ŷ������

“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.

“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!?