Twisted Loyalties (The Camorra Chronicles, #1) by Cora Reilly

Twisted Loyalties (The Camorra Chronicles, #1) Reviews

• 
  Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️

  2.5 Stars
  
  I originally DNF'd this, but have been on a Cora Reilly mafia re-read kick (for whatever inexplicably unknown reason that I cannot even fathom) and decided to go back and finish this...
  
  I can't say that it got all that much better for me. In fact, the only thing about this that surprised me was that I still had blue lady balls at 84%. However, I did like the characters. In fact, I went back and re-read Remo's book after this. Sigh. I have issues. I have no idea.
  
  Anyway, this one was just okay.
• 
  len ❀ is a little inactive :(

  My interest in reading Cora Reilly’s books started around the beginning of this year when I saw some specific quotes I liked. I had to approach it with interest and caution, as most of my close friends have read and enjoyed this series. While I don’t normally read these types of books, I wanted to give it a chance to see what the hype was about. Admittedly, what started off as a mildly enjoyable mafia romance book started to become one of the most irritating books I’ve come across.
  
  We follow Fabiano, who was originally planning on following in his father’s footsteps and becoming Consigliere of the Chicago Outfit, one of the strongest and most feared mobs, but his father has other plans. Left for himself, he is saved by Remo Falcone, who later becomes Capo of the Las Vegas Camorra, one of the Outfit’s rivals, and earns his title of the Enforcer. On the other hand, we follow Leona, who has recently arrived to Las Vegas, where she didn’t expect to stumble back into her alcoholic father’s debts. With nothing but a couple bucks and a spare of clothes, she finds a job at Roger’s arena, a place known for cage fighting. When she catches the attention of Fabiano, Leona is no longer able to look away and go back to the life she thought would be her new life. The two begin becoming attracted to each other, and it gets to the point where Fabiano will risk his promise, loyalty, and oath to the Camorra, if only it promises Leona’s safety.
  
  

  “The only way to deserve a position of power is if you fight for it, if you bleed and suffer for it.”

  
  
  While I was quite enjoying this in the beginning, my enjoyment was faltered around the 25% mark. What bothered me the most were the main characters, Leona and Fabi, and their relationship. For starters, I think Leona has got to be one of the most ridiculous and stupid characters I’ve read about. While her innocence and naiveness is very clear from the beginning, it didn’t start bothering me until she started making it clear that she was going to have no common sense, logic, and dignity. First by getting inside Fabi’s car (who was a stranger at first) and trusting him (since she didn’t know who he was), to then giving her father money over and over again, right from the beginning. Considering she had no good relationship with her father, I was surprised at how easy she was for her dad to manipulate and convince. From the beginning, he used the money she first gave him on his gambling and addiction instead of buying her food. He then asked her to buy them food. Later on, he stole her money because he knew she was getting some from Fabi. Later on, he was drowning in debt, and she was still trying to cover his ass by paying them off. While at first it was understandable, it got to the point where I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that this girl wanted to go to law school and study to become a lawyer but be this easily influenced and dumb.
  
  12%: I don’t suppose you have some spare change for me? Business is slow right now, and I need to get us some food.”
  I hadn’t asked what exactly his business was; I’d learned that asking too many questions often led to unpleasant answers.
  I handed him ten dollars. “I need the rest for bedding.”
  (This is when it started)
  
  13%: I scanned his empty arms and miserable expression.
  “No food?” I asked.
  He froze, his eyes flitting around nervously as he searched for a good lie.
  (Pathetic)
  
  “If you get the chance, maybe you can buy some food?” Dad said after a moment.
  (IMAGINE HAVING TO LISTEN TO YOUR STUPID LOSER OF A FUCKING FATHER TELL YOU THIS BECAUSE HE SPENT THE MONEY YOU GAVE HIM ON DUMB SHIT INSTEAD OF FOOD)
  
  28%: “Wait,” he slurred. “You have to give me some money, Leona. Roger must have paid you by now.”
  I tried to slip out of his grip, but it was too tight—and painful. “You’re hurting me,” I said through gritted teeth.
  He didn’t seem to listen. “I need money. I need to pay off my betting debts or we’ll be in trouble.”
  “How much do you need?” I asked.
  “Just give me all you have,” he said, his fingers on my wrist as much to keep me from leaving as it was to keep himself upright.
  [...]
  The despair on his face made me reach into my backpack. I took the fifty-dollar note and handed it to him. That left me with a little over one hundred dollars after Roger had paid me today. Tips were decent in the arena.
  “That’s all?”
  I didn’t get the chance to reply. He staggered forward, catching me by surprise. He ripped my backpack out of my hand, shoved his arm inside, and began rummaging through my belongings. I tried to take it from him, but he pushed me away and I collided with the wall. When he found the rest of the money, he dropped the backpack and pushed the notes into his jeans pocket.
  “A good daughter wouldn’t lie to her father,” he said angrily.
  And a good father wouldn’t steal from his daughter.
  (AND SHE STILL DIDN'T LISTEN)
  
  41%: “You need to give me some money. I know you must have gotten paid for working this week.”
  I had gotten money, but apart from getting us food, I set the rest aside to finally buy another dress. I rubbed my eyes, trying to get rid of the brain fog. “I thought you were working.”
  He didn’t say anything for a while. “They fired me.”
  (Her father is such a good role model can't you tell?)
  
  42%: “She’s nice to look at. Have a go at her. That should pay my debt.”
  (THIS MAN TRIED TO SELL HER OFF AND SHE STILL DIDN'T LISTEN)
  
  44%: “I’m going to clean up your wound,” I warned him. When he didn’t react, I gently pressed the cold washcloth to the cut.
  (pendeja)
  
  57%: Christmas morning. My father wolfed down the French toast I’d prepared and got up. “One of the biggest races of the year goes down on Christmas. I need to place my bet.”
  (And it only continued)
  
  65%: “I owe too much. I can’t pay them. I’m a dead man if you don’t help me, Leo, please.”
  (Him using Leo to manipulate her and she still didn't learn)
  
  66%: “Please. There has to be something I can do. Don’t kill him.”
  (She really offered herself to pay off her father's debts bro)
  
  70%: “Fabiano, please,” Leona begged.
  (The fact that she literally begged Fabiano to not kill her father after everything!)
  
  “When you sent your daughter to Remo to pay your debt, did you know what would happen to her? Did you know that she would bleed for you?”
  His eyes darted to Leona again, looking for help.
  I grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him up. “Did you know what would happen to Leona?”
  “Yes!” he cried.
  “And you didn’t care?”
  “I didn’t want to die!”
  “So, you sent her so she could bleed and die for you?”
  (Yeah dude and she accepted it)
  
  71%: And now my father was dead. Killed by the man I loved.
  (Bummer)
  
  She had no common sense whatsoever and would do things without thinking. Understanding that she comes from neglecting parents was one thing, but it got to the point where I felt zero emotion for her.
  
  Fabi was no better. My biggest problem with him was his constant back and forth with his relationship and Leona. One moment he would be acting romantic and soft towards her, and the next he was degrading her, referring to her as entertaining. I understand his loyalty to the Camorra and Remo, but I wish he would at least accept his feelings for Leona to the point where they would be labeled as something. One moment he was whipped for her, the next he was pretending like he hated her. I found his back and forth to be ridiculous and idiotic. It led to nothing but miscommunication between the two, and it got to the point where everything was solved around the end as if nothing had happened.
  
  I've mentioned before how I can stand alpha-males, but when it comes to men like Fabi, men who don't communicate, imply they can take advantage of you, degrade you behind your back, and take advantage of your feelings? Yeah, I'm not having it.
  
  49%: “I will fight your battles for you now, Leona. I told you I’d protect you.”
  (You'd think he'd be the romantic type)
  
  51%: “Have you ever been with a man?”
  I already knew the answer. I was too good at reading body language and people in general not to know, but I wanted to hear it from her lips. I was fucking eager to have her admit it.
  She shuddered and gave a small shake of her head.
  “Say it,” I ordered.
  Her eyelashes fluttered open. “No, I haven’t been with a man.”
  I kissed her throat. “I’ll be your first.” My cock twitched with eagerness.
  (Manwhores and their likes for virgin women disgust me)
  
  56%: “They left. Because they left, my father wanted me dead. And the boy he wanted dead … died.”
  What? His father had wanted him dead?
  His breath was hot against my throat when he murmured, “I want to see you naked.”
  (THE WAY HE JUST CHANGED TOPICS FROM TALKING ABOUT HIS FAMILY TO TELLING LEONA HE WANTS TO SEE HER NAKED UGH SO DREAMY)
  
  “You said you felt safe with me. Then prove it. I want to see every inch of you.”
  (no words)
  
  “It’s not fair that you’re using it against me,” I said quietly. My mind was whirring with what he’d told me.
  “If you feel safe, then you trust me.”
  (We love men who think you being naked in front of them proves you trust them)
  
  58%: “So how’s it going with your waitress?” Remo asked. “Not bored of her yet?”
  I shrugged. “She’s entertaining enough.”
  
  “Your waitress,” he said.
  I crossed my arms behind my head. “She can wait.”
  (Don't you just love it when the man who just promised to protect you no matter what just downgraded you and called you his entertainment? It's so romantic!)
  
  61%: Leona’s eyes widened, and she hugged me. Fucking hugged me in the middle of Roger’s Arena, under the eyes of dozens of customers. I gripped her arms and pushed her away.
  (Pathetic)
  
  72%: “Don’t pretend you acted out of the goodness of your heart. You saved me because you wanted to be the first one to fuck me.”
  The word left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it got a reaction from Fabiano.
  His lips curled into a cold smile. “You’re right. I will be the first to fuck you.”
  “Not if I have a say in the matter.”
  He let out a joyless laugh before he pulled the car back onto the street.
  (The fact that he laughed at her saying she has a say in the matter, implying he can basically be the first to fuck her even if she doesn't want to, aka rape her)
  
  73%: “You know,” he said quietly. “I never meant for any of this to happen. You were just a poor, lonely girl. I didn’t choose this, didn’t choose you.”
  
  “But I can’t. I won’t. You are mine, and I will protect, you no matter the price.”
  (It's the contradiction here for me)
  
  79%: “You can’t make me stay,” she bit out.
  “I can and I am,” I told her.
  (RED FLAG)
  
  “I didn’t drag you into anything. I didn’t force you to go on that first date. I didn’t force you to kiss me or to let me lick and finger you. You were a willing participant, and we both know you enjoyed it. My darkness turned you on.”
  (Yeah Fabi, you didn't force her physically, but mentally you did. If she didn't do any of that you would have gotten your way one way or another because men like you always do, right?)
  
  “Do you really think fucking you once is worth that much? Leona, believe me, it’s not. For you to pay off four grand, you’ll have to let me have your pussy for a long time.”
  She slapped me, catching me by surprise. I grabbed her hand, my fingers tight around her thin wrist. I jerked her toward me, so our faces were inches apart. “This once. Only this once,” I said in a low voice. “Never raise your hand against me again.”
  She glared at me with tear-filled eyes. “I hate you.”
  Those words weren’t new to me, but coming from her …
  “I can deal with hate. The sex is so much better when hate’s involved.”
  “I’m never going to sleep with you, Fabiano. If that means I’m breaking some Camorra rule, then so be it. Torture me if you must, but I won’t be yours. Not now, not ever.”
  I could tell she was serious, but she knew nothing of torture. I leaned close to her ear. “We’ll see about that.”
  (Again, the fact that he implies he can get with her even if she doesn't want to, basically not caring about consent . . . )
  
  “Why won’t you let me leave? I’m not worth the bother.” Remo had said the same. And I knew they were right. She was nothing. I’d fucked so many women and could have many more. Leona was nothing to write home about.
  “You’re right. You aren’t.”
  She flinched as if I’d gutted her. Those hurt blue eyes were what gutted me. She nodded and turned toward the apartment complex.
  I almost called out to her, but what would I have said?
  I’m sorry. The idea of you leaving me is the worst torture I can imagine. Be the woman Aria gave me that bracelet for.
  Stay, even if I’m not worth it.
  (It's the way his inner monologues are completely conflicting with his actual statements for me)
  
  82%: “No,” she hissed like a wounded animal. “I told you no and that stands. You said it yourself. I’m not worth your time. I’m nothing, remember?”
  I shook my head. “You aren’t nothing.” If she were, Remo wouldn’t be breathing down my neck.
  “What am I then, Fabiano?”
  I leaned down and kissed her slowly, letting her scent and taste engulf my senses before I drew back. Her cheeks were flushed. “You are mine.”
  
  Ugh. Make up your mind dude.
  
  Considering this is a mafia romance, you expect some traditional values that you may or may not agree with, values like virginity being important, women being degraded, women being sold and whored around, women being claimed, fights happening constantly, drugs to be normalized, and men to be superior. Fabi has a misogynistic mind set. He never raped Leona, but he also never denied he can. He’d remind her he was in control and was the “head of the house,” realistically speaking, and how he always gets what he wants no matter what. Not only that, but Fabi is nothing but cocky, selfish, and has a big reputation and ego he wants to uphold. From the beginning, he constantly reminds us who he is, what his role is, what it means, why he's important, and more. It gets boring, tiring, and overall eye-rolling. I laughed from cringe, I got frustrated, I grew annoyed, and most importantly, I screamed. I ranted to my dear friends on how my hatred for these two kept growing and growing page after page. There was no sign of development anywhere, and there was no reason to have hope because it wouldn't come.
  
  

  It was strange that humankind thought it had come so far that humans considered themselves superior to animals, when we, too, still followed our base instincts. We looked up to the strong for a true leader, an alpha to guide our way, to take away the difficult decisions. The thrill of power struggles still captivated us. Why else were sports like cage fighting or boxing so popular?

  
  
  Aside from the characters acting like spoiled children, it's fair to note that there is hardly any plot in this book. It might be because it's the first book and you get introduced to the worlds and characters, but you would also expect some more action to take place. Nothing happened until around 70% for reasons involving Leona and Fabi, and it only ended in one of the most disappointing ways a reader comes across. Right from the beginning, we witness cage fights, drugs being sold, people being bought, women being owned, oral sex happening, women being bent on pool tables, kids crashing a car and doing cocaine, and . . . that's it. Adding on to that, there is no showing or telling. We enter one scene and skip to another. For example, the scene where Remo and Fabi found Leona's mother, in my opinion, was an important scene, not only because it was a scene where Fabi realized he was developing feelings for Leona, but also because how much Leona's mother cares about her. Cora introduced us to a couple new things, like the Mexican cartel and how it would be difficult for Remo to get in contact in order to get to Leona's mother, but as the next scene unfolded, they already had her. In my opinion, it would have been better if we actually read the scene unfold - fights, arguments, drugs, borders. For a mafia romance, you don't see much of the mafia stuff.
  
  I will admit and say that I was enjoying some scenes between Leona and Fabi, but it was only in the beginning. Their constant back and forth, miscommunication, and bickering got a hold of me that I felt like I would lose my sanity with them. There's times when I may not like the characters but can stand the romance, or vice versa, but clearly here, nothing worked for me. Although the sexual attraction and lust is quick (understandable), it didn't bother me. Regardless, I felt zero chemistry between the two. Everything developed quickly and it felt like the two didn't know each other enough to know each other, which is always my biggest problem in romance books, even if the sex is primal, quick, and lustful.
  
  With that being said, there's no denying I'm excited to read the rest of the series and finish it. My friends have hyped this series and some of the other books for me too much that I can't bring myself to read anything else at the moment. Not only that, but I had never read mafia romance books before, although I grew up watching telenovelas where they were common to this book.
  
  

  “Sometimes the future we thought we wanted isn’t the future we need.”

  
  
  *Special thank you to
  Apoorva,
  Charee, and
  Mel for letting me rant to them all-day, non stop. You guys made the reading experience much better.
• 
  Tears Of Venus

  2.25 underwhelmed 💫

  
  

  Stay, even if I’m not worth it. 

  
  Song :
  Sal Houdini - I Keep Falling
  
  I’ve been dragging my feet for so long when it comes to this series, but I really wanted to read about Remo Falcone so I finally decided to just do it.
  Twisted Loyalties ended up being a very underwhelming beginning to the series, but I have high hopes for the next books.
  

  
  
  

  
  
  

  ➻➻ The Story

  
  Fabiano Scuderi is the enforcer of the Camorra mafia, a role he plays after being shunned by his Chicago family and left for dead at fourteen years old. His new family is everything to him, his loyalty to his capo unshakable and unquestionable, until the day he lays eyes on Leona Hall and everything starts to change. Leona just arrived in Las Vegas, leaving behind a drug addict of a mother, a tough childhood and the only life she’s ever known to live with her father, who’s not much better than her mom. A chance meeting with Fabiano sets up a chain of events that will question everything they thought they knew about themselves, their values, their families and their lives.
  
  
  
  

  ➻➻ The Characters

  
  — Fabiano
  

  The tattoo on my forearm marking me as a Made Man of the Las Vegas Camorra went deeper than my skin. Nothing and nobody would ever make me break the oath I’d given to my Capo.

  
  
  Me : he’s a respected enforcer, someone everyone fears
  M : and he’s 19 years old.
  Me : he’s one of the best fighters, people are afraid to look him in the eyes -
  M : yup, still 19.
  Me : he’s the capo’s right hand!
  M : that doesn’t change the fact he’s 19, Mina.
  Me : AGE IS JUST A NUMBER!!!!
  M : yes, and his is 19.
  Me :
  
  
  Look, I just couldn’t take his serious badass persona very seriously. I know made men start young and all, but he’s 19 and terrorizing Las Vegas? Everyone fears and respects him? Grown ass men can’t look him in the eye? He’s unbeatable in the cage?
  
  
  
  I also didn’t like how he was constantly thinking about Remo’s thoughts on his every decision. Like, I get it sweetie you’re a good soldier, you care what your capo thinks and you what he might have to say about your decisions, but you don’t have to go on and on and fucking on about it.
  
  
  
  I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if in the future, while fingering her, he’d stop to think “hmmm how many fingers would Remo put inside of her?? One? Two?”
  
  The answer is all of them, by the way.
  
  Anyway, these issues aside, Fabiano wasn’t all that bad. I actually really felt for him in the first chapter.
  

  I wasn’t dead.
  Why wasn’t I dead?
  Hope flared up inside me.

  
  I know Papa Scuderi is a scumbag, but when did he turn into such a monster??
  
  
  
  All in all, Fabiano was just okay. I liked his devotion and loyalty to Remo and how he struggled with his feelings for Leona before surrendering to them completely.
  

  “In our world, you’re either hunter or prey, Leona. I know what I am. What are you?”

  
  — Leona
  

  I had never been worth anything, but one look from him made me feel like the center of the world.

  
  *takes a deep breath*
  
  
  
  Seriously, WHO?
  
  Leona was irrelevant at first, just another meh heroine, but then she turned into the most annoying twat and I just wanted to
  

  
  
  

  
  
  This lil bish was SO wishy washy, SO indecisive, SO stupid and SO FUCKING UNGRATEFUL. Just -
  
  
  
  I get she wasn’t born in the mafia world BUT ??? He treated her like a queen, gave her a ride home every night, protected her, killed for her, fucking BETRAYED his family for her AND THIS IS WHAT SHE SAYS???
  

  “You should just have let Soto have his way with me.”

  
  Someone needed to teach this little brat a lesson.
  
  
  
  Just when I thought she couldn’t get worse, she goes and :
  
  👉🏻 compares Fabiano to an abusive pimp
  

  Still a small, stupid voice asked the same question my mother had: Why leave? That was probably the same voice my mother listened to every time she’d gone back to a pimp after he apologized for beating her to a bloody pulp.

  
  👉🏻 gives him shit about his job when she KNEW what he was doing very early on
  

  “Today proved that you have done horrendous crimes in your past and that you are still committing atrocious acts every day … and that you enjoy doing them.”
  “Leona,” he said darkly. “I never lied to you. I am the Camorra’s enforcer. I am pain and death. I never pretended to be anything else. Don’t pretend you were ignorant to make yourself feel better.”

  
  I guess she just conveniently forgets about his job when he’s getting her off!!!
  
  👉🏻 keeps mentioning her father -whom she doesn’t even give a fuck about- like a really fucking annoying broken record
  

  yOu KiLlEd My FaThEr

  
  
  
  👉🏻and the worst offense of ALL
  

  “Let’s leave,” she begged. “This isn’t our fight.”

  
  In the middle of an attack, she wants Fabiano to abandon his FAMILY and run with her stupid ass?????
  
  
  
  Family, loyalty, courage, fight, love…these things mean nothing to her. I don’t care if she talked to Adamo or made some shit better, she’s unworthy of being part of the family.
  
  
  
  

  ➻➻ The Romance

  
  

  “You don’t even realize what I’m risking for you. You made me go against everything I ever cared about.”

  
  Fabiano deserved better.
  

  “I will fight your battles for you now, Leona.”

  
  He went against Remo for her, almost destroying their relationship in the process. Look, I get that love conquers all and stuff, but I’m a family person. I place my family above ALL else, and if by some cruel twist of fate, I have to betray them somehow, I’d like it at least to be for someone who deserves it. Not someone who wouldn’t know the meaning of family if it hit them on the head. But that’s just my take on it. 🙃
  
  

  ➻➻ Remo Falcone

  
  
  My note says it all.
  
  

  ➻➻ Overall

  
  Not impressed, but will continue for Remo’s big dick energy.
  
  

  “What’s life without the occasional irrational decision?”
• 
  mel ☽

  3.25 stars
  
  kid version of Fabiano is waaay better. sorry 😅
  
  i thought this was just okay. Fabiano seemed wishy-washy about his relationship with Leona - which i totally get cuz loyalty and honor and blood blah blah blah. i wasn't convinced with his "character development" cuz he felt emotionless?? i don't know. i don't know how to describe it. i guess i just didn't believe in his "love" cuz what the f when did he even fall in love with her??
  
  i know with Leona he's basically he protec, he attac and all that but even when he was willing to die for her, i still never believed him because he never seemed into her like she was into him but oh well. i guess i just needed more romance from him. he was too nonchalant for my taste.
  
  also apparently Leona changed Fabiano back to his original self but i guess im blind cuz i didn't see it.
  
  Leona's innocence and naivety didn't annoy me but she could be low key stupid sometimes not gonna lie. i liked her tho! i thought she was nice but she was your typical virgin that you see in a lot of mafia books, which i know will annoy some people.
  
  now this is my reaction to the Falcone bros:
  — Nino: he doesn't feel emotions? YES. ~ that's my tyyyyype ~
  — Remo: I LOVE A PSYCHOTIC, BLOODTHIRSTY ASSHOLE.
  — Savio: wtf he's 16 years old and there's a scene of him having sex with a woman here?? im uncomfy.
  — Adamo: major 🥺 vibes. i love him and he needs to be protected
  
  ･ﾟﾟ･｡｡･ﾟﾟ･ Camorra Chronicles ･ﾟﾟ･｡｡･ﾟﾟ･
  #1: twisted loyalties — fabiano x leona ↠ 3.25 stars
  #2:
  twisted emotions — nino x kiara ↠ 3.75 stars
  #3:
  twisted pride — remo x serafina ↠ 4.25 stars
  #4:
  twisted bonds — nino x kiara ↠ 4 stars
  #5:
  twisted hearts — savio x gemma ↠ 1.5 stars
  #6:
  twisted cravings — adamo x dinara ↠ 2 stars
• 
  ⚔Irunía⚔

  3.5 stars for my sweet Leona and fierce Fabiano. 😌
  
  ❥Fabiano is a sexist asshole, and he owns it through and through. 😌
  
  

  “But?�� I snarled, and punched him hard in the stomach. “And how dare you try to sell off something that’s mine?”
  Hall’s eyes were saucer-like.
  “Your daughter. She belongs to me. So you think you can offer her to other men, yes?”

  
  
  Seriously, there's nothing more laughable than a powerful gangster hero who's squeamish and apologetic about treating someone as their possession or worse. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Isn't he supposed to be charged with crimes way more horrible than sexist views on women?
  
  Can we please stop demanding that authors write made men as those "iconic" woke profeminist gentlemen? On top of being super realistic (right?), it's also something that would definitely romanticize a murderer/drug dealer/human trafficker. I could really do without having to read about glorified and romanticized mafia life style. I don't know about the others, but I can get behind made men being portrayed as problematic and sexist and bad people. It totally makes sense in my head.
  
  To be fair, I have a propensity for this subgenre because reading about boring normal people living their boring normal lives bores me to tears. Why is everyone so obsessed with insisting that made men heroes act like super respectful profeminist kings they're not supposed to be, anyway? It's b-e-y-o-n-d my understanding. You can have that in your generic rom-com and boy-next-door contemporary romance. 🙂🙂🙂
  
  
  

  “Let me fight for her life. I’ll fight as many men as you want.”
  Remo walked toward me. I fought the urge to pull a weapon. He stopped right in front of me. Our eyes locked. Years of loyalty, of brotherhood passed in that one moment, and deep regret settled in my bones.
  “You will fight me to the death,” Remo said.

  
  
  Can we also talk about how Fabiano fights Remo fucking Falcone for Leona? That's hoes before bros mentality right there. Something that I can stand by, too.
  
  I love Cora's extraness. Gangsters having a row over pussy? It's giving Helen of Troy.
  
  ❥The nice and classy thing about Leona's generally unclassy life and upbringing is that she won't just spread her legs the moment she comes across a hot man in an expensive business suit who pays her a sliver of attention... unlike the majority of romance heroines. It gets tedious when I'm forced to read about their pussies getting wet the very second they set their eyes on hero.
  
  

  “I won’t sleep with you tonight, Fabiano,” she whispered.
  I straightened, stunned by the words. Her expression showed mostly resolve but there was a flicker of uncertainty as well. “I’m not used to waiting. For anything.”
  She didn’t move away from me, her back still pressed against my chest, my fingers still on her ribcage. It heaved under my touch. One deep breath and her spine straightened. “Some things are worth waiting for.”

  
  
  The bitch has standards. If she's gonna fuck a mafioso, he's gonna sweat before he gets in her pants<333
  
  I don't know, guys... I respect all of it. I really like reading about characters that own their shit, have their standards and set their boundaries.
  
  ❥Also, say whatever you want to say about this writer, she's one of the few romance authors out there who hasn't yet forgotten what the word courtship means. No woman, fictional or otherwise, should settle for less. If I learned anything in this life it is that people will never value you unless they put effort into earning your trust, your attention, your affection or whatever it is that they want from you.
  
  ❥But back to a case in point: Leona and Fabiano are one of my favorite Cora's couples. 🥰
  
  This book is nothing special in terms of writing, character characterization or plot, but it gives me a warm and cozy feeling. The story is indeed very generic, but unless it's Danielle Lori it's hard to find a mafia romance (or any romance for that matter) that would have some buildup before the main characters jump into bed and a hero who would move the earth to have his girl so I'll take that.
  
  I'm not sure why so many authors prefer to focus on the heroes' hotness to justify how desperate most of romance heroines are to be dicked down. Like... no, bitch, if the hero has to work for it it doesn't mean he's not attractive enough. It means he chose a woman with standards. Thus, he has standards by association, too.
  
  I love a damsel-in-distress heroine that doesn't come off as some desperate, pathetic bitch who chases after the hero and pops up wherever he is. I don't care about how unrealistic a rich mobster obsessing and chasing a fuck-ass low-class girl born to the shittiest pair of parents the world has ever seen is.
  
  Fabiano feeds her, he buys her a fancy dress and shoes, he protects and cares about her, he drives her home, he takes her out on dates, he gives her lessons in self-defence, he kills and betrays for her, he fights his mobster friend slash boss for her and finally he just keeps spoiling the shit out of his girl sjsjsjsj. He is the real deal. He's a keeper. I said what I said. 💅🏻
  
  ❥I appreciated that finally in the straight string of pampered mafia princesses an outsider was featured as a heroine, someone unfamiliar with the mafia world finding her rightful place in Fabiano's heart. 💕 I find it more interesting to watch that type of dynamic versus a book where a heroine is born into the mafia world, groomed and prepared for that lifestyle.
  
  ❥I agree with the reviewers who say that sometimes Leona is naive bordering on dumb... but that's not a deal-breaker for me, lmfao. 🤷🏼‍♀️
  I don't give af. To be honest, now she has Fabiano to take care of her so she's good. Can't same the same for you, bitches xx
  
  Also the fact that she kept trying to help her father despite him abusing the shit out of her and even attempting to pimp her out once? I don't think it's that unrealistic. Toxic codependent type of relationship with parents, ever heard of that?
  
  Absurdly, it's not a rare thing that an abandoned and abused kid keeps coming for more. Sometimes their psyche is just that fucked, self -esteem — screwed over and their need for love - never ever satisfied. I know a person who is still trying to play the savior for her piece of shit parent in the hope of receiving that small morsel of love. That's just sad, and definitely not as simple as just being a dumb bimbo with no self-respect. People hand out labels so easily these days.
  
  Sometimes that's what being fucked over by your own parents from the 1st day of your life might lead to, ya know.
• 
  B(ea)

  3-STRICTLY-ONLY-FOR-FABI-STARS⭐️
  
  alright so this was okay and a bit cliche but Fabiano was surprisingly sweet and Leona’s boring as fuck (we’ll get into that. watch). yes i’ll continue w this series bc Remo’s got me leashed by the neck and plus i know it gets better but i’ll be skipping the fifth book(i think) since majority of my mutuals hate it and i know i will too.
  so that’s that.
  What annoyed me the most though was that the romance wasn’t convincing AT ALL bcs all i felt was lust between Fabi and that clown, Leona.
  
  
  ❗️: TRASH TALKING (spoilers w lots of shit, bitch, fuck)
  
  right of the bat—I WANT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WHO TALKED SHIT ABOUT
  ARIA TO TAKE IT BACK RIGHT THE FCK NOW BECAUSE HAVE YALL MET LEONA?!? (I KNOW FOR A FACT MOST OF U HAVE)
  I JUST WANNA🤬
  
  Yea I wanted to slap Aria sometimes when she didn’t communicate w Luca and did shit behind his back BUT this chick Leona?!?! — i’ve never wanted to bitchslap a heroine THIS bad. deadass.
  
  DO. NOT. tell me ‘she didn’t grow up from that world so she doesn’t know’. I wasn’t born into the mafia world too but i can tell you now 100% that i’d sure as hell know how to be grateful when a dude kills my sicktard of a father - who tried to sell me off for his debt and got my mom so broken that she’s an addict - and WON’T hold a grudge against that dude for doing so—repeatedly saying "but you killed my father" like a dumb ungrateful skank.
  
  bro i can’t-
  
  I swear i don’t mind those ‘bat her sweet innocent eyelashes’ type of girls but Leona really tested me. the amount of times i rolled my eyes at the shit that came out from this clown’s mouth....
  now i gotta get an ophthalmologist—costing me money, making me hate her even more.
  
  her so called ‘innocence’ really grated my nerves. all that
  ”he’s not good for me”
  “i must stay away from him but i just can’t”
  “i don’t want to be like those girls”
  liike ok fine, be squidward then bitch
  
  at this point i hate her too much to want to spend anymore energy talking about her. not worth any of my already worthless time
  
  Onwards to Fabiano:
  
  Listen, i still pity for that poor boy who got pushed around by his slimy dad in the most horrid way, so maybe that’s why i didn’t mind his stupidity and cliche-ness and just accepted him easily.
  

  
  ' I’d had bouts of protectiveness when I was younger, toward my sisters; before they’d left me and before I’d become the man I was today.'
  
  'In my life I’d watched the people I cared about leave me one after the other. I’d sworn to myself to never allow anyone else into my heart.'
  

  
  
  He grew up in front of my eyes in the Born in Blood series, bullied so bad in the famiglia and then wanted dead by his dad. How can i not feel bad and have a soft spot for my poor baby Fabi?🥺 it’s not in my DNA.
  
  When Fabi started to get all stupid (since the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree) and risked big shit for her—you can imagine how fumed with anger i was. I get that love (which need i remind you, was unconvincing in here) can make you do stupid things but that clown wasn’t even grateful for the things he’s done for her.
  

  
  ' “I betrayed for you, I killed for you,” I said roughly, pulling out of her slowly until only my tip remained inside her. “I’ll bleed and I’ll die for you.”
  
  “She made me betray Remo, something I’d never considered before, she made me break my oath of putting the Camorra first.
  Was she worth it?” '

  
  NO! BUT I’LL TELL WHO’D BE WORTH ALL THAT SHIT—
  M.E.
  ME.
  I’D BE WORTH ALL THAT CRAP.
  

  
  ' I turned my gaze to Leona who was watching me and Remo with her innocent doe-eyes. But for her, I would kill him. I would kill them all. '
  
  ' “I don’t mind dying for you.” '
  
  ' “And do you still think she’s worth it?”
  “Yes,” I gritted out. Never had anything been more worth dying for. '

  
  Remo deserves better smh.
  
  Lastly,I love Fabi but even that ending was too simple and convenient for me. 🥱
• 
  Jessica

  I've enjoyed books I've read by Cora Reilly in the past, but this is the first book I've really actually loved from her. From the start, I was obsessed with Fabiano and Leona's romance and how they were so attracted to each other but knew they shouldn't want each other. The fighting plot line was also something I loved about this book and it definitely got crazy at the end. I seriously had no idea what direction this book was going to go and I loved how much it kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance was so sweet and I just loved how Leona wasn't scared of Fabiano because she didn't know she should be. That connection between them was just everything and I loved this book. I do think a big reason why I feel so hard for this book was because it was exactly what I wanted when I read it. It also has a lot more mafia content than the other books from Cora that I've read, which I loved.
• 
  Iqra

  DNF’d @ 40%
  
  I just do not care.
• 
  EmBibliophile

  3 stars
  
  First of all, it feels so good being away from the familia and out of New York. Luca’s ghost is still hunting me, but whatever. This book wasn’t great, but I already feel good about this series. It’s definitely an improvement.
  
  Honestly, I didn’t care much about the romance, but I was so interested in the characters and the family dynamic. I mean Nino doesn’t feel or express emotions and Remo is a crazy psychopath. I’m definitely excited and just can’t wait to get into their books.
• 
  Yeasmin Alo

  As much as I love Fabi, but Leona's "mom" giving Leona advice on Love Life
  I am here like -
  
  
  
  I swear if that said "mother dearest" told me to marry Henry Cavill, I would marry Hitler 😒😑
  
  Anyway, I didn’t know how much I need a hero pampering her girl novel until now.
  
  Let's just come out and say it was a vanilla mafia romance and I love it
  
  For a change, it was refreshing to read a book that is more focused on Hero Heroine's relationship other than SMUT
  Those little kiss and touch, stealing loving moments, caressing
  You know taking care part? Protecting each other? I love those kinda moments a lot.
  
  
  I Didn't have any complaints against Leona, she is naive, but it's okay
  She is a Kind soul and I dig for kindness.
  Also, it was a good change to get a heroine outside of Mafia world who is not raised to be a "Trophy wife"
  
  But but but
  Then after 60% of the book sis lost her mind 😑😑
  
  Bish really??? I mean
  
  
  
  
  Fabiano is a pleasant surprise.
  I thought he would be super brutal and rude towards his girl. Fortunately, he was really sweet and caring and I love him of course.
  So yeah overall an average book.
  
  
  P.S- Cora Reilly, sweetie do you get any sadistic satisfaction after making one of your Hero or Heroine airhead?
  
  I've never seen any author who will create MC with amazing characteristics, make the reader love them then when we start loving them you Mrs.Reilly would make them do world-class idiotic stuffs 😴
  I would never understand the logic behind it 😑
• 
  ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books

  
  
  
  
  MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
  
  ➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
  
  TITLE: Twisted Loyalties
  SERIES: (The Camorra Chronicles, #1)
  GENRE: Romance | Mafia
  PUBLICATION: October 1st 2018
  
  TWISTED LOYALTIES: Is the first full length novel within the (Camorra Chronicles#1 ) series by new to me author Cora Riley. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’
  
  This is Fabiano & Leona’s story, both craving a different life to what they were born into. Fabiano was beaten and abandoned, assumed dead and disowned by his own father. Left on the streets to defend for himself by his father's right hand man.
  
  
  
  
  Leona was raised by two dysfunctional parents one addicted to drugs the other addicted to gambling a bad combination, a loveless upbringing.
  
  They met by chance..On a rainy day she's new to the city and he's the man that picks her up, she knows nothing about the man she sat beside as he drove her to a rough part of Las Vegas where she's currently living with her estranged father because her mother is back in rehab.
  
  All she saw was a young guy in his twenties wearing a nice suit and driving a flash car, all he saw was a poor girl in shabby clothes and a backpack. But she'd caught his attention as soon as his eyes landed on her.
  
  There's something about her that has Fabinano wanting to protect her, he can't stay away from her, but will she run in the other direction when she finds out what he is? Who he is?
  
  A cage fighter that hones his skill, death matches that keeps the fear in people's eyes, they owned the town, they controlled the nightclubs, bars, restaurants and casinos, from cage fighting to street racing they had their hands in everything.
  
  
  
  
  What happens when your loyalty is questioned as Fabiano finds out in this book, when a female has him all twisted up and divided who does he remain the most loyal to? The girl that crawled under his skin or his brothers? The poor little waitress and he, the big deal mobster.
  
  I have been on such a good run of 5 star after 5 star reading new to me authors and this one is no exception. I loved this one, add in it's surrounded in the mafia world I was not going to say no to reading it, straight away the author pulled me into the story, it flowed ceaselessly, I connected to the characters, and absolutely fell in love with them, she was sweet and innocent and he was a ruthless killer with many kills under his belt, they should never have worked but they did perfectly. I devoured this, just enough blood and gore, which ticked my box, and the slow burn of their romance had me not wanting their journey to end. I am so glad I took the chance to read this book. Highly recommend.
  
  * Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
   
    
   
   
  
• 
  moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus]

  update: july 2021
  
  changing my rating to 3 stars bc, after hearing my dear friend
  Elena's rants about this book, it was making me second guess everything LMAO. i'm still standing by everything i said in my original review tho: the romance, but also fabiano (H) and leona (h) as individual characters were meh and the falcone brothers (minus savio bc i only liked him in books 2-4) made this tolerable. 🥰
  
  ⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰
  
  original review:
  
  4 stars ☆
  
  okay tbh this was a wild ride and it intrigued me. I've been in the mood to read a mafia romance and I've heard great things about this series so I gave it a chance and the (side) characters were quite interesting. <3
  
  Leona (h):
  ↠ She was the typical heroine in these mafia books where she caught the hero's attention because she didn't bow down to him and yes, she was okay sometimes, but I just wish she had more development. I was waiting for her to grow a backbone or something but, unfortunately, it didn't happen. :/ But I was living for the scene when Fabiano was teaching her how to fight. I've always thought scenes like that were so cute!
  
  Fabiano (H):
  ↠ I admired this man's loyalty towards Remo and the brothers but he frustrated me so much in this book. There were times when I thought he wasn't deserving of Leona and wish he had shown more love towards her. I know it's gonna get them killed and all, but I'm just greedy for love so whenever he would talk behind her back, even when it was past the halfway mark, it was frustrating. Also, the way he was so indecisive with being loyal towards Remo or Leona, yeah, that frustrated me too. Similar to Leona, he was just okay to me.
  
  Romance:
  ↠ Frustrating. I wish they had more emotional connection than physical. there were a few moments when I aww'ed at the cute moments but idk. Couldn't stand the back and forth between them; there was something missing for me.
  
  World building:
  ↠ This played a huge part why I gave it a high rating. I love romance in my books more than anything, but I was so invested in this world, in the other characters, that I wanted to read more of them and was willing to put aside my frustration of the romance for that reason.
  
  Falcone brothers:
  my favorite part <3 I'll start off with Remo. I loved that crazy mf. I can't wait to read his book cause I'm curious to see how he'd fall in love. He was so brutal and deadly, I feel like it would be interesting to see his perspective on things.
  ↠ Nino: I feel like he's one of those who doesn't talk much, but will sneak up on you when you least expect it and can be dangerous when provoked. I know his book is next (which I'll most likely read after I post this review LOL) so I'm excited about that!
  ↠ Savio: I don't really have a clear opinion of him yet. I just know he's a manwhore who goes from one woman to the next and that's it lol. I'm kinda curious of his story.
  ↠ Adamo: he's a precious boy!! I wanna protect and give him all the love in the world. 🥰
• 
  Abibliophobia-the fear of running out of things to read &#x1f97a;

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars
  
  This book is probably someone’s least favorite of the series, but it holds a special place in my heart. It is so sweet and unique, it is one of my favorites. I believe this is the book that introduced me to Cora Reilly and for that I will be forever grateful. I wish, however, that it was more clear about how long of a span of time this book takes place over.
  
  Leona (19) loves her parents to a fault. She is caring and very loyal to the ones that she loves. She is strong and has dealt with a lot in life, but still has patience for her drug-addict mom, alcoholic father, and made man “boyfriend”. She is sometimes a little naïve, but she always has the best intentions at heart.
  
  Fabiano (20) is one of my favorite heroes of all the Cora Reilly books. My only issue was that he was a little too young in my opinion, I think he should have been 23 for the things he was doing. He was practically a teenager. I loved that he actually betrayed the Camorra and his capo for Leona. Nearly all Cora Reilly heroes say they would hypothetically do this for their heroines, but sometimes it feels like an empty promise. He was just so, so devoted to her and I loved it. Although, I wish there was an epilogue where they married.
  
  The ending was fabulous, an ex-machina in the best possible way. I loved the depth, complexity, and uniqueness of this book. It really holds its own in this amazing series.
  
  All in all, this is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend.
• 
  D.L. Howe

  Not gonna lie, I avoided this for a few years based on bad reviews and never being in the mood for mafia romance. And honestly? I’m glad I ignored all my preconceived notions.
  
  I felt like this was the perfect mix of grit and violence on the mafia side. It reminded me a lot of Scarface, it certainly made me nervous like that movie did.
  
  On the flip side the romance wasn’t bad either. It was a slow burn and if you know me you know I’m not a patient gal when it comes to my smut. That is unless it’s done right and there was just enough angst and steam to keep me coming back for more.
  
  I, of course have to commend the audio narrators. Jacob Morgan is my favorite, so you know I loved every chapter he did. While I wouldn’t say Lucy Rivers is one of my favorites, she still did a great job.
  
  Overall it was a well paced story with a menagerie of interesting characters. My only draw back was I didn’t always like the things Leona did. I also didn’t like the 180 during Remo and Fabiano’s fight at the end. I felt like Remo’s decision was a little too easy after such a big build up.
  
• 
  Ainhoa

  Honestly, I enjoyed this book!
  
  I know many people didn't connect with the characters and I agree that sometimes they felt a bit off... And please, not again with the super hard to get V card as it happened with Aria! But I kinda get why she did it, but, come on, she was a bit obtuse sometimes. And I didn't like that the H was Fabiano, it didn't bode well with the image we had from him, on how sweet and caring he was on previous books… but I guess people and circumstances change and this book did a 180 degree turn.
  
  But despite it all, overall it was a nice and easy mafia read, I'm rounding down the stars because I'm getting ready to love Nino and Remo already and I need to keep some space in my heart for them.
• 
  Melanie A. (on hiatus)

  4.5 STARS!

  "Remember where your loyalties lie."

  The original queen of dark mafia romance is back - and better than ever. This was a VERY SOLID read.
  
  [But before I begin, a short side note: YES!! To my ever-lasting delight, Cora Reilly finally got herself a very capable editor!!]
  
  Aria's little brother, Fabiano is all grown up, and through events explained in the prologue, he's ended up as the top enforcer for the brutal Las Vegas Camorra. He's cruel and violent, and doesn't pretend to be otherwise.

  "Love is a weakness, a sickness."

  Leona has lived a very tough life so far as the daughter of a degenerate gambler and a meth addict. She's worked hard to keep herself distanced from her parents' lifestyles, so she may have a pinch of street smarts, but she's mostly innocent.

  "Love is what makes us human, what makes life worth living."

  Fabiano and Leona meet in a chance encounter that changes their lives.
  
  I loved these two together despite knowing they were a train wreck waiting to happen.

  Her shyness irritated and fascinated me at the same time.

  The contrast between them, as well as their individual inner conflicts, were so well done.

  He was all hard lines and muscle, power and danger, but his skin betrayed that when I touched him, he was only human.

  Fabiano had this incredible air of menace surrounding him throughout the book which made for a darker and grittier read than I was expecting. It made the love that he shared with Leona all the more poignant.
  
  Lots of quality relationship building, nail-biting action, and hot chemistry to be enjoyed here - I recommend and I can't wait for the next installment!
  
  PS: While this is a spinoff of the Born in Blood series, Twisted Loyalties can be read as a standalone, imo.
• 
  moretomary

  Forever a Leona and Fabi simp. No matter how much time passes I’ll always adore this series.
• 
  Fanny

  
  
  
  DNF at 45%.
  
  Twisted Loyalties es el primer libro de la nueva saga de Cora Reilly titulada " The Camorra Chronicles " ademas de ser un spin off de otra de sus series.
  
  Tengo tantas cosas malas que decir de esta lectura que no se ni por donde empezar. Por lo general soy bastante paciente pero este libro fue acabando con mi paciencia capitulo tras capitulo y no era una cuestion de que no me gustaran ciertos detalles, sino que todo era tan aburrido, absurdo e inverosimil que realmente tenia que obligarme a leer, pero finalmente llegue a un momento en el que me harte y decidi dejarlo sin terminar. No solo porque no me interesaba nada de lo que contaba sino tambien porque me enfado el echo de perder mi tiempo con una lectura como esta.
  
  Empece este libro con muchas ganas, realmente queria conocer la historia de Fabiano y la sinopsis y el prologo tenian una pinta estupenda pero segun fui pasando las paginas mi alegria se fue marchitando hasta llegar a un punto en el que solo pensar en esta lectura me ponia de mal humor.
  
  La trama es irreal, innecesaria, estupida y aburrida. Me la venden como una historia de mafia pero la verdad es que de eso tiene poco ( al menos la primera mitad que lei ), si realmente quieres leer una novela de mafia que te mantenga atrapada, te recomiendo Reckless & Ruined de Bethany-Kris, esa si que es una historia de mafia con mayusculas, no este desproposito.
  
  Los personajes fueron taaan insoportables y planos que solo deseaba entrar en el libro y darle un par de golpes a ver si asi mejoraban, Fabiano es un absoluto fraude, ser cree el rey de la mafia y muy duro cuando lo unico que hace es ser el chofer y guardaespaldas de risa de una chica estupida, que decepcion! y eso que en el prologo parecia que tendria muchisimo potencial.
  
  Leona es inmadura, imbecil, mosquita muerta e insoportable, leer sus pensamientos me provocaban ansias homicidas, y lo peor de todo es que me la venden como una protagonista fuerte y dura, cuando la realidad es que es la tipica chica que desea conocer a su principe azul y que el la salve de todos sus problemas y que la convierta en una reina * rueda los ojos *.
  
  En fin, no quiero continuar perdiendo mi tiempo con esta novela, solo quiero olvidar que perdi horas de mi vida leyendo este disparate.
  
  No se lo recomendaria ni a mi peor enemigo. Sobra decir que no pienso leer las siguientes partes.
• 
  Snow

  so, I fell for Luca and Aria in Born in blood mafia chronicles and I was hooked...whether I liked/loved other books in the series, more or less, only spikes up the notion that I'm still looking forward to reading more about Scuderi Family, and now, realising that the smallest family members have grown up and now have their own spin off series going for them is a fucking bonus LOL
  
  So, BR-ing with my girl Shanny *wink*
  
  babe, this is how it all started, remember?! *sigh*
  
  This was effin good...
  
  I might even make a teaser...lol
  
  Haven't done one in ages...
  
  and now, thanks again to Cora Reilly, I actually have another mafia man in my corner - Fabiano Scuderi
  

  I am the Camorra's Enforcer. I am pain and death. I never pretended to be anything else.
  
  My life was dedicated to the Camorra, my loyalties belonged to them.

  
  until HER...
  
  Her innocence and purity in the most undetected way, so natural and opposite to everything he ever knew...
  
  and slowly, his darkness conquered her light.
  

  I was a hypocrite because even as I'd warned her about my darkness, I knew I wouldn't ever let her go.

  
  After that, there was no turning back...for either of them
  
  
  
  This is a gripping story where the crulest of worlds and actions freeze the emotions, and where honor, duty and loyalty get conquered by the purest of emotions - love.
  
  *drops mic*
• 
  athena ᡣ&#x10b69;

  4.25 stars ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ 🎀
  OKAY FABIANOOOOOO I SEE U. Where do I start???? I was so excited to start fabianos story after everything he went through and this book delivereddd
  
  ✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩
  
  I loved Leona she was PERFECT for my guy Fabianoooo😚
  
  SPOILERS?!?!
  THE LAST SCENE?!?! THE CAGE SCENE?!?? HEELLLOOOOOOOOOO
  
  they were the cutest.
• 
  Beatrice

  Supposedly, I'll wait Bound by Love(Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #6) before I jump into this spin-off series but screw it. I didn't even know it was released or it's about the Scuderi sisters' youngest brother, Fabiano Scuderi. My god, this boy is all grown up and his asshole cruel father changed his persona. He's no longer the sweet, gentle boy I knew in Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles.
  
  Fabiano is no longer part of The Chicago Outfit and became part of The Camorra - a mafia group ruling Las Vegas as an Enforcer. He fell in love with Leona who's struggling financially and for having addicted parents. There are times she felt hopeless and all she wants is to live normally without association with crime groups. Fabiano never thought falling in love with someone like her and he vows to protect her. Choosing between love and loyalty, his life can be at stake.
  
  A decent ending but could have done better. I guess I'll find out The Chicago Outfit's reason for declaring war against The Camorra when Luca and Aria's book releases. This spin-off series needs to have an explosive plot. So many plot holes and I need answers ASAP.
• 
  Becky

  Goodreads silencing us so I am here to talk about how Cora Reilly is ruining everything.
  
  
  Remeber Remo and Fabiano, the bond, the frienship and the families being united? Well, not so great anymore. Fabiano has more consideration than Remo apparently.
  
  Sopia and Gemma, you can rest knowing the crowd of biggest doormat has a new owner. Welcome and congratulate Aurora aka the rapist and the nanny.
  Second generation is now destroying everything.
  
  Once upon a time there was a whore, his name is Nevio, the whore doesn't care about condoms. He is friends with Aurora, who is pathetically in love with him. One night he is drunk and high and unable to consent not even aware it is Aurora, but she takes advantage of him and loses her viginity. During the act she throws up and he passes out (he really is that drunk). He wakes up and doesn't remember it, and Aurora is devastated so she leaves him. She is not a victim here, being honest he is the one who should be upset. There is a word for what she did to him. It's called rape. Aurora is not only pathetic, she is a disgusting human being, she has no right to feel sad or to blame him. She went after him, she initiated and she is the one who was sober enough to know what she was doing. He was taken advantage of, he would have never be with her in that situation if he was conscious.
  
  
  Some time later a surprise arrives at the whore's house, his sperms won the race and he is now a daddy. The whore is desperate, and he has no character, so he goes to Aurora and threats her. If she doesn't care for his, he is going to leave the baby at the hospital. He doesn't want to tell his parents because he knows he fucked up, and he doesn't want the responsibility of raising his own son. He leaves the child there and visits until some time later he travels to Europe to find himself and he stays away for months
  
  Aurora is outraged, but she is most and foremost a pathetic human being. She is a shame to us women and she wants the crowd. The crowd that so many of Cora's women has been fighting for has finally found its owner. Aurora. The biggest doormat takes her place and says "Okay whore, go find yourself, I will move to a new house, hid from my family, stop my life and raise your bastard."
  
  So she does it, for months Aurora hids the truth from everybody, for months she sacrifices her life and lives and breathes for only two things, Batista the Bastard and nurse school. Yes, she wants to be a nurse because like so many original stories out there, women can only be five things, a stay at home mother, a kindergarten school teacher, a baker, a nurse and a nanny. Aurora, the ordinary little rugie is now a solo manny (mom+nanny) to the bastard.
  
  
  Months goes by, people find out, and Nevio finally discovers what he wants. He wants The Bastard and he wants The Rugie. Aurora of course is very hurt, and he has to fight hard to earn her forgiveness, so a few dates, some dick and some bullshit beautiful words and all is forgiven, and they are now dating, hidden. Also, she never acknowledges her crime. She never pays for it, there is no outrage like it should have been. What Nevio did is awful, but it is not less terrible than what Aurora did. In fact although his actions was atrocious leaving the baby and flying to Europe. I don't think what he did was worst than a rape. She was pathetic for accepting it, but she could have denied him. He on the other hand was never able to say no to her that night. The rape is glossed over, not a big deal if made of it.
  
  Of course The Ruggie was to busy being the nanny and at school so she obviously didn't have any time at all to date. She is celibate, of course. The Doormat has to be a loser in absolutely every aspect of her life, she won the crowd for a reason after wall.
  
  Between all this Cora managed to ruin Remo and Fabiano friendship making it clear Fabiano has much more considerations than Remo. Nevio can't have manage to be so much of a fuckup without help, his parents helped shape him into this disgusting, unapologetic whore. They raised a pig, and they defend their abomination even against friends.
  
  What if Remo dumped his son at the hands of an 18 years old girl and flew to Europe? Well, his behavior is excusable, and how dare Fabiano be upset. Poor little Remo has his father at his back and maybe that is the reason he is such a poor excuse of a man. Remo helped haising Savio after well, so the at last there is a patern. He helps developing those awful human being. He does reprimend Nevio, but he still protected and spoiled him.
  
  
  At the end of course The Doormat is promoted, she is now a proud mommy bear raising The Bastard with the Whore. God helps Batista because if the development of his caracter is his parent's responsibilities, he is almost a hopeless soul, a rapist as a mother and an irresponsable, spoiled, manwhore as a father.
  
  
  To be clear, I despised Nevio and his manwhore ways, but this in no way justifies what Aurora did. She committed a crime. If a man does what she did he is despicable, so why people aren't saying the same about her? She is pathetic, she is weak but above it all she is nasty. Nobody deserves to be assaulted, Nevio was a victim that night and this is never properly dealt with. Aurora try to spin it as him being insensible.
  
  
  If you are considering starting this series, I would recommend you to shut down your Kindle, go watch a 20 minutes sitcom episode, pet your cat and thanks God you were spared all the disappointment
  
  
  Ps: Nevio started touching aurora while she was asleep and made her taste herself. He said the only reason he was not fucking her it because she would wake up and stop him.
  Consent is not a thing here guys, he pointed it out to her about her "first time" that was more like a firsr thrust. However pots meets kettle. Both are despicable
• 
  Phuong ✯

  2.5/5
  
  I've seen this series around for a while and wanted to give it a try, cause I haven't read a lot of mafia romances lately and heard that the family dynamics is amazing.
  
  Well let's say I wasn't impressed with this one. The characters seem interesting enough, especially Remo and Nino Falcone, but where was the plot ? The majority of the book was Leona working in a bar, Fabiano driving her safely home from the bar, Leona 'saving' her parents from getting themselves killed and the occasional cage fights.
  
  This book was more tell than show. Like we hear all the time what a scary motherf*cker Remo is and how Nina is so intelligent but I never see it. Maybe because it's not their book yet but they seem pretty tame to me. Same goes to Fabiano. Except of two times (I think?), were he was killing someone, he was pretty 'nice'. My expectations were probably just too high, because I wanted more blood and darkness lol.
  
  Additionally, while I liked the most characters (namely Remo, Nino and Fabiano), I was pretty annoyed with the h. Leona was such a naive girl. Can't believe she let Fabi give her a ride. Guurl, I know your parents are shit and they never taught you to not go with strangers, but a little common sense maybe? There were so many times I was rolling my eyes at her nativity. I don't know if it should have come across as cute, pure and innocent but I thought it was stupid.
  
  And worse of all? That "I'm-a-virgin-and-wont-sleep-with-you-cause-you-will-degrade-me" plot. pleaasse I can't. I just fucking can't.
  
  On a brighter side, it's pretty quick and easy to read and I'm intrigued by the rest of the characters. I just have to lower my expectations. From here the only way is up.
• 
  Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell

  I feel like I need a "Julia made me do it" shelf
• 
  Grecia Robles

  Este es el primer libro de la serie The Camorra Chronicles y es un spin off de la serie Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles
  Tiene como protagonista a Fabiano Scuderi, hermano de alguna de las protagonistas de la primera serie.
  
  Desde que leí el libro de Aria y Luca yo ansiaba un libro de Fabiano y más viéndolo crecer durante los libros de sus hermanas y cuando al fin anunciaron el libro de Fabi yo era la más emocionada pero luego salió el libro y no vi buenas críticas,
  Por lo que aplace y aplace la lectura de este libro y ahora venía con expectativas bajas y hasta creí que lo iba a odiar y no fue el caso la verdad es que me gustó no demasiado pero me gustó.
  
  En esta nueva serie de la Camorra, tiene un lado más salvaje y bruto de la mafia, menos refinado,
  
  Al principio Fabiano empezó con el pie izquierdo no me estaba gustando nada, no me convencía el cambio que le hizo la autora a su personaje, eso de que soy oscuro peligroso, no tengo sentimientos y que me lo repita cada dos por tres NO ME LO CREO DUDE!!
  Y luego que siguiera fiel y ciegamente a un fucking crazy como Remo mmm menos.
  Pero creo que a lo largo del libro empezó a tener cambios sutiles que poco a poco me permitieron apreciar el personaje.
  
  Leona no fue tan relevante, no me desagrado pero no es que haya aportado nada, eso sí es una protagonista diferente ya que ella no es una Principessa de la mafia.
  
  Pero ya juntos y el desarrollo de su relación si me gustó.
  
  Yo me decidía leer esta serie por el segundo libro que es del Nino y Kiara, así que me voy corriendo a leer el siguiente libro.
• 
  Kiki ♡

  4.2/5 🌟
  

  “El amor es lo que nos hace humanos, lo que hace que la vida valga la pena. El amor es incondicional”

  
  
  Twisted Loyalties es el primer libro de la serie “The Camorra Chronicles” , aquí conoceremos la historia de Fabiano y Leona.
  
  Fabiano siempre pensó que su futuro era ser consigliere de la organización de chicago, ya que este era su titulo heredado por su padre, pero este ultimo al casarse nuevamente y tener hijos lo dejó de lado, ya que el padre todavía tenia resentimiento por la traición de sus otras hijas, veía a Fabiano como otro traidor y decidió mandarlo a matar, igual ya no lo necesitaba para nada. Entonces el hombre que tiene esa tarea en vez de desaparecerlo, lo deja a su suerte en territorio enemigo, Fabiano nunca había estado solo, además no creía que podía sobrevivir, solo tenia 14 años, ahora le tocaba sobrevivir en la calle. Hasta que un día se encuentra con Remo Falcone, este le salvó la vida y por eso le jura lealtad y lo ayuda a convertirse en Capo de la camorra. Pasan años y Fabiano se ha ganado su puesto como ejecutor de la camorra, a sus 19 años es un hombre bastante cruel y al que le temen la mayoría en las Vegas.
  
  Leona llega a las Vegas para construir una vida decente y poder entrar a la universidad, todo esto lejos de su madre drogadicta. No le ha tocado una buena vida y muchos menos padres decentes. Ella está en la búsqueda de trabajo, para tener un sustento y poder ahorrar para su universidad, durante esta búsqueda se topa con Fabiano, ella todo inocente no sabiendo quien es él, lo trata como una persona normal y no con miedo, como lo hacen todas las personas, esto lo desconcierta a él, y le despierte una curiosidad enorme. Y es así como poco a poco se irán conociendo este par y tendrán que enfrentarse a muchos obstáculos, además la lealtad que Fabiano juró hacia la camorra puede estar tambaleándose.
  

  “Si no peleas por lo que quieres, no lo conseguirás”

  
  Este libro me ha gustado un montón, lo he disfrutado de principio a fin, y no me ha durado casi nada.
  
  Fabiano desde la anterior saga me ha interesado, aunque en ese entonces solo era un niño, el cual era bastante amable y amaba con todo su ser a sus hermanas, pero al crecer se sintió abandonado, sus hermanas ya no estaban y eso hizo que su padre descargara todo ese odio hacia él. Sufrió bastante maltrato, esto hizo un cambio en él. Les tiene bastante resentimiento a sus hermanas, siente que lo abandonaron y lo dejaron solo. Es por eso que al llegar a las vegas deja todo esto atrás y está completamente agradecido con Remo por acogerlo cuando más lo necesitaba, por eso le tiene una lealtad inmensa, además encontró una nueva familia con los hermanos Falcone, los cuales son bastante unidos.
  
  Leona me ha gustado, me ha caído bien, su vida bastante fea me ha tocado. Ella siempre ha estado sola, nunca nadie se ha preocupado por ella, no ha recibido nunca amor ni cariño, siempre tan amable con sus padres y queriéndolos ayudar, aunque no se lo merecieran. Leona tiene muchos sueños, quiere ir a la universidad y estudiar leyes, pero lo ve bastante lejano. Leona es una soñadora, eso es la que la mantiene con sus convicciones de querer superarse, de tener una mejor vida, pero a veces siente que no va a llegar hasta el final.
  
  Me ha dolido todo lo que ha vivido Leona con unos padres tan negligentes, he odiado completamente a su padre, es un vividor que solo le interesa salvarse él mismo. Cuando Leona va conociendo más a Fabiano, le ve como un refugio, alguien que se preocupa por ella, que la cuida, y eso es algo que nunca había experimentado, sentía esa protección que nadie le había dado.
  

  “Estar con él me hacia sentir bien. Muy pocas cosas en mi vida lo hacían. ¿Por qué no permitirme ese pequeño pecado? Porque eso es lo que él era: pecado”

  
  En cuanto a la relación de Leona y Fabiano me ha gustado, siento que se complementaban, y fue de a poco que fueron creciendo sus sentimientos, aunque claramente un obstáculo gigante era la mafia, ya que Leona no quería entrar en este mundo y muchos menos ser como su madre, ella quería alejarse de todo lo malo y eso era algo que Fabiano no podía darle, al contrario, venia con una carga inmensa, además ella sentía que él la estaba desviando de lo que siempre esperó en el futuro que ella siempre quiso tener, pero ya sabemos cómo terminan estas cosas. Me ha gustado como se fue desarrollando la relación entre ellos dos, ha sido pausada, los sentimientos van aflorando lentamente, aunque Fabiano los reprima un poco más, ya que se siente presionado, porque prometió que la camorra siempre iba en primer lugar, pero esos sentimientos por Leona, lo están distrayendo, él haría cualquier cosa por ella, incluso ir en contra de toda su lealtad hacia ese juramento.
  

  “El amor de Leona y mi amor por ella: me asustaban una y otra vez. Pero era algo con lo que tendría que lidiar, porque Leona no iba a ninguna parte y no dejaría de amarla”

  
  En conclusión, una historia que disfruté completamente, en ningún momento me aburrí, como inicio de esta nueva saga estuvo bien, Fabiano y Leona como protagonistas me gustaron bastante y como todo se desarrolló entre ellos.
• 
  jazmin ✿

  But love wasn’t a choice. It was like torture. Something that happened to you and you were unable to stop it. It was the only form of torture I was unable to endure.

  
  
  

  ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

  
  
  Reread #3 Update:
  I literally have an obsession with this book.
  
  Reread #2 Update:
  1. Still super super enjoyable! 2. I despise Savio Falcone.
  
  Reread #1 Update: Wow I can’t believe I reread this literally five days after reading it for the first time… Still as good as before and now that I know Fabiano’s whole family history and backstory everything makes a lot more sense!
  
  I think the only thing that stood out to me after this reread was the conflict in the book, which was basically that Remo didn’t want Fabiano and Lenora together. The first time it sort of made sense, but after reading Nino, Remo and Savio’s books it just seems sort of pointless and hypocritical? I mean judging Fabiano in this book and getting married in your own book a little while later… huh?
  
  Original Review:
  I’M SO ANGRY I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS A SPINOFF OF THE BORN IN BLOOD SERIES AND NOW I’VE READ THE BOOKS IN THE WRONG ORDER :(
  
  Aside from the fact that I should’ve read that series first, I loved this book. I honestly went in with no expectations because I’ve heard so many complaints about Cora Reilly’s books, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about Fabiano and Leona.
  
  I started this series because everyone talked about how much they love Remofina and I felt left out, but if Remofina is better than this couple then their book must really be amazing! I think I really liked this couple because as much as this was a dark book, their relationship was not nearly as toxic as other mafia books. It's ironic because I think most people don't like this book since they don't think it's dark and toxic enough LOL.
  
  

  “You can’t change my past. You can’t change who I am.”
  “No,” I said with a shrug.
  “But you can. I can only force people to treat you as you want to be treated.”

  
  
  I really enjoyed both Leona and Fabiano as main characters. Leona was refreshingly honest, but never in an annoying way, and Fabiano was such an interesting and complex character! That’s part of the reason why I’m super annoyed that I read this series before Born in Blood; the original series focuses on Fabiano’s sisters so I’m sure I would have understood the backstory more if I had read it :(
  
  *4.5
  
  

  ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

  
  
  
  my carrd ❦
• 
  Huda

  second read 4.5⭐
  🥹🥹 i love them SM
  
  Currently reading for the second time... Gotta come back to the Queen of Mafia Cora Riely
  first read 4 ⭐
  
• 
  Z - literaryeffect

  "I want her at my side. I want to spend my life with her... She's seen me at my worst, and she's still here."

  
  
  If you’ve read the Born in Blood books before this, you’ve already met Fabiano especially from when he was younger. Now he’s the enforcer of the Camorra after Remo Falcone saved him from the streets.
  
  I’m actually surprised that I really enjoyed this book. I liked Fabi more than the male leads in the BIBMC books. I also really liked Leona, she’s been through so much and wasn’t raised by decent parents but I love to see that she’s aiming for more in life. Fabi was super soft towards her. I love seeing leads with hard exteriors but are really soft inside especially with their love interests.
  
  I also really love the Falcones already!!!! I’m so excited to read their books especially Adamo
• 
  SzarlottaSzott

  Haha mafia style friends-to-lovers? That’s the first.
  
  I heard a lot of good things about this author and she didn’t disappoint! The book had everything I wanted. Maybe it will not blow your mind, but it’s a very well-written story with nice characters and a bit of suspense at the end.
  
  I definitely see the potential here! Please let me know if there are any books by this author that you would recommend!