanding. From the first page until oh my goodness the last I was hooked. If you are looking for a Mafia Book with so many twists and turns and angst and 2 strong lead characters this is it. CD Reiss has blown me away and that cliffhanger WOW I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Truly this book will take your heart and soul through a meat grinder. Plus Santino and Violetta are a match made in heave. With Santino being very traditional in the Mafia way and Vio
...more
Violetta and Santini are rocking my world! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
I love Violetta... she is kinda naive and kickass at the same time. Santino is in the perfect position to make his wife fall for him... but I want to smack and kiss him at the same time. He keeps so many secrets from Violetta; secrets that could make him loose her completely. I really need the next book like now.
5 Cliffy Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#cliffybooksarefun
#cdreissismygoddess
#darkandtwisty
I love Violetta... she is kinda naive and kickass at the same time. Santino is in the perfect position to make his wife fall for him... but I want to smack and kiss him at the same time. He keeps so many secrets from Violetta; secrets that could make him loose her completely. I really need the next book like now.
5 Cliffy Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#cliffybooksarefun
#cdreissismygoddess
#darkandtwisty
Uh, yeah. Imma need the next book, stat. The ending?? Total cliffhanger. That's your warning. But dang, what's before it? Pure gold. And it's only the beginning.
When I first saw that CD Reiss was going to return to the mafia world, I was completely intrigued. But Ms Reiss took this one in a different direction than her previous mafia series and I am excited for what's to come. This is book one and it is a total build up and getting to know our characters and the whole mafia background.
Mafia Bri ...more
When I first saw that CD Reiss was going to return to the mafia world, I was completely intrigued. But Ms Reiss took this one in a different direction than her previous mafia series and I am excited for what's to come. This is book one and it is a total build up and getting to know our characters and the whole mafia background.
Mafia Bri ...more
The greatness of Reiss’ Mafia novels is how gripping and angsty they are,
MAFIA BRIDE
being no exception. Unputdownable from the first page to the last, she’s driven home how deeply rooted the mob’s age-old culture is in our modern society. Entwined in what appears to be a long-term debt, Santino DiLustro and Violetta Moretti’s story doesn’t just scratch the surface, it delves into the depths of deception, hidden truths and betrayal.
Trying to comprehend the reason behind Santino’s ruthless a ...more
Trying to comprehend the reason behind Santino’s ruthless a ...more
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Violetta is looking forward to her future. But there’s a bump that seems more of a road block. Santino is a man with lots of secrets and who doesn’t disclose much. He keeps both us and Violetta in the dark.
Most of this story is told from Violetta’s point of view. This way the reader gets to experience everything as the story unfolds. It’s also a way that we can experience the age gap between our two main characters. We get to see her inexperience with a lot of life’s challenges ...more
Violetta is looking forward to her future. But there’s a bump that seems more of a road block. Santino is a man with lots of secrets and who doesn’t disclose much. He keeps both us and Violetta in the dark.
Most of this story is told from Violetta’s point of view. This way the reader gets to experience everything as the story unfolds. It’s also a way that we can experience the age gap between our two main characters. We get to see her inexperience with a lot of life’s challenges ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
It can be hard to review a book when you're stuck on the ending. Obviously it's book one and a cliffhanger so I'm all distraught and sad right now! And left with a bunch of questions. And all of that skews my perception of the characters. But anyways.
Violetta was handed over to Santino at age 19, with no warning. She had only even really seen him once years before, and now she was planning a summer trip. She had no idea! And for all he knows and won't tell her, he's pretty patient. But really wh ...more
Violetta was handed over to Santino at age 19, with no warning. She had only even really seen him once years before, and now she was planning a summer trip. She had no idea! And for all he knows and won't tell her, he's pretty patient. But really wh ...more
“If we’re separated, even by death, as long as your heart beats, I will walk the earth until I find you.”
From her name alone, when I first heard about the book, I was excited to devour it and that’s exactly what I did. This story was poetically sensual. Reiss was the biggest tease when it came to giving anything away but she gave just enough to leave you hanging on hungry for more.
Violetta, I love how even though she followed by traditional values the girl had fire! She was not afraid to speak ...more
Mafia Bride by C.D. Reiss is the first book in the DiLustro Arrangement Trilogy. It is an age-gap, arranged marriage mafia romance. Violetta Moretti is an average 19-year-old college student, who was born in Italy and lives with her aunt and uncle after her parent’s death when she was younger. Santino DiLustro, thirty-three, is The King, Re Santino, he’s powerful, broody, and feared by many. Violetta expected to live a normal life and marry for love, but circumstances arise and she’s sold to The
...more
Absolutely FANTASTIC!
Meet Violetta 19 italian who is 'sold' to Santini the 'King' which she tries to find out why and how through the book.
Violetta is feisty, beautiful and full of resilience towards Santini.
Follow then on their tale of getting to know each other.
It was a fantastic read and so addictive.
I loved reading about the Italian ways and traditions and how Santini taught Violetta them.
However the only bad thing about this book was the cliffhanger!!
Cant wait for the 2nd in the series to ...more
Meet Violetta 19 italian who is 'sold' to Santini the 'King' which she tries to find out why and how through the book.
Violetta is feisty, beautiful and full of resilience towards Santini.
Follow then on their tale of getting to know each other.
It was a fantastic read and so addictive.
I loved reading about the Italian ways and traditions and how Santini taught Violetta them.
However the only bad thing about this book was the cliffhanger!!
Cant wait for the 2nd in the series to ...more
I loved this book, definitely one of my new top mafia romances and I can't wait for book 2!
I felt like it started a tad slow but as the story progresses I was completely sucked into Violetta and Santinos world.
Violetta is determined to get away from Santino but he's the type of man you cant help but fall for and you definitely can't run from.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I was not expecting that ending! That is the way you do a cliff hanger!! There's so many unanswered surprising twists ...more
I felt like it started a tad slow but as the story progresses I was completely sucked into Violetta and Santinos world.
Violetta is determined to get away from Santino but he's the type of man you cant help but fall for and you definitely can't run from.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I was not expecting that ending! That is the way you do a cliff hanger!! There's so many unanswered surprising twists ...more
Violetta Moretti and Santino DiLustro okay what the hell happened in the end OMG I want book 2 like right Now please please.
The language, culture, and traditions was a very very new thing for me in a book to read because I have not read it any book like I have in the book *lol* I even start learning it.
It's a slow burn and Oh my what a freaking slow burn it is I love the scenes between Violetta & Santino & I want them to grow closer. AND STEAMINESS TO BE ON NEXT LEVEL.
The glimpse of chemistry & ...more
The language, culture, and traditions was a very very new thing for me in a book to read because I have not read it any book like I have in the book *lol* I even start learning it.
It's a slow burn and Oh my what a freaking slow burn it is I love the scenes between Violetta & Santino & I want them to grow closer. AND STEAMINESS TO BE ON NEXT LEVEL.
The glimpse of chemistry & ...more
*fans self*
This book is fire! Literally Heat!
I love the push and pull between Santino and Violetta!
I love an arranged marriage vibe!
And the writing is superb.
The plot is grand!
And I loveeeee the characters!
I can’t wait for the next installment in the Dilustro Arrangement...
I should also mention the filthy talk... seriously awesome
Highly recommend
This book is fire! Literally Heat!
I love the push and pull between Santino and Violetta!
I love an arranged marriage vibe!
And the writing is superb.
The plot is grand!
And I loveeeee the characters!
I can’t wait for the next installment in the Dilustro Arrangement...
I should also mention the filthy talk... seriously awesome
Highly recommend
Wow I couldn't put this book down. Santino DiLustro is king and he is coming for Violetta. This book has everything the love hate relationship. The secrets, the lies, the bad boy. Santino and Violetta's story is amazing and I need book two now. I have questions that need answers.
...more
✨ 3.75 ✨
I found the plotline somewhat mediocre. It didn't really give me the toptier high that I usually expect to get when reading good mafia romances, but I'm giving it a higher rating because there were a lot of highlight-worthy lines that stuck with me. Most of the high that I did feel were brought forth by the filth from Santino's mouth and his j/p ways.
Santino, in Violetta's eyes, is H O T. Not to be too NSFW on main but I'd do him. The words that come out of his mouth are filthy and dubio ...more
I found the plotline somewhat mediocre. It didn't really give me the toptier high that I usually expect to get when reading good mafia romances, but I'm giving it a higher rating because there were a lot of highlight-worthy lines that stuck with me. Most of the high that I did feel were brought forth by the filth from Santino's mouth and his j/p ways.
Santino, in Violetta's eyes, is H O T. Not to be too NSFW on main but I'd do him. The words that come out of his mouth are filthy and dubio ...more
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
At first glance, CD Reiss’s Mafia Bride is simply a mafia romance, complete with an arranged marriage or kidnapped bride, a groom both violent and compassionate in equal measure, and a world replete with the customs and traditions of the “old country.” As you read, it feels 100% like a CD Reiss romance, a promise of sexualized violence at every turn of the page. Yet...yet, over halfway through the book, there is a change, a profundity slithers through the story. It bec ...more
At first glance, CD Reiss’s Mafia Bride is simply a mafia romance, complete with an arranged marriage or kidnapped bride, a groom both violent and compassionate in equal measure, and a world replete with the customs and traditions of the “old country.” As you read, it feels 100% like a CD Reiss romance, a promise of sexualized violence at every turn of the page. Yet...yet, over halfway through the book, there is a change, a profundity slithers through the story. It bec ...more
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Readers also enjoyed
CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that ...more
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that ...more
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DiLustro Arrangement
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