Because You’re Mine

There’s a little of everything going on. It’s a mafia book but not like hardcore mafia. I felt it was more around her dancing than straight up mafia. It’s still a good story and I hope we get a book about her sister. She’s got some crazy stuff going on that would be cool to read about.

Catalina is a twenty-eight-year-old ballet dancer from New York Ballet, who lives the dream of the big city by sharing an apartment with her sister, leaving behind a past she prefers to forget and cut ties with her father, being her siblings the only ones with whom she has contact. The problem is that the surname Masseria is synonymous with power and money, but it also hides a bitter truth that is being reported in all the newspapers and specialized media; her father is the head of the Mafia.
For more than ten years without talking to her father, who forced her to have an abortion, Catalina collects a series of personal tragedies. Her fiancé, who was also part of the Mafia, was murdered, her pregnancy was interrupted and if all that was not enough, her mother could not bear the weight of the news about her family scattered across all media and left without looking back. That is why Catalina decides that she does not want any involvement with her family, and that she will never let herself be a pawn in this world.
Upon meeting a request from her sister, who is physically similar to her, to pretend to be her in a college class, Catalina ends up falling into a web of revenge and danger that when she realizes what happening may be too late.
Lorenzo wants revenge for the betrayal he suffered, and the woman he’s been looking for a long time has just fallen on his lap in the form of a student in his class. It was just another plan, a way to repair a debt, but Catalina gradually gained his sympathy and made him fall in love. The chemistry between them is powerful, but will she forgive him when the truth comes out? Or the innumerable secrets that he hides, and that are directly linked to her, will put everything in risk?
Catalina obviously suffered a lot from everything that happened and found in dance a way to move on. Lorenzo is the first person she lets in after a long time, and the intensity of her feelings scares her. Her love for her siblings is undeniable, the scene of her despair both by Lorenzo and her brother was tense, as well as the moment when she allows herself to feel the death of her friend. Lorenzo is everything she hoped to find in a partner, but the fact that he is part of a world she wants to escape causes several moments of uncertainty and reflection on her part.
Lorenzo may not have a normal life, but his values are what set him apart from the rest. Family is always in the first place, this is his motto, and his loyalty to them is unquestionable. What began as a reckoning has turned into an overwhelming passion, where he will have to fight, face unthinkable enemies and question his loyalty.
The book features plenty of action, lots of twists, the big villain was unexpected but it was neutralized very quickly, I liked the characters, the plot and the writing. I was curious about the story of Emma and Gio, I hope they get their own books. The relationship between Catalina and her father in my opinion was resolved very quickly, ten years away, much bitterness between the two, and everything was finalized seeking an understanding, with the two approaching. This part for me does not fit with the evolution of the story, but nothing that harms the final product. A book with a different theme, with a couple with a lot of baggage looking for a second chance of happiness, well written and that leaves a sense of accomplishment.

A sexy, seductive thrill ride!

Wow! What can I say? This book had me hooked from page one! I love Claire’s books and couldn’t wait to read this latest one. Because You’re Mine popped by “mafia romance” trope cherry and it did not disappoint! The heroine, Catalina is a strong character and I thoroughly enjoyed her. She was smart, tough and I loved that she poured all of her emotions into dancing. Then we have our sexy as sin hero, Loren, who is the epitome of danger with a capital D! I loved that Loren and Cat were both perfectly imperfect which added to their sizzling chemistry. Plus, plenty of plot twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. This book certainly had all the feels and I look forward to delving deeper into the lives/stories of the many interesting side characters.

Claire Contreras is a versatile writer who gives us all kinds of stories that are captivating and engaging. In Because You’re Mine we get a mafia story that was sexy and full of suspense and had me devouring the book!

Catalina is a successful ballet dancer who moved away from her family to avoid the ties to mafia they have. So she leads a quiet life living her dreams, but when her sister calls, everything changes. When she meets Lorenzo, she is not sure what to make of him, except that he is gorgeous and sexy and should probably stay away from him. What secrets does he keep?

When I first started reading the story I was wondering where it would all lead, but I should have known better! Claire wove a story full of surprises! Once the story really picks up and you start to discover what is going on, there is no going back! Catalina and Lorenzo had undeniable chemistry. But what will happen when secrets and lies revealed?

Because You’re Mine by Claire Contreras had me captivated from the start. I loved the characters and the story so much. How would it all end? Could Catalina and Lorenzo truly find their happily-ever-after with so much between them? Read and find out!

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!

*4.5 stars*

This has fast become my favourite book from Claire. I was completely enthralled from beginning to end. Its the perfect blend of sweet, captivating, full of passion with the perfect mix of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are no slow introductions into this book you are smack in the middle of Lorenzo and Catalina’s world from page 1.

Lorenzo Costello is the eptomie of the tall, dark and dangerous man that you can’t help but want, even though hes the type of man you dad warns you about. He didn’t just make you swoon and your panties wet, he will leave you in a puddle of drool. He is that good. He is so guarded and all you will want to do is get him to open up.

Catalina Alvarez is one heroine you will love from the beginning. She’s the girl you want to be. The strength she shows leaves you in awe considering she is living the life she didn’t want to and she has been through so much. Even though Catalina showed what could be considered weakeness I found her awe worthy as she made the decisions I would have done in her place.

This is one MUST read of Claire’s

Great Book!!! Claire Contreras has created such great characters in this book, I felt like I knew each of the players in this story before I even read their names. This is such a well-written book that it seemed I was living the story as I read it. I loved the instant connection between Cat and Loren and the connection between their families even though they had never met. I felt the self-discovery in both Cat and Loren as they each figured out what was most important in their lives and what future they wanted. This book has lots of drama, surprises and burning desire (hot sexy parts). I can easily recommend this book as one of the best this year.

A well written mafia romance that is super sexy, addictive, extremely steamy hot, exciting, and kept me intrigued from the beginning. I loved how it showed we are all connected in ways that you may never now, the world in reality is rather small. The story is packed full of action, suspense, deception, love, loss, secrets, and criminals and family with twists turns I never knew what to expect next. Catalina is a strong, trained ballerina and independent woman who fights hard to distance herself from her family’s business and goes as far as changing her last name. Lorenzo is a sexy, mysterious lawyer who is also a savy business man who tends to work with his family who are also involved with the mafia. Lorenzo and Cat together were sizzling hot together. Their journey is exciting and kept me needing to know more as they
navigate family dangers, family drama interlaced with mafia politics and the life or death situations it brings. A definite must read and cant wait to read more from the other characters. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC and adding to permanent reread library.

My most favorite book covers are mostly the ones without any people on them, but just take a look at this lickable cover of Because You’re Mine and tell me you couldn’t just stare and admire and drool over it all day/night!!
And what’s even better is that the story inside is just as fascinating, with the true feel of living within a mafia family being ruled by fear for your life and the lives of your loved ones!
Through Catalina you experience that life and how she has spent years distancing herself from it all for so many reasons, with those reasons being devastating to her in so many ways, but her love and devotion to her family remain deep inside even as she swears she never wants to live that type of life again.
Catalina’s life is all about her ballet career and helping out her siblings any way she can which leads to Lorenzo Costello who’s “mysterious and dangerous” and all the things that she never thought she wanted.
“I stare at this infuriating, gorgeous man. This liar, thief of a man , because that’s what he’s done. He’s stolen my senses entirely.”
Lorenzo is dark and broody and growly (OH MY) and can’t stay away from Cat no matter that the odds are against them through family ties that hold secrets that could destroy them and more!
Straight from the cover to the last word I was glued to the pages and consumed by Cat and Loren’s story of fear and danger, blood and loyalty, power and revenge, passion and love!!!

Claire Contreras did a fantastic job with Because You’re Mine and I highly recommend it. It is a very sexy, addictive and hot mafia romance which I devoured from beginning to end. The storyline is mysterious and suspenseful with a fair amount of angst. Lorenzo and Catalina’s story was fast paced, their attraction for each other was instant and their sexual chemistry is scorching!!

Lorenzo has a macho, tough guy and alpha male persona that was a huge turn on for me. He is the epitome of a hot Italian stallion and he is mouth watering. Catalina is a strong and confident woman who has been immersed in the mafia world all her life. I adored her character as she is a feisty and determined woman and was a real breath of fresh air. Past events and prior actions of mutual acquaintances have forced Lorenzo and Catalina’s worlds to collide. This is were the plot thickens and becomes a page-turner that I just couldn’t put down.

Not only is Because You’re Mine a wełl written and excellent book, Ms. Contreras did a wonderful job with writing strong and relevant secondary characters. I am truly looking forward to reading future books about those characters.

Seriously, where do I start with this?! I was totally captivated straight from the get go!! I always love a good story with the mafia involved, and this one surpassed my expectations. I completely fell for Lorenzo, complete bad a** that he is. Sometimes you wanna not like him, but you just can’t lol. At least I couldn’t. And Catalina, she’s fiesty, and loving, talented and amazing. There were times I was on the edge, wondering what would happen next. And times I was in tears. It took all my emotions from me and I totally loved it!!! Definite must read!!