What do you think?
Rate this book
This Life #2
This Life II
Finnegan O’Shea
My uncle had never deserved to be the boss of the Sons of Munster, and for the longest time I thought that pompous jackass was my worst nightmare. Then Gio Avellino sent a crew to Philly to take down the syndicate I’d just become the unofficial boss of. He’d kidnapped my uncle, put the love of my life in harm’s way, and…he’d murdered my mother.
So yeah, my first year as a married man was off to a rousing start—we were on the run, severely outnumbered, and I still hadn’t told my wife the truth about her own mother and her connection to the Avellino family.
Luck of the Irish? Uh-huh. I was gonna need a lot of that.
Emilia O’Shea
Was there such a thing as getting used to being married to a mobster? Finnegan lied and stole for a living, and trust didn’t come easy. If only the bastard hadn’t stolen my damn heart.
After spending the summer in hiding, I was ready to shoulder my role as the new matriarch of the family. Even though my husband’s mother’s shoes were impossible to fill, I would do my best and take on the responsibility with my own little twist. I couldn’t be the mother to everyone, but I could be a Daughter of Munster.
Because though I struggled with some aspects of Finnegan’s lifestyle, this was personal.
This was war.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
72 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,100 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 20, 2020
This Life II was an exciting, emotion-filled ride! If you haven't read This Life I, please do that before moving onto this book, since This Life II is not a standalone.
This Life II starts a few months after the first book ends. The O'Shea's are in hiding and on the run while they prepare for war. Times are uncertain, but there is a certain bit of optimism as they do what needs to be done and Finnigan prepares to take over the Sons of Munster. Finnegan is driven by tradition, honor, and family.
The timeline spans about a year and it kept me on my toes and not everything goes as planned. There are losses, there are betrayals, there is angst, but above all family matters and Finnigan and the rest of his team are ready to do what it takes. Cara Dee managed to make me ugly cry a bit, too, and I might hate her a little bit for that, but damn she can tell a story. I'm fully invested.
Emilia is settling into her role as Finnigan's wife, as well. Her attitudes toward the syndicate in general and Finnigan in particular have evolved a lot since she agreed to marry Finnigan. She knows that people are going to die and she's ok with that, in light of the events at the end of book 1. She's also training a lot and becomming a more confident young woman and demands her place. Once a pawn, she is now a partner.
Finnigan evolves, too. He's probably always going to be on the conservative side, and he doesn't have a politically correct bone in his body, but he's learning, too, that nothing is black and white. He does say and do things in This Life II that make my entire being cringe, but he's very much in character, and despite those instances, I like and respect him. He is willing to do what it takes to protect those he loves and he loves Emilia with everything he is, even as he can be a right bastard.
Secrets and lies play a huge part in this series, and both have consequences in this story and just wow. The end isn't particularly cliffy, which I hugely appreaciate, though we do still have a little ways to go before the major plot threads are totally resolved and I'm looking forward to seeing how everything turns out.
Once again, Cara Dee delivers. I. Want. More.
This Life II starts a few months after the first book ends. The O'Shea's are in hiding and on the run while they prepare for war. Times are uncertain, but there is a certain bit of optimism as they do what needs to be done and Finnigan prepares to take over the Sons of Munster. Finnegan is driven by tradition, honor, and family.
The timeline spans about a year and it kept me on my toes and not everything goes as planned. There are losses, there are betrayals, there is angst, but above all family matters and Finnigan and the rest of his team are ready to do what it takes. Cara Dee managed to make me ugly cry a bit, too, and I might hate her a little bit for that, but damn she can tell a story. I'm fully invested.
Emilia is settling into her role as Finnigan's wife, as well. Her attitudes toward the syndicate in general and Finnigan in particular have evolved a lot since she agreed to marry Finnigan. She knows that people are going to die and she's ok with that, in light of the events at the end of book 1. She's also training a lot and becomming a more confident young woman and demands her place. Once a pawn, she is now a partner.
Finnigan evolves, too. He's probably always going to be on the conservative side, and he doesn't have a politically correct bone in his body, but he's learning, too, that nothing is black and white. He does say and do things in This Life II that make my entire being cringe, but he's very much in character, and despite those instances, I like and respect him. He is willing to do what it takes to protect those he loves and he loves Emilia with everything he is, even as he can be a right bastard.
Secrets and lies play a huge part in this series, and both have consequences in this story and just wow. The end isn't particularly cliffy, which I hugely appreaciate, though we do still have a little ways to go before the major plot threads are totally resolved and I'm looking forward to seeing how everything turns out.
Once again, Cara Dee delivers. I. Want. More.
March 19, 2020
I couldn’t be the mother Grace had been, but I could be a daughter of Munster. This was my family now too, and I was going to take care of the criminal bastards.
This starts right where This Life I ended and was full of so much action and adventure. It’s Finnegan O’Sheas story but Emilia O’Shea kind of stole the show. And even though Whistler is hella cocky and controlling I don’t think he minded at all that his wife shines in this story the brightest. That being said I struggled with the first half of this book so much. There was so much mafia/monster stuff going on. So much planning. So much talking. It was so boring to me. I just didn’t care. And worse of all!! What I loved in the first book, all the side characters, especially the twins and Patrick and Sarah fell flat on this story to me. More than flat. I hated those parts. I just wanted more of Finn and Emilia together. They were almost never together. I also struggled with liking Finn a lot at the beginning of this story. But then, BAM, he shows his true colors and I loved him again. Which honestly is confusing since he was honest about lying and manipulating his wife and that’s when I liked him. His honestly, even though awful, showed his vulnerability and the fact he knew he’d most likely lose her but decided to be honest was everything to me. He knew she needed to know all the messed up stuff about her mother. He told her knowing he’d lose her. Gah!! All the feels.
Anyways, I was disappointed about Patrick and Sarah most of all and that was weird because I never really liked her but man did I feel her But most of all I was disappointed because I didn’t care. I was rolling my eyes and wondering when the story would switch back to the MC’s. I feel like so much time was wasted on the secondary characters. There were so many too. I did love the second part of the book so much more. That’s what saved this story for me. I was terrified it was going to be a one star review. But then the action started and Emilia and Finn are so smart and capable. Seeing Em work and use her beautiful brain was magic. I couldn’t read fast enough the second half.
All in all this was a good ending to Finnegan and Emilia’s story. Packed with action and a few steamy times with Em and Finn. Not many, but good enough. And that sums up my review really.
This starts right where This Life I ended and was full of so much action and adventure. It’s Finnegan O’Sheas story but Emilia O’Shea kind of stole the show. And even though Whistler is hella cocky and controlling I don’t think he minded at all that his wife shines in this story the brightest. That being said I struggled with the first half of this book so much. There was so much mafia/monster stuff going on. So much planning. So much talking. It was so boring to me. I just didn’t care. And worse of all!! What I loved in the first book, all the side characters, especially the twins and Patrick and Sarah fell flat on this story to me. More than flat. I hated those parts. I just wanted more of Finn and Emilia together. They were almost never together. I also struggled with liking Finn a lot at the beginning of this story. But then, BAM, he shows his true colors and I loved him again. Which honestly is confusing since he was honest about lying and manipulating his wife and that’s when I liked him. His honestly, even though awful, showed his vulnerability and the fact he knew he’d most likely lose her but decided to be honest was everything to me. He knew she needed to know all the messed up stuff about her mother. He told her knowing he’d lose her. Gah!! All the feels.
Anyways, I was disappointed about Patrick and Sarah most of all and that was weird because I never really liked her but man did I feel her But most of all I was disappointed because I didn’t care. I was rolling my eyes and wondering when the story would switch back to the MC’s. I feel like so much time was wasted on the secondary characters. There were so many too. I did love the second part of the book so much more. That’s what saved this story for me. I was terrified it was going to be a one star review. But then the action started and Emilia and Finn are so smart and capable. Seeing Em work and use her beautiful brain was magic. I couldn’t read fast enough the second half.
All in all this was a good ending to Finnegan and Emilia’s story. Packed with action and a few steamy times with Em and Finn. Not many, but good enough. And that sums up my review really.
March 20, 2020
I didn’t like this book anywhere near as much as the first one, unfortunately. The first book in the series is one of my all time favorites and I was so looking forward to this one. I was waiting on pins and needles for this one to come out. So when I opened it up and was immediately assaulted with so much action, I wasn’t that amused but I pushed on bc I loved this series before. I thought maybe it would improve in the sense that there would be less action, more romance.
Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. There was barely any time with Emilia and Finn together. I swear they were apart for most of the book it seemed like. However, the parts that they did have together I mostly really liked.
There were also things done that were very sensitive subjects for me, which really put me off Emilia. I know they say it’s ok to have an occasional glass of wine while pregnant. This is a very sensitive topic for me, and Emilia insisting on doing a job where she knew she would have to drink several glasses and at one point she guzzled a whole glass after already having some, I was very repulsed by this. After this she continues to insist on drinking wine and also drinks beer. I know this probably isn’t a big deal to a lot of people, but it is to me and it really bugged me. Also, near the end when Emilia was taken, it’s mentioned that Finn had been doing coke....what for? It was never brought up again other than in that one conversation, so why? All it did was make me dislike him a little. Again minor problems maybe to some people but not to me and I needed to rant about it.
Overall, there was just soooooooo much action in this book, like literally every page. If you like that with a tiny dash of romance, you’ll definitely love this book. Sadly, I do not care for that so I was very bored throughout the book and was just skimming so I could get it over with ☹️ which is sad because I’m not joking when I say the first book is one of my all time faves. This, and the amazing writing the author did, is what kept it from being a two star.
Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. There was barely any time with Emilia and Finn together. I swear they were apart for most of the book it seemed like. However, the parts that they did have together I mostly really liked.
There were also things done that were very sensitive subjects for me, which really put me off Emilia. I know they say it’s ok to have an occasional glass of wine while pregnant. This is a very sensitive topic for me, and Emilia insisting on doing a job where she knew she would have to drink several glasses and at one point she guzzled a whole glass after already having some, I was very repulsed by this. After this she continues to insist on drinking wine and also drinks beer. I know this probably isn’t a big deal to a lot of people, but it is to me and it really bugged me. Also, near the end when Emilia was taken, it’s mentioned that Finn had been doing coke....what for? It was never brought up again other than in that one conversation, so why? All it did was make me dislike him a little. Again minor problems maybe to some people but not to me and I needed to rant about it.
Overall, there was just soooooooo much action in this book, like literally every page. If you like that with a tiny dash of romance, you’ll definitely love this book. Sadly, I do not care for that so I was very bored throughout the book and was just skimming so I could get it over with ☹️ which is sad because I’m not joking when I say the first book is one of my all time faves. This, and the amazing writing the author did, is what kept it from being a two star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
![Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1652024485i%2F125758944._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 6, 2021
I'm so lazy with my reviews right now.
rtc
rtc
April 21, 2022
Drugi raz... i nadal mi się podobało. Teraz niecierpliwie czekam na historię Kellana... wiem z kim, ale nie będę spojlerowała. 😉 No i potem Liam i powrót do Finna i Emilki. Mam nadzieję, że autorka wróci do tej serii. 😀
February 7, 2022
This Life Books 1& 2 By Cara Dee.
A few years ago, I really started reading. Before I had KU or a working kindle, I found Twilight Fan Fiction.
This is where I was introduced to Cara Dee.
Cara has written many Fan Fictions and is an amazing author.
Which is how I found This Life originally.
This Life is one of my favorite stories that I read over and over.
You like Mob stories? Here you have it.
I found out that not only did she publish it as an original, but it’s in KU.
Consider me sold.
First things first.
While there are several parts of the story that are the same, it is totally different. There is death in this series. There is smut. It's a slow smut, but it is there.
Most importantly, the main female lead, Emelia Potter O’Shay, aka Princess, starts as a weak girl and grows. I really loved reading it.
Finn, aka Whistler, not going to lie probably will piss you off. He knows best and all that.
*insert eye roll*
But, you learn to love him in spite of it.
Insomnia really hit me hard this week in part because of these books.
I don’t want to give too much away, but know that this will be a book set I will read again. Like I reread the original Fan Fiction.
Would I recommend this set of stories? Yes. 100%
I also highly recommend Cara Dee’s books as a whole.
-Brier
A few years ago, I really started reading. Before I had KU or a working kindle, I found Twilight Fan Fiction.
This is where I was introduced to Cara Dee.
Cara has written many Fan Fictions and is an amazing author.
Which is how I found This Life originally.
This Life is one of my favorite stories that I read over and over.
You like Mob stories? Here you have it.
I found out that not only did she publish it as an original, but it’s in KU.
Consider me sold.
First things first.
While there are several parts of the story that are the same, it is totally different. There is death in this series. There is smut. It's a slow smut, but it is there.
Most importantly, the main female lead, Emelia Potter O’Shay, aka Princess, starts as a weak girl and grows. I really loved reading it.
Finn, aka Whistler, not going to lie probably will piss you off. He knows best and all that.
*insert eye roll*
But, you learn to love him in spite of it.
Insomnia really hit me hard this week in part because of these books.
I don’t want to give too much away, but know that this will be a book set I will read again. Like I reread the original Fan Fiction.
Would I recommend this set of stories? Yes. 100%
I also highly recommend Cara Dee’s books as a whole.
-Brier
January 9, 2023
5 Beautiful stars for this series.
I say series because there is apparently a third book coming out on this couple and I cannot wait!
It’s a excellent story, brilliant couple although with many many faults. It’s lengthy too, about 900 pages for both books so if that’s what you’re craving, this is the book for you.
It’s a mafia romance, a SAFE one at that. Dual virgins, absolutely no om/ow drama - Finn is a traditional man as in wait till marriage type of traditional. He is the best thing about this story for me. Emilia is more frustrating to read but the story as a whole allows to you to over look that.
The is a lot of side characters and story line which can get tedious but again, it does round the story out even though I felt impatient reading so much ‘filler’ information.
Lastly and the reasons why I will probably avoid this author in the future is because she does not think twice about killing off loveable characters. There is ALOT of death and it’s horribly sad. There is also a lot of infidelity amongst the secondary characters which leads me to believe that a ballsy author such as Ms Cara Dee will not flinch but doing that to her main characters.
I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND THESE BOOK!
I say series because there is apparently a third book coming out on this couple and I cannot wait!
It’s a excellent story, brilliant couple although with many many faults. It’s lengthy too, about 900 pages for both books so if that’s what you’re craving, this is the book for you.
It’s a mafia romance, a SAFE one at that. Dual virgins, absolutely no om/ow drama - Finn is a traditional man as in wait till marriage type of traditional. He is the best thing about this story for me. Emilia is more frustrating to read but the story as a whole allows to you to over look that.
The is a lot of side characters and story line which can get tedious but again, it does round the story out even though I felt impatient reading so much ‘filler’ information.
Lastly and the reasons why I will probably avoid this author in the future is because she does not think twice about killing off loveable characters. There is ALOT of death and it’s horribly sad. There is also a lot of infidelity amongst the secondary characters which leads me to believe that a ballsy author such as Ms Cara Dee will not flinch but doing that to her main characters.
I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND THESE BOOK!
October 14, 2022
So far, An okay read. I am actually traumatised with trilogies bc some authors had this tendency of fucking up the characters in the long run. Imagine, being invested with the characters and one ended up cheating in the last book, or marriage falling apart?! oh heck naur.
Of course, it wasn't the case here. So far into this, Book I and II were both safe. Each other's first and only. No ow/om drama and stuff. I am getting attached to both h and H but until there is no Book III of III, I won't give in bc it is better safe than sorry, right?
And heck, H's father and his bestfriend? it was just shocking to me, especially I don't read MM novel but ayooo. It never crosses my mind!
This was a good stuff though. And I am looking forward to the book three wishing to the stars that it would be safe, and free of ow/om drama. That was I am hoping for but I really don't know what to expect bc it has the 10 years time skip so yep. Waiting game on.
Of course, it wasn't the case here. So far into this, Book I and II were both safe. Each other's first and only. No ow/om drama and stuff. I am getting attached to both h and H but until there is no Book III of III, I won't give in bc it is better safe than sorry, right?
And heck, H's father and his bestfriend? it was just shocking to me, especially I don't read MM novel but ayooo. It never crosses my mind!
This was a good stuff though. And I am looking forward to the book three wishing to the stars that it would be safe, and free of ow/om drama. That was I am hoping for but I really don't know what to expect bc it has the 10 years time skip so yep. Waiting game on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2020
This has been my most anticipated read of the year.. and it’s only February and it certainly hasn’t disappointed.
Action packed, thrilling and emotional...just wow!
After the rollercoaster of emotions experienced with the first book I wasn’t sure what to expect with This Life II. Nothing could have prepared me for what I have just read.
Emilia, my favourite of Cara’s female characters, couldn’t be anymore badass in this book. I love her. How she deals with everything that is thrown at her is something on another level.
Finn. I love him too, it was so good to see him open up and the raw emotion that poured out of him was something special. I can’t even describe it.
You know when you’re reading a Cara Dee book... Once you start you don’t want to stop for anything, that’s how good she is. I don’t have any of the right words to say how much I loved this book. Just know that it is an exceptional series and you certainly won’t be disappointed when you read it.
I’m so excited for more of these guys in the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action packed, thrilling and emotional...just wow!
After the rollercoaster of emotions experienced with the first book I wasn’t sure what to expect with This Life II. Nothing could have prepared me for what I have just read.
Emilia, my favourite of Cara’s female characters, couldn’t be anymore badass in this book. I love her. How she deals with everything that is thrown at her is something on another level.
Finn. I love him too, it was so good to see him open up and the raw emotion that poured out of him was something special. I can’t even describe it.
You know when you’re reading a Cara Dee book... Once you start you don’t want to stop for anything, that’s how good she is. I don’t have any of the right words to say how much I loved this book. Just know that it is an exceptional series and you certainly won’t be disappointed when you read it.
I’m so excited for more of these guys in the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 30, 2022
As an old song says, "once in a while life kisses us in the mouth". Something like that has happened to me with This Life, the Cara Dee duet.
I found these two books by chance, and frankly I had no expectations, but after having read them, having tasted them, I can't be more satisfied.
I found it brilliant the way the author has distributed the events between the two installments. If in the first one there is a splendid narrative of the conquest of Emilia's heart, on a slow burn, and the mafia stuff remains in the background, the second installment focuses mainly on what we could call Emilia's awakening. And it is certainly developed with brilliance and narrative solvency.
The reality of Finnegan's business, of the world in which he lives and in which he is destined to be his top man, and which is only glimpsed in the first part, is brutally unveiled in the second. And it is here that the author describes in an extraordinary way the process of the birth of a new Emilia. As her character grows, she becomes more complex, and I found it delightful the way she shows us how Emilia gradually leaves behind her rigid moral compass, and opens up to a new life that is as exciting as it is sometimes terrifying. This process of Emilia's moral corruption, in a context in which the protagonists have to fight to survive and protect their families, is delightful and exciting. Nothing more exciting than to see a good girl become a woman who embraces her own change, and embraces out of love the darkness of the world her husband inhabits.
"Patrick and his guys had fled the city in under three hours and were now hiding out somewhere outside of Amsterdam with gold, money, and drugs. And the drugs... I was pretty sure Finnegan was withholding some details about the amount. He'd seemed extremely pleased about the whole thing. Like, he'd fist-pumped the air in the car when he found out how much. It was crazy. So was the reminder that, had this happened a few months ago, I would've been so mad at myself for calling it a victory".
While in the first installment the narrative pace is slower, but that doesn't stop you from wanting to move forward to see what happens, in the second installment the pace is much faster. I read both books practically in one sitting, and this is also helped by the strength of the secondary characters, especially Father O'Malley, Liam, Patrick and Sarah, Emilia's childhood friend, who is a great counterpoint which hereby allows you to appreciate Emilia's different evolution in the moral aspect, and helps you understand the woman she is destined to be.
I could be writing much more, but I don't think it's necessary, because the conclusion is very clear: five stars and my congratulations to the author.
PS. I think the announced book about Liam and Luna has never been published. It's a pity, I'm sure it would have been delightful.
I found these two books by chance, and frankly I had no expectations, but after having read them, having tasted them, I can't be more satisfied.
I found it brilliant the way the author has distributed the events between the two installments. If in the first one there is a splendid narrative of the conquest of Emilia's heart, on a slow burn, and the mafia stuff remains in the background, the second installment focuses mainly on what we could call Emilia's awakening. And it is certainly developed with brilliance and narrative solvency.
The reality of Finnegan's business, of the world in which he lives and in which he is destined to be his top man, and which is only glimpsed in the first part, is brutally unveiled in the second. And it is here that the author describes in an extraordinary way the process of the birth of a new Emilia. As her character grows, she becomes more complex, and I found it delightful the way she shows us how Emilia gradually leaves behind her rigid moral compass, and opens up to a new life that is as exciting as it is sometimes terrifying. This process of Emilia's moral corruption, in a context in which the protagonists have to fight to survive and protect their families, is delightful and exciting. Nothing more exciting than to see a good girl become a woman who embraces her own change, and embraces out of love the darkness of the world her husband inhabits.
"Patrick and his guys had fled the city in under three hours and were now hiding out somewhere outside of Amsterdam with gold, money, and drugs. And the drugs... I was pretty sure Finnegan was withholding some details about the amount. He'd seemed extremely pleased about the whole thing. Like, he'd fist-pumped the air in the car when he found out how much. It was crazy. So was the reminder that, had this happened a few months ago, I would've been so mad at myself for calling it a victory".
While in the first installment the narrative pace is slower, but that doesn't stop you from wanting to move forward to see what happens, in the second installment the pace is much faster. I read both books practically in one sitting, and this is also helped by the strength of the secondary characters, especially Father O'Malley, Liam, Patrick and Sarah, Emilia's childhood friend, who is a great counterpoint which hereby allows you to appreciate Emilia's different evolution in the moral aspect, and helps you understand the woman she is destined to be.
I could be writing much more, but I don't think it's necessary, because the conclusion is very clear: five stars and my congratulations to the author.
PS. I think the announced book about Liam and Luna has never been published. It's a pity, I'm sure it would have been delightful.
March 11, 2020
Fast-paced and drama-filled,
This Life II
picked up right where we left off from This Life I and continued the thrilling story of Emilia and Finn’s road of vengeance. Besides being action and danger packed, this book was also filled with emotions inflicted by romance, family, friendship and brotherhood.
Emilia and Finn continued to grow into their character who become stronger and more certain of their role in the Sons of Muster syndicate. Even with all the bumps and huddles brought upon by the secrets and lies, their relationship flourished. I loved that they can find the good in each other and always build each other up. It was endearing that they had formed a special bond where they can find peace and content with each other in their stressful and ugly world. I couldn’t come up with a more perfect ending to the story that warmed my heart.
I truly enjoyed this fast-paced, thrilling, mafia romance. I’m emotionally invested in the SoM world and I’m excited to learn that there’ll be more books to come from this series. I’m hoping Kellan’s story (MM age gap daddy?) would be next but I would be fine with Liam’s (enemies-to-lovers?) too. Just bring them on!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Maggie’s Escape Book Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Emilia and Finn continued to grow into their character who become stronger and more certain of their role in the Sons of Muster syndicate. Even with all the bumps and huddles brought upon by the secrets and lies, their relationship flourished. I loved that they can find the good in each other and always build each other up. It was endearing that they had formed a special bond where they can find peace and content with each other in their stressful and ugly world. I couldn’t come up with a more perfect ending to the story that warmed my heart.
I truly enjoyed this fast-paced, thrilling, mafia romance. I’m emotionally invested in the SoM world and I’m excited to learn that there’ll be more books to come from this series. I’m hoping Kellan’s story (MM age gap daddy?) would be next but I would be fine with Liam’s (enemies-to-lovers?) too. Just bring them on!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Maggie’s Escape Book Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
March 17, 2020
This has been one of the most anticipated book in a long time, and it went above and beyond any expectations I had.
There is pain, and there is love, action, angst and so much more.
I have found few authors who do angst as well and smoothly as Cara does. Because of this there always lays a certain risk in reading her books, especially with the year I’ve had.
I am one of the many who have waited not so patiently for This Life II and let me tell you it was worth the wait.
Now, anyone who read the fanfic and expected it to be the same can throw that idea out the window. Yes, they go to a car show. Yes, they travel to Ireland for St Patrick. And yes, they live in London for a while, but Dudes and Dudines… that’s about it. Sure, what you fell in love with in the original characters is still there, but they are so much more three dimensional than they were before
There are new characters as well who brought extra flavour to the story, and I was happy when I learned some of them will get their own stories.
I laughed so hard my stomach ached at parts, and cried just as hard at others.
I couldn’t put it down. Reading, I unconsciously held my breath, fearing the inevitable, but let me tell you, it was so much worse.
And now we have to wait for book three, as well as the two promised spin-offs.
Cara you kill me
There is pain, and there is love, action, angst and so much more.
I have found few authors who do angst as well and smoothly as Cara does. Because of this there always lays a certain risk in reading her books, especially with the year I’ve had.
I am one of the many who have waited not so patiently for This Life II and let me tell you it was worth the wait.
Now, anyone who read the fanfic and expected it to be the same can throw that idea out the window. Yes, they go to a car show. Yes, they travel to Ireland for St Patrick. And yes, they live in London for a while, but Dudes and Dudines… that’s about it. Sure, what you fell in love with in the original characters is still there, but they are so much more three dimensional than they were before
There are new characters as well who brought extra flavour to the story, and I was happy when I learned some of them will get their own stories.
I laughed so hard my stomach ached at parts, and cried just as hard at others.
I couldn’t put it down. Reading, I unconsciously held my breath, fearing the inevitable, but let me tell you, it was so much worse.
And now we have to wait for book three, as well as the two promised spin-offs.
Cara you kill me
March 17, 2020
!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Life II
Hold on to your shoes, because Cara is going to blow them away. This installment will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. So be sure to be wearing your big girl/boy panties when diving in to this read.
We go on along as Finnegan and his fellow mobsters go to war with the scum that had his mother killed at the end of book 1.
With Whistler and his princess traveling across the country to across Europe, both separately and together. Also we get to see how Em comes into her own with proving she can be an asset to the Sons.
You will hate some characters later on in the book, and enjoy when they get what's coming to them.
There are also some that you will cry for. Of Course there are the hot scenes, however not as many in this book as in a lot of Cara’s other books. But with that said it wouldn’t be a Cara book without some spice.
The ending is going to make you want the next installment.
This Life II
Hold on to your shoes, because Cara is going to blow them away. This installment will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. So be sure to be wearing your big girl/boy panties when diving in to this read.
We go on along as Finnegan and his fellow mobsters go to war with the scum that had his mother killed at the end of book 1.
With Whistler and his princess traveling across the country to across Europe, both separately and together. Also we get to see how Em comes into her own with proving she can be an asset to the Sons.
You will hate some characters later on in the book, and enjoy when they get what's coming to them.
There are also some that you will cry for. Of Course there are the hot scenes, however not as many in this book as in a lot of Cara’s other books. But with that said it wouldn’t be a Cara book without some spice.
The ending is going to make you want the next installment.
February 29, 2020
Loved this book so much! I read it twice, hoping to articulate my thoughts better, and.. that isn't happening. You have to read This Life I before this tho, as This Life II really is not a standalone.
I love these characters so much. I mean, sure, they're fictional, and mobsters at that, but they are really loveable mobsters.
This book was an action packed emotional rollercoaster(the good kind!), that's all I can really say without giving away anything. So glad I received an ARC, cos I have an exam when the books releasing, and I wouldn't have done anything regarding that for sure. And with this book hangover, wanting to reread the book again? Yeah, probably would have given my exam sleep deprived for sure. So, fair warning to you guys.😂
Can't wait for the next books in the series!
The next book is a standalone MM book in this series, so everyone who loves MM? This one's it. It's Kellans book and I'm so freaking excited!
I love these characters so much. I mean, sure, they're fictional, and mobsters at that, but they are really loveable mobsters.
This book was an action packed emotional rollercoaster(the good kind!), that's all I can really say without giving away anything. So glad I received an ARC, cos I have an exam when the books releasing, and I wouldn't have done anything regarding that for sure. And with this book hangover, wanting to reread the book again? Yeah, probably would have given my exam sleep deprived for sure. So, fair warning to you guys.😂
Can't wait for the next books in the series!
The next book is a standalone MM book in this series, so everyone who loves MM? This one's it. It's Kellans book and I'm so freaking excited!
March 16, 2020
I was itching to open this book having just read This Life I and desperate to know what happens next for Finnegan and Emilia. This book had much more action, suspense, violence and mafia business. Throughout the story though you really get to see Finnegan and Emilia come up against significant relationship barriers. There were a couple story inconsistencies in this book that gave me pause, nothing that affected my review, but some moments that I had to read over a couple of times to make sure I didn't miss anything. One of my favorite parts of this book is the last page where we find out what is coming next. No spoilers! Just pure excitement!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily give my review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily give my review.
March 17, 2020
Cara Dee created a fast-paced, action-packed and wonderfully insane follow up to This Life I. Every moment drew me in as a reader. It was well worth the wait for this sequel.
The character development was amazing and not just for the primary characters but across the board. My heart clenched at places because I was so invested in these characters. Cara Dee succeeded in creating the complex, never perfect and realistic characters I’ve come to expect. I absolutely loved the world-building.
The story is now among my favorite mafia stories. The author takes a unique approach and it provided an excellent storyline. It kept me thoroughly engaged and I loved every moment of the emotional rollercoaster I went through.
5 stars for a unique, complex, and engrossing read.
The character development was amazing and not just for the primary characters but across the board. My heart clenched at places because I was so invested in these characters. Cara Dee succeeded in creating the complex, never perfect and realistic characters I’ve come to expect. I absolutely loved the world-building.
The story is now among my favorite mafia stories. The author takes a unique approach and it provided an excellent storyline. It kept me thoroughly engaged and I loved every moment of the emotional rollercoaster I went through.
5 stars for a unique, complex, and engrossing read.
March 18, 2020
This Life II is...It's just... *sigh* It's everything. All the laughs, all the love, all the feels...everything.
Emilia is her brilliant, funny, caring self and seeing her evolve from the skittish teenager she was into the worldly woman she becomes by the end of this book is an absolute pleasure. She's the perfect heroine to balance out the swoonworthy Finnegan.
With all this flaws, his pigheadedness being the biggest, Finnegan is just a guy who loves his girl and has an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders. Above all, he's loyal to a fault and treasures his family—something we all should do.
This book was absolutely everything I hoped it would be, and more. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Emilia is her brilliant, funny, caring self and seeing her evolve from the skittish teenager she was into the worldly woman she becomes by the end of this book is an absolute pleasure. She's the perfect heroine to balance out the swoonworthy Finnegan.
With all this flaws, his pigheadedness being the biggest, Finnegan is just a guy who loves his girl and has an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders. Above all, he's loyal to a fault and treasures his family—something we all should do.
This book was absolutely everything I hoped it would be, and more. I can't wait to see what comes next.
March 29, 2020
5 glowing stars because the gigs that was lacked in the first book, this sequel made up for greatly. It is very fast-paced and action-packed. It’s a tale of revenge, family, loss and betrayal. I also love the character development in this series, my boy Finn and the wife surely have grown a lot over the span of one year. I had to remind my self that the girl was 18/19 here and not over 30. The writing is flawless and captivating; I was very invested in every minor character; even Elena. And that twist at the end? Daaaaamnnnnnnnn!!!!! I honestly don’t know how to feel about it since they’re practically familly, father and son. But I LOVE forbidden romances, so a book about them would be great, dear Cara 😊
July 3, 2023
I really wanted to like this one because I LOVED This Life 1 but This Life 2 fell flat for me. There was just something missing in the relationship development between Finnegan and Emilia. It’s like now that they’re married Cara Dee decided their relationship didn’t need to develop anymore (which I think is a terrible idea since reading about their developing relationship is the whole reason I’m reading the book) And the Kellan/Shan bit in the epi wigs me out since Kellan was supposedly considered an honorary O’Shea brother to Finn, Pat and their mom. So Shan seeing him as a romantic partner is just too incestuous for me. I loved the Kellan character and I’m not sure why he couldn’t just end up with a good man who wasn’t a father figure to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
I cannot begin to tell you how keen I have been to read this book. I virtually inhaled it. Absolutely loved every moment of it. These people are baaaaaad, and yet I don't care. I have clearly lost all sense of propriety as I root for them to get exactly what they want, regardless of how many people they maim and murder in the process.
Love it. Love the writing. Love the characters. Love the dialogue. Love everything......now I just have to wait for the next book. And the next. So much worth the wait, and if you are just starting book 1 - I envy you, you are in for one hell of a ride.
Love it. Love the writing. Love the characters. Love the dialogue. Love everything......now I just have to wait for the next book. And the next. So much worth the wait, and if you are just starting book 1 - I envy you, you are in for one hell of a ride.
March 1, 2020
I don’t even know where to start. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this book, for what feels like a decade, and all I can say is that is was SO worth the wait. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but my god it killed me. Cara is a genius and I was on the edge of my seat reading it. The relationships she created between these characters are amazing. If only we could all have our own Whistler! RUN and get yourself a copy of this book. Crime, Romance, Family, Laughter.. it’s all there in a pretty Irish bow.
March 17, 2020
So much I want to say about this book. I feel like I have been waiting forever for this second book. Absolutely a great follow up to the first book.
All of caras books keep me on my toes. And continued to keep me up until I could finish. All of these characters flow so perfectly and even if you want to hate the monsters you can’t help but love them all!
We are able to see the growth of both Emilia and Finn! As they grow we fall more in love with both of them!
If you love action, suspense, romance this book has it all! Highly recommended! Can’t wait to reread it again!
All of caras books keep me on my toes. And continued to keep me up until I could finish. All of these characters flow so perfectly and even if you want to hate the monsters you can’t help but love them all!
We are able to see the growth of both Emilia and Finn! As they grow we fall more in love with both of them!
If you love action, suspense, romance this book has it all! Highly recommended! Can’t wait to reread it again!
March 19, 2020
This Life 2 by Cara Dee. Once again, this is an incredible book! I can feel the raw emotions that you have always been amazingly good at portraying in all of your stories. It never fails that I get deeply engrossed in Cara Dee’s books. Emilia O’Shea is proud, confident, loyal, determined, and with a stubborn streak. I can’t wait to read book three to see how these two go forward on this wild ride. This story somehow manages to be light-hearted at times & fun while also being spine-tingling intense! In the end, I feel as much as part of the story as the characters.
October 29, 2023
I was a little torn on how to review this. Finnigan did something in this book that I find reprehensible. Now it's a mafia book, so there are a lot of dirty deeds. But this was something he did to Emilia that I was boiling mad about. But Cara Dee writes characters that I love, and even though I can't forgive his actions, I still find myself rooting for him, feeling for him and falling for him. This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I would go from laughing to crying to biting my nails with anticipation. A great duet.
April 19, 2020
Another fantastic book from Cara Dee
I’ve been a huge fan of this story from the minute Cara told us she was writing it and she hasn’t let us fans down!
This instalment of the This Life world took me on a rollercoaster of emotions..
Firstly.. character;
Finnegan.. the mobster with a heart!
I’ve loved reading about his growth, how at the start he was dead set on getting revenge and killing his uncle only for him to do a complete 180 and decide he’d spare his uncles life... (he still got his revenge for Grace though!)
He made me feel SO many emotions.. from his loss and anger to his happiness and love.
Emilia.. the daughter of Munster!
I’ve loved reading about her growth too, how at first she tried to live up to the hole Grace death had left but then came into her own and realised she wanted to be a bigger part of her husband world. She definitely took us on an emotional journey.
I also loved reading about all the old characters and quite a few new ones, I definitely feel some spin offs coming!
Secondly.. storyline;
From the beginning we were hit with everyone dealing with Grace’ death, then being on the run from the Italians was just the start of this incredible story..
We got to read about all the ups and downs between Emilia and Finnegan from the arguments about lying and deceiving to the absolute love and faith they had in each other, they are one of my absolute favourite couples
There was only 1 part of the amazing storyline that I kinda guessed (Sarah!) but apart from that I was on the edge of my seat trying to guess what was going to happen but finally gave up after about 10 chapters. lol
OH MY GOSH... PATRICK’S DEATH!!!!
I cried like a bloody baby!!!
I’ve been anticipating this book since 2018 and Cara did NOT let me down!
I’ve been a huge fan of the This Life gang since it’s beginning in the FanFic world and Cara just keeps dragging me deeper!
I can’t wait to read more from this world!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
Thank you Cara Dee for your crazy world and amazing words!
I’ve been a huge fan of this story from the minute Cara told us she was writing it and she hasn’t let us fans down!
This instalment of the This Life world took me on a rollercoaster of emotions..
Firstly.. character;
Finnegan.. the mobster with a heart!
I’ve loved reading about his growth, how at the start he was dead set on getting revenge and killing his uncle only for him to do a complete 180 and decide he’d spare his uncles life... (he still got his revenge for Grace though!)
He made me feel SO many emotions.. from his loss and anger to his happiness and love.
Emilia.. the daughter of Munster!
I’ve loved reading about her growth too, how at first she tried to live up to the hole Grace death had left but then came into her own and realised she wanted to be a bigger part of her husband world. She definitely took us on an emotional journey.
I also loved reading about all the old characters and quite a few new ones, I definitely feel some spin offs coming!
Secondly.. storyline;
From the beginning we were hit with everyone dealing with Grace’ death, then being on the run from the Italians was just the start of this incredible story..
We got to read about all the ups and downs between Emilia and Finnegan from the arguments about lying and deceiving to the absolute love and faith they had in each other, they are one of my absolute favourite couples
There was only 1 part of the amazing storyline that I kinda guessed (Sarah!) but apart from that I was on the edge of my seat trying to guess what was going to happen but finally gave up after about 10 chapters. lol
OH MY GOSH... PATRICK’S DEATH!!!!
I cried like a bloody baby!!!
I’ve been anticipating this book since 2018 and Cara did NOT let me down!
I’ve been a huge fan of the This Life gang since it’s beginning in the FanFic world and Cara just keeps dragging me deeper!
I can’t wait to read more from this world!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
Thank you Cara Dee for your crazy world and amazing words!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
This book was so messy! Like fun drama messy. Not like poorly written messy. I just love Finnegan. He is so funny. He said, "When is a Catholic ever surprised that another Catholic got knocked up?" and then when he was shooting someone and the gun was out of ammo and he was like "my bad." HAHA!
Admittedly, this kind of got a little bogged down in the middle and I didn't love the epilogue, but it was still a great story and I really love Finnegan.
Admittedly, this kind of got a little bogged down in the middle and I didn't love the epilogue, but it was still a great story and I really love Finnegan.
March 3, 2025
Second book in the duet.
This is a battle of wills, family, rules, tradition, bloody war, and new beginings.
This was intense and had me on the edge of my seat, Finnegan and Emilia couldn't seem to catch a break, and family were literally falling, and I actually teared up over Patrick....that was so unfair!! The bloody battle continued, and the ending was harrowing, but I wasn't upset about it....😬
They eventually got their HFN with a note that there would be a third book at some point.
This is a battle of wills, family, rules, tradition, bloody war, and new beginings.
This was intense and had me on the edge of my seat, Finnegan and Emilia couldn't seem to catch a break, and family were literally falling, and I actually teared up over Patrick....that was so unfair!! The bloody battle continued, and the ending was harrowing, but I wasn't upset about it....😬
They eventually got their HFN with a note that there would be a third book at some point.
March 18, 2020
I have been waiting on pins and needles for this book and it was worth every second! Cara Dee did a great job bringing these Irish Mobsters to life. I laughed, screamed and cried through out this entire book. Cara Dee has a way of taking romance and making it feel real. I fell in love with these characters all over again and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
March 23, 2020
A few things I wish had not been skipped...
So, I absolutely LOVED book #1, and I've been counting down the days until this one was released. And, while I think it was a great book, the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars was this... SPOILER
There were quite few jumps in this book, like 3 months later, or my least favorite 2 years later. Now I understand that this needs to happen so that the book isn't 10k pages, but I can't be the only person who wanted to read about Finn becoming a dad. I was really sad the entire birth was skipped. I guess we can always hope Cara has it in her heart to write some deleted scenes.
So, I absolutely LOVED book #1, and I've been counting down the days until this one was released. And, while I think it was a great book, the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars was this... SPOILER
There were quite few jumps in this book, like 3 months later, or my least favorite 2 years later. Now I understand that this needs to happen so that the book isn't 10k pages, but I can't be the only person who wanted to read about Finn becoming a dad. I was really sad the entire birth was skipped. I guess we can always hope Cara has it in her heart to write some deleted scenes.
April 1, 2020
No I didn't cry you did
It's been awhile since i have lost myself in a book like this. I thought the first one was good but the way it ended was just wow! At some point i wanted it to just move on but the story came together so damn good!! Wish we would have learned about the others more towards the end though. You got attached to them just as much as Finn and Emilia
It's been awhile since i have lost myself in a book like this. I thought the first one was good but the way it ended was just wow! At some point i wanted it to just move on but the story came together so damn good!! Wish we would have learned about the others more towards the end though. You got attached to them just as much as Finn and Emilia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews