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The Gabrini Men (Tommy and Sal) #1
Romancing Tommy Gabrini
A romantic affair was the last thing Tommy Gabrini was looking for when he attended a dinner party at a friend’s house. He had broken up with his longtime girlfriend five months earlier and was contented to play the field for the rest of his life. But when a gorgeous, sleek, African queen in red walked across his path, he knew something dramatic was about to happen.
Grace McKinsey knew Tommy Gabrini to be a rich, drop dead gorgeous playboy, but what she quickly realized was that he was also attracted to her. On the night of her thirtieth birthday, their passion for each other spills over into passionate love making that they both assumed would be a one-night stand. But circumstances intervene and soon Tommy and Grace realize that they can’t live without each other, and don’t want anybody else. They have to give love a chance.
In a stirring interracial romance, Mallory Monroe takes her readers on a sensual journey of love, lust and unrequited revenge, where Tommy and his lady love cleave to each other, as outside forces conspire to tear them apart.
Grace McKinsey knew Tommy Gabrini to be a rich, drop dead gorgeous playboy, but what she quickly realized was that he was also attracted to her. On the night of her thirtieth birthday, their passion for each other spills over into passionate love making that they both assumed would be a one-night stand. But circumstances intervene and soon Tommy and Grace realize that they can’t live without each other, and don’t want anybody else. They have to give love a chance.
In a stirring interracial romance, Mallory Monroe takes her readers on a sensual journey of love, lust and unrequited revenge, where Tommy and his lady love cleave to each other, as outside forces conspire to tear them apart.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2013
18 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Monroe
165 books331 followersMallory Monroe, a pseudonym of award-winning, bestselling literary author Teresa McClain-Watson, has well over a hundred bestselling books under her name. They include MaeBelle Marie, the Alex Drakos Romantic Suspense series, the Oz Drakos series, the Reno Gabrini (Mob Boss) series, the Mick Sinatra series, the Sal Gabrini series, the Tommy Gabrini series, the Big Daddy Sinatra series, the Trevor Reese series, the Rags to Romance series, the Teddy Sinatra series, the Boone and Charly series, the Monk Paletti series, the President's Boyfriend series, and the President's Girlfriend/Dutch and Gina series. She has also worked as an executive editor for many years and as an investigator for three. Recently widowed, she has attended Florida State University, Florida A & M. University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Mississippi at Oxford Summer Law Institute. A law school dropout, she holds a Master's degree in history and education and credits God Almighty for ALL of her success. Visit mallorymonroebooks.com or austinbrookpublishing.com for updates and more information on all of her titles. See also amazon.com/author/teresamcclainwatson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 4, 2015
I am so behind in the reading of Mob Boss and Gabrini Men that I decided I need to catch up before Mallory branches off any more series from Mob Boss.
I like Tommy and this is the beginning of his story. I enjoyed the fact that Tommy could let his emotions show and when Shanks tired to destroy his relationship he cried because it hurt him so much that Grace was thinking about letting her tear them apart with her lies. Love a strong man who is not afraid to show his emotions.
As far as I am concerned Shanks got exactly what she deserved. On to book 2 and Sal's story. I am not sure I can read these in order. May have to read Tommy back to back or Sal back to back!
I like Tommy and this is the beginning of his story. I enjoyed the fact that Tommy could let his emotions show and when Shanks tired to destroy his relationship he cried because it hurt him so much that Grace was thinking about letting her tear them apart with her lies. Love a strong man who is not afraid to show his emotions.
As far as I am concerned Shanks got exactly what she deserved. On to book 2 and Sal's story. I am not sure I can read these in order. May have to read Tommy back to back or Sal back to back!
May 12, 2014
3.5 I do so love how this author writes her alpha males. I lovvvved Tommy. Grace was cool too, a little naive at times (all happy because Tommy is now her 'boyfriend' - chick, you're 30), but I liked her for the most part. She was a bit insecure etc but she was up against everyone repeatedly telling her she wasn't good enough, and that a man like Tommy could never like her. I skipped Books 4 and 5, and I'm guessing that was when Reno turned into this ruthless mob boss (cause he certainly wasn't one in Books 1-3) but, once again, I'm amazed at how horrible his/their judgment is and how Reno is reactionary rather than pro-active. That whole mess with Shanks coming back shouldn't even have been allowed to happen. Ok, so you put her on a plane and...her revenge just stops? Made no sense.
Trina telling Grace about loving the Gabrini men and how dominant they were, I loved that. Loved that Trina was welcoming etc and the little I saw of Jimmy was entertaining. I also loved Grace's friend Jamie(?) Reno does seem to have gotten more ornery and calculating since Book 3. Maybe I'll have to go back and skim the last 2 books. I really could do without dealing with Reno while Trina is pregnant.
Do like this author's style. There were errors here and there, but again nothing too horrible. Sex scenes are good, though she seems to be obsessed with her male characters' penises 'expanding' during sex. There is also a lot of thrashing going on, for some reason. Her characters' hearts are very active - they drop, they explode, they're crushed. Somebody's heart is always dropping or soaring etc etc.
Lastly, what is up with Tommy never giving Grace a present until he proposed? That is not cool! Nothing? Why is he walking around in designer suits and she's in off the rack dresses and that's cool with him? I don't think so. Not even realistic. Even his reasoning sounding silly.
All in all a good read, if a bit exhausting at times.
Trina telling Grace about loving the Gabrini men and how dominant they were, I loved that. Loved that Trina was welcoming etc and the little I saw of Jimmy was entertaining. I also loved Grace's friend Jamie(?) Reno does seem to have gotten more ornery and calculating since Book 3. Maybe I'll have to go back and skim the last 2 books. I really could do without dealing with Reno while Trina is pregnant.
Do like this author's style. There were errors here and there, but again nothing too horrible. Sex scenes are good, though she seems to be obsessed with her male characters' penises 'expanding' during sex. There is also a lot of thrashing going on, for some reason. Her characters' hearts are very active - they drop, they explode, they're crushed. Somebody's heart is always dropping or soaring etc etc.
Lastly, what is up with Tommy never giving Grace a present until he proposed? That is not cool! Nothing? Why is he walking around in designer suits and she's in off the rack dresses and that's cool with him? I don't think so. Not even realistic. Even his reasoning sounding silly.
All in all a good read, if a bit exhausting at times.
February 17, 2013
OMG!!!! I hate when her books end. I really get lost in them...Ok, Tommy is my new Reno and Grace is my new Trina. I really like this one.. something about Grace is refreshing. It did remind me of Trina when she met Reno. What a great step back from the Mafia life just a little. Tommy is no punk so when I say a little I mean just that. Shanks girl you didn't disappoint(wink) but someone had to do it. These series are my favorite I hope these continue for as long as Mallory can. I'm looking for something with Jimmy next. It was almost like Mallory alluded to it in this book. Fingers crossed....lol!
March 30, 2013
the author is trying and i give her credit for that... the misuse of words can be disconcerting.
December 28, 2020
This is really my 4th time reading this book. Because the latest Mallory Monroe books have been lacking, I decided to reread my favorites. Tommy Gabrini is my all time favorite character in Mallory Monroe 's book.
I could never understand the dislike for Grace. In this book, she was beautiful, intelligent and everything that Tommy needed in a wife. She's everything her name denotes as Reno immediately noticed upon first meeting her. Why some thought that she wasn't even pretty is beyond me. In this book, she's everything and more that the other Gabrini and Sinatra's women are and is prettiest than most.
Shoshawnna was no comparison. I guess there will always be Grace haters which is sad because they should all reread this book to be reminded of what Tommy saw in Grace and never got over.
This book is everything I remember and love above Tommy and Grace. It is full of drama, intrigue and action. The sexual attraction between Tommy and Grace is off the charts.
Too bad, that has been lost in Ms. Monroe's latter book. In to Tommy 2.
I could never understand the dislike for Grace. In this book, she was beautiful, intelligent and everything that Tommy needed in a wife. She's everything her name denotes as Reno immediately noticed upon first meeting her. Why some thought that she wasn't even pretty is beyond me. In this book, she's everything and more that the other Gabrini and Sinatra's women are and is prettiest than most.
Shoshawnna was no comparison. I guess there will always be Grace haters which is sad because they should all reread this book to be reminded of what Tommy saw in Grace and never got over.
This book is everything I remember and love above Tommy and Grace. It is full of drama, intrigue and action. The sexual attraction between Tommy and Grace is off the charts.
Too bad, that has been lost in Ms. Monroe's latter book. In to Tommy 2.
May 15, 2015
I knew Tommy would have his own story his character was too good to let go as a sidekick. I really wanted him and Shanks to work and I'm still not sure what happened with them. Her flipping out seemed really out of character to me, I thought her and Reno had a pretty good relationship but maybe I missed something. He did want Tommy to contact her when he needed help but I guess that was as far as he went with that. Grace seems too soft for him, she was like a little puppet that was clinging on to whatever hope of getting what she wanted. I can't see them making it together. Good read but the ending was lame for Tommy I think, he should've been a little more original and made it special. Seems like he's just ready to settle for anything the way he did it. Too soon I think for him to make such a step with someone as flighty as Grace. She turned and ran at the first sign of trouble without even giving him a chance to explain. Seems like every time something comes up she thinks the worse and is ready to pull back. Maybe she'll figure it out in the next one.
February 16, 2013
Really wanted to give this one 5 stars because I truly enjoyed the coming together of Grace and Tommy......At the beginning of the book I thought that Tommy would eventually take Shawnie back and was glad to see that he didn't I was done with her when she stood him up for the wedding....I was also very surprised at the turn of events that took place involving Shawnie.......But my reasons for not giving this one 5 stars was because the writer seem to leave out a few things that I wanted to know such as how Jilly took the news of what Reno and Tommy did to her son and what her reaction will be to the gift that Tommy gave Grace.....just needed a little more wasn't ready for it to end but maybe there will be more on the Gabrini men.....so keeping my fingers crossed and waiting for the next one.
March 22, 2013
Tommy finally gets his happy ending and so well deserved. I loved his and Grace's story. Such a nice courtship from beginning to end. I couldn't believe what Shanks turned into. That was totally unexpected. Loved catching up with Reno and Trini, those two are as spicy as ever. I'm sure this saga is not done yet and I am looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
September 7, 2013
If I could I would give them a 2.5 stars. I loved tommy in the other books but I couldn't take this book. I was a disappointment. I liked Grace. She was nice enough but I couldn't find the love of the both of them as true. If it was a little longer and the relationship went a little bit slower than maybe but I didn't fall in love like I usually do.
February 26, 2013
it could have been better to be honest,didn't like Grace,Tommy was also weak maybe its because I was used to the very sexy Reno,Tommy was blur.
January 5, 2017
Love me some Tommy Gabrini
January 24, 2021
Good book playing from fire tablet
I love this book it was so exciting and have so much acting in it so much if you're fancy love I love this book it was so exciting and have so much acting in it so much you're fancy love and women jilted and couldn't take and then it was great it's great to read came put it down just very great
I love this book it was so exciting and have so much acting in it so much if you're fancy love I love this book it was so exciting and have so much acting in it so much you're fancy love and women jilted and couldn't take and then it was great it's great to read came put it down just very great
September 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this book
Tommy's my favorite strong, beautiful, loving and a little insecure. I really enjoyed Tommy and Grace's love story. Shanks was truly a jaded lover and she got exactly what she deserved.
Tommy's my favorite strong, beautiful, loving and a little insecure. I really enjoyed Tommy and Grace's love story. Shanks was truly a jaded lover and she got exactly what she deserved.
May 27, 2022
🥰🥰🥰
Very deep and detailed story of the hope of love and family. Quite a riveting group of characters with a lot more story to tell.
However, the editing could use some help, way to many grammar errors.
Very deep and detailed story of the hope of love and family. Quite a riveting group of characters with a lot more story to tell.
However, the editing could use some help, way to many grammar errors.
November 27, 2025
When I read this author’s ‘The President’s Girlfriend’ I thought wow! There were some crazy women who wanted the President for themselves and won’t stop at nothing to achieve their goals, but Tommy’s exes were some lunatics. It was ‘on the edge of the seat’ read. Wow…to be continued…..
May 6, 2019
I love the Gabrini men! Tommy is so smooth and I also like his brother, Sal and of course, cousin Reno! They look out for their women! This book was so good!
October 20, 2021
This author can do no wrong in my book. Great story and plot will continue reading her work. I just wish her books weren't so pricey.
July 27, 2022
3.8 stars
August 27, 2015
I actually enjoyed the story of Grace and Tommy and I will have to say I wasn't sure about this book after reading the reviews, some thought it was awesome, some not so much... So I figured I would give it a go anyways and I am glad that I did... now on to the review.
I thought the beginning of the book was great, and then it slowed a little and I was like lawd I hope this picks up and then it did and I enjoyed all the way out and even the ending. I was like perfecto.. gotta be another book. Yep it is...
So now I sit debating... read it or not read it that is the question. Grace was great, Tommy was even better but I am not sure about paying 5.99 for a recap of this book in book 2 from what I have read on many of the reviews on book 2 seems to suggest this.. decisions decisions. sigh
I would quickly like to add.. shoshawna is the worst name ever.. I actually laughed when I seen her name.
I thought the beginning of the book was great, and then it slowed a little and I was like lawd I hope this picks up and then it did and I enjoyed all the way out and even the ending. I was like perfecto.. gotta be another book. Yep it is...
So now I sit debating... read it or not read it that is the question. Grace was great, Tommy was even better but I am not sure about paying 5.99 for a recap of this book in book 2 from what I have read on many of the reviews on book 2 seems to suggest this.. decisions decisions. sigh
I would quickly like to add.. shoshawna is the worst name ever.. I actually laughed when I seen her name.
December 6, 2015
Another fab book by author Mallory Monroe. Tommy Gabrini is pure alpha male. Tommy who was in love and wanted to marry ShoShawna Shanks his longtime girlfriend finally had enough and broke it off with her for good. Tommy first sees Grace outside of the house where they are both attending a dinner party and he is intrigued with her and Grace is just as intrigued with him. Tommy is fighting his attraction to Grace and Grace does not want to end up in another relationship in which she is the only one in the relationship.
After the one night together Tommy can't get Grace off of his mind, although he does not call her. Trouble is brewing for this couple in the form of Tommy's ex-ShoShawna, who really doesn't want Tommy back, she just doesn't want to see him happy with someone else. Will Grace and Tommy last as the storm of ShoShawna approaches?
After the one night together Tommy can't get Grace off of his mind, although he does not call her. Trouble is brewing for this couple in the form of Tommy's ex-ShoShawna, who really doesn't want Tommy back, she just doesn't want to see him happy with someone else. Will Grace and Tommy last as the storm of ShoShawna approaches?
February 28, 2013
I wasn't sure if this book could live up to Reno and Trina's romance, but it did. I couldn't put this book down. I've loved Tommy since he was introduced in earlier books and wished him a HEA and he finally got it. Grace was sweet, feisty and Intelligent. She guarded her heart up until the end but Tommy proved to her he wouldn't let anyone come between them. It was also nice to read a story where the hero wants a wife and a family from the start. Hopefully we see more of this couple in future books. The only con I have for this book and the whole series for that matter, is the dire need for editing. This book would have been 5 stars if not for that. Ms. Monroe can tell the hell out of a story, but her spell check and grammar check sucks!
February 25, 2013
OMG! this was my first time reading this series and of course I am reading it out of order. I must first say thanks for making this book easy to read even if it is a series. It didn't have me lost like who is this or make me feel like I should read the series in order. So, thank you for that. Next, I have to say there were a lot of characters in this book but I was able to keep up. I mean Tommy sounded Yummy and I was so glad that Grace wasn't all stuck on herself and she was able to accept him for who he was in the end. She listened to him! She was the best heroine that I have read about so far this year. I will definitely read another book by her.
February 10, 2013
I was really waiting on Tommys story and I was wondering what the author do with his and Shanks relationship and I was not disappointed. I liked the character Grace I think her and Tommy are a good match and I cant wait to read more about their relationship. Tommy and Grace are a passionate couple who have something special but this book seems like the beginning of their relationship and I want to read more.
February 19, 2013
I was so happy Tommy got a story, I was all for him and Shawnie. Till I really hard they back story, I was hoping they could move on and stay friends. I enjoyed Grace and Tommy's love affair came together, but Shanks crazy ass just couldn't let go. So somebody had to go, can't wait to see what will happen next. Sal need to get him some chocolate too, and stop acting brand new lol.
August 18, 2013
3.5 Stars!!
I really liked this story. It had a touch of mob business and the characters were relatable. The only thing that kept me from giving this story a 4 rating was all of the grammatical errors and the use of ebonics. I was too busy making corrections in my head to truly enjoy the story. Having to do that just took away from my reading experience.
I really liked this story. It had a touch of mob business and the characters were relatable. The only thing that kept me from giving this story a 4 rating was all of the grammatical errors and the use of ebonics. I was too busy making corrections in my head to truly enjoy the story. Having to do that just took away from my reading experience.
November 14, 2014
I love that Tommy has found LOVE through Grace
Great story of love betrayal and a strong desire to move on from the past. I can't wait to move on to the next story. I love this story as it was mixed with drama , heat, passion and always a twist. Keep them coming Mallory Monroe! I'm onto book 2.
Great story of love betrayal and a strong desire to move on from the past. I can't wait to move on to the next story. I love this story as it was mixed with drama , heat, passion and always a twist. Keep them coming Mallory Monroe! I'm onto book 2.
January 1, 2016
Loved this book. I love the romance between Tommy and Grace. Also love that Tommy doesn't play games. He see someone he's interest in and goes after her. Hated Shankes of course. Lol I found it sexy how Tommy and Reno defends their women. Great read. Can't wait to finish book 2 and I'm looking forward to go reading Reno and Trina's story. I'm interested in their story.
October 28, 2013
I think I liked Reno and Trina's more. But still, the author brought the best to keep me reading this until the very last page. Though Reno is scarier than Tommy, I guess my bad boy alert worked out well than Tommy, so yeah, I picked Reno over Tommy.
January 14, 2014
Unexpected surprise with book. A bit more what I pay for indie authors but the story was entertaining! I don't know if I'm mature enough to be loved like that. The ending blew me away no pun intended.
January 10, 2016
Love the Gabrini Men
Once again I've enjoyed a book in the Gabrini/Sinatra saga. It's still enjoyable all the cross characters. I find myself enjoying all the connections as the stories move forward. Not sure what will happen between these two but looking forward to finding out!
Once again I've enjoyed a book in the Gabrini/Sinatra saga. It's still enjoyable all the cross characters. I find myself enjoying all the connections as the stories move forward. Not sure what will happen between these two but looking forward to finding out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews