Waiting for My Queen

4.5 Stars. Waiting for my Queen was my first read by this author and I am impressed with her superb writing skills. The story is captivating and she will take you on an epic journey that is sure to keep you entertained from beginning to end. This book has checked off all of my boxes – mafia-themed romance, imperfect anti-hero, a strong heroine, and some scorching scenes interspersed with moments of action and suspense.

I wasn’t sure about this book when I first dived into it as it is set in 1978, however, I found that the historical aspect didn’t affect my enjoyment of this fast-paced book at all. What you have is a marriage contract between two powerful, ruling families, but things go horribly awry thus setting the tone for this spellbinding mafia romance.

Luca Rossini is definitely an anti-hero and I loathed him in the beginning. He is demanding, ruthless, and commits a rather heinous act that left me wondering if he would be redeemable. The author does a brilliant job with the character evolution of this beautifully flawed, exacting mafia bad boy.

Emelia Bellini is a mafia princess. Promised to one and in love with another. She possesses an inner strength to her and I love how she doesn’t always put up with Luca’s nonsense. To say that these two have chemistry together is an understatement. There were quite a few kindle melting moments that left thankful that I reading those passages in public!

How this love story unfolds is impressive. I went from abhorring the hero to loving him in the end. The character development was impeccable as was the author’s ability to illustrate how their relationship evolved over time. However, I did still grapple with something that occurred at the beginning of the book and just couldn’t completely reconcile myself with it – hence 4.5 stars instead of a solid 5 star rating.

Overall, I found Waiting for my Queen to be a very enjoyable read with complex characters, an engaging storyline, and good plot execution. I am truly hoping that this author gives some of the secondary characters their own book because I am not ready to say goodbye to the Rossinis and Bellinis.

Luca and Emilia have been betrothed sonce she was a young child but when all those plans fall apart because she falls in love he decides to take matters into his own hands to ensure the wedding goes ahead. This felt like a story of two halves, his actions at the start are brutal shocking and full of vengence then as the story progresses it turns to a deep love affair. I really enjoyed watching them navigate their way through the minefield that is their relationship. Sometimes Luca does some really stupid stuff but Emilia lets him away with nothing, I’ll admit watching him grovel was fun. Apart from the start there is very little mafia action which I was disappointed about as I love all the action you get in those stories. There are several secondary characters who could get their own stories which I would be interested to read if it happens.

Waiting for my Queen by Georgia Cates is Luca Rossini and Emilia Bellini’s story. Theirs is a dark and twisted romance that will take you on quite the ride. It’s set in the late 70s and early 80s timeframe. Emilia who is betrothed to Luca, but she is in love with another man and doesn’t want to be chattel used by her father. This is what starts off the beginning of the twisted, raw, dark , brilliant, seductive world of the mafia and of the uber alpha male who wants what he wants when he wants it. You don’t tell Luca NO. Oh the chemistry, the hate, the feels and steam, the chaos and betrayal and the revenge. The survival…one alpha jerk and his virgin wife. This book is a mafia romance about an anti hero jerk, his unwilling bride and their forced marriage. Can a true relationship develop from ashes or burnout all the way ? This is a deliciously dark romance that tempts the reader to read from start to finish to find out.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *******

Emilia Bellini is turning 21 in 1978 and has fallen in love with Nicolo Moretti but her father promised her as a child to Luca Rossini. With both families prominent mafia families will Luca be willing to let Emilia follow her heart?
There is no way that Luca will give up what was promised to him and he will do anything to keep Emilia for himself and punish anyone who stands in his way.
Can Emilia focus on what she needs to do to get revenge on Luca for taking away those she cares about before she loses anyone else?
This was such an incredible book that I loved from start to end and I couldn’t put it down! One of the things that I really liked was that it was set in the past and therefore certain things like cell phones and technology really didn’t play a role and it made things flow wonderfully as it was a different time back then.
I absolutely loved Emilia and my heart just broke for her on what she endured on what was supposed to be the most incredible day of her life. Emilia lost everything and was forced to move in immediately with Luca and begin a new life with him where she was going to be forced to marry him and give him a son. I was surprised when it was revealed what her occupation was and I was proud of her for insisting that she wasn’t going to give it up for Luca.
Luca was such a jerk at the beginning of the book and so cruel. He was absolutely heartless and the things he did were awful. He had a serious coke addiction and he was a different person when he was under the influence and it made him even worse than he was when clean. I was so mad at him for what he did to Emilia’s family and it shocked me at how far he truly went.
There was a certain point where Luca began to change and possibly realize what he had with Emilia. He began to treat her more like a queen but he still had his demons that he was battling. Yet Emilia also had her own plans at this time due to everything she had gone through and it was interesting to watch the dynamic in the book begin to change.
I felt as almost Luca’s demons and addiction were winning until an event happened that completely shocked me involving Emilia’s Uncle Ricardo. I truly hoped that was the moment that Luca would smarten up.
I was freaking out a little when Emilia’s news came out and I was happy to see how much Luca began to change and it was evident that he truly cared about her but now Emilia was faced with her own dilemma and I was curious to see how much that would change things for her. I was shocked at her honesty with Luca at times but I was also really proud of her for how much she had grown.
There was an incident at the Rossini compound that had me completely freaking out and I was so happy Luca got to the house in time as Emilia was freaking out!!
The end was awesome and I loved everything that happened. I loved Luca’s big apology and I was just so impressed and happy!!
I can’t wait for more from this author!!
By Rebecca

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.

Emilia-
All I’ve ever wanted was to marry for love. But girls like me don’t have that luxury. We are used as pawns in a game we can’t control. The game? It’s call Mafia. I was foolish enough to try to change the rules…and I lost.
Luca-
She was promised to me years ago. And he dared to take her from me. Dared to touch what was mine. I put an end to that. I hope he’s enjoying the view from his dirt room.
Emilia-
My beloved’s killer place a ruby ring on my finger and called me his queen. But that red gem symbolizes something different for me. It represents the blood shed by those I love most. Hell was empty the day we wed. Because the devil was standing before me and said “I do.”
Luca-
I saw her as a possession. A shiny toy I didn’t want other boys to play with. But she’s so much more. Beautiful and brave and strong and broken all at once. She tastes like everything I’ve ever wanted.
Emilia-
Hidden and patient. I wait for the perfect time to seek my revenge. But slowly, I feel him possessing me. His heart is full of darkness…and I still want every inch of him. Hard as I try, I can’t escape loving this beautiful monster.
Luca-
I’m waiting patiently because I already know that she’s mine. Mine in a way that no one will ever understand. Even if she hasn’t yet realized it. For love, I’d do anything. For her, I’d do everything.

My first question for myself is why in the world have I not read a Georgia Cates book before. Holy wow she has written something so amazing that I sucked in and couldn’t put it down. I am so in love with this story and these characters. I know that you might not like Luca in the beginning but hold one because you will. This is an arranged marriage/enemies to lovers story and I loved every single second of it. I loved that Emilia was sweet and innocent and hate that everything she knows is ripped from her. I loved that Luca is who he is, wants what he wants and makes no apologizes for it and I loved their story. I loved watching them fall in love and while this is a mafia story I loved that it focused more on the couple than the mafia.

This is an excellent enemies to lovers story. It has a darkish mafia theme mixed with some steamy scenes, which create the perfect balance. The writing is smooth with an easy flow and some very interesting characters. I love that it is written in dual POV so I knew what each character was feeling and could keep up with their changing emotions. Although it has some very heavy scenes, it’s fun and light as well. I still couldn’t help but worry about how this one would end.

Luca is dedicated to family and to Emilia; I loved that about him. They were betrothed from a young age and there was no way he was giving her up. I absolutely hated him for what he did, but, when I saw the lengths he would go and compromises he was willing to make for her I softened to him. He captured her heart just as he captured mine. It was great watching them build trust and grow into a strong, loving couple.

Although it says this is a complete standalone story, I’m hoping there will be more to come; Stephan and Gemma’s story would be great! Plus it would give me an opportunity to check in with Luca and Emilia.

Great story and characters, this was the first book from this author that I’ve read, but it won’t be my last.

I freaking loved Luca and Emília!!! This wasn’t your typical romance. They were both from powerful mafia families and they were betrothed to each other since they were kids. But it wasn’t easy because they were others and Emília didn’t love Luca as a matter of fact she hated him. Then Luca did the unthinkable to get her and her hate grew even stronger. These two you didn’t know how things would actually work out for them that’s how complicated it was. Also Emília had a spine and wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion. You see both of them changing before your eyes and it’s the most beautiful thing. Luca was very very protective of Emília and she in her own way was to him too. Luca has demons and she helped him thru it. They formed an unlikely bond and they had each other’s back. I was very surprised at how loving Luca’s family was towards Emília and his brother Stephan and her had a very beautiful friendship. It was nice how his family loved her. Emilias family well the only issue was her mom and I despised her after certain things but then she came around. Their ending was beautiful and I want more of them.

The first I’ve read from this author and I was completely invested within the first couple chapters. The story moves right along, peaking your interest and pulling you in. There was nothing that was going to pull me away from this book.
Luca is a total alpha-hole that you love to hate. I really enjoyed seeing him evolve as the story unfolded. Emilia is fighting against her destiny and birth rite, she knows what is supposed to happen but takes a stand and tries to forge her own way. But, you know what they say about best laid plans…
This story has all that you’d expect in a Mafia book, hierarchy, betrayal, action, suspense, loyalty, rites of passage and enough heat to burn the pages.

4.25 stars-WAITING FOR MY QUEEN by Georgia Cates is a contemporary, adult, enemies to lovers, arranged mafia marriage, romance story line focusing on the heir to the Rossini family, Luca Rossini, and mafia princess / ballerina Emilia Bellini.

NOTE: WAITING FOR MY QUEEN takes place in 1978-79 but most of the references are limited to popular songs of the era.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luca and Emilia) WAITING FOR MY QUEEN follows the tempestuous relationship between the heir to the Rossini family, Luca Rossini, and mafia princess / ballerina Emilia Bellini. Years earlier, an arrangement was made between the Rossini and Bellini families in which the head of the Bellini family, Alessandro Bellini promised his eldest daughter Emilia, to Luca Rossini, in an effort to merge for power and control but Alessandro never expected Emilia to fall in love with someone else, a love that would destroy them all. Murder, mayhem and heart break ensued leaving Emilia and her mother to grieve for the victims of the Rossini cartel. Weeks later, Emilia was handed over to the Rossini family, and our heroine made a vow to avenge everyone she loved and lost. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Emilia and Luca, and the fall-out as Emilia’s plans for the Rossini family slowly fade as our heroine begins to lose her heart to the man with whom she would fall in love.

Luca Rossini is a cold-hearted killer; a possessive, ruthless and arrogant male who will slowly succumb to the woman he had hoped to destroy. Desperate for an heir of his own, Luca would ensure Emilia carried his heir before their relationship went any further. Emilia Bellini lost everything the day Luca killed the man that she loved but revenge would come at a cost including losing her heart to our story line anti-hero.

The relationship between Luca and Emilia is an enemies to friends, arranged mafia marriage between two people who couldn’t have been more different. Emilia had fallen in love with her childhood friend, while Luca waited until Emilia was old enough to claim as his own. As Emilia pushes all of Luca’s buttons, Luca continues to break Emilia’s heart at every turn. The $ex scenes are raw and passionate-their first time together is aggressive and forced.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including both Luca (Marco and Viviana )and Emilia’s (Sofia and Alessandro) parents; Luca’s brothers Enzo and Stephan; Emilia’s sisters Isabella, Gemma and Micaela; Nonna Caterina, Nic Moretti, and Angelica.

WAITING FOR MY QUEEN is a story of family, vengeance, betrayal and love; a story of power and control; of promises, secrets and tragedy. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are energetic and animated; the romance is fated, captivating and visceral.