Independently Published Bound By Duty

I love this series and the stories never disappoint, they keep being thrilling and surprising, Cora is genius. I experienced a lot of tension in this book and it had a really crazy twist near the end which made the reading extra interesting. This is the story of Dante, the Capo of the Chicago Outfit, and Valentina. They are both widowers when they marry. They have an awkward and rocky start and it killed me to see how Dante seemed not to care but we have a resilient Valentina here who continues to work through all the obstacles. I loved Valentina's determination to keep trying and win over Dante and her loyalty was admirable. I felt for her the entire book, she really struggled and that was quite angsty but she wanted to make a better life for herself and was madly determined and I liked that a lot. The intimate scenes between them were insanely HOT and I looooooved how their relationship grew and we can finally see the deep bond they end up forming.

First time read 3 stars Second time read 4 stars This is my second time reading Bound by Duty and I’m really happy I did. I have a new appreciation for Valentina and Dante. Valentina has always been one of my favorite heroines from Cora because of how strong she is. When she set her mind into something she does everything to make it happened. The fact that she didn’t back down for Dante even when he is her husband and Copa made her so strong in my eyes. She is a female that knows when to stop and when to push it. When I read Bound by Duty for the first time I didn’t really like Dante and I felt like Valentina deserved more. (Which in moment she still does). But after reading Bound by the Past Dante made so much more sense. I feel like their story is so different from the other once’s because of Valentina. She knows when to take control and when to let go. Now that I re-read Bound by Duty I can’t get enough from Dante and Valentina. So thank God they have a second book.

4/5 I love this book!! Dante & Valentina are not my favourite couple in this series by any means however, I do really love their story. Valentina is a very strong willed woman, she knows what she wants and fights for it and I adored her for it. She challenges Dante in more ways than he ever expected and that’s definitely something that he learnt to love & respect about her. I couldn’t help but fall straight in love with Dante. I’m a sucker for a cold-hearted, emotionless man and that’s exactly what he was. Watching him fall for Valentina was everything!! I loved the plot a lot too, it kept me engaged and entertained!!

Valentina’s story broke and healed me in all the best ways. Her marriage to Dante is complicated, quiet, and deeply emotional. What I loved most was how Reilly let their relationship grow with so much tenderness. Dante’s a stoic, intimidating man, but the moments where his guard falls uuuugh, my heart. The pacing is calm but intense, and by the end I was fully obsessed.

I really liked this book. It was characters a little outside the main storyline of the series but they brought it together well.