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Sal Gabrini #1
Romancing Sal Gabrini
Gemma Jones once thought Sal Gabrini could be a keeper. He was, in truth, the man of her dreams. But after she didn’t hear from him when he had promised to stay in touch, she wasn’t thinking about him either.
Even when she travels to his turf, to Seattle, to attend a stuffy lawyer’s convention, she’s bound and determined not to give Sal a second thought. The fact that she had refused his sexual advances probably had everything to do with why he didn’t follow up with her, and she understands that. But that understanding only makes her all the more determined to keep him at arm’s length. She might have been known for her slamming body, but that didn’t mean she wants the man of her dreams to only want her for that body.
But the convention turns out to be so boring that Trina, her friend and business partner, encourages her to give the man a call. If nothing else he can show her the town and ramp down the boredom, her friend insists. So against her better judgment, Gemma phones him. When he doesn’t return her voice mail message later that night, she wants to kick herself for even bothering.
Hunky businessman Sal Gabrini arrives back in town after a trip to Jersey. When he sees where the gorgeously exotic Gemma Jones has left him a message, he realizes how much he actually misses her. He shows up at her hotel, catching her off guard, and that one proactive move takes the pair of would-be lovers on the most tumultuous, yet sexually and emotionally gratifying rollercoaster ride of their lives.
Sal has to decide if he is willing to risk it all for the love of a good woman, and Gemma has to decide if a player like Sal Gabrini can ever truly change and become the man she will need him to be. Their tempers flare, their personalities clash, but their love for each other becomes the cornerstone that could actually make their relationship work.
In the first book by bestselling author Mallory Monroe that focuses on Tommy’s younger brother Sal, ROMANCING SAL GABRINI is an interracial romance that takes the readers on a compelling journey of love, sex, and tears.
Even when she travels to his turf, to Seattle, to attend a stuffy lawyer’s convention, she’s bound and determined not to give Sal a second thought. The fact that she had refused his sexual advances probably had everything to do with why he didn’t follow up with her, and she understands that. But that understanding only makes her all the more determined to keep him at arm’s length. She might have been known for her slamming body, but that didn’t mean she wants the man of her dreams to only want her for that body.
But the convention turns out to be so boring that Trina, her friend and business partner, encourages her to give the man a call. If nothing else he can show her the town and ramp down the boredom, her friend insists. So against her better judgment, Gemma phones him. When he doesn’t return her voice mail message later that night, she wants to kick herself for even bothering.
Hunky businessman Sal Gabrini arrives back in town after a trip to Jersey. When he sees where the gorgeously exotic Gemma Jones has left him a message, he realizes how much he actually misses her. He shows up at her hotel, catching her off guard, and that one proactive move takes the pair of would-be lovers on the most tumultuous, yet sexually and emotionally gratifying rollercoaster ride of their lives.
Sal has to decide if he is willing to risk it all for the love of a good woman, and Gemma has to decide if a player like Sal Gabrini can ever truly change and become the man she will need him to be. Their tempers flare, their personalities clash, but their love for each other becomes the cornerstone that could actually make their relationship work.
In the first book by bestselling author Mallory Monroe that focuses on Tommy’s younger brother Sal, ROMANCING SAL GABRINI is an interracial romance that takes the readers on a compelling journey of love, sex, and tears.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2013
25 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Monroe
167 books332 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 10, 2013
4.5 Stars
gr8 read!! Sal was always a bit rough around the edges, but I really got to know and love him in this book. I was really surprised at what a strong connection he had with Gemma. Yes I knew it was coming, but didn't think it would be as powerful as it was. These two were explosive together. I think Sal may take the award as the Gabrini that puts it down the best. I don't know if I'll ever get sick of this series because I still want much more.
Note to the author: please get some better covers. The stories you write are so good, but some may overlook your books because the covers are terrible. I overlooked them for a long time, but a friend convinced me to read them and I am happy that I did. I'd definitely prefer a gr8 read with a so so cover, but first impressions are everything.
gr8 read!! Sal was always a bit rough around the edges, but I really got to know and love him in this book. I was really surprised at what a strong connection he had with Gemma. Yes I knew it was coming, but didn't think it would be as powerful as it was. These two were explosive together. I think Sal may take the award as the Gabrini that puts it down the best. I don't know if I'll ever get sick of this series because I still want much more.
Note to the author: please get some better covers. The stories you write are so good, but some may overlook your books because the covers are terrible. I overlooked them for a long time, but a friend convinced me to read them and I am happy that I did. I'd definitely prefer a gr8 read with a so so cover, but first impressions are everything.
March 15, 2014
“What do you want, Sal?” she asked him. And she asked it, not with any accusatory tone, but
with concern in her voice. What was it that he really wanted? She had to hear him say it.
“You,” Sal said without any prompting. “I came to Vegas because I’ve learned something very
profound about myself.”
This was what Gemma wanted to hear. He was bringing it home. “What did you learn?” she
asked him.“I learned that I can’t make it by myself. I don’t want to make it by myself. I need you by my
side, Gemma. To be my partner. To sometimes be my guide. I’ll take care of you, and I’ll protect
you. There’s no motherfucker out there that can take care of you better, or protect you better
than I will. I’ll be the boss of our family and you’ll get used to that. You’ll realize that I’m no
canary running my mouth, but that my actions will show just how much I’ve got your back. But
when it comes to this love thing, to this relationship thing, to this commitment thing, I can’t lie. I
don’t know shit about it,” he said
with concern in her voice. What was it that he really wanted? She had to hear him say it.
“You,” Sal said without any prompting. “I came to Vegas because I’ve learned something very
profound about myself.”
This was what Gemma wanted to hear. He was bringing it home. “What did you learn?” she
asked him.“I learned that I can’t make it by myself. I don’t want to make it by myself. I need you by my
side, Gemma. To be my partner. To sometimes be my guide. I’ll take care of you, and I’ll protect
you. There’s no motherfucker out there that can take care of you better, or protect you better
than I will. I’ll be the boss of our family and you’ll get used to that. You’ll realize that I’m no
canary running my mouth, but that my actions will show just how much I’ve got your back. But
when it comes to this love thing, to this relationship thing, to this commitment thing, I can’t lie. I
don’t know shit about it,” he said
August 17, 2013
Sal Luca stopped fighting it, and got him some of that sweet brown sugar. Lol I knew only a sistah could give him a run for his money, and the way he gave his brother and cousin a hard time about them dating and marrying black woman. He wanted some too, now we all knew that Sal was and asshole and that Gabrini family had way to many issues. But I thought Tommy and Sal dad had a little sense, but no he was f'ed up too and need a seat quick. Gemma Jones is a firecracker and will hand Sal Luca his ass if it need to be, but she knows when to let a man be just that too. I love this authors work and she keeps me wanting more. Can't wait to see what will happen next.
August 11, 2013
Sal Luca Gabrini. This man right here was a total enigma. Initially we think he is a racist who is probably, looks wise, the dud of the Gabrini clan. He was mysterious about his business dealings and pretty much appeared to be a loner with regard to his brother Tommy and cousin Reno. Boy oh boy was I wrong. Sal was a strong character who knew who he was and made no apologies for those he offended. His relationship with Gemma was filled with brutal honesty and it was refreshing to see them tell one another how it was and they were okay with it. I didn't know what to expect from this story. I was pleasantly surprised and am more eager to read his and Gemma's story than I am anything to do with Tommy and Grace. This book exceeded expectations and was blazing hot on the intimacy. I highly recommend this to anyone who has read the entire Mob Boss series. I also recommend it as an introduction to anyone who hasn't read the series and is looking for a good place to start sans confusion.
May 15, 2015
Great read I thought I wasn't going to like Sal or that he should've even had a book for himself seeing how dull and pigheaded he was in the previous ones. I couldn't put it down though and Gemma was just right for his brand of crazy. I think she should've really put him to task though after he pulled off on her and after the two months of nothing. The ending was perfect but again I think she should've made him work for it seeing he seems to be on edge all the time. Something about him interacting with Kate was disarming, he went too far and Gemma should've spoken up on that as well. Good read with this one.
February 13, 2017
Well what can i say i had this book sitting on my kindle for a couple of years at first I thought that i wouldn't like sal gabrini since he is always presenting him self to be so rude and arrogant so once i finally read the book it feels like i have finally gotten to know Sal gabrini a whole lot better. At first he just seems like that he was just known has Tommy brother and always been in his shadows but once I got to know him i just realize that he is his own person and he is more than tommy brother. So now after finally getting to know Sal it he seems like he is was just a tuff person that you I never thought that he would be a kind person but that was until Gemma Jones came into his life.But to me honestly that is the kind of women that Sal needs in his life somebody that wasn't going to put up with his mess nor his non sense he needed somebody that strong and that could be able to handle him he doesn't need a grace type that is more for Tommy since he is the Romantic type guy but speaking of Tommy i know see why him and grace had gotten a divorce in a first place because before they had gotten married they were having a lot of issued that wasn't solved in the first place i think that is where they honestly went wrong. But as for Sal i am glad that he had those deep conversation with Gemma about racism because most people thought that he was just races or a jerk but this book i can honestly say is where you got to know who is Sal Gabrini.
Read
October 10, 2014Love me some Gabrinis
l knew I absolutely adored Reno then along came the brothers Tommy and bad bad tough guy Sal..Sal and Gemma..what a great pair..each story I would love to see adapted into a movie..they are that good. I have purchased the whole series o far and please please continue with this great family..I thoroughly recommend this series. You simply can't put them down..Each story draws you in deepened deeper. but what a enjoying exciting pull. My request to Mallory, please don't stop I want to hear more and more about Sal and Gemma..Tommy and Grace and of course Reno and Trina..thank so much for this wonderful read..I must admit at first I thought it was a little pricey for each one 5.99 but for me it was worth every penny. that being said I do wish you would combine sets for some who may not be able to afford each book due to their being so being so many..
l knew I absolutely adored Reno then along came the brothers Tommy and bad bad tough guy Sal..Sal and Gemma..what a great pair..each story I would love to see adapted into a movie..they are that good. I have purchased the whole series o far and please please continue with this great family..I thoroughly recommend this series. You simply can't put them down..Each story draws you in deepened deeper. but what a enjoying exciting pull. My request to Mallory, please don't stop I want to hear more and more about Sal and Gemma..Tommy and Grace and of course Reno and Trina..thank so much for this wonderful read..I must admit at first I thought it was a little pricey for each one 5.99 but for me it was worth every penny. that being said I do wish you would combine sets for some who may not be able to afford each book due to their being so being so many..
August 10, 2013
Loved it.....GREAT read !!!!! Sal really did a 180..... The chemistry between him and Gemma was so strong that you hated to see the story come to an end....can't wait to read more on the whole Gabrini family cause I know there's so much more to come.....so PLEASE keep them coming......
July 5, 2015
This is book two in the Gabrini Series and its Gemma and Sal's story.
I am loving Sal and Gemma they are a mature couple, they are getting to know each other. I am enjoying the brutal honesty of their relationship.
I am loving Sal and Gemma they are a mature couple, they are getting to know each other. I am enjoying the brutal honesty of their relationship.
January 12, 2016
Alright
The situations and dialogue in this book was too repetitive. Neither Sal or Gem were likable and both were extremely arrogant. Tommy and Grace definitely make the better couplem
The situations and dialogue in this book was too repetitive. Neither Sal or Gem were likable and both were extremely arrogant. Tommy and Grace definitely make the better couplem
March 25, 2020
REVIEW
From the moment I began reading the Mob Boss Series, Sal & Gemma have been my favorite. It was something about Sal that draws him to you. He has always been looked and the screw up, bad boy and anything negative, but as you are reading his story, you see that Sal is a good guy who got a bad rap. Now he has done things in his past that he is not proud of and frankly that happen when he was younger. Gemma Jones is an attorney who has had some bad luck on her side when it comes to winning case, and you had to wonder what in the world was going on where she could win a case.
But as always thing begin to look up for Sal & Gemma because the attraction these two have for each other is something else, it was there prior to them meeting before her conference in Seattle. Sal knew Gemma was different from the other women he dated for one she was Black, but she was an intelligent, independent woman. The journey to finding love wasn’t easy, because they both had never been in a relationship like there, he wasn’t looking for long term and Gemma wasn’t looking for short term but what the both found out that they have a LOVE that will stand the test of time and its scared both of them, but they are determine to make it work.
Smooches
LL Brown
From the moment I began reading the Mob Boss Series, Sal & Gemma have been my favorite. It was something about Sal that draws him to you. He has always been looked and the screw up, bad boy and anything negative, but as you are reading his story, you see that Sal is a good guy who got a bad rap. Now he has done things in his past that he is not proud of and frankly that happen when he was younger. Gemma Jones is an attorney who has had some bad luck on her side when it comes to winning case, and you had to wonder what in the world was going on where she could win a case.
But as always thing begin to look up for Sal & Gemma because the attraction these two have for each other is something else, it was there prior to them meeting before her conference in Seattle. Sal knew Gemma was different from the other women he dated for one she was Black, but she was an intelligent, independent woman. The journey to finding love wasn’t easy, because they both had never been in a relationship like there, he wasn’t looking for long term and Gemma wasn’t looking for short term but what the both found out that they have a LOVE that will stand the test of time and its scared both of them, but they are determine to make it work.
Smooches
LL Brown
August 4, 2023
Different and loved it!!
This is my first time reading a book like this, and I loved it. Sal and Gem!! I loved that although it is an interacial relationship, they dont do that colorblind bs. It seems real against real racial tension American backdrop without overkill. Just enough. And those sex and live scenes...be still my heart!!
This is my first time reading a book like this, and I loved it. Sal and Gem!! I loved that although it is an interacial relationship, they dont do that colorblind bs. It seems real against real racial tension American backdrop without overkill. Just enough. And those sex and live scenes...be still my heart!!
January 13, 2019
I don't know how she did it but Ms. Monroe managed to take a character I couldn't stand when first introduced and made him one of my favorites. The romance between Sal and Gemma is so genuine. That mixed in with the regular action and drama made for a really fun read.
June 1, 2022
🥹🥹🥹
I love Sal Luca!!! I hate his father and really hope he gets his in the end!!! But Sal is such a heartbreak kid!! One cannot help but pull for him to be the winner in all cases!!!
I love Sal Luca!!! I hate his father and really hope he gets his in the end!!! But Sal is such a heartbreak kid!! One cannot help but pull for him to be the winner in all cases!!!
May 10, 2019
Awesome! I now know about Sal's issues and why he is the way he has been! Mallory Monroe has done it again!
December 8, 2015
This book begins Sal Luca Gabrini's story. Sal, who most believe is a closet racist, is actually a man who preferred blondes until he crosses paths with Gemma Jones. Gemma Jones is a lawyer, good friend and business partner of Katrina Gabrini. When Sal approached Gemma for a one-night stand Gemma turned him down flat, she was not willing to give Sal her cookie for just one bite. Things take an interesting turn between these two when Gemma who is at a convention in Seattle and only after talking to Trinia decides to call Sal. Gemma is willing to commit to a relationship with Sal and he is willing to commit to a relationship with her, only on his terms: she remain on lock and he can sleep with whomever he wants. Will these two commit or has Sal screwed his own nail in their relationship before it has a chance to take off?
July 20, 2016
Enjoyed
Finally a book with a strong female lead. I was very happy that Gemma does not allow Sal to walk all over her. And I liked sal's brutal honesty. Was however bored to tears with the number of times the author described how attractive everyone was tho. I think once or twice is sufficient not every time they see each other. It made the book a bit boring. But I will still continue with this series because I like Gemma and Sal so much.
Finally a book with a strong female lead. I was very happy that Gemma does not allow Sal to walk all over her. And I liked sal's brutal honesty. Was however bored to tears with the number of times the author described how attractive everyone was tho. I think once or twice is sufficient not every time they see each other. It made the book a bit boring. But I will still continue with this series because I like Gemma and Sal so much.
August 10, 2013
Hot..Hot..Hot!!! This was a seriously sexy read- oozed tons chemistry between Gemma & Sal, can't wait to see what's next in the series. Also am curious of what is happening with Grace & Tommy's engagement.
December 15, 2015
Sal is off the chain!!
Loved the chemistry between Sal and Gemma. It was good book. I really enjoyed it. Think I will read the next book in this series. I'm a little late finding this series, but I'm glad I did.
Loved the chemistry between Sal and Gemma. It was good book. I really enjoyed it. Think I will read the next book in this series. I'm a little late finding this series, but I'm glad I did.
August 28, 2013
Okay, I really really liked this one. This by far is the best in the series thus far.
January 27, 2014
Oh the love! I do recommend!
March 12, 2014
Yum
I have enjoyed this entire series and Sal loves Gemma and I love reading about it. I can't wait for the next book.
I have enjoyed this entire series and Sal loves Gemma and I love reading about it. I can't wait for the next book.
July 19, 2014
Loved it. Very good book. Great "spin-off" series. Highly recommend.
May 10, 2015
Linda Christiani
Those gabrini men I just love the way they love ! I'm so glad to have started this series and will continue to read and recommend their story
Those gabrini men I just love the way they love ! I'm so glad to have started this series and will continue to read and recommend their story
February 2, 2016
Three words... I Loved it.! Can't wait to continue this life journey of Sal and Jemma
February 13, 2016
Love it
As always love the Gabrini/Sinatra clan. The story never gets old. Looking forward to the next book in the saga.
As always love the Gabrini/Sinatra clan. The story never gets old. Looking forward to the next book in the saga.
July 23, 2016
3.5 stars
September 24, 2016
Great
Love this author's work. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend go out and purchase
Love this author's work. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend go out and purchase
November 29, 2016
I am in Love. Sal is my new book boyfriend. Yes!!!! Sal is the man. He does not play. This book had me talking out loud. This is the fourth time reading this book. Still smiling.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews