Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book started off kind of slow, it was interesting, but slow. But as I got further in I was drawn in more and didn’t want to put it down. A bit of feminism, but not so much that it turned me away from reading it. I would actually love to read a second book to this series to see where life took Annie.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
” Born in Darkness” is the third book in the “Mafia Elite” series and like the first two books, this book is phenomenal! Even though this is the third book in the series, it was no copycat of the previous books. The focus on different characters make each story unique. Emiliana and Stefano may have both been damaged in their lives but they aren’t victims or weak. They are intelligent, strong characters whose chemistry is sizzling.
After hiding out after his mother’s death, Matt/Max is back to take what belongs to him. It does not matter who stands in his way, including his own father. He just needs to stick to his plan and try not to let the one complication that has come to light stray him from his mission. That complication, however, is LOVE. Liliana has also lost her mother, and the only parent she felt ever loved her. Will she be able to survive with her father and his people, or is she just another pawn in his long-term game? This book is one you won’t want to put down. I made myself take a break from going straight into book #2. The author did a great job, and I can’t wait to learn more about these mafia families. The suspense and action in this book kept me wanting more and more!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This third book hands-down is my absolute favorite in the series. The characters are extremely well written and I love how fierce not just Stefano but also Emiliana are. It’s amazing to me how they almost match fierceness more than any other couple in the series so far. This book showcases just how despicable Frank is and the lengths that he will go to to try to destroy his son and Emiliana.
You start to see how the “family “is beginning to change and move into a new era. With each book especially this third one you start to feel the shift which keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes it hard to put down.
With each book we learn more and more history and more secrets come to light which serves to keep you 100% enthralled from the first page to the last page with anticipation. I enjoyed that the characters from book one and two are also in this book and still have great significance in the story.
As each new book comes I feel closer and closer to each character and become more fascinated with what will happen next. This author does a great job of weaving an amazing story and backstory as well as continuity throughout the series. I cannot wait for the next book and again this one was my favorite so far and easy five star read.
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great book! As this story unfolds it was hard for me to put down. Lexi is a detective who is haunted by her past about her late husband while being a strong detective with an attitude. Xavier is sent in to “investigate” more about Lexi and if she is truly fit to be a detective. When Lexi and Xavier are partnered together, their first case is a child homicide. This already started my heart racing. Something about the homicide is clean and precise and Lexi’s #1 suspect is Author Book. She truly believes he was involved with a previous case and now he just torments her like he did with her late husband. Xavier, is not attached to anyone, no friends, no family. Xavier is to investigate Lexi, but also ends up investigating Author Book as well. Both characters really pull at my heart. Lexi is strong willed and full of attitude, but really haunted by her demons. Xavier hold secrets of his own. Will Xavier and Lexi learn to work together and solve the homicide of a child?
This story really pulls you in from beginning to end. If you love murder mystery, crime, suspense and some romance..this book is a great read! Highly recommended!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just keeps getting better! Whilst this could be read as a stand alone, I would definitely recommend reading all the books as they are just so well written and worth it. Stefano and Emiliana had my heart racing, so much depth and complexity. I loved the suspense and drama throughout which kept me turning the pages, and of course, the chemistry and sizzle was palpable. Do yourself a favour, pick up and read this series!
Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author always has me on the edge of my seat in her books, and this book did not disappoint! Utterly fantastic, with a lot of action, suspense, romance and drama – I could not put it down. I absolutely loved the main characters, Enzo and Sofia, and could feel the steam between them jumping off the pages. I cant wait to start reading book three!
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fall to Pieces was full of surprises for me. I totally didn’t see things playing out the way they did and I was glad. I love it when I don’t see the twists until they’re being revealed.
Lexi has a lot going on in her life and unfortunately she doesn’t make the best choices. She was quite determined to make sure she was able to catch the killer before there is another victim.
Xavier comes into Lexi’s life at the perfect time with the homicides and every thing else she is dealing with both personally and at work.
This book had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next and it did not disappoint.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 3 in the Mafia Elite series does it again.
A great mix of the down and dirty world of mafia families, passionate stolen moments and personal vendettas.
Stefano and Emiliana have eyes only for each other, but have to wait for Stefanos father to die off in order to be safe. Stolen kisses in secret have to be enough to satisfy them, but it ends up getting them caught and the witness turns out to be a rat.
This book is great standalone, but I love reading the prior books in a series and having some back story on fringe characters in the later offerings.
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
King Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel by India Kells
Five Stars
This is one of my all time favorite series by this author. I have been waiting to get my hands on this last installment and find out how this all ends. This is Lazarus and Sasha’s story. This book like the rest of the series is full of mystery, action and white hot sizzling passion. It has been a wild ride with the Bastards, each has a place in my heart. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend you read the series in order. It will be well worth your time to get the whole backstory. This is definitely a 5+ Stars Book.
Review @sunbarn
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Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Born in darkness is the 3rd book in the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley, I am really enjoying this series so far and I am so glad that this booked ended the way it did! I think I guess who had been betraying the families at the end of the last book so was very glad to see that story progress. This book follows Stefano and Emiliana, who have been in love for as long as they can remember but due to Stefano’s controlling father they were never able to get to be together, that is until Emiliana life is put at risk again. I really liked this book, my only gripe is that it ended too quickly! I wanted them to string out the final confrontation but that’s just because I was cheering them on. This is a fast paced and exciting read. Highly recommend.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 3 in what is currently a 5 book series. This installment can technically be read on its own but the back information you would have from reading the other books was beneficial to me keeping the information and names straight. This book answers some questions that were left open from the previous books and seems to set up things for book 4. Note, by jumping to book 3 you also get spoiled on the former romances and a little bit on how they came about.
I really enjoyed the building relationship between Emiliana and Stefano. Stefano is the son of one of the five heads of family for the Chicago Italian Mafia, but he is fighting against his father’s tyrannical rule of his life. Emiliana is still recovering from her abduction and being sold into human trafficking. Both have yearned for the other since they were kids, but can they overcome their life situations to finally be together?
I loved that Stefano is able to help Em continue to build herself up after her ordeal, and doesn’t shy away from it or hold it against her. She’s healing but he’s willing to be there as a support system and friend for her. I also enjoyed seeing Stefano standing up for himself and dealing with the ramifications of his father’s actions.
As mentioned, some lingering questions from the other two books are answered here and I enjoyed the mystery aspect of that. We see more tension build up with the Bratva here and I can’t wait to see what comes of that in book 4.
Content warning: suicide, talk of human trafficking and arranged marriages, violence against women, gun violence, death, mafia violence, torture.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
I could not wait to read this, I fell in love with Emiliana and Stefano right from the start and read this book in one sitting. I was able to do that because I know that when I start a book by this author I never want to put it down so I made sure I chose a day I could just jump in and savor every word.
This was a perfect addition to this series. If you have not read these yet, you really must. This had me on the edge of my seat more than once and I found I couldn’t read fast enough because I had to know what was going to happen next! As usual the twists were placed perfectly and you never knew they were coming.
I love this author, she is among my favorites, and I’d read anything she writes. I can not wait for January when book 4 comes. I also can not wait to read all of these again back to back on a quiet rainy weekend!
Loved It!!
Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was everything I wanted it to be and much much more. I really have always been a believer of witches, or Strega as referenced in this novel, and the history of the power that women carry in families and this book really delves into that and runs with it in such a fun way that the reader gets really carried away. I loved every moment I got to spend with Annie. This story was written so vividly I felt transported right there with her and that was really needed in a dark time for me so I can’t thank the author enough for her wonderful world building skills. I would love to see more stories about the family in the future and even more of Annie.
Review by @lizaileen
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Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Born in Darkness is another great book by this author! The book started off a bit slow to me. I was hoping for the instant connection that I felt with the characters in the previous Mafia Elite books. By the 3rd or 4th chapter, I was hooked! Stefano and Emiliana have loved each other since childhood but could not let anyone around them know. These star-crossed lovers endured a lot in their lives from abuse, kidnapping, and death of loved ones but they were always there for each other – as friends. Danger brings them together in this story and their love for each other is sparked.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very interesting read.
I would recommend reading book one and two first.
This was a very quick easy read.
A great edition to the series.
Can’t wait to keep reading.
The king is back, and his love is back on track.
What would you do if your secrets were being revealed from your inner circle?
I’m honestly hoping to read of the fathers death soon.
The characters of this story are very intriguing.
Stefano is a fictional hottie and I cannot wait for more.
Lies and secrets are sure to soon be revealed.
Looking forward to book four.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just continues to get better and better with each new book this author releases! This book was just amazing – from start to finish I was captivated by Stefano and Emiliana’s story – it was fast paced, dark, romantic, action packed and so much more. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough trying to find out what was going to happen next there was just so much going on it was very addictive to read. I love mafia and I love forbidden romance bit a forbidden mafia romance tops them all!!
Although this book is part of a series it could be read as a standalone but having read the other books, I would highly recommend reading them in order.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough it was an amazing read and I can’t wait for more from this author!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited for book 3 in the Mafia Elite Series. I absolutely love this author’s writing. She has a way to instantly hook you, pull you in, and keep you there throughout the entire book. The action and romance in this book kept me reading and wanting more. I sped through this book in just 1 day, I loved every second of it. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sixth book in this series. I highly recommend reading the previous books in order to get the full scope of the overarching story line.
Finally! We get to know Oz. It’s been quite a journey to get to this point, each brother bringing another layer to the picture. Loved Sasha’s character – brave, strong, resourceful. I found the direction that the author took Sasha’s past was interesting. It wasn’t what I expected and definitely added an intriguing layer to the character.
There are a lot of other things I could comment on, but it would contain spoilers.
Un-put-downable read!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book however the ending for me was a little anti climatic. I was expecting so much more and I was kind of let down. The rest of the book was fabulous! I love Em and Stefano. They are hot from the get go…even in their own darkness.
This book is book 3 in the series and is not a standalone. This author’s writing style keeps me reading, keeps me turning the pages. The fire that Em has makes it easy to admire her. The darkness and determination that Stefano has makes it easy to love him. The evil that Frank has makes it easy to continue to hate him.
Looking forward to what comes next for this group of Mafia princesses and princes.
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As the year comes to an end, I am once again astounded by the talent that this author has for writing. Like the previous two books in the series, as well as many of her other works, the book was quick to draw me in, especially since I’ve enjoyed the other two books immensely and couldn’t wait for the story to continue, even if it was focused on yet another new pair of characters, much like her other stories. This book, like many others, can be read as a standalone novel, but there are references to previous books in the series that make more sense if you have read them as well.
Stefano and Emiliana have fate against them in this continuation of the addictive Mafia Elite story. Much like Romeo and Juliet, they are forbidden to love one another, but in this modern ‘re-telling’ of the story, the situation is much more complex. The Five Families have discovered a rat in their midst, so whilst trying to hide their love from her father, Stefano is doing everything in his power to protect Emiliana and figure out who is causing trouble in Chicago. The connection between the two, the guessing on who may be the snitch and the overall anticipation of what will become of the forbidden couple made the book impossible to put down. Needless to say, I am beyond thrilled that there is another book in the series, and plan to read it as soon as I am able to!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stefano is seeking vengeance against his sadistic father, Frank Rossi. He suspects his father had a hand in the human trafficking ring that abducted Emiliana. After her rescue, Emiliana is doing her best to prove that her violent ordeal in Italy hasn’t changed her. Deep down, she feels something darker has been awoken, and she is out for blood. Suffering from anxiety and night terrors, she has become so paranoid, that she trains every day in the modified room that her brother Enzo has created for her.
Fully aware there is a mole feeding information to the Bratva, the girls decide to flush the person out. They launch an investigation into Tony, believing that he hasn’t forgotten being dropped in rank by Max. Meanwhile, Stefano and the other Mafia bosses are attempting to do the same. When Frank Rossi approaches Emiliana in her home, his veiled threat has Enzo and Stefano rushing to hide her and increase the security of all the girls. At Stefano’s secured lake house, Emiliana and Stefano indulge in a long-time infatuation stemming from their childhood. Who is the mole? Frank Rossi? Tony? Who has the information that will reveal the mole?
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 +++++ Stars
I was so messed up when this book hit my kindle. I couldn’t wait to read it yet didn’t want to start it because I knew it was the end of another amazing series by this author. I literally love all of this author’s books, and it might just be because I just finished this that I’m saying this is my favorite. I knew the ongoing story playing out in all these books was going to end in a really big way and I was right. This part though had me feeling every emotion possible. I held my breath more than once and fell in love with Lazarus and Sasha. Oz had already won my heart more than once and I couldn’t wait for him to get his story. This was amazing, reconnecting with others from the previous books. Oz’s mum was perfect in this book!
The twists and turns will have you pulling your hair out, the suspense, danger and I could literally feel the determination of these characters to finally put an end to it all.
This was a perfect ending to an amazing series, one that I can’t wait to read again in the future back to back. Start from book 1, seriously..you need every story leading up to this one to get the full effect of what is happening. They are all quick reads mainly because once you pick each one up you won’t want to put it down and the next thing you know you’re finished. This author is amazing and I will always pick up any book she writes.
Sad that it’s over! Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley
I’m literally speechless. I don’t even know where to begin with my review for this wonderfully written story. I’ve been a fan of this author since the very first book I read of hers. With every new book and even every new series I become an even bigger fan. This one is by far my favorite yet. I freaking loved everything about this book. If you haven’t started this series or of she’s a new to you author go grab the first book in this series and I guarantee by the end you’ll also be a fan. I’ve been patiently waiting for this book and holy cow it didn’t disappoint that’s for sure. This story is packed with all things that make up a fantastic mafia romance. There’s lots of secrets, action, throw in a bit of drama and some violence plus so much more. I was at times on the edge of my seat trying to figure everything out. Whew, this is Stefano and Emiliana’s story. He’s biding his time till he’s king and wants her to be by his side. She wants the one man she fell in love with but she can’t have him. Oh these two are off the charts. What will happen when their relationship not only grows but attracts more enemies? Is he enough to keep her safe ? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for the next book in this series . I also recommend reading the first two books in this series if you haven’t already.
Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While this book was not one of my favorites it did keep me guessing an wanting to read more. It is a good mystery suspense. I loved the characters Neve, Con an Rosanna. I think they were perfect. It takes place in a mental hospital an Neve is returning to work after being attacked. But when returning she is faced with yet another mystery that involes her an mental health patients. Is she really ready for all of this again?
#DawnMitchell
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read the previous two books in the Mafia Elite series but Born in Darkness has been my favorite storyline thus far. I really enjoyed how the main characters of Stefano and Emiliana intertwined from childhood into adulthood. Stefano has been Emiliana’s savior for such a long time, it’s no wonder they are bound to each other in unexplainable ways. This book also answered some questions that were lingering from the previous ones all while keeping us in suspense on other questions that continue to arise. This book just draws you in and doesn’t let go and leads you wanting more of the mafia families. Thankfully, this series is not complete yet and I will get more to the characters stories.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As the third book in the mafia elite series this one quickly became a favorite. It’s action packed right from the start and there are so many twists and turns that when you figure everything out you’ll be as shell shocked as the characters are! While these all could be stand alone books following along with the characters through each one builds upon the storyline and allows you to understand the events happening and why they are happening. Plus each book has been amazing and I’m already anxiously awaiting the next one.
This book is Emiliana and Stefano’s story. Emiliana is trying to come to terms with her past abduction which just won’t quite leave her alone. While Stefano is doing his best to keep her safe especially from his father who threatens her often to keep Stefano in line. The bosses are working to uncover the rat while protecting their love ones. As new information is uncovered the path it leads to is unexpected. Can they uncover the rat while protecting their loved ones? What happens when the rat is very close to home? Can the mafia princesses make it out unscathed? This is a must read series that will have you on the edge of your seat. Can you uncover the rat before the mafia bosses can?
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Detective Lexi Danvers has had a hard go of it in her personal life. As a homicide detective catches a case involving a child killer, her main suspect is out of her reach. Detective Xavier Knight gets partnered up with Lexi, his job is to make sure she is still able to do her job within the best of her ability. Xavier is worried about her behavior, but can he honestly evaluate her with his attraction growing? Can they bring justice to a little boys family? Great read that kept me hooked from the beginning. This was the first book by this author, but will not be the last.
Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Neve Keane is anxious to return to her job as Psychotherapist at the hospital after being stabbed by a patient. After weeks off work for healing and recovery both mentally and physically, she feels that she’s ready to return to work. She is unprepared when instead of a quiet office, she gets mobbed by a group of people on her first day back. She stands helpless in the hallway as they surround her chanting her name and telling her that they need her to help them stop the Apocalypse. After her recent stabbing, Neve is rattled by this turn of events and not sure how to react. She is still suffering from the side effects of the stabbing and the reaction from this group of people has her reliving the memory of her attack. She’s visibly shaken but does not want to lead on that she is frightened because her coworkers might feel that she is not ready to return to work and may try to make her go home. She does not want to go back home and finds it better to be at work where she can hopefully keep her mind busy and not be so bored.
As it turns out, the leader of the crowd turns out to be one of Neve’s patients, so she is familiar with him. He is also a patient of her friend and co-worker Con. Neither Con nor Neve have seen a violent side to the patient, and both have a good rapport with him. Neve feels it necessary to hear her patient out to get a better understanding of the situation at hand and work towards a possible solution. After explaining his visions to her, Neve agrees to help him against her better judgment. After she hears what he has to say she can’t deny that there must be something more to it. If nothing else, she intends to just find out one way or the other. What Neve does not expect to happen is to find a secret plot that involves government officials that goes all the way up to the White House. Now Neve and Con are fighting for their lives as they attempt to stop the end of the world from happening.
This book was very well written and had a storyline that kept me reading to find out what happened next. It moved at a good pace and had a story that involved crime, corruption, evil and a bit of romance all in one. I was curious how far up the chain things went and who all was involved. Was there anyone Neve and Con could trust? Would anyone believe them when they told them what deadly secrets and sinister plots they had uncovered? Would Neve and Con would be successful or would evil win out in the end?
View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alexandra Danvers and Xavier Knight are on a hunt to find Arthur Book. They must stop him before he kills again. All the while Xavier is investigating Lexi, his job is to see if she can do her job as a detective. While Lexi is on the job to stop this horrible killer. She is also fighting an inner battle. The loss of her husband is only the beginning for Lexi. This author has a way of getting you caught up in her story. The story is non-stop action, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The characters are the true story makers, people I would have loved to have known. Let’s not forget the attraction between Lexi and Xavier. Can these two people do their jobs, all the while trying to keep each other and their families safe? You really do need to read this story, and take a chance with this author. She is a new to me author who has got my vote. I look forward to reading more from her.
Review@Cinful
