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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by April Smith

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the new Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. I love this story and it doesn’t take long to be wrapped in to Max’s and Liliana world. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down. Amy is a new to me author and I’m hooked on this series and can’t wait to read more about this crime family.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Woodhull Parsons

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out by Amy McKinley was a pleasant surprise. I don’t believe I have read Mafia Romances before and found out I really liked the concept. There is something intriguing about rooting for the “bad guys” that makes the story more captivating.

Lily wants a way out of her father’s prison. She can tell there is something going down and wants to get a head of the game. She puts her trust into a new face and follows her instincts.

This book has unexpected twists and turns and is a great kick off to a new series.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Opal Nelson

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Compelling? – Check
Engrossing? – Check
Original? – Check
Unpredictable? – Check
Amy knocked this one out of the park-with strong, relatable, likeable, and resilient characters and a complex plot. No Way Out grabbed and retained my attention the minute I started reading; I was anxious and excited to see how the story unfolded. I appreciated the similarities and the contrast between Max and Lil regarding their childhood and how it influenced them as adults. I also appreciated that they took the time to know each other regardless of the whirlwind of happenings around them. I’m a sucker for accountability- so I contented with the end result of the antagonist. READER BEWARE: Way Out will reel you and take you on a rollercoaster of a literary adventure!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ayla Eddy

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley was a captivating book from the first page. The book is filled with developed characters that keep you wondering what they will do next as the story plays out. It is my first read and not going to be my last read by Amy McKinley. The way she writes her characters it is easy to feel for them whether is it pity, hate, or love. I simply could not put the book down. I just had to keep reading to find out more.

Lilliana is a mafia princess, but not your average one. She is a strong female lead that is determined, skilled, and not a damsel in distress. With a rough life that holds no escape except as a pawn to ensure her father’s power. She has a group of girlfriends that are more like sisters to her and always there to support her. Under her father’s care she is nothing more than a pawn to be played at the right time for his selfish desire for power. She wants nothing to do with being his bargaining chip, but how will she find freedom? Trading one caged life for another to a man of his choosing? Or is there another way?

Life changing events for the ever-cruel Brambilla boss set a new start to things in the mafia world. Enter assassin Matteo Trambino the guise Max takes on with his plan of his own devised to save her from her dangerous father. As the new bodyguard to Lil, he witnesses firsthand the life the mafia princess lives. It drives him even more to follow through with his mission, even if parts of that may be changing as the story progresses. Will he succeed in what he has been sent to do or will he fail?

An amazing read that I would recommend to anyone!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Karen Pearman

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in this series by this author. I am quite familiar with her writing as I have previously read books written by her for other series. I think she is a wonderful writer with some of the best descriptive writing I have read. She honestly keeps me on the edge of my seat biting my nails with every book she writes. This was probably the best book I’ve read by her to date. I immediately fell connected with the main characters and they did not let me down. This book was full of suspense and drama, but the romance was sizzling hot! I cannot wait until she releases the next book in this series to see where what happens next.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Phillips

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out is book 1 of the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. I am a sucker for a good mafia romance and I am also a sucker for a great book by Amy McKinley. And WOW does she kick this series off right!

Liliana is born into this mafia lifestyle and knows that something is going on with her dad. He’s becoming more agitated and always angry. One thing that Liliana knows is that it somehow includes her. And not in a good way. The only problem is will she be able to find out what he’s up to in time to save herself?

Max (undercover as Matt) is working to take down the people who took what rightfully belongs to him. Even though Liliana is a part of the family that he’s going after, he swears to protect her.

I love the character of Liliana. She’s strong and knows that she has to protect herself from the monsters that surround her. And I loved reading about the relationship between her and Max. What a great story!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Sunday Barnaby

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out by Amy McKinley
Five Stars

No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance is the first book in the Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. What a powerful read. Ms. McKinley is one of my go to authors and I have enjoyed everything I have read by her, but this is by far my absolutely my favorite. At first, I thought it was going to be confusing with all the characters mentioned before the story started. It turned out to be a good reference, but the story was gripping and held me from beginning to end. Max and Liliana have hot, hot, hot chemistry. I can’t wait to get the book in this series. Excellent, Best Read Of 2021 so far.

Review by @sunbarn
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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out (Mafia Elite #1) by Amy McKinley

5-stars

Wow!!! No Way Out is a truly phenomenal read!!! I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. Right from the get go I was captivated and intrigued by the characters and I just had to get answers to all my questions, and man this author did not disappoint!!!!!

I have read lots of this authors work but this book is by far my favourite!! It’s made its way to my list of faves for the year! I highly suggest this book to anyone looking for an action-packed, steamy, detailed, intense and unexpected Mafia read!! This book will not disappoint you!! I look forward to reading book 2 asap!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Candida Hopper

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1)
By Amy McKinley

I have loved everything I have read by this author, especially this book. This author never disappoints, this story is full of action, suspense, romance, deceit and so much more. I was pulled into this story from the beginning and I was kept entertained throughout. Max and Liliana had chemistry from the start and you could feel it jumping off the pages. There are a lot of changes coming for some of the Mafia bosses and some of them aren’t going to make it through those changes. This is a must read if you want to find out what happens, who makes it through and what happens between Max and Liliana and other characters as well. There are some great characters in this story. I highly recommend this book.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tina Vega

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I love the complexity of this story. Liliana is my kind of heroine – strong, resilient, and demands respect. Another thing I loved about the story is the chemistry between Liliana and Max is palpable from the first meeting, and it doesn’t let up. I love this author’s writing style, and I feel this story is the perfect example of it. Looking forward to more books in this storyline!!

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Reviewed by @vegatina20

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Juls Dick

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out: An arranged marriage mafia romance by Amy McKinley is the first book in the Mafia Elite series and I am excited to read more. It a fast paced an exciting novel with lots of action and likable characters. When Max returns to Chicago from Italy, where he has been living since the death of his mother, he is on a mission, a mission to get back what he feels has been stolen from him and is determined to get back his rightful place as head of the family. Supported by his cousins, Max manages to manipulate the situation to ensure the hand in marriage of Lilianna Brambilla, a mafia princess who is suffocating under her tyrannical father. This is a really enjoyable read, there are a lot of characters and it is difficult to remember who is in which family but the author helpfully puts a breakdown at the beginning of who belongs where. I will definitely be checking out more books in this series.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! From the amount of detail included about the characters to the foreshadowing and multiple twists, I was hooked from the beginning to the end! I was very impressed and intrigued by how involved the story was. I got really engrossed and had to make sure I read every word to understand the setting being made at that point in the story. Many times I thought, “wow, didn’t see that coming! Clever!’

If you like romance with a twist, then take the time to read this book! You won’t be disappointed!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, Book1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jules Herbert

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars from start to finish! It’s just that simple. No Way Out by the AMAZING Amy McKinley had me hooked from the first word to the very last!! I found myself wanting to read it as fast as I possibly could because I had to know what was going to happen but then at the same time I didn’t want it to end.

Liliana Brambilla has grown up always knowing she means nothing more to her father than a possession that one day he will use to his advantage the best he can. Feeling her time is almost up she makes plans with her friends to escape his torment but as we all know even the best laid plans can go wrong. Along comes Maximus Caruso with his own plans to crush her father and his own! At first she thinks he is Matteo another one of her fathers soldiers but things soon change and along with a strong growing attraction for Max comes the possibility that she just might be able to have what she has always truly wanted after all….A Family.

I can’t wait for Book 2!! I need to know what is next for Lily, Max and all the rest of the fantastic characters that took me along with them in this amazing book .

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Edie Kelleher

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely incredible and thrilling! I’m usually not the biggest fan of Mafia type romances but I am so incredibly happy I took the chance on this one! Amy McKinley has built so much depth in this book with the characters, plot and drama. I was on the edge of my seat and could not stop reading from the moment I picked it up. The sizzle between Max and Lilliana was so intense that I could feel it as I read, the fast pace of the book had me exited at each sentence and the mystery had me guessing. This was my first Amy McKinley book, but she has definitely been added as a must read author after this.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 rounded up.

While this novel focuses on the mafia crime aspect, with just a slice of dark romance, I enjoyed the tease of if Liliana and Max would actually get together or not. I appreciate that Ms. McKinley focused on building the relationship and trust between them rather than on how quick they could be pushed together.

The copious bad guys in this novel threw me at first. It seemed that Liliana and Max we’re against the world, fighting against multiple mafia bosses at the same time, but I enjoyed how it came to a conclusion. The reasons for things are explained and there is a HEA.

3.5 rounded up for the following: This book started off slow, but gained momentum as it went on. I didn’t really believe the insta-lust that occurred for Liliana, but it was redeemed as their relationship grew and continued. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing style at the beginning, but it got much better as it went along.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

She has friends that literally have her back. I was hooked on this book. Had a lot of twists and turns. She ends up being lucky who she marries. She also escapes the clutches of her so called father.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Karyn Taylor

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read two books this week and they were the two best books that I have read for a long time. The first of these was the excellent No Way Out by Amy McKinley (the other being Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor). I have been a huge fan of Amy McKinley for a couple of years now and she never fails to deliver and with No Way Out she has taken the bar to a whole new level. I was totally grabbed by this book and just didn’t want to put it down.
No Way Out is the first book in the Mafia Elite Series. I do love a mafia story and this is one of the best mafia stories that I have ever read. When I read mafia stories I always find myself thinking ‘are there really people that live like this?’
Amy McKinley is a master at writing the most amazing characters and wonderful storylines. She has certainly excelled herself with No Way Out. Max and Liliana are two amazing characters that I could have read about for hours and hours and never tired of them.
The storyline to this book is really gripping and has many twists and turns. Typically with a mafia story there is much drama, danger and intrigue and Amy McKinley takes you on an amazing journey that you won’t want to end.
I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait to read more from this series. 100% recommend.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cant even put into words how much I loved this book. Im afraid of even giving a little bit away so I will just praise the author here on her amazing talent to write an amazing story. I have read a lot by this author and this by far is way up in my top 5 (and thats saying a lot). I couldnt read this fast enough as I wanted to know what happened next.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shelly Kittell

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out by Amy McKinley was an intriguingly, intense book. The story of Max and LIliana is intense and full of action. The story starts with Max blowing up Brambilla’s warehouse like it is nothing. BAM! That is just the opening move in a story full of danger, thrills, action, drugs, cartels, bad deals, and any other bad things you can think of. Brambilla thinks nothing of using his daughter, Liliana, in these deals. She’s just property to him. Maxi is out to rescue her. Keep in mind, there may be more than the eye can see. The story is so good that it was like reading a mafia film on paper. I could picture this in my head (that’s the sign of a good book.) The characters were so well written. Your sleaze-bags like Raphe, etc. left you feeling like you needed a shower just after reading about them. This book was so very good. The action just continues until the very end. I cannot wait to read Book 2 in this series. I highly recommend you read this one.

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no Way Out by Amy McKinley – Review by Michelle Collier

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a way to start off this series! No Way Out is Book 1 of the Mafia Elite. Lilliana and Max are amazing. Life as a Mafia princess is as perilous as walking a tightrope. Can Lilliana trust Max? All she wants is freedom, can he give her that or is it just anther cage? Definitely can’t wait for the next book.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Michelle Austin

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a great start to this series. I was pulled in right from the beginning. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good mafia read and this one does not disappoint.

Liliana was a great strong character. Her father is the head of the mafia. She returns from college and things start to get dangerous for the family business. Her father brings in a hitman, Max to take care of things.
Max was great, you could feel the connection coming off the pages between these two. He was hired for a job but he also has his own plans. Will he be successful?

Overall this was a really great read. We get several twists and turns that added a great element to the story. The characters added a great element to the story. We get danger, secrets, and so much more in this book. I look forward to reading more from this series. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tracy Manderson

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out (Mafia Elite #1)by Amy McKinley

5 out of 5 stars

I have read a few of Ms. McKinley’s books and she hasn’t disappointed me yet. The characters are strong they have to be in their world. I love the little quirks and the way they play off each other makes them some what real. This book had it all action, tension, betrayal, romance.

Max infiltrates a vital part of the Chicago Mafia to protect his Sicilian mentor’s granddaughter, Liliana, from her dangerous father under the guise of assassin Matteo Trambino.
Liliana Brambilla was born into one of the most powerful families in the Cosa Nostra, she is a pawn in her father’s bid for power the only way to escape is to marry the man her father picks.
Liliana’s father assigns her a new bodyguard, Matteo (aka Max) she doesn’t trust him and she thinks he is the enemy since he works for her father. But the truth is since the came face-to-face, he realizes he can never walk away.
Can Liliana escape her father with the help of Max? Will Max be-able to punish those who have wronged him and take back what’s rightfully his? Can these two over-come their pasts to have a future?
You need to read this great story…
Tracy

@tracym

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Michelle Mulvey

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a great start to a new series. I loved this book from the very beginning. The only down side for me was the character list. I found it hard to keep the families apart. With that being said, I had a few favorite characters and there were some shady ones also. Liliana is a mafia princess who is a huge asset to her dad. She has people assigned to protect her but she can handle herself in some situations. Just ask some of her dads guards. Sam Caruso has a long well thought out plan that involves Liliana. This book has lots of action and suspense that will leave you guessing what’s going to happen next. Definitely liked this book and cannot wait for more in this series.

review by @xchellex

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shannon Fowler

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No Way Out is the first book in this new series by McKinley. The story line in this book is good. The characters are awesome. I loved Max’s type of alpha. He was not out of control with his love and protectiveness. I loved the way Lil feels about Max. She loves him but isn’t so lost in him that she can’t function. She is strong in her own right. And of course, there are the characters that are easy to hate like Lil’s very own father.

The only concern I have with this book is there seemed to be a lot of references to the past. Almost as if there was a book before this one. I wasn’t confused or lost while I read this story but it felt as if I was missing another story. I was able to read and enjoy this book with ease.

Overall, the writing is really good and I am, as always, looking forward to what comes next for this family.

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has done it again. I loved her other series Deadly Isles Special Ops so when I saw this book I was intrigued. It definitely did not disappoint me at all. I love the plot and how she knew how to make the characters and details work for the story. This book has kept me on the edge of my couch and kept me intrigued the whole time. I couldn’t put it down and I honestly want more. Max and Liliana are just perfect, the mafia princess and the body guard. Hands down a great book to read! Now one of my favorites.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by April McCoy

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley sold me from the preview of the book! No way out was an excellent read! Thrilling, sad, sexy and everything else you could want from a mafia book! I will be doing my research to get more from her! This story is a must read!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out is a great start to a new series, which is no surprise. Amy McKinley knocks it out of the park with each new series. I am already hooked and cannot wait to go on to book 2 and see what this series has in store. This book is action packed, with a good balance of romance, and keeps us guessing. I kept waiting for Max to turn out to have some dark past, and was worried to like him too much. But the story is perfect, and had a big screw you to the “bad guys” and has a huge reveal that makes the match between Max and Liliana that much more perfect. I love McKinley’s characters, because the women are always strong tough women, who don’t need to rely on the men in their lives. I love Liliana and her friends stick up for each other, and take care of business attitudes. I hope they each get their own story in the series! Highly recommend this book, and cannot wait for the next book.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jaclyn DeTullio

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley really freaking served with this one. A little slow moving at first, then it all unfolded. Beautifully written characters, an intense plot and really paved the way to a series I can’t wait to continue.

I feel like recently the leading ladies in books have been a little disappointing, but that was NOT the case with Liliana. She was so much more than a mafia “princess”. She showed strength even through fear, and I loved her for that. And Max? *swoon* Max was the alpha male you expect in books like these, but he wasn’t JUST that. Which is why I loved this book so much. It was complex, it was steamy, it was full of drama and danger and twists. I can’t wait for the next one!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, where to start… I suppose with two of my favorite things in one place, mafia romance, and Amy McKinley. Boom, pretty sure you have the makings right there for a fab read, so it was a no-brainer for me to just one-click this read the moment I saw it. I am so glad that I did and cleared my evening because this book consumed me. Max and Lilianna quickly became one of my absolute favorite book couples that I have read of 2021 and I was hooked on the chemistry that they slowly and painfully built up on my kindle. I love how McKinley does that and she really did a wonderful job of it in No Way Out. I am so excited to see that this is the first of a series and that we will be getting more of this deliciousness on our kindles hopefully in the near future. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Max and Lilianna either even though I loved how Ms. McKinley tied this book up.

Review by @lizaileen
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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Brittany Angel

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liliana is a mafia princess in a gilded cage waiting to be used as a pain to help her father. But when she gets a new guard, that all soon changes.

From the very first chapter you are drawn in and getting the POV of both Liliana and Max keeps you reading non stop. Liliana is not a helpless princess but quite the opposite. She and her best friends, Em and Sofia really steal the show and I can’t wait to read their stories.

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