Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Marcheshi Family Mafia #2

Of Beauty, Brains, & Bravery

Rate this book
There was once a wolf and a little lamb. He was full of fury, and she was calm. The first time he saw her, he was intrigued. He lured her into his web of deceit. Once she found out his lies, she was done. And now this mafia bosses time has come. He’s known as a wolf. The cold mafia boss with the frozen heart. His father told him he had to find a wife, but he had other plans. The first time that Antonio Marchesi spied Callie Rowney, he knew he had to have her. Even though she wasn’t from his world, he didn’t care. He concocted an elaborate plan to entrap her in his web. She’s known as a lamb. A sweet, innocent college senior who dreams of one true love. When she met Antonio, she couldn’t help but be attracted to his charm and looks. She tried to resist, but he knew the tune to her heart. But then his lies were exposed and she was heartbroken and despaired. She fled his den and never wanted to see him again. But there’s one secret neither one of them knows about. The final part of the Wolf and Lamb mafia romance duet, featuring Antonio "The Wolf" Marchesi and Callie Rowney.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2023

328 people are currently reading
226 people want to read

About the author

J.S. Cooper

258 books5,428 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
404 (40%)
4 stars
272 (26%)
3 stars
215 (21%)
2 stars
79 (7%)
1 star
40 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
85 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2023
The high rating if this duet baffles me. It's poorly written, coming across as something closer to Wattpad. The characters are just ALL over the place... And can someone explain why everyone seems to think the Hush Little Baby lullaby is so unique to Phillipa? The previous book actually implies she wrote it?! Then there so many things that dont make sense. Antonio says his mom died instantaneously but then is mad her dad didn't stay and help. Help with what, my guy? The body bag?

This duet was ridiculous and I hated it. It was a 200 page book ballooned out to a 600 page duet for no reason.
3 reviews
May 30, 2023
DNF

1st book wasn’t bad. The sequel is awful. Disjointed and stilted, the characters and conversations are bouncing all over. Really disappointed.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
May 20, 2023
Loved getting more of Antonio and Callie's story and that connection that they wish wasn’t so strong but there’s no way around it. Loved there banter, kept me smiling
Profile Image for Dominique F.
340 reviews33 followers
June 10, 2023
Dayyyyyyumnnnn this book was good. It was better than the first. Wow.

The twists. I literally knewwwwww it about so many things.

I freaking knewwwww. I patted myself on the back so many times. I love foreshadowing in books that leads to the endings. So good!!

Wow. I wasn’t sure how he was gunna pull off getting her to love him after all that but wow. He sure did.

The moms… just. So many emotions. Jimmy. I love jimmy so much. Just so much.

Her friends. Each and every single one needs a book. I just know Imogen got some background clanking I need to learn about

I love Elisabetta so much So so much. She’s going to be a great character for her own book. I thought she’d be paired off w jimmy for some weird reason as she gets a little
Older. Sad. But no matter what. Will be good

Alessandro’s book is going to be fire. I neeeeeed to know how he betrayed Gia. I am salivating. Bring on book 3!!!!
Profile Image for Naz.
315 reviews16 followers
September 25, 2023
I hate when the characters personalities change so dramatically and unrealistically from the 1st book to the second. I loved the first book. I read it so quickly and couldn’t wait for the second. But all of a sudden the H had a personality transplant, going around saying bro and dude every other sentence. Made zero sense. I couldn’t get past it.
84 reviews
May 24, 2023
2.5⭐️ the first book felt like it went on for no reason at tines and this one felt like there was a huge chunk missing in the middle. Felt very rushed, won't be reading the rest of the series
69 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of thJS Cooper mafia series and the continuation of Antonio and Callie's story. It kept me captivated throughout the story with many twists and turns. Callie is a very strong character and made Antonio work for their reconciliation. Loved that they got their happily ever after and I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
3,714 reviews42 followers
June 6, 2023
This is book two in The Wolf and The Lamb Mafia Romance Duet and it concludes Callie and Antonio’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Callie and Antonio’s story continues from the end of book one where Callie finds out that Antonio is using her for revenge because of her father having an affair with his mother before she died but things are not what they seem. Antonio is angry that his original plan didn’t work so now he has set another one motion but what he doesn’t realise is that because of what he did to Callie it had made her stronger and she is not the same gullible person that she used to be and she knew that he had set up what was happening and going along with his plan to see how far he will go and then she will take him down for everything that he had done to her but what happened next is not what anyone was expecting and of course there will be collateral damage when things don’t go as planned. Wow this book takes you on a roller coaster ride and will have you on the edge of your seat while holding your breath and the twists and turns keep coming and you will be turning the pages to see what would happen next and I just couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting as it was so addictive and the outcome was just what I was hoping for and I can’t wait to read Gia and Alessandro’s story next. I definitely recommend you read this duet and you will not be disappointed as it is so well written and the storyline will have you hooked right from the first page and keep your attention throughout the whole book.
Profile Image for Nikole.
958 reviews
July 24, 2023
Holy hell ... this book was one crazy ride for my emotions. I did not see that shit coming.
The ending was a little too whimsical though. Like he did a complete 180 - it was super weird and didn't really fit. It made him be someone else completely and it just wasn't really that good.

Why did Jimmy have to die?!?!?! There was supposed to be little Jimmy's running around!! I can't believe he died. ugh I loved Jimmy.
So, one thing I didn't get was if Tomasso was threatening to sell the family out, didn't that give Antonio the right to take him out without starting crap with his people? I mean come on.. he would be a traitor to do that no matter what Antonio did. Antonio was the underboss, he was Tomasso's boss basically, so Tomasso had no right to tell Antonio what to do and demand shit from him.

I absolutely love how Callie's character turned out. She loved him, but she didn't allow him to just walk all over her. Even when he got serious, she held him at arms length because she couldn't trust him. Which she was right not to. He was a damn good actor. When he dropped to his knees in front of her, I wanted to feel like that had been real, but like... I couldn't trust his ass. I thought for sure she was giving in then, but nope, that girl was a grade A badass.

I had been wanting to read duology for quite some time now and I am so glad I did. It was so good. I really like the way the author put this story together.

I am really excited about Alessandro and Gaia's story now.

Spice 1/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 3/5
World Building 3/5
Overall 5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
May 20, 2023
Oh. No. The only reason this is getting 2 stars is because, unexpectedly, Callie found a backbone and some intelligence and didn't fall into "my body betrays me" syndrome. Otherwise, it would get a DNF and zero stars.

The plot twist was ridiculous, the anger Callie has at her dad for lying is stupid (what the hell did he lie about? Is she really mad that he didn't tell her he was a cheater during or after her grief about her mom? Can she be a serious person for a minute?) And, he did tell her he cheated when they were on the phone and she, I guess forgets, because a few days later when she is confronted with the idea that he was a cheater she's all "no, he wouldn't, he was devoted!". He literally told her he cheated on her mom two days earlier on the phone. OMG it was so frustrating to read her character.

And every conversation that is had is cringy and repetitive. Yes, Antonio is a jackass. No need to say it 30 times. Every convo is heartfelt and earnest and dripping in sincerity in ways that are exhausting. Then the death is obnoxious and was unnecessary. Just there to pull heartstrings. I felt like the authors think we are just waiting to be manipulated in this way to actually feel anything other than incredulity or boredom.

The final twist at the end was beyond eye rolling in the decisions Antonio made. This duet wasn't worth my time and I have no interest in reading the next book.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,321 reviews73 followers
May 19, 2023
Of Beauty, Brains And Bravery picks Antonio and Callie's story where Of Monsters, Men And Moles left off. It's absolutely phenomenal! This couple is totally perfect for each other. They are complete opposites and Callie challenges Antonio in a way no one else could. They love wholly and completely with everything they are and each provides an insurmountable strength to the other. I know, I know, Antonio Marchesi needs no strength right?

"He’s known as a wolf. The cold mafia boss with the frozen heart."

"You’re the wolf. You’re cold, you’re mean, and you’re vindictive."

BUT, he doesn't realize what he's lacking until Callie. Then there's Callie.

"She’s known as a lamb. A sweet, innocent college senior who dreams of one true love."

She's stronger and more fierce than she realizes and Antonio brings that out in her.
Together they could rule the world if they wanted to.

"They called him a wolf, and he called himself a mole, but I thought of him as a lion: strong, proud, and vicious."

Antonio and Callie's story is one of my favorite reads so far this year. It's an absolute must read! Now I can't wait for Alessandro and Gia's story. This author brings it with every book she writes so I know their story will be just as brilliant as Antonio and Callie's is.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,089 reviews31 followers
May 22, 2023
Their Drama-filled Journey To Forever -
Callie was really upset to discover that the man she was falling in love with her had only approached her as a means to seek revenge on her father. However, even though she tried to walk away from Antonio, he kept dragging her back into his life. Antonio though he could keep his feelings out his revenge plan, but spending time and his mind blowing night with Callie, showed him was wrong.

Unfortunately, their lives didn’t calm down after she walked away, as Antonio’s subsequent plan was foiled and they were put in a dangerous situation. However, this situation led them to not only uncover the truth about the events that caused Antonio to plan his revenge, but it also helped heal their pain, so they could get their work towards getting a happily ever after.

This was a hot and steamy, action-packed romance, filled with angst, suspense, family drama, betrayals, a great plot and interesting characters, that will keep you entertained for a few hours. I urge you to grab a copy now, because you will be very happy reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,635 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2023
Callie and Antonio’s story continues where book one left us and it immediately starts out heated. Callie is finally waking up from her Antonio haze and seeing the wolf behind the man. Antonio has had his plan of revenge in mind for so long he doesn’t realize that Callie has changed him in some way, so he continues to play his games until things start to take a lot of turns. Callie isn’t the same naive, clueless girl she was in book one, now she stands her ground and realizes how out of touch with reality she really was. The back and forth between them keeps things interesting while more mysteries start to come out and you wonder if they will ever be able to come back from it all. The story takes you on a wild ride where things are not what you think, and emotions are so real. There were times when the story got a little repetitive with Callie’s anger and Antonio’s denial of his feelings, but the steam was off the charts and my sadness over a certain scene shattered my heart. Everything tied up nicely leading us to expect more from this family and I can’t wait for that.
Profile Image for Jamie.
357 reviews
May 30, 2023
Of Beauty, Brains, and Bravery is the conclusion of Callie and Antonio’s story. Callie and Antonio find themselves in danger and fighting for each other in many ways throughout the book. Callie only wants to find out the truth to the secrets her father has been keeping. She wants Antonio to be truthful, as well, so she can understand his motives for wanting revenge and to hurt her father.
Antonio wants revenge. Revenge so he can avenge his mothers death. That involves hurting Callie as a way of getting to her father. What Antonio does not realize, but those around him do, is he has fallen in love with Callie.
Antonio’s need to revenge turns into much more danger than he anticipated.
Of Beauty, Brains and Bravery is full of twisted and turns, a kidnapping, and death of a close friend. Callie and Antonio have a lot to overcome if they hope to have a happy, loving future.
This was a great, fast-paced read filled with scary moments, hurtful secrets, friends and family, and loving gestures.
Profile Image for Harriet.
332 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2023
This is the second book in The Wolf and The Lamb duet, Of Monsters, Men & Moles. It picks up right where the last book ends and it is a rollercoaster.

From the start of this book you just can't see how Antonio and Callie are going to get through everything that happens.

This book steps up and runs with the story, there are twists, turns, steam, emotional trauma and some more twists.

It is action packed, emotional and steamy. I laughed and I cried multiple times. It was well written and the story was paced well. Everything is tied up with the ending of this story. It's a sweet HEA and also leads the way for the next book in the series which focuses on Alessandro and Gia. I absolutely cannot wait to see what thier story is.

Overall this book has it all, mystery, mafia, emotion, steam and multifaceted characters, you can't ask for more, with a sweet HEA and promise of more.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
963 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2023
Good

This is book two and you must read book one to understand the story.
I have to say the part with the information on Callie’s Mom was a shock I didn’t see that coming.
I will say I couldn’t give 5 stars for this book because Antonio seemed like he changed overnight, he went from being the big bad Wolf to practically a lamb himself.
I understand love does strange things and her kidnapping scared him but that ending just wasn’t where I would have taken the couple.
This is a man who needs control and is a dominant alpha and that’s not who he ended up being and I was kind of disappointed with that.
Good back story but I was sad about Jimmy as I personally don’t think that needed to happen, it actually spoilt the book for me as I would have read his story more than Alessandro.
Profile Image for Christina  Shelton.
45 reviews
September 15, 2023
I'm always looking for new authors and this book came up. Once I read the blurb I was hooked. Let me say Book 1 was very good, book 2 went a bit bonkers, however, I still enjoyed this immensely. The story center around Antonio Marchesi a mobster who is waiting for his father, the Don of the mafia to step down so he can take over. He has been trained to take over, father ruthless ass, his mother who he adored died when he was very young. Callie Rowney is our heroine and she is different, lots of inner thoughts but she is somehow tied to Antonio and they meet. He has a plan for her life. These two have chemistry and lots of funny moments despite the "revenge" Antonio has masterminded to make Callie's father pay for what he did to the family. The story is good lots of surprises and revelations. I enjoyed it. They eventually reach their HEA!
532 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2023
This book takes up exactly where book 1 finished off, what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions reading this book bought.
Antonio and Callie’s journey through their relationship has a huge impact on many characters in the book, not only themselves.
Hold on to your hats as we journey though Past present and future of both sides of their families, enemies, friends, lovers, secrets, jealousy, guilt and downright evil. All come into play. The sexual chemistry between Antonio and Callie, the steamy scenes, the banter, you will smile, laugh and cry with them.
An enthralling story of Mafia culture and family and the burgeoning love between two people who were meant to be,

I received an advanced reader’s copy and I am writing this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Claire Donovan.
22 reviews
May 29, 2023
perfect conclusion ❤️

I had the pleasure of reading the thoroughly captivating storyline of Callie and Antonio. I was incredibly impressed by the level of suspense. I especially enjoyed the characterization of Callie, who was strong and independent. She faced the obstacles of life with determination and wisdom. I was also taken by the dynamic between Callie and Antonio, as she made him work hard for her forgiveness and a reconciliation between the two. The plot was original and engaging, and I was left eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the story. In conclusion, the narrative was brilliantly written and captivating, and I highly recommend it to any reader looking for a well written page-turner! Amazing conclusion to their story!
Profile Image for Sandra.
370 reviews22 followers
May 19, 2023
Angsty and EPIC conclusion to the Wolf

Of Beauty, Brains and Bravery is book 2 of The Wolf and The Lamb Duet!
Book 2 starts exactly where we left off in Book 1...
That when the story begins to get juicy and what a wild ride it is.
Antonio and Callie still have so much chemistry! They are highly witty and engaging characters that banter back and forth. They will have you screaming, crying, turned on and all the feelings...
This mafia romance continued to captivate me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. Book 2 was a page turner!
Great world building and character development.

Highly recommend!

“I know these are just words to you right now, but I was attracted to you, your aura, your sense of humor, your beauty. From the first moment that I met you, you knocked me off my feet.”
Profile Image for Melissa.
757 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2023
I was expecting more from the story but sadly it didn’t deliver.
The dialogue felt very immature coming from characters that are mid-late twenties & middle age. The male characters grew up in a mafia centered world but talk like they are in a college fraternity. I would expected them to be a bit more sophisticated in their vocabulary and actions.
The plot was a bit of a mess, the idea sounded great but execution just wasn’t there.
Also character development, by the end I had no idea which character was saying what they all blending in together. They didn’t really stand out from one another.
184 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
Hold On For A Bumpy Ride

I was blown away by the twists, turns and surprises that were present in this second book.
There is so much that transpired in this story but I fear if I say too much it would be a spoiler and ruin your enjoyment.
I will say that Jimmy was a character that gave comic relief and he grew on me.
There was so much. So much of everything especially heat and passion in this epic conclusion for Antonio and Callie.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
240 reviews
May 19, 2023
The second book in this series does not disappoint! We get the completion of the Antonio and Callie's story - and it definitely takes some turns I wasn't expecting! An ending I honestly didn't see coming too! What happens when Antonio's plan for Callie goes all wrong, leaving them both in danger? Who is the mystery new addition to the cast of characters? We also find out the details of Antonio's mother's death. Great story and excited for when the next book of Alessandro and Gia's story starts!!
489 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
This book is a scorching hot, romantic, intriguing conclusion to the love story of Antonio and Callie. The first book's ending left you with many questions. The twists and turns of the plot deepened the mystery in this book before everything was finally revealed and explained. I loved how circumstances caused Callie to come into her own and become a strong, mature woman who definitely wasn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. And Antonio was so sexy! The hard-won HEA was satisfying and believable. Now, I can't wait to read Alessandro and Gia's story!
136 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2023
I’m not usually into reading about Mafia romance but this book caught my eye. Could have been the handsome model used for the cover. Callie is a sweet, naive college student who has a loving father. Her mother died of cancer and Callie still mourns her loss. After a chance meeting at a ball, Callie meets Antonio. Little does she know Antonio is slated to become the next Don of his family.
There are many twists and turns in this story. It kept my interest and can’t wait to read what happens next in this series.
1,793 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2023
This is the second book in the series and continues on from the cliffhanger in book one.
Callie wants nothing to do with Antonio now that she has found out that he was using her for revenge but her heart still wants him.
Antonio can't let Callie go but when danger us coming for both of them will he be able to keep them safe and alive.
So many twists and turns and something you really don't see coming but also a love that can't be denied.
Can they get their HEA? Can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for ljamison.
1,538 reviews
May 25, 2023
This second book is the conclusion to the love story of Antonio and Callie. The first book left us with many unanswered questions. This second books continues with the intriguing twists and turns of the plot. The mysteries in this book keep me enthralled, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I loved the romance between Callie and Antonio it was definitely hot and spicy. I liked how Callie changed throughout this second book she wasn’t as naive as she was in the first book. Great book that didn’t disappoint with action, mystery, sexy moments and great characters.
31 reviews
May 18, 2023
Wow. What a RIDE!! The conclusion of Antonio and Callie’s love story was great! Lots of twists and turns. Things I didn’t see coming but one thing I could definitely feel was their strong love for each other. Their emotional, mental and physical connection is overwhelming. I also the cast of characters-Jimmy!!! Also can’t wait to see what Gia and Alessandro’s story is all about.
Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
May 18, 2023
This book was so good! I started reading it and just couldn't stop. I love the relationship between Antonio and Callie and reading about the struggles they went through. So many things happened in this story, shocking things that you never would have seen coming. There was emotion and violence and dare we say a happily ever after? If the world of romance anything is possible. This book is a must read and I definitely recommend it.
32 reviews
May 20, 2023
OMG this book was so good. I loved the chemistry between the two. This book outdid it there are so many twists and turns. I was happy to see that Callie grew so much in this book that she didn't let him push her around. The love between these two were sweet. But will they get there happily ever after or will the danger end it all. It's a must read. This author never disappoints. I can't wait for the next book to find out more about Gia and Alessandro.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.