It's probably going to be at least 10–15 business days and an appointment with my therapist before I'm able to wrap my head around all of the emotiIt's probably going to be at least 10–15 business days and an appointment with my therapist before I'm able to wrap my head around all of the emotions I just experienced.
Am I okay? No. Did I consider calling my therapist for an emergency appointment because my mind is so blown? Yes. Has my heart been beaten and battered? Yes (x♘♘♘♘). Did I ugly cry? Yes, multiple times—and this is only based on the first 10%.
If you love mafia romance, ‘enemies to lovers’, angst, forced proximity, suspense, and found family... one-click Ciao Bella and come back and thank me!!
It’s so much more than I could have imagined. In a word, it’s brilliant. The best book I’ve read all year. A top-three favorite in the Eagle Elite world. The magic that was part of the original series becomes more intense with every book. The introduction to this brand-new series set inside the Eagle Elite world is no exception—yet it’s completely different. It’s RVD mafia to the nth degree. When it comes to kicking off a new series, ‘Ciao Bella’ is beyond compare. It was epic in every way: tears falling, lives ruined, blood shed, laughter, and above all, the love and loyalty intricately woven into every character. The Eagle Elite is so much more than a mafia family; they are ALL family. (One sentence of this is a variation on a Veronica Mars quote.)
As soon as I opened ‘Ciao Bella,’ it felt like going home, and what could possibly feel more like the comfort of home than a family dinner, mafia style? The tumultuous hate and underlying love between Ivan and Bella added fuel to their fiery chemistry. The passionate way they fought over the years, and then being in forced proximity, became a slow burn of literary edging proportions.
I adored Bella. She’s completely different from her sister. It was as though she saw everyone else’s strengths while not seeing her own. She’s the youngest and Nixon’s baby. As the baby of my family, I can say that sometimes comes with being babied far beyond the baby stage. When others are always there to hold you up, you don’t always recognize your own strength. Ivan not only saw it; he nourished it. He helped her build an arsenal so she had the knowledge to be her own hero. After all, how could a De Lange be anything but a villain?
Ivan had so many layers, and each one was more complicated than the last. The way he ended up alongside some of the most notorious members of the Cosa Nostra left niggling thoughts in the back of his mind that he would never be one of them. How do you make peace with your past when you feel like you’re staring at it every day? He was a force to be reckoned with, but could he be the rise of the De Langes without leaving the Families in a pile of ash? So many questions, and all I can say is… Take a deep breath and dive in. Hide in the bathroom and lock the door. Do whatever is necessary to avoid real-life interruptions because they will come at the absolute worst time.
Saying that ‘Ciao Bella’ captivated me would be a vast understatement. The storyline seized my attention in the first few words, and from there, every thought and emotion was completely at the mercy of the words on the pages. Every word was emotionally charged, whether it was because of Ivan being a grade-A a-hole or a million other reasons; you feel every emotion. Every tear you shed, every muttered ‘WTF,’ and all the laughs are how the characters in this world become branded on your soul.
RVD writes in a way that pulls you in so deeply, you feel as much a part of the world as the fictional characters. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy or a dark mafia tale that makes you laugh, cry, and throw things, her writing is unparalleled. And her mafia series are unequivocally the most intricately woven, mind-blowing, and enthralling stories my eyes have ever seen. Nothing will ever convince me that the EE books aren’t magical. RVD’s writing is exceptional and never ceases to take my breath away.
Ivan and Bella’s story is an emotionally riveting, epic start to the ‘Rise of the De Langes’ series. It’s a tumultuous enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, mafia romance teeming with suspense, clever banter, and witty threats like only the EE characters can pull off. RVD’s writing, especially her mafia series, has the ability to take my breath away.
The insanity of two generations of mafia families offers me hours of escape the stress of real life. From the OG series to this brand new one, every character has left an imprint on my heart and soul. These characters have made such a huge impact on me that I have not one, but two tattoos that are due to my love of the magic I feel every time I’m able to get lost inside the Eagle Elite world. This is what people are referring to when they use the phrase ‘books are the greatest escape.’ You don’t want to miss out on everything these series have to offer....more
“If you’ve followed the Landry family series, you’re likely anticipating Troy’s story with bated breath. It’s finally arrived, and I recommend you “If you’ve followed the Landry family series, you’re likely anticipating Troy’s story with bated breath. It’s finally arrived, and I recommend you dive in when you have uninterrupted free time—perhaps declare it a ‘Troy Day’ and do whatever it takes to avoid all forms of adulting until you’ve savored every word. I chose option two: #NoRegrets
If you’ve followed the Landry family series, you’re likely anticipating Troy’s story with bated breath. It’s finally arrived, and I recommend you dive in when you have uninterrupted free time—perhaps declare it a ‘Troy Day’ and do whatever it takes to avoid all forms of adulting until you’ve savored every word. I chose option two. #NoRegrets”
From the first few words, it felt as though no time had passed since I last visited the Landry family. Troy may not share their last name, but he has long been an integral member of the clan—not only because of the time he spent overseas with Ford. He’s always been at the forefront, ensuring the safety of anyone connected to the family. He’s the one you want in your corner; his unwavering loyalty means he can’t be anywhere else. So what happens when the woman who ignites an unparalleled fire within him—the woman he’s taken painstaking measures to avoid thinking about personally—is in danger? He won’t let anyone else protect her. The brooding coworker turned bodyguard has met his match in this sassy ray of sunshine, and she’s about to set his world ablaze… in more ways than one.
Dahlia is the perfect blend of sweet and sassy. Her one-liners and sarcasm were on point, making it easy to feel as though she was someone in my life. Her friendship with her neighbor made my heart melt. She could have been angry at the world, and it would have been 100% understandable considering the events that had taken place, yet she was genuinely a happy person. She didn’t want to let the bad consume her life; she chose to be happy. As someone who has lost both parents and was diagnosed with several rare diseases that have no cure, who chooses love and laughter over bitterness every day, she was someone I could relate to on many levels.
Troy is all alpha, grumpy, and protective, with a smirk that makes ladies weak. He started stealing my heart years ago, and getting to know more of the man we’ve all seen on the sidelines of some major events in others’ lives made it worth the wait. I loved getting more of this character that has been such a huge part of so many other stories that I’ve loved. He carried such a strong presence in the Landry family series because we all knew that he has always been a hero, but this time he was the hero, and he got the girl.
Troy and Dahlia’s chemistry was palpable from the start, and the moment it’s just the two of them, it becomes an all-consuming inferno. It was as though they had been falling in love since the moment they met. Troy kept his emotions guarded, they worked together, and the million other reasons they used to justify it, none of that mattered because simply being around one another was enough to fuel the chemistry between them. They were complete opposites who pushed each other’s buttons, and it was my favorite form of literary foreplay.
Within the first paragraph, I was immersed in the Landry world as though no time had passed. Clever banter and exceptionally entertaining dialogue set the stage for what was to come in this brand new, very anticipated series. I can’t say I’ve ever read such a perfect first paragraph in a book before. A touch of nostalgia for long-time readers, and hints of intrigue for new readers to dive into the Landry Family series as soon as they finish Pulse.
Troy Castelli is a staple of Landry Security, and I can’t imagine a more impeccable kickoff to this brand new series. For those who love grumpy/sunshine, bodyguard, forced proximity, and office romances, you don’t want to miss Troy and Dahlia’s road to HEA. A bewitching combination of searing chemistry, a protective hero, a sassy heroine, engaging dialogue, feels, and spice....more
The only knowledge I had going into Moonlit Thorns was that it was a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast. That’s not generally my thing,The only knowledge I had going into Moonlit Thorns was that it was a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast. That’s not generally my thing, but if this duo is writing it, I’m reading it. Within a few pages, I was completely mesmerized by the intriguing world that came to life before my eyes. Mystery, suspense, sass, and SO much spice. Asher and Anabelle’s story was an enthralling introduction to the Midnight Manor series. The Voss brothers certainly have my attention, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come. (No pun intended.) (By far the spiciest book I’ve read in quite some time.)
The moment I heard about this book, I knew I had to get it. All I knew was the author and the title, but that was enough to pique my interest. As sThe moment I heard about this book, I knew I had to get it. All I knew was the author and the title, but that was enough to pique my interest. As soon as I opened My Anti-Hero and read the dedication, I knew I was in for a treat. I couldn't wait to dive into the story. I have a penchant for spicy books and murder mysteries, and if you throw in some chickens and baby goats, I'm sold. Needless to say, I was fully committed to reading every single word of this book before returning to real life.
Brett Broudou is a star football player who grew up in a cloud of darkness, also known as Roussou. If that town doesn’t look familiar, reevaluate your bookish life and go binge the Fallen Crest series. You’re welcome). Even when you are able to get out, the effects of growing up like that never quite go away. Billie, on the other hand, has seen and lived through some of life's most tragic horrors and heartbreaks. These experiences have left them both more closed off than Fort Knox. Then fate intervenes, and two people who live shrouded in darkness find a glimmer of light and magic. From the moment they meet, their connection is electric, and the suspense is palpable. The chemistry between the characters is intense and intriguing, making it impossible to put it down until the thrilling conclusion.
Brett is fiercely protective of those he cares about, and Billie quickly climbs to the top of that list. It was the darkness they both carried that triggered the initial connection, but it became so much more. Their connection was soul-consuming and all-encompassing. If you're looking for an enthralling read that will keep you on edge until the last page, My Anti-Hero is a must-read.
I’m quite literally speechless. Every single one of the Carmichael family members stole a piece of my heart throughout this series, but nothing canI’m quite literally speechless. Every single one of the Carmichael family members stole a piece of my heart throughout this series, but nothing can compare to the way Foxx Carmichael stole MY WHOLE HEART.
Do you know what’s better than a Carmichael brother? Absolutely nothing; you can’t go wrong. But I would be a liar if I didn’t say that Foxx didn’t just swoop in and steal the top Locke book boyfriend spot. Family dynamics in a way that is uniquely Locke, but there was also something about Foxx and Bianca that made their story exceptionally magical.
As soon as Flame hit my kindle, I texted my husband that we would be having leftovers for dinner. (#NoRegrets). The very definition of saving the best for last. Foxx is going to rock your world and steal hearts. It's hours spent immersed in a trope-lovers paradise. If you love protective alpha heroes, grumpy-v-sunshine, bodyguard, close proximity, and marriage of convenience, you absolutely NEED this book in your life.
I have been anxiously awaiting Foxx’s story since the moment he was introduced. He was so mysterious, quiet, and reserved, especially compared to his slightly insane siblings. It was also more than that. What were the keys about, and who was sending the animal fact texts? There were a lot of expectations going into Foxx’s story; he has been a grumpy mystery from the start, but there were also other Carmichael family happenings that added another level of anticipation to the final book in the series.
Bianca was sassy, stubborn, and sweet. I adored her. She had no qualms about pushing Foxx’s buttons, and his glares would make a lesser person run. Bianca just pushed harder. I felt like their love was written in the stars. She’s talkative and open; he’s stoic and closed off. His arms were her safe place, and her presence was his happiness.
My emotions were all over the place going into Flame since it’s the final book in the Carmichael series, but it was nothing compared to the emotions that flooded through my veins while reading Bianca and Foxx’s story. I almost wish I had bottled my tears so I could send them to Locke as a token of my love for this most epically bittersweet “see ya later” to the Carmichael family. They weren’t even necessarily from sadness, although some were. So many were due to the general heartfelt and loving moments, and even more were laughter.
This was the most aptly titled book ever. There truly was a soul-deep connection between them, and the physical connection along with their banter fanned the flames that made it feel like an inferno. They just understood each other without having to say a word. They say the eyes are a window to the soul, and with a simple glance, it was as though they could read every thought.
Every element of Bianca and Foxx’s story is everything I love about Locke’s novels to the nth degree. I can’t imagine a more perfectly mesmerizing farewell to the Carmichael family. An enchanting blend of flaming hot chemistry, a sassy heroine, a protective hero, witty banter, laugh-out-loud family shenanigans, feels, and red-hot steam
As always, Locke managed to deliver a magical experience that allowed all your troubles to fall away, even if it was only for a few hours. Sometimes that’s all you need in order to fight another day.
On a personal note, I’m not just saying that Locke’s worlds are ones you can escape reality in because of the fact that books are meant to be a sort of escape. I’m saying that as someone who is sitting here near tears because the lower part of my body feels like it’s on fire. Nerve pain is no joke. The weather makes almost every day a bad pain this time of year. Sometimes my pain levels are so high that I’m so nauseous I can’t eat for days, and other times I pass out because my body literally can’t take the pain any more. I have a rare spinal cord disease that was caused by an epidural. It’s a progressive disease with no cure. In medical journals, it’s said to have the “agonizing pain of stage 4 bone cancer without the relief of death.” That’s only a fraction of what I needed to escape from, especially if I take into consideration that I’ve read every book Locke has published. That’s a lot of hours she’s offered me as an escape. Having the talent that allows someone who feels weighted down by their reality to escape from it all. To intrigue someone’s mind so thoroughly that all thoughts are consumed by a fictional world and their emotions are completely owned by the character’s emotions is a phenomenal gift to offer the world. Sure, reality will still be there when we reach the end, but having something to lose yourself in is sometimes all you need to garner the strength to fight what it was you needed to escape from.
I’m not saying this for any reason other than to shed a little light on my need to get lost in a world that isn’t mine for a few hours. I’m certain there are many people across the globe with varying reasons why they desperately crave the reprieve being lost in a fictional world can offer. The heart and soul that Locke instills in the pages of every book she writes shine brighter with every release.
My early impressions of the Mafia Academy series and Piper Rayne's darker side were definitively established by reading Craving My Rival. An all-neMy early impressions of the Mafia Academy series and Piper Rayne's darker side were definitively established by reading Craving My Rival. An all-new addition to my all-time favorite mafia series and a new favorite dark romance author.
I had been VERY impatiently waiting for Craving My Rival to hit my kindle. I made it clear in our family group chat that they may as well pretend I didn’t exist until I initiated a conversation, because until then they could pretend I was invisible. Unless there was imminent death, I was unavailable. It took opening to the first page for me to become immersed inside the Mafia Academy world, and it was a bittersweet feeling knowing this was the final time I would be able to do so with a brand new story waiting to be told.
To say that Polina was thrilled about having an arranged marriage to Dante would be the perfect word if it were the opposite day. She hid behind a mask of cold indifference, with her heart locked up behind fortified steel. People had a perception of her that couldn’t have been more wrong; although it was done with purpose on her part, it just made my heart ache that she never had the chance to just... She was truly a fascinating character. She was beauty and grace, with a side of “touch my man and I will punch you in the face.” I loved seeing her transition from a woman who hid behind a mask to the fiercely loving woman she became in a way that felt genuine.
Dante was definitely the most chill of the men we’ve met at the Mafia Academy, but don’t let that fool you; he’s as lethal as the rest of them. Maybe even more so because of the fact that he’s so chill, it lulls people into a false sense of safety around him. Let me tell you this man went from “hell no” to “touch her and ...more
Favorite Mistake immediately plucked me from reality and placed me inside of Redemption as though I never left. There’s just something Prince inst Favorite Mistake immediately plucked me from reality and placed me inside of Redemption as though I never left. There’s just something Prince instills inside her small towns that sets them apart from others, and it’s not just the towns but the characters who reside there. The swoony protective heroes, the sassy women, and the friendships that are as much a part of the story as anything else The love on the pages stays with you long after you reach the end.
Lyric immediately stole my heart. She had a strength that truly bled through the pages. She was meant to be a part of Redemption, and not just because of Deputy McHotty. It was more so because the way the people in the town looked out for one another was another step towards her being able to heal. She kept her guard up, but she had her reasons, and if I’ve learned anything about this group of friends, it's that they all know what it’s like to need to open up about what haunts them when the person is ready to take that step. It never fails that they are all there for one another, not just during the light and laughter but in the moments where you’re no longer able to hold yourself up. They are there to catch one another. Anyone would be lucky to have that type of friend.
Holt is a cop, sure, but being the hometown hero is more than a job; protecting people is as much a part of him as the need for oxygen. It’s ingrained in the very fabric of his being, and not being able to protect someone is as though someone has stolen the very breath he needs to survive. Knowing you can’t save everyone and living it are very different things, and because of that, our small town hero doesn’t end up putting his foot in his mouth; he puts an entire steel-toed boot in his mouth.
Lyric and Holt have an immediate connection that leads to easy conversation and a hot and steamy night. The next time they see each other, there’s a different kind of fire between them. There’s a push and pull between them that only fuels the fire between them, and it seems the more Holt tries to pull Lyric closer, she pushes back twice as hard, which fuels the flames of desire between them until there’s an inevitable explosion of feelings and steam.
As always, there’s emotion scattered throughout the pages in a way that captivates your heart but not in a way that causes the story to be overly emotional. Prince has a way of scattering the heavy emotions, witty banter, swoons, and steam so that none of them overpower the story. From one page to the next, I never know whether I will be smiling over moments with friends, swooning over the protective alpha hero, or devouring a wickedly steamy scene. I love the way I become so immersed inside these small towns that they feel like home. You aren’t an outside observer; you’re as much a part of the story as the characters on the page.
Favorite Mistake was a mesmerizing blend of searing chemistry, a protective hero, a strong heroine, and witty banter, sprinkled with feels, suspense, and red-hot steam. All inside a fictional town that feels like home and a group of friends that feel like family. The unconditional love and unwavering support stay with you long after you reach the end.
Favorite Mistake immediately plucked me from reality and placed me inside of Redemption as though I never left. There’s just something Prince instills inside her small towns that sets them apart from others, and it’s not just the towns but the characters who reside there. The swoony protective heroes, the sassy women, and the friendships that are as much a part of the story as anything else The love on the pages stays with you long after you reach the end.
Lyric immediately stole my heart. She had a strength that truly bled through the pages. She was meant to be a part of Redemption, and not just because of Deputy McHotty. It was more so because the way the people in the town looked out for one another was another step towards her being able to heal. She kept her guard up, but she had her reasons, and if I’ve learned anything about this group of friends, it's that they all know what it’s like to need to open up about what haunts them when the person is ready to take that step. It never fails that they are all there for one another, not just during the light and laughter but in the moments where you’re no longer able to hold yourself up. They are there to catch one another. Anyone would be lucky to have that type of friend.
Holt is a cop, sure, but being the hometown hero is more than a job; protecting people is as much a part of him as the need for oxygen. It’s ingrained in the very fabric of his being, and not being able to protect someone is as though someone has stolen the very breath he needs to survive. Knowing you can’t save everyone and living it are very different things, and because of that, our small town hero doesn’t end up putting his foot in his mouth; he puts an entire steel-toed boot in his mouth.
Lyric and Holt have an immediate connection that leads to easy conversation and a hot and steamy night. The next time they see each other, there’s a different kind of fire between them. There’s a push and pull between them that only fuels the fire between them, and it seems the more Holt tries to pull Lyric closer, she pushes back twice as hard, which fuels the flames of desire between them until there’s an inevitable explosion of feelings and steam.
As always, there’s emotion scattered throughout the pages in a way that captivates your heart but not in a way that causes the story to be overly emotional. Prince has a way of scattering the heavy emotions, witty banter, swoons, and steam so that none of them overpower the story. From one page to the next, I never know whether I will be smiling over moments with friends, swooning over the protective alpha hero, or devouring a wickedly steamy scene. I love the way I become so immersed inside these small towns that they feel like home. You aren’t an outside observer; you’re as much a part of the story as the characters on the page.
Favorite Mistake was a mesmerizing blend of searing chemistry, a protective hero, a strong heroine, and witty banter, sprinkled with feels, suspense, and red-hot steam. All inside a fictional town that feels like home and a group of friends that feel like family. The unconditional love and unwavering support stay with you long after you reach the end.
Holy-fucking-shit. Lorraine has been a longtime favorite of mine, but Lawless fucking obliterated every single previous level of mind-fuckery. ThatHoly-fucking-shit. Lorraine has been a longtime favorite of mine, but Lawless fucking obliterated every single previous level of mind-fuckery. That ending...fuck that. There are cliffhangers, and then there are Lorraine cliffhangers, but nothing can compare to the way Lawless made my heart stop. I think I need an emergency appointment with my therapist because I’m far from ok.
If you are looking for swoony heroes that send their women chocolates and flowers, this is NOT that. These dark and dangerous alpha men take dirty talk to a new level, deliver screaming “Os,” and bring a ...more
Merciless was a captivating introduction to the Harrow Creek Hawks’ world, and while this was another hit to feed my Harrow Creek Hawks addiction, Merciless was a captivating introduction to the Harrow Creek Hawks’ world, and while this was another hit to feed my Harrow Creek Hawks addiction, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional toll Relentless would take on me.
As an obsessive fangirl of Lorraine’s for a few years, when I open one of her books, I will be as much of a hostage as those in Reid’s basement, and yet, Relentless is unequivocally the absolute most ALL-CONSUMING (second) book of a series I’ve ever read. I’m not even sure I can pinpoint any one element; it’s everything: the mindfuckery of the story itself, the dynamics between the guys, the connection Alana shares with each of them, and the way the emotions seep through the pages, making words spoken in anger feel like daggers across your heart. That’s not even touching on the steam factor; this is by far the hottest book I’ve read this year.
Lorraine instilled a uniqueness to the character dynamics with Alana, Mav, JD, and Reid that has securely placed Harrow Creek Hawks as my absolute favorite “why choose”. Relentless delves much deeper into the emotional aspects of the feeling they have for not only Alana but also their own feelings about what’s developing between them. Lorraine ALWAYS delivers dark, angsty, alpha-hole perfection, but when you multiply it by 3, you get the ultimate reason to choose romance.
I love that all the guys are navigating their own thoughts and feelings about their attraction or feelings towards Alana, while Mav has a lot more to contend with when it comes to Reid and JD. It adds such an interesting spin to the dynamics, and I can’t get enough.
I love the strength Alana continues to show, even when she feels the opposite on the inside. She continuously proves that she may have been knocked down far too many times, but she will always get back on her feet. She has a spine of steel, revenge in her heart, fire in her eyes, and three men who have begun to soothe different parts of her battered soul.
Reid is one stubborn fucker. The tension between him and Alana has been intense from the start, but holy hell, the two of them are going to combust, and the odds are more likely that on every page they will leave a trail of ashes in their wake. These two have to be the most epically intense yet devastatingly slow (ish) burns that ever existed.
Maverick and Alana’s connection started years ago, but with recent developments, their world has been tilted toward its access. The love they share never wavers, and with every interaction, the tension in Maverick becomes more palpable. He’s held back for years, and his restraint is as close to snapping as Reid’s.
JD stole my heart with his charming personality, but the darkness that lurks in his eyes and a few comments here and there have me as scared as I am intrigued. I think whatever shadow he has lurking is the reason that he and Alana were immediately drawn to one another. Sure, the physical attraction was there, but there was always more to it than that.
Of course, there’s a lot more going on in the story; there are moves being made, enemies joining forces, answers being given, and others being kept, but these are things you need to find out on your own. I love that Lorraine doesn’t make it seem as though the story is dragging on just because her duets, trilogies, or series are all that long because she brings these intricate storylines and complex characters to life. Her words serve a purpose whether you know it at the time or not, and I am not even slightly exaggerating when I say that every book she writes is better than the last.
Relentless is dark romance heaven, or would it be hell? Reid, JD, and Maverick are the epitome of why there’s such a need to choose romance books. Alana isn’t the only captive; you will be too. 3 alpha anti-heroes, a strong AF heroine, ALL the touch her and ...more
Coveting the Mafia King's Sister is the third book in the Mafia Academy series, and although each can be read as a standalone, to get the most enj Coveting the Mafia King's Sister is the third book in the Mafia Academy series, and although each can be read as a standalone, to get the most enjoyment out of this world and these characters, I would highly recommend reading them in order.
As soon as Gabriele and Aria's fast-paced, compelling story, Coveting the Mafia King's Sister, appeared on my Kindle, reality and responsibilities vanished. I was completely engrossed inside the Mafia Academy, and it was basically a given that real life would need to fuck off.
I loved that Aria knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it—or him, as the case may be. She was ready to find out who she was after living a lifetime feeling like a caged princess. In a moment that may have been due to others devious plans, Aria’s eyes are opened to a side of her sensuality she didn’t realize existed. She was as sweet as she was feisty, making her the perfect “good girl” for Gabriele’s decadently dark sensuality.
Gabriele was different than I expected in all the best ways. He was the hot hacker I expected, but there was so much more to the man who quietly kept to himself while collecting favors from others at the academy. Even though there were times I wanted nothing more than to dive into the pages so I could kick him in the nuts, I found myself falling for him more and more as Aria continued to push him past the point of reason. He was possessive of her before he laid a single finger on her. His preconceived opinions of Aria may have been the reason he pushed her away, but the combination of her fiery willfulness and her interest in exploring the darker sides of her sensuality draws his attention like a moth to a flame. Once her life is threatened, everything he thought goes up in flames as his need to protect what’s his becomes his top priority.
Both Gabriele and Aria showed a lot of growth throughout. I felt like Aria’s growth was removing the rose-tinted view of the world they live in, to no fault of her own. She was enjoying life in a way she was never able to, and in the process, she found the man she loved and the woman she didn’t know she could be. Gabriele’s journey was more of an emotional one, as he found his, and every single emotion he had infused in him was directly related to Aria. He was her safety, and she was the air he breathed.
Although there was an immediate spark of passion between Gabriele and Aria, it was their push-pull relationship that fostered their all-encompassing connection. They embodied passionate magnetism to the fullest extent. Beyond the physical, it was a combination of the intellect, heart, body, and soul. Gabriele and Aria seemed very different to one another, yet upon closer inspection, everything came together beautifully.
Oh, my angst. I don’t even know what to say; my heart has been invested in practically every character since Vow of Revenge, but that sure didn’t stop me from imagining all the ways I would inflict pain on Gabriele for the callous ways he pushed Aria away. The hurt that flowed through the pages brought physical pain to my chest. He had his reasons for doing it, but Aria had her reasons for trying to get his attention, not realizing she already had it.
Coveting the Mafia King's Sister has solidified Mafia Academy’s place as an all-time favorite dark mafia series. I adore Piper Rayne's lighthearted romantic comedies, but it would have been a damn pity if they had refrained from delving into their darker side.
Coveting the Mafia King's Sister is an alluring blend of soul-encompassing passion, a “touch her and ...more
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