As someone who had major issues with Book 3, I approached this book with some trepidation. I actually bought it the day it was released, and then kept bypassing it on my kindle cause I just wasn't ready to deal with it possibly pissing me off. I started, stopped, read other books, but once I made up my mind to just go whole hog, MAN, was I rewarded. This book was awesome and crazy and crazily awesome. I really enjoyed it. I saw a couple of my friends have it on their reading lists as DNF (did not finish) and for those who are struggling with the beginning, I will just stay stick with it. PLEASE stick with it. I, too, struggled with the first 150 pages or so. As others have said, it is long winded in parts (I really didn't care about Gio taking Mira to visit every relative in existence and ontop of that, getting details of every visit, every entry and exit from the car, every walk, every trip up and down the stairs...she's pregnant and it's difficult and he loves her. Truly, we get it.) Also, I'll just say it and get it out the way, in the last book I commented on being concerned that Gio was becoming p*ssy whipped, well ladies and gents, for the first 150-200 pages, he has fully slid into homebase for the p*ssy whipped team. It is sad and disturbing and I was PISSED. Like literally, you could hear the trumpets playing 'Taps' on his alpha-ness. I almost stood and saluted in respect to the demise of this great alpha. Finally, he says to Domi(?) that he cannot run the operation from his wife's bedside; that his actions have to be as strong as his words and I literally got up and got some cookies cause I knew that Gio was BACK and it was about to get good. I really could have done without corny Gio, but I guess he needed to grow..or something. I just never want to go through that again.
The thing you have to know about this book going in, is that it's all about the family. Shocking, given the title right? LOL I know I was stunned too LOL. But seriously, there is alot about the sisters in this book and while it bored me to tears in book 3, it somehow worked here...maybe because of all the shenanigans with the Battaglia men.
The storyline was amazing, the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and talking out loud to the book. Carlo and Marietta?? OMG! Girl! Are the both of you trying to die?? It's going to be really interesting though, because the blinders have been removed from Carlo's eyes and he's looking at Lo in a different light. That ending?? Uhumm, things are getting muy interesante. And Carlo is so sesssssy. But still, I would feel horrible for Lo. I don't know. I just don't know! A threesome? *Faints.* I know. I know. Lo would never go for it. Dag, just leave me to my fantasies!
I was happy with the sisters' relationship. I was happy with the resolution with Mancini. I got everything I wanted there. Rocco, who saw that coming? Still love him and Zia though. Love, love Zia. She is always bringing wisdom to the situation. Rosetta, girl, you needed to be gone! Sneaky witch. I kind of didn't understand Gemma's actions at the end but whatever, I was glad it was all resolved.
For those saying the book was too long, I will admit that I did the following:
1) Skipped all the sex scenes, every one. Wait, no, I think I skimmed a handjob somewhere along the way. I don't know. I just didn't care. I'm not saying a couple shouldn't be loving, but really Gio and Mira are in love, we get it. I have the same issue with another Mafia series where the author doesn't seem to understand that we know the Don loves his wife. She's his sun, moon, stars, koolaid, grilled cheese, platanos and arroz con gandules. Really, we get it. Now what else is going on? Drop some bodies!
2) Skipped all the flashbacks. No, wait, I read Domi's flashback on Pg 443. The rest just seemed ill placed and jolted me out the story. Flashbacks are tricky and should be used sparingly. There were entirely too many and Fabianna, you were a great friend but, truly, you can walk off into the light now. Do we have to talk about her every other page? No wonder Marietta had to check Catalina. The chick is dead and I'm here; deal with it!
As I've said before, I read Mafia books for the men and tolerate the women, at times just barely, so for those who feel the same and are concerned that this book is chock full of estrogen, a quick rundown.
The women:
Mira - I like Mira, for the most part. She was driving me crazy with the bi-polar behavior in this book but given her condition and everything that happened I was patient, but you will want to strangle her at times. I know she loves Gio and she was actually friendly to Marietta, so it worked out. I cracked up when her little ploy for Fabianna's blew up in her face. Lady, when will you learn who your husband is? When Gio discovered the ploy and shut her butt down, even after she apologized, I cheered. Thank you! Be a Don, dammit! That's what we want to see.
Marietta - I actually liked Mariettta much more than I thought I would. Goodness knows she wreaked havoc, but she and Lo are well matched in their craziness and she is loyal, and without airs. Also, even though she's feisty she, unlike Mira at times, knows when to just shut up and let her man do this thing. She knows her man, something Mira still somehow can't seem to figure out. It was funny that she was the newcomer and had to school Mira on being a Donna.
Catalina - She actually matured in this book, thank God. Domi made me so proud when he put his foot down and put that spoiled princess in check. Piccolina my a$$. Domi will not be manipulated and he will be respected. I.LOVE.HIM. In many ways, Domi is the wisest and most mature one in the book.
Zia - Always bringing the wisdom and trying to school these Camorra wives that you don't have to be all up in your man's face to be strong or get what you want. Most importantly, you need to play your position!! You married a Don. What about this don't you understand? I read a review that says that Mira doesn't have a backbone. She does, she just needs to learn how to wield her power over Gio. Even Domi told her that. Running head first into a brick wall is only going to leave you bruised and bloody. And Gio gives in to her much more than I like sometimes anyway. More of a backbone for her in Book 5? No, thank you. Get with the doggone program and Gio will give you the world.
Who else? Rosetta? Ugh. I feel for her cause I love Domi too, but girlfriend that is a dead end and you are a snake. Buhbye. Cecilia, lovely and loyal. I kind of want a love story for her. Nico, maybe? I kind of want someone for him. Carmella, can't wait to see what happens to you.
All in all, a really good read. 4.75. Superior story weaving, great editing - a few errors here and there but nothing too serious, given the page count. It's actually refreshing to read an IR book that's not riddled with errors. Sooo looking forward to Lo getting his in Book 5. What will this mean for the sisters? Will they have to side with their men and will this draw a wedge between them, or will they unite and force the men to deal? This will really test Gio's strength. DO.NOT.FAIL.US. You are Capo di tutti! Mira already encouraged him to spare Domi, but Lo's sins are numerous and ongoing.
Loved. Loved. Loved. You can tell alot of work went into this book. The author brought her A game on this one. Very talented.