Marry the Enemy

A bookstore owner forced to marry her family's enemy discovers that the cold-hearted mafia heir is capable of a devotion so fierce it will either heal her deepest wounds or destroy them both when his world of violence crashes into hers. --- MAIN CHARACTERS Sofia Bianchi — 26 years old · Owner of The Last Page bookstore in Greenwich Village · Has spent eight years building a life separate from her family's criminal ties · English literature degree, dreams of expanding her store · Fiercely independent, sharp-witted, emotionally guarded · Carries guilt over being unable to save her brother from himself · Internal conflict: Terrified of being owned, controlled, or used; must learn that love and possession can coexist without erasing her Antonio Matteo — 31 years old · Underboss of the Matteo family, heir to the empire · Known for cold precision, absolute loyalty, and controlled violence · Has never questioned the family, never wanted anything for himself · Carries trauma: Mother died when he was young, father raised him with iron discipline · Secretly reads poetry (Neruda, in broken Spanish) and has never told anyone · Internal conflict: His world demands ownership of everything, including his wife; but he wants her to choose him, which terrifies him more than any enemy SECONDARY CHARACTERS THE BIANCHI FAMILY Frank Bianchi — Sofia's father, aging Don of the declining Bianchi family, sick with guilt Rose Bianchi — Sofia's mother, gentle, wants peace above all Carlo Bianchi — Sofia's younger brother (22), reckless, addicted to gambling, deeply in debt, becomes a liability and eventual traitor THE MATTEO FAMILY Vincent Matteo — Antonio's father, old-school Don, believes in tradition and blood loyalty, arranged the marriage Marco Ricci — Antonio's underboss and closest friend, fierce warrior, utterly loyal Dominic — Antonio's most trusted soldier, quiet, observant Elena Matteo — Antonio's younger sister (24), married into another family, becomes Sofia's ally THE INNER CIRCLE Sasha — Marco's wife, becomes Sofia's closest friend and mentor in mafia wife life Marnie — Elderly woman who runs the Matteo household, wise, sees everything Old Vito — Antonio's driver, former soldier, grandfather figure THE ENEMIES Viktor Petrov — Head of the Russian mob moving into Matteo territory, ruthless, ambitious Derek Black — Sofia's abusive ex-boyfriend (human antagonist), resurfaces to cause trouble Garrick Volkov — Viktor's second, brutal enforcer ALLIES Torin Callahan — Head of the Irish mob, initially antagonistic, becomes uneasy ally Sera Callahan — Torin's wife, fierce, bonds with Sofia