Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot get enough of this series!!! This book of Nico and Mia is fantastic fantastic fantastic!! I recommend reading this series in order as the “families” continue to be part of each book each character continues to evolve.

Mia…wow….she is tough as nails but what she endured…my heart truly broke in a million pieces between her father using her as a pawn and her step brother Ricco, whom I totally despised. When enough was enough, is bravely flees away from her family. Mia know how bad it is, especially her step brother Ricco. Mia has a purpose…take down her own family.

Nico is quiet, loyal and fierce. He will do everything to protect the “families” no matter what. When Mia seeks NIco out with a proposal….this is where it gets interesting. Mia wants protection from none other than NIco…but what is the cost? Family secrets, bartering..will Nico break down his own walls and protect Mia and help her?

This series of books is just fantastic and I cannot get enough. The characters, story line..all of it really grabbed me from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed Nico and Mia’s story that really captured me from page 1……intrigue, deceit, trust but the spark and sizzle that goes along with Nico and Mia was perfect!

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Amanda Glaspie

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about this book other than I’m sad the series is coming to a end but with a great final book. Nico thinks he is getting away where no one can find him, Mia has other plans. It is time to merge the Chicago and New York mafia families. The final book brings everything full circle as Nico, the final brother finds love in unexpected places. Mia learns what family is really like and that there those that she can trust. I love that this book brought the right amount of needed vindication and love. Another book in the series that will keep you guessing and wondering what will come next. Wonderful end to the series.

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Ashley Westerman

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved every minute of reading this book! I was immediately hooked, and it kept me that way the entire time. So much happening! This author took me for a wild ride. I wish I had the opportunity to go back and read for the first time again! This is a definite re-read in the future. Don’t miss out on this one. READ IT!!!

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Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Book 1) by Armand Rosamilia – Review by katie stapleton

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series)Shake Down by Armand Rosamilia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love when an author can seamlessly weave different character’s viewpoints into a single storyline. This book did not disappoint!! Mystery, intrigue, thrills, suspense, and just enough information about the characters to keep you needing more. I was thrilled to see this is a series and I cannot wait to read more about Clayton, Jimmy, Neil, Xavier and the rest of the characters we have met so far. I also really enjoyed the pace of the book. I wanted to keep reading and was on the edge of my seat. Armand gets you started with enough details, but doesn’t get hung up on adding fluff. Very enjoyable!!

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Amber Howard

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was cute and action packed. Literally a romantic comedy. Aimee is adorable yet fierce. Qadir is well a typical good looking guy sleeping around for fun until Aimee catches his eye. They both change each others lives for the better. Through a series of events their relationship is truly tested. By the end of the book I shed a tear or two.

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jess Engel

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This may be my favorite read of the year so far! What a well-written, researched, and gripping story!

The author developed a page-turner with their ability to create tension and the need to know what happens next in this mystery that spans across time. The characters are developed well throughout the entirety of the story and the reader finds themself rooting for and relating to them. The author also has a unique way of creating setting and bringing the reader inside the story and feel like you are really there. The details really bring this story to life.

The author tackles many challenging subjects within the context of the story and does so very well and with integrity.

Ultimately, I look forward to more by this author and encourage you to pick this one up for sure!

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Daryian Lucas

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.7/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and I like the concept, but I felt more like I was reading about teens than adults. Katie & Chase are 28 and they’re both still affected by their high school breakup. Not saying that events that happen to us when we’re young don’t have any affects on us, but Katie doing what she did was not worthy of 10 years of anguish for either character in my opinion. It was a reasonable thing to do and actually very mature given her age. However, for it to seem like a fresh wound 10 years later was a bit much in my opinion. The writing is very solid and the book has a lot of potential. I just couldn’t get into the after effects of the breakup.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by stephanie nicole

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolute amazing way to end this trilogy. I have read both of the previous installments in this book and when I saw this one I knew I had to read it right away. The one thing that i would say is if you are new to this series I would make sure to read these books in order. But with each book there is great character development, fantastic recipes, and of course a great plot. So if your looking for a great new book make sure you run and pick these ones up today. Trust me I’ll be watching for more great works from this author.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Carla Clemmons

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this quick romance! Its such a sweet story about coming back to a love you had before. Seeing if its possible to rekindle a romance that once was is exactly what Katie and Chase do. You never know if there’s to much pain that is still lingering from the past. I really enjoy the characters in the story and how you get to know their back stories as well. We don’t always make the best decisions but sometimes we get to go back to see if our mistakes can be forgiven.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rivals: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 7)

I fell in love with this series the moment I started reading the first book and I’m so much deeper in love now.  I love each and every one of these couples, their adventures and how though they are Mafia and toe the line of legal they are pretty good people.

Nico is the last of the group to fall and boy did he fall hard and fast. Being the quietest of the group we really didn’t get a sense of his personality before now.  The stong, sexy and deadly combination work very well for him

Like Nico, Mia was known to a point but she was an outsider.  She found herself with dangerous knowledge and needed protection.  Insert Nico and his family who such bad @$$es for back up.

I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. She has yet to disappoint.

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Ana Evelyn

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you believe in soul mates? Do you think you’d recognize your soulmate at first glance? This novel takes you on a journey of two soulmates, who’re struggling to find their way in life & to each other. Very heartwarming, deep, and up-lifting. Don’t let that fool you, there are still lots of plot twists and moments of confusion, and chaos. Overall a great charming and emotional read. It’s a book you find yourself reading till 1am.

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Janel Bernotas

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Janel Bernotas

What a twisting and turning, fast paced novel! This one left me with my jaw hanging, mouth agape! Fans of historical mystery novels will definitely not be able to put this one down. Very well-written novel by Shanessa Gluhm. Five stars!!

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Ashley Hasting

Zoey Taylor is a 15 year old teenager who is already super smart and dedicated to get out of Texas. 10 years ago, she was told by her family that she disappeared from her home and was found by her brother Corinth. Ever since then, she always had nightmares. Now she comes to Thanksgiving with new friends, a billionaire showing up to her family door, and many secrets revealed. It gets a lot more fun to listen!

Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Christina Gran

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the best books that I’ve read all year!! I wasn’t sure how I would like the historical romance book, as this was my first read from that genre, however I absolutely LOVED it. It was SO MUCH more than just historical romance! There is mystery and suspense, the deepest family secrets, loyalty and love. The characters from both eras were enjoyable and the storyline flowed seamlessly. I seriously couldn’t get enough! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story.
When Garrison Stark (modern day) loses his parents in a tragic accident, Garrison’s grandma is suffering from dementia and has been saying some pretty crazy things. As Garrison investigates, he begins to unravel some pretty interesting family secrets.

One night, in 1932 Joel Fitchett wonders into a diner, bloody & bruised, carrying his unconscious younger brother, Clancy. The boys tell everyone they don’t recall what happened, however they have vowed to never speak the truth of that night. WWII, two brothers in love with the same girl & a young man seeking the truth about his grandfather, leaves author Shanessa Gluhm, doing a phenomenal job keeping the audience entranced between two timelines. Best book I’ve read this year. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Can not recommend enough!

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Lisa Helmick

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is NOT what I thought it was going to be at all!! Reading the bio and the label of “girls from the street” my mind was wandering. This was shocking and surprising and I LOVED every second of this fast-paced, action-packed, keep me on the edge of my seat story!

Aimee is incredible! She has such a great disposition just about all the time! Her job as a courier is definitely interesting and I was WOWed how she used a skateboard instead of a bike. She is mentally strong, is kind to people and not afraid to take chances.

My only small issue with this is a couple different times (early and middle of the book) the POV or a time frame was displaced and/or not needed. It took me out of the flow of the story. Those parts could have still been used but put in at the appropriate time frame. This did not seem to be a problem later in the book.

Overall this is so much more than what I thought it would be. I would highly recommend it to those who love a suspenseful action filled story.

There is Something about Aimee.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Michele Del Rey

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really good second chance romance ten years later. I really liked the story and the dynamic of the characters. Sometimes the grass is not always greener and we wonder what if? Fate has their own plans on what we need and this book was amazing on that for me. Really enjoyed.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jamie Truex

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Bake Believe series. If you haven’t read the first two, go do that now. It was a great ending to the series. I really enjoyed all three books. It was very cool to have recipes so we can actually bake these things too. I believe this would really draw in the teenage group, especially those who like to bake and like magic. I think the morals being visited are easy to understand. Definitely recommend this story.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Skylar Daniels

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has quickly become one of my favorite authors and her Mafia Elite series has also became one of my favorite series. She’s back again with the 7th book in the series. This is a standalone but I recommend reading the other 6 books so you can understand everything better. I was not able to put this book down. It had me hooked from the very first page of the book to the last page. The characters were wonderfully written and I loved the feeling the author had set for this book.
They call me the quiet brother—but I’m just as brutal, dark, and broken.
No woman has ever breached the walls of my heart, and I’m content with who I am. Until Mia Tucci seeks me out.
The New York Mafia princess is an enemy, a fantasy with midnight hair, violet eyes, and a body that promises hours of sin—and she needs my help. But helping her will cost me.
When she barters information that could take down her family’s operation, I’m too intrigued to turn her away. And as we get to know one another, my defenses fracture, tempting me to give her my trust.
But no one in the Mafia is innocent.
My only hope is that intertwining our futures to protect her from her family will not be at the price of mine.
I can’t wait to see what else she has in store in the coming future for her books

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Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis – Review by Skylar Daniels

Princess of PriasPrincess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read from Mrs. Courtney Davis and I immediately fell in love with this book. It immediately captured my attention within the first few pages of the book. I had to read the book from start to finish, not be able to put it down until I had finished it. She has a way with words that captures your attention and immediately pulls you in, transporting you into her world that she has created. Being able to see and feel everything the characters are feeling is rare. The way she has written the characters is amazing.
When Elle is presented with every orphan’s dream, finding out she’s actually a princess, she isn’t sure if she should join the hulking sexy man, Locan, on a spaceship ride, or run screaming from the room because he’s obviously nuts. If it weren’t for the strange things she’d recently encountered, like suddenly gaining star shaped birthmarks and a bracelet that once belonged to her mother lighting up with an eerie green light, she would be out of there already. She has enough questions she wants answered to stay and find out, taking his hand and embarking on a journey across the darkness of space. He says she needs to save their people from her evil uncle. She wants to know where she comes from, who her mother was, and why she never fit in on earth. The path to their home planet isn’t without its bumps. Saving aliens, and earthlings while evading her uncle’s men and dodging the pushy goddesses who want to tell them all what to do. Elle has to learn who she really wants to be and to help Locan become the warrior he was meant to be.
I hope that there’s a sequel to this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Christen Ware

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fast-paced and wicked read that was near impossible to put down. This book was a dual mystery flip that followed two very different but interconnecting storylines. An unpredictable and impressive story design that captivates readers from nearly the first sentence, and the twists and wines of the story hold their attention to the very last page.

Joel, Clancy, and Garrison are all easy-to-like characters with secrets of their own that the reader slowly uncovers with each turn of the page. The twists are hard coming in nearly impossible to see, especially as we flip between times characters and their secrets. This novel works to keep every reader at the edge of their seat, and truly is a work of art whether the mystery is a preferred genre or not.

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Vanessa Watts

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, so much so that if it was possible to give more than five stars I would in a heartbeat. The characters are fascinating, the plot woven flawlessly, it was like a hug that you never want to end. I was upset that it had to end though and will probably reread this one several times over.

Aimee is a strong female character with a tragic backstory that makes you love her even more. Life is going great for her just the way she likes it on the down low but fate has other plans. Those plans involve a super sexy billionaire whose life Aimee just so happens to save. Now with her crowding his mind his only thoughts are claiming her as his and giving her the life she deserves. However, Aimee is not so easily swayed by the promise of money, wealth, and security. Can Qadir convince Aimee to give their relationship a shot or are they doomed from the start? What happens when Aimee is in the crosshairs of a rival who is determined to make Qadir suffer? With the cards stacked against these two will they ever get their happily ever after?

This is a fast paced, adrenaline inducing, emotional rollercoaster of a book. It had me laughing one minute and crying the next. This is one author I will return to time and time again, the writing was beautifully done and keeps you engaged through the entirety of the book. I cannot wait to see if more come out in this series as I will be one of the first in line to read them. Definitely give this book a chance it may become your new favorite book like it has for me!

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a book! So much information is given in this book…. This is a book that you read and you feel like you are learning but you don’t know it because it is so enjoyable. The author does a tremendous job of describing Cam’s personal struggles and his inherent loyalty to his family. I also love that there are other characters lives that are drawn into the mix and their backstory is given.

This book hits you in all the feels! You’ll feel joy, sadness, and deep grief. But the human spirit of hope is never extinguished! Can’t wait for the next one!

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Enchanted In Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne Ferris is a woman who writes a blog, but she has a tragedy burdening her shoulders and so is best selling author Claudette Grayson, although there are decades in age between them, all they want is to escape from the memories haunting them. This led them to meet when Claudette asked for someone to be her caregiver over her last summer, she is unwell and has not got long to live, whereas Roxanne is younger but weighed down by her world. Both women both write and find they in common, but as they spend more time together, other things come to the fore as well.

Claudette is determined to write one last story and she wants Roxanne to help her with it, so they discuss the setting, timeframe, characters and the storyline, in between these conversations, Claudette gives Roxanne her notes so that she can start the task of writing it and it being up to her expectations. As the women dive into this story, they bond over it, however when Claudette goes to bed, Roxanne starts to experience unusual things in the house and starts to think that it is all in her head, so she tries her best to ignore it.

As time goes on, Roxanne starts to hear and see one of the fictional characters in the house and at some point, the apparition starts to talk to her and it all begins to feel a bit too real. Who is the stranger, what is his story and is it just a coincidence that he resembles one of the characters in this story? Will this summer be the undoing of both women, or will their sanity come out of the other side unscathed, stronger and more resilient, bringing about the peace they both so desperately crave? This is an emotional rollercoaster as the supernatural and fictional combine to create a fantastical story of grief, life, love and loss which will ensnare you hook, line and sinker from start to finish.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book three in the trilogy about Cat Anderson and her magical baking. It was nice being back with Cat, as she is a very likeable and relatable main character. Cat has to navigate being a teenager alongside her magical baking abilities. Having been to her family’s bakery and learnt all about her magic baking, Cat is happier and more confident. In fact she’s making the world a better place through her baking, and is using her abilities at class parties and at family meal times. Just when everything seems perfect a surprise visit and a big announcement turn Cat’s world upside down, leaving her wondering how she can continue to ‘bake happy’. This is a fun and lighthearted read with a quirky and unique storyline, which had me happily turning the pages once again. I felt engaged with the characters and immersed in the story due to the descriptive narrative. An enjoyable read for both YA and adults alike.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia Tucci is the daughter of a NY Mafia boss that is straight up EVIL. She needs a champion to save her from her father’s evil plans for her. Nico La Rosa fills that need and more, he just doesn’t realize it… yet. When Mia offers him information to take down her father’s illegal schemes hinging on them marrying, he’s not sure he can pass it up. Will he take the plunge and make her his, in order to take down an evil mafia boss? Or instead, will he find that she is the perfect match for him?

This is the last of the Chicago Mafia series… I am sad to see this series end, but I am looking forward to the cameos with the NY Mafia! I really would have liked this story to have been longer, but honestly, it’s because I didn’t want it to end. Mia is starved for family and what better family to be a part of then the Chicago Mafia family? I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about how these characters treat their women with respect and how deeply they love each other. There are no damsels in distress either; they are all fierce and loyal!

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Kayla Kearney

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me HOOKED from the moment I started it! I had been in the mood for a good mystery novel and this definitely quenched that thirst for me! It was so hard for me to put down this book and continue living life, every time I thought that I was safe to take a break from reading it there was another thing that drew me right back in. I love how the author was able to make such an intricate story through weaving together multiple storylines and character backgrounds. I’m definitely going to read more by this author in the future!

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Candice Estes

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great junior level book for girls (or really anyone) who likes baking, and doesn’t mind a little relationship drama thrown in for good measure. Sometimes those relationships are family issues, and sometimes they are friends, but always they make for drama. One bonus with this book and the other two in the series is you get several recipes to go along with the story. Who couldn’t use that?
Cat and her family and friends are back for one last baking adventure. When Cat and Nate accidentally swap family curses, Cat is no longer able to bake her feelings, but Nate is…and boy is he misusing his abilities. Cat and Robyn try to stop him from doing bad things with a good gift. Meanwhile, Cat can’t seem to get boys to leave her alone. Between presents, over the top presentations, phone calls and texts, hundreds of boys are bothering her constantly. Cat and Nate are forced to live out the “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” idiom. The question is, will they be able to fix it?

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Kerry Baker

It had been a while since I had read this book so I couldn’t wait to experience it in a different format. And what a great way yo dive back into it this was. I found myself becoming so immersed in the story while listening to it and I was completely hooked once again with the story. I thought the narrator did a great job – the boom was vivid and easy to picture exactly what was going on. It made me excited for this series all over again. For me, everything about this is perfect and I think everyone should have a listen today!

Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Baker

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not wait to get my hands on this boom to start reading. The next in an incredible series this book is just as amazing as each one before it. I was pulled straight in with no effort whatsoever and finished the entire book in one sitting. I could not get enough of these characters or the story. This author has such an effortless was of completely captivating me with everything single thing she writes. This book is just as dark, intense and utterly exciting as the rest of the series and I cannot recommend this book any more!

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Candice Estes

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final book in this series is just as great of a book as all the others. Amy McKinley is most assuredly becoming one of my favorite authors.

In this entry to the series, we follow Nico La Rosa as he finally finds his happily ever after, even if it’s not quite how he expected it. Nico is on a trip to his family’s home in the Caribbean, when Mia Tucci finds him unexpectedly…or rather, he finds her standing on the deck of his house pointing a gun at him as he returns from the beach. Mia proposes the idea of marriage for information on how to bring down a human trafficking ring that her father and “adopted” brother are running as part of their New York mafia family business. Nico agrees, but isn’t quick to trust Mia at first. Eventually, the two share more than just their own secrets, and work together with the Five Families to bring down Mia’s father’s trafficking business. Through everything, Nico finally finds his happily ever after, and Mia finally finds a loving family that will take care of her and protect her at all cost.

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