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Vitale Brothers #3
Say I Do
What do you get when you mix a mobster with the son of the yakuza?
A marriage bathed in blood.
I never expected to be getting married, but when a business opportunity lands in my lap, I know I have to take it. After all, my family means the world to me. I’ll do anything to keep them safe, even if it’s entering a marriage that’s nothing more than convenience so I can pop out an heir.
However, that’s not what happens. The Hayashi’s pull a fast one and I’m left with a snarling godd*mn hellhound on my hands. Harlow is nothing like the demure, sweet woman I signed up for. No, he’s got teeth and he knows how to use them.
There’s no going back.
I’ll either fall in love or bury another lover.
A marriage bathed in blood.
I never expected to be getting married, but when a business opportunity lands in my lap, I know I have to take it. After all, my family means the world to me. I’ll do anything to keep them safe, even if it’s entering a marriage that’s nothing more than convenience so I can pop out an heir.
However, that’s not what happens. The Hayashi’s pull a fast one and I’m left with a snarling godd*mn hellhound on my hands. Harlow is nothing like the demure, sweet woman I signed up for. No, he’s got teeth and he knows how to use them.
There’s no going back.
I’ll either fall in love or bury another lover.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2023
1,298 people are currently reading
7,594 people want to read
About the author
Brea Alepoú
56books1,467followersBrea Alepoú realized her dream was to write and tell stories after spending five years in college getting a degree. She has since been writing and letting her imagination free. She thought she would only write contemporary at first but soon found her love for making worlds. So now she writes it all. With her wild imagination, expect lots of different stories, from fairies ruling to vampires killing everyone, to the sweet loving between two men, passion between two fierce women, or the love of multiple partners. She believes that everyone deserves love even if not all of her characters get it right away. Love is passionate, hot, needy, confusing, painful, fulfilling, and all-consuming.
(pnr, contemporary, fantasy, erotica, romance, shifter mpreg, & rh)
There will be a book for everyone.
Insanity is Contagious.
Brea Alepoú
(pnr, contemporary, fantasy, erotica, romance, shifter mpreg, & rh)
There will be a book for everyone.
Insanity is Contagious.
Brea Alepoú
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,229 reviews
December 20, 2024
MURDER HUSBANDOSSSSSSSS!
I repeat, IT'S A MURDER HUSBAND DUO.
Not one murdery-inclined MC but two!
Mysterious sugar-addicted, in-charge older brother Benito in an arranged marriage with the sexy af, genderfluid, lingerie wearing, Yakuza son who loves to stab people.
Sign me the fuck up. Where do I sign?
They get stabby with eachother, and then FOR eachother. 💖
A horny good time was had.. had by me 😇😇😇
(NGL, Hated that ending, (the last 29 mins) but hey, whatever hehehehe.)
I repeat, IT'S A MURDER HUSBAND DUO.
Not one murdery-inclined MC but two!
Mysterious sugar-addicted, in-charge older brother Benito in an arranged marriage with the sexy af, genderfluid, lingerie wearing, Yakuza son who loves to stab people.
Sign me the fuck up. Where do I sign?
They get stabby with eachother, and then FOR eachother. 💖
A horny good time was had.. had by me 😇😇😇
(NGL, Hated that ending, (the last 29 mins) but hey, whatever hehehehe.)
July 4, 2023
Benito’s father and the head of the local Yakuza clan decide to unite their families to benefit their respective businesses. Benito was supposed to marry the daughter, but due to unexpected circumstances, she is replaced at the last minute with her twin brother, Harlow. As Harlow says himself, he’s the “goddamn replacement bride�.
The cold metal of Benito’s gun pressed to my temple didn’t combat the rage that filled my chest. How in the fuck did I get here? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. In the end, I’d survive like I always did by killing everyone else around me. “Say I do,� Benito said.
Harlow is easily one of my favorite characters of all time. He’s constantly pulling hidden knives out from nowhere and is always ready to attack. He’s fierce and strong, but also caring and loyal. He may have been married off against his will, but he’s not going to take any shit from Benito.
“My leg is still throbbing from where you stabbed me last night.� “I didn’t even go that deep,� he grunted as he squirmed free, and I grabbed him again. “It’s nothing more than a little love tap!�
Benito and Harlow butt heads right from the start. Harlow pulls some petty shit that had me laughing. Once they kiss though, sparks are flying. While they willingly give their bodies to one another, they do try to fight their feelings for a little bit.
I leaned in fast, our lips crashed together, and heat erupted in the pit of my stomach. Harlow tried to pull away at first, but his will to resist melted as quickly as mine. He kissed me back.
The chemistry between Harlow and Benito is off the charts. The sex in this book!!! Phew. So freaking good. The way these two go at it. Damn. Just read the book!
My eyes searched his throat, and I grinned harder as I spotted the bruises that littered his neck. We’d started off so tumultuously, but those marks were acceptance. Harlow offered his throat to me now, wanting me to choke him to within an inch of his life. I enjoyed that about him.
My heart leaped as my vision returned just in time to see Benito lick my cum off his lips. Some dripped from his chin, and I leaned forward and lapped every drop.
Due to his past relationship with Brycen, Benito struggles with his attraction/involvement with Harlow for a bit, but eventually comes to fully accept it. Benito has a lot on his plate all the time. He’s running the family business, managing everyone’s f*ckups and dealing with his father’s constant criticism. Harlow is there for him in a way he didn’t expect and it brings them closer.
Harlow had opened me up. I was supposed to be a man with a mask, but he exposed all my rough edges and still wanted more.
You guys, the possessiveness in this book was TOP TIER! I was living for it. They were both so growly over each other. I couldn’t get enough of it.
“I won’t have anyone else lay eyes on you. No one. I don’t give a fuck if this asshole is about to die. Even a second of seeing what’s mine is a second too fucking long.�
This book is dark, bloody and murdery. It’s full of action-packed moments, but there’s humor and some sweet and tender moments as well.
“I’m saying you’re mine, Harlow.� Benito kissed me as he continued to thrust inside. “You’re going to be mine forever. There is no end date. Even in death, it’s me and you.�
Tony was such a fun surprise in this. And I loved all the cameos from the other Vitale brothers and their partners. Pen even makes an appearance.
“Salute,� Gin said as he raised a glass. “To your marriage. May it be a� not a pain in the ass one. And hopefully, you can get some ass and stop being such a pain in ours.� “Hear, hear,� Enzo agreed. I stared between the two of them. “Fuck you both. Salute.�
Benito didn’t get what he signed up for when he agreed to this marriage, but he got exactly what he needed and it was wonderful. There are also a few surprises tossed into this book as well that I was not expecting. There is a war brewing and it’s only going to get bloodier. I am really excited for the next book.
Check out my reviews for Take Me Apart and Paid in Full .
*** I received an ARC of this book from the authors and this is my honest opinion. ***
The cold metal of Benito’s gun pressed to my temple didn’t combat the rage that filled my chest. How in the fuck did I get here? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. In the end, I’d survive like I always did by killing everyone else around me. “Say I do,� Benito said.
Harlow is easily one of my favorite characters of all time. He’s constantly pulling hidden knives out from nowhere and is always ready to attack. He’s fierce and strong, but also caring and loyal. He may have been married off against his will, but he’s not going to take any shit from Benito.
“My leg is still throbbing from where you stabbed me last night.� “I didn’t even go that deep,� he grunted as he squirmed free, and I grabbed him again. “It’s nothing more than a little love tap!�
Benito and Harlow butt heads right from the start. Harlow pulls some petty shit that had me laughing. Once they kiss though, sparks are flying. While they willingly give their bodies to one another, they do try to fight their feelings for a little bit.
I leaned in fast, our lips crashed together, and heat erupted in the pit of my stomach. Harlow tried to pull away at first, but his will to resist melted as quickly as mine. He kissed me back.
The chemistry between Harlow and Benito is off the charts. The sex in this book!!! Phew. So freaking good. The way these two go at it. Damn. Just read the book!
My eyes searched his throat, and I grinned harder as I spotted the bruises that littered his neck. We’d started off so tumultuously, but those marks were acceptance. Harlow offered his throat to me now, wanting me to choke him to within an inch of his life. I enjoyed that about him.
My heart leaped as my vision returned just in time to see Benito lick my cum off his lips. Some dripped from his chin, and I leaned forward and lapped every drop.
Due to his past relationship with Brycen, Benito struggles with his attraction/involvement with Harlow for a bit, but eventually comes to fully accept it. Benito has a lot on his plate all the time. He’s running the family business, managing everyone’s f*ckups and dealing with his father’s constant criticism. Harlow is there for him in a way he didn’t expect and it brings them closer.
Harlow had opened me up. I was supposed to be a man with a mask, but he exposed all my rough edges and still wanted more.
You guys, the possessiveness in this book was TOP TIER! I was living for it. They were both so growly over each other. I couldn’t get enough of it.
“I won’t have anyone else lay eyes on you. No one. I don’t give a fuck if this asshole is about to die. Even a second of seeing what’s mine is a second too fucking long.�
This book is dark, bloody and murdery. It’s full of action-packed moments, but there’s humor and some sweet and tender moments as well.
“I’m saying you’re mine, Harlow.� Benito kissed me as he continued to thrust inside. “You’re going to be mine forever. There is no end date. Even in death, it’s me and you.�
Tony was such a fun surprise in this. And I loved all the cameos from the other Vitale brothers and their partners. Pen even makes an appearance.
“Salute,� Gin said as he raised a glass. “To your marriage. May it be a� not a pain in the ass one. And hopefully, you can get some ass and stop being such a pain in ours.� “Hear, hear,� Enzo agreed. I stared between the two of them. “Fuck you both. Salute.�
Benito didn’t get what he signed up for when he agreed to this marriage, but he got exactly what he needed and it was wonderful. There are also a few surprises tossed into this book as well that I was not expecting. There is a war brewing and it’s only going to get bloodier. I am really excited for the next book.
Check out my reviews for Take Me Apart and Paid in Full .
*** I received an ARC of this book from the authors and this is my honest opinion. ***
June 3, 2024
Harlow and Benito, what a perfect murder-husband pair they are. Say I Do is an insanely violent, primal, and possessive mafia romance that I devoured from beginning to end. Harlow and Benito are the epitome of enemies to lovers due to their forced marriage and genuine disdain for one another. Their slow-burn, hate-to-love romance takes its time and I couldn't be more obsessed with these two.
I love that in the beginning, both characters hate each other so much that their only communication style is violence and petty games toward one another. Harlow and Benito hate their arranged marriage, but underneath their simmering anger is a spark of attraction that slowly builds over time.
Both Harlow and Benito get under each other's skin, which makes for fantastic scenes between the two as they adjust to married life. Their explosive chemistry and watching their relationship grow from immediate hatred and disdain, to barely tolerable, to eventually acceptance is a joy to see.
Say I Do is a great addition to the Vitale Brothers Series. I never wanted this story to end, I was enraptured by Benito and Harlow's insanely perfect violent dynamic, making for an entertaining and unpredictable mafia romance. Cannot wait for the next one!!!
I love that in the beginning, both characters hate each other so much that their only communication style is violence and petty games toward one another. Harlow and Benito hate their arranged marriage, but underneath their simmering anger is a spark of attraction that slowly builds over time.
Both Harlow and Benito get under each other's skin, which makes for fantastic scenes between the two as they adjust to married life. Their explosive chemistry and watching their relationship grow from immediate hatred and disdain, to barely tolerable, to eventually acceptance is a joy to see.
Say I Do is a great addition to the Vitale Brothers Series. I never wanted this story to end, I was enraptured by Benito and Harlow's insanely perfect violent dynamic, making for an entertaining and unpredictable mafia romance. Cannot wait for the next one!!!
June 30, 2023
i really really wanted to like this. the tropes are perfection. arranged marriage between the italian and japanese mafia, actual enemies to lovers, murder husbands, age gap, very spicy� how amazing are those!? this was highly anticipated for me because ever since i read Take Me Apart (book one), i’ve been wanting Benito's book. he's the oldest brother and the mafia head. but maybe i just went in with too high expectations.
this is going to have spoilers! it also will probably be very nit picky and a full on rant but... i could not help myself. i am just so disappointed in this book.
� harlow and benito are in an arranged marriage to unite their families. they are in public engagement. they want people to see they are engaged and they do public outings to do so. so tell me why benito goes to the club and has all these women all over him in PUBLIC?? he constantly says how important it is that they don't fuck up this deal. the press are constantly trying to get stories on bentio and his family yet he pulls this shit? it's like he forget he was the head of his own mafia. he keeps harlow confined to his house so he doesn't cause any trouble but he can go out with other women....okay then. make it make sense.
� probably my biggest issue with this book was how benito kept saying he was straight for most of the book. this man was in love with a guy before (as we know from the previous books and how that guy betrayed benito), he talks about how much HE LOVED THIS GUY and was "still stuck in his gravity". but he is 100% straight. he has sex with harlow constantly but he's straight. there is even a time he tries to say he only had sex with harlow was because he was drunk....(which he wasn’t). he talked about how he "dabbles in men", but he's straight. i'm all for the bi-awakening and discovering your sexuality. but benito was just plain ridiculous to me. there is denial but then there is this.
� the whole plot with benito's ex that cheated on him with benito's BROTHER and betrayed him by feeding info to the cops. benito pined after his dead lover basically the WHOLE BOOK. the man is literally long dead and did nothing of any good for benito. i honestly could not understand why benito even loved this guy. all that was said was that his ex was a drug addict, and because of that benito always had someone to take care of. maybe if the plot surrounding this was more fleshed out i could sympathize with benito as to why he was supposedly so heartbroken over it. but i really couldn't understand it. there was nothing redeeming about his ex and it makes no sense as to somehow benito hasn’t moved on yet. i typically don't like when in romances the MC is so over the moon for another character that is not the other MC ??? i mean it would have been more acceptable for me if it didn’t take literally the WHOLE book for benito to get over this guy. when benito said he loved harlow, i full on did not believe him. how can he love harlow when he keeps hidden pictures of his ex and his journal entries still�. lmao. i just can't. 😂 it takes him till the epilogue! for benito to finally get rid of that shit. just ridiculous.
� the amount of sex scenes. my god. too many. i get that their relationship starts with sex and it develops because of that but there is no need for 19274 sex scenes. what sucked is that i wanted to skim the sex scenes but i couldn't because i didn't want to miss any development. but there wasn't any in the sex scenes anyway 💀 they were literally there just to be hot, nothing more. so basically the sex scenes added nothing to development, story or their relationship. so i got really bored and wanted to dnf mutiple times.
� i get really uncomfortable when reading mm romances when one of the mcs talks about how they picture the other mc as a girl. benito said he pictured harlow as a girl multiple times and it just did not sit right with me. it gave me ptsd from when i read Just a Bit Confusing about how Ryan could only be with James if he pictured him as a girl. i never want to experience that again.
� i liked harlow, i really did. but we don't know that much about him besides that he pulls knives on people for the most unnecessary things. we got a little background about how harlow was sold off by his father a couple times. but what was harlow's role in his mafia? what was his past life? why couldn’t he still do the jobs in his mafia just because he was getting married to benito?
'Vitale Brothers' series
book 1 - Take Me Apart - 4 stars
book 2 - Paid in Full - dnf
book 3 - Say I Do - 2 stars
book 4 - Never Say Never - to be released
book 5 - End It All - to be released
this is going to have spoilers! it also will probably be very nit picky and a full on rant but... i could not help myself. i am just so disappointed in this book.
� harlow and benito are in an arranged marriage to unite their families. they are in public engagement. they want people to see they are engaged and they do public outings to do so. so tell me why benito goes to the club and has all these women all over him in PUBLIC?? he constantly says how important it is that they don't fuck up this deal. the press are constantly trying to get stories on bentio and his family yet he pulls this shit? it's like he forget he was the head of his own mafia. he keeps harlow confined to his house so he doesn't cause any trouble but he can go out with other women....okay then. make it make sense.
� probably my biggest issue with this book was how benito kept saying he was straight for most of the book. this man was in love with a guy before (as we know from the previous books and how that guy betrayed benito), he talks about how much HE LOVED THIS GUY and was "still stuck in his gravity". but he is 100% straight. he has sex with harlow constantly but he's straight. there is even a time he tries to say he only had sex with harlow was because he was drunk....(which he wasn’t). he talked about how he "dabbles in men", but he's straight. i'm all for the bi-awakening and discovering your sexuality. but benito was just plain ridiculous to me. there is denial but then there is this.
� the whole plot with benito's ex that cheated on him with benito's BROTHER and betrayed him by feeding info to the cops. benito pined after his dead lover basically the WHOLE BOOK. the man is literally long dead and did nothing of any good for benito. i honestly could not understand why benito even loved this guy. all that was said was that his ex was a drug addict, and because of that benito always had someone to take care of. maybe if the plot surrounding this was more fleshed out i could sympathize with benito as to why he was supposedly so heartbroken over it. but i really couldn't understand it. there was nothing redeeming about his ex and it makes no sense as to somehow benito hasn’t moved on yet. i typically don't like when in romances the MC is so over the moon for another character that is not the other MC ??? i mean it would have been more acceptable for me if it didn’t take literally the WHOLE book for benito to get over this guy. when benito said he loved harlow, i full on did not believe him. how can he love harlow when he keeps hidden pictures of his ex and his journal entries still�. lmao. i just can't. 😂 it takes him till the epilogue! for benito to finally get rid of that shit. just ridiculous.
� the amount of sex scenes. my god. too many. i get that their relationship starts with sex and it develops because of that but there is no need for 19274 sex scenes. what sucked is that i wanted to skim the sex scenes but i couldn't because i didn't want to miss any development. but there wasn't any in the sex scenes anyway 💀 they were literally there just to be hot, nothing more. so basically the sex scenes added nothing to development, story or their relationship. so i got really bored and wanted to dnf mutiple times.
� i get really uncomfortable when reading mm romances when one of the mcs talks about how they picture the other mc as a girl. benito said he pictured harlow as a girl multiple times and it just did not sit right with me. it gave me ptsd from when i read Just a Bit Confusing about how Ryan could only be with James if he pictured him as a girl. i never want to experience that again.
� i liked harlow, i really did. but we don't know that much about him besides that he pulls knives on people for the most unnecessary things. we got a little background about how harlow was sold off by his father a couple times. but what was harlow's role in his mafia? what was his past life? why couldn’t he still do the jobs in his mafia just because he was getting married to benito?
'Vitale Brothers' series
book 1 - Take Me Apart - 4 stars
book 2 - Paid in Full - dnf
book 3 - Say I Do - 2 stars
book 4 - Never Say Never - to be released
book 5 - End It All - to be released
January 8, 2025
re-listen November 2024
re-read on audio December 2023
These two! �
4.5 stars
Man, this was exciting and super hot!! So much angry and violent hate sex. IT WAS DELICIOUS! (Even if it was a tiny bit much at times.)
Benito truly found his match in Harlow.
All the Italian let my translator run hot but it was worth the effort. Normally I’m super annoyed by untranslated speech but here it was okay, because Harlow couldn’t understand either what Benito was saying. *lol
What made this book even better was def Giancarlo. Just gotta love the dude. He’s probably my favorite character in the series.
Where the other two weren’t true five stars this had the potential to finally be one. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the ending and it also gotten a bit too sappy for me with these two. But other than that, I SURE LOVED THIS BOOK!
As far as mafia romances go, I can absolutely recommend these ones.
I’m super excited for the next book in the series, the premise caught my eye from the beginning. And I really hope Gianpaolo’s story comes out way sooner than the expected release date says!!
****
Vitale Brothers Series
Book 1 - Take Me Apart - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Paid in Full - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - Say I Do - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Never Say Never - 4.25 stars
Book 5 - End It All - release in two days
Book 6 - Always the Villain - release 12/25
I clenched around his thick cock inside of me. I’d be damned if someone tried to take Benito’s cock from me.
“Cazzo, sei proprio stretto.� [Damn, you're really tight.]
“You stop, and I will stab you.�
Benito laughed, and it sounded so sexy. “What’s new, baby? You stab me all the time.�
re-read on audio December 2023
These two! �
The longer I was left with Benito, the harder it was to shut down my heart. It begged and pleaded for me to go to him, to fall into his arms and be with him. Fuck that soft shit.
4.5 stars
The cold metal of Benito’s gun pressed to my temple […] “Say I do,� Benito said.
Welcome to the marriage from hell.
Man, this was exciting and super hot!! So much angry and violent hate sex. IT WAS DELICIOUS! (Even if it was a tiny bit much at times.)
Benito truly found his match in Harlow.
“Sei un mistero per me, mostricio. Non so cosa fare con te.� [You are a mystery to me, little monster. I don't know what to do with you.]
All the Italian let my translator run hot but it was worth the effort. Normally I’m super annoyed by untranslated speech but here it was okay, because Harlow couldn’t understand either what Benito was saying. *lol
What made this book even better was def Giancarlo. Just gotta love the dude. He’s probably my favorite character in the series.
Where the other two weren’t true five stars this had the potential to finally be one. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the ending and it also gotten a bit too sappy for me with these two. But other than that, I SURE LOVED THIS BOOK!
“Mostricio, non nascondetevi da me. Non eri quello che cercavo, ma sei tutto ciò di cui ho bisogno.� [Little monster, don't hide from me. You weren't what I was looking for, but you are all I need.]
As far as mafia romances go, I can absolutely recommend these ones.
I’m super excited for the next book in the series, the premise caught my eye from the beginning. And I really hope Gianpaolo’s story comes out way sooner than the expected release date says!!
****
Vitale Brothers Series
Book 1 - Take Me Apart - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Paid in Full - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - Say I Do - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Never Say Never - 4.25 stars
Book 5 - End It All - release in two days
Book 6 - Always the Villain - release 12/25
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 7, 2023
“Harlow was mine. That man, that demon, belonged to me in every single way.�
A marriage bathed in blood indeed.
Benito has to get married for the sake of the family since the Vitales need contracts and connections in order to enter more legitimate avenues. The Hayashi, a powerful family from Japan, offers their daughter, but due to unforeseen events, there’s a last-minute switch, and now the bride is a groom.
Benito was expecting a docile wife who would stay out of his way but ended up with a pretty unhinged and dangerous man. Harlow has been used as a pawn in his father’s dealings before, and now he’s being presented to Benito as an offering, and he’s not just going to submit to his new husband no matter who he is.
Harlow and Benito communicate in violence and blood. They are at each other’s throats, literally, with weapons. There is nothing sweet about their encounters; it’s just mayhem.
I liked how they didn’t give in so fast. They are quite violent and hateful towards one another, and it’s not an instant switch to lovers. They slowly make that transition as they spend more time with one another. They both become possessive of one another, not fully realizing that the softer feelings that are growing between them are akin to love and affection.
They have an intense chemistry, and Harlow really needs a strong, possessive and dominant man like Benito to give him the space to be himself and also reign in. Benito, despite who he is, protects what is his. I loved how he became protective of Harlow and was ready to take down anyone who hurt him. Harlow also allows Benito to let his mask down a bit around him and allow him to not always have to be “on�.
I loved seeing the brothers and their men. I adore Enzo and Tex so much and crazy Gin and Ash. I liked how the brothers were so close to one another despite all being half-brothers. They have a strong sense of family, and there’s no animosity. Harlow reaching out to Benito’s brothers for help was cute.
This story was also violent and bloody; they don’t play “mafia�, and anyone who crosses them and gets on their wrong side is dispatched in a painful and bloody fashion.
Overall I really enjoyed it! I was excited for Benito’s story and loved how perfect Harlow was for him. This book is not for everyone, so please do check TWs.
I can’t wait for the next book! Who is this other Vitale brother that’s deep undercover with the FBI!?
A marriage bathed in blood indeed.
Benito has to get married for the sake of the family since the Vitales need contracts and connections in order to enter more legitimate avenues. The Hayashi, a powerful family from Japan, offers their daughter, but due to unforeseen events, there’s a last-minute switch, and now the bride is a groom.
Benito was expecting a docile wife who would stay out of his way but ended up with a pretty unhinged and dangerous man. Harlow has been used as a pawn in his father’s dealings before, and now he’s being presented to Benito as an offering, and he’s not just going to submit to his new husband no matter who he is.
Harlow and Benito communicate in violence and blood. They are at each other’s throats, literally, with weapons. There is nothing sweet about their encounters; it’s just mayhem.
I liked how they didn’t give in so fast. They are quite violent and hateful towards one another, and it’s not an instant switch to lovers. They slowly make that transition as they spend more time with one another. They both become possessive of one another, not fully realizing that the softer feelings that are growing between them are akin to love and affection.
“I won’t have anyone else lay eyes on you. No one. I don’t give a fuck if this asshole is about to die. Even a second of seeing what’s mine is a second too fucking long.�
They have an intense chemistry, and Harlow really needs a strong, possessive and dominant man like Benito to give him the space to be himself and also reign in. Benito, despite who he is, protects what is his. I loved how he became protective of Harlow and was ready to take down anyone who hurt him. Harlow also allows Benito to let his mask down a bit around him and allow him to not always have to be “on�.
“Damn, Harlow had opened me up. I was supposed to be a man with a mask, but he exposed all my rough edges and still wanted more.�
I loved seeing the brothers and their men. I adore Enzo and Tex so much and crazy Gin and Ash. I liked how the brothers were so close to one another despite all being half-brothers. They have a strong sense of family, and there’s no animosity. Harlow reaching out to Benito’s brothers for help was cute.
This story was also violent and bloody; they don’t play “mafia�, and anyone who crosses them and gets on their wrong side is dispatched in a painful and bloody fashion.
Overall I really enjoyed it! I was excited for Benito’s story and loved how perfect Harlow was for him. This book is not for everyone, so please do check TWs.
I can’t wait for the next book! Who is this other Vitale brother that’s deep undercover with the FBI!?
July 31, 2023
“You stop, and I will stab you.� Benito laughed, and it sounded so sexy. “What’s new, baby? You stab me all the time.
When you have an arranged marriage with a yakuza boss� daughter, but instead he gives you his psychotic feral son
There has never been a more chaotic couple than this one they’re both literally nuts and i loved every minute.
October 15, 2024
I was skeptical at first, but they somehow made it work! The concept of a romance between Mafia x Yakuza was quite jarring for me, the world they lived in was so different I can't help but imagining them in an anime-ish settings. Benito, the tall brooding Italian made man, and Harlow, the feminine version of a Japanese Yakuza (see the fanart image at the bottom, credit to the authors!). Both are forced into an arranged marriage and forced to live together. Benito claimed to be 'straight,' while Harlow fully embraced his sexuality 🌈 All I can say is, it's fierce, chaotic and bloody. I love both of them together SO MUCH! The chemistry, the banter, the provocation and the steamy sex was pretty much what I lived for! I really REALLY want to love this, I want to give this the full 5-stars, I do! BUT..
The details in the writings could use some improvement. The plot was gripping at the beginning, but it felt like the authors got distracted by adding too many smut scenes. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I don’t mind it, but I can’t help feeling this could’ve been SO much better if the relationship development had more depth in it because Harlow's character is one of the most interesting character I've ever read! He's such a gem and truly a unique one. I know it's a MM romance and guys probably don't talk much about feelings, it's all about the mutual understanding and action but ughh the potential of this! It's like picking your nose with a rubber glove on 😩 It wasn’t quite as satisfying as I’d hoped. But that's probably just me nitpicking stuff.
I still love the overall story. The family drama and the bond between Benito and his brother were everything! And Gin, OMG, Gin was hilarious! I need to read his and Ash’s story! I don't like Harlow's twin sister, Lorelei, but who cares about her. I would say the action scenes of it was quite impressive and well written. I had a good laugh when Chinese takeouts started flying 😂 This is my second time reading a MM romance and its the first time reading from these authors. I actually skipped the first two books in the series because this one was heavily recommended for MM romance. I'm willing to continue the next book from this series since some issues were left unresolved and I just NEED to know what happens to a certain character who got away (i need him dead because he's disgusting). So, I think 4.5 stars is a fitting rating for this book.
The details in the writings could use some improvement. The plot was gripping at the beginning, but it felt like the authors got distracted by adding too many smut scenes. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I don’t mind it, but I can’t help feeling this could’ve been SO much better if the relationship development had more depth in it because Harlow's character is one of the most interesting character I've ever read! He's such a gem and truly a unique one. I know it's a MM romance and guys probably don't talk much about feelings, it's all about the mutual understanding and action but ughh the potential of this! It's like picking your nose with a rubber glove on 😩 It wasn’t quite as satisfying as I’d hoped. But that's probably just me nitpicking stuff.
I still love the overall story. The family drama and the bond between Benito and his brother were everything! And Gin, OMG, Gin was hilarious! I need to read his and Ash’s story! I don't like Harlow's twin sister, Lorelei, but who cares about her. I would say the action scenes of it was quite impressive and well written. I had a good laugh when Chinese takeouts started flying 😂 This is my second time reading a MM romance and its the first time reading from these authors. I actually skipped the first two books in the series because this one was heavily recommended for MM romance. I'm willing to continue the next book from this series since some issues were left unresolved and I just NEED to know what happens to a certain character who got away (i need him dead because he's disgusting). So, I think 4.5 stars is a fitting rating for this book.
June 30, 2023
DNF @30%
I don’t understand the animosity between Harlow and Benito. They were both put in a marriage of convenience by their parents. They should’ve been partners in wanting to make the best out of the situation until the contract was over. I could understand if Benito had tried to keep Harlow as a housewife from the start and that’s what created the feud between them, but Harlow was acting hostile from the minute they met. It just made no sense. If they weren’t willing to break the marriage because of fears of retaliation from their families, what does making daily life unbearable accomplish? These are supposed to be smart mafia men, not teenagers. It would’ve made more sense if instead of buying dildos and lace underwear to freak Benito out, he would’ve figure out a way to sneak out of the apartment to run whatever business he was in charge of and behave like a competent adult.
Harlow tried so hard to be this psycho badass, but instead behaved like a spoiled female mafia princess. If you pull a knife on someone every chapter of the book, it just loses its shock factor. Also, what was Harlow’s job? How did he make money? Why did he lose his job responsibilities for marrying Benito? If he stayed away from his dad’s crime organization, why was he in charge of a group of his dad’s people? If his dad was using his sister’s pregnancy as blackmail motive to make Harlow comply with the union, why was there a need to kidnap and starve him before the marriage? He would’ve just complied to save his sister’s baby. Also, why was he confined to Benito’s apartment and not allowed to have a life outside of it if there was blackmail and a death threat hanging over his head? There was no reason for Harlow not to have a life outside of his fake marriage. He wasn’t going to sabotage a union that would cost his sister an abortion and him his life.
Finally, there is nothing sexually appealing about seeing your “husband� covered in other women knowing he would’ve fucked them if you weren’t there then throwing a jealous fit and getting turned on until he screws you. There was even the betraying body syndrome trope with dicks getting hard while they are fighting and the typical I hate you, but you are so hot trope.
If Harlow was so AGAINST the union that he reverted to high school prank antics, then he should’ve photographed Benito cheating and leaked it to the media. That would’ve made Benito look like the douche who breached the contract and give Harlow the out he wanted.
Or he could’ve kept the photos as blackmail and realized that he too had the freedom to pursue fun on the side and just hooked up with a guy at a club to blow off steam.
Hell, if he really just wanted to be an immature jerk, he could’ve cockblocked him just to be an asshole, but not out of some possessive “you are mine� bull***t when they have known each other for like a week and hate each other.
There are just too many M/F mafia romance vibes for an MM book :-/
I don’t understand the animosity between Harlow and Benito. They were both put in a marriage of convenience by their parents. They should’ve been partners in wanting to make the best out of the situation until the contract was over. I could understand if Benito had tried to keep Harlow as a housewife from the start and that’s what created the feud between them, but Harlow was acting hostile from the minute they met. It just made no sense. If they weren’t willing to break the marriage because of fears of retaliation from their families, what does making daily life unbearable accomplish? These are supposed to be smart mafia men, not teenagers. It would’ve made more sense if instead of buying dildos and lace underwear to freak Benito out, he would’ve figure out a way to sneak out of the apartment to run whatever business he was in charge of and behave like a competent adult.
Harlow tried so hard to be this psycho badass, but instead behaved like a spoiled female mafia princess. If you pull a knife on someone every chapter of the book, it just loses its shock factor. Also, what was Harlow’s job? How did he make money? Why did he lose his job responsibilities for marrying Benito? If he stayed away from his dad’s crime organization, why was he in charge of a group of his dad’s people? If his dad was using his sister’s pregnancy as blackmail motive to make Harlow comply with the union, why was there a need to kidnap and starve him before the marriage? He would’ve just complied to save his sister’s baby. Also, why was he confined to Benito’s apartment and not allowed to have a life outside of it if there was blackmail and a death threat hanging over his head? There was no reason for Harlow not to have a life outside of his fake marriage. He wasn’t going to sabotage a union that would cost his sister an abortion and him his life.
Finally, there is nothing sexually appealing about seeing your “husband� covered in other women knowing he would’ve fucked them if you weren’t there then throwing a jealous fit and getting turned on until he screws you. There was even the betraying body syndrome trope with dicks getting hard while they are fighting and the typical I hate you, but you are so hot trope.
If Harlow was so AGAINST the union that he reverted to high school prank antics, then he should’ve photographed Benito cheating and leaked it to the media. That would’ve made Benito look like the douche who breached the contract and give Harlow the out he wanted.
Or he could’ve kept the photos as blackmail and realized that he too had the freedom to pursue fun on the side and just hooked up with a guy at a club to blow off steam.
Hell, if he really just wanted to be an immature jerk, he could’ve cockblocked him just to be an asshole, but not out of some possessive “you are mine� bull***t when they have known each other for like a week and hate each other.
There are just too many M/F mafia romance vibes for an MM book :-/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
Oof I wanted to love this more than I did bc I love murder husbands and Harlow was crazy as FK in the beginning 😕 There was a whole lotta blood, killing, fighting, fking and growling and all of that should have worked for me but I dunno what happened 😔
July 3, 2023
"Don't stop watching us, mostricio."
Benito let go of my hip to redirect my face to the mirror.
"See how you fall apart on my cock?" He ran his tongue up the side of my face.
"Look."
loved this! i mean the majority because there were little parts that are not straight up to my liking. everything was just adrenaline-filled shebang. it was a mafia romance, yes, but for me i wish i have read more swoony moments. also, the hate sex were godtier level. enemies-to-lovers with a good intensity but not overly too much on the 'enemies' part. them being enemies were portrayed really well but i know deep down not the best. still a blast!
April 22, 2024
OMG, where to begin with this review. I say a lot in regards to series that the books just keep getting better and better and I always mean it, but its so freaking true with the Vitale Brothers books. I've loved them all, but they really do get better with each story. Benito and Harlow are hot as hell together. They have this intense connection that thrives on anger, aggression, and violent sex. The hate sex they have is crazy hot and so exciting, and their sweet moments together are just as hot! I love seeing the softer sides of these two badas*es. They are the definition of beautiful chaos. Right from the beginning I was captivated and could not put this down. I loved how they both wanted to resist falling in love, but the more time they spent together the more they could not resist, and once they finally gave into themselves, their toxic, crazy love was everything! They are the perfect team to take on the war that's coming and I'm all for it! I also have to give a shout out to my boy Gin, who is freaking hilarious, he always has me cracking up and I love him for it. I really don't have anything bad to say about this book, it's everything I wanted and more. The ending sets up for the next book perfectly and cannot wait to read it. Sh*t is about to go down and I'm so ready for it!
Declan Winters narration was on point, fantastic!
Declan Winters narration was on point, fantastic!
August 20, 2024
3.8 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“‘I love the hell out of you, Benito.�
I pressed my lips against his. When I pulled back, I sighed. ‘I love you too.�
‘Gay!� Giancarlo yelled.�
This series has become a guilty pleasure, because while I think it’s really bad, I also really enjoy my time reading it.
Benito and Harlow really be swinging on each other all the fucking time. They are probably the most toxic couple I’ve ever read about and I was super into it. It was so bad to the point that Benito got stabbed during a fight and said Harlow does worse to him during foreplay. Sir, please.
I loved Harlow. He was a traumatized mess with anger and jealousy issues, which is kind of my favorite type of character. I loved how he was both unapologetically himself but also super self-conscious. I love a king of oxymorons. Benito was just okay. Honestly, he’s my least favorite Vitale brother and he pissed me off a lot, but I did warm up to him when he started treating Harlow better. But every time he said he was straight, I wanted to jump into the book and choke him out.
There was too much going on all the time and the book was a little too long in my opinion. It started to get boring. I did love how Enzo, Gin and the boyfriends were around a lot, and that Harlow, Tex and Ash made a little anti-Vitale brother club. I was here for that.
The spice was really good. I still think Gin and Ash’s book was steamier, but I did enjoy the hate sex in this story. I also liked the push and pull, and Benito and Harlow slowly falling for each other. They had a lot of cute moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet.
I still continue to cringe at the actual mafia/crime aspects of this book. They’re just chaotic and not written well. And there’s still a lot of cheesy dialogue. But the humor and fluff kind of make up for it.
While I liked this a lot more than Gin and Ash’s book, I still love Enzo and Tex the most. I’m excited for Gianpaolo’s book but I don’t have any high expectations for it, as I’m sure the police elements will be just as cringey as the mafia ones the past three books. Gonna be in it for the vibes only.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“‘I love the hell out of you, Benito.�
I pressed my lips against his. When I pulled back, I sighed. ‘I love you too.�
‘Gay!� Giancarlo yelled.�
This series has become a guilty pleasure, because while I think it’s really bad, I also really enjoy my time reading it.
Benito and Harlow really be swinging on each other all the fucking time. They are probably the most toxic couple I’ve ever read about and I was super into it. It was so bad to the point that Benito got stabbed during a fight and said Harlow does worse to him during foreplay. Sir, please.
I loved Harlow. He was a traumatized mess with anger and jealousy issues, which is kind of my favorite type of character. I loved how he was both unapologetically himself but also super self-conscious. I love a king of oxymorons. Benito was just okay. Honestly, he’s my least favorite Vitale brother and he pissed me off a lot, but I did warm up to him when he started treating Harlow better. But every time he said he was straight, I wanted to jump into the book and choke him out.
There was too much going on all the time and the book was a little too long in my opinion. It started to get boring. I did love how Enzo, Gin and the boyfriends were around a lot, and that Harlow, Tex and Ash made a little anti-Vitale brother club. I was here for that.
The spice was really good. I still think Gin and Ash’s book was steamier, but I did enjoy the hate sex in this story. I also liked the push and pull, and Benito and Harlow slowly falling for each other. They had a lot of cute moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet.
I still continue to cringe at the actual mafia/crime aspects of this book. They’re just chaotic and not written well. And there’s still a lot of cheesy dialogue. But the humor and fluff kind of make up for it.
While I liked this a lot more than Gin and Ash’s book, I still love Enzo and Tex the most. I’m excited for Gianpaolo’s book but I don’t have any high expectations for it, as I’m sure the police elements will be just as cringey as the mafia ones the past three books. Gonna be in it for the vibes only.
June 29, 2023
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
This is the third book in the Vitale Brothers series. I have been waiting for Benito’s book and this one did not disappoint! Benito and Harlow are the most addictive couple in this series so far. I mean every book in this series is fantastic and captivating; they just keep getting better and better!
Benito and Harlow are basically an arranged marriage done for business’s sake. Their nuptials are meant to appease and connect two different families. Their first wedding is memorable to say the least. This book has some remarkable moments. Harlow’s entrance was hard to forget. I’ll leave it at that.
Benito and Harlow are so outrageous as a couple, but gah do they work! It’s impossible to imagine them with someone else. Benito and Harlow definitely start off as enemies. Some of their interactions are straight up crazy, but I dug the red flags they both had going on. These MCs complement one another in ways you can’t even imagine and their relationship might be messed up at first, but it works for them.
There’s a lot of hate sex in this book. There’s also a lot of passion and both MCs have an emotional minefield to navigate. Benito and Harlow have a lot to wade through before they can go from fake husbands to a real family, but they overcome most of their obstacles. It’s an intense journey, but these MCs achieve a legitimate relationship by their HEA. It was really sweet watching them soften towards one another, even if only in small degrees. They both love hard. I loved the little surprise near the end. Bless it. No spoilers. I’m happy Benito got what he wanted.
It goes without saying how great it was to see the other Vitale brothers and their beaus in this book. That said, I’m super excited for the next book in the series. I can’t even describe how excited I am to read Gianpaolo’s story! It’s going to be a good one!
(Pay attention to the Trigger Warnings for this book, btw).
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
This is the third book in the Vitale Brothers series. I have been waiting for Benito’s book and this one did not disappoint! Benito and Harlow are the most addictive couple in this series so far. I mean every book in this series is fantastic and captivating; they just keep getting better and better!
Benito and Harlow are basically an arranged marriage done for business’s sake. Their nuptials are meant to appease and connect two different families. Their first wedding is memorable to say the least. This book has some remarkable moments. Harlow’s entrance was hard to forget. I’ll leave it at that.
Benito and Harlow are so outrageous as a couple, but gah do they work! It’s impossible to imagine them with someone else. Benito and Harlow definitely start off as enemies. Some of their interactions are straight up crazy, but I dug the red flags they both had going on. These MCs complement one another in ways you can’t even imagine and their relationship might be messed up at first, but it works for them.
There’s a lot of hate sex in this book. There’s also a lot of passion and both MCs have an emotional minefield to navigate. Benito and Harlow have a lot to wade through before they can go from fake husbands to a real family, but they overcome most of their obstacles. It’s an intense journey, but these MCs achieve a legitimate relationship by their HEA. It was really sweet watching them soften towards one another, even if only in small degrees. They both love hard. I loved the little surprise near the end. Bless it. No spoilers. I’m happy Benito got what he wanted.
It goes without saying how great it was to see the other Vitale brothers and their beaus in this book. That said, I’m super excited for the next book in the series. I can’t even describe how excited I am to read Gianpaolo’s story! It’s going to be a good one!
(Pay attention to the Trigger Warnings for this book, btw).
October 29, 2024
This is officially a Harlow stan account. Murderous babygirl king.
THE PREMISE: a marriage of convenience between the mafia and yakuza goes awry when instead of a demure wife, Benito is given her feral (and far superior) brother.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Dark mafia MM romance
- Arranged marriage / forced proximity
- Unhinged4Unhinged
- Lot of knives at throats
- Proper enemies to lovers
- “Baby� x “Mine� x “Touch him and die�
- Obsessive, possessive, toxic love (it was great)
- Saying cute things in other languages
4.5⭐️ 4🌶� (check TWs)
THE PREMISE: a marriage of convenience between the mafia and yakuza goes awry when instead of a demure wife, Benito is given her feral (and far superior) brother.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Dark mafia MM romance
- Arranged marriage / forced proximity
- Unhinged4Unhinged
- Lot of knives at throats
- Proper enemies to lovers
- “Baby� x “Mine� x “Touch him and die�
- Obsessive, possessive, toxic love (it was great)
- Saying cute things in other languages
4.5⭐️ 4🌶� (check TWs)
November 24, 2024
2.5⭐️ stopped at 40%, skimmed the rest.
Listen, I get why this works for some people. It’s just not for me. Too many things irked me.
I absolutely loved the first 2 books in this series and was super excited for Benito’s story. But I can’t connect to Benito in this one at all. His personality is super vague and his voice/actions don’t make any sense� he swears he’s straight the whole time even though he was in a long-term relationship with a man in the past? What? And then he keeps telling Harlow that he’s pictured him as a woman. What?
� I don’t want to read an MC imagining the other MC is female. That’s gross and offensive and blatantly homophobic.
� Yes, the spice is hot. But constant sex with no romantic feelings or emotional dialogue is boring. The MM genre is starting to slide into erotica. Like a contest to see who can add the most smut to their book. It just cheapens it. I need emotion, angst, pining, longing, PLOT!!
� Insisting you’re “straight� despite several clear same-sex relationships - yuck.
� Pining over a dead ex for most of the book, that only cheated on you and completely screwed you over - no.
� And then� the surprise baby element - another huge pet peeve of mine and a big reason why I stopped reading MF. So yeah, no.
Listen, I get why this works for some people. It’s just not for me. Too many things irked me.
I absolutely loved the first 2 books in this series and was super excited for Benito’s story. But I can’t connect to Benito in this one at all. His personality is super vague and his voice/actions don’t make any sense� he swears he’s straight the whole time even though he was in a long-term relationship with a man in the past? What? And then he keeps telling Harlow that he’s pictured him as a woman. What?
� I don’t want to read an MC imagining the other MC is female. That’s gross and offensive and blatantly homophobic.
� Yes, the spice is hot. But constant sex with no romantic feelings or emotional dialogue is boring. The MM genre is starting to slide into erotica. Like a contest to see who can add the most smut to their book. It just cheapens it. I need emotion, angst, pining, longing, PLOT!!
� Insisting you’re “straight� despite several clear same-sex relationships - yuck.
� Pining over a dead ex for most of the book, that only cheated on you and completely screwed you over - no.
� And then� the surprise baby element - another huge pet peeve of mine and a big reason why I stopped reading MF. So yeah, no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2025
I liked Harlow. That’s it. Goodnight.
April 11, 2024
The best book in the series so far. The world around the brothers becomes more detailed, and the Yakuza son is an AMAZING character. Love him. I didn't think I would be able to connect with Benito, but his character becomes more fleshed out.
August 10, 2024
4.75⭐️
4🌶�
OMG! Y’ALL! I Swear This Series Is Just Getting Better And Better As We Continue. Favorite Book Of The Series. Benito And Harlow LITERALLY Have Me At The Core And I Will Love Them Till The End Of Time. SUCH A Good Series. And The Found Family Is SO GOOD I LOVE! I’m SO Excited For Gianpaloes Book Because He Is Definitely A Character I’m SO Excited To Learn About Since Finishing This Book. Anyways I Had SUCH A Fun Time With This Book & Series So Far And I CANNOT WAIT To Continue. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!💕💕💕💕
4🌶�
OMG! Y’ALL! I Swear This Series Is Just Getting Better And Better As We Continue. Favorite Book Of The Series. Benito And Harlow LITERALLY Have Me At The Core And I Will Love Them Till The End Of Time. SUCH A Good Series. And The Found Family Is SO GOOD I LOVE! I’m SO Excited For Gianpaloes Book Because He Is Definitely A Character I’m SO Excited To Learn About Since Finishing This Book. Anyways I Had SUCH A Fun Time With This Book & Series So Far And I CANNOT WAIT To Continue. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!💕💕💕💕
September 1, 2024
Tropes: arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, mafia
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: yes. Choking, consensual violence, lingerie kink, crossdressing
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: past CSA (age 13 sold to rival mafia leader), bad parents, murder, violence, past partner betrayal
4.5 stars
Benito is 38 and he is the leader of a Mafia family. Technically his dad is the leader but he's on his way towards retirement. He's got a lot of pressure on him. He was also in love with a guy in the past who betrayed him to the cops and by sleeping with his brother. Benito ordered his death and he still struggles with it.
Harlow is 28 and he is one of many children of another Mafia family leader. He's one of the younger ones. A bastard. Loves lingerie and pushing gender norms with his clothes, he owns it! He's been used all his life as a pawn by his dad. He's been through some rough s***. Harlow is a feral vicious killer.
Benito was supposed to marry Harlow's twin sister in a power move arranged marriage. But she gets engaged to someone else and pregnant so she has to drop out. At last minute Harlow is forced to marry Benito. He kills multiple people when they try to restrain him and force him to marry. He literally has to be wheeled in strapped up to the wedding.
They are reluctantly fascinated and attracted to each other, but of course they don't trust each other. Harlow does a bunch of things that just play to my kinks. So I loved him. He was a feral little gremlin. He needed Benito to always be thinking about him. He needed to share the same bed and be close to him. He took every opportunity to needle and annoy Benito and push boundaries and escape his control (but never physically leave because he doesn't want to leave). Harlow was Benito's equal, he was a strong and wily character.
I really liked this. I'm not a huge fan of dark romance / Mafia stories. But some people recommended this series and now I'm addicted to this family. I love the steam and the humor. I really loved Harlow as a character, I have a weakness for feral gremlins who care and characters that are viciously possessive and need to share the same bed to be close. The next book is going to be really interesting too, I'm looking forward to it.
Some notable moments:
"He thought he could put me in the guest room out of sight and out of mind. I thought the fuck not. Benito would think about me every second of every day. I would burrow so deep into the man’s psyche that he would start believing we were one and the same."
"“You know I could hear all of you the entire time, right?� “Dude, you’re walking around eating cookie dough from the roll like it’s a summer sausage. Someone’s gotta say something,� Giancarlo said."
"“This is bullshit,� Gin snapped. I raised a brow at him. “What is?� “You get engaged after I do. You get married before I do, twice! You have a baby. I want a baby!� He pouted as he turned to Ash and wrapped his arms around him. “Put a baby in me.� Ash rolled his eyes. “I’ve told you a hundred times that’s not possible for us.� “You don’t try hard enough!� he wailed."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: yes. Choking, consensual violence, lingerie kink, crossdressing
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: past CSA (age 13 sold to rival mafia leader), bad parents, murder, violence, past partner betrayal
4.5 stars
Benito is 38 and he is the leader of a Mafia family. Technically his dad is the leader but he's on his way towards retirement. He's got a lot of pressure on him. He was also in love with a guy in the past who betrayed him to the cops and by sleeping with his brother. Benito ordered his death and he still struggles with it.
Harlow is 28 and he is one of many children of another Mafia family leader. He's one of the younger ones. A bastard. Loves lingerie and pushing gender norms with his clothes, he owns it! He's been used all his life as a pawn by his dad. He's been through some rough s***. Harlow is a feral vicious killer.
Benito was supposed to marry Harlow's twin sister in a power move arranged marriage. But she gets engaged to someone else and pregnant so she has to drop out. At last minute Harlow is forced to marry Benito. He kills multiple people when they try to restrain him and force him to marry. He literally has to be wheeled in strapped up to the wedding.
They are reluctantly fascinated and attracted to each other, but of course they don't trust each other. Harlow does a bunch of things that just play to my kinks. So I loved him. He was a feral little gremlin. He needed Benito to always be thinking about him. He needed to share the same bed and be close to him. He took every opportunity to needle and annoy Benito and push boundaries and escape his control (but never physically leave because he doesn't want to leave). Harlow was Benito's equal, he was a strong and wily character.
I really liked this. I'm not a huge fan of dark romance / Mafia stories. But some people recommended this series and now I'm addicted to this family. I love the steam and the humor. I really loved Harlow as a character, I have a weakness for feral gremlins who care and characters that are viciously possessive and need to share the same bed to be close. The next book is going to be really interesting too, I'm looking forward to it.
Some notable moments:
"He thought he could put me in the guest room out of sight and out of mind. I thought the fuck not. Benito would think about me every second of every day. I would burrow so deep into the man’s psyche that he would start believing we were one and the same."
"“You know I could hear all of you the entire time, right?� “Dude, you’re walking around eating cookie dough from the roll like it’s a summer sausage. Someone’s gotta say something,� Giancarlo said."
"“This is bullshit,� Gin snapped. I raised a brow at him. “What is?� “You get engaged after I do. You get married before I do, twice! You have a baby. I want a baby!� He pouted as he turned to Ash and wrapped his arms around him. “Put a baby in me.� Ash rolled his eyes. “I’ve told you a hundred times that’s not possible for us.� “You don’t try hard enough!� he wailed."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
You should've seen the happy grin on my face when I got this one's #ARC! Devoured in around 9hrs!
This is a DARK & sexy Mafia romance with a 10yrs age gap & an arranged marriage b/w "calm leader" Benito (the oldest of Vitale bros) & "bloodthirsty chaos" Harlow (the youngest of Hayashis), what they both had in common: violence (omg the hate sex 🔥🔥🔥)
It's a marriage neither wanted, yet have to uphold but no one said that Harlow can't make Benito's life hell 😏. But as they said, there's a thin line b/w hate & love. Can they overcome Benito's confusing sexuality (& betrayal of ex), the rumors that threaten Vitales, & ultimately fall in love?
This book! Omg, it grabbed my attention & did NOT let go. I enjoyed myself so much reading this, It's twisty, gore, spicy, emotional! Especially towards the book end, man, I want more! Release the next bro (a surprise, even tho expected one, on its own!) Book soon!!
Longer review soon!
Story ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: "Violence", "Yes...no..yes!", "Sexy!"
3) Story enjoyment: 5+/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.5/5
5) World build: 4.7/5
6) Relationship: 5/5
7) Steamy scenes: 4/5
8) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.7/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Dark: 4/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.7/5
10) Grammar: 5/5
This is a DARK & sexy Mafia romance with a 10yrs age gap & an arranged marriage b/w "calm leader" Benito (the oldest of Vitale bros) & "bloodthirsty chaos" Harlow (the youngest of Hayashis), what they both had in common: violence (omg the hate sex 🔥🔥🔥)
It's a marriage neither wanted, yet have to uphold but no one said that Harlow can't make Benito's life hell 😏. But as they said, there's a thin line b/w hate & love. Can they overcome Benito's confusing sexuality (& betrayal of ex), the rumors that threaten Vitales, & ultimately fall in love?
This book! Omg, it grabbed my attention & did NOT let go. I enjoyed myself so much reading this, It's twisty, gore, spicy, emotional! Especially towards the book end, man, I want more! Release the next bro (a surprise, even tho expected one, on its own!) Book soon!!
Longer review soon!
Story ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: "Violence", "Yes...no..yes!", "Sexy!"
3) Story enjoyment: 5+/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.5/5
5) World build: 4.7/5
6) Relationship: 5/5
7) Steamy scenes: 4/5
8) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.7/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Dark: 4/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.7/5
10) Grammar: 5/5
January 9, 2025
Going soft for not ONE, but TWO murderous madmen? Absolutely 😬
Benito Vitale needs to get married to the daughter of a Yakuza family for political reasons, to “merge� families. All would be well if at the last moment, Lorelei Hayashi wasn’t switched replaced by Harlow, her murderous, slightly insane (and I say that lovingly) twin brother.
Needless to say, Benito isn’t amused.
“What I wanted was a quiet, calm housewife who wouldn’t interfere with my shit,� I snapped. I tossed back the rest of my drink. “Fuck! Instead, I get Giancarlo. On steroids.�
I honestly have no words to describe Harlow. He’s psychotic, stabby, mischievous, funny, vulnerable, pretty, smart, hates housework, possessive and deadly. Oh, and he likes dressing feminine. Leave tentacled dildos everywhere. And hides knives in unlikely places.
Harlow produced a knife from his pocket. I wasn’t even surprised anymore. Every time I tried to confiscate one of his knives, he found a way to get two more. It was fun to see where he’d pull one from next. As long as they weren’t pointed at me.
I loved it, and it would have been an easy 5 stars, if not for the ending. I mean� I like babies. But why, WHY did we need to get one here? While I loved seeing Harlow freak out because of his sister’s screaming little banshee, it felt so anticlimactic. I’m actually a bit mad at the authors, I would have LOVED for it to be my favourite book in the series.
Nevertheless - it’s a lot of fun, and Benito and Harlow (minus the baby) were perfect together. Can’t wait for the next audiobook, because by now, I refuse to read the ebook when I can have Declan Winters narrating instead 🥰
Also - the cover? Benito’s hands with the rings he got from Harlow? 🔥🔥🔥
Benito Vitale needs to get married to the daughter of a Yakuza family for political reasons, to “merge� families. All would be well if at the last moment, Lorelei Hayashi wasn’t switched replaced by Harlow, her murderous, slightly insane (and I say that lovingly) twin brother.
Needless to say, Benito isn’t amused.
“What I wanted was a quiet, calm housewife who wouldn’t interfere with my shit,� I snapped. I tossed back the rest of my drink. “Fuck! Instead, I get Giancarlo. On steroids.�
I honestly have no words to describe Harlow. He’s psychotic, stabby, mischievous, funny, vulnerable, pretty, smart, hates housework, possessive and deadly. Oh, and he likes dressing feminine. Leave tentacled dildos everywhere. And hides knives in unlikely places.
Harlow produced a knife from his pocket. I wasn’t even surprised anymore. Every time I tried to confiscate one of his knives, he found a way to get two more. It was fun to see where he’d pull one from next. As long as they weren’t pointed at me.
I loved it, and it would have been an easy 5 stars, if not for the ending. I mean� I like babies. But why, WHY did we need to get one here? While I loved seeing Harlow freak out because of his sister’s screaming little banshee, it felt so anticlimactic. I’m actually a bit mad at the authors, I would have LOVED for it to be my favourite book in the series.
Nevertheless - it’s a lot of fun, and Benito and Harlow (minus the baby) were perfect together. Can’t wait for the next audiobook, because by now, I refuse to read the ebook when I can have Declan Winters narrating instead 🥰
Also - the cover? Benito’s hands with the rings he got from Harlow? 🔥🔥🔥
December 16, 2024
This was pretty terrible in every way and I can’t say I really enjoyed it, but it was weirdly addictive 🤷🏻♀�
June 29, 2023
4/5 stars
I really liked this! I was so surprised because this series is okay. Nothing too special, but I was staying up until the wee hours of the morning to try and finish it. Everything just clicked for me. I was very excited when this is was supposed to marriage of convenience.
Like from the very beginning I loved the dynamic between Harlow and Benito. Harlow wasn’t annoying unlike a certain character *cough* Ash *cough*. Also the way the relationship progressed was perfect. I just can’t put what I’m feeling in words. I just loved them together. I just want to hug Harlow. I loved the dude.
“I won.�
“You think so?� I scoffed. “It was after I choked him.�
“The knife in the thigh so close to his cock is what tipped him over the edge.� Harlow narrowed his eyes. “Don’t fuck with me, Benito. We both know I won this one.�
I glanced over at Daniel. “What do you think? Who pushed you over the edge?�
“W� What?� He muttered, his eyes barely focused.
I walked over and slapped him so hard the back of my hand stung.
“Who won?� I asked. “Me or him?�
“Please, please,� he whispered. “Don’t kill me.�
I struck him again. “Focus!�
“He won,� Daniel slurred. “Please take the knife out. It hurts. Fuck, it hurts�
Harlow chuckled behind me, entirely too happy with himself. I turned and pulled his bloody self against me.
“Fine, you won this one. I’ll get you next time.�
“Next time?� he asked. “You’re making it sound like a second date.�
A couple that tortures together stays together, right? This scene was probably my favorite out of the entire book. I just love seeing them at their blood thirsty moods. I just wish we got more of stabby Harlow. That would have made it so much better.
The jealousy? Amazing. Both of them were insanely jealous and it made it so much better.
“Before we go, we have to get Tony.�
“Tony?� I asked, my eyebrows knitting together.
“Where is he?�
Harlow led me to the sleek black sedan I immediately recognized as Tony’s. As soon as he popped the trunk, Tony glared and let out a string of muffled curses in rapid-fire Italian. I turned and stared at Harlow.
“What the fuck?�
“I didn’t have a choice,� Harlow said calmly. “He would have ratted on me.�
Also can we talk about the true MVP, Tony? He just fit right in. Though I feel bad for all of the things he had to witness in that car. Another thing I loved was seeing all of the brothers. They were funny, and Gin was not annoying. So that’s a plus.
“How in the hell are you with someone like that?� Quincy asked. His nose scrunched up at Benito’s tea.
“Good dick. Not to mention the things he can do with his hands.�
Lorelei choked. Quincy groaned, but he’d asked. I glanced over my shoulder and caught the smirk on Benito’s face before he let it drop. I was back on his lap. He really wasn’t letting me out of his reach. For some insane reason, that made me want to do things like get on my knees and suck his dick until he shouted my name.
Even though I did love it doesn’t mean it was perfect. Something pissed me off. Harlow not saying important information that could have avoided everything that happens in the end was a little annoying. He also makes some irrational decisions that were not it. Benito also got on my nerves a lot. Especially towards the last third. Other than that, it’s definitely my favorite out of the series. But I am very curious for Gianpaolo.
Benito’s gun pressed to my temple, and the blade of my knife rested against his inner thigh. I blinked a few times. A yawn worked its way free. “If you want to fuck, all you have to do is say the word.�
I really liked this! I was so surprised because this series is okay. Nothing too special, but I was staying up until the wee hours of the morning to try and finish it. Everything just clicked for me. I was very excited when this is was supposed to marriage of convenience.
The cold metal of Benito’s gun pressed to my temple didn’t combat the rage that filled my chest. How in the fuck did I get here? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. In the end, I’d survive like I always did by killing everyone else around me. “Say I do,� Benito said.
Like from the very beginning I loved the dynamic between Harlow and Benito. Harlow wasn’t annoying unlike a certain character *cough* Ash *cough*. Also the way the relationship progressed was perfect. I just can’t put what I’m feeling in words. I just loved them together. I just want to hug Harlow. I loved the dude.
“I won.�
“You think so?� I scoffed. “It was after I choked him.�
“The knife in the thigh so close to his cock is what tipped him over the edge.� Harlow narrowed his eyes. “Don’t fuck with me, Benito. We both know I won this one.�
I glanced over at Daniel. “What do you think? Who pushed you over the edge?�
“W� What?� He muttered, his eyes barely focused.
I walked over and slapped him so hard the back of my hand stung.
“Who won?� I asked. “Me or him?�
“Please, please,� he whispered. “Don’t kill me.�
I struck him again. “Focus!�
“He won,� Daniel slurred. “Please take the knife out. It hurts. Fuck, it hurts�
Harlow chuckled behind me, entirely too happy with himself. I turned and pulled his bloody self against me.
“Fine, you won this one. I’ll get you next time.�
“Next time?� he asked. “You’re making it sound like a second date.�
A couple that tortures together stays together, right? This scene was probably my favorite out of the entire book. I just love seeing them at their blood thirsty moods. I just wish we got more of stabby Harlow. That would have made it so much better.
“I won’t have anyone else lay eyes on you. No one. I don’t give a fuck if this asshole is about to die. Even a second of seeing what’s mine is a second too fucking long.�
The jealousy? Amazing. Both of them were insanely jealous and it made it so much better.
“Before we go, we have to get Tony.�
“Tony?� I asked, my eyebrows knitting together.
“Where is he?�
Harlow led me to the sleek black sedan I immediately recognized as Tony’s. As soon as he popped the trunk, Tony glared and let out a string of muffled curses in rapid-fire Italian. I turned and stared at Harlow.
“What the fuck?�
“I didn’t have a choice,� Harlow said calmly. “He would have ratted on me.�
Also can we talk about the true MVP, Tony? He just fit right in. Though I feel bad for all of the things he had to witness in that car. Another thing I loved was seeing all of the brothers. They were funny, and Gin was not annoying. So that’s a plus.
“How in the hell are you with someone like that?� Quincy asked. His nose scrunched up at Benito’s tea.
“Good dick. Not to mention the things he can do with his hands.�
Lorelei choked. Quincy groaned, but he’d asked. I glanced over my shoulder and caught the smirk on Benito’s face before he let it drop. I was back on his lap. He really wasn’t letting me out of his reach. For some insane reason, that made me want to do things like get on my knees and suck his dick until he shouted my name.
Even though I did love it doesn’t mean it was perfect. Something pissed me off. Harlow not saying important information that could have avoided everything that happens in the end was a little annoying. He also makes some irrational decisions that were not it. Benito also got on my nerves a lot. Especially towards the last third. Other than that, it’s definitely my favorite out of the series. But I am very curious for Gianpaolo.
“I’m saying you’re mine, Harlow.� Benito kissed me as he continued to thrust inside. “You’re going to be mine forever. There is no end date. Even in death, it’s me and you.�
February 7, 2025
�4.5 stars� rounded up
Whew� this one just really worked for me and ticked a lot of boxes that I needed ticked this week, you know?
The anger, the lust, the everything was just so good in this one.
F*ck. I have a thing, and I mean a thing for dark, twisted, moderate to severely fucked up romance exactly like this one.
Arranged marriage? Check. Sexuality discovery? Check. Hate sex? Check. The occasional pulling of a weapon during said hate sex? Check.
Don’t tell my therapist, okay? I don’t really need to unpack that.
Benito and Harlow were something else. I don’t know if this was just a right time/right book situation for me, or if it was really just THAT good. Either way, I’m not complaining. I had a good time and couldn’t put it down.
Benito has a lot of hurt that he’s never dealt with, and while the almost pining for an old lover was almost unfortunate and a turn off, it never quite reached the point where I couldn’t deal. It really just made me feel kind of sorry for him, and want to scream at him not to let a good thing like Harlow go. And Harlow, god, Harlow, was such a strong and independent character that could really give it back to Benito when he deserved it. These two hold a special place in my dark romance book heart now.
Out of all this books in the series, this did have a bit of a cliffhanger for the background plot (not part of the romance) that will continue in subsequent books. The cliffhanger isn’t anything to do with the romance of Harlow and Benito, more just the overarching world that these books take place in. So I’m really excited to see where the next book goes!
Whew� this one just really worked for me and ticked a lot of boxes that I needed ticked this week, you know?
The anger, the lust, the everything was just so good in this one.
The cold metal of Benito’s gun pressed to my temple didn’t combat the rage that filled my chest. How in the fuck did I get here? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. In the end, I’d survive like I always did by killing everyone else around me. “Say I do,� Benito said.
F*ck. I have a thing, and I mean a thing for dark, twisted, moderate to severely fucked up romance exactly like this one.
Arranged marriage? Check. Sexuality discovery? Check. Hate sex? Check. The occasional pulling of a weapon during said hate sex? Check.
Don’t tell my therapist, okay? I don’t really need to unpack that.
Benito and Harlow were something else. I don’t know if this was just a right time/right book situation for me, or if it was really just THAT good. Either way, I’m not complaining. I had a good time and couldn’t put it down.
Benito has a lot of hurt that he’s never dealt with, and while the almost pining for an old lover was almost unfortunate and a turn off, it never quite reached the point where I couldn’t deal. It really just made me feel kind of sorry for him, and want to scream at him not to let a good thing like Harlow go. And Harlow, god, Harlow, was such a strong and independent character that could really give it back to Benito when he deserved it. These two hold a special place in my dark romance book heart now.
Out of all this books in the series, this did have a bit of a cliffhanger for the background plot (not part of the romance) that will continue in subsequent books. The cliffhanger isn’t anything to do with the romance of Harlow and Benito, more just the overarching world that these books take place in. So I’m really excited to see where the next book goes!
October 18, 2024
⭐︎
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐︎
This was practically on par with the second book for me. Benito and Harlow were so good together, they were fire.
They were both unhinged in their own ways, but Benito knows how to mask his wild nature because of how he was brought up and trained to be, which helped rain Harlow in at times. Although not that much, as I think Benito loved Harlow as an unhinged monster most of the time.
Benito, along with his father, have been planning on marrying into the Yakuza for almost a year, and Benito has been lead to believe he'd marry Lorelei, Harlow's twin. But she's with another man who she plans to marry and who she got pregnant by. She certainly can't marry Benito while carrying another man's baby, so Harlow's father scrambles and puts Harlow forth as Benito's husband instead of wife.
Only Harlow is a spitfire, and completely unhinged, and he doesn't want to marry Benito. He and Lorelei are twins, born of a mistress, not like their three older brothers who were born by their father's marriage. So Harlow has never quite fit into their family, and as we later learn, another had SA'ed him when he was literally a child, and I think that all came together to make him how he is. Like a feral cat...or more like a tiger.
He literally bites a guy's finger off within the first few chapters. He literally stabs Benito several times. He's definitely one of the wildest characters I've ever read, and that's saying something.
But despite the switch being last minute - and Benito not knowing that until he gets there to marry Harlow - Benito doesn't reject it, or it'd be war between the Vitale and the Yakuza. This deal will broker peace, and keeping peace is preferable to an all out mob war.
These two hate each other at first. Harlow because not only is he wild and didn't want to be forced to marry him, but he isn't one to play wife in any sense of the word. He won't meekly do as he's told, he won't cook and clean and all that. He's nothing like that. Also, he was able to do stuff for the family, but he isn't expected to do the hands on shit now as Benito's husband. He's angry about all of that. Also, Benito is firmly in the "doing it for appearances sake" category, and even goes so far as to not want Harlow in his bed, but the guest bedroom instead.
Benito isn't to be fucked with...but neither is Harlow. Honestly, the only reason these two don't kill each other at first is because they're forced to, for appearances sake. They're both unhinged enough that they totally would have if they could have. Or Harlow would have just left too, if he'd been able to get away with it.
But they have no choice, they're forced to stay married. And after they're "forced" to kiss after a public "engagement", then all bets are off. There's no stopping the spark, the fire, lit between them after that.
Benito is resistant at first, and still claims he's "straight" because the only other man he'd been attracted to/loved was Brycen, who we learned about in book 1. Buttt he quickly becomes obsessed and consumed by Harlow, sooo safe to say that "straight" label went out the window ages ago.
I absolutely loved the possessiveness between these two. As with everything else they did, their possessiveness was unhinged. Like there's possessive and then there's these two. But I fucking loved it and lived for it. Like Benito didn't even want anyone to see Harlow naked, let alone touch him, and same with Harlow. Who also had no qualms holding women to his knife that he thought might touch Benito or did touch him.
Things are also very physical between these two. At times they hit, punch, stab, beat each other up, etc. This isn't a healthy relationship in the least, and it's pretty damn violent. But they love each other anyway. They're obsessed, and can't get enough of each other.
This, I would say, is the most toxic relationship of the three yet, but it's oh so good and juicy and sexy. I absolutely had a blast reading this.
My only reasons for my .5 off is the part where Harlow
Also I wanted these two to talk more in depth about both their pasts, but we didn't get that. I get that they're mafioso men, emotionally stunted and blah blah blah, but I was annoyed they found out about their pasts from others *sighh*
But those things weren't too big of a deal and were easily moved past for the most part. The rest of this was still so so good, and I loved it.
I'm highly interested in Gianpaolo's book next - although I'll probably wait to read until the 5th and final book comes out - as we didn't even hear about him in the first - I think? - and only in little snippets with Giancarlo in the second book. Like what do you mean his brother is his twin? And they've been separated for years and he didn't seem all that broken up about it in his book? Or maybe he just shoved that down far into his mind, which wouldn't surprise me. But still. I'm highly intrigued about him and how his story will go.
Can't wait to read what's next! 😊😍
My Ratings for the Vitale Brothers Series:
� : 4 stars (my review)
� : 5 stars (my review)
� Say I Do: 4.5 stars
� : TBR
“You’re going to be mine forever. There is no end date. Even in death, it’s me and you.�
This was practically on par with the second book for me. Benito and Harlow were so good together, they were fire.
They were both unhinged in their own ways, but Benito knows how to mask his wild nature because of how he was brought up and trained to be, which helped rain Harlow in at times. Although not that much, as I think Benito loved Harlow as an unhinged monster most of the time.
Benito, along with his father, have been planning on marrying into the Yakuza for almost a year, and Benito has been lead to believe he'd marry Lorelei, Harlow's twin. But she's with another man who she plans to marry and who she got pregnant by. She certainly can't marry Benito while carrying another man's baby, so Harlow's father scrambles and puts Harlow forth as Benito's husband instead of wife.
Only Harlow is a spitfire, and completely unhinged, and he doesn't want to marry Benito. He and Lorelei are twins, born of a mistress, not like their three older brothers who were born by their father's marriage. So Harlow has never quite fit into their family, and as we later learn, another had SA'ed him when he was literally a child, and I think that all came together to make him how he is. Like a feral cat...or more like a tiger.
He literally bites a guy's finger off within the first few chapters. He literally stabs Benito several times. He's definitely one of the wildest characters I've ever read, and that's saying something.
But despite the switch being last minute - and Benito not knowing that until he gets there to marry Harlow - Benito doesn't reject it, or it'd be war between the Vitale and the Yakuza. This deal will broker peace, and keeping peace is preferable to an all out mob war.
These two hate each other at first. Harlow because not only is he wild and didn't want to be forced to marry him, but he isn't one to play wife in any sense of the word. He won't meekly do as he's told, he won't cook and clean and all that. He's nothing like that. Also, he was able to do stuff for the family, but he isn't expected to do the hands on shit now as Benito's husband. He's angry about all of that. Also, Benito is firmly in the "doing it for appearances sake" category, and even goes so far as to not want Harlow in his bed, but the guest bedroom instead.
Benito isn't to be fucked with...but neither is Harlow. Honestly, the only reason these two don't kill each other at first is because they're forced to, for appearances sake. They're both unhinged enough that they totally would have if they could have. Or Harlow would have just left too, if he'd been able to get away with it.
But they have no choice, they're forced to stay married. And after they're "forced" to kiss after a public "engagement", then all bets are off. There's no stopping the spark, the fire, lit between them after that.
Benito is resistant at first, and still claims he's "straight" because the only other man he'd been attracted to/loved was Brycen, who we learned about in book 1. Buttt he quickly becomes obsessed and consumed by Harlow, sooo safe to say that "straight" label went out the window ages ago.
I absolutely loved the possessiveness between these two. As with everything else they did, their possessiveness was unhinged. Like there's possessive and then there's these two. But I fucking loved it and lived for it. Like Benito didn't even want anyone to see Harlow naked, let alone touch him, and same with Harlow. Who also had no qualms holding women to his knife that he thought might touch Benito or did touch him.
Things are also very physical between these two. At times they hit, punch, stab, beat each other up, etc. This isn't a healthy relationship in the least, and it's pretty damn violent. But they love each other anyway. They're obsessed, and can't get enough of each other.
This, I would say, is the most toxic relationship of the three yet, but it's oh so good and juicy and sexy. I absolutely had a blast reading this.
My only reasons for my .5 off is the part where Harlow
Also I wanted these two to talk more in depth about both their pasts, but we didn't get that. I get that they're mafioso men, emotionally stunted and blah blah blah, but I was annoyed they found out about their pasts from others *sighh*
But those things weren't too big of a deal and were easily moved past for the most part. The rest of this was still so so good, and I loved it.
I'm highly interested in Gianpaolo's book next - although I'll probably wait to read until the 5th and final book comes out - as we didn't even hear about him in the first - I think? - and only in little snippets with Giancarlo in the second book. Like what do you mean his brother is his twin? And they've been separated for years and he didn't seem all that broken up about it in his book? Or maybe he just shoved that down far into his mind, which wouldn't surprise me. But still. I'm highly intrigued about him and how his story will go.
Can't wait to read what's next! 😊😍
My Ratings for the Vitale Brothers Series:
� : 4 stars (my review)
� : 5 stars (my review)
� Say I Do: 4.5 stars
� : TBR
July 6, 2023
I can't give this book more than 2.8-2.9�, because it absolutely didn't deliver the promised tropes.
I couldn't wait to read Benito's book and considering he's the boss, I'd expect for that image of him being a held-back, always in control, dangerous guy to continue, but it didn't.
Not only that, even though this book is stated as an enemies-to-lovers book, it's not.
🟨 Mafia Romance
🟧 Enemies-to-lovers
🟥 Age gap - 10 years
🟪 Younger MMC is femme (not strictly)
🟦 Both MMCs are very possessive and jealous
Arranged marriage
🌶� Good spice
This book started out very promising with Benito, the 38-year old Vitale boss getting married to Harlow, the 28-year old son of the Yakuza boss.
Harlow's had a pretty terrible life and has devoted everything to the family business, he's quick and lethal, likes to cut and murder people and is a mild basket case.
He's femme, so he looks tall, slender, has long hair, likes to dress in women's underwear and dresses, but not all the time.
He's pushed into an arranged marriage with Benito instead of his sister. It's just an arrangement, but he's not taking it lightly.
Benito feels robbed, because even though he has to do this for the family, he wanted to have a wife and kids.
The enemies-to-lovers was happening until they started living together, which was right after the wedding. Pretty soon both characters lost their edge and were just having sex all the damn time.
Yes, the spice was good, but it happened way too soon in the story and therefore it wasn't a big deal. There was no build-up, no special long-term tension, just straight up sex right away and not only that, a lot of it was happening off-page.
Right after the first time, when it was crucial to read about those first moments of them living together and having sex, it was all off-page.
Where, I ask you, was the hate sex? Did I miss it? Because I don't remember it. They were both hot for each other from the get-go. No hate sex.
🟨 I didn't appreciate how Harlow wasn't accepted into the brothers' circle. Everyone was distant and noone talked to him. And that trend continued almost until the end.
I really thought Harlow was going to have a bigger role in this book in terms of the family business.
He's from a Mafia family himself and he knows the business, he's very useful, so I had no idea why Benito didn't involve him in anything.
🟪 Everything that should've happened in terms of plot and relationship development, already happened in the first half of the book.
The story just added a few more characters later on and the issues weren't even resolved in the end.
Toxic? No, I didn't find them toxic at all, neither of them was toxic, Benito was almost 40 and seemed like a strong guy, always in control, I loved his character in previous books and Harlow was supposed to be this beautiful wounded young man who's secretly yearning for his husband.
They were all that, but the magic of them discovering things about each other was shot down pretty early on.
Benito is seeking tenderness and they have exactly one or two moments of it, it wasn't special at all, so I think the moments where their relationship could really develop, were not explored enough.
Their inner emotions were not being talked about enough. They had depth, but there wasn't much written about it.
🟦 The MMCs were hitting each other constantly.
I get it, I get it. They both fight, they're in the Mafia. What I didn't expect was for them to hit each other so much.
I found the jealousy and the possessiveness really hot, but what I absolutely didn't like is the fact that they were literally hitting each other .
Even when they loved each other they were punching each other's brains out and I get it if it's here and there and is done sexually, but not what they were doing.
That last wedding scene just left me speechless.
Don't even get me started on all the Italian and japanese in this book. So much of it!
Benito was saying things to Harlow in Italian and Harlow had no idea what was being said, Benito didn't elaborate and it was getting on my nerves. I get it once or twice, but so many times??
I think both characters were interesting, but the roles they had in this book didn't do them justice.
I was really disappointed, because this could've gone so much better if the authors would work on that tension a little bit more.
Just adding it on until the dam broke and if they had hate sex after there was some substance between them, now that would've changed everything.
But as it was, I have mixed feelings about the whole story and I only liked Benito and Harlow in the beginning with that restaurant kiss that was promising big things and later in the 31st chapter, that part where they both go out with sweats and hoodies on and sit on the hood of the car, watching the waves together.
Those to me were the only real moments between them.
So at the end of the day I've read almost 500 pages for Benito and Harlow to not get their wedding as they should, no honeymoon, the big issue with Harlow's owner wasn't resolved and we get very little page time with the brothers.
👌
Disappointed.
I should probably give a lower rating, but I really like these brothers and their boyfriends.
I hope Gianpaolo's story is better, but we'll have to wait about a year to read it.
January 23, 2024
Audio: 5 stars, Declan Winters always does well with these mafia books haha
Book: first 85-90% 4-4.5 stars, last 10-15% 2 stars
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. And that’s awesome since I DNF’ed the first book haha
The first 85-90% was addictive, but then it was like the book took a 180 and didn’t make sense haha like their relationship didn’t match what I was reading haha and the outside drama didn’t make sense from that last big scene haha! I was so confused 😂
Even with that said it was a great read and I recommend! I might go back and read book two now, but in reality I am excited for book 4! Haha
Book: first 85-90% 4-4.5 stars, last 10-15% 2 stars
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. And that’s awesome since I DNF’ed the first book haha
The first 85-90% was addictive, but then it was like the book took a 180 and didn’t make sense haha like their relationship didn’t match what I was reading haha and the outside drama didn’t make sense from that last big scene haha! I was so confused 😂
Even with that said it was a great read and I recommend! I might go back and read book two now, but in reality I am excited for book 4! Haha
July 15, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶�
I loved Benito & Harlow! Harlow was so bratty and their banter was a 10/10!
This is an MM mafia romance with the arranged marriage trope.
I definitely recommend the audiobook for this one! 🎧
2.5/5 🌶�
I loved Benito & Harlow! Harlow was so bratty and their banter was a 10/10!
This is an MM mafia romance with the arranged marriage trope.
I definitely recommend the audiobook for this one! 🎧
November 22, 2024
5 ⭐️s
BOOM SHAKALAKA I NEED THIS BOOK INJESTED TO MY VEINS.
I PICKED UP THIS BOOK BECAUSE THE MC IS JAPANESE AND I WANTED A GOOD ASIAN REP AND GOSH IT WAS THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE.
I DONT KNOW IF I WANTED TO BE BENITO OR HARLOW FR. THEY ARE BOTH SO HOT I CANT EVEN EXPLAIN IT. BOTH OF THEM ARE SO FREAKING FUNNY I AM GASPING FOR AIR EVERY PAGE.
HARLOW IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST UNHINGED MC I’VE EVER READ AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. POOR BENITO NEEDS A BREAK NOT ONLY FROM HIS BROTHERS BUT NOW HIS HUSBAND HELP 🤣
I DONT KNOW HOW I AM GONNA RECOVER FROM THIS BOOK. I LOVE IT SO MUCH
BOOM SHAKALAKA I NEED THIS BOOK INJESTED TO MY VEINS.
I PICKED UP THIS BOOK BECAUSE THE MC IS JAPANESE AND I WANTED A GOOD ASIAN REP AND GOSH IT WAS THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE.
I DONT KNOW IF I WANTED TO BE BENITO OR HARLOW FR. THEY ARE BOTH SO HOT I CANT EVEN EXPLAIN IT. BOTH OF THEM ARE SO FREAKING FUNNY I AM GASPING FOR AIR EVERY PAGE.
HARLOW IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST UNHINGED MC I’VE EVER READ AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. POOR BENITO NEEDS A BREAK NOT ONLY FROM HIS BROTHERS BUT NOW HIS HUSBAND HELP 🤣
I DONT KNOW HOW I AM GONNA RECOVER FROM THIS BOOK. I LOVE IT SO MUCH
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