The Deal

by J.L. Perry

Alexander:


I was born into the country’s most powerful crime family. It’s a legacy I never asked for, yet one I’m bound to inherit. I want no part of it … I like my life just the way it is.


With infinite power and money at my disposal, I have women falling at my feet, but I’m not interested in a commitment. Variety is the spice of life, so why would I settle for anything less?


Then I met her.


One unforgettable night with a mysterious woman, and now I’m consumed. She walked away without so much as a glance over her shoulder, which only made me crave her more.


She’s invaded my every thought, and I won’t rest until I find her. And when I do, I’ll make her mine.


Chloe:


I was born into a life of privilege, where I wanted for nothing. But now, there are days when I barely manage to put food on the table.


Everything changed the day my mother walked out, and my father drowned his grief in gambling. His addiction spiralled out of control, and we eventually lost it all. To keep a roof over our heads, I had no choice but to take on multiple jobs. I no longer have time for relationships or a life outside of survival.


My dad promised he’d clean up his act when things finally hit rock bottom. I thought he’d done just that until I returned home from work to find him on his knees in the living room with a gun pointed at his head.


The moment my gaze landed on the tall, dark, and handsome Adonis holding him captive, my heart skipped a beat. It was him—the man I had met in the hotel bar.


That’s when a deal was put on the table: my father’s life spared in exchange for me. I was left bewildered when I became the collateral for his debt. And even more so when he agreed to it.


I’d been handed over to the devil himself, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.


Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Mafia Romance, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

**OVERALL WINNER OF THE 2018 RWA RUBY AWARD FOR ROMANTIC BOOK OF THE YEAR**
Jodi is a wife and mother, born in Sydney, Australia. She recently moved to property in the Hunter Valley with her family for a tree change. Under the name of J. L. Perry, five of her books have been #1 Bestsellers; including BASTARD, JAX, HOOKER, NINETEEN LETTERS and THE BOSS. Foreign rights to some of her books have been sold to Germany, Hungary, Czech and France where BASTARD became a top #20 bestseller. Some of her other titles include, FINDING HIM, FINDING FOREVER, FINDING US, FINDING FORGIVENESS, THE THIEF, ONLY ONE NIGHT, MR. BLACK, MR. EDWARDS and THE STRANGER.

NINETEEN LETTERS was debuted under the name of Jodi Perry through publishing giants, Hachette where it won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romance Book of the Year. She also secured a publishing deal in the UK, with Sphere, an imprint company of Little Brown.

J. L.'s love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her heartfelt stories. Her other loves are travelling, shopping, shoes and wine.

J. L. Perry would love to hear from you. She can be contacted here:

Email: jlperryauthor@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1P9vuNc
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18894...
Amazon Authors page: http://amzn.to/1lUgadR
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1maWcei
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1NtKXU5

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Well, this story was very predictable (at least up to 35%), had some repetitions and was rather soft for a mafia read.

Dnf @ 35%

[Ani · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Това е силата на любовта - тя те кара да излизаш от зоната си на комфорт, да поемаш рискове и да разкриваш части от себе си, които дори не си подозирал, че съществуват."

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Life is such a struggle every now and then I think back to life I had before my mumma walked out and left my dad and I'm working 3 jobs to try to make ends meat I'm running late again traffic is out of control then the lights change and my car splats jerks and stops the car behind me toots I try again but nothing I get out of my car I and wave him go around he toots again I give him the finger I ring my boss of course he fires me I walk and come past this hotel bar I look in I envy the people in there no worries no problems as I look in I see this man black eyes and damn smoking

[Billie-Jean H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the general vibe of this book. It was outside my usual reads with the mafia element but I do enjoy a good forced proximity trope. The characters were enjoyable and the pacing was solid to keep me interested. There is some spice with the story and some lovely daily moments. It is the mafia so triggered warnings for death, guns and violence. I would recommend this for someone looking for a stand-alone darkish romance.

[Tiffany M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I felt the blurb was a little misleading and the story overall was cute but I got bored. The brother’s book looks interesting so I might revisit it at a later date.

[Sofia_1720 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was very predictable. The beginning was interesting but everything after that was boring. The characters had really weird relationship and I didn’t like the ending.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved THE DEAL.

Old English dǣlan ‘divide’ Deal : 'an agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit, especially in a business or political context.'

And thus we have the premise of THE DEAL from Author J.L. Perry, and although she has written dark and edgy books before, this is a little different from her usual reads. Most certainly every bit as compelling, which I can attest to because I inhaled the book in one day taking a small break only when lifey stuff forced me to.

Alexander and Chloe's book was beautifully written.

Alexander Mancini’s felt his father's extreme disappointment in his reluctance to take on the violent world he'd inherited. He was determined to forge his own path and I loved his honour and integrity. Don't mistake him for any kind of cinnamon roll hero though, (yep, I had to finally ask Uncle G👀gle to define one) because he was all that and more. Absolutely. The mafia world was brutal and even in wanting to be a legitimate businessman he still had bearing within his family's world.

Chloe Carmichael had lived a previously affluent life, loved daughter of both parents, until her mother left and her dad spiralled them into poverty. I admired her strength, her fortitude and I marvelled at the love she still held for her father long after I most certainly would've cut my losses for sure!

The kicker for me would've been hearing my father confirm my existence for his. My heart broke for her yet my admiration ramped when she all but fought tooth and nail. My word, she was feisty; she just didn't stop and if it had been any man other than our gorgeous, perceptive hero, it would've all turned bad for her.

Alexander's handling of Chloe is what my definition of romance is all about. She made an impact, disappeared, and he went above and beyond to find her, and of course nothing was creepy about this at all!!! He was firm, and patience personified, yet did not yield. He wanted the best for her, and when she treated his young son so lovingly, he wanted so much more. I just loved everything about his character and lines like this had me all enamoured with him;

“I lift our joined hands to my mouth, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. Our eyes meet for a fleeting moment, and a silent something passes between us. I’m not sure what it is, but it sends a chill running up my spine.”

Just wow. Ms Perry wove all this together into a rich carpet of romance just waiting for her readers to luxuriate in.

THE DEAL skirts the edge of the mafia trope. Alexander is heir to the empire but doesn't love the world into which he was born. He also lamented that his younger more sensitive brother followed their father into the life and seemed to lose his way. But in paving the way for Dante's book, Ms Perry also made me wonder, did he really though?

It was such a great read, and although a little lighter in atmosphere than my usual dark mafia books I still have to recommend it as 5-romantic-deal-Stars. You've just gotta check this one out. ✰🖤💛

#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable sizzling read

If you like ....
❤️ Mafia Romance
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Sizzling Chemistry
❤️ "Touch her and you'll die" hero
❤️ Feisty Heroine

Oh, Jodi Perry, you cannot put a foot wrong! First it was Spencer Prescott The Stranger and now you've done it again with Alexander Mancini. THE DEAL was a book I could not put down! It had everything in it that I look for in a romance: sizzling chemistry, forced proximity, a feisty heroine, a "touch her and you'll die" morally grey hero, humour, mystery, suspense, and connections to the Mafia. What more could a girl ask for?

Alexander Mancini and Chloe Carmichael, alike in some ways yet complete opposites in others. As children they belonged to the same world, but as adults their lives couldn't be any different. Alexander is an alpha, powerful, influential, and domineering, yet beneath his ice-cold exterior he's a man with a heart of gold. He shunned the world he was raised in to become a successful, self-made businessman. Chloe's world was dramatically changed when her mother disappeared and her father lost his job. Since then daily life became a constant struggle trying to support herself and her father. Chloe is a feisty, strong, and independent woman who won't let anyone walk over her, she knows how to stand her ground. She also has a heart of gold and often lets her emotions get the better of her. Meeting Alexander Mancini changes everything and long buried secrets are exposed.

I loved the pairing of Alexander and Chloe, the push and pull between them was intense. They are both complex people which ensured their relationship is also a complex one with many ups and downs. Their chemistry and heat sizzled from their first night together, their connection was instant, yet their journey was not an easy one. I loved the road they travelled, the way their relationship evolved from hate (all Chloe) to desire and finally to love.

Jodi's superb storytelling is on full display in THE DEAL. The emotions she elicits from her characters (and readers) is second to none, and this story is filled with them. laughter, tears, frustration, shock, dismay, and anger, they're all there alongside the tension, suspense, and heartbreaking secrets. Then there's Dante, Alexander's brother, his humour and teasing added a lightness to some very tense moments. The ending was beautiful, wrapping up Alexander and Chloe's story perfectly. Now to wait for Dante's story, The Proposal , that sneak peek has me intrigued.

THE DEAL is an unputdownable, emotional, and highly recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS (deserves so many more)

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a fact that J.L. Perry’s narratives have a tendency to immediately grab my attention and then I simply lose myself in the story. I can clearly remember the sunburn on my shoulders from spending the day in the garden reading Bossy Bastard! So, when I picked up my Kindle to start reading The Deal this morning, I should have expected that I would once again be unable to put my Kindle down, and that is exactly what happened.

Mafia romance stories are up there with my favourite genres, and I found Alexander and Chloe’s story to be an alluring and compelling read. Alexander may have been destined to inherit the Mancini empire his father created; however, he has different plans and I absolutely loved witnessing Alex try to steer his life in the direction he always wanted to take it. He is a man with principles, and I loved him for them, even though there is no getting away from being a Mancini. I handed over my heart to Alex, even though it was always going to be Chloe who would receive his, and I cannot blame him for doing this because I adore Chloe too! Her caring nature and personality are fabulous. She is someone who I would love to have within my close circle of friends.

I adored the interactions between Alexander and Chloe – their exchanges being a definite highlight. There are many moments that made me laugh and smile and many that made me swoon. I felt the connection between them instantly. Their chemistry is off the charts. I was rooting for them from the go!

I highly recommend The Deal to you to read. As well as loving the storyline and characters there are unexpected twists and turns and that will always get a tick from me! I’m excited for Dante’s story which is expected to be released in July.

5 stars

[Colleen (The Book Lover Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
The Deal had a different vibe than any of Perry's previous work that I've read, but it pulled me in just the same. The storyline was intriguing. It had a darker feel to start, but I quickly got a sense that everything was not what it seemed. Perry's descriptive writing allowed me to imagine the setting easily, as well as picture the characters in my mind. I ended up finishing the story in just a couple of sittings!

The main characters were layered, both experiencing a range of emotions. It was easy to love Chloe, who was fierce, beautiful, and full of sass. Alex was more like a prickly pear. Hard on the outside; tough, protective, and brooding. But like the pear, there was a softness inside that we got to see, especially when it came to Chloe and Giovanni.

To be completely transparent, I struggle with certain tropes, one's that are typically found in dark romance, so I was weary when Chloe and Alex's living situation started the way it did. However, I could sense that there was a method to his madness, so I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did!

Chloe and Alex's chemistry was palpable. As the story progressed, their relationship intensified, and the push n' pull energy plus the sexual tension between them was strong. You could feel the heat. I was invested in their relationship.

The main conflicts that arose were a result of some big secrets. The revelations were surprising! Everything was resolved in a fitting way that felt true to the story and characters and didn't feel rushed.

All in all, The Deal was entertaining from beginning to end. I'm looking forward to reading Dante's story next.
If you enjoy mafia-lite crime romance and morally grey Heros, grab a copy of The Deal.

______

*Complimentary copy for review provided by the author. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

**TW/CW: sexual content; violence

Genre: Romance
Spice Meter: 3🌶

[Eloise Asbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this story (like an onion) had so many layers.
Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen a twist was thrown into the mix.
Meet Chloe who lost it all the moment her mother left, sending her father down the rabbit hole of gambling addiction. Chloe becomes the sole provider of their household working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Cue Alexander, a man of money, born into mob life. He is a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, using any means necessary.
After a chance encounter at his hotel, resulting in a one night stand, their paths become entwined. What does Alex want? He wants Chloe.
Neither realising there is more behind the scenes than either is initially aware.
A random encounter between two strangers.
Or are they?
I had a love-hate relationship with the male mc and often at times found myself sharing in Chloe's anger and frustration toward him; especially when it would come down to Alexander's more morally ambiguous choices.
However every action he took was methodical and thought out, and everything happened for a reason, even if those reasons weren't readily apparent.
Any question you think you have early on is answered as you read, despite the fact that many more arise in the process.
The story starts strong, with all your burning questions fuelling your desire to read more.
Quality character development and a story that grips you from beginning to end, whilst tugging at your heart strings along the way.
Perry does an exceptional job at balancing moments of seriousness and heartfelt sentiment, with spice.
As always make sure you take the time to familiarise yourself with any potential triggers before diving in.
Enjoy.

[Lita Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deal by J.L Perry One-night was all it took. While having a meeting with his accountant, Alexander's attention is on a beautiful woman. Chloe has had a hell of a day. Her car died on the way to one of her three jobs. She is trying to keep her head above water while caring for gambling addicted father. Stopping by a bar to drink away her sorrows, she ends up having an incredible night of mind-blowing sex. She never expected to come home to find her father on his knees with a gun to his head. And to top it off, the guy holding the gun is the man from her incredible night. Alexander only wanted to see his mystery woman again. He had to hunt her down only to find out he knows her family and who she really is. This was a good story of two people whose sexual attraction was off the charts. However, Alexander's strong arm tactics don't leave Chloe with a warm and tingle feeling. The sexual tension was off the charts, and as hard as Chloe tried to fight it, she couldn't. There was more to Alexander than his good looks and his gangster lifestyle. He was loving and caring. There was definitely more to this story than a deal to save her father's life. I couldn't get enough of Alexander and Chloe, and I hope to see them in the next book. Yes, the ending of this story sets us up for the next book. Can't wait. 4.5 stars for me.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a talent beyond belief and the evidence of this is in every book she pens. The Deal is a terrific love story and further proof of Ms Perry’s ability.

This book has such strong, interesting characters and a bold, morally grey storyline how could I not fall in love with it? Alexander Mancini is fiercely protective, loyal and determined. When he decided he wanted to find his one-night stand he put all of his resources into doing just that. I liked him from the very beginning and didn’t waver in my admiration at any stage in the story.

Chloe Carmichael is also extremely determined, protective and loyal but in very different circumstances than Alexander. She understands the value of hard work and could be the poster girl advertising it. She is also such an understanding daughter, and I will admit, at times, I was quite annoyed with her father. What I liked the most is this understanding that extends to others but also her feisty attitude—she’s a pip at times.

This book has it all: a great romance, fantastic characters, fabulous descriptions, a slight mystery about Chloe’s family and a few interesting twists. Oh… don’t forget the morally grey theme that makes it super exciting, too.

[kayla Buis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐ 3🌶️
Morally grey mafia man who's possessive as hell, scared of commitment, and has a heart of gold underneath the rough? Yes please.

J.L Perry's 'The Deal' follows a fiercely independent FMC whose life started magical, but after a series of unfortunate events, has spiraled into the depths of hell. One faithful day, her life takes yet another plunge, and all it took was a piece of shit car, a bar window, and the wrong man to offer her a drink. This time... she has no choice but to go along with it. After years of burning the candle at both ends to help someone who won't help themself, can she make it out of this conundrum alive?

J.L Perry has done a wonderful job with the plot in this story, I was instantly dragged in and found it hard to put down. there's lots of plot twists, secrets, and angsty romance to witness here, though I did personally find that the pacing towards the end of the book seemed to go a little slower than I would have liked, it didn't take away from the fact that I absolutely loved the first half of the book.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I would absolutely recommend to all the mafia romance lovers out there.

!!TRIGGERS!!
abandonment, addiction, adoption, alcohol, anxiety, arranged/forced marriage, attempted crimes, blood, bodily fluids, bones, confinement, control, death, death of a loved one, divorce, family conflict, fighting, forced actions, gambling, gangs, gaslighting, gore, graphic death, graphic sex, guns, harassment, homicide, hospitalization, hostage situation, incarceration, injury, kidnapping, mass deaths, mass shooting, medical procedures, murder, nudity, organized crime, pain, panic attacks, PTSD, threats, violence, weapons

!!TROPES!!
enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, one night stand to more, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, betrayal/redemption, banter to love, kidnapping to love, billionaire romance

[Kaylene Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

JL has done it again!!! Was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and boy was I grateful I did.

Alexander , A tortured son of Mafia Don, who has stayed away from that part of the family business, finds the one he wants as his after a one night stand… the problem is he forces her into this deal to make her his.

What he didn’t realise is Chloe won’t be persuaded that easily, especially considering the circumstances in which she came to be at his house.

This book delivered on so many levels. The dynamics of these two and their coupling was so unconventional but it also worked perfectly.

I loved how they explored their attraction while both dealing with outside factors such as each other’s families and threats to Alex’s family and in turn her.

The push pull, forced proximity of it all was alluring too, you could see that she wanted out but her lust and in turn attraction to him overwhelmed her and kept her with him.

The sex was hot, their attraction palpable and reading how they develop their relationship was from hate (especially on her part) to love was beautiful.

There were some other characters (no spoilers) that enhanced my love of the book and allowed us to explore the humanity of both characters, especially Alex.

Loved it. 5 Stars + ⭐️

[Teds25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swooooon

I accidentally started reading The Proposal before this & I was soo lost that I needed to check what I missed. Although I was a few chapters in, I can never continue knowing there’s a story before lol and I’m soo damn happy I did!

Loooooved this book!
Chloe, she is the perfect amount of feisty & friendly, independent, strong, stubborn, caring, sweet… you know, all that great stuff. I loved everything about her.

Alex, damn, a whole green forest he is, although he started as the red sea😂 but that quickly changed while getting to know him. Hot as f, caring, great dad😭😭 it’s indescribable, the heart you have to have, to raise a child that’s not your own. I love a man whos possessive, who’s soo hot for his woman that it makes everyone sick LOL
They were perfect & Giovanni was the cherry on top, what a sweet little darling🥹🥹

Now I’m super excited to get back to Dante’s story coz it’s already so dang good.

Have I said that I really love that your stories are based in Aus? I lived there for most my life so it makes me feel connected lol also Aussie’s are hot asf!😂

[Veronika Popovska · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Great book, I really enjoyed.
Very good book! I read it in one go. Wonderful description, fast action and highlighting of important moments! I really liked the story and that it didn't drag it out too much. I read this love between Alexander and Chloe with interest. I was very interested in how his brother Dante got involved and I'm looking forward to having a book about him too, since it ended exactly how he got married out of the blue without anyone knowing. He became a capo and things there will be very interesting. I'm looking forward to it!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Много добра книга!Прочетох я на един дъх.Прекрасно описание , бързо действие и подчертаване на важните моменти!Много ми хареса историята и че не я разтакава много . С интерес я четох тази любов между Александър и Клоуи.Много ми стана интересно как вмъкна брат му Данте и с нетърпение очаквам да има книга и за него , тъй като свърши точно как той се е омъжил изневиделица без да се знае . Той стана капо и нещата там ще бъдат много интересни. Чакам с нетърпение !

[Raven Bork · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Deal pulled me in from the very beginning. Chloe’s struggles felt so raw—working multiple jobs, trying to keep her life together while dealing with her father’s gambling mess. She’s strong, but life keeps throwing blows her way, and I couldn’t help but root for her. On the other hand… I struggled with her. While I understood her hardships and admired how much she had on her shoulders, some of her choices and attitude just didn’t sit right with me.

Then there’s Alexander—rich, powerful, and tied to a dangerous world he doesn’t necessarily want but can’t escape. He’s arrogant at first glance, but the chemistry between him and Chloe is explosive from the start. Their first encounter had me hooked, and watching their push-and-pull dynamic unfold kept me turning the pages.

This story isn’t just about romance—it’s about survival, sacrifice, and two very different people colliding most unexpectedly. I loved the tension, the banter, and those softer moments where you catch glimpses of who they are beneath the walls they’ve built.

[Yvonne Eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that Jodie went away from her comfort zone to write such a brilliant story. Whilst she has written dark books before there was just something so different with this one.

How can your father use you to pay off his debts. That's one thing that struck me so much. It must have been so hard for Chloe to hear that her life was not as important as his. I personally would lose my life for my kids.

Alex, whilst a mafia man from the Machini family, he doesn't like the path this takes so he tries his best to change how things are going to be. He turns the world upside down to find Chloe and his love and possessive nature shines through.

The book has you feeling so many feels. And it is like a roller coaster of a ride. I love how Jodie writes and you know when you pick up one of her books, you are never going to put it down. I highly recommend you try this is you love mafia romance.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It was one I was looking forward to. It was an enemies to lovers' story. But with a forced proximity and Chloe being forced to leave everything by Alexander, you can understand her hatred. Although from their initial meeting before the story truly begins, there is an instant attraction.

We know Alexander's family is in the mafia. Or should I say. Are, the Mafia. As the story unfolds, Chloe's families' secrets are revealed. I can't speak on much else in regard to this book. As everything could spoil it. So I'll remain silent. Just know it's brilliant and emotional. The banter between these characters that had me laughing.

So for now, I'll just say I can't recommend this book enough. Go read it. You won't regret it.

[Parlethia Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 “Amore Mio” Stars!!

Another good one from one of my new favorite authors! One thing I loved the author did, was whenever the characters spoke in Italian, she put the translation in parentheses. That way I didn’t have to look it up.

Alexander and Chloe’s story was a good one! I loved the banter between them and the chemistry was off the charts. The push and pull between these two kept me intrigued. When Alexander fell he fell hard for Chloe 🥰. Then there’s Giovanni, Alex’s son, he was just a treasure. Plus Dante, Alex’s brother, he brought some comic relief and the way he goaded Alex had me laughing 😍.

Overall The Deal was an all around good mafia like read. I highly recommend it!! I will definitely be reading Dante’s story next!!

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, another great JL story to enjoy!

Get ready to be immersed in all things Alexander and Chloe. Alexander exudes power and influence. He is a man not to be trifled with. Chloe is just trying to scrape by and take care of her father. Fate can be fickle and it puts Alex and Chloe together, whether or not they want it. I admired Chloe 's spunk and drive.I loved Alexander's soft side for those he loves. I adored little Giovanni and his bond with Chloe.

This mafia-esqe story will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, with some great dirty talk. There are highs and lows throughout this story, with some secrets weaved in.

[Monique Tinline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe’s life is a constant struggle, a series of unfortunate events that leave her juggling multiple jobs to support herself and her father. When a particularly rough day sends her spiraling, she retreats to a hotel bar for a brief moment of solace. But what begins as a quiet escape takes an unexpected turn — and not for the worse.

Alexander has built his empire from the ground up, carving out his own legacy without leaning on his notorious mobster father’s name or wealth. When he notices Chloe, something about her captivates him, and he’s determined to make her his.

Their story is full of twists and turns that will have you hooked, each page revealing more than you expect.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I didn't entirely know what to expect with this book, but I was addicted to this book from the very beginning just like Alexander was the first time he saw Chloe! Both Alexander and Chloe are complex people who's while different upbringings have impacted them in a way they like to stay independent. Chloe has a big heart but also determined and give back as good as she gets while Alexander lets his alpha attitude show but also hides a heart that anyone would be lucky to catch. We get some great laughs as well as worry, awkwardness, a bit of danger and suspense
and secrets uncovered along with a bit of heartache but also a deep love that has you swooning!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically don't read a lot of mafia or crime families, but I've never read a book by J.L. Perry that I didn't like. I was a little unsettled with the treatment of Chloe by Alexander. But as the storyline moved along, I began reading faster and thinking of how I would handle situations that came up. I liked the characters (well the likable ones). LOL
Storyline was good, great characters and 5 star approved ending by me! Now, I really want Dante's story. The tease at the end = "say what?". I have a feeling there's way more to Dante than expected. I'm ready for more!

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been far too long since this girl has read this talented author, as dark books bought my soul and won't give me back.
I am so glad she has joined the dark side, as I've missed getting lost in her words, I hope the author stays a long time.
This was the perfect book to suck me back in, so much it just had to go on my top reads list.
I adored all characters involved (bar one, maybe two).
The story was very cleverly done, you'll feel like you're right there beside them.
Definitely recommend and I look forward to the next book.

[Melanie Cesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deal is filled with a large range of emotions. It’s fun, it’s heartfelt, it has danger and secrets, and it has heart.

Alexander is working to remain out of the family business and be legitimate. Chloe has captured his eye. But Alexander has a secret. Will Alexander’s callous antics or his secret tear them apart? This story has a lot of moving pieces and parts. Giovanni stole the show for me! Loved the ending and can’t wait for Dante’s story.

[Amanda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a book!! Literally couldn’t put this down.

Chloe is living a life less than what she was brought up with, her mum walked out on her & her dad has massive gambling issues. When she meets Alexander he’s meant to be a one night stand. What she doesn’t know is he’s going to find her cause once isn’t enough.

The chemistry between Alexander & Chloe had was instant & absolute fire!

Well done Jodi another great story to fall in love with.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, angsty, heart wrenching story, it's the whole mix with some suspense and twists thrown in and I absolutely devoured it. I sank in and barely surfaced throughout, consumed with one thought, please let this have a happy ever after for all concerned. Did it? Well take a chance and read for yourself you won't be disappointed. I love this author, she is creative and writes stories around strong characters, women who are fiesty but loving, men who once they give their heart it's forever.

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well written and had multiple twists which I enjoyed. Some of the twists were predictable but a few were just a nice surprise.

I felt Alex’s father and their drama was a bit rushed and there was no depth to it at all. If it wasn’t there and he had died of disease would have had the same effect. I think that part had untapped potential.

- kidnapping
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- OW drama