We follow the story of Elaina, who has been promised to Valentino Acerbi, the leader of an Italian Mafia Family. On her 21st birthday, her father leaves her with Valentino - where she discovers the truth of her family - her father is the head of the Russian Mafia, who has agreed to a marriage between Elaina & Valentino to end the feud between the two families.
Nicole Mattox, is amazing in this series, her portrayal of Elaina is immaculate as she battles her internal struggle and eventual adaptation to life as the wife of the mafia boss. In episode 6, watching her emotional breakdown due to fear and abandonment as she is banging on the walls screaming out for her father, your heart breaks for her. The growth you see in Elaina throughout the series is magic to watch, as she befriends her sister-in-law and still tries to protect the weak, but can she truly accept the life and take the necessary steps to protect those she loves?
Dante Ayala ,as Valentino, this is my first vertical I have seen him in and OMG can I just say this man is fantastic. In the beginning of the series you are lead to believe he truly is a monster, but there are hints of cracks in this facade, especially in his facial expression as he says "we're both prisoners here now" We are then given hints throughout the series as to why he must be the monster that everyone says he is and your heart will ache for him just as much as Elaina.
With a supporting cast of Roma Scarano as Gianna, Elaina & Val's sister-in-law, Winston Salk as Stefano Valentino's little brother, Danny Royce as Gustavo, Val's best friend and most trusted member of the family, and Joe Klaunberg as Coilin the leader of the Irish mafia family, the entire ensemble is fantastic together and every single member is a stand out in their roles.
Watching as Val and Elaina fall in love and come to trust and rely on one another, is very special and you can feel the chemistry between these through radiating off the screen. The ending is open, so I am hoping we get a sequel to this series! Galatea_tv keeps putting out the most amazing series' and it is a subscription I wont be letting lapse anytime soon!
Another 10/10 Series for me!
