Review: Lucian (Filthy Marcellos #1) by Bethany-Kris

Plot Summary

Lucian Marcello is aware of the expectations following him as the oldest son of one of North America’s most infamous Cosa Nostra Dons. Family in his world is more than blood and sharing a last name. It’s the honor, respect, business, and the life. Being a Capo is just a stepping stone until it’s time for him to take on the role of underboss but a chance meeting with her could be the one thing he’d risk it all for.

She is exactly what he didn’t know he was looking for.

Jordyn Reese spends her time trying to stay under the radar of a man who wouldn’t think twice about killing her. Unwillingly affiliated with a dangerous MC gang, her life is dominated by the men surrounding her and her future rests solely in how useful she can be for them. The last thing she needs is some Mafioso gaining her more unwanted attention from the club.

He is everything she should stay away from but can’t.

Notoriously violent when it comes to getting what he wants, Lucian will stop at nothing to make the target on Jordyn’s back disappear. But sometimes the worst threats are the ones you can’t see until it’s too late. The truth behind Lucian’s history is about to take center stage in more ways than one, and it’ll either save him … or kill him.

This world leaves everyone a little filthy.

****

Filthy Marcellos: La Cosa Nostra is not just a choice of regime and routine, it’s a culture. Born as mafia royalty, the Marcello brothers were raised ingrained with the beliefs and rules of what it meant to be a Mafioso prince. It is for life. Their status is considered a given right. They will always be these people. They will always be Marcellos.

My Review

Rating: ★★★☆ ☆(3/5)

Lucian by Bethany Kris is an emotionally charged romantic suspense novel that weaves the brutal world of the Mafia with an intense, slow-burn romance. The story follows Lucian Marcello, the oldest son of a notorious Mafia don, and Jordyn Reese, a woman ensnared by a dangerous motorcycle gang. As their worlds collide, they must navigate the threats surrounding them while exploring their undeniable attraction.

From the moment Lucian and Jordyn meet, the tension between them is immediate. Lucian, on track to become the underboss, is accustomed to control and power, but Jordyn challenges everything he thought he knew. She’s strong-willed and aware of the deadly consequences of getting involved with someone like him. Despite their differences, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Lucian’s protective instincts toward Jordyn begin to surface, and his ruthless exterior starts to crack, revealing his vulnerability. This dynamic adds emotional depth to their relationship, making it more than just a romance—it becomes a journey of self-discovery for both of them.

Jordyn, though conflicted, is equally drawn to Lucian. She’s spent her life avoiding dangerous men, and yet she can’t deny the connection she feels with him. As her attraction to Lucian deepens, so does her internal struggle to trust him. Their evolving relationship is marked by moments of tenderness amid the ever-present danger, creating a compelling push-and-pull between passion and fear.

The pacing of Lucian strikes a balance between suspenseful action and character development. The book doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of their lives, particularly the Mafia’s influence on personal relationships. Lucian’s internal conflict between loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for Jordyn creates a compelling tension that drives the plot forward. Meanwhile, Jordyn’s struggle to navigate her entanglements with the MC gang adds complexity to her character and heightens the stakes of their romance.

The danger surrounding them amplifies the urgency of their relationship. Every moment between Lucian and Jordyn feels fleeting, as if it could be their last, adding intensity to their emotional connection. The themes of loyalty, family, and sacrifice play a significant role in their story, with Lucian questioning what he’s willing to risk for love and Jordyn confronting her past.

Lucian is a gripping and passionate read, with a romance that grows gradually but is richly rewarding. The characters are complex, and their emotional journeys make their relationship compelling. While the novel touches on familiar Mafia tropes, it’s the depth of the characters and their emotional development that sets it apart. Fans of dark, suspenseful romance will find Lucian to be a satisfying and intense experience.