Binding Rose: A Dark Mafia Romance
Ivy Fox
Dedication
To Sean.
Tá mo chroí istigh ionat.
Never forget
"My Heart Is in You."
Author Note
First of all, thank you so much for purchasing Binding Rose.
This is a contemporary, dark reverse harem novel that falls within the shared world called Mafia Wars. Every book in this series is a stand-alone story written by a different author each time.
This little book baby is mine.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible writers that participated in this project with me. Rebecca Royce, CR Jane, Loxley Savage, Katie Knight, Susanne Valenti, and Caroline Peckham, words can never express how amazing it has been to work with all of you on this passion project. I’m in complete awe of your talent and professionalism. I am also blessed to have you as friends as well as colleagues. This has been an incredible ride and I look forward to working with you all in the future.
Now onto you, dear reader.
I would like to ask one small favor of you, if I may.
Reviews are life for an author. I treasure each one since they enable other readers to find my book babies. If you can spare a few minutes to write one after you’ve finished Binding Rose, I’d be forever grateful.
These reviews also help other readers decide if they should take the plunge in reading these types of books that have a trigger warning to them. And ladies, this book definitely does.
Since this is a dark romance, subject matters and scenes may be triggering for more sensitive readers.
If you are on the fence, please read reviews or join my readers group on Facebook – Ivy’s Sassy Foxes and ask for feedback.
If you’re okay with all that I’ve mentioned above, please proceed and get ready for the sexiest, filthiest book I’ve ever written.
Yep.
It’s going to be the HOT!
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Much love,
Ivy
Biding Rose Playlist
Listen to full list on Spotify Here
“Jump Around” by House of Pain “Linger” by The Cranberries “No Sound but the Wind” by Editors “Fine Line” by Harry Styles “St. Patrick” by PVRIS
“No Me Ames” by Jennifer Lopez ft. Marc Anthony “La Tortura” by Shakira ft. Alejandro Sanz “Yonaguni” by Bad Bunny
“Fiel” by Los Legendarios
“KESI” by Camilo ft. Shawn Mendes
I was sold to my enemies.
You would think that being forced into a loveless marriage to ensure an alliance would be unheard of in this day and age. And in most cases, you would be correct in that assumption.
But not for me.
A cartel princess has no vote on who she can or cannot marry—much less love.
Any decision in my life was forfeited just by being born into the most powerful Mexican cartel there is.
Still, it does sting that I’m to be hand-delivered to the Irish mob and marry into the Kelly family, who my own brother has coined to be nothing more than bloodthirsty savages.
They’re animals, Rosa. Filthy, unscrupulous, vicious animals.
Those were his exact words, yet he still followed our father’s orders to walk me down the aisle, making sure I didn’t run from my obligation.
As if that was even an option.
All my choices were stolen away from me the minute I became another pawn to be used and abused at the hands of evil men.
Which leaves me to question…
Can a rose blossom in the dark?
Or will I have to rely on my thorns to protect me against the fate that’s been bestowed upon me?
Only time will tell if I’ll survive this cursed life or become another lost soul in these cruel and merciless Mafia Wars.
Mafia Wars Families & Territories
Boston – The Irish Mafia The Kelly Family
Mexico City – The Mexican Cartel The Hernandez Family
New York – La Cosa Nostra – Italian Mafia The Rossi Family
Chicago – The Outfit Syndicate – Italian Mafia The Moretti Family
London – The Firm – English Mafia The Butcher Family
Vegas – The Bratva – Russian Mafia The Volkov Family
Glossary
Irish/Gaelic
Máthair or Ma – mother/mom Athair or Da – father/dad Uncail – uncle
Mo dheartháir – my brother Deartháir mór – Big Brother Deirfiúr bheag – little sister Col ceathar or ceathrair – Cousin Seanmháthair – grandmother Conas atá tú? – How are you?
Leanbh – child/baby Babaí – baby
Tá mo chroí istigh ionat – “My Heart Is In You” – Irish endearment of saying I love you Is tú mo stóirín – “You are my (little) sweetheart”
A stór – my treasure Acting the maggot – making a fool of themselves Dinger – a term of endearment reserved for the attractive Acushla – darling
Damnú – fuck
Tuig – understand
Spanish
Pinche puta – fucking whore, or fucking damned or fucking fool Está claro – is that clear Sí – yes
Por favor – please
Mis disculpas – my apologies Virgen de Guadalupe – Virgin of Guadalupe/Virgin Mary Lo siento – I’m sorry Perdóname – Forgive me Hermano – brother Hermana – sister Novio/el prometido – fiancé Te lo ruego – I beg you Ayúdame – help me
Cálmate – calm down Esposo – husband
Jódete – screw you/fuck you ?Vete al diablo! – go to hell Mierda – shit Joder. Tal vez incluso antes de eso – Fuck. Maybe even before that.
Cristo – Christ
Ni?o – baby
El hijo – son/baby
Peque?o – little one
Since the dawn of time, waging war on those who have wronged us has been embedded in the very fiber of mankind’s true nature. The thirst for vengeance and retribution has always prevailed over turning the other cheek to one’s enemies. Creating chaos and bloodshed is preferable to being subjected to vapid dialogues of peaceful negotiation.
None hold this way of life more sacred than made men.
Honor.
Loyalty.
Courage.
These are the codes of conduct of every mafia family.