ReelShort, the mobile-first vertical drama platform run by Crazy Maple Studio, is launching another microdrama based on Cora Reilly's "Born In Blood Mafia Chronicles" book series. The new title, "Bound by Duty", premieres on the app on 13 August 2026 and marks the franchise's third adaptation, following the strong performance of earlier instalments in what has become one of ReelShort's most successful book-to-vertical franchises.

The story follows Dante, heir to a Chicago mafia family, and Valentina, a young widow reluctant to enter another loveless marriage, whose arranged union develops into a deeper romance. It stars vertical-drama regulars Casey Schryer and Chase Mattson and sits within ReelShort's "dark romance" genre. Previous franchise entries have performed strongly, with "Bound by Honor" reportedly surpassing 423 million views and "Bound by Love" topping 70 million views since its May launch; Reilly's wider "Born In Blood" series spans eight novels and an anthology. ReelShort, launched in 2022, produces short mobile episodes of one to two minutes, typically offering some instalments free before requiring subscription or pay-per-view access.