USA Today Bestselling Author AJ Alexander brings you a sister’s best friend romance, where two lives are on a crash course with destiny.
dev·as·ta·tion /ˌdevəˈstāSH(ə)n/ noun 1. great destruction or damage. 2. severe and overwhelming shock or grief.
Being the next head of La Famiglia strikes fear in everyone around me - except Penelope Star.
She's worked her way beneath my hard-as-nails exterior and now, one look from her sends my carefully constructed walls crumbling to the ground. If we're not careful, our secret will be my undoing.
When she’s taken, I learn the true meaning of the word devastation. I will cleanse the city of sin one by one to defend La Famiglia, but to protect her ... I’ll burn it all to ash.
USA Today Bestselling Author AJ Alexander has been writing romance since 2018. She loves writing small town romances with found families and all the nosey nellies that help her characters find their happily ever afters! She lives in Arizona, otherwise known as the surface of the sun, with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and a lovable golden retriever.
When she isn't writing you can find AJ reading, binging the latest true crime documentary on Netflix, or binging the latest Korean Drama or Anime that's released. AJ is a cynical hopeless romantic that believes in love at first sight, that bigger is always better, and everything should be put off for a nap.
Come find her in the wild! There's nothing she loves more than connecting with my readers.
Book 2 in the La Famiglia series and a nice addition to the series. A best friend’s older brother romance. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading Desolation so you have a good background on these characters since they are in that book. Quick read that will keep you wanting more, fanning yourself and on the edge of your seats while reading it. Great characters and storyline that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
I read an early review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved Penny and Alex’s story. If you read Desolation, you’ll remember Penny is Frankie’s best friend and former roommate and Alex is Frankie’s big brother. I’d recommend reading Desolation first, just to get some background on the characters and to help the overall flow of the story.
Penny doesn’t know what to do, so why not go and visit your best friend? Only she isn’t home, however, insanely attractive brother is. Alex is going to take over for his father one day. It’s what he has worked for. He will do anything to protect those he loves, his sister’s best friend is no exception.
Penny and Alex have insane chemistry. I love the banter they have through the story. The denying of their attraction in the beginning that quickly turned into some pretty steamy scenes. Their relationship progressed quickly, but these two have been attracted to each other since the moment they met.
Their relationship isn’t easy. Devastation is full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of you seat. This is a quick read, but is the perfect escape from the real world.
Devastation is a MUST READ for anyone who loves mafia romances or sisters best friend romances!
Devastation is book 2 in the La Famiglia series by AJ ALexander. This story revolves around Penelope and Alessandro. We met Penny is book 1. She is Frankie’s best friend and roommate. Penny has been in love with Frankie’s older brother, Alessandro, practically since their first meeting. Alessandro shares Penny’s desires, however he will be taking over the Giordano family and she is a dangerous distraction. This is a short, easy read. There is drama, steam, and a dirty talking Mafia boss. In my opinion, this one is better than the first book.
I was given this as an arc in return for an honest review.
Devastation starts after Desolation and involves the same characters. This book follows Alex and Penny. It begins with the beginning of their romantic relationship and follows them through twists and turns that they face. Again, this is a quick read but is a good story. I liked this book better than the first because I felt that the reader got a better sense of who the characters were, more so than the first book. Overall though I recommend these two books to someone looking for quick stories to read.
The second installment in the La Famiglia series was just as good as the first! I loved Alessandro and Penny's story. Penny, Francesca's bff, has had a huge crush on Alex. She had no idea that Alex was attracted to her as well. Their chemistry was off the charts. I really enjoyed their story!
Brutal and sinfully delicious! This story has sexy times with an edge, an alpha male that takes no prisoners and a love that has been denied to long!
Penny and Alex are such a great pairing! Both strong people that together are only stronger! I love that she knows what the family is and loves them anyway and is strong enough to handle whatever comes her way! Alex is one of my favorite men and his dominant side is super sexy!
This story has a couple twists and turns but most importantly it has even more heart to it!
AJ Alexander has found come up with the best combination ever!!! These short stories are ones that you will want to squeeze into a lunch time or quick break, and are Mafia based if that is your flavour of the moment.
I loved the first book in this series, so even though Devastation is a stand-a-lone, it gives a great grounding into AJ Alexander’s La Famiglia family, so I highly recommend it. I loved Penelope, Frankie’s best friend, especially as she was aware of the family business and was trained to look after herself as much as Frankie herself was. She is the perfect feisty match for Alessandro, and he is just as attracted as all hell to her, but I believe that seeing the effect of their mother’s loss on their father has made him want to protect Penelope from the family business.
Ms Alexander didn’t fluff around in describing the chemistry between these two, it was there and it was hot, because this is a short story. But that didn’t mean that plenty of action hasn’t been squeezed in as well, and there’s always a plot to sort and enemies to bring down!
A perfect short read that gives all the elements of a longer book, but instant gratification. 'Cos everyone loves a quickie! 5 Stars! Oh, and the hook for Destruction? Holy hell!
"Devastation is book 2 in the La Famiglia series by AJ ALexander. This story revolves around Penelope and Alessandro. We met Penny is book 1. She is Frankie’s best friend and roommate. Penny has been in love with Frankie’s older brother, Alessandro, practically since their first meeting. Alessandro shares Penny’s desires, however he will be taking over the Giordano family and she is a dangerous distraction. This is a short, easy read. There is drama, steam, and a dirty talking Mafia boss. In my opinion, this one is better than the first book. " ~Carole
Book 2 in this series and I have to say I am really enjoying reading this author. She has a way to suck me right in and keep me waiting to find out what really happens. I just loved Penny from book 1 so for her to get her own story this time around, I knew it was gonna be a good one....and of course to have the broody Alex as her love; I knew it was gonna be good. ~Jen
This is book two in the La Famiglia series. This is Penny and Alex's story, we initially meet them in book one which is not necessary to read but I would recommend it. Penny was Frankie's roommate and best friend and Alex is Frankie's older brother. Falling for her best friend's brother is not on her list of things to do but apparently there are some things in life that you have no control over. Alex is next in line to be the head of La Famiglia, he is not an easy man to get to know or a trusting one. But Penny finds her way through his armor, now she is just as important as family. A fast paced, well written story with plenty of twists for these great characters to straighten out. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series. I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Penny and Alex were something else but I was here for it! Now, Devastation could possibly be read as a standalone (I wouldn't recommend it though) you really should read Desolation first since the players are the same with new added in. See, Penny is Frankie's bestie, and Alex is Frankie's older brother, and the man who is set to take over the family. Penny & Alex have intense chemistry which shot sparks out of my kindle throughout, but it's no an easy journey, but how could it be when it has to do with La Famiglia honestly?! The twists & turns packed the biggest punch as I dropped f-bomb after f-bomb on the edge of my seat. This story is short but packed a 5 star punch for me, so hit those one click buttons to experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I loved this book! I enjoyed getting to read more about this family and reading about how Alex and Penelope fight each other to make things work. Everything seems to be up in the air and you never know what is going to happen next until the very end.
Alex clenches his jaw, a hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Being friends with Frankie and being intimate with me are two very different things. I’ll be the next head of the family, you will be caught in wars between families or used against me. Being with you is a weakness I can’t afford.”
This was a great mafia series.
I have received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Another terrific addition to the Famiglia series. We got to know our hero Alex who is Frankie's brother and heroine Penny is Frankie's best friend in the last book. But this time it's their turn for their story. They fought it at first but then their chemistry took over and was as hot as could be. But both characters had some feelings to work through during the story until they really came together as a couple. This story was again a quick read but full of action, steam, and a page turner.
Alex and Penny's story is scorching from the very beginning. Penny has been in love with Alex since she first laid eyes on him, and Alex is no different. But can a man in his position let himself get distracted and vulnerable? I love how the author has portayed the protagonists and given them time to show their feelings and let their insecurities shine through.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Devastation is the continuation of La Famiglia and it does not disappoint. What happens when you fall for the one person you can’t have? Alessandro is torn between wanting his sisters’ best friend at his family. Penelope is just looking for a place to start her life, she winds up at her friends doorstep looking for a place to stay. Can these two avoid a fire of desire? The chemistry between Alessandro and Penelope is off the charts but she isn’t La Famiglia….
Part of this book takes place during book 1 Desolation so I would recommend reading that book first to get the full effect. I liked this book better than Desolation.
I loved Penny and Alex's story. It was a quick read, hot sex and lots of twist. I'm really enjoying this new series.
Oh boy! We have Alex and Penny’s story. If you haven’t read the first book, you have to. Each book is a different couple but it’s a continuing story arc so it makes more sense if read in order. Alex and Penny go from cold to hot in 3.5 seconds! It’s scorching hot with some danger thrown in. Nothing like a little danger to get a man to admit his feelings. I can’t wait for the next book.
Penny & Alex...A match made from the first time he set eyes on her. His sisters best friend was supposed to be hands off. Will they be able to keep their hands off each other? Will a threat against them tear them apart? Loved this mafia romance full of love, lust and lots of drama. Definitely 5 stars!!
Penny and Alex’s story is a short sweet love story where the sister’s best friend is in love with her older brother and brother feels the same way but has to worry about her because she is a distraction with his job. Definitely can’t wait for book three to see what happens next. Thanks AJ!!!!
I enjoyed Desolation by A J Alexander and was hopeful that her second book Devastation would be just as good. It was! It had plenty of crime family action, some really hot sexiness and a HEA for Alessandro and Penelope. I can hardly wait for Destruction to see where A J Alexander takes us next!
Absolutely loved this book! The second in a Mafia series. It can be read as a stand alone, but I like to read all of the books if I know they are a series. AJ bras out done herself I can’t wait for book 3!
If you are looking for some action with your romance, here it is! This book is attention grabbing, exciting and written so well. I am excited to read the next one.
This story is the best. I love all the characters. Penny and Alex are so sweet together. I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Penny goes to visit Frankie unaware of what has been going on in her life. She meets Alex again, her friends brother. She has lusted after Alex since meeting him. She knows they are The Mafia family, but she still wants him. On a night out with Frankie & Marcus to celebrate their wedding, she spends time with Alex and learns that her has the same feelings for her. They have a hot chemistry and start a relationship. Alex becomes the head of the family. Penny is taken. Can Alex get her back? Penny has a secret to tell him! Can they admit their actual feelings. This is a well written story and this series is getting better with each book. Recommended reading.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
This was a hot thrilling story about Penny and Alex. Their chemistry was off the charts. Even though they fought their feelings, their attraction couldn't be denied. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't stop reading until I finished this wonderful, beautiful, yummy love story. Love this series and I can't wait to read more by A.J. Alexander.