Maneuver

Men of Inked: Southside #1

by Chelle Bliss

He’s always been the player… but he’s about to get played.

LUCIO GALLO

Growing up on the rough Southside of Chicago, I learned how to play the field. Between my rugged good-looks, rock-hard body, and panty-melting smile, I was used to getting my way.

…But then she walked into my club.

DELILAH MILES

I may have grown up with the finer things in life, but that doesn’t mean I take crap from anyone. I’m tough as nails, fiercely independent, and am never afraid to speak my mind.

…But then then he stormed into my life.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Ebooks, Amazon, Adult

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2018

About the author

Chelle Bliss is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico, but hates sand. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and loves everything romance.
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Reviews

[Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] · Rating 2 out of 5]

R A T I N G: 2 Unfortunate stars to Maneuver

All you can ever do when you pick up a new read is try, and try heartily I did, but to be completely honest, this book is perhaps too sugary sweet and smooth-sailing to form a captivating contemporary romance.

Plot wise, the story is considerably empty, which leaves the whole story dedicated to a romance that would hopefully be well fleshed out and meaty enough to ignite some sparks, but this really wasn't the case. It was rather surface-based and superficial.

There is a lot of repetition in this story and not enough diversity; with the scenes, the characters and the dialogue. The scenes themselves are also quite choppy, skipping time and key details that make a story imaginable to the mind's eye. There wasn't a great deal to invest in.

After reading Throttle Me by the same author, I wanted to give Biss's work another try. It can often be a case of writer's progression whereby the more well-practiced, the better and well-scripted their stories become. In this case, it was the opposite for me. This story didn't have enough definition, depth or scope to punch the reader with a true burst of romantic flavour.

I'm still hopeful but the hope is trembling.

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Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
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[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

The guy is more like a Greek god with his rippling muscles, perfect skin, haunting green eyes, and a smile that could make any girl, even a nun, have the dirtiest thoughts, leading to a stint in hell for sinning.

I know all about complicated families. Hell, mine has never been a walk in the park or like any sitcom family I’ve ever watched on television. Maybe the Bundys from Married with Children…

He’s not into bimbos, Aqua Net. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you’ll never get that man. He’s mine. Always will be, so you can move on to your next victim and spread your infection elsewhere.

While you look hot in my sister’s clothes, I don’t think cutoff shorts, heavy metal T-shirts, and dresses cut so low you can almost breastfeed without actually moving the fabric aside is quite your style.

My Review:

Sizzle, family drama, a sweet and sexy romance, and amusing trash-talking smackdowns provided me with an afternoon of smirk-worthy entertainment. Maneuver was a quick and fast-paced read with endearing and alluring characters and engaging storylines. Book one of a new series and I’m already in love with this family.

[BookSmackedMel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did someone say more Gallos??? Eeekkk cue squeal because those Gallo men let me tell you are always primed and ready to go.

This somewhat instalove story has all the goodness that comes with a Chelle Bliss romance.

Hot alpha hero ✔️
Siblings all up in your business ✔️
A mama Gallo that calls the shots ✔️
Hot hot chemistry ✔️
Swoony scenes ✔️

If you have read The Men Of Inked series then you will be familiar with the above mentioned things. This story starts off with a Delilah who find herself on the side of the road. Hmmmm sound familiar ??? Perhaps a bit of a homage to the first MOI book. Either way we have Delilah out of options and having to find some assistance especially with a young baby to care for. She stumbled into a bar that happens to be owned by the Gallo family.

Lucio becomes that hero that she needs at the moment and throughout this book continues to step up. It doesn’t hurt that they are attracted to one another and sure enough sparks will fly.

This story was such an easy and fun read I devoured pretty much with a smile on my face the entire time. I’m so existed to see what’s next. More Gallo’s please.

Note: you do not need to read The Men Of Inked series to read this book. But if you haven’t read them I definitely recommend them as well.

[Amanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how much I missed reading a Chelle Bliss book and the Gallo’s until I read this. Lucio reminded me of Channing Tatum. Also this book reminded me a lot of City and Suzy. Not the story just the characters (but that’s my opinion). Can’t wait to read more about the Southside Gallo’s!!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliah sometimes just gets all flustered, “I was wondering if I could use your pecs,” I blurt out, and my stomach instantly knots." Lucio is very proud of his attributes, "I’m like a proud peacock, showing off my goods and hoping like h*** she digs the eff out of the piercing. “As much as you want,” Lucio does what he wants without his woman's permission, “I know you’re not letting me, but I’m doing it anyway.” I liked this book, I loved Lucio, the man took charge of everything.

[Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

😕
It was just okay...
And "too fairytale-ish" to digest, I guess...

So...😕

[Jennifer McGurk Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Men Of Inked Southside series by Chelle Bliss. If you like the Gallo’s in Florida then you must read about their cousins who still live in Chicago. Lucio Gallo and his brothers, Angelo & Vinnie, and his sister, Daphne co-own Gallo’s Hook and Hustle, a bar on the south side of Chicago. Their very outgoing and sometimes crazy mother, Betty lives above the bar and their dad is in prison. Lucio is scared of commitment because he watched his dad cheat on his mom a lot when he was little and he doesn’t wanna end up like that. Delilah has a rich father who is an alcoholic and a manipulative prick. When her mom left them he guilted Delilah into staying with him but would treat her like shit. She has a baby girl named Lulu whose father left when Delilah was six months pregnant. One night her dad kicks her and Lulu outta his car in the bad part of town with no money, phone, or identification. She goes inside Gallo’s because it’s the only thing open late at night and asks to use their phone. While she’s in the bar she meets Lucio who she can’t seem to take her eyes off of and the attraction is mutual. Lucio can’t let this gorgeous woman and her baby wander the streets or stay at a homeless shelter so he offers her the apartment above his. The chemistry between them is off the charts but Lucio wants to take things slow so he doesn’t screw up. Lucio Gallo is nowhere near as Alpha as his cousins and Joey will always be my favorite but I’m curious about his three sibling’s stories.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Just holy fudge sundae with sprinkles on top wow!! I absolutely loved this book!!! And I am about to admit to something that may shock some of y’all, are you ready for it? This is my first Chelle Bliss Book!!!!! Maneuver busted my Chelle cherry and what a way to let it go!!! This book rocked my socks off from beginning to end. I was entranced right from the beginning and finished this book in one sitting. I love the family banter between the Gallo’s and how they took care of Delilah and Lulu right from the start. And Lucio, oh my word what can you say about that man but woozer and get in my bed!!!! If you are like me and haven’t read Chelle (shocker) don’t wait any longer whether you start with this book or another I’m sure you will not be disappointed, I wasn’t with this one and I will now read the other books on my kindle of hers that’s been there for to long!! - By Tina

[Hilda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want them safe.
I want them happy.
I want them with me.

Did I finish it. Yes. Did enjoy it. Kind of. Was there any type of plot or character development. No. In fact there was nothing but a man falling for the hot MILF and with a push from his mother and siblings wanted to keep her. It was too quick and too fake. I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. But then again, it was free. What did I expect.

Honestly, I expected more. There was so much potential. That’s probably what hurts the most. The story seemed rushed with a lot of missing plot holes. Big gaping plot holes.

[Leonie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book, but it just happened so fast (a little too fast for my liking) but I enjoyed the book. It would have been a little more believable if it took them a few more months.

[Candy76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not your average fairy tale, but it ranks up there with the rest. A must read! A top of my 2018 reads. 5/5 stars all the way! A rich girl and a guy from the other side of the tracks find their differences don't matter as long as you have love, corny I know but it fits for these two. Delilah and her baby have just been kicked to the curb by her drunk father in a not so savory neighborhood in Chicago. With no money, no phone she holds Lulu close and searches for the nearest phone. She comes across a bar and meets Lucio the owner and asks if she can use the phone. Lucio leads them to an apartment so she can make her call in private. She is exhausted and falls asleep in a complete strangers home. Lucio and his mom take to Lulu and Delilah right away. But he is a bit cautious because he's never opened up to anyone and much less make a commitment. Delilah has a good feeling after the generosity of the Gallos and feels more love from these people in a short time than from her own father. Were these two meant to be? Did fate play a part in these two meeting?
Chelle I totally enjoyed Delilah and Lucio's story. It's unconventional but damn good and I was hooked from the start. I couldn't put it down. You have wonderful characters to fall in love with in the story. You have many emotions running through this story that compliments each character and their situations. You can feel the heart you put into these characters with every sentence.
***Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for an honest review***

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

She’s like a tragic story. Rich girl, stuck in the hood with no way out. Maybe I can swoop in and be the hero of her story.

Maneuver is Lucio and Delilah’s tale, one born of fate. This took wrong side of the tracks to another level, it was uniquely told in a way that shed a new light into a fairy tale romance. Where money and power never brought her any happiness, she was surprised to find it in the comfort of annoying interfering family members, and living a simple, honest life. Who knew that could bring more joy and contentment than the polished glass tower. Delilah couldn’t believe her luck, her life could have gotten so much worse, but fate had other plans.

Sweet and delicious, Lucio and Delilah’s tale was short and easy. Turning the tides from a bad situation to a happily ever after. This is one for those who believe in love at first sights and the power of fate.

[Bellereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delilah and Lucio are bring us back to the realm of Gallos and the Windy City never seemed so appealing. The very last thing you expect your father to do to you and your infant daughter is throw you out of the car in the middle of the night with no money, phone, or resources. Delilah knew her father’s drinking was out of control, but to really get to this is unthinkable. Needing help she finds herself inside Hook & Hustle and tongue tied by the handsome and seeming kindhearted owner Lucio Gallo. The minute Lucio lays his eyes on Delilah and her little girl Lulu he is overcome with desire to protect them at all cost. He knows they need him and he is more than happy to he their knight and shining armor. Delilah and Lulu are looking for a family and Lucio is ready to be that for them he just needs to take the leap.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (4/4/2019)! 🎁

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al final esta historia ha resultado sencilla, pero igualmente bonita. Delilah, una chica rica, con un bebé, que ha crecido en una familia sin ningún tipo de amor, acaba abandonada en la puerta del bar de la familia Gallo. Allí Lucio, un chico trabajador con apariencia de duro, resulta ser todo corazón y las ayuda. En la familia Gallo Delilah encuentra a una verdadera familia y al amor.
Aproveché la oferta del ebook gratis en inglés y la verdad es que ha valido mucho la pena; seguiré leyendo las historias de los otros hermanos Gallo, que tienen muy buena pinta

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.

When I read a Chelle Bliss book, I always know what will stand out in my heart more than anything else. Will there be lots of heat? Absolutely, we did say this was a Chelle Bliss book after all. Will there be some twist and turns? Most definitely! But what always resonates with me the most is the family unity in each of her stories. She had us fall madly in love with the Gallos in Men of Inked and now we get to do it all over again with her new Southside series. We are oh so excited and lucky to meet new Gallos that might be just a tad bit wilder, crazier, but with the same huge hearts. Chelle gives us another couple to drool, pant, and obsess over. Trust me, once you meet the Chicago Gallos that own the bar Hook & Hustle and you get up close and personal with Lucio and Delilah, you will never want to close the book and return home. You will want to remain in their fiery embrace forever!

Delilah Miles shows us what the true strength of a mother and a woman looks like from the time we meet her when she is down and out and get to see how she still gets back up on her feet and pushes through for her daughter. She is so much more than just a rich girl on the wrong side of town slumming it. She realizes from the beginning that a family that loves fiercely like the Gallos is worth more than all the gold in the world. This is a girl who needs all the love and compassion that she never received from her own family and Lucio is capable of giving her that and so much more!

Lucio Gallo is yet another muscled, inked, and rough around the edges alpha male that you won't be able to get enough of! What surprised me the most was underneath all that hotness is a gentle soul and big heart that you just want to cuddle the hell out of. I don't think one of Chelle's heroes has ever shown us so much softness underneath all that hard muscle and still made us want to fall at his feet! Such a smooth combination of alpha and big teddy bear had my heart in trouble from the moment Delilah set eyes on him and heard his oh so sexy voice.

Chelle Bliss delivers another amazing, heart melting, desire pumping beginning to a new saga of the Gallo family that will leave you breathless and even more in love with her writing. I highly recommend Maneuver for a romance that punches you in the heart just as hard as it does the libido. Each new story leaves me even more besotted and addicted to Chelle Bliss and her larger than life Gallos. To say that I was beyond giddy to meet the Chicago Gallos is an understatement. I cannot wait to see where Chelle Bliss will take us next into this fictional world. All I know is her story is sure to contain lots of heart, plenty of family, and so much imagery that will set you ablaze and be forever burned into your imagination.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review Maneuver by Chelle Bliss

Well I never thought I could or would fall for another Gallo man but Lucio Gallo hits all my buttons and is totally swoon worthy. There is nothing that I did not like about this man, he just does it for me. Although a ladies man, when the right woman comes along and in this case it is single mum Delilah Miles, he knows his is a goner in more ways than one.

From the first page until the last I was captivated by their story and truth be told I didn’t want it to end. This was a smoking hot read that ticked all the boxes for me and in my opinion Chelle Bliss has another winner on her hands.

The Chicago Gallos are just as family orientated as their southern cousins and just as inked, tempting and hot. They love, play and are loyal to a fault and for me if they would adopt me I would be so happy.

When Delilah and her daughter fall on tough times, thanks to her horrible father, she has no idea how walking through the door into the Gallo’s Hook & Hustle South Side bar will change her life. Lucio and his mother Betty immediately offer her unconditional assistance and it is this that shows Delilah what family is meant to be.

Betty was such a great character that I cannot wait to see what mischief she gets up to in future books. I love that at the heart of these books is the love of family and what they will do for each other and for those in need.

Chelle Bliss writes with a depth of character that at times comes right out of no-where and knocks your socks off and this book was no exception.

[Helen Power · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an incredibly sweet book. From the description, I was expecting (and hoping) for something a little darker, a little angstier, and a little deeper. I like romances that force me to feel some difficult emotions (anger, grief, hate, sadness, longing…) before handing over the happy ever after (the exception being with rom coms, of course!). Maneuver, on the other hand, is so light and fluffy that I think the author forgot to add the typical climactic scene near the end where the couple is supposed to have an obstacle thrown in the path between them and their happy ever after. (Almost every romance book has this!)
Regardless, while this book was not my cup of tea, it’s perfect for those looking for a sweet escape.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maneuver was a cute read that honestly didn't really keep my full attention so it took me weeks to finish. It's not a bad read but I felt everything was just to perfect, from the family taking in Delilah and Lulu to Lucio's desire to keep them both. This was my first read from this author and I will consider another since I have several on my Kindle.

[Kimberley C.]

DNF at 43%. I found myself skimming most of it and decided it wasn’t for me.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy how I’ve missed the Gallo family, and even though Maneuver is a spin-off of the OG, their cousins are just as rowdy, just as smart mouthed, and just as controlling and domineering as their Florida counterparts.

Book 1 in Chelle Bliss’ Men of Inked: Southside is Lucio Gallo’s story, and I love that Lucio’s introduction to the heroine, Deliah, is reminiscent of a certain kickass couple from the original Men of Inked.

From the moment Lucio and Delilah meet and he decides to help her and her young child, they both become honorary Gallo members, and when it’s clear that the attraction between Lucio and Delilah can lead to something they both want and need, the Gallo charm and protective nature comes out and despite some hesitancy by both Lucio and Delilah, it’s beyond clear to readers that they’ve met their ‘one’ and now need to figure out a way to make it forever.

At the heart of any Gallo story is the importance of family; they are a tight knit group of caring and loving people who have each other’s back at all costs, and the person who brings them all together, meddling in any way she deems necessary, which proves that Betty, the Southside Gallos’ mother, is just as crazy and loving as Maria.

I love that Chelle Bliss decided to go back to her writing roots…back to the family who introduced readers to Bliss’ kickass alpha males and the sassy and sexy women who tame them and make them one woman men.

I can’t wait for more stories from these South Side Gallos, and I’m hoping that as readers become more at home with this family that we’ll get the opportunity to catch up with the Florida Gallos because their cousins’ stories make me miss them even more.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 rating Insta-lust! Average read.

Seriously, fearing for her & her daughter's safety, Delilah enters a bar on the south side of Chicago, with no purse, cell phone, or money. Doesn't sound too bad, except she is a rich gal who lives on the North side. Enter Lucio to the rescue, bar owner, and take her upstairs to his Ma's apartment to use a phone to call for a ride home. When that fails, she falls asleep & spends the night with Ma. Lucio thinks he isn't good enough for her just because he isn't rich by her standards. For someone who attended college, Delilah is very naive about people. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but nothing too special.

Spoiler: Just because she hasn't had sex since she got pregnant (less than a year), she makes it sound like years & years. Basically, these two were having sex in about 3 days.

CL listen 🎶

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

for my thoughts on this book and other romances subscribe to my YouTube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1 ...more ...more

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I have missed this family!!! It was so fun meeting another branch of the Gallo family. They seem just as crazy, just as fun as the family some many of us have come to love.

At the beginning of this book I was a little worried about Delilah, she seemed so timid. But once she got her feet under her she really bloomed! She showed that she would be able to hold her own in such a boisterous, loud, crazy family.

And Lucio, WOW!!! Such a Gallo, through and through!!! From the very beginning, he was protective and tender with Delilah and Lulu. And that quickly grew to so much more. How could I not fall in love with a big, tattooed, bike riding man who loves babies?

I can't wait to follow along with the rest of the Chicago Gallo's and see where their stories will go!!!

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to apologize right now…………This kind of book is my guilty pleasure! Insta-love and sexy as hell scenes with a tiny side of cheesey!!

This is my first Chelle Bliss book and it won’t be my last. I mean seriously, who doesn’t love a tatted, muscled alpha male that is sweet and caring??

Quick short read that was fun from start to finish.

[The BookChick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another bit of Gallo Gold from Challenge Bliss. I love Lucio, Daphne, baby Lulu and the entire Southside Gallo clan. I can't wait to see whose story is next. I hope Angelo's.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

Chelle Bliss really knows how to write some steamy sex scenes and I nearly always fall for her hero. Well, this was not as steamy as her original inked series, however, the hero (Lucio) was not a disappointment. This was a little too sweet and too fast to fall in love, but I did enjoy the read. 3.5-4 stars.

[Xiomara · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO ONE CAN SAY IM NOT A TEAM PLAYER!!!!

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Chelle Bliss, and I’m so mad at myself for waiting this long! This book has so many things that I look for in my romance. Babies, alpha male, and hot AF chemistry! This book checked off all those items on my list.

From the second that we met Delilah, I loved her. I hated that she was raising a baby in a crappy environment with her alcoholic father. She was a rich girl, but I kept forgetting because she was so down to earth. She never came off as someone who was scared of hard work and wouldn’t risk all she had for her baby.

Lucio was a big teddy bear. I mean don’t get me wrong, he was still sexy and downright alpha. But once you read one scene with him and Lulu? You’ll see what I mean. I ate up every single scene he had with Delilah and Lulu!

The highlight of this book for me was the Gallo family. The way they cared for each other and the way that they got along really was something great to read about. They really accepted Delilah and her baby and thought of her as one of their own. It was great to read about Delilah finding a place where she belonged.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero(s) rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 3.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Other woman/men drama: Yes
Cheating: No
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars


A girl walks into a bar....with a baby... and the rest is history!

was so enjoyable from the first page to the last. Delilah and Lucio's super-insta relationship was very well delivered, no mincing words, leaving you satisfied and wanting more.

With a dose of a crazy, super-tight family (The Gallo's), a single mom on her ass (while dealing with an alcoholic selfish father and a disappearing baby daddy), and the right amount of steam (hello Prince Albert!!), you can't help but end the book with a little smile on your face.