I loved reading this book. This is the prequel to the Mafia Elite series and what a great start it is. This is an author that I have loved reading from the first book I picked up. I highly suggest reading this series to see what happens to these characters after this book. This is a well written story about Mafia princesses. They have a destiny but it is what they want or is there something more? I had no problem connecting with the characters as they pulled me into their story. They have great growth throughout as well as the plot that made it easy to read. This is a story that you don’t want to miss for sure. It is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I read in one sitting. I highly recommend this book and this author.
The Mafia Elite is one of my all-time favourite series so when I saw this book by Amy, I grabbed it and dove right in. This book tells the story of the Mafia Princesses who had the unfortunate fate of being born into elite Mafia families. Where their lives are already mapped out before them, where secrets are paved, and revenge is ripe and arranged marriages are given and ruthlessness is the norm.
The prequel is captivating, and it is a great insight into the lives of characters when they were younger that we have seen throughout the Mafia Elite series. This intriguing and gripping new book is full of drama, mystery, intrigue and danger, with plenty of heart pounding moments. I was on the edge of my seat whilst devouring page after page of this engrossing read.
Now that I have devoured the prequel I am going to go back and reread the amazing original series.
An amazing start to a series favorite of mine. Amy McKinley has the ability to create an interesting story full of characters you can’t help to love. Defiant Princess is a Mafia Elite Prequel that focuses on the females in the five families. Marissa is officially engaged to Tony Caruso. Emiliana has been rescued from a human trafficking ring that presumably claimed the life of Elena. Lilliana isn’t promised to anybody yet and is waiting for her father to destroy her. Sofia has a crush on Enzo but refuses to act on her feelings. Ivan from the Russian Bratva has appeared and Marissa wants to ask him about her sister Camila. The group tries to convince her to stay away from him, especially since Tony was known for being possessive and would act violently out of jealousy. To avoid spoilers, I can only state that Marissa’s decisions will affect all of the girls. What does she do?
I almost wish I read this before I started the series because it gives a lot of information and to why things are the way they are and how they got there.
This is a great novella that gives plenty of insight to 4 of the most amazing women I have ever read about. They are the Mafia Princesses. They are all In college together sharing a place, they have guards, everyone knows they are off limits / untouchable. Marissa has a mind of her own and doesn’t listen to the other girls or other guys who want to keep her self. I absolutely love all these characters but Sofia and Enzo are my favorites!!! Such an amazing series, you definitely must Run…don’t walk…RUN and get your hands on this entire series. You will not be disappointed.
I love this series, and I was so excited for this book! It did not disappoint, and I really enjoyed reading more of the backstories of Liliana, Emiliana, Sofia, and Eva. But it was disappointing that it was so short! Reading about Marissa’s death is important within the scope of the whole series too. Overall, a great read especially if you are reading the series. It would still work as a stand alone book but would leave me anxious to read the other books!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2022-11-03 12:11:562022-11-08 09:18:58Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill
I often wonder how undercover agents cope because in essence you’re playing a role and at times for long periods of time , surely you start adopting some of the traits of your “alter ego “ and parts of the real you “die” I do t think it’s way at all , so shout out and respect to these men and women that are so very brave ….
Damien and Evelyn as youngsters shared a spark but before anything could come of it Evelyn’s dad interferes and I really don’t like him he’s really not a pleasant kind of man in any case his folks also suddenly up and leave and poor Evelyn is left nursing a broken heart 💔
Years later their paths cross when Damian is sent to Dallas , Texas to work undercover with the mob and my heart is nearly beating out of my chest because if rumours are true the Sicilian mafia has started business with Mexico and Damien is entering dangerous ground ….
After Damien left Evelyn put everything into her studies and became a teacher against her father’s wishes but she’s a born teacher so good on you girl !
Soon enough Evelyn has more than Max her cat for company and things between her and Damien are rather eventful , nerve racking , hot , edgy , steamy , thrilling and suspense filled 🔥
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2022-11-03 10:07:572022-11-08 09:18:48Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Heidi Sturgess
I loved this book and now we finally have the storyline surrounding Marissa’s death and how she related to the other girls, Lilianna, Sofia, and Emiliana. We have been introduced to Marissa throughout the series by second hand storylines but this is the events leading up to her murder. It was nice to get a peak into the girls lives before their already tumultuous world shattered and how the relationships developed between their future romantic interactions. I absolutely adore this series!
Once again Amy McKinley has outdone herself with this short novella. Defiant Princess follows the Five Families daughters: Liliana, Sofia, Emiliana, and Marissa. This is a prequel to the Mafia Elite series; however, you can read it at any time during your journey with that series. This was a super fast read, but I really appreciate that McKinley provides the insight that she does into Marissa’s murder as it is a catalyst that drives a lot of what happens in the series, especially the first book. I also like that she included snippets of romance between a few of the couples we get to see later on and it’s just nice to know that their romances have been going on for way longer than we thought. Even though it was an insanely quick read, McKinley covered all of her basis and allowed for character development as well as plot development. As I said before, it doesn’t matter when you read this novella, but I highly recommend that you do as it does add integral details to the story.
The story of Marissa’s murder. This is the prequel to the Mafia Elite series and it is excellent. It answers some questions. I am a big fan of the Mafia Princess Royalty. These ladies are butt kickers and would rather take charge of things for themselves. Lil, Em, Sofia, and the other ladies are dealing with the issues of their fathers arranging their marriages and forbidden loves. Oh, I enjoyed this story so much. I am so sad to see it come to an end. This is a fantastic author. She writes with a contemporary tone that can make you feel like you are right their in the story. This is edge-of-the-seat action. Another winner!!
This is a great prequel to an absolutely amazing must read series. It sets up the continuing series so well and lightly touches on a few things to come as you read the series…as always with this author I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2022-11-03 06:35:302022-11-08 09:16:48Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jules Herbert
Our senior year in college was supposed to go out with a bang, and it did, just not the way we’d expected.
Liliana Brambilla
If I could freeze time, I would.
The university my Mafia sisters and I attend is the one place I can get away and feel some sense of freedom—and escape from my father’s control and soon-to-be-announced, unwanted arranged marriage. If I could run away from my future, I would, and I’m not the only one.
Sofia La Rosa
I’ve loved Enzo Vitale all my life.
At one point, he was mine, and I was his. It was an allusion we were blissfully wrapped in. That bubble shattered even before I graduated from high school. The secrets scattered through our past were now like forgotten landmines ready to explode. He still considers me his, and in my heart, I will always be. For his sake, I need to keep him at arm’s length. Otherwise, I run the risk of losing him for good.
Emiliana Vitale
He’s the only man whose touch I crave.
I fell in love with Stefano Rossi before my life imploded, and I was taken from those I love. But our love is forbidden by his ruthless father and discouraged by my family. What they don’t understand is we’re both broken, and only together are we whole.
Marissa Rossi
My life is not my own, but neither are my siblings.
For the moment, I’m free, despite the noose around my neck in the form of an arranged marriage that will happen in a few weeks. That’ll be then, not right now. I still have time, even if it’s limited, to paint to my heart’s content and party all night long. I know the clock is ticking, so I’ll take every advantage of this small window—my last few weeks as a college student rooming with my best girlfriends—and live my life to the fullest.
We were born Mafia princesses, but we might as well be prisoners. As our college years draw to a close, we each have a fate we’re trying to escape. The question is, who will conquer the destiny laid before us or merely survive—and who will not?
Amy McKinley is the USA Today bestselling author of the romantic suspense thriller Gray Ghost Novels, Deadly Isles Special Ops, Covert Recruits, Mafia Elite, Moonlit Destination series, Five Fates paranormal romance series, and several stand-alone titles. Her edge-of-your-seat books are filled with surprising twists and just the right amount of heat and danger. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two daughters, two sons, and three mischievous cats. You can find her atwww.AmyMcKinley.com
A wonderful story Katrina who is a design consult who end up falling for Chase, a very wealthy and powerful man. Chase is overprotective and overbearing and Katrina deals with trauma from her mothers past. Their story includes sexual exploration, secrets, and suspense. It definitely has a 50 shades feel to it so keep that in mind when reading. The story and erotica is definitely not new and the writing isn’t perfect which is the only reason I didn’t rate it higher but I would still recommend this book to someone to looking for a nice quick enjoyable read
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allison Davishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllison Davis2022-11-02 19:15:112022-11-07 20:30:53Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Allison Davis
Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari 5 out of 5 stars
I always love reading any book by Via Mari, and this book did not disappoint. Follow along and learn all about Katarina Meilers and Chase Prestian. A woman who is dedicated to her job and always strives for perfection, and a man who just wants to be seen. Do you believe in love at first sight? This book slightly follows that line, where there is an immediate attraction that only grows as time goes on. But, like every love story, something goes wrong. That wrong in this book, can be Chase’s over protectiveness and Katarina strong emotions, which she is not used to having. Can they overcome their differences and each other’s flaws? Read to find out!
I love the playfulness between the two, and the joking around with each other. Let’s not forget about the steam either!
All in all, Via Mari did not fail and brought, yet another, great romance story! I cannot wait to read more in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Noldenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Nolden2022-10-31 12:47:402022-11-01 12:41:46Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Emily Nolden
Adrianna is a doctor in the Vegas strip, hired specifically to be at the beck and call of the Larussio crime family. While she also serves as the doctor to visitors of their hotel, her contract pays her extremely well and includes a glitzy apartment to keep the mafia family healthy. She has her reasons for taking this job, and the salary and amenities are strictly a bonus until she accomplishes what she came to do.
Salvatore Larussio is about to become the new Don to the family after his cousin stepped down from the position. As Great Uncle ages, he is preparing to retire very soon and hand the reins over to Sal. Sal was formerly an enforcer in their mafia family and is well known for his ruthlessness matching his cold demeanor. In reality, Sal has far more fears than anyone would ever realize. Being in charge meant everyone and their safety was his responsibility, now. It meant he could no longer enforce the punishments on their enemies, he could only make the call to do so. He lives in fear for his family and himself and has no time for love or romance.
However, Adrianna has caught his eye and he cannot help but recognize the pull he feels for her. He thinks of her constantly, even though any time they speak her distaste for him is evident. Will Sal take a shot at love? Will Adrianna’s secret and intentions ruin anything that might develop?
This is a fast paced read, very well written, draws a beautiful picture of their surroundings and has you rooting for Sal and Adrianna to be together in spite of everything. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2022-10-28 23:51:402023-08-05 14:13:57Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Shea Gilkerson 10/28/22
This book was well written and a great precursor for what this series will hold! The characters were well thought out and held a great deal of heat! I found the story interesting and easy to follow. I have read many mafia romances but this one just had something a little extra. Great first read from this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2022-10-28 22:45:542022-11-01 12:10:02Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by April McCoy
I just recently got into mafia stories. So when I saw The Boss’s vendetta I jumped on the chance to read this book, and I’m glad that I did. Via Mari had me from the beginning. This book has amazing main and secondary characters, personal revenge, danger,passion ect. She is a truly great writer. Definitely a must read. I’m looking forward to more in this Sicilian Gods series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2022-10-28 21:52:382022-11-01 12:09:49Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Hannah Porter
From the moment you open the book and start reading you are hooked! I was able to read this book from start to finish without putting it down and left wanting the next one right away! There cannot be enough good things said about it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kay Striteskyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKay Stritesky2022-10-28 21:00:372022-11-01 11:14:52Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Kay Stritesky
This is only for those over the age of 18 due to its adult themes.
Salvatore Larussio is a man who leads a double life, by day he spends time with the high rollers at his families casino, spending time with the big wigs, the high up and the social climbers, but begins closed doors, he is a ruthless heir to a mafia throne. Adrianna is a doctor with a past she would rather forget, but now she is working at the Larussio resort and is in charge of the urgent care there, but as well as the usual emergencies she has to deal with, add into that the responsibility of sewing the family up as well, she has a lot on her plate.
The two first butt heads over the treatment of a family member and when she doesn’t back down when faced with the devil himself, he is more shocked than anything, but when a family gathering which is supposed to be a happy one turns into a bloodbath, things take a turn for the unexpected for Adrianna. In the midst of triaging the casualties, a decision is made to whisk her away with them so that she can continue their care, but just what that means is something Adrianna is completely opposed to, but seemingly has no choice in the matter.
As they are being kept in close confines, things that Salvatore finds intriguing about this ice queen from the emergency room are the things he finds attract him to her the most, but when Adrianna is confronted with the realisation that she is attracted to those same things, she decides to tell Salvatore the truth of why she is there. Will the secrets she has been hiding make or break the tenuous bond she has is building with the family, or will it be her undoing? This is a Mafia suspense with plenty of action throughout, as this darkly romantic story pulls you into the the underworld and keeps you there, while you follow along this spicy story of retaliation and retribution.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-10-28 17:04:502022-11-01 12:08:28Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari 5* This is an amazing mafia romance. It contains moments of my favorite features in books. It has action, steamy scenes, and enemies to lovers. The main character is Salvatore and he has just become the head of the family business (aka mafia). With this he becomes the head of an incredibly hostile war between feuding family. When Salvatore meets Natasha the tension is thick. But the downside is that Natasha who is working for his family has been placed there to help fulfill a vendetta. This makes a romance with him even more complex. Sal’s focus should be his territory and his family but Natasha definitely threatens to disrupt that focus. I loved this story so much. I love that this definitely delivers in the steam department. I also truly love knowing that this series will focus on all of Salvatore’s family. I cannot wait to see how the family continues to develop and how much steam will be brought.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-10-28 16:23:282022-11-01 12:08:09Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Christine Baranek
I love this author’s work. Her books are amazing and you aren’t able to put them down until you have finished them from beginning to end. And this box set is no exception. All of the books are phenomenal! I read a book each day from this set. Her writing style is amazing and she has the ability to bring her books to life. You feel like you’re in the action of everything! Im excited to see and read more books from her in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Skylar Danielshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSkylar Daniels2022-10-26 20:55:222022-10-27 11:34:22Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Skylar Daniels
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with this book from the very beginning and wasn’t able to put the book down until I had finished it. The authors writing is very unique and she has a way of bringing her world to life. She’s living in the shadows. Evelyn: Long ago, I had given my heart to someone who callously threw it away, but I put my past behind me until the hurt and betrayal no longer consumed me. I hid my secret from the world and the monster I knew was in it. I had a She’s living in the shadows. great job, wonderful friends, and my parents…well, sadly, I wasn’t able to choose my parents. Then one day, I see him again. The man who stole my heart all those years ago. He’s living in the dark. Damian: I never wanted this life. I thought I had been meant for something greater, but a few wrong turns have led me down this twisted path to here. Now my life is not my own. My name, my past, none of it is real. As an undercover agent in the Sicilian Mafia, I live each day as if it is my last, because I know that it could be. And then she finds me. When Evelyn comes back into my life, I try my best to hold her at arm’s length. No one can hide forever, though. If I’m not careful, my enemies will find me and try to destroy me. I’d do anything to keep her, but my time is running out. In a world of lies, one truth will remain. When I was left to drown underwater, you were the air that kept me breathing. I’m excited to read more of the authors work in the coming future
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Skylar Danielshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSkylar Daniels2022-10-26 20:52:012022-10-27 11:34:16Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Skylar Daniels
A feisty dark romance! Also warning this one has some dark triggers scenes. I love that Evelyn is courageous, bad, feisty, and stubborn! Damian is calculated, mysterious, and misunderstood. They experience a traumatic moment as kids, but years later reunite and sparks and chaos fly. Lots of ups and downs. With everything from the past and new threats coming to light can they make it work? Or will they again fall for the lies and manipulations from people around them?Whirlwind of a roller coaster novel that you won’t regret!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ana Evelynhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAna Evelyn2022-10-26 18:16:262022-10-27 11:38:15Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & amp; Taylor L. Ray – Review by Ana Evelyn
I will admit, throughout this entire book they had me on my toes. I had no idea what was going to be said or what was going to happen, Between the connection of Adrianna and Salvatore to their messy backgrounds to how they came to be together I was on the edge of my seat I had no idea what the next page would bring and the surprises kept coming throughout the entire story. Adrianna who we meet and believe to be a bit of a stick in the mud and Salvatore the man we believe to be the devil incarnate. Two people who in almost every way shouldn’t work together but turns out to be one of my new favorite love stories!! The openness and honesty that they have with each other is absolutely beautiful and I loved every page of it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shania Webbhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShania Webb2022-10-26 15:50:302022-10-27 11:36:28Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Shania Webb
This is the perfect startup book for a new series. It is explosive, filled with action, drama, violence, and romance. With characters that are relatable, ones you love to love and ones you love to hate.
Adrianna is the female in the stories we always aspire to be. She is a doctor, who was orphaned, and is looking for answers into her fathers death. Which may come from the elusive Larussio’s. So when she gets a job working in one of their casinos this may be the perfect chance to find answers to the questions plaguing her about whether the Larussio’s were responsible.
Salvatore, who is not even heir to the mafia throne, is thrust into the position solely by availability. Many think he should not be there nor that he has earned such a prestigious position of power. The last thing he needs is a sexy doctor turning his world inside out and giving his enemies a weakness to exploit.
Will Adriana finally uncover the truth about her father’s death and will it be the answer she hopes? Can Salvatore protect his family and Adriana from threats within and outside the family so he can find his happy ever after? This is a dark mafia romance, with suspense, lies, and romance which makes for an amazing story in my book. I am excited to read the next book in this series just to see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-10-25 20:46:322022-10-27 11:25:08Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Vanessa Watts
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)
I know these are characters we already knew of from earlier series but oh my, there is something incredibly hot and a sexy dangerous man who’s entire life was surrounded by or working in the Mafia, at least in this world.
I think I started crushing on Salvatore from the beginning and it grew from there.
From the beginning Adrianna didn’t hold back. She stood up to him every time she got a chance and their confrontations were popcorn worthy.
Salvatore made me think of the saying about onions and peeling back the layers. What you see at the beginning with him isn’t what you find when you get to his heart.
I am so happy that this new series is here and I can’t wait to see what happens with all of the family and get introduced to even more amazing and strong characters both male and female.
This author is one of those that I grab as soon as I see there is a new book without reading the synopsis.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2022-10-23 22:01:192022-10-27 11:20:19Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Robin Rankin
Kate is in Aruba for a project that the company she works for is spearheading. She showed up a few days before the conference regarding the project is set to begin so she can enjoy some rest and relaxation. Her first night takes an interesting turn when she saves the life of a man that collapses in front of her…and then meets a handsome stranger that she is almost instantly attracted to. However, she is surprised when she walks in on the first day of the conference to see the handsome stranger introducing himself as the owner of the company who has hired the one she works for.
Chase purposely didn’t introduce himself because people are usually after him due to his bank account. So, when Kate doesn’t know who he is, he is relieved to find her feelings are genuine. He does, however, have quite the challenge ahead of him to break down her walls and her reluctance to dating someone who she works for. But, when Kate’s safety is at risk, Chase will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Once they return to the US, Kate’s safety is still in danger and she finds herself in an extremely dangerous situation. When she is recovering, she is hit with even more shocking news when her mother reveals the truth about her father. How will this come into play in future books?
I found these characters to be interesting. The book spends quite a bit of time introducing different types of play in the bedroom. Chase and Kate’s relationship is full of chemistry…but also danger being who they each are (separately and together). I am interested in seeing how the last revelation plays out as they move forward. Overall, a good book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rosanna Ingramhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRosanna Ingram2022-10-23 21:02:402022-10-27 11:19:18Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Rosanna Ingram
Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Kaylee Johnston
3.5 Stars
Book 1 in the Sicilian Gods Series, Boss’s Vendetta, is about Salvatore and Adrianna. The book focuses on how the two of them come together, what the vendetta is, and how everything gets solved. The mafia romance genre includes many explicit and dark scenes – this story is no different.
The connection between Salvatore and Adrianna is great at the beginning. I am always a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories. I found the plot points and the development of this story to be unique and enticing. I loved how it progressed and the settings things took place. The main conflict was tense and I couldn’t keep myself from reading as quickly as I could. I loved seeing the relationship between Salvatore and his cousin, Dominic. I thought the way the characters were portrayed was done really well – especially the Great-Uncle. I loved when Sal and Adrianna finally come together and how seamlessly Adrianna fits into the family.
The things that kept this book from being four or five stars for me are the continuous use of the word “capiche.” It felt overused a lot, to the point I felt it was being included unnecessarily. The switch from a scared bystander who is helping where she can to a skilled and cold agent capable of disappearing and infiltrating certain locations and then back was a bit jarring. I also need to point out that there was a lot of repetition for why Sal and Adrianna couldn’t be together. There’s also a lot of repetition by both Sal and Adrianna about how dangerous Sal was and who he actually was, but there wasn’t much that supported that. Adrianna’s hate also kind of just fades away.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was definitely spicy and kept me intrigued the whole time. I definitely recommend reading this if you’re looking for a hot, action-packed story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaylee Johnstonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaylee Johnston2022-10-23 17:49:232022-10-27 11:17:43Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Kaylee Johnston
This book was a fantastic read, it had so much thrill, spice and all things nice!
Evelyn and Damien met in school she was tutoring him until her dad put a stop to it because he didn’t like Damien.
Years later Evelyn meets sees someone running past her house, she likes the eye candy and starts leaving treats out for him, until one day he comes knocking!
He is now in the FBI and he’s undercover working in the mafia, his role has even included killing and bullying property off people. He’s a mafia dons son so it’s crucial his cover is kept secret till he brings him down.
The heat of the relationship is too much for either of them too bare and they become lovers but Damien can’t get close he knows because the secret he keeps he keeps pushing her away so she stays safe will keep it be kept quiet or will the truth come out?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSteph2022-10-22 10:50:072022-10-27 11:09:53Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Steph Cavanagh
Breathe Underwater is the collaboration of two well established and liked authors Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray. I love Anise’s stories and Taylor is a new author to me. The story is a complex second chance Mafia romance with dark elements and some deliciously hot sexy scenes that jump off the pages (insert fanning face here). The intense road to love is fraught with suspense, secrets, lies, angst and struggles. Emotions run rampant in this push pull relationship where the past of two broken souls is never far away.
Just like the road to love the story did not always flow seamlessly there were ebbs and flows and there is a lot of information in places and not in others. There are some questions I hope are answered in other books as the series progresses. This does not mean I didn’t enjoy the story because I did. I love that the story is told in duel POV, it’s my favourite part of reading.
The plots and the twists are well done and I fell in love with the characters. He is dark and moody and she is full of sass and fire and together they sizzle. But can he keep her safe?
I look forward to seeing where this duo takes us next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-10-22 06:42:062022-10-27 11:00:29Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Jenni Bishop
I really enjoyed this. Goes into Damian’s story right off the bat. It’s a page-turner. I am a sucker for second chances when it comes to relationships. Mending lost hope when it comes to relationships. This is the book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carisahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarisa2022-10-22 01:08:222022-10-27 11:06:37Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto
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