Pretty things always tell lies … hook-up, when he didn’t even know her name, was all she could afford.
Their one-time encounter should have stopped there. But an ex that causes problems for her business—and the mob’s—and Cory becomes her new shadow until the bullets quiet in the streets. It gets harder and harder to stay out of his bed.
They’ll walk a fine line.
And there is no mercy in this tragedy.
For love and lost blood, once more, Chicago will rage.
*
Pretty Lies is a standalone Mafia Romance within Bethany-Kris’s Commission World.
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Pretty Lies is a toe-curling, intoxicating mafia romance. Cory Rossi is pure sex walking. He exudes an authority all his own. He’s working his way up in the business and it’s hard not to see why. One thing captivates his attention over everything, his boss’s daughter, Della.
Adella Costello, is pure confidence and holds her own. After a break up, she’s ready for a distraction. And she’s no stranger to who this distraction really is. One night will never be enough though. Della and Cory are brought back together when things get messy with her ex.
These two together are like the striking of a match. And their flame just keeps getting stronger. Their seductive heat is so strong that it seeps and smolders from the pages. A completely addictive read!
Are all books by Bethany-Kris this amazing? Why did no one tell me?!?! *cries*
I think I loved this book best because even though it was a crime family/mafia storyline, it wasn’t what I would call dark. It was intense and passionate and dealt with heavy subject matter but the romance journey of Della and Cory overshadowed everything. Their journey to romance is what shone the brightest in this story.
Second thing I loved the best (because everything I loved was the best) was Della and Cory. Their story is not sexually driven but passionate. Their connection didn’t come from sexual chemistry (which they had in spades), it came from who they were at their core. Their beliefs and desires for their future is what fueled them. They believed in each other. They wanted for each other. They were a unite above and beyond the physical.
The third thing I loved the best was the progressive nature of the story. When you think of crime families or the mafia, you more than likely will think old world views and closed door discussions. This story showed a progressive world that wasn’t necessarily male dominated and business didn’t always happen behind closed doors. It was refreshing.
I spy a backlist binge in my future ….
5 STARS
Bethany-Kris is a genius at creating couples who are the absolutely perfect match for each other! Della and Cory are no exception! As individuals they are captivating, but together they are dynamite. I loved every word and every moment in Pretty Lies. I can never get enough of BK’s writing and I will jump at the chance to read her new releases!
Pretty Lies by Bethany-Kris is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Steamy and Addicting!!! 5 Stars+…
Tattooed, bad boy Cory Rossi of the Chicago mob, “the Outfit” is not your usual Armani suit wearing mob man. He wears a leather jacket, jeans, and boots and add in good-looking. When Della Costello, gorgeous brunette and daughter to a mob loan shark meets Cory in a club, it’s hot steamy sex. Throw in an ex-lover of Della plus danger, and sadness that brought me to tears, you have an incredible book that captured me from the very beginning. Bethany-Kris is an extraordinary author, I have read every book she has written and this one doesn’t disappoint. In fact, I am going to go back and re-read her Chicago series one more time.
Another fantastic read from Bethany-Kris. I was instantly drawn to this book after reading the blurb and I’m happy I got the opportunity to read it. Emotion, Drama, action, this book had it all and kept me glued to the pages. I loved the interactions between Corry and Della. The protagonists are not only likable but believable, there’s plenty of steam and a chemistry that can be felt throughout the book, it’s gritty with twists and turns, betrayal and angst. As a woman in the mob Della was different from what I thought she would be, she’s fierce and strong-headed and knows to stand her ground. I loved that about her. And Corry was so determined to protect her at all cost, it was very heartwarming. An enduring dark mafia romance. A well-scripted and easy to follow story with engaging and interesting characters. I highly recommend this book!
*ARC was kindly provided in exchange for my honest review.*
Gritty, delicious mafia romance…
I’m always excited to dive into a new Bethany-Kris read! There are a few authors who I immediately think of when I think mafia romance and she is at the top of the list. Gritty, emotional, family-centric – her stories are full of heat and drama and characters you never forget….
Cory and Della’s story didn’t follow the usual courtship rules which is fitting as neither liked to play by any rules. Their scorching hot introduction was a purely physical connection, which paved the way for the more complicated relationship to follow. Both were rebels in their own way yet, together, they formed a team, at work and at play… Protector and protected they may have been, they ended up being a team through it all. Twists and turns and all, this was another great read!
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
I been waiting on Cory’s story and it did not disappoint. Supremely sexy, a brilliant mess and such a giver. A giver of the Os! It’s all about her. What a man! And what a woman he found as the recipient of his generous giving. The bombshell, baddass Della Costello. She working in the man’s world of mafia and holding her own as her Dad’s loanshark enforcer. Gotta love a gal with a gun and a switchblade! Also love that there’s a crack in this world where certain body parts are more important than brains. Della not only can go toe to toe with the men but she looks like a cover girl while doing it. No army boots and ripped jeans for her. It’s sleek dresses and high heels and painted lips. I love this mafia world the author created and the fabulous characters and families that just keep giving us thrilling stories and sexy romances. This is one of my favorites as far as couples go. The hellion teen prone to trouble finally grows up into a spectacular man and finds his perfect mate in Della. She’s feisty and fierce and I love that she clingy and not only admits it but makes Cory love it. There’s mystery and suspense and a brutal blow as a loved one goes down but the culprit was not much of a stretch. I got into my feelings with this one and loved every minute of it. So good! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
Della and Cory are a match made in charasmatic heaven. Bethany always gives her men a woman who is exactly what they need and one will will challenge them as well as entice them. I loved Della because she’s not just surviving in the mob she thrives. Della knows her own mind she is sexy assertive but one thing she never expected was to feel so much for her one night stand. Cory was exactly who I imagined him to be, strong and determined he may follow the rules of the mob but he does it in his own way and when he loves he does it with every aresnal at his disposure. What I loved the most was the unit they formed and the way they had each others back no matter what. Yet again Bethany has mixed a great mafia story with an epic love between two well matched characters.
***4 “Something…” stars***
“Men like Cory Rossi only did one thing to women like her.
Break hearts.”
I love Bethany’s mafia world so much and if you haven’t read any of her books yet, you don’t know what you’re missing…
“The Chicago War” series was one of my favorites and even though “Pretty Lies” is a complete standalone, it was nice to see the next generation, and the small appearances of previous characters in here!!!
I repeat, this book is a standalone, so don’t you worry for this kind of connections…
The only thing that you should know is that this story was beautiful!!!! Bethany did it again!!!
Cory Rossi is the younger Rossi brother, son of Lily DeLuca and Damian Rossi (for those who are remembering them!!!) and he’s a little bit carefree and wild… A reputation that is following him all the time around… And now, that his older brother and best friend has moved on with his life, he is feeling a little bit lonely, but that’s not reason for not enjoying life…
One of those nights, he is having a stand alone with a gorgeous woman that he doesn’t even ask for her name!!! After all, her name doesn’t matter, right???
“How important was a name, really?”
Della is having a rough time at the moment… She just broke up with her boyfriend and that said boyfriend is making her life a little bit hard. At the same time, she is trying to prove herself in a man’s world, since she is helping her father in a very difficult task of the job…
She doesn’t afford to let loose and she just let herself enjoy only one night and it is about to bite her in the ass…
When someone is attacking her inside her house, the only person that she wasn’t waiting to see in front of her was the one that she thought that she won’t ever see again.
“She was going to keep pretending that didn’t happen. Even if her mind and body wouldn’t let her forget.”
From now on, Cory has to be Della’s shadow and to protect her, but what will happen when she is being difficult about this??? Or when in the grand scheme of things, the attack was almost nothing??? Who is playing games with them??? And who’s the liar around them???
And what about that damn attraction between them that is growing day by day???
“Pretty things are lies, girl. Pretty always lies. Nothing that looks pretty is ever what it seems on the surface. Of course, you weren’t just some beautiful woman in a club -you had to be more. Can’t trust pretty things.”
I loved Cory and Della very much!!!
They were fitting so good together… and it was hilarious to watch them think that this attraction between them could stay just… simple!!!!
I liked how the nothing between them developed as something…
I loved them separately for what they were and what they stood, but i liked them even more when they mixed together…
There was something more between them, even though they didn’t want to acknowledge it!!!
But firstly, they had to find out who was behind the attack… Cause something much greater than them was playing out behind the scenes…
“I don’t do this with women…”
“But you’re doing something with me now?”
“Something. I’m not sure what.”
“So as long as it’s good…”
Well, as you can understand, i did enjoy this story very much…
I liked how everything played out in here… even though i would preffer to had avoid a certain incident, but hell… I wouldn’t change anything in here!!!
I have to say that I liked J. and the way he was with his sister very much…
Also i loved that i saw Lily, Damian, Theo and Tommas for once again…
Can’t wait for Bethany’s next story!!!
“Maybe you’re making something out of nothing after all and that’s entirely the point. Maybe something in you likes something that it found in him. Or vice versa. Like I said, lots of great things come from nothing, Della.”
*ARC provided in the exchange of an honest review*
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Cary Rossi sisn’t what you would expect the youngest son of the Chicago mob’s underboss to be. Despite what everyone thinks, he can actually do what he’s told. He just does it his own way. The problem with that is every tattooed-and leather-covered inch of him screams one thing to Della Costello-total heartbreak. It’s all men like him do, right? One hook-up, when he didn’t even know her name, was all she could afford. Their one time encounter should have stopped there. But an ex that causes problems fro her business-and the mob’s-and Cory becomes her new shadow until the bullets quiet in the streets. It gets harder and harder to stay out of his bed. They’ll walk a fine line. And there is no mercy in his tragedy. For love to lost blood, once more, Chicago will rage.
Get ready to meet your next book boyfriend. Cory Rossi is going to steal your heart. He is absolutely everything that a book boyfriend needs to be. The guys is who he is and make no apologies for it either. Della Costello is one of those female characters that you love too. She is strong and lives her life the way she wants and makes no apologies for it Together these two are perfection but things are not that simple. These two have one of the most intense connections you will read about and their story will have your turning pages like a crazy reader. You need to get this book and enjoy the ride.
There was just something special about this story. The romantic development of Cory Rossi and Della Costello was so organic and raw that it seeped into my soul. I was able to feel their need and want for one another. While there was a sexual connection from the start, the way that the author slowly and methodically spun their love and trust towards one another had me not wanting the story to end. There were lots of emotions in this story……Lust, Flirtation, Greed, Sorrow, Anger, and Desire that fueled they story but what I absolutely adored was the effortless connection that these two showed.
When dealing with the mafia, business never stops. No matter the circumstances. The situation going on in the story creates a close dynamic for Cory and Della. And as the plot thickens, so does the feelings. There is also suspense throughout the story that leads to shocking and devastating revelations. But seeing Cory handle the situation because Della has become his person is absolutely perfect.
I must also admit my love for the Chicago Outfit. And having a lot of the characters make cameo appearances made the story even more special. It’s so easy to get lost in their world. This author writes with strong emotion and conviction for her characters. There is passion, grit, sensual and combustible love and a banter between the characters that you can’t get enough of. What can I say, I love Cory and Della.
A must read in my opinion!!!
Rating: 3 – 3.5
This author always has me coming back for more with how she emotionally pairs up her mafioso main couples and the mob drama which is sure to ensue. Yeah, I’m an unashamedly avid romantic at heart who reads for the emotional connection, relationship angst, and ultimately the fight for love and each other drama that takes place. She usually adds hard core, nothing left to the imagination, so you’d better not be sexually squeamish, very graphic, dirty talking, smex scenes, as well. Even that seemed more ramped up than usual here. If that kind of steam is not your thing, you’ll need to look away by skimming or skipping those sections altogether. Some may find them on the crude/crass side. They do pop up here and there, but an unfolding, danger lurking in the background plot takes center stage and focus.
This go around we get cameos of some of the characters from The Chicago War. That is not surprising since Cory, the hero, is flesh and blood of the Rossi family, and Della, the heroine has mob ties, too. So, yeah, the mob drama was definitely present, because this is a small spin-off book of that particular series. Btw, I highly recommend each stand-alone book in that epic mafia series. It was extremely well done, and I still consider it one of my all-time favorites.
Though I liked how Cory became protective of Della, I’m struggling a bit to find anything overly extraordinary about either of them that makes them stand out. They just were. I felt I was told who they were, what their family mob job was, and some of their poor past behavior/decisions, but neither particularly stood out as overly deep characters. Other than they were loved by their families and were attracted to one another. Not that I didn’t enjoy spending time with them and was happy to see them get their HEA. Because at the end of the day, that is what this avid mafiosa romantic reader is all about.
The opening, random, drunken, public bathroom, smex scene, which started it all, didn’t exactly set the stage for meaningful character set-up between these two. For me, it had the opposite effect. It belittled them from the get go, because I wanted and expected better of and for them. Yeah, it is likely a personal preference kind of thing. I will choose class/substance over steam every single time, folks. That is why I was repulsed to find out just the extent Della’s ex-boyfriend had been catting around with and whom while still in her bed.
In conclusion, it is always great to be reunited with The Chicago War cast. Cody and Della have now been entered as a couple into the mix. Yay for them! I hope to run into them again. Time will tell if more books will follow. The point remains no one seems to do mafia drama better than Bethany-Kris, at least in this reviewer’s eyes.
Title: Pretty Lies, Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 234, stand-alone, VERY graphic, dirty talk, smex scenes, mob violence, smokes pot, no OW drama, OM tries to cause problems, no cheating, no love triangle, not with OP after meeting.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
I’m not even sure where to start!!! Bethany does Mafia romances like no one else! Cory and Della are to hurricanes clashing together to leave behind a beautiful disaster! I was not ready for a particular part but let me tell you it made this book absolutely perfect! Della may be working for her father with out the Outfit knowing but damn she does her job well. A one night stand turns into a HEA!
Omg. Bethany-Kris has just been knocking it out of the park with these mafia romances!!
Hero and heroine have a hot and heavy one night stand that neither can forget. Hero is son to a mafia underboss and must follow orders given. His orders are to follow a woman and it’s none other than the woman he’s never forgotten. Will he follow orders or protect the one woman he has never forgotten.
This books is hot af. It’s suspense. It twisty and turny (is that’s a word?? ) And I’m here for all of it!!
Cory Rossi is the son of a mafia boss and expected to do as his father tells him. He meets Della Costello when they have a one night stand but he doesn’t know her name. Della is working in a man’s world and takes no guff from anyone. Cory is tasked with looking after a woman in trouble that turns out to be Della. The two are loyal to their duties but when together the chemistry between them is explosive and pure fire. Cory is supportive of his woman and respects her work. I liked this story and recommend it.
OMG! I just fell head over heels for Cory Rossi!!
Pretty Lies is the story of Cory Rossi & Della Costello. This is a second generation book involving the families of The Chicago War series and it was deliciously, perfect. I love the flawed characters this author writes because they fly off the page. I often feel like I can watch these books as movies in my mind while I’m reading them and Pretty Lies was so much fun to watch.
This was a hot & steamy love story with a background of deception, death and the Chicago Outfit. I am a sucker for mafia romance and this author always delivers a book I refuse to put down until I’ve read every last page. While the men in these books might openly acknowledge that they are bad men, the way they love their women is perfection!
I always enjoy second generation books because I love catching up with some of the characters that I couldn’t get enough of the first time around. This book was no different. Getting to visit with so many of the major players in the Chicago War series and see them in my mind’s eye, at different points in their lives always feels like a bit of a love letter to the readers who have been along for the ride for years.
This is the first book I read in this world by this author and it sucked me in so much that I need to check out the previous books in this because you can tell there is backstory and the other characters just sucked me in as much as Cory and Della did. Their love is unique because of the world they live in but that’s what makes them perfect. You can feel their chemistry coming off the pages and it was explosive.
BK IS QUEEN. And Cory Rossi is beyond swoon-worthy! I loved this one so much! I think Cory & Della kicked John & Siena out of the number 1 spot for my favorite BK couple.
All you need to do now is be happy. Nothing else is important. Let me take care of the rest. Whatever you want, I’ll do it if it means you’re smiling. That’s kind of the deal between you and me now, huh?”
The connection between them was fire from the get go and their relationship grew to perfection. Della is a sexy, strong heroine who is perfectly imperfect and Cory is the hot as sin troublemaker of the Outfit who proves lethal to Della’s guarded heart. Their love was effortless and I liked that we didn’t have to deal with any unnecessary drama between the two.
She was his greatest temptation and his biggest prize.
This is a Mafia romance at its finest! A sexy story filled with danger and betrayal waiting around every corner.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Once again, this talented author has written a unique story a characters. Cory is the younger son of a Chicago mob underboss, who had a steamy one-night stand with Della. No spoilers: this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written realistic story which is filled with lies, secrets, betrayal, suspense and love. I was totally hooked with this story and devoured this amazing tale in one sitting. I highly recommend for all.
“Pretty Lies” is quite the appropriate title for this book. It’s a great plot, where women venture into a male dominated outfit.
Cory is just who he is. He plays by the rules and takes his role seriously. He plays as hard as he works. His best friend and ally is his brother, Joe.
Della has stepped into a role usually held by men of the outfit. She is good at what she does, but her job doesn’t come without any danger.
When Cory is assigned the role of “babysitter”, he is horrified until he discovers who he will be working with. Della has just broken up with her now ex, who appears not to be able to take no for an answer. When she is attacked, he is the first to come under suspicion, but there is more going on involving someone who is the least suspected.
As the story unfolds, the treachery leads to the death of someone close to her. The discovery of the extent of the betrayal that comes with it is quite sickening. Despite their reservations about each other, Cory and Della can’t resist the attraction between them. Their relationship is easy and heat sizzles.
Cory and Della do a lot of growing up together and the story becomes a real page turner. There is grief, betrayal, greed, suspense, action and power, but the end is absolutely delightful.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.