Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book keeps you all in your feels throughout the whole book. There is a lot of descriptive romance in it. It has such a great story line and it makes you feel like you are on a rollercoaster. It keeps you guessing until the very end. Definitely worth every minute.
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so, so good.
“I sure as hell didn’t ask for this job, but I will do it as though every life in my family depends on it…because it does.”
Just when I thought the enemy was taken care of another one would jump out. But these characters, Salvatore Larussio and Adrianna Palento take no prisoners and can handle whatever is thrown their way…capiche? As with any good story there are secrets being kept that when revealed will either make the family stronger or destroy the love that is developing between these two.
This is a new series and while these two main characters have a good ending there are too many questions about the rest of the family for it to be the only book. The first of many stories to come, I hope! I enjoyed this story; the wording and language is how I would think a Mafia family would speak. The situations are realistic and hard to believe at the same time…. sounds a little life regular life too. This story also made me laugh on occasion…especially when Salvatore and Adrianna would butt heads.
“A smile crosses my face for the first time all day as I envision the blonde beauty’s fiery blue eyes lighting up with anger in reaction to that order. Maybe it’s not so bad being in charge…”
Looking forward to more from this author!!
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m becoming a huge fan of Via Mari’s work. This story features vivid imagery, detailed characterisation, and shocking plot twists. The romance is intense, the chemistry is off the scale. This book will keep you gripped, with its themes of tension, betrayal, and deception throughout. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a really good one. This author is one of those ones that I never hesitate to pick up because I have every book I have read by them. Their writing style is good and it was well written and the main characters were awesome! Two very different people in two very different worlds but I was rooting for their happily ever after the whole time!
I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are not reading these authors, I don’t know how to help you. This book just goes to show the continued brilliance of the authors. The drama, the characters, the intensity, the story….there isn’t much about this book not to like. Okay, so there were a few minor things, IMO. I like more dialogue between characters, but not distracting. The other thing was the way things ended with Gio. No spoilers here….just a little anticlimactic for me. I can see all kinds of reasons to do it that way, such as showing that Damian wasn’t like Gio, such as saving Damian’s soul. I totally get it.
FYI, totally love “Hus-Ben”!!!!!! That is the cutest, bestest nickname ever!!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Breathe Underwater is a mafia romance. At the beginning of this story, you learn about a mismatched companionship between Evelyn and Damian. Evelyn is tutoring Damian and the two build a young kinship of “romance” but it is quickly put out due to Evelyn’s controlling father. Her father convinces Damian to leave and never look back. Unfortunately due to the father’s weight within Texas, he is left with no choice. However, each one is left a little brokenhearted, not really understanding what has taken place. 13 years later, Evelyn is a professor and living an independent life, and Damian is moving back to Texas, the state that haunts his past. Damian is coming back, but as a different person with a new last name because he is working undercover as a mafia son. When the two of them finally meet again after so long, there is a lot of misunderstanding and confusion. Evelyn wants answers to why she was left so brokenhearted. She follows him to Italy, while he is there on business. She begins to learn that he is not the same person she once knew, but she still has a connection to him that she can’t let go of. They both know that this relationship can’t be more because of the position Damian is in. They are connecting in a web of so many lies, but can’t seem to resist the pull to each other. Can they find a way to have what they want without anyone getting hurt, or worse killed?
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am definitely a fan of this author. I was captivated immediately. Damien and Evie are two lost souls that meet for a second chance. Two different worlds collide for this action packed story. Undercover he doesn’t want to risk her safety. Stubborn she won’t give up. Who will win the battle?
This book is amazing!!!! I was just blown away with how there is a mystery to Damien as he comes back into Evelyn’s life after just up and leaving while in high school. There also something going on with Evelyn but is she willing to open up or does she stay closed off. That’s what I like about this story, the authors really found a way to relate to everyone in this book. I really hope that there is more stories like this one from Anise and Taylor.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazing!!!! I was just blown away with how there is a mystery to Damien as he comes back into Evelyn’s life after just up and leaving while in high school. There also something going on with Evelyn but is she willing to open up or does she stay closed off. That’s what I like about this story, the authors really found a way to relate to everyone in this book. I really hope that there is more stories like this one from Anise and Taylor.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is full of emotion, action, danger, betrayals, steamy moments, and great characters. Once I picked up this book I had a hard time putting it down. Damian and Evelyn have been through so much in their past and it has affected their decisions and where their life has led them. The chemistry between these two is off the charts but there are some obstacles in their way. This is an intriguing and entertaining story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance story. It had everything I look for in a romance, there was danger and passion, miscommunication and questions that need answers but underneath it all is a love that burns so strong.
I love how the characters had back stories and its only by delving deeper into the book and learning the characters stories that you fully understand why Evelynn and Damien separated to begin with.
When they reconnect the feelings are still there but Damien is now part of a dangerous world and its one he wants to protect Evelynn from at all costs.
Everytime Evelynn tries to pull him closer he keeps trying to force her away to protect her and to protect himself. The people he deals with are bad people who will use any weakness against him.
Will Evelynn and Damien finally get the chance of happiness this time around or will their be forces against them that will make an impossible thing to hope for
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58306460-breathe-underwater” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Breathe Underwater” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661984216l/58306460._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58306460-breathe-underwater”>Breathe Underwater</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14696494.Anise_Storm”>Anise Storm</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5057310684″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If life was fair maybe Evelyn and Damien would have had a happy ever after from the beginning<br />Except when Evelyn’s father steps in and bribes the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and his parents to leave the area, and his daughter alone: Damien has the a rough transition, juvenile detention and then a job that entails him to live the life of another. Secrets follow both of them as they become totally different people.<br />Believed to be dead Damien lives the life that he never wanted to bring Evelyn into, but he can’t help himself as she literally tags along (to begin with). How can he keep her safe while filling both their dreams, whilst battling their pasts that can drown them both?<br />Can Damien keep her safe, can she live with is lies?<br />I found this book to be consuming and the characters grow and you follow then hoping that they finally get their happy ever after. The storyline evolves and has many twists and turns. If you like second chance romance, with a hint of dark, mafia and some erotic themes then this is certainly the story for you. <br />
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Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I always devour any book that this author creates and writes. I especially loved this one. Great start to a new series, with characters that really make the story come to life, and make you unable to put the book down!
Loved this story. I felt for Katrina and I really loved how relatable the author had made her be. Chase was different but in a seductive and powerful way. Their time together really made my dear kindle sweat in anticipation. I loved how perfectly they fit together, and then again they did not. The past has a way of haunting us, and that is what made this book what it is. I loved how the author wrote them so deeply, and how the past really influenced them in the present. The book was a thrilling, deep, and seductive read for me. I could not out this one down Love the author’s writing style! I especially loved this book!
I can not say enough good things about this author and the book, and the series it is a part of. For sure a must read, and a very high must read on my list. The author, book, and series are not ones to pass up!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled into this great mafia read right from the start.
Evelyn and Damien have a history. And of course Damien broke Evelyn’s heart.
When they see each other again the sparks fly, Damien tries to keep his distance but the attraction is just too hard to fight. Will he be able to protect her from his dangerous world?
Overall I really enjoyed this read. We get action, steaminess, and so much more is this read.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, they added a great element to the story. If you like Second chance, Mafia reads that will have you on the edge of your seat this is the one for you. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Books that immediately pull me in are always ones I remember most. This did exactly that from start to finish I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Evie and Damian were characters that you want only happiness for like you root for them the entire story. Each one having a different story to tell while also having their story to tell. Each character was well developed and easy to connect with. While the storyline kept getting better with each page. I’m so glad I found this book and definitely will be Adding it to my read again list. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been a hardcore mafia romance reader for a while now, and this book is for sure on the list of mafia romances that I love. It’s more action than romance, which honestly I liked a lot. Most of the time it’s a pretty even mix, but this one is a little more lowkey as far as the spicier scenes. The intro for this book hit me like a ton of bricks. It for sure captured my attention and the author kept that attention throughout the whole book. I’m for sure going to be picking up the next book, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am not a fan of mafia romance but I enjoyed this. There were great scenes (especially the staircase) as well as a good flow. The characters were well developed. I am glad that I picked this up. I really like this author a lot and look forward to reading more.
Beast.
That’s what they call me.
I can’t blame them.
My face half-eaten by a dog, the hideous scars make people gasp and turn away.
Except for her.
Annika Popov. A sheltered Bratva princess who has never seen me.
I’d like to keep it that way.
A glorified thug and interrogator, I work for her family. Doing despicable things. Luckily, my ugly face does most of my work.
Annika is off-limits. The boss’s daughter. She doesn’t know I watch her secretly. Or that I weave fantasies around her. I know I can never act on them.
When Annika’s life is threatened, her father gives me an unexpected task: take her to the lake house and protect her at all costs.
I take my job very seriously.
I am her elusive protector, staying in the shadows.
Until her curiosity brings her closer.
Suddenly, Annika sees the Beast.
But I’m no threat to her.
She has no idea what is hunting her.
Or that the true beast is closing in.
And I’m all that stands between her and danger.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evelyn Sheridan has finally found the boy of her dreams. Damian Barrett is the boy she is tutoring, but these two are also secretly falling for each other. However, in the darkness of night, something happens and Damian and his family leave town to never before be seen again. However, more than a decade later, Damian shows back up in Evelyn’s hometown of Dallas with a new identity. When these two reunite what will happen? What about all the secrecy that the both have been keeping? Where has Damian been for the last 13 years? This is one story you will want to read to find out.
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a great read. I absolutely love a good mafia romance. This book did not disappoint. This story is full of danger, suspense, romance, great characters, and had me completely enthralled. I had a hard time putting this book down because I became completely enthralled in the story. I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed everything I have read. This is a great start to this series and I can’t wait to read what’s next. I highly recommend this book.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good enemies to lovers story, and this one is no exception! I love every book I’ve read by Anise Storm and cannot wait to read the rest of this series! Damian and Evie were so well written, I couldn’t put this book down. These two definitely have a captivating and intense love story.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t get enough of this book or the characters. It invoked all the feels, and had me literally yearning for a happy ending! I was hooked and read the whole thing in one sitting. The authors took second chance romance and reinvented it. It was devastatingly beautiful and so well written. The characters became real and the story was full of hope and hurt. Couldn’t reccommend enough!
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Jessica Stone
This is a deliciously dark, enemies to lovers, mafia romance that I promise will make your toes curl with all the sexual tension.
Salvatore Larussio’s life just got a whole lot more interesting, due to some unfortunate circumstances Salvatore’s (or sal as his family call him) cousin steps down and next in line to become head of the family “business” putting sal in line for the thrown. But with great power comes great responsibility and a turf war the likes of which we’ve never seen.
Natasha, is a bold, feisty, smart beautiful woman and doctor who’s recently taken a position as running a clinic in the Larussio’s casino, but what no one knows is the job isn’t what brought Natasha, it was a long held vendetta against the Larussio’s.
Will Natasha get her revenge before she falls pray to the dark eyes and smoldering look of her new boss.
Will Sal come out on top of these mafia wars and secure his territory and the safety of his family, or will the both fall together.
All and all a splendid read, I love the premise of the story, it was a mafia romance but with a twist, very refreshing and fun to read something outside of the norm. I’m a big enemies to love fan so this book hit the sweet spot, the relationship between the two main characters is an emotional, sexually charged rollercoaster in my opinion.
Natasha is a take no crap, knows her worth, get things done type of girl which is one of the things that cause her to clash heads with Sal so much.
Sal is your typical baddie, he knows he’s smoking hot, rich, powerful, all the things a mafia romance mc should be, so throwing a hard headed woman, who questions his every command and tests his every limit is *chef’s kiss* EVERYTHING.
I’m pretty excited to read not just more from this series but the author, the story was immaculate, the world and character building was well thought out and the spice was juuust right.
Who’s ready to see which Larusso man is next to meet his match?? This girl!
Boss’s Vendetta, Sicilian Gods Series, Via Mari, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Mafia, Romantic Suspense, Jessica Stone, October 2022
Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved these books!
#7:
I don’t understand how these books keep getting better & better. Everything single time a new one comes out, sign me up! While there are slight similarities between the books for obvious reasons, each and every book is different. Different situations and life stories. I don’t know how she does it. Literally 🤯 = me. All I truly know is that in previous books we have seen glimpses of Nico & Mia, and we don’t really know who either of them are. Nico we’ve seen a bit more, but I like that they both flourish and develop naturally in this book. I truly hope this isn’t the end of the road! Maybe some sequels or spin offs of the current Chicago families would be nice. However honestly anything Amy McKinley writes will be amazing!
#6:
I don’t understand how these books keep getting better & better. Everything single time a new one comes out, sign me up! While there are slight similarities between the books for obvious reasons, each and every book is different. Different situations and life stories. I don’t know how she does it. Literally 🤯 = me. All I truly know is that in previous books we have seen glimpses of Nico & Mia, and we don’t really know who either of them are. Nico we’ve seen a bit more, but I like that they both flourish and develop naturally in this book. I truly hope this isn’t the end of the road! Maybe some sequels or spin offs of the current Chicago families would be nice. However honestly anything Amy McKinley writes will be amazing!
#5:
A great story of the underdogs finding their way survive and come up on top! I loved that aspect of this book. It was refreshing! What starts off as a whoopsie, ends up being one of the best decisions Summer & Luc make! It starts their angsty and steamy roller coaster of a ride. In the beginning there’s tons of mistrust and secrets, but with time they see the truth and gain trust. Many curveballs and surprising moments. In the end everything happens to a reason and everything plays out as it should. Summer is welcomed with the wives & family and clicks with them instantly like she meant for that life all along!
4:
What did I think? This was a steaamyyy savage love affair!
Firstly the glossary of who’s who on the first page… chefs kisses! I have not read any of the previous books and was worried I would be lost but luckily wasn’t! I loved that you get both perspectives of the main characters POV. This made it easy to follow, and loved to see how they both were truly feeling. I like that we got to be in both of their heads! This book was filled with hellaaa spicy moments, lotsss and lotsss of plot twists, and roller coaster moments. It had me on the edge of my seat and with the popcorn ready! I could not put this book down to save my life!
Overall a really great read, and I can’t wait to read more in this series!!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Evelyn Sheridan was happy to tutor Damien Barrett in high school. She wanted nothing more than to be with Damien. Without warning Damien is whisked out of her life without; leaving her broken-hearted, and Damien hurt and angry.
Years later, Damien Barrett, now Damien Solito has something to finish. His undercover life in the mafia is turned upside down when a chance encounter puts Evelyn back into his life. Damien knows rejecting her would be for the best. Evelyn who’s stubbornness could bring her more harm than good, knows that she belongs to Damien at any cost.
This book is about second chances. It’s full of action and suspense, as well as steamy romance and love.
The question is: will they reunite or go their own ways?
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Read this if you:
*Enjoy steamy second chance mafia romance
*Believe in living each day as if its your last
*Adore a journey of finding happiness between two broken souls
Meet the Authors: Anise Storm is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and dark romance. She is married with children, has a love for football, shoes, and tall dark heroes. When not spending time with family or traveling, she can be found either curled up with a good book or writing.
Taylor Ray writes funny, flirty, and moderate dirty romances, ranging from dark romance to contemporary. She earned her Bachelor’s in Radio/TV/Film and held down three jobs before becoming a single parent. She currently resides in Dallas where she enjoys patio dining, live music, and being ruled by a feline overlord.
Synopsis: “In a world of lies, one truth will remain. When I was left to drown underwater, you were the air that kept me breathing.” 17 year old Evelyn has no idea her father has paid Damian to go far far away and stay away from his daughter. Tutoring Damian had turned into so much more. When he left, Evelyn thought she did something wrong, she was heartbroken. 13 years later, Damien sneaks back into her life when he is given a work assignment in Texas. Can they pick up where they left off? Or are there too many secrets standing in the way?
Reader’s Thoughts: Breathe Underwater was full of angst, suspense, pain, healing, and love. The obstacles and challenges Evelyn and Damian experience in this novel are so down to earth and open your eyes to true struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed Evelyn’s character, she was so stubborn and brave but reckless at times. Damian was courageous in his want to guard Evelyn. It drove me crazy that he kept pushing her away but he felt this was the only way he knew how to protect her. If I could change anything about this novel it would be the length and streamlining the plot throughout. I felt at times some scenes were very drawn out with word and information overload whereas other parts were rushed, lacked detail and left you with many questions. Overall this novel had amazing character development. The chemistry between the two main characters was intriguing and the push and pull of the two really added to the story line. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a friend!
Trigger Warnings: This book contains scenes of dark subject matter including flashbacks of abuse. It also contains graphic violence-both sexual and physical.
Available now in Paperback and eBook.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️
Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Engaging and intense
This is the first book in the Sicilian Gods series and it is a very strong start. The book has depth in characterisation, an intriguing plot and intensity that took my breath away. Salvatore is a dark and fierce alpha male and Adrianna is far from a wilted flower. These two create fireworks and have a chemistry that just melts the pages. There is so much between the pages from mafia politics, revenge, gun fights to drama and an unavoidable romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to secure book 2.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was a fantastic read with great characters. You will fall in love and hate some of the characters. Was hard to put this book down once I started into it.
This book follows the story of Damien and Evelyn. Damien was the bad boy in high school. In contrast, Evelyn was an intelligent good girl from a good family. Damien left the city and Evelyn many years ago but work brings him back into her life. They both changed a lot in their years apart but what happens when you run into someone from your past?
Can past misunderstandings and mistakes be worked out? Do you ever truly forget your first crush? How long can a secret remain a secret? Read this amazing book to find out.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031916-boss-s-vendetta” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661010874l/62031916._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031916-boss-s-vendetta”>Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5047255831″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If you like your mafia family deep and devoted with slightly convoluted family members, from the old school to the new Don and the backstabbing other members, the Boss deep and dark and your heroine with a past then this is the book to read.<br />We follow the Larussio crime family as they set up their extended business in Vegas. Kidnappings, shootings and underground hideouts are all deeply seated in this world that hooks you and takes you deeper into the mafia network.<br />Adrianna Palento starts working as the Doctor at the new complex built by the Larussio’s on the strip, she is Doctor at the Emergency Care Unit for the hotel, and on call for the members of the family should they need attention. And the family members need more than most. The Doctor has a secret , one that she needs to keep especially from the family. This is not easy especially when you are thrown into a safe house facility with the high ranking members of the family after a dramatic shootout. <br />Salvatore is groomed to take over the family when the time comes; his family and cousins are mostly behind him. After the attack throws him into close quarters with the Doctor, and her secrets, how can he keep her alive, especially as his interest in her becomes all consuming? <br />The family, their business partners and their love lives are brought together in a well written story that keeps you wanting to come back for more. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how the characters continue to grow.<br />
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Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adrianna is a doctor working at a hotel in Vegas. The hotel happens to be owned by the Sicilian Mafia. While there, she is trying to find out who murdered her father.
Salvatore is handed the position of don in the same mafia. He runs the hotel and uses Adrianna to fix his men up after an altercation. Once he has met her, he cannot get her out of his mind but her secrets may ruin any desire he has for her.
Opinion
Mari knows how to spin a tale and leave the reader breathless for more. This book, the first in the series, had me reading when I should have been otherwise occupied. I just could not put this book down. If the rest of this series is anything like the beginning, readers will be running to get the newest books.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another amazing read from Anise Storm! I have never read anything by Taylor L Ray but I thought the writing styles seamlessly blended together. I love the second chance romance troupe and was routing for Evelyn and Damian from the first page. I loved the fast-paced and steam. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
