No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley
She did it again, she got me hooked from the very beginning and refused to let me go until the book was done.
I read this book in the car as we drove out of town, read it while I was at a book signing (taking a much needed break from peopling) and finished it instead of watching football.
I was instantly drawn to Matteo/Max, but not sure what it was. Yeah the bad boys are hot but it wasn’t it. Something about him spoke to me and I couldn’t learn enough about him.
Liliana is not someone you want to mess with and we got acquainted with the reasons pretty quick.
There are twists and turns, romance and of course suspense. I have read several books by Ms. McKinley and have yet to be disappointed. I don’t know if I will be patient while waiting for the next book to be released.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2021-09-14 21:08:232021-09-16 09:25:29No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin
I rather enjoy a good mafia romance. This book is a fun read. The story was fast-paced and action-packed. Max and Lil are so cute together. The plot kept me entertained without the book. McKinley created a great world that I look forward to seeing expanded on.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Dayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Day2021-09-14 09:54:182021-09-16 08:39:31No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Amber Day
When I began No Way Out by Amy McKinley, the family tree in the beginning intimidated me with the number of characters in these mafia families. I was nervous I would not be able to keep up with character transitions. Thankfully, I only had to maintain a handful of them to follow this storyline. I did enjoy this story but it was not a favorite from this author, as I’ve read several of her books. The main characters were just both ok to me while I was more intrigued with Liliana’s best friends and Max’s cousins. Hopefully we get more details from these supporting characters in future installments of this series. This was a fast paced story that kept you involved to the end. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Rollinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Rollins2021-09-14 09:30:422021-09-16 08:38:53No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Bethany Rollins
No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Stegall I so enjoyed getting to know Max and Liliana. They make a great power couple. Liliana and her friends hiding places for the items they feel they need to have on their person in order to protect themselves is amazing! Amy McKinley created a special world for this series. I can’t wait to get the next book. I hope the others get their HEA!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Barbara stegallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBarbara stegall2021-09-12 11:04:282021-09-15 08:36:55No Way Out (Mafia Elite, Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Stegall
I was there to protect the main man’s daughter but in the end I could not just walk away when it was over.
Max is a bad a## assassin and has a plan but putting that plan into place could be tricky, but Max never thought his plan would come unstuck by a woman. Although by the end Lily is not just any woman she is the one who holds his heart.
Lilliana is a princess in a world of pain and horror, she is only a possession to her father and a pawn in his deadly game within the mafia. She is determined to leave but under the rules of the group she has to be released and that normally means trading one prison for another prison but in walks Max as her bodyguard but can he be her escape?
I love this author, there is nothing this woman writes that does not have you eagerly turning the pages to read what will be uncovered within the story. I feel that all her female characters have this air of vulnerability but also underneath the surface is a strong, powerful characters which Lilliana is definitely. With the chemistry between the two main characters just jumps off the page and you are willing them through the distractions that come up in the book along the way.
The story is a powerful one and the way Amy weaves through all the horrors and tension to create a love story is brilliantly and a is a great addition to the new series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2021-09-12 03:55:122021-09-13 19:21:29No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Angela Shirley
No Way Out is another fantastic read by Amy McKinley! I enjoyed this book and could not put it down. Liliana is seen as just an object for her father and is to be used to strengthen his mafia connections. Max was sent by her grandfather to rescue her and falls in love with her. Max is not who Lily thought he was. Can she forgive Max when she learns the truth from him? Read the book to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2021-09-11 20:05:242021-09-11 21:36:39No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill
No Way Out An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance Mafia Elite Book 1 By Amy McKinley ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Be ready for this high action Mafia meets possible Romance. No Spoilers Found here.You will have to read it to believe me! So here goes. Max has many roads to take, but this one is what needs to be done. He wants his life back and takes back what he has earned. But first he has to take the Mafia down. In the process he has to keep Lilian Brambilla safe. Lilian was promised to another, another prison that is, can she get out? Or will she fight for her own freedom? Will Max get the girl?
Amy McKinley has started this series with a bang! The story is well written, and the rollercoaster of action starts on page one. I could not put this one down and I can’t wait to dive into book 2. The characters make the story come to life. At times I felt so emotional, and even cried ugly tears. Followed by other emotions. Great Author, Great characters and most of all great action. Well Done Amy McKinley! Well Done! ! !
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2021-09-11 15:51:222021-09-11 21:35:41No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Cindy Mayberry
No Way Out by Amy McKinley a strong five-star read. This is number one in the Mafia Elite series, and it shows us what a great author we have here and also what a great series this promises to be. Liliana what a great character she is, but she has her own surprises, one being the strength of character she shows, but she has more that just her strength. Max was sublime, he also has surprises and secrets, this took me a while to get properly stuck into, but my goodness once I was stuck, I couldn’t be separated from this story. I was so gutted when this ended, I was sat wishing there were a hundred more pages as I wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Oxtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Oxton2021-09-11 07:46:232021-09-11 20:14:39No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Sara Oxton
This was my first ever mafia romance book. I loved it. It not only gave me a glimpse into the mafia world, but it also made me want to read the rest of the series. Liliana is a mafia princess whose dad views her more as property than his daughter. Max is a bodyguard who wants to protect her full-heartedly. No Way Out is a good intro to mafia romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2021-09-10 23:12:252021-09-11 21:29:40No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Daryian Lucas
Liliana is a mafia princess. Her dad is the boss, her mom dead. Dad only sees Liliana as a pawn to get what he wants and to further his buisness holdings. When Matt (Max) comes on to dad’s employ, he works to get LIliana out. Matt is really under the employ of Liliana’s grandfather who desperately wants her away from her dad and returned to him. Opinion In the beginning of the book was a family tree (of sorts) to all of the mafia’s in Chicago. There are five. While this is extremely helpful for the book, I was daunted reading it before I even read any of the book. I did refer back to it from time to time to help me get some perspective. Liliana also alludes to the death of her friend, Marissa. She does it often enough that I checked to see if there was another book in the series. I did not find one and believe that McKinley was just offering a back story. I personally would have preferred a prelogue because I was a bit confused as to whether I should already know it or not. The book itself was fast paced and kept me on the seat of my pants wondering what was going to happen next. There was plenty of action for what you would expect of a mafia novel as well as angst and love. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Brown2021-09-10 20:37:102021-09-11 21:24:27No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dawn Brown
No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Allyson Ware
I have never read a Mafia type or related book before. I never would have even considered it, but this drew my attention the minute I read the description. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Liliana is not what you expect out of a Mafia boss’s daughter, she’s better. She’s who I want to be when I grow up. She’s confident, intelligent, and just downright sexy.
Then you meet Max, her bodyguard. There is something about him that you cannot help but trust from the first time you meet him. As you make your way through the book, you realize your instincts are correct about Max. If you’re like me, you end up falling for him; possibly harder than Liliana does. Trust me, there’s No Way Out of staying up all night to finish this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2021-09-10 16:22:202021-09-11 21:19:35No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Allyson Ware
Amy McKinley is my favorite author right now!! Everything she writes is just amazing. She has a way to write a story that is just relatable, steamy, and just gives you all the feels. No Way Out is a mafia romance between Max and Liliana, two opposing mafia families. Liliana, at the beginning, is a pawn in her father’s mafia ways, but Max eventually comes to her rescue. Max is a son of a mob boss, who was thought to have died. Both characters have been betrayed by their families, but find it among themselves to unite together, safeguard each other, and find true love through the craziness of their mafia lives. I cannot wait till this October when the next book comes out!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2021-09-10 08:21:332021-09-11 21:13:50No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
Mafia action and romance What a thrilling ride this book was. I could not put it down and ended up reading until the early hours – so be warned. Amazing writing, characters and what a world!! My heart raced, stilled and melted as I read Liliana and Max’s story. Did not want the book to end and I can’t wait to continue what I know will be an amazing series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2021-09-09 06:51:482021-09-10 14:59:56No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rayne East
Amy McKinley’s No Way Out is one of the most character intense stories I have ever read. The story of the Chicago’s Italian-American Mafia families showed how they had their own political agendas. Lilianna Brambilla’s role as a Mafia “princess” made her an asset to her father. Benito Brambilla’s power was crumbling from the destruction of several warehouses he used to store drugs. The Council of the Mafia frowned upon drug dealings, but Benito did not care.
Max Caruso’s, along with his cousins, directions are to protect Lilianna and to reintroduce her to her Grandfather VIncenzo. After her mother had died, Benito refused to allow any contact with VIncenzo. Max infiltrates Benito’s home as Matteo “Matt” Trambino, with a reputation for being a hitman for the original families that never failed to get a job done. Benito assigns Matt to guard Lilianna. After a dinner with the Mexican cartel and Matt protecting Lilianna from the unwanted attention of an ambitious youngster, she begins to trust him. She also feels something different about Matt, but dismisses her underlying feelings, knowing her father would never allow her to date an employee. Little does she know, but Matt has grown a much larger attachment to her and intends to get her out of the prison life she lives. When Antonio Caruso strikes a deal with Benito, Lilianna goes into panic mode. She was to marry the oldest son of the Caruso family, Tony. Suspected of killing his previous fiancé, Tony is despised by Lilianna. She fakes her escape and finds herself losing her thoughts of control when Matt foils her plans.
This is a stellar 5-star thrilling romance. The alternating narrative between Max and Lilianna is seamless. I loved how McKinley was able to bring the characters alive with rational thoughts and how easy it was to connect with them. The outward appearance of Lilianna was a farce of someone that feared nobody, but underneath she ran on fear. The amount of weaponry she carried with her everywhere was overkill, which in her shoes, I probably would have done the same. Living in a house where your mother died, and being treated as property by your father, would break just about anyone. The ending of this book fits and doesn’t feel rushed like other romance novels tend to be.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Runyonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Runyon2021-09-09 02:56:002021-09-10 14:58:21No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Chapman
This book absolutely blew me away! Amy McKinley is such a talented author. Liliana and Max are both extremely multi-dimensional characters and I really enjoyed getting to read the story from the view point of each of them. Liliana comes across initially as a cool and indifferent, but a total kick-butt woman that takes crap from no one. However, as the story develops, you get to see a completely different side of her-a side that is scared and lonely and craving a sense of belonging. Then there’s Max. He turns out to be so much more than just a hunky, muscular man that won’t let anyone stand in the way of his end goal. Max and Liliana bring out the best in each other and I was rooting for them the whole way! This book truly has a little bit of something for everyone-romance, suspense, action and heat. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the next book in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elenahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElena2021-09-08 22:17:152021-09-10 14:50:24No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley-Review by Elena Tobar
WOW!! She has done it again! This book was everything and more of what I was expecting from this author and her new series. I loved reading every single word in this story. I was completely wrapt up in it from the first chapter. I have come to realize I love the mafia style stories, especially when they are written like this. The secrets, the twists to the story that just flow out while reading that become those awesome wow moments. The many characters that I never had a problem sorting out while reading. The absolute bada** lead characters that left an impression, making them a lead couple I will never forget. The best friends, Oh my goodness I love them, they actually cracked me up alot of times while reading. The cousins… oh i hope there will be so much more with the best friends and cousins.
I could literally go on and on about this book, as well as this author. If you have not read any of her books yet…Grab this one, I promise it has every little thing you ever wanted while reading.
I was left with a huge question when I finished this book, someone that was mentioned way back in the beginning. I’m so hoping that since book 2 is Enzo and Sophia that I’ll get my answer. I CAN NOT WAIT!!!
Deserves so many more than 5 stars!! I loved it!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2021-09-08 04:58:552021-09-08 04:58:55No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Debi Kircher
No Way Out was a really good, entertaining read! Amy McKinley never disappoints with her novels and this one was no exception. My only complaint to this novel was it felt like there were a few plot holes and missing concepts. A few scenes had me confused because it seemed like some content was left out. Other than that I could hardly put this book down! It was entertaining, spicy, thrilling and full of action. I absolutely can not wait to read the next installment of this series and see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2021-09-07 21:36:452021-09-09 17:14:34No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rachel Moss
I am a fan of Amy McKinley! Her stories are written well. Her characters are believable and realistic. And you can’t help but root for the good guys to deliver justice to the bad guys!
I enjoyed the drama of the families involved in the mafia storyline. Ms. McKinley introduced the families in Chicago, their ties to Italy, and also what I believe will be the overarching mystery to the series in a brilliant way! The women that stick together are strong and not necessarily damsels in distress. However, what woman doesn’t want a strong man to treat them like a queen, to show them they are valued, and that they are worth the battle to win??
Truly looking forward to reading the next books in this series!! I can’t wait to see how the rest of the Mafia Elite end up with the love of their lives!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2021-09-07 21:35:462021-09-10 14:02:54No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger
No Way Out is the first installment in the Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. It is full of suspense, action, and has a wonderful romance vibe (who am I kidding, it’s love at first sight kind of romance!) The book starts out with blowing up a warehouse full of drugs and somehow a few pages later we’re reading about finding out how Matt (aka Max) and Liliana meet for the first time. Their chemistry sizzles from the start. The author shares information about many characters and TPN hat happened in the past to make this a book I didn’t want to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2021-09-07 21:16:302021-09-10 14:00:37No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano
From the first words of this book, you will become enraptured with the story. Mafia princesses, sultry hot men…what more could you ask for?
Being a Mafia princess has its rewards, but Liliana Brambilla cannot figure out what those are. She’s entrapped in her house by her father Benito, who is one of the five heads of the Italian Mafia residing in Chicago. When she was a young girl, Liliana watched her mother take a bullet from her, and her father has never let her forget it. Now as his empire is falling he looks to make a deal with another family to finance a Mafia war. Unfortunately for Liliana, that means marrying someone that she can’t stand to share the room with.
Max joins Benito as an assassin but is quickly put in charge of guarding Liliana. For Max that plays right into his hands. He has come to infiltrate and takedown Benito for his mentor, Liliana’s Sicilian grandfather. Max plans to take his rightful place as the head of the Mafia in Chicago, but first, he has to win Liliana’s trust after being her bodyguard.
Can Max win Liliana over, or will this be a futile attempt at a coup?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Doverhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Dover2021-09-07 20:44:082021-09-10 13:59:19No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Dover
Hot Damn!!! Amy McKinley nails it! From the hot Mafia men to the strong, powerful Mafia women to the suspense and twists to the heat. There isn’t one thing to love about this story and all of its characters.
This saga starts off with the story of Liliana and Max. Liliana is trapped by her cold, abusive father. He thinks that her only benefit to him is what he can get at the bargaining table for her. Max was abandoned by his father. Raised by his maternal family as a secret, Max has gained power and rank in the Sicilian families. Unbeknownst to Liliana, Max has been sent by her maternal grandfather to rescue her from the clutches of the man that raised her. Things get complicated when Max falls for Liliana.
Amy McKinley spins this Mafia tale of secret family members, deceit, lies and honor with class and a magic touch. I want best friends like Sofia and Em, strong, intelligent, badass and armed!! Can’t wait for Sofia and Enzo’s story. Cuz just like the Mafia with this saga, once you are in, you are in for life. I have taken my oath.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2021-09-07 11:17:282021-09-10 14:04:37No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by M Policicchio
No Way Out is book one in the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. Every time is like the first time of ever picking up a book when I read a story by this author. That first feeling of awe, wonder and total contentment as you have found the thing that makes you the most happiest in life. A beautifully written story. I have not felt that discovery of love for books since my first memory of reading. To recapture that rapturous feeling was unexpected but very welcome. Now to the story. There is nothing better than being kept on the knife’s edge with a good mafia romance. This author demonstrates acute imagination and gives the characters depth, immense strength and and more personality that a person may be able to cope with. I get lost in these amazing characters. Totally immersed in the journey. And blissfully content while lost in Max and Liliana.
No Way Out was anxiety riddled, dramatic, fast paced, dangerous, arousing and irresistible. Amy McKinley rose above even my wildest expectations and ruined me for other stories of this trope. I am totally owned by each characters and what they portray. A stunning beginning to a series I have no doubt will be unforgettable. 5 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tracy Wilkinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTracy Wilkin2021-09-07 05:28:462021-09-09 17:15:02No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tracy Wilkin
No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley is romance suspense book that you will love
Amy McKinley’s USA Today Bestselling novel Secrets, Arranged Marriage, and Redemption is an action-packed mafia romance about secrets, arranged marriage, and redemption. Max’s goal is simple: reclaim what is rightly his and hold those who have mistreated him accountable. Max infiltrates a crucial wing of the Chicago Mafia as assassin Matteo Trambino to rescue his Sicilian mentor’s granddaughter, Liliana, from her deadly father. When they finally meet face to face, he understands he’ll never be able to walk away.
Liliana Brambilla, born into one of the Cosa Nostra’s most powerful families, is a pawn in her father’s power grab, unable to escape until he frees her. The only way out is to exchange one jail for another, namely her father’s choice of marriage. Her confidence is shaky when her father appoints a new bodyguard. He’s her adversary, she believes. Max is, in fact, her rescuer.
I loved this story and the concept of it as well.I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is the fifth book from this author that I have read and I can’t wait to read more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2021-09-06 21:43:112021-09-08 23:14:27No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
Amy McKinley is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors!
Liliana is a mafia princess. Her father mistreats her and is using her as a pawn to retain power. When she is issued a new bodyguard she will remind everyone that she is not a gentle flower that can’t handle herself. But, when she finds herself in quite the predicament…is her bodyguard trustworthy or is he just another one of her dad’s pawns?
Max is enlisted by Liliana’s grandfather to protect her while also having his own agenda to take care of. But, when he meets Lil…he finds himself attracted to the kick-ass princess. But, as it always is with the Chicago mafia…there are secrets, hidden agendas, violence, and mafia politics at play. Can he get Lil to trust him enough to see that he is there to help her? Or have years of suffering at her father’s hands hardened her to believing anyone is on her side?
I loved this story. I am a huge fan of McKinley…so add in a mafia element and I was in. But this story just blew me away. Liliana is a strong heroine that could go toe-to-toe with Max and hold her own. Another great book my Amy McKinley!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rosanna Ingramhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRosanna Ingram2021-09-06 11:26:252021-09-08 22:40:45No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rosanna Ingram
Ever since returning home from finishing college, the freedom Liliana felt has quickly disappeared before her eyes. She might be a Mafia princess but inside her father’s home she is nothing more than another pawn in his ever growing quest towards power. When a series of attacks on the family’s warehouses causes her father to bring in a hitman from Sicily, her only hope is that maybe he’ll be different from dozens of guards around the house she can’t trust. When all she wants is a possible ally, Liliana might be in for more than she expected because Max has come with his own agenda and none of the Mafia bosses will be safe.
Idk what it is but I keep wanting to like mafia fiction, especially mafia romances, but they always seem to fall a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed the beginning where Max is assigned as Liliana’s bodyguard and the tension that builds from there. Liliana’s perspective was probably my favorite but honestly I think it might have been because her two friends were the characters I enjoyed reading about the most. The incorporation of arranged marriage was a trope I haven’t read from before and honestly I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I provided for a lot more variety in the story line and caused a number of fun twists. The steamy scenes were decent but kind of a let down for me. There was a point in the very beginning when Liliana held a knife to Max’s throat when they first met to make sure he knew she wasn’t helpless. When she did this, he made a comment about it being hot or kinking or something like that so it made me think cool, we have that kink going and I haven’t read that before so this could be really fun. Sadly, that wasn’t the case though the first couple of scenes were pretty good. I don’t see myself reading further in this series. I appreciated that there weren’t any miscommunication tropes in this book which is pretty common in a lot of romance and the big conflict had to do with the drama surrounding Mafia politics rather than the couple which I really appreciated. Not sure if I’ll read anything from this author in the future but I wouldn’t say I’d say turn something down that piqued my interest.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lauren Schnoebelenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren Schnoebelen2021-09-06 08:53:032021-09-08 22:33:20No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lauren Schnoebelen
No Way Out is the first book in The Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. I have read other books by this same author and have loved them all. Not only is her style of writing great, but she has a way of capturing your attention and making you want to read the book from cover to cover no matter how many chores or errands you have.
Liliana is a Mafia Princess who is being used as a pawn in her father’s quest to remain powerful among the five families in Chicago. He has never had much warmth or affection for her and it got worse after her mother passed away. She has grown up believing that her Mother’s father wanted nothing to do with her, but he has been keeping tabs on her the entire time. Liliana knows something big is about to happen, but she can’t quite figure out who all is involved and what their roles are in the game.
Max, aka Matt, is sent by Liliana’s grandfather to protect her from her father’s evil ways. His main objective aside from protecting his mentors family is to get revenge for the wrongs done to his family and to take back what should rightfully be his. He infiltrates the Brambilla family by posing as a highly sought after assassin and is brought on to protect Liliana by her father. Max sees this as a job and nothing more until he meets the object of said job face to face. From that moment he knew that there was no walking away even once the job was over. With so many players in the game and not being sure who to trust, will he be able to make Liliana realize he is on her side?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2021-09-05 21:02:142021-09-08 20:42:51No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
A book about Mafia secrets, arranged marriages, and complications. Liliana and her two best friends are mafia princesses. Liliana means more to her father as a pawn then she does as his daughter. Max infiltrates Liliana’s fathers’ empire as a hired hitman to help protect Liliana, but will she trust him? Max and Liliana feel sparks as soon as their eyes meet. The danger is real, Liliana gets kidnapped, and Max calls a commission, the Sicilian’s are on their way. The outcome is not guaranteed. The secrets that come out, took my breath away, took me by surprise, and had me furiously turning pages to find out what was going to happen. I have enjoyed books by Amy McKinley before and she did not disappoint. Am looking forward to Book 2 next month!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Packardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Packard2021-09-05 20:28:052021-09-08 20:41:20No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Angela Packard
No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley 4 Stars!!!!
I have read a lot from this author and once again I was not let down. I really find the way that this author writes to be engaging and was totally hooked from the get go. The characters are very believable. I found them to be realistic and relatable.
I really like the chemistry between Max and Liliana to be so heated. I like the way that story plays out. I like the cloak and dagger by Max and how the romance unfolds. I like how they in a way both save each other. I cannot wait to read more from this author and this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2021-09-05 15:54:252021-09-08 22:48:42No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Caralee Loonat
Do you want a book that grips you, and doesn’t let go even though how hard you fight to get away? Then my friends, you have found the right book to read, no doubt! This quickly became a favorite for me. No lies here, the author is one of my personal favorites, she writes such good novels, I always come back for more, this one was worth the wait though for sure! It literally blew me away countless times while reading!
Where should I start? There is so much I could tell, and want to tell, but you should truly experience this book for yourself. Let me start with Liliana who is our female lead in this gripping read. She brought on her own saucy spice and made the perfect mixture for love and temptation through out this novel. She does not have an easy life being the daughter of the head of the Mafia. She is undervalued by her father through out the book, she feels she can gain respect if she does a marriage to his pleasing. Is her happiness to be sacrificed really worth to win her fathers love? Perhaps there was more unknown to the story of what she truly wants than she lets on?
I loved the character Max. He was your hot and very sexy character, that literally brought on the lust with every word he spoke. He has been assigned a job to do, and at first glance it seems to be an very easy job, but that proves otherwise into the matter. To silence the head of the Mafia is one thing, but throw in the beautiful and amazing Liliana and basically all shit can and will hit the roof!
Max and Liliana really made my kindle sweat with anticipation and chemistry, Not to forget the steam and sexiness’ these two brought when they shared a scene together they were remarkable characters in every which way and form. The suspense they had face together, plus the fact of trying to avoid not to rip each others clothes off for the greatest passion ever to be experienced, there was so much more going on aside from that as well. The book literally had me hooked all the way through.
I LOVED this book so very much! It was an amazing read from start to finish, and I am still left wanting more by the end. It was a must read, and that is certainly a true fact and n questions asked. This was so good, it had everything I needed and wanted in the novel and more. I would expect nothing less than what I got from this amazing author I have come to love and admire so much. Wonderful read truly!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2021-09-05 06:56:212021-09-08 19:31:36No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorrene Huisman
No Way Out is the first book in Amy McKinley’s Mafia Elite series. I’ve really enjoyed reading some of McKinley’s other books – the action romance series Gray Ghost and the romantic Moonlit Destination series – so was excited about a new series to get into! No Way Out is an action-packed page-turner from the word go. Max has been set a dangerous mission, and one that speaks to his own troubled past. He has to maintain his new identity to get close to his target, and avoid attracting too much attention. McKinley treats us to plenty of details along the way, whilst keeping some twists to drop later in the book. As usual in McKinley’s writing, we have a fantastic heroine in Liliana. Although often in need of a bit of rescuing, McKinley’s heroines always hold their own and bring something unique to the table. Liliana has much to come to terms with about her family and Max is well placed to help her if she can trust him, but understandably she is very careful about where she places her trust. I’ve not read much mafia fiction previously, so this was a great insight into the world. If you’ve enjoyed McKinley’s other action romances, or are a fan of mafia romance, this is definitely worth a read! This book gets five stars from me. I can’t wait to read more of the series when they come out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2021-09-04 16:42:432021-09-08 18:56:03No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
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