I have enjoyed reading Corte’s mafia romances in the past, so it was natural to pick up Ruthless Consequences, book one in her Vice City series, which is also included in the Not Over You romance Anthology, was a given. It delivered a beautiful, heart-tugging second chance romance, set in the mafia world.
Brio: vigor or vivacity of style or performance. No other word could better describe Brio "Lilo" Valentino. He came into my life uninvited when something in my voice spoke to him. A fragility that couldn’t mask the pain. From the beginning, he warned me that we were different. He was darkness. I was light. His Lucila. Despite our differences, we fit together perfectly, like a lock and key. I had no choice but to let him in. Once inside, he picked me up off the floor and gave me hope for a brighter future. The thing about darkness and light, though? They always create shadows. And the bloody secrets between us followed us around, keeping us separated, until we were forced to face them. Choices have consequences—and I wasn’t sure whether ours were ruthless enough to keep us apart forever. *Previously released in the Not Over You anthology. Now with an exclusive epilogue! I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Ruthless Consequences
Author(s): Bella Di Corte
Series: Vice City #1
Published by Self Published on September 15, 2022
Pages: 308
Genre(s): Mafia, Romantic Suspense
Source: Author
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon
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It is said that first love is always alive and lives in your heart always. Well Brio Valentino aka Lilo and Lucila Girardi epitomised these very words. From the moment Lilo laid eyes on Lucila, he recognised her as the light to his darkness. The one and only woman meant for him. This he showed by his actions towards her. As fate would have it though, his many attempts to prevent his world from crossing over to hers ended on a bad note. The dangers from his world along with tragic events led to their separation. However, the situation which tore them apart would reunite them.
Lucila had a problematic past. Forced to grow up early to care for her siblings. She engaged in abnormal eating habits. She has come a long way since then and has proven to be resilient.
Brio has connections to the mafia, but he didn’t take an oath and he is not a made man. He marches to his own tune. Dubbed the Shadow Man, first by the love of his life, then by his acquaintances for the way he took out his targets.
Lucila and Brio’s story was an absolute delight. Told from alternate POV and moving between past and present, the story sucked me in. Soon I became completely invested in the lives of the characters. Corte gave us a firsthand look into their lives. The reader shared in their pain, disappointments, challenges and triumphs. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the love they had for each other permeated the pages. It warmed my heart to see how their relationship in the past developed and their separation broke it. Learning the reason for the separation made it worse.
Working their way back to each other came with many challenges. Watching them work through their issues and overcoming challenges proved a delight.
Ruthless Consequences is a story that readers of the genre should add it to their TBR.
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About Bella Di Corte
Bella Di Corte writes criminal romance that will steal your heart. She brings to life stories of men who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the women who force them to feel. She’s known for her rich world building and strong characters. She’s also an International Bestselling Author. Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, family, and four dogs. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook recipes that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to fill out this form if you’d like to reach out. She’s also on Facebook & Instagram (where she attempts to show off the previously mentioned photos). Bella was born and raised in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.
To learn more about Bella & her books, visit here!
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Fabulous review 💖
Thanks.
I have had this author on my list for a while, but I definitely need to expedite her as I need more mafia romance haha I am curious though what your issues were with the story that got it down to a 3.5? Sounds like it was still a strong work of a read to enjoy.
It took me awhile to get into the story.
Thanks Nadene
You are welcome.
Lovely review. I haven’t yet tried this author.
She writes awesome mafia romances,
It sounds intense! I don’t read many mafia romances.
Yes it’s intense.
This one is completely new to me but I really like the sound of it.
Its a good one, which I think will you will enjoy.