Fragile Longing is Cora’s latest mafia stand-alone that picks up where Twisted Pride left off. The story starts with the fallout from what Serafina left behind - her family and a fiancé, Danilo, to whom she’d been promised. While the book does tie in characters from her Born in Blood and The Camorra Chronicles, it’s not necessary to read those first.

Danilo still sees the benefit of being bonded to the Mione family and proposes an arrangement to marry Serafina’s baby sister, Sofia. Sofia is only 11 when this arrangement occurs but she’s thrilled - she’s always had this childhood crush on Danilo.

Danilo, hyper aware of the age difference, puts her at arms length until they can marry which leaves Sofia feeling dejected and like she needs to change herself to try to appeal to him. Only problem is her plan works opposite of how she expected.

Cora does such a wonderful job focusing on intimacy within her mafia relationships. I loved the focus on Sofia and Danilo’s relationship building from the ground up. It started slow - which I completely understand why - allowing for the trust and bond to build.

I hated Danilo but ended up liking him in the end. He was selfish, arrogant and disrespectful to any and all women outside of his family. The only gentleness he showed was towards his sister. He always thought Sofia was a child, needing to grow up to be worthy of him. I found that so ironic in that through the same time period, they both were at the same place with their emotional maturity despite the 10 year age gap.

In terms of steam - this one has it. You do have to wait a good 70-75% of the book to get there but man, Cora let’s it loose after that!

2.5 stars

Well, this book was a surprise to me, mainly because of the characters.

So, Danilo was a surprise because I thought he would be this major asshole I would want to dismember. Turns out, he wasn't that bad. He didn't have the best behavior before that incident. But I have to admit I'm glad he stayed away from Sofia and didn't parade her around (like she delusionally hoped) because that would have been freaking creepy since back then she was, you know, a kid. He ended up being a gentleman and caring with Sofia when they got married, which made me like him. I also really liked his relationship with his sister Emma. That dance they had together brought tears to my eyes.

As for Sofia, it was the opposite. I seriously thought I would love her so much, but it wasn't the case. There were times I thought she would beat Gianna as my least favorite. While Gianna grated on my nerves, Sofia made me cringe, so much so I thought my face would be forever frozen in a cringe expression. And second-hand embarrassment is real, people. In my view, Sofia was rather pitiful, for lack of better words. I felt sorry for her at times. Her teen crush on Danilo and the whole 'I-want-to-be-like-my-sister-when-I-grow-up' thing went from something innocent to something obsessive. Danilo and Serafina were her only thoughts. I blame her parents for not paying enough attention or assure her of some things. Another character took that role, and I appreciate this character for it. I also blame Sofia's daydream nature. In her case, it was something negative rather than positive. It made her think and do some pathetic shit. She was basically her very own enemy. I get she's young, and that can be used as an excuse, but even with that knowledge, it didn't make me feel any different about her. I did like her in the last few chapters. I also liked her friendship with Anna, one of the highlights of the book.

ONLY after Sofia and Danilo put all the past bullshit, obsessions, and delusions behind, they became a beautiful couple to read about. AND also kind of hot.

Overall, I kinda like the book. Although I'm disappointed with the lack of romance, there was way too little time with Danilo and Sofia as a couple.

p.s.: I enjoyed Anna's, Santino's, and Leona's cameos.

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review.

Fragile Longing was super expected and I enjoyed every moment, Sofia has a lot on her shoulders since Serafina left and saved Remo. Her family have a hard time adapting to her betrayal and everyone mourned her at their own way, leaving Sofia a little forgotten. Sofia tries to deal with the situation that is destroying her family and unite them again, but she is losing herself in the process.

"I was an echo of the perfect melody. A shadow of an immaculate image. Always less. Never enough."

Sofia was really sweet and sometimes naive. She wants to please everyone and end up doing silly stuff, but I totally understand her reactions to the situation. Her big crush to Danilo and their age gap really make it difficult for them to connect. Her friendship with Anna is delighful. I loved every scene with them, they have a super tigh bond. Anna was there for her when she needed the most, like helping Sofia with her self esteem. We have more insight on Anna's book and i'm so excited!!

“Be selfish for once, Sofia. In this world, we women get so few choices, so little freedom. We have to grasp happiness by the collar and drag it with us. We can’t hope for happiness to jump into our lap. Be selfish. You deserve it.”

Danilo is extremely prideful. So much that he makes some mistakes until he realize that the past will only bring him misery and he needs to move on. Afterwards, we get a more conscious Danilo fighting for his marriage which i absolutely adored. His love and fierce protectiveness towards his sister, Emma, was incredibly cute. Can't wait for her story with Samuel! Furthermore, I loved all the familiar faces throughout the book.

"Our life together had been an abstract concept."

"I wondered which Danilo was the real deal. Which was his true self? The restrained gentleman or the ruthless predator? I feared it was like Anna had told me."

Fragile Longing is a standalone. However, I do recommend reading at least Twisted Pride and Bound by the Past for a better understanding since the events in there lead to the story of Sofia and Danilo.

*ARC kindly provided by The Next Step PR in exchange for an honest review.*

4 Outstanding Stars!!

I thought Danilo and Serafina were mean to be, but so happy for Sophia after all those years crushing for him, ever since she was a little girl. It was also appealing not seen Danilo falling for a little girl, because that would definitely have been a turn off for me. So the timing was just perfect.

I really loved and enjoyed following Sofia and Danilo's journey. Sofia's strenght and courage grow with her character, and it was very refreshing. I love seen how affectionate, caring, and loving this rough mafia guys can be. All secondary characters are likeable, and some brought something especial that makes want to read their own stories in the near future.

All in all, this was a very entertaining and enjoyable read, and can't wait for the audible version of it!!

Cora Reilly really brought out everything in this book that I was looking for. Age gap, forbidden, and mafia.

Sofia has been in love with Danilo since she was a child. It might have started off as just a crush since she was only 11 years old, but it soon did develop into love as she started growing up. But unfortunately for her, Danilo didn't feel the same for her. He was destined to marry Seraphina but she did the unthinkable and now he was promised Sofia as a consolation, which doesn't sit right with Sofia. No matter how many times she tries to make advances and flirts with him, it just doesn't seem to work. She even went as far as trying to look just like her sister with the blond hair and all, but Danilo wasn't impressed with her drastic change. He wanted her to be herself, even though that didn't change how he felt for her, especially since she was so much younger than him.

But as the years pass and Sophia has pretty much given up on her love for Danilo, that's when things change and Danilo finally sees Sophia in a different light. Even if they are 10 years apart, that never seemed to bother Sofia, age wasn't ever an issue for her even though it was for Danilo, but the way he started falling for her was just sweet and I loved how their romantic relationship finally started to take off.

Loved this book and the characters along with the secondary characters in the book. Cora Reilly is the queen of mafia that's for sure!

"People say there aren’t two snowflakes identical in shape, every single one of them unique. Magnificent icy perfection.
Like my sister Serafina.
I tried to replicate her, but a replica would never be the original. I was the echo of the perfect melody. A shadow of an immaculate image. Always less. Never enough."

After Danilo and Serafina's engagement falls apart following the events of Twisted Pride, Sofia is set to take her sister's place and marry Danilo, the man she's been crushing on since the beginning. But what starts as a dream come true for little Sofia soon has her feeling like a second choice, the consolation prize. Losing a finance to another man can crush any man's pride, especially when that man is the enemy; but Danilo has more pride than most and as a new underboss more to prove. Incensed by his slipped opportunity for revenge, Danilo is filled with resentment and an inability to put the past to rest.

I liked the individual growth of the characters throughout the book. I felt for Sofia, she was struggling with constantly not feeling good enough and feeling like a shadow in her own home after her sister leaves. She really comes into herself, growing into a confident woman and learning to stop comparing herself to her sister; as she's been subjected to by others for so long. Danilo was so stubborn and filled with spite in the beginning, but luckily he comes to his sense and realises the precious gift he's been given with Sofia and works on winning her affections back. He could be sweet and attentive, and I admired his relationship with his sister he was so caring and protective of her.

With regards to the romance between the two, I really liked development of their relationship, especially in the second half of the book. They had a strong physical attraction and chemistry and I really loved how their relationship grew from physical/infatuation to something deeper and more meaningful. My only issue is that I wish there was more of the book/story after their marriage, it felt a little short in comparison to the first half that was full of angst and longing.

All in all I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to see the following stories for some of our secondary characters.

Thank you Next Step Pr and Cora Reilly for the ARC.

From the moment Sofia and Danilo were paired together, I knew this book was going to destroy me. But what I didn't expect was how much damage Sofia did to herself. Cora expressed how much self-love is important with Sofia's character and I about cried my heart out for the girl. All her life she was pushed to the side of her family because of the shadow she lived by her older sister. Even though this book can be read as a standalone, I did recommend you to read Twisted Pride.

Danilo, the young Underboss of Indianapolis is a dangerous enigma to the world, who carefully conceals his soft heart and gentle manner. There are many layers to him and once they unveil it is difficult to hold resentment towards his behavior. Just like every other made man, Danilo has to hide his true nature from the world. In public, he is cold and angry but behind closed doors, he is gentle and kind to those close to him.

BTW, I did not expect Danilo to be the way he was in the sheets...WOW! Sofia is one lucky young lady and Danilo is one lucky stud.

Some characters from the previous book due make cameos in her but you also get introduced to upcoming characters who (fingers crossed!) may have a book coming in the near future!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book just like any book by this amazing writer. Danilo and Sofia's story was magnificent and enjoyable from page one to the last. This book is filled with hurt, comedy, angst, and overall romance!

Cora really is amazing!

After Savio’s book I swore off from this series.
But then I got this book and I was like let’s just give it a try you know?

Why should the woman always pine after the man? Why can't it be the other way around for once?
What vibe I have gotten from the past two books is that it's okay for the man to cheat and the woman to still be hopelessly in love with him. And then The man will towards the end realize that "Hey I actually am in love with her but I don't have to do much, Just show my sexy face and maybe just throw out the word sorry If my face isn't enough and she will open her legs and heart for me willingly again"
Like what do these MG's even see in these guys in the first place besides their looks being "a gift from god?" They don't even have any personalities

I have come to a conclusion that Serafina and Remo are from a complete different universe. They should not even be considered from the same league as the rest of the characters from this series.

And now I’m going to go back to their book and read from the scene where Serafina comes to rescue Remo in order to uplift my mood.

I really enjoyed this book and loved reading from the perspectives of Sofia and Danilo. They were both interesting characters and so very different from each other.

This book also served one of my favourite tropes - the arranged marriage, opposites and age-gap trope.

In this book, we grow with Sophia from a young age as she finds out about her arranged marriage to Danilo. Although Sophia is not opposed to it, as she has always had a crush on Danilo, even though he was to be married to her sister. There is so much angst and feelings and emotions involved with these characters, especially Sophia. There was so much longing and yearning within Sophia in wanting Danilo’s love and so much angst accompanying it. I also really enjoyed Danilo, and understanding his side of things, especially if you have read Twisted Pride also by Cora Reilly.

Also, appearances of other beloved characters also appeared in this book which was very exciting to read about and it just makes me miss some of them.

One thing that I didn’t really like when reading this book, was that it started from when Sophia was young. So it battled with lots of childish jealousy and feelings that I did not particularly like. I think it was heavily focused on her when she was young and I didn’t really like reading about that. But that’s just personal preference for me, I wished she was a little older, perhaps seventeen when this book took place and some small flashbacks.I also thought the story was slower paced and felt like it was dragging in particular scenes and moments.

Overall, this was book was really enjoyable to read and if your craving your fix of Cora Reilly or an arranged marriage, age-gap and opposites attract tropes, then this book will fill your cravings.

ARC received from The Next Step PR. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.

Read in one sitting! Because it is Cora Reilly and can we expect anything else?!?! Although this is listed as a standalone attached to her two mafia series, I would find value in reading all those first. Since I read the Born in Blood Chronicles, all except the latest one (and it’s been a while since those) and not the Camorra Chronicles (yet), I wasn’t sure who Sofia and Serafina was, and although I knew Remo was a name from Camorra, I didn’t have knowledge of the kidnapping they spoke about at the beginning of this book. So while it is classified as a standalone and I felt fine reading it in the end, my personal preference would have been to have every other book read beforehand to go into this one with a complete background of the characters.

I didn’t dislike one thing about this book! I loved the characters. Sofia isn’t too smart at times, but what redeems her is that she’s aware of this and pointed out her own faults. She knows she’s being dumb, and that’s step one. Also factoring in her age; it’s likely she would make the calls she did when faced with that all-consuming crush. Danilo wasn’t always the nicest of men, but he did have his reasons, and in the end he did come out on top for me. He is sweet to her and I loved all those scenes.

I enjoyed this plot and I enjoyed the mistake because it really did wonders for her character, and in the end, their relationship. Without it, she would have gone into that marriage the sweet-eyed girl who thought the world of him and all would be dandy. It played out that he needed to atone for mistakes and she didn’t feel 100% comfortable with him. It gave the plot time to develop the romance in a more natural and not forced way and showed his true feelings for her, and I love it for this.

When the romance does hit, oh boy, turn on a fan because these two are hot! Sizzling with the perfect amount of sweet...Danilo knows how to work!

With this story is the introduction of another marriage, with both characters connected to Sofia and Danilo. They’re talked a lot about before the wedding and not so afterwards and given the female character involved I really hope to see a book from them too! At this rate the connected ‘standalones’ that the author keeps writing will need a series name too.

Is there one book from this author I dislike?! She’ll have to just keep writing them I suppose and we’ll find out...

Before reading this book, Cora Reilly was a new to me author. I know, where have I been?! I have so much catching up to do!

“I’d loved him innocently, wholly, desperately with my stupid naïve heart.”

Fragile Longing held me completely captivated from the prologue. Also, a rare occurrence took place–I read this entire book within twenty-four hours. That may not be a big deal for some readers, but for me, the world’s slowest reader, this is huge! Usually it takes me up to 3-4 days to read a book. I simply could not put this book down!

“I waited silently. Brokenly. Hoping that this would finally set me free. Free from my crush on a man who never wanted me.”

Arranged marriage. Age gap. Sister’s ex-fiancé. And all in the mafia world! To say I was intrigued on how Danilo and Sofia’s situation would play out would be an understatement. The road to their union spanned the course of years, and I was living for the level of angst their relation entailed. There were times where these two also drove me absolutely crazy with the actions and decisions they made. The “grip my kindle a little tighter” out of frustration type of crazy. However, everything they put me through made the moments where they opened up to each other, fully succumbed to the other, made it all the more satisfying. The growth in their chemistry, passion, and love was EVERYTHING I look for in a romance!

“You’re the proudest man I know.” “I am, and that’s my greatest sin.”

Fragile Longing is a very character driven story. There’s not much outside action when you think of mafia, but honestly, I was so wrapped up in the course of their relationship that it wasn’t something I found myself missing. Also, I adored the friendship Sofia and Anna shared–they were literal BFF goals!

so first things first I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review shout out to Nextstep for making that happen!
*insert HEY LOOK MA I MADE IT*
gonna try to make this spoiler free but I ramble so let's see :)
I devoured this book in 2 days stayed up until 2:30 am on Friday night and until 1 on Saturday. Ignored my family (mom of 4 and husband) I had no business doing this but the book had me swiping and swiping for more.
Ok so let's get started:
I love love loved Sofia while she had MAJOR insecurities she was so kind, caring and at times naive bless her little heart, but watching her grow throughout the book was probably my favorite part. One thing I LOVED is she didn't allow herself to be a doormat when it came to Danilo in the beginning though it seemed a little dicey about whether or not she'd stand her ground. After several hiccups though she finally found her footing and had me saying YOU GO GIRL. Don't get me wrong there was A LOT of times Sofia had me ready to give her these hands, but again GROWTH & PATIENCE.
Now on to Danilo. The level of PRIDE this man has! LAWD. No but seriously it's literally mentioned I felt on every page. To a point where I was like ok we get it you're prideful.
He wasn't a dick purposely just came natural to him hehe. Was he redeemable!? In my OPINION yes he groveled in his own weird prideful way, and Sofia made sure he worked for it! He was a total alpha male, but his soft side was swoon worthy! Especially when it came to his sister and eventually Sofia. He also had some great lines that had me book marking like a mad woman. Also the level of sexy this man oozed. WHEW.
Sofia and Danilo as a couple have great chemistry the sex was tastefully smutty!! Which I was ALL for😉🍓
All in all I'm giving this gem a 4 out of 5! Why not the solid 5? Because there was somethings in this book that had me saying ALRIGHT ALREADY. The recap of fina's kidnapped from yet another POV was a bit eh, but thankfully wasn't super drawn out.
✅age gap
✅swoon worthy moments.
✅tasteful smut
✅good amount of angst without overdoing it
✅great side characters interaction and banter

PS- CHAPTER 23 was a wonderful surprise! Thank you Cora! Also this book made me so much more excited for Anna's book. I just know Anna's about to AGEEE Dante hardcore lol

-b00kSnob

To say that I'm disappointed will be an understatement because I am very much disappointed.

The story wasn't really going anywhere from the start.  It was but a retell of Remofina's story from Sofia's and Danilo's point of view and its damaging effects to them. It was really tiring.  Especially the countless times Sofia felt like just a consolation prize. The never ending lack of self esteem and constant self pity and comparing herself to Fina. It was both irritating and frustrating at the same time.

What could have been a great story has become just an afterthought. I know Sofia was infatuated with Danilo from an early age but what about Danilo? He's constantly having sex with other people and Sofia was just supposed to be okay with that because apparently,  that's how it works in their circle.

It was all lust when Sofia started to show some curves. Even when they finally get to spend some time together,  it was for me,  revolves around having sex and their exploration for it. If I'm not mistaken,  it seems that almost 30% was nothing else but pure smut read. Honestly,  I lost my interest.

Secondary characters were great though and  I was now more interested about Emma and Samuel's story. Anna's a well. I really hoped that the possibility of having a great storyline wouldn't be ruined with being just another smut read.

(𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝑷𝑹)
𝑅𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5

𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒎𝒆. 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who's been waiting for this book since Twisted Pride.

Danilo and Sofia were bound by unexpected circumstances to one another. After loosing his bride -to-be, Danilo's pride was wounded. He was now consumed with rage, hatred and vengeance. He spent so much time regretting the past and what was lost that he almost lost what was given to him.

Sofia was such a sweet and adorable character. She always lived in the shadow of her sister, ever after what happed people always compared her to Fina. No matter what she did or said it was never going to be enough, because she will never be Serafina.

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒆𝒕 . . . . . . 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆.

I felt so bad for Sofia, i mean everyone was pining after Serafina and the void she left behind that they ignored Sofia completely. She almost lost herself trying to be someone she was not. But she eventually gained her confidence and learned that she was enough and there was no point in comparing herself to Serafina.

𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒖𝒑.

The first part of the book pissed me off. Danilo was so uncaring and cold towards Sofia, and the things he did drove me crazy. Sofia interpreted his actions in her own way, thinking that Danilo was still in love with Serafina and he did not want her.
However, the second part is where things get much better. Danilo knew that if he keeps pining after the past he well end up losing Sofia too. So he really did his best to make up for his mistakes. He was caring, gentle and sweet, he gave Sofia his all and at the end he knew that she was it for him.

𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆— 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒑𝒊𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.

"I longed for a bond driven by love and affection, a bond that went deeper than political tactics."

Fragile Longing follows the story of Danilo Mancini and Sofia Mione. In the aftermath of Bound By the Past and Twisted Pride, we see Sofia is promised to Danilo after his engagement with Serafina falls through. We get to follow Sofia as she learns about her own strength, self-worth, and beauty.

Sofia is a young girl who's infatuated with the idea of love. Sofia had to grow up in the shadow of her older sister and always fell into the background as her family grieved the loss of Serafina. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s soft and gentle but her naivety and constant need for validation made it difficult for me to warm up to her. She was always comparing herself to Serafina and it broke my heart. Like anyone, she has a lot of insecurities and I resonated with that piece. Sofia's journey was certainly difficult but I eventually grew to really like her character.

Danilo was a character that really surprised me. I was intrigued by him in Twisted Pride but after seeing his reaction in Bound By the Past after losing Serafina, he seemed so alpha-male, so over the top and annoying but this book really shows a new side of him. We see that Danilo is someone who truly cares for the people he loves. He is an amazing brother and son. Oh my god, is he such a wonderful older brother. There is ONE scene that made me swoon and brought tears to my eyes. Danilo and Emma's scenes were definitely one of my favorites in this book. 🥺

Danilo and Sofia’s story is an emotional one. You’ll find yourself so frustrated with both these characters. You’ll just want to cry and yell and shake them but when they finally overcome their struggles, they really have something special. Their sexual chemistry is hot. Their feelings for one another consume them and it’s something really different than what Cora usually writes and she did it very well.

Fragile Longing is a rollercoaster read so you better have some tissues on hand. There is so much angst, heartbreak, and loss but I promise it's followed with forgiveness, love, and happiness. The epilogue is so heartwarming. It fills me with so much warmth and happiness.

I was very lucky to receive an ARC and I was super duper excited about this book because I love angsty romance with unrequited love themes and I especially adore the Outfit (they reign supreme, why lie). I personally wished that Sofia and Danilo's marriage life would have been longer and more developed but I did enjoy how they grew and fell in love.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. The highlight of the book was definitely the cameos and some of the new characters like Bria. I loved Anna and Sofia's friendship so much. Anna is an icon. She's absolutely hilarious. I laughed so much my stomach hurt. She's going to be such a troublemaker and I love her even more than I do now (if that's even possible). I'm so excited for everyone to find out more about her. I seriously cannot wait for her’s and Samuel’s book and of course all the others that Cora has planned.

5⭐️

I re-read Twisted Pride before reading this. It's not necessary but I thought it would be helpful to be reminded.

This is Sofia and Danilo's story. If you've not been following, let me give you a small introduction. Sofia is the Capo's niece. Dante Cavallero is the capo of The Outfit. Her mom is Dante's sister and her dad control's Minneapolis. She is Serafina's and Samuel's younger sister. Her sister Serafina was supposed to marry Danilo—her now husband, but Serafina was kidnapped on her wedding by Remo Falcone, the Outfit's nemesis. This is a standalone but I recommend reading Twisted Pride, Bound by Duty and Bound by the Past to understand Sofia and Danilo's background better.

I enjoyed reading about this book! This is one of those books where you can't wait to devour it but at the same you feel anxious because you don't want it to end.

It was gripping from start to finish!

I can't wait to read about Samuel and Emma... knowing how Samuel is, how will their relationship work? They weren't mentioned in the epilogue so I had no idea. I'm also curious about Marco and Bria... it seemed like an enemies to lovers kind of story.

I love the author! How she writes, she just keeps the reader glued to the book. Such a talent! I can't wait to read more!

This book didn't disappoint! Danilo and Sofia were off the charts especially when they started developing feelings for each other. I loved that Sofia had a back bone. She was strong and stood up fo herself. Also Danilo- wasnt who I though he would be after the last book. He turne dout to be amazing. A real gentleman. I loved how he really cared for Sofia espcially after the beginning of the book and how he treated her. Great read!

4.25
I was really looking forward to read Fragile Longing; since i read Twisted Pride i was curious about Danilo & Sofia' story.
Now i have mixed emotions about it....

In the first part, almost more than half, of the book Remo&Fina' presence was cumbersome.
Danilo's pride and Sofia's insicurities gave them to much space. And i hated it 'cause a real bond between the two of them was impossible.
The second part, otherwise, was absolutely amazing 😍😍
The way Danilo made up to Sofia for his mistakes, their growing relationship, their passion... make me swoon 🖤
Despite his coldness, Danilo let his emotions free, and gave himself a chance to really feel something other than guilt, pride, desire for revenge, anger, hate ....
And Sofia had a chance to accept and love herself.
In the end i really loved their bond, even if it took some time to get there.

In Fragile Longing the mafia aspect is less prominent: there is no much action, violence, or adrenaline.
But there's angst, lust, tenderness...

I think what makes Cora Reilly books amazing is the fact that she was able to differently characterize the Camorra, the Famiglia and the Outfits so well.
So even if they are all Made Men, they are different, and you can't help but side with one or the other.
[I'm a Camorra girl by the way LOL].
And the way she makes you curious about the side characters ensure your addiction to her stories.

My next fix from my favourite Mafia Universe is here!!!! 'Fragile Longing' is a standalone Romance by the best selling author Cora Reilly , set in the Same world as the Camorra chronicles and Born in blood Mafia Chronicles.

My god , Cora really does not hold back in this one! Fragile longing is the perfect blend of Dark and mysterious that Everyone would love! All the mafia lovers, you need to read this book! Danilo and Sofia are on fire!

Danilo is a man with too much pride. He once was engaged to the ice queen of the city and he adored her a lot. That is until another man kidnapped his bride on their wedding day and made her his. Left with a wounded pride , but with a third for revenge, Danilo is not going to stop until he crushes Remo Falcone. He wants what is the best for his territory , so he accepts the offer to marry Sofia , who is the younger sister of his previous fiance. But he still yearns for her older sister and in his pain he might not see the gift he has been given.

Sofia has always wanted Danilo. Even when he belonged to her sister. When fate made him her's , she couldn't believe her luck. She was so happy. Those dreams came crashing down when she realised that it was not her that Danilo wanted but her sister. She was tired of being the one whom Danilo never noticed. The consolation bride. Soon she realises that Danilo might not be the perfect gentleman she portrayed him to be. He is something much more Darker.

This book is a masterpiece for all the mafia lovers and is highly recommended to them by me! Cora Reilly is one of my best one click authors , so take it seriously when I tell you that you all need to give this book a go. This Mafia Universe by this author is one of my most favourite world's to get lost in and I have read these books not once but multiple times!

ARC provided by the Next Step PR in order for an honest review




*Spoiler-free*


Wow, where do I even begin? Cora Reilly never disappoints her fans and this time it was no different. I'd been waiting for Sofia and Danilo's story since I first read Twisted Pride. There's something about the whole "I'm too young for him. He's in love with my older gorgeous sister" thing that hits differently. From the first pages, I knew Sofia was my kind of girl. She's NOT her sister. Sofia wants everyone to see who she is besides the younger sister, the surrogate bride, and the consolation prize.



"He'd never given me a chance to show him I was more than second best, more than a consolation prize."
***
"I felt wanton, almost deprived, Like I could let loose in the safety of the dark, could be someone else."


And Danilo? I might not have been the biggest fan of his actions through the book but he made me fall in love with him eventually. Forget everything you think you know about this man. We basically know nothing until we read his POV.


"Which was his true self?the restrained gentleman or the ruthless predator?"
***
"This version of him, right in front of me, the dangerous bad boy was his true self."


And Sofia and Danilo?CHEMISTRY.Pure fire. This is perhaps Cora's hottest book ever but it doesn't help that these two were clearly made for each other-That sounds cheesy but so true-. I can't even use words to describe how this book, these characters, this story made me feel.Happy.Sad.Angry.Anxious.Blissful.All the feels.


"To see her for what she was: a gorgeous young woman. Not a consolation prize.Not Serafina's sister."
***
"You drive me completely crazy, Sofia."


Also Best.Epilogue.Ever.
I can't wait for more books in this word especially Samuel and Emma-I freaking love Emma- and also Anna and ???-She better end up with*******
Note: This is Sofia and Danilo's story but we see lots of other characters as well. Sofia's relationship with Anna was everything and let's not forget annoying teenage Leonas. So if for some reason you skipped any of the previous books related to the Chicago Outfit I recommend reading that book first before Fragile Longing.