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Checkmate
Luca Healey 'Lombardi' has known since he was a kid that he wanted to be a detective but he never imagined how hard that road would be in the heart of Las Vegas where the Mafia controls everything. He's one of the best undercover agents on the task force but he's still not respected. If he can take down Frederico 'Gio' Giordano, the leader of the Giordano Mafia Family, then he'll get everything he deserves.
Vivianna Giordano may care about her family but she hates what they stand for and what they do. Once she was old enough to understand the 'family business' she wanted nothing to do with it. She left that life behind to carve her own future but when her brother is murdered it brings her home and right into the midst of the family business.
When Luca shows up as her new bodyguard he can't deny the attraction the two have...even if it's forbidden. Can Luca put aside his feelings for the case he is building against the Giordano Family or will he jeopardize everything for Vivianna? Will Vivianna still choose Luca after learning the truth or will she continue her path to avenge the death of her brother?
Vivianna Giordano may care about her family but she hates what they stand for and what they do. Once she was old enough to understand the 'family business' she wanted nothing to do with it. She left that life behind to carve her own future but when her brother is murdered it brings her home and right into the midst of the family business.
When Luca shows up as her new bodyguard he can't deny the attraction the two have...even if it's forbidden. Can Luca put aside his feelings for the case he is building against the Giordano Family or will he jeopardize everything for Vivianna? Will Vivianna still choose Luca after learning the truth or will she continue her path to avenge the death of her brother?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
3 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Nichole
64 books623 followersStephanie Nichole is an Amazon Bestselling Author. She lives in a small town with her family in New Mexico. She graduated college in 2010 with a degree in business and accounting. However, her true passion is all things book related. As a student English and Literature were her favorite subjects. Weekly library trips with her mother also helped instill her love for books. Stephanie would look forward to summer most of all, not because she was out of school but for the summer reading groups at her local library. After a friend’s encouragement she started her author journey in 2016.
Stephanie is an avid book, music and old Hollywood movie lover. When she's not busy reading or writing she's probably binge watching Netflix.
Stephanie also loves to connect with her readers and love social media.
Reader's group: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeRG
Newletter: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeNL
Author page: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeFB
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeBB
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WF23P0
Instagram: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeIG
Kingston Publishing Company Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KPCRe...
Stephanie is an avid book, music and old Hollywood movie lover. When she's not busy reading or writing she's probably binge watching Netflix.
Stephanie also loves to connect with her readers and love social media.
Reader's group: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeRG
Newletter: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeNL
Author page: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeFB
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeBB
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WF23P0
Instagram: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeIG
Kingston Publishing Company Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KPCRe...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 23, 2020
Genevieve Roselli is the daughter of mob king Dom Roselli and has left her family and her family name behind. She has her own successful business in New York, but when she receives the call that her brother has been murdered, Genevieve heads back to Las Vegas to bury her brother and find out who killed him. Karter is tasked with job of keeping Genevieve safe while she is home by her father but who is Karter? A faithful employee or an enemy? I was hooked from the first page and easily finished this in one day. The story was fast-paced, suspenseful, and sexy as hell! Highly recommend!
February 16, 2020
“In this world you trust no one because you can’t trust any of them, it’s you against every other person “!
Meet Genevieve Rose Bilotti Roselli, daughter and mafia princess . Her dad is the King of the mafia underbelly and while she has left that life behind years ago , she is back in Las Vegas to attend her brothers funeral and to get her revenge.
Karter was her brothers right hand man and best friend, with a huge secret of his own.
Karter and Genevieve clearly have sparks from their first meeting , his secret will change that and she wants nothing to do with her fathers world !
Another great Stephanie Nichole read !
Meet Genevieve Rose Bilotti Roselli, daughter and mafia princess . Her dad is the King of the mafia underbelly and while she has left that life behind years ago , she is back in Las Vegas to attend her brothers funeral and to get her revenge.
Karter was her brothers right hand man and best friend, with a huge secret of his own.
Karter and Genevieve clearly have sparks from their first meeting , his secret will change that and she wants nothing to do with her fathers world !
Another great Stephanie Nichole read !
March 22, 2020
I have not read a bad book from this author yet and this book is no exception! The great plot and character development kept me so engaged throughout the entire book that I had a very hard time putting this book down until the very last page was turned!
February 23, 2020
This was a totally unexpected read, and I totally loved it. Genevieve will probably wind up being one of my favorite female leads I'll read this year; she's smart, she's sassy, she doesn't let anything or anyone hold her back, and she makes the life SHE wants without strings attached. Watching her come back to a life she hated in the name of her murdered brother was a total boss move on her part, and she definitely took advantage of the situation.
Then there's Karter, who has his own interesting storyline as an undercover cop and Genevieve's temporary bodyguard. I wasn't quite expecting the twists that came with his story, but beyond the undercover cop is a compassionate and amazing man who winds up being Genevieve's saving grace - and she winds up being his, too.
This isn't like any other mafia romance that I've read, and I really enjoyed it! I know it's a series, but I read it as a standalone and didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Definitely going back to read the first one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Then there's Karter, who has his own interesting storyline as an undercover cop and Genevieve's temporary bodyguard. I wasn't quite expecting the twists that came with his story, but beyond the undercover cop is a compassionate and amazing man who winds up being Genevieve's saving grace - and she winds up being his, too.
This isn't like any other mafia romance that I've read, and I really enjoyed it! I know it's a series, but I read it as a standalone and didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Definitely going back to read the first one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2023
This one blew me away!! Stephanie Nichole writes in so many genres and styles, you are never disappointed. It could be fairy tale, it can be romance, or it can be down and dirty Mafia.
Vivianna couldn't wait to get away from her Mafia family in Las Vegas. She moved to New York, dropped her father's last name, taking her mother's maiden name and is making it with her business. One call, late one night, is going to change alot as she knows it.
Luca is an undercover that wants to take Vivianna's family down. When Vivianna walks into his life, everything might change...
I read this one in a day, I couldn't get enough. It is engaging, keeps your guessing, and holds onto you until the very last page!
Vivianna couldn't wait to get away from her Mafia family in Las Vegas. She moved to New York, dropped her father's last name, taking her mother's maiden name and is making it with her business. One call, late one night, is going to change alot as she knows it.
Luca is an undercover that wants to take Vivianna's family down. When Vivianna walks into his life, everything might change...
I read this one in a day, I couldn't get enough. It is engaging, keeps your guessing, and holds onto you until the very last page!
February 22, 2020
ONE UNFORGETTABLE MASTERPIECE!!!
Epic! Stephanie imparts one refreshing approach, delivering all the passion, finesse and splendor, mixing it up and laying it out, binding this gem together brilliantly. A raging tempest of fervent events chocked-full of stirring circumstances, blasting those swirling emotions into a life altering, block busting culmination. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, secrets, misgivings and mounting suspense spirals, along with a boatload of shocking revelations, you have one mind-blowing adventure. The characters flow and blend together smoothly transforming into amazing personalities with depth and qualities that make them uniquely their own. Advancing through the trials and tribulations, along with a bevy of explosive twists and thrilling turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Fabulous job Stephanie, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Epic! Stephanie imparts one refreshing approach, delivering all the passion, finesse and splendor, mixing it up and laying it out, binding this gem together brilliantly. A raging tempest of fervent events chocked-full of stirring circumstances, blasting those swirling emotions into a life altering, block busting culmination. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, secrets, misgivings and mounting suspense spirals, along with a boatload of shocking revelations, you have one mind-blowing adventure. The characters flow and blend together smoothly transforming into amazing personalities with depth and qualities that make them uniquely their own. Advancing through the trials and tribulations, along with a bevy of explosive twists and thrilling turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Fabulous job Stephanie, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
February 29, 2020
Genevieve left her family and Las Vegas in the rear view mirror years ago, but one call brings her back into the family drama. Carter is an undercover cop in the Roselli family trying to bring them down with help of Genevieves brother Leo. When Leo is murdered it brings Leo's case to a stop and Genevieve back into town. Carter is ordered to be Genevieves body guard and soon they become close. For fear of losing someone else she loves Genevieve flees back to NY leaving Carter stunned. Two months later Gen is back in Las Vegas to help Carter, but Carter is not forgiving Gen for ghosting him very easily. When truths come to light and they finally let one another in they get a glimpse of hea before those wanting to destroy them rear their ugly heads once more. With the fight of their lives on their hands they give it their all to get go finally ride off into the sunset. This book was great and has fabulous moments of laughter, steam, and suspense. Fantastic writing and a wonderful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2020
Oh wow! The twists in this book are good!! Absolutely love the title and the meaning behind it. I would’ve liked to put it in the review but why spoil it?!?! You’ll just have to read and find out for yourself.
You’ll fall in love with Karter, an undercover detective, who is tasked to bring down Dom Roselli. Dom is the don of the Roselli mafia. Genevieve is Dom’s daughter and boy is she a firecracker. True to the nickname Karter gave her but she loves her brother Leo. When Karter and Genevieve see each other for the first time there is definitely lust in their eyes.....until there isn’t.
The longer you’re undercover the more risks you take and more chances that you’ll be discovered. And in the life of the mafia if you are you’re dead. When Genevieve discovers something huge she takes action and boy does she. Let’s just say the twists that happen are huge!!
I received a free ARC copy for my honest and voluntary review.
You’ll fall in love with Karter, an undercover detective, who is tasked to bring down Dom Roselli. Dom is the don of the Roselli mafia. Genevieve is Dom’s daughter and boy is she a firecracker. True to the nickname Karter gave her but she loves her brother Leo. When Karter and Genevieve see each other for the first time there is definitely lust in their eyes.....until there isn’t.
The longer you’re undercover the more risks you take and more chances that you’ll be discovered. And in the life of the mafia if you are you’re dead. When Genevieve discovers something huge she takes action and boy does she. Let’s just say the twists that happen are huge!!
I received a free ARC copy for my honest and voluntary review.
February 29, 2020
Genevieve Roselli knew what her family business was, but didn't want any parts of it so she led a separate life until the death of her brother Leo. she came back to find out whom killed her brother and why? Karter Healey Masella was a undercover agent trying to bring down the Roselli family. Genevieve and Karter meet he is posing as her bodyguard and the sparks fly between them. In this mafia read can Genevieve and Karter solve this mystery of her brothers death in this twist and turns and betrayal read. Just when you think you got it figure another twist and turn happens. And when Genevieve finds out that Karter is an undercover agent how would she react. This was great read that had intrigue, love, loss and revenge and happiness. I highly recommend it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2020
I have not read the previous book in this series but I enjoyed this as a stand alone. This story is quite the romantic suspense. This storyline follows Karter and Genevieve. The characters are likeable and you can’t help but root for them. They are immediately attracted and have great chemistry. The storyline is complicated as well as compelling. Karter is an undercover cop and Genevieve's temporary bodyguard. I wasn't quite expecting the twists that came with his story, but beyond the undercover cop is a compassionate and amazing man. They both end up being exactly what the other needed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2020
Great story.
This story had me hooked desperate to find out what happened next. Genevieve left her mob family behind to start her own life but has had to return following the death of her brother & to find out his murderer. Karter is an Undercover cop trying to bring down the Rosselli family & he has been tasked as Genevieve's Bodyguard by her father. This has got two strong characters, is unpredictable, revenge, hot chemistry, secrets, lies & unexpected twists that have you stumped. Definately an interesting book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story had me hooked desperate to find out what happened next. Genevieve left her mob family behind to start her own life but has had to return following the death of her brother & to find out his murderer. Karter is an Undercover cop trying to bring down the Rosselli family & he has been tasked as Genevieve's Bodyguard by her father. This has got two strong characters, is unpredictable, revenge, hot chemistry, secrets, lies & unexpected twists that have you stumped. Definately an interesting book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2020
This mafia romance is so good! I love the twists, suspense and everything these two have to go through to get their happy ending. This story is exciting and beautiful and a definite must read!
February 21, 2020
Wow, this book was not what I expected from a Mafia story, so many unexpected twists, Karter is an intense character with so much internal struggle, due to his morals and integrity, Genevieve the epitome of a strong, sassy woman, who is determined not to let the family business affect her life.
I love that Genevieve does life on her terms and how pushed out of her comfort zone she is by things out of her control.
Loved the story and look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary ARC in return for an honest review.
I love that Genevieve does life on her terms and how pushed out of her comfort zone she is by things out of her control.
Loved the story and look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary ARC in return for an honest review.
February 12, 2020
Genevieve is fiery and Karter is not what you expect. I thought it was refreshing that he wasn't your typical alpha. Don't get me wrong, I love alpha's as much as the next girl, but Karter has this old fashioned, sincere personality. He definitely stands his ground so don't think he's a push over. He just has something that stands out. The two together make total sense.
The writing style is great and the plot is interesting. I really enjoyed True Lies.
The writing style is great and the plot is interesting. I really enjoyed True Lies.
February 20, 2020
I was slightly hesitant about reading a book about the mafia....but Stephanie completely changed my mind. I had a hard time most nights putting this book down. I loved the relationship that formed between Karter and Genevieve!!! It had suspense that pulled me in and totally had me thinking one way and then finding out that was not the case. It was great!
March 1, 2020
A good mafia story with some great twists and turns. The only thing I wanted more of was the chemistry between the two main characters. There were some great moments but they were few and far between. However the weaving of lies and mafia drama was definitely enough for me to enjoy the story!
February 23, 2020
True Lies was exactly what youd expect from a romantic mafia book. Lots of back stabbing, lots of betrayal, lots of death and a little but of love.
February 28, 2020
Twists and turns, mafia romance and suspense keep you turning the pages. The characters are strong and well developed and the story line pulls you in with plenty of excitement. A must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2020
Great Book...
by and1515
Wow what an absolutely great book,
I totally loved this book its just simply fantastic and deserves five gold star.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Wow what an absolutely great book,
I totally loved this book its just simply fantastic and deserves five gold star.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2020
Mob story fans, get ready for your new favorite story. This was an epic mafia romance that was the best anti mafia story I've ever read. Genevieve Roselli comes back to the home she wanted to forget after her brother is killed. She is dedicated to solve his murder. Karter is an undercover cop who has been placed in the Roselli mafia. Giovanni and him meet and they have an instant spark. Neither one can reveal to the other their true intentions for the family. Then chaos ensues and true lies come out (see what I did there?) This was a great story about love, loss, courage, hope, revenge and bravery. Just when you think you have this story figured out this author hits you with a few plot twists that had me saying "oh my god" out loud. A must read! Get ready to fall for Karter and cheer on Genevieve. As a big mafia story fan, this is definitely going on my favorites list.
March 9, 2023
Great Mafia romance with a twist. It is also more than that, a sizzling romance and almost a coming of age too,, despite Genevieve being an adult. Fantastic Chemistry between the two main characters, fast paced with plenty of action and suspense. This is an easy book to loose yourself in. Great read.
March 12, 2023
What a great book. Wasn’t too sure how it was going to play out, to be honest I feared it would be predictable, there’s so many mafia books that are. I was wrong! There are moments you think yep I know what’s going down and then she zips away from you!!
January 21, 2022
This book is awesome. It keeps you guessing to what could happen next then Stephanie shocks you with what really happens
March 4, 2023
Vivienne and Luca fate brought them together but will their world tear them apart?
She is Mafia Princess who wants nothing to do with that life but is thurst back ito the Mafia scene in Las Vegas when her old boyfriend calls to inform her about the death of the most important person in her life. Lies and deception are at every turn and no one can be trusted.
He isn't who he portrays himself to be, but he is caught up in the Mafia family. He is doing pretty good job of hiding until the moment he locks eyes with the Princess.
You know the saying: Why do you always want what you can't have?
This is a page turner, read it in the span of the afternoon because I couldn't put it down until I had all the answers. Excellent read.
She is Mafia Princess who wants nothing to do with that life but is thurst back ito the Mafia scene in Las Vegas when her old boyfriend calls to inform her about the death of the most important person in her life. Lies and deception are at every turn and no one can be trusted.
He isn't who he portrays himself to be, but he is caught up in the Mafia family. He is doing pretty good job of hiding until the moment he locks eyes with the Princess.
You know the saying: Why do you always want what you can't have?
This is a page turner, read it in the span of the afternoon because I couldn't put it down until I had all the answers. Excellent read.
March 8, 2023
This had some decent turns to it. Luca is trying to figure out who killed his unlikely best friend, while Vivianna is trying to survive the loss of her brother and the best man she’s ever known. Together, maybe they shouldn’t work. But maybe they should. They just have to figure out which end is up in this tangled web first.
This may have had some predictability to it, but there are surprises also. No one is quite who or what they seem, and it’s a dangerous game trying to figure out who to trust and who to avoid. And some of the surprises are definitely unexpected. If you want to delve into the mafia a little bit, but aren’t ready for the really shadowy stuff, this is a perfect introduction to all that can go right, wrong, and who’s truly the good person in the end.
This may have had some predictability to it, but there are surprises also. No one is quite who or what they seem, and it’s a dangerous game trying to figure out who to trust and who to avoid. And some of the surprises are definitely unexpected. If you want to delve into the mafia a little bit, but aren’t ready for the really shadowy stuff, this is a perfect introduction to all that can go right, wrong, and who’s truly the good person in the end.
April 25, 2023
Tense, emotional first read of this author…
Reading the blurb, this was a story I HAD to read. Luca and Vivianna were dynamite, working towards the same goal from opposite sides of the sword…
My heart physically hurt for Vivianna at the loss of her brother. Both born to the mafia world, she had left her family, her home to distance herself from it all. He stayed. And paid with his life. Luca was her brother’s closest associate yet little did she know what hid behind Luca’s stoic façade. Or how far he would go to avenge his death…
I read this story in one sitting, waiting for the many shoes to drop. Luca was hiding the truth yet knew Vivianna could be a strong ally if she knew it all. There was all the tension between them including heat and a boatload of half-truths. How it all played out was reading bliss…
*I happily reviewed this story
Reading the blurb, this was a story I HAD to read. Luca and Vivianna were dynamite, working towards the same goal from opposite sides of the sword…
My heart physically hurt for Vivianna at the loss of her brother. Both born to the mafia world, she had left her family, her home to distance herself from it all. He stayed. And paid with his life. Luca was her brother’s closest associate yet little did she know what hid behind Luca’s stoic façade. Or how far he would go to avenge his death…
I read this story in one sitting, waiting for the many shoes to drop. Luca was hiding the truth yet knew Vivianna could be a strong ally if she knew it all. There was all the tension between them including heat and a boatload of half-truths. How it all played out was reading bliss…
*I happily reviewed this story
April 24, 2023
I don’t even know where to start. I read this book from start to finish in 2 days! This book is an absolutely fantastic mafia romance. This is a page turner that leaves you guessing on what will happen next. It grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I personally love the banter and relationship between the two main characters, Luca and Vivianna. The deep undercover cop falls quickly for the fiery mafia princess who wants nothing to do with her family’s business. Brought together by the death of Leo, Vivianna’s brother and heir to the Giordano mafia business and Luca’s best friend, they realize not everything is as it seems and no one around them can truly be trusted. So good! Read this one, you won’t regret it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2020
Okay, so, undercover cop in Vegas, former mafia princess now estranged from her family and living in New York because she wants no part of her father’s business, meet at her brother’s funeral. Her mafia prince brother, who was working with the cop to take down their dad... Nope, not going to be any drama or underhanded dealings in this one.
Fast past and seriously drama and emotion filled, Karter and Genevieve will have you falling for them just as quickly as they fall for each other... although I wouldn’t have done what she did to him - seriously you need to read this!
Fast past and seriously drama and emotion filled, Karter and Genevieve will have you falling for them just as quickly as they fall for each other... although I wouldn’t have done what she did to him - seriously you need to read this!
April 15, 2023
An amazing mafia read by Stephanie Nichole. I fell in love with this story and these characters from the very first word and I found myself caught up in the story until the very end. A very compelling story with lots of interesting twists and turns but it was the true connection and love between Luca and Vivianna that was spellbinding. Mind blowing and so very good I know I will be reading lots more from this author.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 16, 2023
This mafia romance novel was a wonderful read! Luca and Vivianna were an instant hit for me, and had me completely submerged in the story and I had to finish it in one sitting. Super suspenseful, and I never knew what was going to happen next, which I loved. I love the character development and how Luca and Vivianna both grew, and grew together, even when they were apart. Luca is such a sweet guy, especially for being in a mafia, or an undercover cop, and I love how he treated Vivianna and always followed her lead. Amazing read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews