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Sinners of Boston #1
Arranged
mafia et dark romance
364 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2019
3361 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Waltz
36 books1,489 followersVanessa Waltz is an author of Dark Bad Boy Romance and lives in Seattle with her two ill-behaved cats.
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.
Vanessa is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Email: info@vanessawaltzbooks.com
Website: www.vanessawaltzbooks.com
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2JQ4PZ9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQ7i5R
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.
Vanessa is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Email: info@vanessawaltzbooks.com
Website: www.vanessawaltzbooks.com
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2JQ4PZ9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQ7i5R
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
September 1, 2020
I don't know what came over me that I started reading this book (maybe it had to do something with the guy on the cover). So many people had DNF-ed it and that should have been the first red flag but I still picked this book and read the whole thing too.
Let me just enlist everything that was wrong with this book.
A) The heroine was such a doormat with no spine at all. All she ever did was let people walk all over her and manipulate her.
B) There was no character development in the book what so ever and the whole lot of them was so annoying.
C) The plot was so predictable and the plot development was minimal.
D) Lastly, the guy wanted to have kids just so he could reconcile with his family. WHAT EVEN? Firstly, having kids does not have to do anything with reconciling with your family. Secondly, this aspect of the book rubbed me very wrong because I firmly believe that people should have kids because they want them and not to fulfill their ulterior motives.
All that said, this book was a huge miss for me even though I did not have very high expectations in the first place.
Let me just enlist everything that was wrong with this book.
A) The heroine was such a doormat with no spine at all. All she ever did was let people walk all over her and manipulate her.
B) There was no character development in the book what so ever and the whole lot of them was so annoying.
C) The plot was so predictable and the plot development was minimal.
D) Lastly, the guy wanted to have kids just so he could reconcile with his family. WHAT EVEN? Firstly, having kids does not have to do anything with reconciling with your family. Secondly, this aspect of the book rubbed me very wrong because I firmly believe that people should have kids because they want them and not to fulfill their ulterior motives.
All that said, this book was a huge miss for me even though I did not have very high expectations in the first place.
January 9, 2020
2 to 2.5
Started soooo good but ended up ridiculous. The I love you, hate you, love you, hate you, love you got VERY old. Alessio very strong at first then got wimpy and whiny. The only “dark” part was the wedding night where consent was questionable along with his actions. His sidekicks were asses and then turned traitors. Mia is the queen of whine and roller coaster ups and downs. I wanted to slap her.
Yuk
Started soooo good but ended up ridiculous. The I love you, hate you, love you, hate you, love you got VERY old. Alessio very strong at first then got wimpy and whiny. The only “dark” part was the wedding night where consent was questionable along with his actions. His sidekicks were asses and then turned traitors. Mia is the queen of whine and roller coaster ups and downs. I wanted to slap her.
Yuk
January 16, 2020
"We exchanged breaths like two people whose only source of life was each other."
I absolutely enjoyed this book. A riveting story from start to finish.
Alessio is the underboss of the Costa family. A dark, brooding hero with trust issues. Mia may appear to be naive or innocent but inside is a strong, smart and fierce woman who will do anything for the people she cares about. They both compliment each other perfectly and their intimate scenes were scorching.
I rarely read this type of genre but to my surprise, however, I was completely hooked from the first page. This book is well written and characters are well thought out. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action(mafia style), a bit of mystery, and a sizzling romance.
Note: ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
January 13, 2020
2 DNF Stars
Such a weak Hero that it was actually hard to read on. I loved how loyal he was to heroine, and always liked her, even more than the sister he was engaged to. I DNFed halfway, but from what i read there was no OW drama at all, there was OM drama, but it ended pretty quick, and there are no intimate details of him being with the sister at all, if he ever was. Again, I only made it halfway and briefly skimmed the rest, so some details may come up, but i doubt they would seeing as he didn't care for the sister much.
The hero was way too weak and whiney to be a mob leader, so much that it was just cringey to read. Sure i would love a hero that was as sweet as him in real life, or maybe him act that way when he was just with the heroine, but he was ALWAYS weak. I also really didn't like the heroine. She was super annoying and a big time complainer. Everytime something bad happened to her she thinks it's the end of the world. I almost dnfed at one point when she kept spouting how much she hated the hero and tried to escape him, but then begged him to stay and sleep with her that night. How cliche and cringe is that? And then of course the next day she goes back to hating him specifically because she has to marry him, and she likes to listen to rumors, even though his personality around her has never proven any true.
She's also pretty selfish. Everything was always about her. I find it funny how she was totally okay with handing the sister off to an arranged marriage because that means herself doesn't have to, but since the sister is gone, and now she had to, she wouldn't stop complaining and legit acted like she was dying because she couldn't stand to marry him.
A couple spoilers would be that the hero had always liked the heroine, and I didnt get too much into the skimming part, but i do know the sister isn't actually dead and she comes back. That is also when the heroine hates him again, because she can never make up her mind and always thinks the worst of people. And besides the plotline and MCs, reactions were very overdramatic and unrealistic. Writing was bleh, and there were a couple grammar and spelling mistakes, but nothing that should annoy anyone.
Overall, not a great book, and too uninteresting to even bother to go on. I gave it two stars because it started out interesting, the hero was loyal and cared for her a lot (even if it made him a wimp), and no OW drama that i read, without these, I would have given a 1 star. I guess no one can ever live up to my Vlad baby (by K Webster), who will always be my top mafia man.
Such a weak Hero that it was actually hard to read on. I loved how loyal he was to heroine, and always liked her, even more than the sister he was engaged to. I DNFed halfway, but from what i read there was no OW drama at all, there was OM drama, but it ended pretty quick, and there are no intimate details of him being with the sister at all, if he ever was. Again, I only made it halfway and briefly skimmed the rest, so some details may come up, but i doubt they would seeing as he didn't care for the sister much.
The hero was way too weak and whiney to be a mob leader, so much that it was just cringey to read. Sure i would love a hero that was as sweet as him in real life, or maybe him act that way when he was just with the heroine, but he was ALWAYS weak. I also really didn't like the heroine. She was super annoying and a big time complainer. Everytime something bad happened to her she thinks it's the end of the world. I almost dnfed at one point when she kept spouting how much she hated the hero and tried to escape him, but then begged him to stay and sleep with her that night. How cliche and cringe is that? And then of course the next day she goes back to hating him specifically because she has to marry him, and she likes to listen to rumors, even though his personality around her has never proven any true.
She's also pretty selfish. Everything was always about her. I find it funny how she was totally okay with handing the sister off to an arranged marriage because that means herself doesn't have to, but since the sister is gone, and now she had to, she wouldn't stop complaining and legit acted like she was dying because she couldn't stand to marry him.
A couple spoilers would be that the hero had always liked the heroine, and I didnt get too much into the skimming part, but i do know the sister isn't actually dead and she comes back. That is also when the heroine hates him again, because she can never make up her mind and always thinks the worst of people. And besides the plotline and MCs, reactions were very overdramatic and unrealistic. Writing was bleh, and there were a couple grammar and spelling mistakes, but nothing that should annoy anyone.
Overall, not a great book, and too uninteresting to even bother to go on. I gave it two stars because it started out interesting, the hero was loyal and cared for her a lot (even if it made him a wimp), and no OW drama that i read, without these, I would have given a 1 star. I guess no one can ever live up to my Vlad baby (by K Webster), who will always be my top mafia man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 12, 2020DNF.
This is unique in a way for a mafia story as the Hero genuinely liked the heroine.
She wanted away from that life and he was notorious for his mafia work so although physically attracted to her she doesn't want that life.
I'm not keen on the Hero with a sibling of the heroine before being with her troupe but there was no detail they'd been intimate.
I just couldn't relate to them.
This is unique in a way for a mafia story as the Hero genuinely liked the heroine.
She wanted away from that life and he was notorious for his mafia work so although physically attracted to her she doesn't want that life.
I'm not keen on the Hero with a sibling of the heroine before being with her troupe but there was no detail they'd been intimate.
I just couldn't relate to them.
January 30, 2024
This follows Mia and Alessio. Alessio is apart of the Italian Mafia. Since Mia’s sister Carmela went missing and died six months ago Mia is now to marry her sister’s finance. But is there more going on?
This was a good read. Alessio the MMC is a protective, jealous and touch her die vibes fictional man. Mia is a fiesty brat that I found quite moody. There tension at the start was fire but changed fast. I enjoyed the storyline and plot but personally it was a bit too fast paced for me, with lots of time jumps after chapters which are days long or weeks. There was also a lot packed into the plot. There was always something happening. Also I don’t know Mia’s age only Alessio’s who is 33. I think it may be a bit of an age gap but as I was reading no indication of age for Mia. I believe a lot of what I have said is personal preference and enjoyed the book overall just wish it was executed differently to my tastes.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Mafia (Italian)
🔹Tension
🔹Bratty FMC
🔹Fast Paced
🔹Great Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 350
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Sinners Of Boston
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Italian), Arranged Marriage, Brat, Grief, My Wife, Touch Her Or Die Vibes, Fire, Injury, Kidnapping, Violence, Medical Content, Panic Attack, Family Drama, Blood, Guns, Pregnancy, Cursing, Betrayal and Sexual Content. Mentions: Death and Rape
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This was a good read. Alessio the MMC is a protective, jealous and touch her die vibes fictional man. Mia is a fiesty brat that I found quite moody. There tension at the start was fire but changed fast. I enjoyed the storyline and plot but personally it was a bit too fast paced for me, with lots of time jumps after chapters which are days long or weeks. There was also a lot packed into the plot. There was always something happening. Also I don’t know Mia’s age only Alessio’s who is 33. I think it may be a bit of an age gap but as I was reading no indication of age for Mia. I believe a lot of what I have said is personal preference and enjoyed the book overall just wish it was executed differently to my tastes.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Mafia (Italian)
🔹Tension
🔹Bratty FMC
🔹Fast Paced
🔹Great Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 350
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Sinners Of Boston
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Italian), Arranged Marriage, Brat, Grief, My Wife, Touch Her Or Die Vibes, Fire, Injury, Kidnapping, Violence, Medical Content, Panic Attack, Family Drama, Blood, Guns, Pregnancy, Cursing, Betrayal and Sexual Content. Mentions: Death and Rape
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
April 25, 2024
DNF 21%
God I just couldn’t even, the story is so ridiculous
First Alessio was engaged to Carmela but she went missing 6 months ago so now he is getting married to her sister Mia. Now is throwing a tantrum because she doesn’t want to get married to her sisters ex fiancé who is also a mob boss. She hates violence and anyway was planning on running away. But then her sister died and then she was being forced to marry Alessio and that was the last straw for her so she runs away.
But Alessio catches her before she could anywhere and then what does she do? He is like tell me what’s the issue, she starts sobbing and hugging him and telling him her sob story about not liking violence and wanting to runaway and then when she is done crying he gets up to leave she is like “Don’t go”
Honey, love, baby girl, didn’t you just try to run AWAY from him? So why are you asking him to stay now???
Anyway omg Mia was annoying and Alessio what’s his name was equally annoying.
He wants to get married to Mia to bring “peace in the city”.
“I wanted to build a life that struck empty hearts with envy—kids clinging to my knees when I strode into my house, the devotion of a beautiful girl, a picture-perfect family that’d convince my parents I’d changed.”
Like wtf?
Oh and if you are wondering about his thoughts regarding the other sister
“The first month after Carmela’s murder was a blur of alcohol and sleepless nights. In my darker moments, I wondered if she cried out my name while the sick son-of-a-bitch murdered her.”
I mean who cares right he got her SISTER as replacement. And he just wants a beautiful girl to walk home to who will also deliver babies for him.
I couldn’t even with them. One chapter Mia is running away from him them next she is like I WANT TO WEAR MY SISTERS ENGAGEMENT RING.
WHO THE FUCK DOES THAT. YOU ARE GOING TO MARRY HER EX FIANCE YOU WANT THE RING TOO? What’s next her wedding dress???
God I just couldn’t even, the story is so ridiculous
First Alessio was engaged to Carmela but she went missing 6 months ago so now he is getting married to her sister Mia. Now is throwing a tantrum because she doesn’t want to get married to her sisters ex fiancé who is also a mob boss. She hates violence and anyway was planning on running away. But then her sister died and then she was being forced to marry Alessio and that was the last straw for her so she runs away.
But Alessio catches her before she could anywhere and then what does she do? He is like tell me what’s the issue, she starts sobbing and hugging him and telling him her sob story about not liking violence and wanting to runaway and then when she is done crying he gets up to leave she is like “Don’t go”
Honey, love, baby girl, didn’t you just try to run AWAY from him? So why are you asking him to stay now???
Anyway omg Mia was annoying and Alessio what’s his name was equally annoying.
He wants to get married to Mia to bring “peace in the city”.
“I wanted to build a life that struck empty hearts with envy—kids clinging to my knees when I strode into my house, the devotion of a beautiful girl, a picture-perfect family that’d convince my parents I’d changed.”
Like wtf?
Oh and if you are wondering about his thoughts regarding the other sister
“The first month after Carmela’s murder was a blur of alcohol and sleepless nights. In my darker moments, I wondered if she cried out my name while the sick son-of-a-bitch murdered her.”
I mean who cares right he got her SISTER as replacement. And he just wants a beautiful girl to walk home to who will also deliver babies for him.
I couldn’t even with them. One chapter Mia is running away from him them next she is like I WANT TO WEAR MY SISTERS ENGAGEMENT RING.
WHO THE FUCK DOES THAT. YOU ARE GOING TO MARRY HER EX FIANCE YOU WANT THE RING TOO? What’s next her wedding dress???
December 23, 2019
I love a good mafia book, and this is by far my favorite read by this author. Besides it being mafia, there was also the arranged marriage and kidnappings which are also tropes I love.
The only down side for me was transitions. New chapters or section breaks often found us hours, days or weeks in the future and it would take a page or two to find out how we got there. I felt like things would have read smoother had it been mentioned at the start of the new sections. Other wise, a good fun read. And I can't wait to see if Michael will get his own book!
The only down side for me was transitions. New chapters or section breaks often found us hours, days or weeks in the future and it would take a page or two to find out how we got there. I felt like things would have read smoother had it been mentioned at the start of the new sections. Other wise, a good fun read. And I can't wait to see if Michael will get his own book!
January 18, 2020
I just can’t drag myself to the end. Dnf halfway. It wasn’t a flat out 1 star but it was just so dull and I didn’t understand the H’s loyalty and dedication to the h. He didn’t come off as a dark and dangerous alpha mafia dude. Mismatched MCs.
November 14, 2024
Low angst MOC trope with some breeding. Bonus heroine wasn’t a virgin, yay.
February 8, 2020
I just loved this story. Dark mafia romance is my favorite genre. Especially when it's an Italian family.
Mia and Alessio story is Dark, tragic and beautiful. There will be some times you will curse Alessio, After he is the underboss of the Costa mob, other times you will love him.
Mia is the daughter of an Italian mob boss, trying to heal from her sisters disappearance, Now presumed dead . Her sister was arranged to marry Alesia. Fast forward six months and now Mia is now arranged to marry Alessio. Mis is shocked her father has agreed to this arrangement.
This book is filled with , kidnapping, death, love, romance, betrayal , alpha males, twist and turns, and steamy chemistry. I just wish it was a little darker.
In a personal side note , Which I greatly appreciated was the author differently did her home work with some of the Italian traditions, First time I read a books with the feast of the seven fishes. Brought me back to Nonnis house. Thank you
Mia and Alessio story is Dark, tragic and beautiful. There will be some times you will curse Alessio, After he is the underboss of the Costa mob, other times you will love him.
Mia is the daughter of an Italian mob boss, trying to heal from her sisters disappearance, Now presumed dead . Her sister was arranged to marry Alesia. Fast forward six months and now Mia is now arranged to marry Alessio. Mis is shocked her father has agreed to this arrangement.
This book is filled with , kidnapping, death, love, romance, betrayal , alpha males, twist and turns, and steamy chemistry. I just wish it was a little darker.
In a personal side note , Which I greatly appreciated was the author differently did her home work with some of the Italian traditions, First time I read a books with the feast of the seven fishes. Brought me back to Nonnis house. Thank you
December 28, 2019
I don’t usually leave reviews for 1 stars but I have to get this off my chest. The main characters were sloppy and weak and the secondary characters were backstabbing idiots no one in this whole book was loyal and they forgave way too easily.
This was completely unrealistic (SPOILER ALERT) how can Vinn be the boss when he disobeyed the boss’s direct orders and he was a prick.
This was completely unrealistic (SPOILER ALERT) how can Vinn be the boss when he disobeyed the boss’s direct orders and he was a prick.
December 31, 2019
Vanessa Waltz is back to writing what made me pick up her books in the first place. I loved Alessio and Mia. Great couple. Strong characters. I do hope the author writes more of this style. I hate that it took her a few years to get back to it.
I can't wait to see who she writes about next.
I read an advanced copy of this book.
I can't wait to see who she writes about next.
I read an advanced copy of this book.
January 4, 2020
3.5 stars
It had a great start. Mia and Alessio were strong characters. The mafia drama was wrapped up way too easily at the end though.
It had a great start. Mia and Alessio were strong characters. The mafia drama was wrapped up way too easily at the end though.
January 12, 2020
It was OK. Not as dark as I thought it would be. I would categorize it as a Contemporary Romance instead.
January 25, 2020
I enjoyed Alessio & Mia's story. Good characters. An intriguing book with lots of twists & turns. I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 2, 2025
First finished read of 2025.
This one started out promising but fell so flat.
This one started out promising but fell so flat.
January 14, 2020
Arranged: A Dark Mafia Romance By: Vanessa WaltzIt's All Been "Arranged," But It's Too BAD They NEVER Consulted HER About It!
When Her Sister goes Missing, presumed DEAD, it's "Arranged" for Her to Take Her place...
Sooo She'll be Marrying Her Sister's Fiancé... It's been "Arranged!"
Only NO one asked Her how She feels about the "Arranged" Marriage!
Sooo She tries to RUN from Her "Arranged" Fiancé,
But they're ALL connected to the Family...
And gett'n Away from what's "Arranged" is UnRealistic,
Sooo She's ReConciling HerSelf to Her "Arranged" Situation...
Including mak'n a BABY with Her "Arranged" Fiancé,
Who She's insanely attracted to!
But EveryThing is NOT as IT seems... With what's been "Arranged,"
And soon the "Arranged" won't be Sooo Strange!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Vanessa Waltz's "Arranged: A Dark Mafia Romance." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.
December 28, 2019
Hot mafia romance full of thrills. As soon as I caught sight of an arranged marriage in the plot, coupled with a dark hero intent on having babies right away... I was jumping over this book like a mad woman 😂
Alessio is the paragon of hot-blooded, raven-haired Italian mobster, though he hides some pretty cool features that make him as interesting as he is seductive. He might have the reputation of a killer, but he is patient and insightful in everything related to his forced fiancée. And a woman can resist so much, right?
So this spirited younger sister finds herself engaged to her late sister’s groom and she fights it like a boss. The heat between them is palpable and at first they clash. Then, a huge twist puts a big thrill on the situation, and I loved the dangerous scene as it played out with all its gore and violence.
I liked Mia's loyalty to her sister, her inner fire and her need to trust a man who is showing her real understanding beyond the explosive lust. And I also liked that the mobster also has his emotional issues.
Whirlwind feelings and gut-wrenching twists keep unbalancing this ardent relationship. I was suspecting something about a certain event, but the way it happened really caught me off guard. This couple is trying to be happy but their families and this world of blood and pain they inhabit is wreaking havoc in their midst. It's hot when they touch, hopeful when they allow themselves to feel, but it's a mafia world and enemies abound.
I admit I enjoyed all the passionate scenes, including a very surprising wedding night! And I relished all the upheavals and dark deeds and the ultimate plot twist at the end. Really entertaining, and the final two chapters are fantastic. I could really read more books about Vinn and Michael, they certainly leave an impression.
Alessio is the paragon of hot-blooded, raven-haired Italian mobster, though he hides some pretty cool features that make him as interesting as he is seductive. He might have the reputation of a killer, but he is patient and insightful in everything related to his forced fiancée. And a woman can resist so much, right?
So this spirited younger sister finds herself engaged to her late sister’s groom and she fights it like a boss. The heat between them is palpable and at first they clash. Then, a huge twist puts a big thrill on the situation, and I loved the dangerous scene as it played out with all its gore and violence.
I liked Mia's loyalty to her sister, her inner fire and her need to trust a man who is showing her real understanding beyond the explosive lust. And I also liked that the mobster also has his emotional issues.
Whirlwind feelings and gut-wrenching twists keep unbalancing this ardent relationship. I was suspecting something about a certain event, but the way it happened really caught me off guard. This couple is trying to be happy but their families and this world of blood and pain they inhabit is wreaking havoc in their midst. It's hot when they touch, hopeful when they allow themselves to feel, but it's a mafia world and enemies abound.
I admit I enjoyed all the passionate scenes, including a very surprising wedding night! And I relished all the upheavals and dark deeds and the ultimate plot twist at the end. Really entertaining, and the final two chapters are fantastic. I could really read more books about Vinn and Michael, they certainly leave an impression.
May 8, 2020
2nd read as I'm about to read the 2nd book about Michael, his captain. It was much better (rounding up to 3 stars). Mia still wishy-washy and wedding night was too far. But I liked Alessio always wanted her. Michael is fine, but I'm wondering why I kept thinking I wanted Vinn's book.Vinn is his other captain. He and Michael are both blood family which Alessio isn't. Although it made no sense what he was ultimately going to do by kidnapping Mia (kill Alessio?) but he becomes the underboss and Alessio gets his wish to be out of the mafia.
12/2019 -It’s been awhile since I’ve read a mafia book and even longer since I’ve read one from Vanessa Waltz. The world she’s created is interesting and has promise. On the other hand it’s a bit all over the place and not clear who the players are. I’m not sure how I feel about the main characters. Mia gave me whiplash, particularly with her maturity. Alessio had his moments, especially when he was protective or vulnerable. Their wedding was a turnoff for me and went way too far. There are a few action scenes that had me glued to the page. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me with its inconsistent characters, details and actions. BUT I’ve enjoyed her past books and want to do a reread of some faves.
2.5
I received a copy of this book through Booksprout for an honest review.
12/2019 -It’s been awhile since I’ve read a mafia book and even longer since I’ve read one from Vanessa Waltz. The world she’s created is interesting and has promise. On the other hand it’s a bit all over the place and not clear who the players are. I’m not sure how I feel about the main characters. Mia gave me whiplash, particularly with her maturity. Alessio had his moments, especially when he was protective or vulnerable. Their wedding was a turnoff for me and went way too far. There are a few action scenes that had me glued to the page. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me with its inconsistent characters, details and actions. BUT I’ve enjoyed her past books and want to do a reread of some faves.
2.5
I received a copy of this book through Booksprout for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
Style: Erotica / Mafia/ Mobster
Story: 4/5
Sexual: Enticingly GOOD
Enjoyment: 5/5
Series: Book 1
THE GOOD
I really really really enjoyed this book. Sometimes the sex in a book can keep the momentum going and that gets boring after a while or the story captivates you and the story actually kept me engaged and I did not want to but this book down. Mia, I have to admit, in the beginning annoyed me to hell, however, tremendous growth with her character. Alessio, man after my own heart, he is such a ZADDY, even though it took Mia forever to see who he really is.
I loved the journey the author took me on as I was glued to everything unfolding, half way through the book I went and purchase ‘TAKEN’ the second book that’s how invested I was in this series and whose next. The moment Alessio and Mia finally came together, I did not lose interest and I liked that as the author definitely gave me my money’s worth.
THE BAD
I really don’t have anything bad as the good definitely out weighs the bad.
OVERALL
Overall, for me good read and it goes with my personally taste on what I love to read in my books. If you are definitely a fan of the mafia romance, this will be a good read.
Story: 4/5
Sexual: Enticingly GOOD
Enjoyment: 5/5
Series: Book 1
THE GOOD
I really really really enjoyed this book. Sometimes the sex in a book can keep the momentum going and that gets boring after a while or the story captivates you and the story actually kept me engaged and I did not want to but this book down. Mia, I have to admit, in the beginning annoyed me to hell, however, tremendous growth with her character. Alessio, man after my own heart, he is such a ZADDY, even though it took Mia forever to see who he really is.
I loved the journey the author took me on as I was glued to everything unfolding, half way through the book I went and purchase ‘TAKEN’ the second book that’s how invested I was in this series and whose next. The moment Alessio and Mia finally came together, I did not lose interest and I liked that as the author definitely gave me my money’s worth.
THE BAD
I really don’t have anything bad as the good definitely out weighs the bad.
OVERALL
Overall, for me good read and it goes with my personally taste on what I love to read in my books. If you are definitely a fan of the mafia romance, this will be a good read.
December 29, 2019
Excellent mafia romance!!
This is a wonderful story and I love the characters. Mia thought she would get away with not having to marry a made man, cause that's what her father promised her. Then her sister dies and all of the sudden she is now the fianceé to Alessio Salvatore, her dead sister's fiancé. Mia doesn't want this life, it doesn't matter that she has secretly harbored a crush for Alessio since before her sister was engaged to him, he is off-limits in her mind out of respect for her sister. Alessio needs Mia to understand that no matter what they will be married and he expects children soon. This is a twisted mafia romance that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages to the very end. It's a great read and I highly recommend it!
This is a wonderful story and I love the characters. Mia thought she would get away with not having to marry a made man, cause that's what her father promised her. Then her sister dies and all of the sudden she is now the fianceé to Alessio Salvatore, her dead sister's fiancé. Mia doesn't want this life, it doesn't matter that she has secretly harbored a crush for Alessio since before her sister was engaged to him, he is off-limits in her mind out of respect for her sister. Alessio needs Mia to understand that no matter what they will be married and he expects children soon. This is a twisted mafia romance that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages to the very end. It's a great read and I highly recommend it!
August 27, 2020
Love a good bad boy
This was the first book by this author and I enjoyed this book. Alessio and Mia's chemistry was great. However, the ridiculous use of italics was not. Italics should only be used to stress emphasis on a word not multiple times in a page. People do not actually speak that way, so it was a bit distracting. Other than that, I'd definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading future books by Vanessa Waltz.
This was the first book by this author and I enjoyed this book. Alessio and Mia's chemistry was great. However, the ridiculous use of italics was not. Italics should only be used to stress emphasis on a word not multiple times in a page. People do not actually speak that way, so it was a bit distracting. Other than that, I'd definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading future books by Vanessa Waltz.
January 10, 2020
This is the perfect imperfect mafia love story. The emotions are like a roller coaster ride that will keep you on your toes. I just love how Alessio and Mia keeps surprising each other at each turn, discovering new things to love or wanting to get rid of. Above all I loge how these characters grow and transforms throughout this story. I will be looking forward to the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
January 2, 2020
Mia is forced to marry Alessio after her sister suddenly dies, making her the heir to her father. Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. Great characters with lots of layers and plenty of twists and turns. I really liked it.
April 11, 2022
wonderful dark Mafia
This is the first book in a series that is stand alone, but think you ought to read them all in order for best enjoyment. I really love Vanessa’s Characters and I think you will too. Each book has a lot of action and 🔥 with a nice HEA
This is the first book in a series that is stand alone, but think you ought to read them all in order for best enjoyment. I really love Vanessa’s Characters and I think you will too. Each book has a lot of action and 🔥 with a nice HEA
September 24, 2020
Arranged marriage twist
Six months after burying her sister, Mia had to deal with the fact she was next in line to marry Alessio to join two mafia families. Not the greatest way to start a relationship - first with an arranged marriage and then to your sister’s fiancé.
Alessio was being groomed to take over the Costa mafia family. The head passed over his son and other relatives to choose Alessio who was not a blood relative. Think that might be a problem?
Alessio and Mia are steaming hot together. He is, as he put it, a “Prince Charming” with her and an *sshole to everyone else. The dynamics of their relationship alone is engaging, but the story also interested me with just the right amount of danger, shooting, beating a few deserving folks up, kidnapping, exotic dancers, some stitches and shrapnel. In other words, a great mafia romance!
Six months after burying her sister, Mia had to deal with the fact she was next in line to marry Alessio to join two mafia families. Not the greatest way to start a relationship - first with an arranged marriage and then to your sister’s fiancé.
Alessio was being groomed to take over the Costa mafia family. The head passed over his son and other relatives to choose Alessio who was not a blood relative. Think that might be a problem?
Alessio and Mia are steaming hot together. He is, as he put it, a “Prince Charming” with her and an *sshole to everyone else. The dynamics of their relationship alone is engaging, but the story also interested me with just the right amount of danger, shooting, beating a few deserving folks up, kidnapping, exotic dancers, some stitches and shrapnel. In other words, a great mafia romance!
February 21, 2020
Weak Hero
I love Dark mafia romance and arranged marriages so I have big hopes on this one. Unfortunately my expectations went down the more pages I turn. Started pretty good, a mafia princess who doesn’t want that life and is forced to marry her sister ex boyfriend when she gone missing and declared dead. The hero was a very weak considering that he is a mob boss, he was in love with the heroine but didn’t admitted until later, way later in the book. In conclusion the book started very promise but just went down, and down and not even the epilogue save the story for me.
I love Dark mafia romance and arranged marriages so I have big hopes on this one. Unfortunately my expectations went down the more pages I turn. Started pretty good, a mafia princess who doesn’t want that life and is forced to marry her sister ex boyfriend when she gone missing and declared dead. The hero was a very weak considering that he is a mob boss, he was in love with the heroine but didn’t admitted until later, way later in the book. In conclusion the book started very promise but just went down, and down and not even the epilogue save the story for me.
May 4, 2024
3.75/5
L'histoire n'est pas vraiment révolutionnaire, mais c'est un bonbon. On sait que ce n'est pas grandiose, pourtant on le lit avec envie et addiction.
Si je devais être honnête, je ne me rappelle déjà plus des noms des personnages, pourtant je sais que je m'y suis attaché en 1journée de lecture (je vous ai dit que c'était addictif comme lecture).
Le protagoniste a des milliers de red flag (que je ne donnerai pas sinon ça spoil), pourtant il a ce côté bien mauvais garçon qui nous procure un sentiment de protection.
La protagoniste, elle est aussi remplie de red flag (même si c'est moins flagrant), elle a une bonne évolution et des réflexions un peu intelligentes de temps en temps.
Ce que j'ai préféré, c'est le côté malsain du lecteur de vouloir que la relation aboutisse alors que l'on sait que c'est mauvais pour les deux personnages.
C'était vraiment sympa à lire, je pense lire d'autres livres de l'autrice, mais pas la suite de cette saga (les perso du tome 2 m'insupporte déjà).
Je vous recommande, ça passe le temps et nous divertit
L'histoire n'est pas vraiment révolutionnaire, mais c'est un bonbon. On sait que ce n'est pas grandiose, pourtant on le lit avec envie et addiction.
Si je devais être honnête, je ne me rappelle déjà plus des noms des personnages, pourtant je sais que je m'y suis attaché en 1journée de lecture (je vous ai dit que c'était addictif comme lecture).
Le protagoniste a des milliers de red flag (que je ne donnerai pas sinon ça spoil), pourtant il a ce côté bien mauvais garçon qui nous procure un sentiment de protection.
La protagoniste, elle est aussi remplie de red flag (même si c'est moins flagrant), elle a une bonne évolution et des réflexions un peu intelligentes de temps en temps.
Ce que j'ai préféré, c'est le côté malsain du lecteur de vouloir que la relation aboutisse alors que l'on sait que c'est mauvais pour les deux personnages.
C'était vraiment sympa à lire, je pense lire d'autres livres de l'autrice, mais pas la suite de cette saga (les perso du tome 2 m'insupporte déjà).
Je vous recommande, ça passe le temps et nous divertit
December 25, 2019
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.
Well this book wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't good. I will say the sex was hot but besides that; I really didn't care. The plot had potential but ... I'll admit there's enough going on in this read to keep you mildly interested, but there's nothing special, unique or earth-shattering going on. For me just your typical mafia story.
Well this book wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't good. I will say the sex was hot but besides that; I really didn't care. The plot had potential but ... I'll admit there's enough going on in this read to keep you mildly interested, but there's nothing special, unique or earth-shattering going on. For me just your typical mafia story.
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