An angsty college mafia romance from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rixon Raiders series.
Arianne Capizola is her father’s daughter.
Humble. Hardworking. Honest.
She’d rather spend her days helping at the local shelter than brushing shoulders with her vain and entitled classmates.
Niccolò Marchetti is his father’s son.
Dark. Dangerous. Deceitful.
He’d rather spend … classmates.
Niccolò Marchetti is his father’s son.
Dark. Dangerous. Deceitful.
He’d rather spend his days getting bloody in the ring than attending class and keeping up pretences.
When their paths cross at Montague University neither of them are willing to drop the walls they’ve spent so long building. But he can’t resist the girl with stars in her eyes, and she can’t forget the guy who saved her that night.
There’s only one catch.
Nicco isn’t Arianne’s knight-in-shining-armor, he’s the son of her father’s greatest enemy.
He is the enemy.
And their families are at war.
*Prince of Hearts in the first book in Nicco and Ari’s duet. Due to mature content that some readers may find distressing, this book is recommended for readers 18+
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I received an ARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HOLY CANNOLI! I have no words for how great this book was. Usually, young adult books are a miss for me. Still, LA Cotton wrote the best retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion. The depth of betrayal, lies, deceit, falling in love, heartache, and losing one’s innocence was written so well. I don’t know what took me so long to start reading this author’s work.
Ariadne Carmen Lina Capizola, aka Lina, has been kept hidden for the past five years at her parents’ estate, hidden from the world. Lina is the daughter of Roberto Capizola and heir to the Capizola fortune. Her mother was able to convince Lina’s dad not only to let her go to Montague University but also to live in the dorms. Lina soon finds out that not all things are as she thought. After getting stuck in a sticky situation, a dark and broody stranger rescues her and turns her world upside down.
“It was that moment I realized Nicco was like a storm. He swept in without warning and disappeared just as quickly, with no regard for the wreckage left behind. I didn’t want to be wrecked by him. But much like the storm, sometimes it was impossible to escape. You just had to batten down the hatches and hope you survived.”
Niccolo Marchetti, aka Nicco, is the son of Antonio Marchetti and boss of the Dominion or better known as the New England Mafia. Nicco rescued a girl who captured his eye and maybe made him lose his mind. He can’t stop thinking about Lina, wanting to be around Lina. Though as he gets to know more about her, he also doesn’t want her too close. Nicco’s world would destroy someone as innocent as her. Though as things progress, Nicco may not have a choice.
“I wanted Lina the way I’d never wanted another girl before. But I couldn’t be that guy. I couldn’t give her hearts and flowers and romance. I couldn’t be the prince she deserved, because my life wasn’t a fairytale. It was the stuff nightmares were made of.”
This book, oh this book is by far my favorite retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I enjoyed it so much. The writing was impeccable and believable. I could feel the pain, strength, and love that Lina went through during this short time. I loved experiencing her blossom and only hope she continues growing into her confidence. Nicco, oh boy, I don’t know if I would be able to handle Nicco. He is so protective of Lina but doesn’t want to hurt her. I admire that and loved how LA wrote him. I will also never be able to look at Tiramisu again, and you have to read the book to understand what I mean. Trust me! You would want Tiramisu rather than whip cream!
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the conclusion to come!
An exciting intense and well plotted retelling of the tale of Romeo and Juliet, transposed to modern USA. Arianne and Nicco are definitely star crossed lovers in the tradition of the story and the tale is given the added twist of the underworld connections of which Arianne is, initially, unaware, unlike Nicco, who is neck deep.
Loved this rendition of a familiar trope, something difficult to do but which LA Cotton accomplishes with style and grit.
Ari has some eye opening moments, awakening her to the realities of her world, while the bad boy with a heart, has a bed of nails to traverse if he has any hope of bringing their lives together. So good. Great cast, loads of emotion and the promise of more to come! Can’t wait!!
Prince of Hearts is book 1 in the Verona Legacy series by L.A. Cotton. The book focuses on Arianne Capizola and Niccolo Marchetti, two people from different sides of the tracks. Arianne is a freshman in college and has been quite sheltered for most of her life. We find out that she is lying about who she is. This is due to her father and his influence and that her cousin is ‘in’ the family, although she doesn’t know what that means! All in all, Arianne is quite innocent when it comes to life and her family. That is until she meets bad boy Niccolo! The boy from the wrong side of the tracks who is going to flip her beliefs on their head and shake her life up in a way she didn’t think was possible.
This is certainly a forbidden romance style book which has hints of Romeo and Juliet in the theme. There are a lot of players in this book and a lot of characters and drama that you need to wrap your head around, but at the centre of that is Arianne and Niccolò’s relationship which seems already doomed to fail, due to their family’s history.
Don’t let Arianne fool you though, she has a backbone made of steel and she isn’t going to give up easily, no matter what happens to her or what is done to her by her father’s scheming! This book has everything you are wanting: romance, drama, violence, intrigue and some star-crossed lovers!
Note that there is a cliff-hanger and you’re going to have to wait to find out what happens, to not only Arianne and Niccolo, but also the rest of the characters who are embroiled in this story!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
I cannot put into words what a real page turner this book is. It’s one of the best series I’ve read this year. It does end on a cliffy Which has me impatiently waiting for book two. It’s unlike anything she written before. It’s had me on the edge of my seat. Another phenomenal read. Move over Romeo and Juliet it’s now time for Nicco and Ari
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I am so far gone that my head is in the stars right now. This story of star-crossed lovers has upended my orbit.
At this point, I think it’s safe to say that I L.A. Cotton can write anything and make it a masterpiece. The very first time I read one of her books I completely fell in love with her easy writing style. I love how immediate yet smooth the narration is in her stories. I am always transported right into the story with her marvelous world-building. When it comes to plot, Cotton knows what she is doing. I am always mesmerized by her stories. I am always kept on my toes and I am never disappointed.
Ari and Nicco are two characters that really won my heart over. I was immediately drawn to them and felt an instant connection. Cotton does an amazing job of developing their characters. They are both so relatable and likable that you can’t help but adore them. I really loved Ari’s strength in the book. I think that it only grew as the story progressed. I loved that even though Nicco was a big bag mafia guy, he also had some morals and there were lines that he wouldn’t cross. There were some really great secondary characters in this book. In all honesty, I would be jazzed to read books about those characters as well.
The romance in this one is a bit hard for me to pinpoint my feelings on. Since this is a Romeo and Juliet retelling there is a bit of instalove. Instalove is the one trope that I can usually never get on board with so let me explain further. When they first see each other or meet, there isn’t lovey-dovey eyes and rainbows. Ari is literally running from a traumatic situation and bumps into Nicco and his cousin. Then Nicco helps her. There was definitely a connection between the two of them during all of this but it wasn’t blatantly an instalove situation. Not in my eyes anyway. Instalove or something like it. Who the heck knows? Bottom line, I am a person that hates instalove and I disliked nothing about this romance. There was intense chemistry between Ari and Nicco and they just felt right together. Like they were truly meant to be and their love was truly written in the stars.
Overall, this mafia-style Romeo and Juliet retelling really delivered everything that I love in a L.A. Cotton book. A riveting plotline, captivating characters, and a romance that makes your heart want to beat out of your chest. I am waiting with bated breath for the conclusion to Ari and Nicco’s love story.
I love modern takes on Romeo and Juliet. Prince of Hearts was just that with a little darkness. The moment I started reading this book I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I loved Ari and Nicco’s relationship, their chemistry, just everything about them. Of course, they are from rival families. Families that can’t stand each other. Ari has been sheltered her entire life, her father kept her locked away and many people believed she was dead. Nicco is active when it comes to his family. They meet and are drawn to each other, however, Nicco has no idea who Ari really is. However, secrets don’t stay hidden for long and this is were the story picks up and takes you for a wild ride.
I wasn’t expecting this book to take me for such a wild, emotional ride but it does. I was hooked. L.A. Cotton has created a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet that is intense from the very start. Prince of Hearts is the first book in a duet, so it does end on a cliffhanger. I am DYING to see what is going to happen next for Ari and Nicco.
Prince of Hearts is a MUST READ.
( .)
:
” . . . ‘ .”
is the first book in the series. Buckle up cause you’re about to go in one hell of a ride.
is the daughter of , Verona County’s most successful businessmen. Heir to the Capizola fortune. She spent the last five years living in the safety of her home, sheltered from the outside world. So when her father agrees to let her attend along side with her best friend , suddenly freedom in not that far. But everything changes the night she meets ̀ .
̀ is the son of the Capo of New England Mafia, son of the devil, prince of hell. He was bound to take reign after his father, to be the next Capo. But when he meets in an unfortunate situation, he is completely and utterly bewitched.
” ’ , .”
is drawn to him, he makes her feel safe and loved. He is everything she never knew she needed.
” . , .”
Both of them fell in love like they were destined to, but there was more they didn’t know. Secrets are unraveled, truths are revealed.
But will their love be strong enough to survive?
My heart was just ripped out of my chest! Debra @janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog
While reading this my emotions were so involved that it really hit me hard when it “ended” the way it did. I experienced true pain for Ari and Nicco and their friends. They go through so much and it doesn’t seem quite fair but this is their story.
I hope that justice comes to those that truly deserve it. It’s not an easy read, as it has some very hard and harsh moments in it. It is a read that I will never regret reading.
I am looking forward to the conclusion of this duet, so I can see if they get their happy ending and maybe a couple other characters will as well. A story is usually about main characters but the supporting cast in this case takes a large part in it. At least for me they do.
There is also so much intrigue involved and it will be interesting to see how that all comes to a head. Brace yourselves for a story that will leave you with a feeling of “did this really just happen”?
For the last five years Arianne has lived a super sheltered life. Getting her father to agree to her living on campus in a dorm room was a miracle, but he did and she found herself looking forward to being a freshman. For all the excitement that Arianne had, she was not prepared for what happened the first night she goes out. After getting into a situation, she ends up running into Nicco, who ends up being her savior of sorts. Determined not to let the nastiness of the situation get to her, she is determined to make the best of her college experience. But she can’t get Nicco out of her head. For some reason he ends up being in the same places she is, and after interfering a second time, the feelings that they are starting to have for each other can’t be denied. The two have secrets that they are reluctant to share with each other, and when they finally come to light will the two be able to keep what they have started going? Or will the pull of their family loyalty prove to be stronger than love?
A modern day Romeo and Juliet but with a mafia twist. This story was full of drama, had some really nitty gritty moments (trigger warning), rounded out by some really nicely done chemistry with the main characters. I give this super entertaining book 5 stars, and I can’t wait to get part two.
Edgy and full of angst. This familial enemies to lovers/forbidden romance story ticks all the boxes. Dark, broody, bad boy from the other side of the tracks and sweet, innocent, sheltered princess finally getting a taste of (disguised) freedom with her bff at her side.
To say that their story is complicated is an understatement, but what can you do when no matter what you try, you just can’t get the other person out of your head, no matter what family they belong to? Theirs is a soul deep connection, of course it comes with obstacles galore and enough emotional upheaval to stir all the feels. Conflict, angst, betrayal, and that’s just the beginning.
I cannot wait for the conclusion of Nicco and Ari’s story in King of Souls.
„Prince of Hearts” is a first book in „Verona Legacy Duet”.
And… this is the book, which made me crazy, when I finished it.
Why?
L.A. Cotton I am talking to You, Dear Writer – THIS END?
WHAT WAS THAT?
I was in this book from the first page! Nicco and Ari are so fantastic heroes! Their love isn’t easy, but it is totally real. Pure fire, guys!
„Prince of Hearts” is a new „Romeo and Juliet” story! More forbidden, more angsty, more dark.
Ari is a mafia princess, she is the heir of her father legacy. She needs to be clever and polite, but she wants live her life by herself.
When she met Nicco, prince on the dark horse, she knows that she needs him more. More and more. Without looking at consequences.
I have milion thoughts now, when I am writing this review, but I can’t find the words to describe them! L.A. Cotton left me in mess and I really need the continuation of Nicco’s and Aria’s story!
I mean… I NEED IT NOW!
„Prince of Hearts” is a perfect mafia, forbidden romance. Time, which I spent with this book was an emotional rollercoaster and now, I am begging for more. I needed that type of book in this time and L.A. Cotton done a fantastic job!
It is Yours next must read!
Prince of Hearts (Verona Legacy #1) by L.A. Cotton
5 STARS
*BETA READ*
My first beta read.
Prince of Hearts by L.A Cotton is the first book book in the Verona Legacy series, it is written in dual POV and tells the story of Adrianne Capizola and Niccolo Marchetti.
Every time I read Verona, I am taken back to Romeo & Juliet story by William Shakespeare, and this book is no exception. This book is a modern version of Romeo & Juliet story.
Capizola & Marchetti are two of the most influential families, and obviously, enemies. Capizola has a daughter, Marchetti has a son.
They meet by chance, or maybe it’s just fate, but they fell in love.
I am going to stop here because I hate reading spoilers, so I am not going to give any.
Trust me, this story is so much more. It has action, drama, angst, twist and turns.
I didn’t belive that Lianne will go to the dark side, but damnnnn….she was so fine with it. The secondary characters are playing o big role in the story, and I definitely want to read some of their stories.
I am DYING to know what will happen next.
You will be hooked by this story.
Prince of Hearts is the first novel in the Verona Legacy. I was drawn in from the very beginning, the suspense, and mafia aspects kept me intriqued, add in the forbidden insta lovers, and this is one heck of a story. I liked Nicco and Arianne, and I’m hoping they will get their happily ever after. I liked the supporting characters too. Great start to this series, and I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what’s going to happen next. I’m also hoping we’ll get Enzo story too. .
Prince of Hearts (Verona Legacy Book One ) is a new adult angsty college mafia romance.
Firstly, Chasity Falls series was my first love and will always hold a special place in my heart. That being said Prince of Hearts stole my heart.
I absolutely loved this novel so much. Without giving anything away, this novel is brimming with all the right ingredients to create a euphoria of sentiments.
Highly addictive with suspense swirling around the pages at every chapter.
I highly recommend reading this novel along with the prequel story.
A exhilarating contempo new adult college mafia romance
I will be on a paraesthesia till the next novel is available.
5 fascinating stars!!
This is book one in the “Verona Legacy” series and is not a stand alone. This book ends in one hell of a cliffhanger.
This is a story of young love. Full of secrets and lies. Worse yet is they are enemies without even knowing it.
I am in love with this book!! Holy shit!!! The end of this book had me yelling. I can not believe this shit went down. I need my pound of flesh here people. Where is Nora when you need her, she is a down ass bitch!
I love mafioso books. This one is not like the others. This one is different and man I can’t wait to find out more. First of all, I have no idea who the good guys are. I keep thinking “yeah he would never let that happen” to find out yea he’s a bum. But one person has held strong and that is definitely the sexy, prince of hearts, the one and only Nicco!! Yes I am in love. Such a young man with the world on his shoulders.
Let’s not forget his other half the innocent, yet strong and resilient Arianne! Omg this girl. I broke for her. Yet I feel so proud of her. This poor thing grew up thinking one thing to have it all crash down on her.
I can’t wait for the next book. I need justice. I need vengeance. I need the good guy to come ahead. But more then anything I need Nicco and Arianne!! The author makes you fall for these characters. I mean by the end I was vibing Enzo. I truly hope this series goes on and on. I can read about these guys forever.
I will say there is some triggers so be aware. But know Nicco will make this all right. Damn I love this author (this is the first book I have read of hers and trust and believe it won’t be the last)!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
Ah nicco, nicco , nicco you’ve god damn stole my heart and ran away with it…but that’s ok it’s all yours….
Wow …yeah…just..wow . I was extremely excited to read this book the minute mafia was mentioned I knew I had to read it and l.a cotton definitely gives us an amazing book .
A modern day re telling of romeo and juliet but will the outcome be the same ?
I absolutely fell hook line and sinker for the dark brooding capo, nicco is everything and the way he loves ahh swoon you just cant not . Ari is a strong women and was fantastic watching her come out of her shell and begin to be the women she will have to be even if events leading up to this are heartbreaking .
I cannot wait for the next book I need to know what’s going to happen I’ve got a feeling all hells going to break loose .
This is my favorite read of the year!!!
Who would have thought?! Take a mafia romance and a Romeo & Juliet inspired story and you have the most romantic, angsty love story!!! Absolutely beautiful!!! I love stories about soulmates, and L.A. Cotton did a wonderful job writing this romantic story of soulmates who fight to be together because their families are enemies. I am dying… I mean really dying… for the next book!!!!!
Think Romeo and Juliet of modern times!!! This ends in a cliffy and I’m not even a little bit upset!!! This was a great book and beginning to a series!!! This review will be short because I definitely don’t want to give anything away because it’s just that good!! Nicco and Arianne are star crossed lovers that fall hard and fast and when the truth is revealed you could feel their pain. Part of the truth that comes to light is that their families are sworn enemies of each other. This story has it all!! Angst, love, lies, secrets, twists…the whole enchilada!!! The secondary characters are also great and add more than a few funny moments. It ended in a jaw dropping cliffy and I am praying so hard the next book is released early because I can hardly wait. Really looking forward to the rest of this series.
This book follows Arianne as she starts college with her friend Nora. While they are out to have a normal college life Ari doesn’tExpect to find herself attracted to the bad boy of school. Nicco comes from a mafia family and has loved through and seen things most people don’t and he the next to rule his family so being attracted to Ari is an unexpected twist that he does g need in his life. These two have an immediate attraction that neither one can seem to flight and Ari knows she should stay away from him but she just can’t and the same for Nicco. So many different things happen and their relationship won’t be an easy as they come from rival families but they are set on trying. It does end on a cliffhanger and we are left dying to know what will happen as can they save the love have have found or is fate already decided to keep them apart??
Prince of Hearts is the debut to a new series by L.A. Cotton. This book is loosely based on Romeo and Juliet. There are some fun scenes that definitly mimick what Shakespeare wrote, but this world is nothing like what we know.
We Meet Nicco and Arianne who are the very definition of star-crossed lovers. This book gives us a look at what life could be like in a world that is mafia driven. This book takes place in a college setting. Arianne has to learn how to navigate school again after being hidden away for five years. The question on everyone’s mind is why now? L.A. does a great job of giving the reader just enough information to make sense, but not enough to even give us a remote picture of what is going on. I love books that keep me guessing, and this book definitly keeps me guessing even at the end. Thank goodness the wait for the next book won’t be too long as I can’t wait to see what happens next.
My 2 cents that did not influence review: This book did start off really slow for me, and was a struggle to get into. Time is definitly spent setting the story, and characters invloved. If it starts out that way for you stay with the book it will quickly take off!