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Sins & Deceit #1

Because You're Mine

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When you grow up in the most feared mafia family, it's easy to identify the kind of men that are bad news.

They're the ones with experience.
The ones with secrets.
The ones that exude sex just by saying your name.

From the minute I laid eyes on Lorenzo, I knew he wasn't just bad news.
He was the headline.

My opinion didn't change on our second meeting.

Or our third.

But my head and my heart are at war.

He’s too mysterious, too gorgeous, too wild, and now, he wants me.
I should run far away.
So why am I racing toward him?
I’m totally going to get burned.
I know it.
A man like Lorenzo won’t leave me unscathed.
He'll make ashes of me.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2018

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About the author

Claire Contreras

49 books17.4k followers
Claire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated into over fifteen languages. When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.

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5 stars
2,799 (26%)
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3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,024 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
1,983 reviews34.3k followers
November 23, 2020
3 Stars

This was my first Claire Contreras and, while I liked it well enough...I didn't love it as much as the blurb made me hope I would.

I LOVE mafia books, which is why I was so excited to read this one; however, I felt as though the plot and who was who in the zoo was kind of convoluted at times.

As much as I loved all the ballet and dance interspersed throughout the story, I felt as though there wasn't enough MAFIA in this mafia book. It was unclear who was aligned with whom and who was in charge. At times, it felt like I was reading a second book in a series without having read the first.

Also, many times the characters would be discussing or referencing more than one person during a single conversation and through the use of unclear pronoun attachment, I wasn't always sure which person they were referring to when they made certain statements.

That said, I did enjoy many of the plot points and twists. I did like the H and thought he and the h had great chemistry. I would have liked them to have more time together before the shit his the fan, so to speak, but whatever.

Again, even though I didn't absolutely love this one, I will definitely be trying another book by this author in the future. After all, even though three stars seems low, it still means I liked it well enough.

Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.1k followers
November 22, 2018





⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Because You’re Mine (stand-alone). Suspense, mystery, lust & romance when the mob world collides with ballet!

“He’s so big that I swear I feel his dick touching my lungs.”

Because You’re Mine (stand-alone) opens up to professional ballerina Catalina Masseria, Cat agreeing to attend a college course in her sister’s name. Showing up for class and meeting her sex-on-a-stick teacher proves rewarding.

But their meeting is not a coincident…

Attorney and thief Lorenzo Costello, Loren has his reason for watching Cat’s family, more on why to unfold with story. Cat does not stand a chance against Loren’s seduction, nor his secrets, nor his lies…

Told from dual POVs, is a sexy mob romance in the world of ballet, offering a mixture of danger, suspense, steam, romance and angst. Though the mystery was engaging it was Loren who had me coming back for more.

Excellent story telling! Swoon-worthy hero! Sizzling sex scenes!

“His cock is hard, I don’t need to undress him to know that. It’s barely contained by the boxer briefs he’s wearing.”

***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★1/2
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |



Thanks Liz for our ARC(F)BR! xo

ARC provided to me by author Claire Contreras, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,805 reviews1,354 followers
August 4, 2018
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***

5 dance for me CROWNS

Because You’re Mine is another must read from Claire Contreras. The suspenseful plot and the chemistry between Loren and Cay alone would have kept me engaged but the host of characters just upped the ante.

Loren and Cat just gave amazing chemistry from the beginning. I love the push and pull, that she challenges him. I love when Loren gets all possessive and territorial. It just is HOT. The two of them navigated the mafia and the danger just adds to the crazy relationship that is already fire.

Because you’re mine is my favorite type of story from Claire, she knows how to write suspense that sucks you in and makes you want to ignore the world. She creates characters to love, and couple you root for, and plot that has some surprises to keep you intrigued. Plus, Claire always gives us that HEA!

Because you’re mine is another fantastic addition to the mafia romance genre. We get danger, insane lust and love, and a whole new gang of characters to love!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Christy.
4,300 reviews35.3k followers
July 10, 2018
4.5 stars!!

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It’s been a while since I’ve read a mafia book, and Claire Contreras really hit the spot with this story! Because You’re Mine is sexy, suspenseful, and exciting. It’s one of those books that once I started, I didn’t want to put down. And lets all just take a moment and look at that cover. I LOVE IT!

Catalina is a professional dancer in the NYC ballet. She lives in New York and tries to live a quiet life, distancing herself from her home town of Chicago. She has a reason for this. Her family. Her dad and brother are both big in the mafia and she likes to stay out of all that. She adores her sister and is close with her, and of course would do anything for her. Emma takes advantage of that and a ‘favor’ she needs throws her right back where she doesn’t want to be. With a man like Loren.
When it comes to men like Loren, mysterious and dangerous, I’d have to accept that love and fear come in one shiny, fucked up package.

Lorenzo is connected to Cat in a way she never expects. In a way I never expected. I loved the lies, deceit, twists, and turns. I especially loved Loren. He was the best kind of alpha male. Protective, yet kind. Snarky, yet swoony. I adored him. Catalina and Loren make a great pair. Even though their relationship is complicated.

Because You’re Mine has just enough steam, some grit without it being too dark, and did I mention the steam? Loren and Catalina’s chemistry was off the charts! I really enjoyed this book, and although it’s a complete stand alone, I would love to read more books by Claire written in this world- especially one about Cat’s brother!
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
1,035 reviews1,260 followers
July 12, 2018
Woohooo "Because You're Mine" is LIVE! This book was sooooo good, I LOVED it a lot. 😍😍😍

Please go and grab Lorenzo. :D And trust me, he will melt your heart and oh, oh let's not forget that he is hot as hell and he will wet your panties too. :D Yup, he was that good. :D



*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤

Expected publication: July 12th 2018












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BLURB:
When you grow up in the most feared mafia family, it's easy to identify the kind of men that are bad news.
They're the ones with experience.
The ones with secrets.
The ones that exude sex just by saying your name.

From the minute I laid eyes on Lorenzo, I knew he wasn't just bad news.
He was the headline.

My opinion didn't change on our second meeting.
Or our third.
But my head and my heart are at war.

He’s too mysterious, too gorgeous, too wild, and now, he wants me.
I should run far away.
So why am I racing toward him?
I’m totally going to get burned.
I know it.
A man like Lorenzo won’t leave me unscathed.
He'll make ashes of me.
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,422 reviews1,498 followers
July 17, 2018
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

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Catalina Alvarez is a beautiful 28 yr. old woman who grew up as mafia royalty in Chicago. She was born into a life of power, worry, sorrow and fear. She’s tried to distance herself, be free of her family name, and stay under the radar. She recently moved to New York to be closer to her sister, and is a professional dancer for the NYC Ballet. Her life revolves around the stage and performing. It’s everything to her.

Cat agrees to do a big favor for her sister, and in the process meets a gorgeous, mysterious man named Lorenzo. His body is sinful, and their sexual chemistry is insane. She’s been around dangerous men her entire life, and something tells her she should run in the opposite direction, yet she’s like a moth to a flame. She’s drawn to him, and every time he’s near her good judgment flies right out the window. One touch, and he shatters her resolve and her will power evaporates.

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-Dance, for me, is like breathing.

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Loren knows he should stay away from Cat, but he can’t resist. He wants her, and consequences be damned. Even though the situation is complicated he can’t help but pursue her. He’s completely smitten by this stunning redhead.

When hearts begin to get involved Cat doesn’t know how she’ll survive unscathed. Suddenly nothing is what it seems and as secrets and lies are exposed everything is uncertain between Loren and Cat. Will love prevail in the end for these lovers?

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-"Fuck I can't believe how much I want you."

-"All I can do is picture you when I close my eyes."

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This was a super sexy mafia romance packed full of action, suspense, deception, love, loss, secrets, and delicious criminals. ;)) It’s addictive, exciting, extremely hot, and I couldn’t put it down. It has a fabulous pace that kept me intrigued throughout. I really hope we get books for a couple of the other guys. I need some more Gio! 💛

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Profile Image for Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog••.
987 reviews1,946 followers
July 12, 2018
I fell in love with another couple. Lorenzo & Catalina are amazing, simply beautiful together. But here’s the thing, I’m still stuck on the cover on this book 😍



I mean seriously, look at this man......


This author always has a way with her writing, I absolutely love it!! Another couple, another book that she has seared into my memory!! I loved Loren and Cat, their story is one you definitely want to grab!!
I can not wait to get more to this group. Mafia, gang, dancers, journalists, heck even the drop dead gorgeous lawyers, give me more to them, please 🙏🏻🙏🏻

“Some men pretend they want control. They play with handcuffs and floggers and remind you continuously that you're theirs. Men like Loren don't need to play games to remind you that you're at their mercy."










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Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,453 reviews10.1k followers
July 5, 2018
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MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

BECAUSE YUOU’RE MINE: Is a full length Mafia novel, set in the world of the Italian Mob by Claire Contreras. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’ In this we meet Catalina & Lorenzo Costello

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Catalina is a 28-year-old ballerina and has not long left the Royal Ballet where she’d been dancing and has auditioned for the New York City Ballet. She'd found out naively that her family was deeply involved in the mafia by catching a late night tv programme focused around organised crime where her family was named. Her mother had fled the country, neither sister knowing if she is alive or dead. Family is supposed to be untouchable, but once in the mob, always in the mob.

So she’s cautious when her sister Emma asks a favour of her because the last favour had her moving continents and due to this she's vying to stay under the radar.

Her sister has been offered a job to write an article for a paper and needs Catalina to sit in her class ‘The Evolution of Organised Crime in America, twice a week for her, this favour seems pretty straight forward enough.

Catalina’s main concern is that the lecturer starts discussing their background and how closely they are connected to a well known mafia family. Between performances and rehearsals Catalina barely has enough time for herself.

Nothing prepared her for the professor, he’s what some would call panty dropping gorgeous, that has all the females within the classroom eye balling him. And one look at his face and like all the rest of the students she was also under his spell, a goner. Mesmerised by how gorgeous he was. Insta-lust ran through her veins.

Lorenzo is a bit of an enigma, shrouded in so much mystery, is he working under cover for the FBI? Which is what Emma believes, or is that just misguided information.

He came into her life like a hurricane, disrupting her life, turning it upside down. She's been around dangerous men all her life, and something tells her that he's someone to be feared. These two have such an off the charts connection, it's pulls you in, and you can feel it sizzling off the pages.

It's not until you reach the half way mark is when things start to really pick up long buried secrets started coming out of the closet which shook Cat's very foundations to the core, it made her question everything.

Being that this was a first mafia novel by this author was what took me by surprise, this genre is my all time one click above all other genres that I tend to gravitate towards. I must say though that this wasn’t as dark as what I’m used to, but I still think the author did an amazing job, admittedly it did start off slow and made for somewhat of a confusing read as there seemed to be many plot gaps, where we the reader had to connect the pieces together in some parts but in saying that I still really enjoyed this one. I can not wait to see what else she has up her sleeve for the rest of the characters.

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Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,378 reviews1,349 followers
August 1, 2018
★4.5★
"I won’t survive you, Little Red.”
description

Because You’re Mine is an action-packed mafia romance by one of my all-time favorite contemporary romance authors, Claire Contreras. When professional ballet dancer Catalina Masseria finds herself caught up in the aftermath of her mafia family’s drama when she collides hard with Lorenzo Costello. Loren has had his eye on Cat for a while. When he has the opportunity to make her his, he won’t stop until every obstacle is out of his way. But when Cat finds out the truth, will she stay with him or will she run away?

description
"We’re only here for a moment. Might as well make it a good one.”
description

Told in dual POV, Because You’re Mine is a gripping read with passion, action, and complex characters. The plot is quite intricate as the stakes are high for both characters to build trust and find peace in the chaotic world of the mafia. The text is rich with emotions and the circumstances keep the tempo driving at a fast pace the entire read.

description

Overall, I highly recommend Because You’re Mine to anyone who enjoys a mafia romance with complex characters and an intriguing plot. I have long been a fan of Ms. Contreras’ creative genius. Her versatile writing style and commitment to her work continue to amaze me.

*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!

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Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,204 reviews13.4k followers
July 9, 2018
4.5 STARS

I stare at this infuriating, gorgeous man. This liar, thief of a man, because that’s what he’s done. He’s stolen my senses entirely.


When I saw that one of my favorite authors will be writing a mafia romance, I was all over it like white on rice. I didn't even bother reading the blurb before adding it. And then when I saw the cover? I was basically frothing at the mouth to get my grabby little hands on it. Admittedly, it's not often where a book can live up to a ridiculously hot cover for me. But not only did this book do it, it exceeded them!
Some men pretend they want control. They play with handcuffs and floggers and remind you continuously that you’re theirs. Men like Loren don’t need to play games to remind you that you’re at their mercy.


Because You're Mine was a page turner from beginning to finish. It was a sizzling, aciton-packed thrill ride full of twists and turns. I was immediately enraptured with these characters and their story.

Catalina grew up in the mafia world, but when tragedy struck, she ran from it. For ten years, she's run as far as she can from everything to do with it and focused all her energy on her career as a ballerina. With her father still deep in the life, her sister and her brother are the only ones that she has any relationship with. But then a favor for her sister tilts her world on its axis.
He silences me with a kiss. It’s not a soft kiss that’s asking for anything, but a hard, demanding kiss. One that speaks of a loyalty I haven’t asked for, blood that hasn’t yet spilled.


Lorenzo drips danger from every pore and screams heartbreak waiting to happen. But there's something about him that draws her like a moth to a flame, and it's not long before the fiery passion between them begins to consume them both. But they each hide dangerous secrets from each other, and it doesn't take long before Cat's past catches up to her in the most deadly of ways.

To say that I devoured this book would be an understatement. Loren was a hero that I was starving for every morsel of information about. There was something just so darkly captivating about him that I couldn't get enough of. He's an enigma wrapped in danger and cloaked in erotic magnetism. In a word, he was utterly delicious.

Catalina was a heroine that I clicked with right away. While she has her vulnerabilities, she has a great core of steel to her as well. She has no problem giving as good as she gets, even if she is completely incapable of resisting Loren even when she should.

The romance is wrapped flawlessly around an action packed suspense. There's secrets to be revealed, revenge, and blood feuds to be paid. I eagerly devoured every page. There's also a slew of secondary characters that are introduced that were just as captivating; Catalina's sister and brother being the front runners. And since this looks to be the start of a series, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on their stories. The foundation for it was already set with this book, and damn does it sound to be a good one.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,107 followers
July 11, 2018
Amazon live https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FF7HSDD/...

❤ 5 AMAZING stars❤

What a fantastic read, I devour it!It was absolutely fantastic.I fall in love with the story and the characters, it was so addictive and I didn't want to finish it!Claire Contreras delivers an incredible story with suspense,mystery and a passionate and hot romance.

description

The characters rocked this story. I loved Catalina and Loren.Their romance was something else, they have an amazing chemistry.You could feel their connection from the moment they met.They were like an explosion every time they were in the same place.

description

Because You're Mine was a brilliant story, Claire Contreras is such an amazing author.Each time she impressed me.You must read this book, it's a must read!I'm going to re-read it!!

 


  
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,133 followers
July 21, 2018
This was a great mafia romance book! I enjoyed the sexual chemistry between the main couple, even though at times I felt like I couldn’t fully connect with them emotionally. On the whole though, this story kept me guessing and had a few surprises pop up! I’m glad I decided to give it a try, and I’ll be looking into more of this author’s work!!!

If you are a lover of a mafia style romance, then definitely give this a go!
Profile Image for Sabrina.
3,893 reviews2,326 followers
July 12, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK



I'm always down for some hot mafia romance, but especially when it's an author I love writing it. I jumped on this book and I don't regret a second of my craziness over getting it. I thought the story was intriguing and sexy, and it had me captivated. From the opening scene to the last sentence it had me dying to find out what all the secrets were and I really liked that it was able to have me so invested in these characters.

Lorenzo, my new love, and Cat were brilliant. Not only was their story really interesting but I found their characters to be very interesting as well. Especially Lorenzo who had the biggest mystery surrounding him. It drove me crazy in the best way as I was trying to figure out what his secrests were.

There were a few questions that I didn't think were answered, or at least not enough to cure my curiosity, but overall I thought it was a well written book. Definitely a read I would recommend if you're looking for a hot and suspenseful read.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,844 reviews383 followers
July 16, 2018
I wasn’t built for this life.

This was a good read. It’s mafia, which I love. Cat is a ballet dancer, and she’s a heroine that’s pretty strong on her own. Lorenzo is hot, and a bit jealous and possessive. They are both keeping secrets. Some bigger than others. Plus there is so much going on around them. I love so many of the side characters and want to know more about them!

I will say that at some points I just felt like something was missing. Like I was waiting for an even bigger bang, but I still wanted to read the story anyway. Maybe that doesn’t make sense, but I kept thinking it so I’m adding it to my review.

It’s got mafia vibes, and a steamy romance... you can’t get much better than that with me. I’m excited to see what comes next in this world!
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,137 followers
July 6, 2018
I like the growly part of the story...

It's been a wee while since I've read a mafia romance and I have to admit that I struggled at first. I find it hard to get my head around blind devotion, lack of privacy and never-ending fear. The fear for your safety, your family and friends safety and the safety of innocent bystanders. I'm not sure that all the money in the world would make me fall for a mafia man. Then again, I wasn't born into a mafia family and I haven't lived it my whole life. Even when you think you're dating outside the mob, it's amazing how quickly you realise that the person you think you know, is exactly what you fear.

Catalina is a ballet dancer and is dedicated to her art. She doesn't have much of a life outside of dance but those are the sacrifices you make. When her sister asked her to sit a few lectures in her place, at first she baulks at another burden on her time. But, Cat is the good sister and eventually caves into her sisters begging. Cat knew that the subject of the lecture would make her uncomfortable as it's a little too close to home. She had no idea that the lecturer too, would not only make her uncomfortable, he would change her life forever.

Lorenzo is a lawyer...sorta kinda...with a hint of mafia...and a touch of mob/mafia/bad guy hunter thrown in for good measure. Lorenzo, as a favour, fills in to lecture college students about the history of the mafia. When the cheeky and outspoken Cat joins his class, he's determined to keep her back for extra lessons...or kick her out of this class. No hanky-panky for this lecturer and his student...she must go before he gets his hands on her. He has plans for the hot little ballet dancer, but even he doesn't realise those plans would change his life forever.

Well, Cat's hiding behind her mother's maiden name and Lorenzo is keeping a whopper of a secret. Like all good mafia stories, when the truth comes out, so do the guns and standoffs.

Because You're Mine was a very sexy story. When you start and know that the heroine is a professional dancer, you kind of expect the Limbo Olympics. Claire Contreras does not disappoint. Lorenzo's buff too, so you mix his strength and her flexibility, well, things are bound to get interesting. Very, very interesting.

Sure, I don't get the mafia dynamics but I sure as hell get the possessive, bossy and extremely dominating heroes in them. Lorenzo growls, scowls and sneers with the best and when he finally acknowledges his deeper feelings for Cat, well those growls, scowls and sneers get a lot louder. Nice, very, very nice...and interesting.

If you're a fan of mafia romance, you are going to love Because You're Mine.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.


Profile Image for JewelsyGoolsy.
600 reviews100 followers
July 13, 2018
There was a gazillion things to keep up with in this story and unfortunately my slow brain was so busy trying to catch everything, that I wasn’t able to enjoy all of them (JewelsyGoolsy dumbass). To me, it felt that every scene went from zero to a hundred on every page. Seriously, instead of swooning over potentially swoony parts, I was too busy re-reading paragraphs, memorising names and just trying to keep up with the pacing and all the emotional back and fourthing. Honestly, there was so much to absorb that I found it difficult to connect to the MC’s or romance (again, JewelsyGoolsy dumbass).
I’m sure it’s all just me and my small brain capacity, cos all the reviews on this are great. The positives about this book is that it was multi layered and interesting. Told in dual POV with HFN epilogue.
Profile Image for Claire Contreras.
Author 49 books17.4k followers
July 12, 2018
IT'S LIVE and I am sooooo excited that you finally get to read it!

Get it here: http://smarturl.it/BYMAmazon

*Side note: I'm only 5 starring it to get your attention, I don't think that highly of myself LOL
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,256 reviews1,309 followers
December 7, 2018
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Catalina grew up in a Mafia family. She 'escaped' to boarding school in Europe and then ended up in London to be a professional ballet dancer.

But then her father's business was all over CNN and her mom disappeared and her sister Emma asked her to come back home. And now they both live in New York. Cat is still dancing and her sister is going to college to become a journalist!

Emma will be out of town for a bit to uncover some crime in Chicago and she asks if Cat could go to one of her classes. They look enough alike that the prof won't notice. But he does. Because he's been looking for Cat for years.

Why? What does Lorenzo have to do with her family or her past?

What will happen to Cat & Lorenzo?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!


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description

Well, that was pretty mafia-ish and ballet-dancer-ish.

I really love the cover!!!!!! ♥

But the story ... (Before you read what I'll write next ↓ I have to mention that I'm back now after finishing the first half of the book and the book is getting better - or at least it's making more sense now! So please don't be too worried about my upcoming rant! ↓☺)

I'm not really a mafia-romance fan. But I'm a Claire Contreras fan - so I had to read this book.

And Lorenzo is a very swoonworthy hero!!!! I really liked him - even though he's very mysterious and a criminal ... BUT - we have no idea what he wants???!!!! Why he's here!!?? What's the story of this book? Is there a storyline? Revenge? For what? Why? I don't understand the meaning of this book - at least for the first half of it!

But Lorenzo is really nice to look at and to listen to! ☺

And Cat ... what's her thing? Nobody in this book has a goal - a dream for the future. Cat is already living her dream by dancing and Lorenzo wants to ... make more money? No idea.

I don't think the first half of the book makes any sense whatsoever! Does it want to be a mafia romance or a ballet romance? How can she not know that her teacher's family is mafia too? And why are the sisters so old already? Cat is 28. In the beginning of the book, with all the college talk, I thought she was 23!! If the book would've concentrated a bit more on the funny college moments - that would've been really good. But the whole college thing didn't make sense either. They're too old for school - both sisters. And the prof was not really the prof and the real prof is living in Florida? Who is supposed to understand all that? It's like we already had 3 books about all those characters and should understand what's what!
There are way too many people in this book - all those Gios and Doms and Frankies and Deans and Joes and Justins and ugh. Too many people confuse this reader. But I'm also pretty sure that we'll get to see some of them in future books - there will probably be a book about Emma, maybe Gio too.

Cat and Emma's lives have been pretty exciting up until a few years ago. But now that everything is going ok, Lorenzo shows up and her brother is doing business in the city too - and they're not really friends - obviously - two mafia families. But still ... why? What? Ugh, I don't get it. Maybe I was just not in the mood to read a mafia book. Sorry. Other readers will probably love the story. Not that there is any kind of story. Sorry - shutting up now!

The second half of the book was so much better - so much suddenly made sense. I just wish the story would've hurried a bit and started sooner. All that excitement in the second half. Well, all in all it wasn't a bad book, just a bit weirdly written and created. Should've been storylined a bit better. But I'm also pretty sure that I'll read the next book in this series. I know - I'm weird. ☺

Also - the cover - so very pretty - but not really Lorenzo and not really a scene that happens in the book. But pfff. Pretty to look at.

BECAUSE YOU'R MINE was a mysterious and sexy mafia/ballet dramance! Don't listen to my weird review - READ IT!!!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own LORENZO - this one is MINE!!!


Tiny little idea ... maybe the book was just not edited at all before we got our early copy? There were all those already mentioned weird moments but there were also so very many mistakes. Not typo mistakes but timeline and storyline mistakes. (like: my mom was an orphan, that's why we do that charity event every year. But we also spent many childhood summers with my mom's mom in South America!!!!!) I really hope that an amazing editor will go through this book again before it's released!!!! That hot cover needs an amazing story inside!

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Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,131 reviews2,579 followers
July 13, 2018
I popped my Claire Contreras cherry in the best possible way!! ❤️❤️

I absolutely loved Because You’re Mine! The characters are fantastic. The romance is kindle melting. And the storyline grabbed my attention and completely sucked me in.

Loren is shit hot and made me fall for him immediately. He’s sexy, commanding, and a bit of an enigma throughout the first half of the book. The attraction between him and Catalina is undeniable. I particularly enjoyed the way he acts around her. All gruff and growly barely contained power. But also gentle and protective. Gah! He is all the things!!

Aside from some ticky issues with the plot and minor continuity concerns this was a FANTASTIC read!! I absolutely cannot wait to read to so much more from this author!

Recommended!
Profile Image for Maayan.
Author 3 books314 followers
July 16, 2018
3.5 ⭐️

Knowing that he cheated on his ex wife kinda tainted his image for me. I’m a true believer of ‘once a cheater, always a cheater’ so although the h asked him if he’ll ever cheat and he said no....who knows 🤷🏼‍♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dee Montoya.
942 reviews599 followers
July 17, 2018
4.5 Stars*****

What are the odds?

Wow! I think I’m going to be dreaming of Loren for days and days...

Sorry, I’m just still in awe with this hero. Loren is so EVERYTHING that I swear to God I feel the imprint of his hand burning all over my body. But back to the book, what can I say?--it's Claire Contreras, I mean we know the woman can write one hell of a story. With this book, I don’t know what she was on, but keep giving it to her because she blew it out of the park with BYM. This book has action, hot romance, an explosive plot, and delicious characters that will keep you entertained and heavily excited throughout the entire read.

Loren is an Italian Alpha Male with trust issues (can’t get any better than that, right?) and Cat is a professional ballerina, who is the daughter of a mobster and is trying to escape the life, but the bullets eventually find her, and luckily for us, so does Loren.

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This book has a red-hot premise for a fantastic series that will not disappoint and for sure will become everybody’s favorite.

*taps microphone

CLAIRE WE WANT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!



Profile Image for trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski.
1,499 reviews439 followers
August 11, 2018
şu donu yukarı çek kapaktaki bey yalvarırım.
ya da indir adasdfasd

kitap hakkında aşşşşşşşşşşşşşşşırı şeyler yazmak istiyorum ve hatta işaretlediğim her yerden (61 adet) spoiler free yorum yapmak istiyorum ama maalesef vaktim yok, o ikoyu içimde bir yerlerde öldürdüler.

velhasıl contreras'ı seviyorum. fuckfuckingtastic bir kalemi var. her kitabını seviyorum okuduğum. There is No Light in Darkness'a yorum yazmasam da seriyi bitirip ortalama altında vermeme neden olan şey kurgu, dil değil. burada da net bir dört almasının nedeni bu (bi de ilk "aşığım" diyen Loren olmalıydı, gerçi kızın ex'i kızı kaçırınca "benim olanı benden aldı" deyip ağzını burununu kırdı ya asdfasdf).

“I won’t survive you, Little Red.”

Loren aka Lorenzo. bir insan aynı anda nasıl hem kaba hem hassas, hem sert hem soft, hem gıcık hem tatlı, hem caring hem piç hem possessive hem nazik olabilir. hayır gidip deri ceket ve motoruyla sınıfa girişine mi ağlayayım yoksa kot siyah gömlek converse halime mi yoksa full suit olana mı hangisine?

arada yaş farkı var demiş miydim adsfasdfas kız 28 ama adamın yaşı belli değil. kız 30-40 arası dese de Loren'in tayfasıyla geçen muhabbetinde 40a yakın hatta bir tık üstünde sanıyorum.


“You finally scared of me, Little Red?”
“No,” I whisper.
“No?” He presses his thumb into my throat.


burda Ignazio diye bağırmış olabilirim üzgünüm Loren.

en sevdiğim şey kızın özgürlüğüne olan düşkünüğünü bilip ona göre sahiplenici tavır alışı. çünkü kız "family" içinde olmak istemiyor. kurguda bazı yerler saçmaydı bu yüzden. abisiyle bayağı görüşüyor fln enteresan yani detaya girmeyim şimdi.

kitaplarda incecik şeylerden aşık olabilirim demiştim bu kitap onlarla dolu:
1. "öğrencimi becermem o yüzden sınıfıma almayacağım" deyip kızın numarasını aldıktan sonra kızı koklayarak ALNINA öpücük bırakıp ayrılması.
2. kızı basit bir siyah elbise ve sandaletle görünce yutkunması
3. ilk çıkışlarında hemen yer işaretleme yapmasa da etrafta erkekleri görünce aslan kesilmesi
4. topuklu giyseydin taşırdım seni demesi
5. kız gerçekleri öğrenince adamdan uzak dururken kızı sıkmaması ama o akşama gösterisi olduğunu bildiği için ayakkabılar��nı mekana bırakışı
6. sınav kağıdına "i'm sorry" yazışı forsweetfucksake
7. küs zamanlarında geçen klişe muhabbet: -eve götürmeme izin ver, + niye, - özledim, + dün gördün, -evet yine de özledim. (bnm aşık olduğum diğer beyler gibi benle geleceksin kadın demiyor işte mesela çünkü kız özgürlüğüne aşık biri demiştim)
8. kıza sürekli yemiyo diye yemek sipariş verişi, hele kadınların yasak olduğu "iş" toplantısına onu da yanında götürürken.
9. aynı anda hem kızı stalklayıp uzaktan izleyip sonra fark edilince kızın rahatı için gidişi asdfas :(
10. kaburgasını sevişi, köprücüğünü sevişi, işte, sevişi. adam sadece penisiyle sevmiyor kızı, söylüyor, gösteriyor, ona göre davranıyor. basit bir hülyalı bakış ve yıkık duruşla boyundan öpmek beni benden alabilir :)))
11. en önemlisi, adamın surat ifadeleri, işte bakın bu iş yazarda biter, suratından ifade okunmayan karakterler tamam ama arada okunsun, okunmuyorsa davranışıyla belli etsin, bu kitap tam böyleydi. kızın abisi ya da kız azıcık ağır bişi dese, kız şöyle bi geri çekse kendini suratının düşüşü, nefes çekişi, inleyişi, çok şey.

şimdi bunları başka kitapta da oluyor diyorsunuz da işte bu durum bir kısır döngü, yazarın kalemi vs bi sürü şey var ama güzel şeyler birleşince kurgunun düşüklüğüne takılmıyorum. aksine ne kadar muntazam bir kurgu olursa olsun, adam ne kadar muazzam, anlatış leş gibi, sıradan, bayat olunca içim almıyor kitabı. veya daha da kötüsü adam "yatakta" ne kadar iyi olursa olsun yatak dışında hiçbir şeyse delirti geliyor bana. ki aralarındaki inanılmaz çekim de keza sadece cinsellikle ifade edilmemişti.

best of best değil ama favorilere ekleyip eklemeyeceğimi zaman gösterecek. <¡>EDIT: EKLEDİM ÇÜNKÜ HARCANAMAZ BÖYLE Bİ ADAM. AMA YİNE DE (burdan sonrası için fikrimi değiştirmedim) bi tık daha gıcık sahiplenici ve hassas bi herif istiyordum sanırım.

“I keep thinking of all the ways I want to fuck you out of my system.”

bu iki etti, adı Lorenzo olan daha çok book boyfriend istiyorum duyurulur.
xoxoxo
iko
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,387 reviews481 followers
August 15, 2018
“For the record, I would’ve carried you.”

In typical Claire Contreras fashion, she has written another wonderful romance that will keep you on your toes the entire time.

This was definitely a great, solid read. I loved many things about it. The whole ballet theme setting was fantastic. Also the whole suspense/mafia aspect was so cool and left me wanting more.

Catalina and Lorenzo had amazing chemistry and there were tons of sizzle. I still kinda missed the feels I usually get with other Claire books. I think that’s maybe due to the suspense aspect of the story, but I still kinda wanted more. So while this is not my favorite Claire book, that title will probably always be for Paper Hearts, it was a great and highly enjoyable read.

Overall, I liked this one a lot. I can’t wait to see if there will be more books in this universe. I can’t wait to read about some of the secondary characters, like Cata’s siblings. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a hot, well written suspenseful mafia story!

 


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October 9, 2018
I was so disappointed since I was counting down the release date. I thought Because You're Mine would entertain me like the last one but it lacked the charm that captured my heart and made me giddy and swoon.

In hindsight, I'd have seen it's coming after reading the blurb.

For me, this book was okay(?) written. The story had a lot of flaws. The characters were ... well ... annoying and unlikable sometimes. Or maybe, they had to act like that because they were mafia. If so, mafia romance is not my cup of tea.

I have a lot of my ‘what the hell’ moments in this book…

“He grabs a fistful of my hair hard, until tears spring to my eyes.”


Well, this was the way Lorenzo treated Catalina when he lost his temper. He was possessive of her but that wasn’t how you treat the woman you loved. And it’s definitely not romantic.

“To get out of here. I wanted it to be you,” he says. “But Tabby was pregnant—”


Vinny said this to Catalina so I was like … okay, he loved her. However, on the next page, he seemed to change his mind.

“Tabatha and I grew up together. She was Loren’s girlfriend but even then I was in love with her. You were fine, you were perfect,” he says, and I believe him. I can still see the truth in those hard, cold eyes. “But she was . . . everything.”


It’s happened a lot in this book. It made me confuse with characters’ intention. And when it ended, I felt like there were a lot of things still needed to be answered. Maybe it'll have a second book but I'll not be reading it.
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,328 reviews302 followers
July 14, 2018
2.5 stars

Because You're Mine has been all over GR and FB for the last couple of weeks and when I read the blurb I was really excited since I love Mafia romance. Unfortunately this one didn't work for me at all. First I'm still deciding if I like Ms. Contreras writing since this is my first read. The story itself I felt was all over the place. There was no real set up for who the families were, did they get along, if it's just one big family who is in charge. These were all the questions going through my mind. Now for Lorenzo and Catalina, they were both just ok for me. Lorenzo was typical and nothing special to me. Catalina was just plain annoying. I could have dealt with her head in the sand ways if she was younger but since she was 28 I found it ridiculous. Overall this one wasn't for me because I prefer a lot more in my Mafia men and the families.
Profile Image for Melissa.
93 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2018
Really!
Chloe - uuuuh gif photo tumblr_muu7lyYFRu1qee6wmo1_500.gif

I am surprised that I did not like this book. After reading the synopsis and reviews I was really looking forward to reading this. I mean who doesn't like a mafia love story. But I was more confused than a chameleon in a bag of skittles from the first chapter. The heroine in this story got on my nerves, all she does is cry. And do not get me started on the fact that all Lorenzo does is grunt! I am so aggravated about this book and how I spent 4 hours of my time actually reading it because it almost became a dnf.
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So I gave it 2 stars simply because the plot was okay, the concept behind the idea of this story was good. BUT that is all it was for me. I mean really a ballerina twerking on a stripper pole for her brother! So this review really is an opinion not a review and that is simply because I do not even KNOW where to begin or how to review this book when I have NO clue what the hell happened in it.

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Profile Image for RentasticReads.
699 reviews183 followers
July 9, 2018
I’ll start this off by saying that I loved this book—mad hard. It was complete and utterly sweet, gripping and captivating to boot, yet it also has just the right amount of suspense from the mob aspect of the story to send chills down your spine and make your heart thump like you’ve just finished running a marathon.

Because You’re Mine hit the ground running—the moment you dive in, you’ll immediately get sucked into the world of Loren and Catalina. There weren’t any dilly-dallies or boring introductions—no, this one went straight to the point, making you feel like you’ve known what was already happening right from the very first page.

And the twist—god, that huge twist literally made me pause midway. It jerked me wide awake and had my jaw stuck on the floor. It’s one of those twists where you think you’ll see it coming, but you don’t. I’ve already encountered something similar to this in previous books that I’ve read, but this one was just so well-written and woven into the plot so smoothly that it’ll easily blindside you.

“I’m addicted to watching you dance. Or maybe it’s just you I’m addicted to.”


Lorenzo Costello sent shivers and tingles from the tips of my hair down to my toes. He’s the epitome of what you’d call tall, dark and handsome gorgeous, who also happened to scream sin, thrill and danger. He wasn’t only swoon and drool-worthy—he was downright panty-melting. Loren was an enigma you’ll want to pry open and get to know more of, the deeper you get into the story. The more you know about him, the more you’ll be entranced and obsessed over the man—the more you’ll want to be the lucky woman owning his everything.

Catalina Álvarez is one of those compelling heroines you’ll adore right off the bat. She left me in awe so many times with the strength she’s displayed all throughout the book, even after everything she’s been through and living a life she didn’t want when it came to the things her family was involved in. Yes, there were a handful of times Cat showed weakness, but she was real to the point where I could see myself making almost every decision she made if I was in her shoes. And I definitely loved that I was able to picture myself in her place—she was just that relatable.

I wasn’t trying to keep her in a glass jar. I was just trying to keep her—period.


I don’t think I could love Loren, Cat, and their story more. There’s just something about them that will draw you in and have you stay glued to the pages. Their chemistry was beyond electrifying and incinerating. Whenever they collided, you can almost feel that molten heat and steam touching your skin. You won’t be able to get enough of them. Hell, you won’t be able to help but cheer them on until the very end.

Unputdownable, magnetic and addictive as all get-out, Claire Contreras has certainly brought her A-game in her newest page-turner filled to the brim with feels and danger that will damn well keep you at the edge of your seat. Because You’re Mine is without a doubt, absolute perfection and a definite must-read!


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Profile Image for Jessica Hull.
936 reviews653 followers
July 5, 2018
Because You're Mine started out a little shaky for me. I felt like I was missing things, I kept backtracking and rereading chapters because I was struggling with connecting the dots. It turns out I just fell into Claire Contreras' trap as she wove together a compelling story of deceit and secrecy that would all reveal itself in due time.

This story shaped up to be one seriously intoxicating, sexy mafia romance rife with danger and shocking twists and an unforgettable romance between a dancer and the last guy she planned on falling for. Once this story got moving, once I figured out who these characters were to each other, I couldn't put this book down. The curveballs in this storyline never relent, the stunning revelations keep coming as this twisted story unfolds and it's deliciously addictive the whole way through.

The chemistry between Lorenzo and Calalina is intoxicating. I adored these characters as I did every character in this magnetic cast and I now anxiously await each of their stories. Because You're Mine is everything we hope to find when we open a good mafia romance and I think readers are going to LOVE THIS!
Profile Image for Melissa.
645 reviews65 followers
July 6, 2018
Because You’re Mine is labeled as a Sexy Romantic Suspense set in the world of the Italian Mob. While this book definitely has suspenseful, mysterious elements I wouldn’t consider it a full fledged Romantic Suspense.

I went into this book completely blind. Only intending to read a chapter or two to get a feel of the writing, setting, & characters and then pick it back up in a day or two. That didn’t happen. I totally dropped all my adultish responsibilities and read this in one day.

Lorenzo “Loren” and Catalina were both well thought-out formed characters that I fell in love with immediately. Loren had this mysterious aura about him that kept me hooked and wanting to know more about him and his intentions toward Catalina.

Catalina is a strong female heroine. She is independent, sassy, says what’s on her mind, doesn’t hold anything back, but she is also vulnerable, she’s been hurt and destroyed; however, she doesn’t let that define her and in my opinion these are the hardest heroines to write, all to often I feel characters are one or the other.

While I love all of the work this authors writes, I truly believe this lightly romantic suspense sub-genre is where her storytelling shines and hope she comes out with more books about the secondary characters.

5-Stars
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