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Mafia Hearts #1
Dangerous Flames
Back from spending her teen years in Italy, Gabrielle Medini wants answer to the hard questions. She quickly learns that the Mafia still has a hand in controlling society and her father is the Don of the largest mob organization in the area. When a hit order is taken out on her father and one of his members will be doing the killing, Gabi’s mother demands Gabi’s disappearance. For good. This time she refuses to go alone.
The Mafia doesn’t seem so glamorous any more. Not sure what Mik’s role in her father’s crime family is but sure he is involved, Gabrielle has reason to believe that her secret love's safety is in jeopardy too.
Mikolas Russo is one hit away from becoming part of the Medini crime family. But is this what he really wants? Killing people for money is what he has been trained to do even though he’d give anything to trade the nightmares for sweet dreams of the forbidden Gabrielle. Thinking he has the chance to reveal his feelings to her, he arrives at her house to find her brandishing a loaded gun, ready to take control.
Will the truth fulfill her desires, or will Mikolas be the one to shatter everything?
The Mafia doesn’t seem so glamorous any more. Not sure what Mik’s role in her father’s crime family is but sure he is involved, Gabrielle has reason to believe that her secret love's safety is in jeopardy too.
Mikolas Russo is one hit away from becoming part of the Medini crime family. But is this what he really wants? Killing people for money is what he has been trained to do even though he’d give anything to trade the nightmares for sweet dreams of the forbidden Gabrielle. Thinking he has the chance to reveal his feelings to her, he arrives at her house to find her brandishing a loaded gun, ready to take control.
Will the truth fulfill her desires, or will Mikolas be the one to shatter everything?
- GenresRomance
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2013
About the author
Wendy Ely
25 books73 followersWendy has always been fascinated by romance. She began her first romance novel when she was just eleven years old. It certainly wasn't anything great but sparked the passion for writing romance novels. Wendy enjoys traveling and being outdoors. Wendy enjoys hearing from her readers so write to her at authorwendyely@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 2, 2015
**Read as Part of the Shades Of Desire: 10 Sweet & Spicy Romances box set.**
~ 2 Dangerous Stars ~
Dangerous Flames is book one in the Mafia Hearts series by Wendy Ely. I am not a big contemporary reader manly; because they just don’t take me away from real life as easily as paranormal, fantasy, or sci-fi reads.
Dangerous Flames did not work for me, but does have several 4-5 star reviews, so people did enjoy it, just not me. I on the other hand should have DNF it, but something kept me reading. I’m guessing it was; because I wanted to see how it would end. Which I did and it was nothing spectacular. I’ve read one other book that featured a Mafia type lifestyle and it worked for me, but this one only had some Mafia aspects, not enough to make it really feel Mafia enough.
The characters where not believable enough. We have Gabrielle who is the daughter of the Mafia Don, but she is out of loop and under the impression that she wants to get into the Mafia business. She has no idea what that lifestyle initials. Then we have Mikolas who was trained to be the hitman for the Medini Family, but I could not believe his role as the hitman. These two grew up together until Gabrielle was sent away for her protection, so they have some type of previous relationship, but it never felt believable enough for them to both love each other. Gabrielle wants into the family business and comes up with a ridicules idea that involves her old friend and crush Mikolas. These two acted to much like teenagers, dancing around the issues, and no communication that it got to be frustrating just reading about them. Gabrielle has no backbone and Mikolas was not alpha enough. Both characters where a disappointment and ended up irritating me.
As for the sex. They have sex, but without a condom. Yep, not my thing. Sometimes it works, but not for me this time. Also the author dosen't really write an involved sex scene. It is implied that they did the deed, by them getting to the penetration and then we are moving onto the next scene.
I got confused as to why Gabrielle’s mom told her to leave town and start a new life someplace far away from the family. When her mom does this she tells her about a safe, but doesn't tell her where it is located at the cabin. If her mom really wanted her to go, why not tell her everything she needs to know to locate said safe and get away with the money she needs to move on? Also Gabrielle wanted into the lifestyle and now she doesn’t. Complete one eighty. Last the information we are given from Mikolas, in what little talks he has with Gabrielle about the Mafia lifestyle, is just little tide bits here and there. It's only enough to keep you hooked. Which added to my frustration. I wanted more in-depth information.
Dangerous Flames was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
*Disclaimer: Review copy provided of Shades Of Desire: 10 Sweet & Spicy Romances with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
~ 2 Dangerous Stars ~
Dangerous Flames is book one in the Mafia Hearts series by Wendy Ely. I am not a big contemporary reader manly; because they just don’t take me away from real life as easily as paranormal, fantasy, or sci-fi reads.
Dangerous Flames did not work for me, but does have several 4-5 star reviews, so people did enjoy it, just not me. I on the other hand should have DNF it, but something kept me reading. I’m guessing it was; because I wanted to see how it would end. Which I did and it was nothing spectacular. I’ve read one other book that featured a Mafia type lifestyle and it worked for me, but this one only had some Mafia aspects, not enough to make it really feel Mafia enough.
The characters where not believable enough. We have Gabrielle who is the daughter of the Mafia Don, but she is out of loop and under the impression that she wants to get into the Mafia business. She has no idea what that lifestyle initials. Then we have Mikolas who was trained to be the hitman for the Medini Family, but I could not believe his role as the hitman. These two grew up together until Gabrielle was sent away for her protection, so they have some type of previous relationship, but it never felt believable enough for them to both love each other. Gabrielle wants into the family business and comes up with a ridicules idea that involves her old friend and crush Mikolas. These two acted to much like teenagers, dancing around the issues, and no communication that it got to be frustrating just reading about them. Gabrielle has no backbone and Mikolas was not alpha enough. Both characters where a disappointment and ended up irritating me.
As for the sex. They have sex, but without a condom. Yep, not my thing. Sometimes it works, but not for me this time. Also the author dosen't really write an involved sex scene. It is implied that they did the deed, by them getting to the penetration and then we are moving onto the next scene.
I got confused as to why Gabrielle’s mom told her to leave town and start a new life someplace far away from the family. When her mom does this she tells her about a safe, but doesn't tell her where it is located at the cabin. If her mom really wanted her to go, why not tell her everything she needs to know to locate said safe and get away with the money she needs to move on? Also Gabrielle wanted into the lifestyle and now she doesn’t. Complete one eighty. Last the information we are given from Mikolas, in what little talks he has with Gabrielle about the Mafia lifestyle, is just little tide bits here and there. It's only enough to keep you hooked. Which added to my frustration. I wanted more in-depth information.
Dangerous Flames was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
*Disclaimer: Review copy provided of Shades Of Desire: 10 Sweet & Spicy Romances with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
August 28, 2013
I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, although it was slightly out of my usual choice. Gabi is the daughter of a Mafia Don, but she is pretty out of the loop with regards to ''the business". Mik works for the Don as a hitman. Mik and Gabi were close as kids and then young teens but Gabi was sent abroad abruptly at 15 and they lost touch. The story twists between the relationship of Gabi and Mik and the threat of a hit on her Father. If I'm being truthful, some of the graphic mob business is a bit much for my gentle stomach, but I was still able to enjoy the story.
I enjoyed this book, although it was slightly out of my usual choice. Gabi is the daughter of a Mafia Don, but she is pretty out of the loop with regards to ''the business". Mik works for the Don as a hitman. Mik and Gabi were close as kids and then young teens but Gabi was sent abroad abruptly at 15 and they lost touch. The story twists between the relationship of Gabi and Mik and the threat of a hit on her Father. If I'm being truthful, some of the graphic mob business is a bit much for my gentle stomach, but I was still able to enjoy the story.
August 8, 2013
I first would like to say. I really enjoyed this book, it was a good fast read and had well-developed characters. I really felt for Mik and Gabi. Why they couldn't be together as well as them fighting for their love. There was good action that involved everyone and suspense. I think the author hit this one right on the head. Honestly my only complaint is I would have like it alittle longer.
I received a copy in return for an honest review.
And it was a pleasure. Loved it!
I received a copy in return for an honest review.
And it was a pleasure. Loved it!
September 7, 2013
Dangerous Flames
**Review By Ruby From The Nerd Girl Page**
*This Book Was Given To Me In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Dangerous Flames is a fast paced totally addictive story set (mostly) in Las Vegas. Gabrielle Medini has been well protected from the family business through out her life for good reason. Her father is Enrico Medini – a Mafia Boss. His world is a dangerous one but Gabrielle is still determined to have a part in it. She soon discovers that life inside the Mafia is never boring. As always there is a fight for power and people are getting killed by hit men as it plays out. When Enrico’s life is threatened Gabrielle takes matters into her own hands with or without her family’s consent or even their knowledge.
That’s where Mikolas comes in. Gabrielle has known and loved Mik for a long time but she doesn’t know what role he plays in the mafia for her father and he doesn’t want her to know. One of my favourite things about this book is how believable the characters are. I find a lot of the time when an author writes from both male and female perspectives that one is more believable than the other but this author nails it! At the core of Dangerous Flames, behind all the Mafia politics there is a sizzling hot romance between Gabrielle and Mikolas which unfolds as their worlds collide. This is what kept me turning pages. I loved every second with these two characters!
Dangerous Flames is very well written and the author has created a really believable story about life inside the Mafia. I relished reading the story through Gabrielle’s eyes as she finds her way through the mafia in a wonderfully clueless manner. It was a fresh perspective on a classic idea and it brought a lovely undertone of humour to the story. If you love romance and a good action packed story I’d definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for more from Wendy!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
**Review By Ruby From The Nerd Girl Page**
*This Book Was Given To Me In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Dangerous Flames is a fast paced totally addictive story set (mostly) in Las Vegas. Gabrielle Medini has been well protected from the family business through out her life for good reason. Her father is Enrico Medini – a Mafia Boss. His world is a dangerous one but Gabrielle is still determined to have a part in it. She soon discovers that life inside the Mafia is never boring. As always there is a fight for power and people are getting killed by hit men as it plays out. When Enrico’s life is threatened Gabrielle takes matters into her own hands with or without her family’s consent or even their knowledge.
That’s where Mikolas comes in. Gabrielle has known and loved Mik for a long time but she doesn’t know what role he plays in the mafia for her father and he doesn’t want her to know. One of my favourite things about this book is how believable the characters are. I find a lot of the time when an author writes from both male and female perspectives that one is more believable than the other but this author nails it! At the core of Dangerous Flames, behind all the Mafia politics there is a sizzling hot romance between Gabrielle and Mikolas which unfolds as their worlds collide. This is what kept me turning pages. I loved every second with these two characters!
Dangerous Flames is very well written and the author has created a really believable story about life inside the Mafia. I relished reading the story through Gabrielle’s eyes as she finds her way through the mafia in a wonderfully clueless manner. It was a fresh perspective on a classic idea and it brought a lovely undertone of humour to the story. If you love romance and a good action packed story I’d definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for more from Wendy!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
August 12, 2015
Mafia daughter Gabi initially wants to be accepted as part of the Family, taking on jobs for her father. When she hears that her father has a contract on his head, she intends to help find the traitor and thus earn the seal of approval from her father. But her heart is divided between staying and leaving the lifestyle entirely, that is if she can convince Mik, a childhood friend she is in love with, to run away with her. The only problem? Mik is unaware of her feelings and more importantly, he works for her father. She ends up kidnapping Mik at gun point and hiding away in a little known hunting cabin in the mountains that belongs to her father. They eventually voice their love for each other. But danger lurks on their doorstep.
Enjoyed this story and found it to be an entertaining read filled with a bit of mystery, sexy romance, and action. Several elements were a bit too unbelievable to give it four stars. From the beginning, Gabi does not seem the type to be considered taking on Mafia jobs for anyone. Sheesh, she's scared of the dark (for good reason, though). She and Mik take forever to express their feelings for each other. And what woman can kidnap any respectable hit man at gun point? Still, I enjoyed the story and the characters and found it to be a quick read.
Enjoyed this story and found it to be an entertaining read filled with a bit of mystery, sexy romance, and action. Several elements were a bit too unbelievable to give it four stars. From the beginning, Gabi does not seem the type to be considered taking on Mafia jobs for anyone. Sheesh, she's scared of the dark (for good reason, though). She and Mik take forever to express their feelings for each other. And what woman can kidnap any respectable hit man at gun point? Still, I enjoyed the story and the characters and found it to be a quick read.
August 18, 2013
This is the 3rd book I read by Wendy Ely. The storyline was good. I more enjoyed Gabi & Mik interactions in the story. I'm not big on the mafia parts of the story. I'm really starting to like Ms. Ely's books & I can't wait to purchase some more books by her.
September 9, 2013
I love this book. It was an awesome read of mafia romance that really lives up to the title "Dangerous Flame".This was an amazing read of Gabi and Mik love that is worth fighting for .
I received this book for my honest review. Was well worth the read. 5 stars!!!
I received this book for my honest review. Was well worth the read. 5 stars!!!
November 13, 2018
I loved this book, and will read more by his author. Gain and Mik are meant to be together and you can’t help but root for them. It is fast paced and keeps you gripped right to the end.
May 30, 2015
Ah... A tale of hidden/forbidden love. Well, that's my main impression. Gabi has hidden her feelings from Mik because she fears he doesn't feel the same. They were once close friends but being sent away to school in Europe when she was 15 prevented her from finding out if they could be more. Mik, well, he has his own reasons for keeping his feelings secret and it has everything to do with the warning he received from the girl's father- head of the Family his father works for.
This one has a little bit of everything- Mafia business, family crisis, assassination attempts, hidden treasure... and that's just the outside plot. The relationship between Gabi and Mik is complex and the desire to proclaim and simultaneously hide their desire manages to confuse the hell out of them both.
I liked the story a lot and I think the author did a great job crafting an intriguing story. The tale was full of rich detail and made me consider things I've never thought about in regards to the Mafia life but it still managed to focus on the details of the interpersonal relationships of the characters.
Now, I will say the copy I have had some errors- missing words and punctuation that caused me to have to stop and figure out the author's meaning. And in one paragraph the words absurd and absorbed were swapped around. I also noticed a slip on the name used for a character- I can't go into more detail without treading into spoiler territory so I'll just stop there. Overall, the story was well done and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This one has a little bit of everything- Mafia business, family crisis, assassination attempts, hidden treasure... and that's just the outside plot. The relationship between Gabi and Mik is complex and the desire to proclaim and simultaneously hide their desire manages to confuse the hell out of them both.
I liked the story a lot and I think the author did a great job crafting an intriguing story. The tale was full of rich detail and made me consider things I've never thought about in regards to the Mafia life but it still managed to focus on the details of the interpersonal relationships of the characters.
Now, I will say the copy I have had some errors- missing words and punctuation that caused me to have to stop and figure out the author's meaning. And in one paragraph the words absurd and absorbed were swapped around. I also noticed a slip on the name used for a character- I can't go into more detail without treading into spoiler territory so I'll just stop there. Overall, the story was well done and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
October 28, 2013
I love Wendy Ely's books and this is no exception. Dangerous Flames is full of passion, suspense and Romance. The suspense keeps you on the edge of you seat leaving you dying to find out more.
Dangerous Flames is about Gabrielle, whose father, Enrico, is head of a Mafia family. Enrico had spent Gabrielle' s entire life keeping her away in order to protect her. Gabrielle was strong, caring, loving but almost naive at what being in mafia really consisted of.
Mikolas, whom was the son of Enrico's right hand man, Leon, had been trained from age 12 to be apart of the family. Mikolas was a hit man for the family. Gabrielle and Mikolas were best friends before Gabrielle got sent away. Mikolas had loved Gabrielle for years but Enrico had made it very clear what would happen to anyone involved with his daughter. Mikolas was dangerous but also loyal, protective, strong, determined, supportive and passionate.
When a hit was put on Enrico' s head, Gabrielle' s mother sent her away once again for her own safety. Gabrielle "kidnapped" Mikolas to go with her. They had to work through their issues while facing a troublesome reality. This book was hot and steamy as well as a wonderful romance suspense story. I can't wait to read more by Wendy Ely. I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dangerous Flames is about Gabrielle, whose father, Enrico, is head of a Mafia family. Enrico had spent Gabrielle' s entire life keeping her away in order to protect her. Gabrielle was strong, caring, loving but almost naive at what being in mafia really consisted of.
Mikolas, whom was the son of Enrico's right hand man, Leon, had been trained from age 12 to be apart of the family. Mikolas was a hit man for the family. Gabrielle and Mikolas were best friends before Gabrielle got sent away. Mikolas had loved Gabrielle for years but Enrico had made it very clear what would happen to anyone involved with his daughter. Mikolas was dangerous but also loyal, protective, strong, determined, supportive and passionate.
When a hit was put on Enrico' s head, Gabrielle' s mother sent her away once again for her own safety. Gabrielle "kidnapped" Mikolas to go with her. They had to work through their issues while facing a troublesome reality. This book was hot and steamy as well as a wonderful romance suspense story. I can't wait to read more by Wendy Ely. I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2013
This is my second book I’ve read by Wendy Ely, so I was excited to read “Dangerous Flames”. It began quickly and almost immediately, the story had me in suspense. Whether I was hoping for Gabrielle’s safe escape to her father’s cabin (along with the person she brings with her…no spoilers ), and for her and Mikolas to get together, I was on the edge of my seat.
I liked all the characters, especially Gabi, and thought the book ended as it should have. My only concern was that I would have liked to have seen more of who Gabrielle and Mikolas were before she left the country. However, the passion between them since she’s been back, and even when they’re disagreeing, is very obvious.
Wendy Ely is an amazing author who has written a steamy love story between Gabriella and Mikolas, one I really enjoyed, and I can’t wait to read more of her books! If you’re looking for a steamy and mysterious weekend read, I highly recommend “Dangerous Flames”.
I give this book 4 stars!
I liked all the characters, especially Gabi, and thought the book ended as it should have. My only concern was that I would have liked to have seen more of who Gabrielle and Mikolas were before she left the country. However, the passion between them since she’s been back, and even when they’re disagreeing, is very obvious.
Wendy Ely is an amazing author who has written a steamy love story between Gabriella and Mikolas, one I really enjoyed, and I can’t wait to read more of her books! If you’re looking for a steamy and mysterious weekend read, I highly recommend “Dangerous Flames”.
I give this book 4 stars!
August 2, 2016
This was in the Bundle - Love On The Edge: 9 Shades of Romantic Suspense
Gabrielle Medini wants glamour and excitement. Things her life are really short of right now. She is 25 and runs her own boutique in Las Vegas. But she wants to be brought in to her father's business. He's a leader of an illegal operation. She also wants a life with Mik. They grew up together and he works now for her father. She over hears that her father's life is in danger. Her mom encourages her to go to their cabin in the mountains. Her father secretes his money there in a vault. Her mom tells her to take as much as she needs to start a new life. Gabrielle does one better, she kidnaps Mik at gun point and takes him with her. A snowstorm puts a crimp in their plans. They can't find the vault and because of the snow they can't leave the cabin. A hit man shows up to kill her father and kidnaps her instead. He does what everyone does, he underestimates her.
Gabrielle Medini wants glamour and excitement. Things her life are really short of right now. She is 25 and runs her own boutique in Las Vegas. But she wants to be brought in to her father's business. He's a leader of an illegal operation. She also wants a life with Mik. They grew up together and he works now for her father. She over hears that her father's life is in danger. Her mom encourages her to go to their cabin in the mountains. Her father secretes his money there in a vault. Her mom tells her to take as much as she needs to start a new life. Gabrielle does one better, she kidnaps Mik at gun point and takes him with her. A snowstorm puts a crimp in their plans. They can't find the vault and because of the snow they can't leave the cabin. A hit man shows up to kill her father and kidnaps her instead. He does what everyone does, he underestimates her.
December 9, 2013
A fast paced tale of how life as a mafia princess can ruin a perfectly good love affair. Great details in the lifestyle along with the dangers of being a mafia member. Loved the tension between these two and look forward to more from Ms. Ely!
September 2, 2014
I liked this one. Some foul language but other than that, a good story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews