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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets:
There’s always been a pull between Elena and Marco. However, she has to go into hiding from the Russian mafia; leaving everyone behind thinking that she is dead. Marco finds out she’s alive and goes to retrieve her before the Russians can find her. To give her added protection, he marries her. As the heat on Elena ramps up, will they be able to find out why the Russians want her so bad? Can Marco protect her from them, if he finds out?

Ruthless Heir:
Luc doesn’t know that he is in line to be the next Brambilla BOSS. He also didn’t realize that his one-night stand, Summer, is his new executive assistant. When his accounts are drained and Summer looks guilty, he THINKS he knows what’s happening. Little does he know that he has inherited loads of money and found the one for whom he was made. But there is something else going on entirely with Summer. Can he crack her defenses and learn how he can best protect her in time? Can he convince her that he is worth her trust in time?

Collateral Damage:
Trey is the doctor in the Mafia Elite house. He works himself hard because of the guilt he carries over the untimely death of his late girlfriend. He knows it happened because of her association with him and his family and he can’t seem to forgive himself. At a hospital function, Hailey catches his eye. She is someone he could see himself with but balks at pushing it farther because of his last girlfriend. When Hailey is kidnapped out in front of the hospital and a ransom is asked for her return, Trey is asked to find her because of his Mafia ties. He has every intention of finding her and returning her. However, things go awry when not all is as it seems! Can he save the girl and protect his heart? Or will he lose his heart and possibly the girl?

Rivals:
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 series is AMAZIING!! I have loved each book. The way the author writes about these people, it seems like they are very real, and their lives could be playing out right before my eyes. The relationships, the love, and their commitment they all have with each other, and their families are how I feel life should be. Pick this series up… you will not regret it!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Katie Matthews

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this title of this story pretty much sums up how I feel about this book – I honestly felt like I was trying to breathe underwater whilst reading it. The two authors did a great job with this story, the transition between the two writers was seamless and it was hard to tell that it was not written by just one person, their writing styles gelled really well and the story was really easy to read. I’ll admit at times there was a lot of story going on and I skimmed over a few parts but I still really enjoyed what I read. The characters Damian and Evelyn were great to read about and I am a sucker for a second chance romance and actually what I got was so much more than that. The authors threw in some great twists and turns which meant my interest was kept from beginning to end.
Overall a great read and one that I would highly recommend.

@katiem
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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Katie Matthews

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Boss's Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVE it when this author comes out with a new book but this time it’s a whole new series and I couldn’t be more excited! I loved this book so much – it was a fantastic read from beginning to end. I loved mafia romance reads especially with a bit of darkness thrown in and this is exactly what I got from this book. Salvatore and Adrianna were fantastic to read about. I’ll admit whilst I found Salvatore to be the hot and powerful don it was Adrianna who I loved – she was so strong willed and it was refreshing to read the female lead who is as strong as she was. I loved seeing their relationship develop, they definitely had the spark there between them from the very beginning!
I loved this story and I’m so excited for more to come from this series!

@katiem
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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Lape

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are into Mafia thrillers, this book is for you! When I picked up this book, I was unaware that it was part of a series, but the author gave enough background that this book can be read as a stand-alone book. The series of books follow The Five Families of Chicago’s mafia. Each book follows a different member from the Capo to the lowest man in the family. Each book picks up where the last one left off just following the next person’s story. The author’s attention to detail in connecting each book, yet each book centering on different family members, keeps me coming back for the next book. I would not suggest reading this or any of the books in this series as a standalone because each book adds to the bigger picture and will have you hooked on the edge of your seat I am a new fan of these thrilling, on-the-edge-of-your-seat mafia books!
This series has become one of my favorite Mafia series. The author gets you hooked from the first chapter. A must-read series and a must-read author!! I have a feeling this is not the end of the storyline!!

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Reviewed @Ashley Lape

Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Michelle Marlow

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a second chance Dark Romance about Evelyn and Damien. Before you dive into this and read it in about a day like I did, PLEASE check the trigger warnings. There are some dark topics touched on and talked about in this book.

That being said I absolutely loved this. The passion, the lust, the angst and just the overall emotion tied to it. Even, if there is a judgemental cat named Max judging us at every possible moment, this story is well put together. After years of thinking the other couldn’t stand each other they’re face to face once again. And from there the rest is a passion and lust filled emotional ride. I cannot wait to physically own this so I can annotate in it and take down the quotes not just on my kindle.

If you are debating picking this up, don’t! Just pick it up is so worth it.
Review by @michellerenee6590

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Megan Conley

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets: I swear! The books in this series just get better and better! McKinley does it again with a deeper look into two lesser known characters. I absolutely love the way she develops her characters and she doesn’t disappoint with Elena and Marco. These two have a complicated relationship to say the least. Elena was promised to another mafia boss through an arranged marriage, but her “death,” and a few other factors, lead to that be voided, and Marco couldn’t be happier. Elena, however, has mixed feelings about not only her own feelings towards Marco, but his feelings towards her. I absolutely love seeing these two characters develop over the course of this book.

This book is action-packed and filled with suspense. There are so many twists and turns that you’ll forget which way you are going. While I did see some of the twists coming, there are others that completely blindside you! McKinley does answer quite a few questions leftover from the previous books so a lot of loose ends are tied up. This one really grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the end. And we can’t forget the spicy parts! I love the way Marco and Elena are so cautious in their feelings toward each other because it just builds and builds!

As always, I recommend reading the books in order. As a reader, you just get so much more and can appreciate what McKinley does not only with her characters, but also with the plot. Wonderfully written! Honestly one of my favorite series!

Ruthless Heir: Another great installment to the series! I absolutely love the way McKinley develops her characters. They are so well-rounded and she doesn’t play into the stereotypical role of women. I must say that I am missing some of the characters we’ve grown to know and love, but that’s only because I still want to know what’s going on with them! But McKinley doesn’t disappoint with her characters. I love the way Luc and Summer’s story evolves throughout the novel.
McKinley does an awesome job of driving the plot forward without rushing the development of the characters or timeline. And her *spicy* scenes are perfect! There is just enough of them to entertain without being gratuitous. I absolutely love this author! I can’t wait for the next installment to the series!

Collateral Damage: I absolutely love this series by Amy McKinley and (I know I’ve said it before) but this was the best yet! I love the intertwining of all of the characters and their lives and how we never really “lose” any characters once their book is done because they will always show up in another one, one way or another. I love McKinley’s character building and her plot development. She really takes her time building and sculpting her characters, individually and as a couple. The way McKinley moves her plot throughout the novel is just *chef’s kiss*. I don’t feel like the plot is ever stagnant or that McKinley rushes anything. It’s really a perfect pace.
Trey has to be my favorite of the Mafia guys. He’s just so sweet and wholesome (not my typical type) and has a really good heart. While he doesn’t play a full-time role in the Five Families, his role as physician/surgeon is just as integral. He also doesn’t flaunt his connections around, but uses them wisely and discretely. He is still grieving the loss of his girlfriend and has push Hailey away previously. But when she’s in trouble and Trey is asked to help, he can’t help feeling drawn to her once again.
Hailey is no stranger to tragedy and grief. She lost her sister and her father in a tragic accident. Hailey’s mother has remarried and pushed Hailey to the side leaving Hailey to deal with everything on her own. Hailey has been pining after Trey ever since they first met at a gala and they danced the night away. She’s friends with Sofia, Trey’s sister, but has never had the courage to ask her to set them up.
Once Hailey and Trey meet again (cue second chance) the passion and sparks fly. The sexual tension is there; however, it’s pretty PG throughout the book…but hey…we can use our imaginations, right? There are twists and turns you won’t see coming and your heart may break a time or two, but it’s definitely worth it.
I cannot wait for the next (and final?) book in this series to come out. While you can read each one as a standalone, I really recommend reading in order to get the most out of it. You really get a sense of the characters and the family dynamics. But either way…JUST READ THEM!!

Rivals: Amy McKinley has done it again! I know I say this with every book in this series, but this is the best one yet! I cannot believe this is the last one! As always, you can read this as a standalone; however, I would recommend reading the entire series, in order, as you will get the best understanding of the plot line and all of the characters. You will also understand all of the little nuances and seemingly “minor” details better if you read the prior books.
The heat between Mia and Nico is electric *wink, wink* from the first time they meet and only continues throughout their story. With Mia on the run from her horrible family, the only person who can protect her is Nico and the only way he can truly protect her is to marry her. So Mia risks it all and seeks him out, offering to take down her family if he’ll change her last name. Can they trust each other enough to do this? Or will both of their pasts interfere and ruin everything? McKinley definitely saved the best for last with Mia and Nico’s story. I absolutely love how they are both guarded but they bring that guard down for each other. I think their story is my favorite.
I love the way McKinley writes her characters, especially her female characters. They are completely capable of standing up for themselves and getting themselves out of precarious situations. They also stand with the guys during the tough times and are forces to be reckoned with. They are badasses. This has been an amazing series! It’s a definite must-read!

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I know what kind of story that I am in for. One that is hard to put down and will heat up the pages. This book is no different. It is a well written story that has characters that made me feel as if I was part of the story. I had no problem relating to them. They pulled me into the story with ease and had me coming back for more. This is a fast paced story where Damien and Evelyn had a past and now there is a chance that they just might be their present. They have great growth and chemistry. They made the story for me and were my favorite characters. I really enjoyed reading this story which I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 (Mafia Elite Series Books #4 – 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Angela Hayes

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two

Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

Mafia Elite Box Set Volume Two contains Books 4 – 7 in the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. This rounds out the series, so if you have yet to read the first three books, or Volume One Box Set, then I highly recommend that you do before starting this, Volume two. Yes, the books could be read as standalones, but together they provide a richer reading experience, as well as painting a larger picture, one you won’t want to miss.
This is such a stellar series- which just gets better and better with each new instalment, and I really am hard-pressed to choose a favourite from amongst them all because they are all so brilliant!
The series, and this box set, brings fantastic mafia romance- romantic suspense at its best, with plenty of action, danger, drama, intrigue, mafia politics, chemistry, passion, steam, tension, emotion, hidden agendas, dramatic developments, and so, so much more.
What are you waiting for? Grab yourself a copy and dive in…. you won’t be disappointed!

The Box Set contains:

Savage Secrets (Book #4):
Marco had thought his love died years ago. But he is about to discover that isn’t the case when he’s approached with an arranged marriage deal. Danger is circling and she needs his help if she is to cheat death for real. GAH!!!! Love Marco and Elena. Love this series so hard. One of my favourites. Each book just gets better and better! Highly recommended.

Ruthless Heir (Book 5):
Here we get his is Luc and Summer’s story- and WOW, Ms. McKinley certainly didn’t hold back with this story, keeping me on edge and completely invested in the characters and the story, right from the very beginning. I didn’t come up for air until I had devoured every word. I loved all the interconnected details, secrets, tension, danger, and intriguing threads that Ms. McKinley is weaving through her stories, and series. It makes for riveting reading. I am completely addicted, and I can’t wait for my next fix!!!

Collateral Damage (Book #6):
I was so excited that we finally get Trey’s story. And what a story it is… WOW! Another fantastic addition to the series, and it’s getting harder and harder for me to choose a favourite because they are all sooooo good. We have met Trey previously through the series, as he is Sofia (Book #2) and Marco’s (Book #4) brother. His family is ‘the mafia’. But Trey isn’t really involved in the family business on a day-to-day level as he is a doctor working in a local hospital. But that’s not to say he doesn’t ‘contribute’ when needed. Trey is called on to help out on a kidnapping – and becomes more tangled in the situation than he desired. Especially since he and the kidnapping victim have some pre-existing chemistry. Queue the sparks and sizzle. But danger lurks and things are not quite what they may seem. What happens makes for an exciting read.

Rivals (Book #7):
This is Mia and Nico’s story- and wow, you’d better buckle yourself in for this one. When Mia needs help, she turns to Nico for help… Nico is intrigued as she’s the ‘enemy’. There’s far more than their hearts at stake, and you know what they say about ‘no good deed goes unpunished’- so what happens here makes for quite a riveting read. You won’t want to miss this exciting story… but be prepared to develop a taste for Ms. McKinley’s stories. One book won’t be enough.

Seriously, if you love mafia romance, and/or romantic suspense, then you definitely won’t want to miss this exciting story/series!!!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Amy McKinley!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Jules Herbert

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow wow wow!!! This amazing author continually brings us totally captivating stories that always have me on the edge of my seat from the first word to the very last!!! With every book that I read in this amazing series I read faster than I would usually simply because I have to know what is going to happen next. I just can’t put them down!! While these can all be brought and read individually why would you do that when you can read them all!! I highly recommend reading the whole series from the very start not only because they are so worth it but also because it will give you valuable knowledge of all the characters and the series of events that lead to this point.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Jules Herbert

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evie and Damian are wonderful characters who have a deeper connection than you first expect, combine that with an enthralling storyline where something is always happening and some great steamy moments and in my opinion you definitely have a great book! To put it simply, this wonderful author just never disappoints so do yourself a favour and start reading today!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read many books by Anise Storm and when I saw that this was her next book that was coming out, it was a no brainer that I would want to read this book. I was NOT disappointed it! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first sentence to the very last. The book revolves around Evelyn, a girl who in her teens was tutoring a troubled teen and in the course of that fell in love with him and when he left was severely heartbroken. It also revolves around a Damian, who has grown up on the wrong sides of the tracks, who has had a severely troubled life who cannot seem to get Evelyn out of his head. When these two reconnect, there are sparks flying! I was reading so fast as I needed to know what happened next! If you want/need a great mafia, dark romance then this is the story for you!!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you haven’t read the 1st boxset you definitely need to read that with Mafia Elite Boxset Volume 2. There are 7 books total and though you could essentially read them all as standalone, you want to read them in succession. It will help make all the references outside of each books primary couple make more sense.
It’s a Italian mafia book, which means the families are all connected. The difference is typically it NY based(fact or fiction) and these books bring to you the 5 families in Chicago who seem to supersede the NY families.
If you like action, romance, a slight mystery when asking why something is happening. These books are for you. This author has written 7 wonderful books and this set is books 4-7. The webs that are woven and the tails that are told are soooooooo worth it. She’s definitely one of my favorite authors now after this series!

@placexba

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Angela Hayes

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm and Taylor L. Ray packs quite an emotional punch. It is an intriguing second chance romantic suspense- a mafia romance with a bit of a twist and plenty of danger, mystery, suspense, action, chemistry, red-hot sizzle, push-pull, angst, and a complex, layered storyline.
I don’t want to go into this story too much, as I don’t want to spoil it for you. I’ll just say that not everything is as it seems, and there’s more going on than first appears. I loved the ‘twist’ to the story- I though that was a great touch and added an extra element of interest to the whole thing, for me. The character’s past history added some angst and emotion to the story as well. And I also loved that there was more than one source of danger- which kept the tension dialed up to high.
I hope that the authors are setting things up for a series… hint, hint. As I felt there was ‘room’ here to add more instalments. We will have to wait and see.
There was a lot going on here though, with a lot of information being delivered, so at times I did feel like the story bogged down with the ‘info dumps’. Then at other times, the story seemed to be rushed, and skate over things that I though needed more attention. But these issues weren’t enough to detract to much from the story and I look forward to seeing if this is just the groundwork for a new series.
Happy Reading,

Thank you, Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Just Wow! Despite the darkness in Breathe Underwater, I absolutely loved it! The authors put together a wonderfully written meaty story that keeps on enraptured till the end. I’m familiar with the one author which is what drew me to this book in the first place. I thoroughly enjoy their work. However the combination of unfamiliar author and familiar was pleasantly surprising.
This book has some dark trigger warning themes. Has a brave/strong female lead character.
It also has a male lead who is so ingrained in what he’s doing that lines start to cross.
So what happens when those two characters were sweet on each other as teens and now 13 years later are back in each other’s lives?
Evelyn and Damian were the two that never should fit, but they did and it was a perfect match. Till Evelyn’s dad got involved and upended their lives. Telling lies on both accounts, each thinking they were abandoned by the other.
13 years later they are now forbidden fruit. They know they shouldn’t but can’t resist. Damian tries to warn Evelyn away but she doesn listen. Evelyn knows better but keeps following her heart.
Do they stay apart or make it work?
Does Damian’s shady/secretive lifestyle get in the way?
What about Evelyn’s dad?
Trust me when I say if you like either of these authors you are going to want to read this book. If you are not familiar with them, now is your time to discover why they will be your new favorites!

@placexba

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Rachel Moss

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great boxset! These books and this whole series is awesome. If you enjoyed the first boxset (or even the first book) you should definitely grab this one too. It continues the family stories, but they can be read as standalones as well. But it definitely works best if you start with book one and continue from there. This author never disappoints so if you haven’t checked these out yet you must definitely should!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Katie Kearney

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Each of these books is going to keep you on the edge of your seat. This author just knows how to keep readers hooked from start to finish. With a storyline that just keeps giving and characters that are so easy to connect with you won’t be able to put it down.I love box sets, they make it so easy to read all the books back to back and trust me you will be hooked enough to do just that. Each story will have you wanting more! Do yourself a favor and get this box set! This author will quickly become a favorite I promise you. Five stars all the way!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62596532-mafia-elite-box-set” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663234074l/62596532._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62596532-mafia-elite-box-set”>Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14257449.Amy_McKinley”>Amy McKinley</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5030799855″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was such a great series from start to finish. Once you’re introduced to a character you start to wonder whether the author has a story to tell about them. The author did not disappoint! I loved the family bond between everyone as well. Every story had it’s unique set of circumstances and obstacles for the characters to over come, but they were all also interwoven in such a way that it was easy to follow along. If you want to dig into some great books and have time to binge read I highly recommend this series.
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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great box set collection that contains four of the Mafia Elite series books. Each story is well written and has characters that bring the stories to life. They are connectable, engaging and steamy characters that you won’t soon forget. They pull you into their stories from the start and their twists and turns have you coming back for more. This author uses her writing skills to make the stories realistic. I had no problem picturing myself in the story and neither will you. They are fast paced, hard to put down stories that have such great growth and chemistry. This is a great boxset and I highly recommend it

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Review by @bjwagner

Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The action continues in this second boxed set about Chicago’s hottest mobsters. Continuing with Marco La Rosa finding out the only woman he ever loved and thought dead is very much alive and hiding out with a contract on her head. The rest of the La Rosa family is featured in this boxed set. These books are action packed, both figuratively and romantically. I always enjoy books by this author. This set is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic Box Set!! I would recommend reading this series in order as the author weaves all the characters into each book….

Savage Secrets Book 4 – I love how the author weaves in each character all the way from the beginning of book one and into this book of Marco and Elena. I feel so invested and part of each “family”. If you love a fantastic mafia romance book with secrets, agenda and some sizzling moments this is for you! Truly recommended and another 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 star book!

Ruthless Heir Book 5 – I love the chemistry between Luc and Summer in this book. I love a strong female character and Summer’s character was totally fantastic! Summer is on the run, trying to escape her roommate’s boyfriend, Ben. Summer ends up fleeing to Chicago, and ends up meeting up with Luc for a night of fun. Luc, whom is a very successful businessman but finds out he is the head of the Brambilla mafia family. Little did Summer know that who her new boss is at her job…ends up being Luc. There are plenty of twist and turns in this story along with secrets and danger. Will Luc protect Summer from what is to come? Definitely read and find out!!

Collateral Damage Book 6 – This story of Trey and Hailey I loved, and I couldn’t put the book down from beginning to end. Trey is not only part of the mafia, he is a brilliant surgeon as well. His thoughts consumed by the death of his girlfriend and feels like no one else can break down his walls, until he meets Hailey. Things get a bit out of control when Hailey is kidnapped and Trey will do anything to get Hailey back. As you read more, there is danger, intrigue, lies, blackmail and all wrapped up into some great twists I did not see coming!

Rivals Book 7 – This book of Nico and Mia is fantastic fantastic fantastic!!
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? Intrigue, deceit, trust but the spark and sizzle that goes along with Nico and Mia was perfect!

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.

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Baker

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets
Yet again this author has produced a fantastic story that pulled me in right from the start. I never hesitate when it comes to this author, I just pick the book up and start reading. For me this book highlights exactly why. It was exciting to read with such interesting characters right at it’s centre. I was hooked on their story and really felt like I was taken on their journey.
This whole series has been amazing so far and with each book it just keeps getting better. I cannot wait to see what will be next.
Ruthless Heir
I honestly cannot ever get enough of this author. Every book she writes just seems so effortless and flawless. This book is exactly why. It is exciting and fast paced and full of off the charts chemistry. From the first page I knew this book was going to be amazing. The characters were so engaging. I felt the chemistry between them so vividly, it coloured every single interaction.
The writing was so captivating. The author really knows how to grab your attention and not let go. This is such an incredible series that just gets better with each book and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Collateral damage
I was so excited to get my hands on this book. This has been an amazing series so far and I always love picking up the next instalment. The book is just as gripping as the rest have been. I could not put it down once I had started reading and finished it in a single sitting. I had been looking forward to this story and the characters and it definitely did not disappoint. I cannot recommend this book, series or author highly enough.

Rivals
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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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Bethany Leigh Rucker

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets (Book 4): When I first started reading this series, I couldn’t wait to hear Elena’s story. I knew from the beginning that it was going to be a good one. I have to say that it did not disappoint. Elana and Marco were childhood friends that cared about each other, but that turned to enemies when they were teenagers. Now circumstances have changed, and they end up in a marriage contract that is necessary to prefect Elena’s life. The question becomes will their secrets tear them apart, or will they trust each other enough, so that they both can survive.

Ruthless Heir (Book 5): Summer is on the run from the mafia after her best friend was murdered. Luc has worked hard for everything that he has required in his life and businesses, but when Luc buys the company that Summer is working at, he ends up thinking that she is a mole. He can see that she is hiding something from him. When Luc finds out that he is the heir of one of the top mafia families, will it ruin everything he worked so hard for? How will Summer react, and will she be able to trust him to keep her safe?

Collateral Damage (Book 6): I have been following this series since the beginning, and while I am dreading that we are running out of mafia men. I know it will be coming to an end soon, and this saddens me! While I have my “favorite” characters there has not been one bad book in this series, I have loved every single one of them. This book follows the story of Trey La Rosa and Hailey Carmichael. I have wanted to read Trey’s story from the beginning, and I was not disappointed. Hailey comes from an affluent family and feels used by most people because of it. She has also had a hard time after losing her father and sister in a car accident years earlier. Trey is an amazing surgeon who tries to maintain the mafia life and gets experience working in surgery so that he is ready if his family ever needs him. You won’t want to miss this book, especially if you have been following this series.

Rivals (Book 7): Nicco and Mia are both a part of the Italian American Mafia in the United States. Nicco is an underboss in Chicago, and Mia’s family is from New York. Mia has learned about Nicco’s and his family’s lives through her mafia studies in New York. When Mia’s mom dies, she realizes that she needs to protect herself, so she makes a plan. Her plan involves taking down her own family for their crimes, but can she get the help and protection she needs from Nicco and his family?

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two collects books four to seven of this fantastic series! I would recommend reading the series in order, so if you haven’t already read the first three you’ll want to start with the Volume One box set!
These are fantastic books – I gave them each five stars when I read them separately and it’s so handy to have them together in one volume! Whenever I got to the end of one book I couldn’t wait to start on the next one – with this collection you can simply turn the page and keep going!
In Savage Secrets we finally catch up with Elena, who most characters have believed to be dead. There’s some mysteries to solve about her birth mother, as well as the usual action and romance! Ruthless Heir brings Luc, who was previously unaware of the Chicago Mafia’s existence, into the picture to fill his rightful place. And he drags Summer into it, who knows plenty about the Mafia and has good reason for wanting nothing to do with them. Next is Collateral Damage, which gave me the Trey-focused story I’d been impatiently waiting for! It was great to see the mafia surgeon finally in the limelight. Rounding off this collection is Rivals, where New York Mafia princess Mia turns to Nico for protection. This of course ramps up tension between the families, and I really enjoy the warmth as Mia discovers that not all families are like hers.
This box set gets five stars from me (or twenty, if you add up each book!). I’d recommend the series to fans of action and romance with interesting, complex characters. And you should definitely start with Volume One before getting into this second collection!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the final books in the Mafia Elite Series. It is the conclusion of everything the author has been building up for. With all of these books you get amazing characters and scenes with so many details that you feel like you are living the situations with the characters. These books make you not want to do anything else but read them. You will get swept away with the mystery, adventure, and steamy love that happens with the characters. I highly recommend that you read Volume 1 first, so you have an understanding of the characters that you will be meeting in these books. You will want to know the background of the people you are going to fall in love with. The strong female leads in these books will satisfy your inner feminist and the broody hot alpha males will appeal to your inner hopeless romanticism. It is literally the best of both worlds. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat and feeling all the emotions that these charters will go through. You will need tissues for the tears, need to scream with the anger, need to gasp with the revelations, and most importantly you will feel included. It is easy to feel like these characters are your friends and honestly I came away from reading this series feeling like I was part of the mafia. That is how you know these are amazing books. This is a definite must read of the year!!!

Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Amanda Glaspie

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mafia Elite series is one that cannot be out down. Volume two continues an absolutely amazing series. Each book continues to build on itself but can be read alone, but you won’t want to. The romance, action, and excitement can’t be beat. You’ll want to keep reading more and more. Highly recommend!

Savage Secrets
The fourth installment doesn’t disappoint with the introduction of Elena and Marco. We instantly fall in love with these two new characters. Even as they fight their chemistry, you can feel it in their body language. This installment brings a new mix of twists and turns that keeps you wondering what is next.

Ruthless Heir
Another fantastic installment in the series. I loved the outside looking in feel of this book and the introduction of two new characters. Luc and Summer, a classic enemy turned to love story. These two fit perfectly with the current mafia bosses and wives. Once again, you can feel the love and pain that each of these characters feel. I connected to Luc and Summer more than the previous characters as they were not born into the Mafia. I really enjoyed this book in the series and am intrigued to find out what comes next.

Collateral Damage
Book six in the series did not disappoint. This was another action packed read that kept you on yours toes. A fast read makes it easy to read in one day, which is good because you will not to put it down. This book we meet Trey, sibling number three of the De Larosa family and the family doctor. He is hired by Allen, who is the director of the hospital, to find his abducted step-daughter Hailey. Instantly, you can tell this is a lost connection between Trey and Hailey and leads you to wanting more. However, life in the Mafia does not make it easy for them. Twists and turns keep you wanting more. Great characters who bring just another great element to the Mafia families. Big tip, due yourself a favor and read the first five books in the series, although the book is fine as a stand alone, many things make more sense when the other books have been read.

Rivals
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 cicle 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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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Carr

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SAVAGE SECRETS

This is book 4 in the Mafia Elite series and they just keep getting better and better. I have loved all these stories for the romance, danger and action that is packed into them. The characters are so well written that they are a joy to read about. Even though the Mafia bosses are tough hard men we see the softer side to them when they are with the person they love. This is Marco and Elena.

Marco is the boss of La Rosa family. For years he thinks the love of his life has died but now he knows that’s not true and he will stop at nothing to make her his. However there is a threat from the Russians that want her dead but no one can understand why?

Elena has gone into hiding from the Russians. They murdered her mum and for some reason they won’t stop until she is also taken care of. With this threat now finding her she has to return to the protection of the Mafia family. She has always loved Marco but his attitude towards her has always been hostile so why is he going out of his way to help her now?

This story has so many twists that you are gripped from beginning to end. There are so many secrets that are revealed which shocked me and kept me reading.
Can Marco protect his love from harm? Will the secrets of Elena’s past come between them and when the secrets are revealed what will that mean between the La Rosa family and the Russians?

RUTHLESS HEIR

This is book 5 in the Mafia Elite series. I have lived all these books. Each one is unique however I do recommend reading them from the start so you know how the families work and who is part of what family. The stories are full of danger as well as the romance. The men are hard and dark which only increases their appeal.

In this book we meet Summer. Summer is on the run after her friend tried Cross a member of the New York Mafia. She escapes to Chicago where she has a one night stand with the person who turns out to be her new boss. Now she is forced to accompany him as his assistant when she is accused of stealing his money but things aren’t what they seem and the secret that Summer is trying to protect as well as her safety could now be in danger.
Luc is the heir of the Chicago Mafia although he isn’t aware of this fact until Max turns up and explains things to him. Luc can’t help the attraction he feels towards Summer. However he knows she is hiding something and what that is he plans to find out.
As things start to work through Luc realises just how much danger Summer is in. Will he stand up and protect her? Or will he deliver her back to the New York Mafia to avoid more conflict between the Mafia families?

COLLATERAL DAMAGE

This is book six in the Mafia Elite series and it is every bit as good as the rest in the series. This story is a very sweet second chance romance but where the Mafia is concerned nothing is sweet and innocent for long. The reader is sent on a journey with twists that you don’t see coming which keeps the reader guessing from start to finish.

This story is about Trey and Hailey.

Trey is part of the Mafia family but also an amazing surgeon. After losing the love of his life he threw himself into his work and became a shadow of himself. He resigned himself to never feeling alive again. Until Hailey came into his life.
After meeting Hailey at a party for the hospital the attraction was instant and he started to feel alive again. However it was too soon and the loss of his love made him move away from what could have been happiness.

Fast forward and when Hailey is kidnapped her step father asked Trey for help finding her. When they meet again the spark is still there and as they work towards figuring out who was behind her kidnapping and why the connection gets stronger.

Will this couple be able to work all the dark plots and obstacles against them? Will Trey be able to allow himself to love again? And what would he risk so that this time he doesn’t lose his love again?

RIVALS
This the 7th book in the Mafia Elite series and omg I absolutely love this series. The stories are full of danger, twists and turns, loyalty and a really good steamy romance. These stories for me really captivate me and this book was just the same.

In this story we follow Mia and Nico. Both of them are part of different Mafia families.

Nico is considered quiet but is a very smart calculating underboss. He’s looking for a way to bring down the other Mafia boss. His research keeps bringing up one name. That of the bosses daughter Mia. He know she could be the key to finding a way to destroy the other boss but how will he get her to talk?

Imagine his surprise when Mia turns up to see him with a proposition. One that will get Nico everything he wants but will also change his life forever.

Mia is a confident, strong, fiesty women. For years she has been kept locked up by her father. But she holds a secret. She is the rat in her father’s family and she is determined to bring him down. The only way she can do that and protect herself is to team up with another Mafia family.
So she approaches Nico asking for marriage so that she is protected from her own family.

Will Nico accept her conditions? Will they successful bring down Mia’s father and his illegal actions? And what happens when a proposition of convenience turns into something more real and intense?

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always loved romances that are based on a second chance, but this one really blew me away. I was intrigued and invested in the characters, and constantly longed for more! Amazing book!

I loved how this story of a second chance was not just butterflies and lollipops. It went deep, as well as dark in certain moments. The characters were torn apart from someone in their circle more less. And the truth came to light with other secrets. And made Evelyn and Damian re-consider their past and their possible future. I loved how the Mafia with Damian came to play. Definitely added to the tension and suspense of the story, The book was full of steam, romance, as well as moments you did not want to put the book down. The writing was sensational. Hard to let go of. I was very invested in these characters. There was very strong character development through the course of the story. Absolutely loved this book!

This is a book that is very much worth a read for many reasons. Plus the way the writing goes, keeps you invested and wanting to keep reading! Highly recommend this must read book!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author and this series! Each book has its own story, but each story connects to another Honestly this series has gripped me since the first book. This is the second volume set, and it certainly does not disappoint at all!

Each book you get romance,danger, and really great characters that have a strong establishment as a character, but grow even more as you read. I am gripped and held with each book. I find each one has a good backstory to the main characters that take the surface in that specific book in the series. The books and characters are written with strong intelligence, and great as well as exceptional, realism!

The box set is a must read as well as the author. I cannot recommend this series enough. It is a sensational read, and the author has a writing style like no other! You will enjoy it and not want to put it down!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Candice Estes

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets:

This book is yet another great addition to this series. This book ratchets up the intensity and pressure on our core group of characters. The Italian Mafia bosses and their spouses bring Elena Caruso back into the fold after a four year absence, which was done to protect her from the Russian Mafia. Mafia boss Marco La Rosa has loved Elena for years, but always kept his distance due to an arranged marriage that is no longer in play. Elena is a cousin to Max and Tony Caruso, but was raised as Tony’s adopted sister until the summer she disappeared and was presumed to be dead. The surprise twists and turns in this book will keep you guessing (though, perhaps you’ll solve it early, but doubt yourself until the reveal like I did) until the end. The best rule of thumb in this series, and especially this book, is not everything is what it seems to be. This book can be read as a standalone, but is so much better as a part of the series it belongs in.

Ruthless Heir

Luc is a business man used to getting his way, until he takes over a company and suddenly his money disappears. He quickly learns the mafia did it to get his attention, but not before he accuses the companies temporary secretary, Summer, who he slept with the night before he takes over the company. He soon discovers his mom, who abandoned him as a child, was a mafia princess from the Chicago Five Families, and that he is now the next in line to head the family. This is another amazing book by Amy McKinley that can be read as a standalone, but is so much better as a part of the series that it is a part of. This is the fifth book of seven, and I cannot wait to read the rest of them.

Collateral Damage

Yet another amazing entry into this series. I can’t believe that the next book is supposed to be the end. This book is great, and can be read as a standalone, but trust me, you won’t want to stop here. I can’t wait for Rivals to release later this year, as I never want to leave the world of these characters. I feel like they are family!

This book is about Trey, the doctor/surgeon to the Five Families of Mafia in the Chicago area. He is unexpectedly reunited with Hailey after he is brought in by her stepfather to investigate and hopefully solve her kidnapping. When the pair first met, Trey wasn’t in a good place mentally, and was definitely not in a place to want any part of a relationship with someone outside of “his world” of mafia families. Through trying to figure out Hailey’s kidnapping and what led to it, the couple gets closer and Trey realizes he can’t be without Hailey. My only advice is this: always remember, people aren’t always what they seem.

And if the passing references to Tony are a question by the author about rather readers of the series want to see more about him and see him get his happily ever after, let this review serve as a resounding YES! I never want to see this series end!
Rival

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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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Candice Estes

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Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evelyn lost the one guy that she’s ever felt a strong pull toward, when the guy she was tutoring in her senior year of high school just disappears without warning and without any further contact. Damian was a teenager who was at the mercy of the adults in his life in high school, so when his parents tell him they are moving; he has no choice but to move. He chooses not to try to communicate with Evelyn even after she continues to try to reach him, because he is told that she doesn’t want anything to do with him, by her father, who does whatever is necessary to ensure that Damian is as far away from his daughter as possible. When Damian suddenly reappears in her life, Evelyn is initially angry about his departure all over again, but eventually learns the truth. Damian tries to keep Evelyn at arm’s length because his career as an undercover FBI agent in the Italian mob makes his life far too dangerous for her and he wants to protect her even though he can’t tell her the truth about his life. Overall, this was a good book. I did feel that most of the intimate scenes were over the top in the graphic department, but I understand that some people won’t necessarily agree.

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