Bound by the Past

Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, Book 7

By: Cora Reilly

Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Connor Crais

Dante

My life is a tale of betrayal. I killed so many because they betrayed our cause, because they betrayed the Outfit. A hypocrite. A liar. A murderer. That’s what I am.

Five times I betrayed the Outfit. With my blood I made a vow to our cause, swore my life to it, promised to put the Outfit first. Above all else. Five times I chose a woman over the good of the Outfit. I betrayed my father. My vow. My men. You reap what you sow. Would my betrayals destroy everything I swore to protect?

Valentina

On our wedding day, I made a vow to stand by Dante’s side. In good and in bad times. To love him through it all.

Growing up in the mafia, I knew the challenges in our life would be numerous. I never expected them to tear at the very base of our family, of our existence.

©2020 Cora Reilly (P)2020 Cora Reilly

Dante aka The Undercover Super Freak

We now get A LOT of the "why's" that happen throughout the bound by blood series. Specifically why Dante keeps Aria's father around despite not agreeing with his methods, or liking him for that matter. Also it's nice to get Dante's pov from the events of Bound by The Past. Since that book was only in Valentina's. Reading how much Dante really desired Val had me fangirling and blushing at times. Interesting to read how he was affected by Gianna and Lily's storylines, and his thoughts about what happens to Fabiano. Dante and Valentina will always be one of favorite couples, being close in age with the characters I can relate to them on a more personal level. And I feel they have a more mature relationship, than other couples in the series, appearing to have less of a power difference. Dante allows Val more of a role in the Made world, even wanting her to be his Consigliere. Their spicy scenes skating on the dominate/submissive themes are always a fun read. I'm glad we got to see more of their lives after Bound by Duty. But I almost wish that this book focused on them, with the kidnapping and aftermath could have been a separate book, maybe a novella. Since this is more of Dante's book, and reflecting on his "betrayals", so plot wise it makes sense. I loved how they introduced Ines and Pietro's (Serafina's parents) romance, I wish they would have gotten a book, so we could see more of their story.

***Spoilers***

I believe the enjoyment of the end of this book definitely depends on what order you read it in. I wrote this review after reading the book twice. The first time before reading Twisted Pride and then chronologically (which is after Twisted Pride according to Cora's website). And while I still enjoyed it, the ending wasn't as impactful knowing that Serafina was not suffering like they believed while she was in captivity with Remo. I actually found myself skipping over some of those parts. When I read it the first time around, I was experiencing Serafina's kidnapping, failed rescue, trade and return to Remo from the lens of Dante and his family. So I was on the edge of my seat. But now that I know Serafina was "safe" and falling for Remo, the angst and thrill disappears. Plus when she saves Remo originally I believed she had finally lost it, only leaving because she knew her babies would be respected more in Vegas, and I was shocked that she goes back. But now I know she returned because she loved Remo and she's not "brainwashed". During my first read through this was one of my favorite books, now it's more middle ground. The Serafina and Remo storyline was needed, since we have to know how it impacted her family. But again it's just not as impactful when you read this book after Twisted Pride.

Conner Crais killed it

well like my title says Conner Crais killed this spicy mob tale. I've never read any by this author it has decent amounts of plot & Spice & thankfully this is mostly from Dante's POV the wife wasn't interesting or noteworthy plus Ava Lucas really annoyed me & her spicy scenes grossed me out I had to read her scenes on Kindle
Plot 3.5/5 Spice 4/5 Performances: Conner Crais 10/10 Ava Lucas 1/10 Overall Book Score 7/10

The support of the love for family

From the entire series u appreciate the realness of the raw trauma from lost and yielding to family. Dante love for the family Val created with him and the way she was his refuge was just amazing to read. I was unable to put this book down.

🩷 Italian accents!! Connor Crais & Ava Lucas🩷

note: Was introduced to the characters Dante & Valentina in By Virtue I Fall which was about D&V's daughter who falls in love with her bodyguard. I bought that audiobook because Connor Crais and Ava Lucas were listed as narrators. They were -- but only had one chapter each. ( While I liked the story, I was dissappointed with the narration. Then I realized I also had Bound by the Past in my library waiting to be listened to.)

Bound by the Past (my 2nd book by Cora Reilly) is Dante and Valentina's story. I really enjoyed both the story and the beautifully performed narration by Connor & Ava. Their Italian accents were great -- sounded so authentic and really added the story IMO. Loved it!

It was okay

I enjoy this type of story, and I love this author, however, the male narrator was distracting because of the way he over pronounced every name. It was quite annoying to me and took some of the enjoyment out of the story for me.