DanteMy life’s a tale of betrayal.I killed so many because they betrayed our cause, because they betrayed the Outfit.A hypocrite. A liar. A murderer. That’s what I am.Five times I betrayed the Outfit. With my blood I made a vow to our cause, swore my life to it, promised to put the Outfit first. Above all else.Five times I chose a woman over the good of the Outfit. I betrayed my father. My vow. … betrayed my father. My vow. My men.
You reap what you sow.
Would my betrayals destroy everything I swore to protect?
Valentina
On our wedding day I made a vow to stand by Dante’s side.
In good and in bad times.
To love him through it all.
Growing up in the mafia, I knew the challenges in our life would be numerous. I never expected them to tear at the very base of our family, of our existence.
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Bound by the past is an awesome addition to an already amazing series. This is a Mob Romance and contains some graphics scenes.
This is a continuation of Dante and Val’s story and is mostly in Dante’s POV. It has everything we’ve come to love and expect from the Boss of the Outlet.
A definite five star read with steamy bits, heartbreak, and amazing characters. I cannot wait to read Sofia’s story!!
3.5
Reading Bound by Past is a great way to brush up on all the emotions that the previous books of the two series have caused us.
It’s also an open window on Dante’ heart and mind.
We have learned about a very controlled and cold Dante; in this book we meet a different man: one who struggle when it comes to the protection of his family; a man who put above everything else the ones who loves.
Valentina show us again she is a strong clever woman, able to stand beside his man and not behind.
Despite the war, the enemy surrounding them, they are just stronger together.
Unfortunately reading Dante’ pov made me understand more than ever that i’m a ” ”
Sorry Dante
Boun By The Past has definitely become one of my favorite books. Cora teaches us in this book a protective Dante with his family. Valentina captivates us again.
Bound by the past was exceptional for people who didn’t like or understand Dante in Bound by Duty, we get to see his reasons and thoughts about many situations that from Val’s POV didn’t look good and the way Cora told the story, going through the five betrayals as a start point, was very interesting and I really would like to see more different ways of telling the story in her books.
The highlight of the book was Dante’s moments with Val and the children, I loved seeing their interactions, Anna is so sweet and god, Leonas is a PIA, I laugh so much every time he appeared because i knew he would do or say something amusing, the Cavallaro kids was so much better than I expect, after everything that happen in this book with the outfit I’m excited to see how the kids’ books it’s going to be.
The only reason this isn’t a 5 star review is because I think it became too repetitive but I understand that a lot of things were necessary, overall this was really good and yeah I love my danteval diaries.
I really enjoyed this book. I alway love it when an author gives you more of a couple you really like and that is what we get in Bound by the Past. In this book we get inside Dante’s head to know his feelings and what he is going through. I actually liked Dante more in this book. I loved how much he needed Val and that he truly loves her. I also loved that he would do anything for his family. This whole series has been one of my favorites and I honestly can’t wait to read the next book.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for Bound by the Past and I thought it was a good book.
Finally getting to peak into Dante’s head and world was for sure interesting and allowed for a better understanding of why he is the way he is.
I loved the way the book was structured, through the events that shaped him and the outfit. It was very Dante focused, which was insightful but I would have also liked to have seen more of his relationship with Val. However, he is the sweetest Dad and his relationship with his children is adorable. He’d do anything for them, and Val.
There are a few twists and surprises that left me shocked, I wasn’t at all expecting them. A new path appears to be being taken and it’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out!
The secondary characters in this book also shone through. Bibiana, Orazio, Pietro and Ines are just a few I’ll name now, but there are many! I loved the inclusion of them and seeing their input to the story. Also, LEONAS
Overall, a great read! I can’t wait for everyone to read it too
GAH!!!! Cora Reilly has slayed my heart with the magnificent Dante Cavallaro in Bound By The Past (BBTP). I thought I knew who he was in Bound By Duty but I honestly had NO idea. In this story, Dante has a myriad of facets that legit brought me to my knees. In particular, through a series of pivotal flashbacks, Reilly provides a close examination of the man behind the Capo and a greater insight into the emotions of the man that originally closed himself off from love. This story was incredible and just another reason why Reilly is a dominant force in this genre!
While reading this story what I loved more than anything was that despite ruling with an iron fist and an unwavering will to position the Outfit as the true leading family, it’s evident that his close and unwavering bond with his loved ones have affected monumental moments and decisions in his life and his reign as Capo. I loved everything about this story and all the new tidbits and scenes that we never saw coming. This story is exceptional and a mandatory #oneclick!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
After many wished a POV of Dante, Bound By The Past is here. This book won’t disappoint Dante fans. You get to be inside his head and finally know what’s happening in it. And trust me when I say Dante as dad will warm your heart.
I liked how the author kept loyal to the plot and focused more on Dante. Even though this features the couple, the main focus is in him with Valentina coming up to refresh the air when is needed. The plot structure divided by betrayal and aftermath was a really good idea.
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There’s twists in the book, prepare to be surprised. I thought I knew everything, but I didn’t. You will understand characters but see their flaws too. The book also brings closure to many characters/situations entwined with the previous books.
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Speaking of characters, the secondary characters were EVERYTHING. From Anna to Bibi to Orazio to Danilo and then Samuel. Pietro and Ines were also very interesting to meet. I won’t lie, Leonas is the highlight. Can I have his book like… right now? Please, Cora. u2063
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This book was a wrap up but also served to open the door to some future planned books, Anna and Leonas included!
A spectacular look into Dante’s point of view! I loved this book because it explains things from other books. It gives us the other side of things that went on. Sometimes I would wonder what he thought as I read the other books. Things were cleared up and really showed another side to Dante. I loved revisiting some of the events surrounding The Outfit, Famiglia, and The Camorra.
Wow, just wow. It’s really hard to put into words how much I love this book. We waited a long time for Dante and Val’s book and boy was it worth it. I love that we got a much deeper look into Dantes perspective and really got to see how he ticked.
The author gave us just enough glimpse into the future to keep us in wait of what was to come, which hopefully will be optimistic.
Dante and Val are passionate and everything i wanted them to be since their first book. I love that we got to see more family dynamics within The Outfit.
This book will put you on an amazing rollarcoaster so buckle up!
Dante! Dante! Dante! Cora Reilly is queen of the Mafia! She has taken Dante and Val’s story and elevated it to a whole new level. Giving us the opportunity to see Dante in a whole different light. You like and are in lust with him in Bound by Duty but are totally infatuated and head over heels in love with him at the end of Bound by the Past. I was enthralled and couldn’t get enough of his history. The author has a way of giving her male leads a hard exterior but deep down beyond the hotness of the man is a big heart. Unlimited stars for Dante Cavallaro.
Dante Cavallaro has always been in my opinion one of the most intriguing and intense characters Cora Reilly has ever created. I always hoped that she is going to write more about the Capo of the Chicago Outfit and give us a deeper insight into his complex personality in order to help us better understand his actions and emotions in Bound by Duty. I’ve always assumed that we’ve only seen the surface of the many layers that make out this fascinating mobster boss and I’m beyond happy to report that behind the always poised and calm Ice Man facade hides a great man worthy of a strong, smart and loving woman like Valentina.
What I particularly enjoyed and found highly entertaining about this amazing book was the innovative way Cora has decided to structure and write it. It’s devided into five betrayals (from the past and present) Dante has perpatrated against the Outfit and the resulting consequences they had on his Mafia empire and his and his family’s life. If you’re a huge fan of this incredibly talented author like me you will have zero difficulties in guessing who those five women are that Dante has chosen over his vow, his men and the cause. A Capo may be the judge over life and death but he is also accountable for his actions. And as it’s often the case a betrayal comes with secrets that could destroy everything you’ve been working for.
Bound by the Past made me realise that Dante is anything but a cold fish as he is so often accused to be. When this man loves he does it deeply and unapologetically even though he doesn’t express his feelings in words most of the time but rather chooses to do it with actions and gestures. He is not afraid to make difficult and tough decisions in order to protect the people he cares about. It all made me truly admire and adore the Capo of the Chicago Outfit even more than I already did.
Valentina is not only his wife and the mother of his children she is also a person whose opinion Dante respects and appreciates on all matters. He is also the only Capo who allowed his wife to work which is in my opinion a sign that he is not backwards thinking like his father and wants to bring important, necessary changes to the Outfit. Val’s stubbornness and tendency to disobey her husband have often lead to heated discussions and steamy bedroom sessions. But explosive sexual chemistry is not the only thing that these two share. They support and trust each other fully and they love each other with every fiber of their being. Their arranged marriage was in the beginning serving a purpose but it turned into something they both never dared to dream about.
One of my highlights of this fantastic story was seeing Val and Dante interact with their kids and watching them grow up and develop quite the interesting and completely different personalities as well as seeing some of my beloved secondary characters again like sweet Bibianna and finding out who her love interest is. There are also hints for some more potential couples in the future books as well which you will find very exciting!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Bound by the Past and recommend it from the bottom of my heart. It’s a definite must for all Dante and Val shippers! Cora has once again proven why she is the Queen of Mafia romance and that she can still surprise us and take our breath away with some revelations. I’m therefore giving this precious gem 5 stars!
I was deeply fascinated by Dante Cavallaro from the moment I read Bound by Duty. On the outside, he was this blond, blue eyed and always composed Capo of the Chicago Outfit who didn’t show any emotions. I know that a man in his position has to uphold a certain image, but for me, he was always the biggest mystery among all male characters Mafia queen Cora Reilly has ever written. I wanted so badly to finally get inside the head of this man who kept his cards close to his chest. Since Bound by Duty was solely told from Valentina’s POV, we never got to see the story through Dante’s eyes. With Bound by the Past, Cora Reilly is not only giving us his side of their love story but a very detailed insight into his complex and fascinating character while laying the groundwork for some future novels like Bibiana’s and Orazio’s. I absolutely loved that, especially that we finally got a glimpse of Bibi’s love interest and future husband!
The book starts in the past, when Dante is nineteen and heir to Chicago’s Outfit and ends in the future when he’s married to his second wife and having children with her. The plot therefore spreads over several years, building the set up for many conflicting situations that resulted in Dante’s five betrayals to the Outfit and showing the aftermath of his actions. I loved how Cora masterfully crafted this story. It felt like with every betrayal another layer of Dante’s character was revealed. It was a very interesting and refreshingly different approach to explain his character to her readers.
I would have never guessed how far Dante Cavallaro would go in order to keep the people he loves safe. I thought that a man like him would always base his actions on rational thoughts, rather than emotions. But I was totally wrong! For all of you who thought that Dante is nothing but a cold and heartless fish, you will be pleasently surprised! This man is so full of emotions like a boiling volcano ready to burst. He just chooses to keep them all well hidden behind a mask. It took a beautiful, loving and stubborn woman like Val to make his walls crumble. She will incite feelings inside of him, like nobody else has ever before!
No matter how much Dante tried to keep Valentina at a distance, he couldn’t fight his growing desire for her forever. Especially after their daughter Anna was born, Dante finally realized that he couldn’t live in the past any longer. He had to embrace his second chance at happiness and concentrate on the future!
Watching Dante as a loving and protective father who spends quality time with his children, despite being a very busy Capo, made my heart melt. Val and their kids were everything to him! I loved how their marriage was based on love, respect and total trust. I know many of us were wondering after Bound by Duty if he really cares about Val. But let me assure you that he loves her truly, madly and deeply! Their emotional connection is so strong and goes far beyond their sexual chemistry. They complemented each other perfectly! I loved how Val made Dante softer without making him weak. She wasn’t only his wife, but his lover and best friend. She never shied away from his darker side, always ready to take some burden from his shoulders.
I’m so greatful to Cora, for giving this amazing couple another story. I missed them and loved re-connecting with them after all this time. The wait was definitely worth it, because Cora gave me much more than I could have ever asked for. Especially the kids were a highlight of the book for me. They’re all very different character wise and I can’t wait to see what Cora has planned for their future. I’m giving this highly entertaining and absolutely unputdownable gem 5 well deserved stars!
Book: Bound by the Past Bound By The Past (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles Book 7)
Author: Cora Reilly
Rating: 4/5 stars
“I trust in you and no matter what you decide, I’ll be at your side. I’ll always be there.”
I’ve been waiting for this story to be released since BBD was released, yeah it took some time for me to get but it was worth every day I waited for it. With that being said, here’s my review of BBTP by the mafia queen Cora Reilly.
Bound by the Past the following-up novel of Dante Cavallaro and Valentina Aresco(Cavallaro). I want to be very upfront, you need to read BBH, BBD, BBL, and TP to understand this book and follow the timeline. That being said, I’m satisfied with the overall story and how it was delivered by Cora.
Bound by the Past will give you a lot of insight into Dante’s life, past, present and I might dare to say future. This story was very interesting to me, I was able to understand him more, what were his vulnerabilities, strengths, and how his brain works. Dante is a very complex hero and it’s often misunderstood, I hope this book will help other readers to understand him better.
The book is mainly narrated from Dante’s POV and although I didn’t have any problems with that I still missed more from Valentina, I would have liked her to be more present on the book, but I get it, I totally get why Cora decided to write this story like in this way, we needed to know more from Dante. The book is focused on him and his decisions and how those decision had/have the power to change things not only for him but as well for many other characters in this mafia-world.
I was very pleased to see the introduction of new characters and get more glimpses of others we already knew. I’m pretty sure readers will love Leonas Cavallaro and he deserves to be loved, that boy is something else and I’m sure many will be super excited to know what will happen with him.
I don’t want to give away more of the book because I might be spoiling it for others and I think we deserve to go into it as blindly as possible. With that said, hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
Secrets, lies, sacrifices, blood and loyalties…This book has everything. Cora Riley proves once again why she claims the crown of Queen of mafia, she brings it I couldn’t put this book down..
The writing was flawless, bound by the past is everything you need from a mafia book but so so much more. Cora writing is sublime.. Just Brilliant.. The level of emotions that this story brought forth in me was down right Amazing..
Dante will go down in the history books as one of my top book boyfriends he owned me..
6 Stars!
5 STARS
Cora Reilly has penned another successfully captivating mafia romance! Truly a masterpiece!!!Seriously, what’s not to love…more of Dante Cavallaro and his innermost thoughts along with Val and many other important members of the Outfit! Snippets of Remo…I just love him and many others. This book covers quite a length of time from past to present, but it’s totally worth the journey!
Bound By The Past by Cora Reilly is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
First of all you CAN’T read this book as a stand-alone, you at least have to have read Bound by Duty, because this book is a continuation of Dante and Valentina’s story. Also there will be a lot of spoilers regarding events that happen in the books that released after Bound by Duty (books 3-6). So if you really want to enjoy this series to its fullest, then I highly recommend you to read the books in order. Let’s get back to reviewing Bound by the Past. Dante and Valentina are my favorite couple in this series, so I was very excited when I saw that Cora was writing another book featuring them. This book starts of with an event that took place when Dante was 19 years old, I really liked seeing how a younger Dante started his journey to become Capo of the Chicago Outfit. It really made me like him even more than I already did. Then we get to see Dante with his first wife Carla, which was a very emotional and powerful scene. Then the book spans over 14 years of Dante and Valentina’s marriage.
A couple of events will sound familiar, but we haven’t seen it through Dante and Valentina’s eyes. For examples events that we saw through Luca/Aria and Remo/Serafina’s eyes for the first time, we are seeing what it did and how Dante and Valentina were experiencing everything at the same time. I was very intrigued how Dante handled things and how supportive and essential Valentina was to his state of mind at times. These two showed me again why they are one of my favorite couples, and I just loved being reunited with them. Seeing them grow stronger and closer together, and the relationship they have with their children was beautiful. I enjoyed this book immensely. I am intrigued by so many characters in this series, that I can’t wait for all of them to get their own books. Readers who love this series and couple will enjoy this book as well, and I can’t wait for the next book to release so I can meet the new characters and catch up on all my favorite ones.
Finish this book and I clarify that this is my very personal opinion, it is very likely that it does not coincide with the majority and that is fine, everyone is free to express themselves according to their tastes.
For me Dante has never been one of my favorite characters in Cora’s books, perhaps because from the first book he seemed to me to be too controlled and cold, I didn’t like his attitude towards Valentina and that probably doesn’t help him to see it differently in this book.
It’s true that there are parts where it’s sad to see how his family condemns him when he has sacrificed so much for each of them, they are very ungrateful, reading that part really made me feel sorry for him.
For me this book shows me more of Dante as the family man, the husband and father and very little as the Capo that he is and from which his men expect him to lead them. He’s more concerned on favor his family then act as the Capo, I sincerely was happy that he didn’t give to Val the “job” in this book, and not because I was against women in power, I believe that it would only come to divide instead of unite and make his organization stronger.
The steps he is taking in that world outside of his own should have been taken long ago, Luca has been very well covered by that side for a long time so seeing that Dante has just started that path has surprised me.
There are very pleasant surprises, like Samuel and who will be his wife, the possible future unions of Anna and Leonas, those books I am looking forward to read.
In conclusion, I liked the book and I’m sure that if you are a fan of Dante this second part of it will delight you, to me not so much, my favorites are still Luca, Cassio, Remo then Dante.
Bound by the Past
This story was amazing as it starts well and truly before Dante marries Valentina and extends well beyond where we got up to with the Falcones and SerafinaIt definitely gives insight into a lot of decisions made by Dante but also Val, which I found interesting. One thing I will say is I’m certainly conflicted because I love ALL these characters that Cora has created within these three Mafia families and it kills me to ponder what direction or who we’ve fallen in love with, will either die or have something happen to them next
A definite must read and I’m looking forward to more by Cora I received an advanced copy and I voluntarily leave my honest review