I was born a monster. Cruelty ran in my veins like poison. It ran in the veins of every Vitiello man, passed on from father to son, an endless spiral of monstrosity. A born monster shaped into an even worse monster by my father’s blade and fists and harsh words. I was raised to become Capo, to rule without mercy, to dish out brutality without a second thought.Raised to break others. When Aria was … was given to me in marriage, everyone waited with baited breath to see how fast I’d break her like my father broke his women. How I’d crush her innocence and kindness with the force of my cruelty.Breaking her would have taken little effort. It came naturally to me.I was gladly the monster everyone feared. Until her.Author’s note: Bound By Honor in Luca’s POV.
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Ok I dont know about you but I have been waiting for this since the beginning of this series and I normally encourage all to start any series from the beginning but I honestly do not think that I have to tell any of you that because you have not started from the beginning than you seriously have a problem, I can say without a doubt than this is one of my favorite series and Cora Reilly has become one of those as soon as it is out grab it. So I have loved Luca from the beginning, and I may sound like a hypocrite because I tend to detest any cheater I think Luca has been the only that I have given a pass to (no I never condone cheating) I kind of understood the reasoning behind it even if it broke my heart but I always rooted for these two and after reading this I understood him more, again not condoning cheating but he thought he disgusted her,,Ok I am not going to give spoilers, but as I was reading this book, I was remembering the first book and remembering all the thoughts so I appreciated getting Luca’s feelings. My only issue and has been since the very beginning and even more so after reading this is why is Grace alive and well. Why? Everybody else that has been despicable and we have hated has gotten their due, yet Grace is still living and well off, nothing bad has happened to her and I hate that because I seriously and have to remind myself that this is fiction but to my outlook shows you how good of a writer Cora is that she get that feeling from me, well all the feels..I hate her and will continue to do so and even though we had gotten a story on the future with Luca and Aria and know how they continued I still want her taken care of..I know so bloodthirsty of me..But Cora can we get justice? I mean she tried to have Aria seriously hurt.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
WOW!! A must read to all Luca fans!!!! I didn’t think I could love Luca any more than I already do but getting to read about his childhood and his thoughts really made me connect more with his character. I loved how we got a couple of new scenes of him and Aria, especially since they are one of my favorite couples. Also, I loved the bond between Matteo and Luca. Yeah we saw it in Bound by Honor but I think this book definitely made me feel it a lot more. Thank you Cora Reilly for letting us have more Luca. Can’t wait for the next book!
As a huge Cora Reilly fan I was over the moon excited when she announced that she is writing the story of Luca “The Vice” Vitiello, one of my most favorite characters written by her. I fell in love with the young Capo of the New York Famiglia since Bound By Honor and always wanted to read the book from his point of view and be inside his head. He was always a little mystery to me. On the outside he was this huge intimidating guy everybody feared because he was able to crash a man’s throat with his bare hands. But there was always so much more to him than meets the eye.
Raised by a sadistic and cruel father, all Luca and his brother Matteo knew was violence and abuse. They watched their father rape and beat their mother on a regular basis until she decided to take away her own life. After that, Luca and Matteo have sworn to never let love make them weak. In the harsh world of Mafia, feelings like that had no place. After all, Luca was raised to become Capo and rule without mercy and dish out brutality without a second thought.
When beautiful and innocent Aria Scuderi was given to him in marriage, everyone waited to see how fast he would break her. But breaking her was never on his mind, because Luca loathed the idea of ever becoming like his father. Being used to arranged marriages in their world, all Luca was hoping for was a companion he would respect and protect. But he got so much more. Nobody ever expected that Aria could crush the walls around Luca’s heart and make him feel again. But can a man in his position afford a weakness like love?
For all of you who’ve read Cora’s books know that this love story was epic! My heart always melts when I think how Luca was gentle with Aria and teached her things. He wanted her so bad but knew that she was unexperienced and scared. She was so innocent compared to him, but was willing to learn and make their marriage work despite being arranged for tactical reasons because of their rivaling Mob families.
After reading about Luca’s childhood and youth, plus having his side of the story, I even love him more than I already did. How could I not when he was so protective of Aria and loved her with all of his heart and soul! It took a little time for his head to catch up with his heart, but once it did he knew there was no going back. After all, his sweet principessa accepted him and his darkness without judgment. She was the only person who could see more in him than others. After she sacrificed herself to safe him, he knew that her love for him was true and that he’s found a loyal, strong woman in her.
“Maybe love is a risk, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take and as you said, it’s not a choice. I never thought I would, never thought I could love someone like that, but I fell in love with you. I fought it. It’s the first battle I didn’t mind losing.”
I applaud to Cora Reilly for writing this book and giving the fans the story we’ve been waiting for! Now having Luca’s and Aria’s side of their love story, my heart is full and my eyes filled with tears. I never want to let them go! Thank you Cora for writing another brilliant masterpiece. Your talent is out of this world. 5 stars.
It doesn’t matter if you have read the Born in Blood Series already or are new to it, this is a book you do not want to miss! I will admit that although this series has been around for a while I hadn’t read the first book, Bound by Honor , until this past February and I was hooked I added the entire series to my TBR shelf so when I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of LUCA VITIELLO I jumped on it and I am soooo glad I did.
This story had everything I loved about the first book but from Luca’s Point Of View and it included some parts from his childhood that were only mentioned in the first book. HOLY COW! The Passion, The Love of Family, The of a good woman, The Bloodshed, The Passion…oh wait I said that already, well you get it.
Luca and Aria are promised to one another when Aria is just fifteen years old, this will bond the New York Mafia and the Chicago Outfit together and make them even stronger, and Luca and Aria marry when she turns eighteen. I really enjoyed seeing the old Italian traditions come to play through Luca’s eyes because I can tell you as a woman how I would feel about them but you would always wonder how a man of this day and age would feel about them as well and I am so glad we got to see that for ourselves.
I am not going to give any spoilers away for those of you that haven’t read the series yet but I will say that this has been the best Mafia Romance I have read in a VERY LONG TIME!!!!
Happy Reading!!!
Wow! It is the Bound by Honor story from Luca’s perspective. I loved this book! I really like it when authors publish books like this. It feels like you get the whole story about the couple. We are in the world of Luca and Aria once again. I think this book really told his side of the story well. It has added bonus content about Luca growing up. It goes with him, so we get to understand his world better. I would highly recommend this book!
El mejor nunca defrauda , es una obsesión está escritora!
Cora Reilly
Luca Vitiello Review
This book follows the same story line as “Bound By Honor” except it is from Luca’s POV.
In this book we get to read from Luca’s side. I found this book to be a more interesting read than Aria’s book because Luca has a lot more to overcome in this storyline.
I really liked reading about different areas in his childhood and how it made him into the man he is today. I liked seeing how he stuck up for Matteo and became the “VICE”. I also began to understand him more when you read chapters as he aged and his first experience with Aria.
When we get to the point where they are married we begin to see him confused with how he feels and what he believes a “mafia man” needs to be like. We see him try to protect Aria from his father and the harshness of the mafia but we also see how she cares for him and how it affects him.
Again, the scene where Aria takes a bullet for him is the best scene for me. We see him fall apart and refuse to leave her. To me this is where he finally admits what he feels for her and it is where his acceptance is shown. I also believe this is what leads into their second book.
Since this book is from Luca’s POV there is more violence and drug use. However, I felt like Cora did not try and over do it.
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This book is basically Bound by Honor but from Luca’s POV. While I really liked the first book, I LOVED this one! Seeing everything from Luca’s point of view was what I was missing from the first book. u2063
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Luca realizing he’s not a total monster and his surprise in learning that was amazing! I also loved all the Famiglia-related information we got in this book that we weren’t privy to in the first…the conversations with Matteo and the planning behind the scenes. All of this made the book for me!u2063
“She was mine. My wife. And because of that. I wanted to protect her, even from myself—the hardest task of all.”
I’m a HUGE sucker for a powerful, dangerous mafia man brought to his knees and has his whole life flipped upside down by falling in love. SWOON. Luca attempts a business arrangement, that blossoms, all but slowly, into so much MORE!! I couldn’t get enough of these two as they fought common enemies to finally get their, albeit bloody, Happily Ever After. Exciting, dramatic, dark, and intense, Luca’s POV lends a whole new portrayal for this couple.
“Then so be it. I’ll go where you go, no matter how dark the path.”
Keeping everything 100 I adored this way more than Bound By Honor. Mostly because for me, being in Aria’s head was not ever a nice place to be. I always preferred seeing Aria through other people’s eyes. Especially Luca’s. Honestly this was never my favourite couple but I got a lot more out of their courtship in this book than BbH. Really glad I picked the up. (less)
This is Bound in blood but this time told completely from Luca POV and it was something I was really looking forward to experiencing, basically filling in the blanks and getting some perspective into Luca’s mindset and actions and though I’ve rated this the same it did have a slight edge for me with my enjoyment factor.
You really got to understand just how deeply Luca was feeling towards Aria.
His inner monologue explained a lot and though I still hate what he did in the initial days of his marriage I did get much more of an insight into the whys of it all.
I don’t forgive him quite yet but I do get it.
I still wish Grace got more of a comeuppance though she got off so lightly as did Luca.
Here you really do get to realise that Luca really cares about Aria and for him despite his vows in blood she is his first priority.
So this is basically a rehash of bound in blood just with a few extra scenes thrown in that weren’t in the original.
But despite that, I really enjoyed it and feel like I know Luca so much better for it.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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Luca Vitiello is a retelling of Bound by Honor in Luca’s Pov, but it’s better written, and Luca’s perspective is much more exciting and intriguing to read than Aria’s. Cora started the novel by giving readers a bit of insight into Luca’s past, allowing the reader to connect and understand what it was like for him to grow up in the mafia world. I was hooked from the beginning of this book all the way to the last word. Although I will forever hold a grudge against Luca for cheating on Aria, reading his pov allowed me to understand his thoughts, perspective, and overall situation. I’m a tad less angry with him after reading this novel. Overall, Cora did a fantastic job with this book; it was a highly addictive read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good mafia romance.
So.. it took me a week to finish Cora Reilly’s new book Luca Vitiello .
And it’s not because I didn’t have the time… it’s because I took my time!
In this book, we got a glimpse of Luca’s POV during Bound by Honor – and it was amazingggg going into Luca’s head
I savored each word and thought!
Reliving Aria and Luca’s love was… I can’t even put it into words… they have this special place in my heart! I can’t never get enough of them!
“Maybe love is a risk, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take and, as you said, it’s not a choice. I never thought I would, never thought I could love someone like that, but I fell in love with you. I fought it. It’s the first battle I didn’t mind losing!”
I got the chance to read about Luca and Matteo’s horrible childhood, how Luca sees himself, and how he learnt to separate his mafiosi side and bring out his loving and protective side (most of the time)
In this book we got the opportunity to see the inner struggle of Luca with his love for Aria and the choices he had to make, his devotion to his brother and Aria, his protectiveness over them.
“Aria’s a queen, and I’ll treat her like one. I won’t be like you. Your legacy dies today. Matteo and I will make sure of it.”
Also, Luca’s way of learning how to be a different man to Aria then when he was with his soldiers. How he kept the Monster at bay.
“You shouldn’t love me, Aria. I’m not someone who should be loved. People fear me, they hate me, they respect me, they admire me, but they don’t love me. I’m a killer. I’m good at killing. Better probably than at anything else, and I don’t regret it. Fuck, sometimes I even enjoy it. That’s a man you want to love? ”
Yes!!!! OMG yes!!! But that just me…
It was a pleasure to get inside his head and learn new things that weren’t in BbH, all thanks to his POV.
Although, I’ve read Bbh and BbL several times, I didn’t want the book to end
Luca is and always will be my first and greatest mafia love
Thank you Cora for bringing him to us-
to me!
I actually really enjoyed Lucas version it was nice to get into his head a bit more and see how he kind of functioned and reacted to things and I liked seeing his feelings for Aria from his PoV. A good addition to the series.
Luca Vitiello I can say with all certainty that it was one of the best gifts that Cora gave to her fans.
(A complete Pov from Luca).
I was never a big fan of Luca and questioned some of his attitudes throughout the books and when I read Bound by love he quickly became my least favorite character, it was some years “hating” the character and even him with all the love and protection that obviously he has for Aria and Matteo the only thing I could see in Luca was a possessive and self-centered man, sometimes I had the impression that he only ‘supported’ others because of Aria and that was something that made me very angry, as if Aria was obliged to live exclusively for him, having to totally distance himself from his sisters and dedicate himself totally to building a family with him, which in a way was a very hypocritical attitude on his part because what he demanded of Aria himself did not.
So what made me change my mind ?? reading Luca Vitiello and getting to know Luca’s story from childhood to the present day I finally got to know and get into the character’s mind, why he acted as he did, his pressure to be a future capo, he trying to protect his brother, the loyalty between them.
it is very beautiful to see Luca tear down his walls and find himself in love with Aria and how much he would be willing to die for her and Matteo.
In short, I loved this book … I can say that I liked it much more than Bound by honor and obviously BBL, if Cora had released this book years ago I probably wouldn’t have been so reluctant to like Luca.
great book super recommend reading.
I love this book and I really enjoyed it
Thanks to this book we can see Lucca’s perspective and understand many things. I loved him too much.
*AUDIOBOOK*
5+ STARS
WOW! My mind is blown. Luca Vitiello is my TOP favorite book in Mafia Romance!! I devoured this story. Unlike most I did not read Bound by Honor first. I started with Luca’s POV. Cora Reilly crafted one suspenseful emotional, angsty story. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED how Luca respected Aria from the beginning. He has grown up never knowing love or how to love another. His mother committed suicide at a young age and he grew up in the famiglia with a father he abhorred. All he has is his younger brother, Matteo and he will do whatever it takes to become the next Capo. Luca is ruthless and determined. He is protective & fierce and although his marriage to Aria was not one of love initially I immediately fell for both of them. The thing you have to remember is Luca was born into this life and he knows no different than what the men in the famiglia have shown him. Yes, there are moments of frustration at some of his choices but as he navigates his feelings for Aria we see a completely different side to him and I was easily able to forgive some of those choices. Due to Luca’s position in the famiglia he is determined to never ever show weakness to the outside world but it is apparent from the beginning that Aria is going to pull out his softer side, one he didn’t know he had. This book is filled with violence, bloodshed and tears of pain but there is an emotional and physical bond so strong I am certain it will stand the test of time. This writing is epic. I am new to Cora Reilly’s writing and I am looking forward to going back and reading the rest of the series starting with Aria’s POV.
I ADORE Sebastian York’s narration. I will never get tired of his books. His talent knows no bounds. His voice is incredible and holds a gorgeous rich powerfulness to it that makes the listening experience so much more!
This book just became my favorite mafia romance ever! I listened to the audiobook, which is read in its entirety by Sebastian York who is the epitome of growly perfection. He does an amazing job portraying Luca and Aria and infusing the performance with emotion. What really got me about this book however was how Cora Reilly infused feminism into an arranged marriage. Luca is vicious, but Aria softens all his hard edges. She understands her place in the world she is in, but that doesn’t stop her from fighting for the right to make decisions about her body and for the love she has clearly dreamed fo since she was a little girl. The best part about this book was the accurate portrayal of first time sex. Whenever I read about a virgin’s first time where the pain was a little pinch, and after that she climaxed multiple times over multiple rounds I struggle not to roll my eyes. Cora Reilly’s description was realistic and intimate and still very steamy. This book was so enjoyable to read, I had a difficult time removing my earbuds. If you enjoy mafia romance you will love this story and I definitely recommend it in audio!
I received a copy of the audiobook and voluntarily give my review.
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it. I would have gladly given it a 5 star status but for all the editing issues. I tripped over 17 silly mistakes where the author had used either the wrong word, the wrong tense or it was misspelled, plus grammar errors and missing words. This is the first book in the series and I was continually taken out of the read with stupid mistakes that A/ should have been caught by the editor or proofer or the author and B/ should have been updated. There is nothing worse when you pay $6, 7 or 8 bucks for a digital copy and it’s in sloppy shape. ie: sent instead of send; we work out and do train there; that’s I’d instead of that I’d; stood to attention instead of stood at attention, etc etc etc; oh, and I’ve never heard a tongue labelled as a digit! It shows a lack of respect for the readers and fans of this author and it frustrates and irritates me that far too many author’s don’t bother doing this,part,of their job and let it slide. If this was an arc, I could let it go, but I bought and paid for this digital book and I have every right to expect that I won’t trip over 17 stupid and blatant mistakes that pretty much anyone could have caught. This is part of your job – do it right!
Edits for Luca
“He would sent you after me.” === send
“Okay. We have a gym where we work out and do train. We could go there.” ===and train.
The way the pursed her lips, one thing immediately came to my mind. “Many things.” === she pursed
If I told her often I’d been wounded in the last decade, she would trust my word. === her how often == she wouldn’t trust
I pushed upright, bringing us closer, wanting to console her and assure her but, as so often. at a loss at how to do it, especially now when my concern for my wife battled with fury with my cousin in my mind. === I pushed upright, bringing us closer. I wanted to console her and assure her but so often lately, I was at a loss as to how to do it, especially when my concern for my wife battled with fury for my cousin.
As if I’d ever marry an outsider, especially one of the fucking thrill-seekers who’d always only be with me to be in the spotlight and add a kick to their pathetic lives. === only been with me
“On your way to your wife, or why are you eager to shake me off?”=== “Why are you eager to shake me off, on your way to your wife?”
I plunged my tongue into her, groaning against her at how tight those walls clamped around the digit. === clamped around my tongue. (never heard a tongue called a digit)
That’s I’d allow him to spend the night with the girl? ===That I’d
I’ll fuck you bloody, cunt.’ === your bloody
I’d never been this close to someone while sex, never gone as slow, or tried to pay attention to a woman’s facial expressions to make sure she was okay.=== while having sex; never gone as slow, or tried
Soon Aria began rocking her hips almost imperceptibly, and my cock stood to attention. “Let’s === stood at attention.”
My days in the next two weeks were filled with countless discussions with my father about possible ways to make the Bratva pay. === over the next two weeks
Maybe Matteo and I will toast your death with her with your favorite bottle of wine,” I growled. === toast your death with her and your favourite bottle of wine,”
“The Bratva attacks the mansion,” I got out past my tight throat then called our pilot to get the helicopter ready. === Bratva is attacking the
I pulled my own knife from my back holster, barreled toward them, pulled Aria to my side, and slid Vitali’s throat open. === slit Vitali’s throat open.
“Taking a bullet for me.” “Take a bullet for me.”