Forced Vows

Syndicate Rules #5

by Lucy Monroe

RÓISE
The last thing I want is to marry into the mafia, but I'll do anything to protect my vulnerable younger cousin. My one choice left is who I give my body to for the first time. Fate plays a cruel trick when my club hookup turns out the be the underboss I'm supposed to marry.

MICELI
I will do anything for la famiglia, including marrying the niece of the Irish mob boss. Even after the most intensely passionate encounter of my life. I'll never forget the beautiful woman who gave me her virginity in a one-night stand, but when I meet her two months later, she's introduced as my future wife. I should be relieved. I'm not. I'm furious. How dare she risk her safety and offer what should have been mine to a stranger?

This is a stand alone mafia romance with a guaranteed HEA. No cliffhangers. No Cheating. explicit intimacy, graphic violence, foul language, parental death (in the past).

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Contemporary

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2024

About the author

I write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.

Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...

I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

Hmmm, I guess this was okay. It was way too long; it could've been a few pages shorter, imo. 🤷‍♀️

They met two months ago because Róise (20/21) was hellbent on losing her V-card to someone else. She agreed to the marriage arrangement, but she didn't want her first time to be with her arranged husband. She went 3000 miles away just to pull that stunt. But call it fate or destiny whatsoever, Micelo (33) was also there in that same place doing some mafia business. They met at a bar, and he was supposed to sleep with someone else; he already had the OW by his side. But when he saw Roise, he got intrigued, dumped the OW, and invited her to his hotel room instead. 🥴

Idk why this premise was introduced at all, because she still ended up giving her V-card to her betrothed. This would've been a little bit better if she had really lost it to someone else. At least that way, I could really buy the notion that she gave it to someone of her own choosing. Don't get me wrong, she did choose Micelo that time because she was unaware of who he was (same case with him). But it would've been better to see some OM that she chose and gave her innocence to. After all, MANY women had Micelo's body, so why couldn't Roise have at least another one beside him? She's tied to his annoying ass for life anyway. 🙄😒

Róise. She may be bratty, combative, and reckless, led by her hormones (in the second half), but her feistiness, sassiness, and steel are so refreshing to read. She's 12 years younger than Micelo, but that didn't stop her from standing her ground and fighting her way to get what she wants. And, idk, probably the bar is so low that I had fun reading about a not so subservient woman in an organized crime romance. Because God forbid, authors mostly write dumb, horny, flat, and pathetic characters (at least those that I've had the unfortunate chance of reading). 🥴

As for Micelo, tbh, he could f*ck off for all I care. His overbearing, controlling, and bulldozing ways didn't make me swoon. In fact, he made me see red most of the time. I'm actually surprised I was able to finish this because, maaan, he was insufferable. It didn't even matter in the last quarter that he changed and softened around Roise, because the annoyance running in my veins was too much to be tamped down by his gestures. Other readers might be placated by his efforts, but I can definitely say that I'm not one of them.

Anyway, I only appreciated two things in this book, and that's Róise and the fact that this adds to my GR challenge. 🤷‍♀️ This didn't work for me, but I hope that's not the case for other readers.


Book info:
- Organized crime
- Violence
- Death of loved one (past)
- Age gap (12)
- V fmc, Manwh*re mmc 🙄🤮
- No cheating, OPD, separation
- Both celibate after ONS
- Arranged marriage (they're engaged all throughout the book, got married in the epilogue)
- HEA (??? I mean, they're married so I guess... 🤷‍♀️)

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I dreaded this one. After the tease scene from the previous book in this series, I knew I wouldn't like the heroine, and I was right. She was too childish, selfish, and so damn annoying. She became likeable toward the end of the book, so it didn't ruin the whole book, so that was something. I liked the hero and the story, even it a little dragging, so overall ok read for me.

[Arianna Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better with each new book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Syndicate Rules Series is hands-down, one of my most favorite mafia series, because author, Lucy Monroe, manages to infuse each story with something unique and beautiful. Here, Roise is understandably infuriated about being wedged into an arranged marriage with a high-ranking member of the Italian mafia. Since she thinks that her parents were killed.by the Cosa Nostra, I think we can understand why this is the last thing she wants. Things are further complicated by the fact that on the one night she went out to choose who she wanted to give her first time to, it turned out to be her fiancé, Miceli. Is this fate? Probably. But as these two snark and battle with each other, you know there’s an insane physical connection that was started on that night that neither one can let go of. There’s drama and intrigue, family machinations, a nasty side plot with a group of religious fanatics and so much spectacular sm*t. This is a deeply satisfying novel, and provides a lot of fascinating insight into the world of the Cosa Nostra. I’m a bit in love with Miceli and I don’t care who knows it! 💕💕💕

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The female heroine is too whiny and childish. Kept rolling my eyes the whole time.
I like meceli de luca tho.

I only gave it three stars because I was able to get a glimpse of my faves from previous books.

[Jeen Patch · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG I couldn't connect with her at all.
I was so excited about Miceli's book, but why does his girl have to be so annoying. She was all the time telling him that she wasn't immature but she really was.
I really couldn't finish their story. I will just skip this book and continue with Angelo's.
Maybe later I will give it another chance.

[Khadija · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fmc should’ve been called Susan B Anthony or something (not complimentary)

[Kea · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORCED VOWS by Lucy Monroe, Syndicate Rules book 6

Woo! FORCED VOWS is another Lucy Monroe’s exciting Mafia romance! Book Six is an incredible mixture of Irish and Italian—delicious! The sizzling chemistry between Miceli and Rόise will curl your toes. There is banter, drama, and danger in the mix. Super fun read! It is incredibly well written.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to go through an unwanted, arranged marriage, in this day and age, Forced Vows certainly gives us an intriguing look into one direction that things could take. Lucy Monroe leads her characters on an interesting and dangerous adventure of lust, anger, deceit, and ultimately understanding as they get to truly know one another and find love in the most unexpected of places. Róise never imagined that the one night she spent in the arms of her dream lover would come back to haunt her when she meets the man she is going to be forced to marry, but as long as everyone holds true to their promises, she thinks she can escape the marriage with her heart intact. Miceli is determined to show the little minx that has infected his mind and body that she is his, forever, but in order to do so, he first has to survive long enough to get her to the alter, and keep her in his arms as well. With enemies at every turn attempting to tear them apart, misunderstandings causing passionate fights that could break them, and so many differences, it truly will be a miracle if their agreement is ever fulfilled into a true relationship—but never underestimate the power of passion and love. The heat between these two is hot enough to burn through a rainforest and leave nothing in it’s path and burns hot from the first moment they are together until the last page. I was a little disappointed that the book ended before the actual wedding ceremony (c’est le vie), but did enjoy that the timeline seemed to have overlapped quite a bit with the last book (Brutal Capo), so maybe the next story will do the same and the wedding will happen in that one. Whatever comes next (Helios? Hint hint, nudge nudge) I know I will be the first one signing up to read and review because I am dying to find out what is coming now that so much has changed in the world of these folks, and I wouldn’t turn down whatever I get. Lucy Monroe has definitely changed my mind about these sexy Mafia men and I will be reading many more of them in the future, because honestly the power and sexual intensity is right up there with bikers and I am learning so much. Another great read with all the passion, love, and magic I always expect from Lucy.

For full review see the blog @ https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Róise is the only daughter of the deceased former heir to the Irish Shauhnessy Mob. She becomes “Aphrodite” for a one-night stand, nearly three thousand miles from her home. She was determined to lose her virginity to a stranger. And she did. It was her choice because she would rather offer herself to a man she does not know and will never see again rather than to a mafia husband she is being forced to marry. Fate can be very capricious.

Miceli adopts the persona of Ares when his one-night stand partner nicknames him that. Ironically Ares is practically his middle name anyway in real life since he is a war god. He is a man dedicated to both his De Luca birth family and the New York Genovese Mafia family, being underboss to his don brother Severu. So when Miceli meets Róise at the blood signing of the marriage contract it was disconcerting and it made him mad to learn that the innocent who gave up her virginity to a stranger is none other than his one-night stand. His gorgeous, sexually innocent, one-night stand woman it was impossible for him to forget. Who is now his fiancée. Guaranteed by blood.

This is such an exciting book. The chemistry between Miceli and Róise is intense, hot, dramatic and very sweet. Every page keeps you invested, anxious to find out what will happen next. It’s impossible to put down. It’s difficult to go to sleep before you finish it. Truly I cannot praise this book or the author enough. She, Lucy Monroe, has matured her writing to such a degree that I can’t see how she can improve on it in the future. Lucy, please, just keep writing. You have such a gift.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced Vows is book 6 of Syndicate Rules, this is the story of Rosie and Miceli. Rosie, the last thing she wants is to marry into the mafia, but she'll do anything to protect her vulnerable younger cousin. Her one choice left is who she gives her body to for the first time. Fate plays a cruel trick when her club hookup turns out to be the underboss that she's supposed to marry. Miceli, he'll do anything for la famiglia, including marrying the niece of the Irish Mob Boss. Even after the most intensely passionate encounter of his life. He'll never forget the beautiful woman who gave him her virginity in a one-night stand, but when he meets her two months later, she's introduced as his future wife. He should be relieved, but he's not in fact he's furious. He thinks this, how dare she risk her safety and off what should have been mine to a stranger? This is a deeply satisfying novel and provides a lot of fascinating insight into the world of the Cosa Nostra. Rosie is well-written, she was passionate, idealistic, and somewhat naive, while also determined, head-strong, and confident. On the other hand, Miceli had the wisdom (and the passion), but needed the challenge, the idealism, the youthful perspective, and the special touch only Rosie could give him. I loved how we were truly taken on a journey of their love story and how their relationship evolved and how they evolved as people. It was a captivating and beautiful story. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Lucy Monroe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Syndicate Rules series each can be read as a standalone hang on and you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way! Roise is sweet with a touch of spice she doesn’t just take she does have fight in her, she is tired of not having control born into the mafia being forced to marry someone that she didn’t choose but to protect her cousin she will agree to an arranged marriage but making a decision to give a part of herself to who she chooses and so she heads out nearly to another town to find a partner to help her achieve her goal. Miceli sexy as all get out part of the mafia has always known he would marry but wasn’t prepared to hear he had to marry the niece of the Irish mob boss he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, but he wasn’t prepared to meet the very women who turned his world upside down in just one night and yes she fights him every step of the way considering he is controlling a tab bit overbearing. Yet, the magnetic pull between these two can’t be ignored and the more she fights the stronger the pull but where are they headed, will they agree they are stronger together than apart, will they come to a common ground where he isn’t always trying to maintain control or she is always fighting against the control, and can happiness be found in something that was arranged not chosen?

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) Miceli and Roise, his arranged bride hellion, get a happily ever after

Miceli was my favorite side character from Books 1 and 2, so I was eagerly awaiting his book. He got it here, in Book 6 of the series, and while it was better than Book 5, it definitely suffered from repetition, excessive length, and the associated saggy middle. I had to spur myself on and felt like it took me an eternity to finish it. The initial connection between Miceli and Roise, when they didn't know who they were, was very hot. Then the whole arranged marriage business and Rosie's defiance at every turn went on for a long time and got repetitive. Once they moved in together after the engagement, the story picked up again, with AOG's threat to Roise and Severu's bid for Godfather. The sex scenes were pretty hot (including a little knife play and backdoor action) and the emotional connection between the leads was strong. Overall, this read is between 3 and 4 for me, the very slow middle and repetition pushing it toward 3, while the good chemistry between the leads, fun mafia politics, great side characters, and a surprising (for a mafia romance) emphasis on the arts push it closer to 4.

(As an aside, I felt sad for Mick and Kara, who are secondary characters. They were arranged-married in the Irish mob and have a kid together. They secretly yearn for each other, but have apparently never revealed their feelings to each other. I hope they get a novella or a short story where they get their HEA.)

[mk meow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
5🌶️

This one, the editing errors just got to me. It was a decent story, FMC really stood up for herself. MMC learned to check himself and they had a hot physical relationship. All the side stuff about her crazy grandfather and his religious cult and (spoiler) her dad's murder was kinda a bit too far. The book could have been way shorter (editing, again).

FMC, Roise, agrees to a blood dynastic marriage so her uncle won't promise his younger daughter (agoraphobic and gay, maybe bisexual - not fully disclosed).

She doesn't know who the groom is, but on a trip for college drugs her guards and goes to a club (makeup and wig) to hook up and lose her v. She wants control, because her marriage to unknown guy is looming.

Club is the Greek club in Portland. MMC is there, stopped by after leaving Columbia (previous book) to confirm a deal w the Greeks. F & M hook up.

Months later, ta-da! that guy is her fiance. He hears her voice and confirms her identity w her tattoo on her arm.

Back and forth - she's in her last year of college. Wants to complete, wants to wait to have the contractual kid. Etc.

Her cult leader grandfather tries to steal her, she's rescued. They are in love.

He paints - his dad did too. It was a secret.
She's getting a BFA. Her parents gave her the funds before they died.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Irish x Italian mafia arranged marriage romances, because normally there is a good amount of tension and back and forth/cultural differences between the main characters.

Róise, a Shaughnessy mob princess, is trying to live a normal life as much as she can. Micelli is a Capo of the Cosa Nostra, trying to broker a peace treaty, and part of that includes marrying with the Shaughnessy mob. When her and Micelli come together, sparks fly.

I really thought this book had a good combination of tension and back and forth, but also I liked how the FMC tried to cling to a normal life, but was able to integrate into the life she had.

I knocked off a star due to: 1) awkwardness of italian in this book 2) I was a little annoyed on build up to a wedding and didn't get to see it in the book.

Thanks to the author and booksprout for the ARC!

Tropes:

- Forced Proximity
- Arranged marriage
- No cheating, opd, third act breakup
- Mafia romance
- OTT jealous, possessive, and obsessed MMC
- Steaaaaaaamy
- HEA


Trigger Warning:
-Kidnapping/Abuse
- Violence (Torture, Gore death)
- Death of a loved one (off and on page)

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Syndicate Rules series keeps getting better!
Róise is the perfect female protagonist who is a people pleaser to boot. She still holds out for what she wants to complete in life before her arranged marriage to help the family, but more to protect her cousin. When she decides to take something for herself, she sets out in disguise for a one night stand. Miceli is pleased with eliminating a threat against the family, so stops at a bar to unwind when he discovers the perfect woman! To say their one night stand is everything it can be, wouldn’t be a misnomer. Fast forward to the signing of the wedding contract and who is more surprised is a tough one. Róise gives Miceli all she’s got to keep him on the defensive, yet she still helps Miceli to achieve his father’s goal to build the waterfront project that has been stuck in the local zoning board. When Róise’s mother’s family objects to the wedding contract, things get real for Miceli to protect his future bride. I love the element that Miceli’s birthday gift to Róise adds to the story, and I fell in love more with Miceli and Róise as I turned each page. Truly a suspenseful, steamy read!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced Vows is Book 6 of Syndicate Rules. Miceli De Luca (33) is the Genovese Underboss and is to be in an arranged marriage to Roise Shaughnessy (20). Her Uncle Brogan is head of the Irish Mob. This marriage is to build an alliance between these two families.
Roise went to a acting seminar and while there she went clubbing. Her friend had changed Roise's looks, so she wouldn't be recognized. Miceli happened to be at this same club. Roise wanted make her own choice of who she would be with for the first time. The day of the meeting between families is when Miceli and Roise are very surprised to see each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annetta Sweetko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riosa Shauhnessy and Miceli De Luca are strong-willed people. She is Irish and protective of her cousins and other women in the family. He is all Cosa Nostra and right hand to his brother. They are marrying to bind an alliance.

I was a bit disappointed in Miceli as he saw his brother and sister enjoying being married – even though those were arranged. He isn’t going to fall for that and be distracted from his duties. She has plans for her life and some Italian who couldn’t care less was not going to be part of it.

As you can guess – stuff happens – and it will either bring them together or tear them further apart. Have no fear author Lucy Monroe will do her magic and bring these to together. To give Miceli credit (or should I say Ms. Monroe credit) he did come around and does a number of things for Riosa that proves she matters.

Great escape read, perfect amount of heat and romance, funny and sweet family moments and, of course, a bit of the dark side of the mafia world rears its head. I can’t wait for the next of this series.

[Joan Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced Vows is part of Lucy Munroe’s Mafia inspired Syndicate Rules series. Set in New York, Roise has agreed to marry Miceli to protect her young cousin and ensure she doesn’t have to. Prior to meeting her husband to be Roise goes out of town for the weekend and loses her virginity to a stranger - who turns out to be Miceli! Roise is determined to finish her education to become an actress even though as a mafia princess she will never be one. She butts heads with Miceli at every turn and this turns into a very spicy novel where it is the man who changes the most in order to ensure they get their HEA.
I enjoyed this novel the most out of the whole series. The characters are determined individuals, the book is well planned out, brings in characters from other books with cameo roles (although the book can be read as a standalone novel) and is well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Roise's snark and sarcasm (both in her head and out loud) and how she does her best to achieve for herself and her cousins in a world where women are treated like possessions and their wants and needs are not important. I really enjoyed how Miceli was convinced he would never love / have the same intense feelings for Roise that his brother has for his wife, and then seeing that play out through the storyline. There is intense chemistry and excellent spice between Roise and Miceli.

There are twists and turns, danger, secrets, great side characters and a willingness to do anything for family, which is everything for these characters.

This was quite a substantial length of book at 560 pages. It is intertwined with other books in the series in terms of featured characters and a bit of a cross over of timelines and matters which occurred, however it could still be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MommaBerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic characters and great story!

As much as I love mafia romance, I sometimes tire of the forced marriage/arranged marriage trope. This book really brought a fresh and satisfying approach to the trope. Ròise was so well-written! She was passionate, idealistic, and somewhat naive, while also determined, head-strong and confident. She could have come across as annoying, but instead she was exactly as she should have been - a 20 year old young woman who hasn’t lived long enough to benefit from wisdom and experience. In the other hand, Miceli had the wisdom (and the passion 😜), but needed the challenge, the idealism, the youthful perspective, and the special touch only Ròise could give him. I loved how we were truly taken on a journey of their love story and how their relationship evolved and how they evolved as people. It was a captivating and beautiful story.

[Tina Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite so far in this series! Urgent Vows has always been my favorite but I think Forced Vows has moved into its place. I love Miceli and Rosie’s characters. They are very well developed and I feel like I really got to know them. This couple is on fire even when they don’t want to be. This couple comes together in an arranged marriage with some mafia business and suspense thrown in. Even though the marriage is arranged, Roise fights for what she wants. I felt the story came together perfectly and the plot fit the character’s personality. This book is sort of written parallel to Brutal Capo so I went back and reread that one too! If I could rate with 10 ⭐️, I would!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmelita Clardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome ending

This is the 6th and final book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. The plot and characters are very well written and developed. Past characters are nicely woven through the story. The h meets the H in Portland, she is forced into marriage with a rival mafia family to form an alliance. She wants one night of freedom and to give her virginity to a stranger. Guess what, she sleeps with her intended fiancé not knowing who he was. He is shocked to see her. They are very attracted to each other and bicker a lot. He possessive, arrogant ruthless. She is stubborn, feisty and naive at times. They grow to love each other and it is so beautiful. Good page turner. Great ending.

[Lee-anna Dunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking brilliant series.

It's 4 am and I just finished this amazing book .
I have devoured this series and I plan on buying the paperbacks.

Every book in this series has had me glued to the edge of my seat and my heart in my throat. The writing is spectacular , the storylines have been so good and keep you wanting more.

The character development is beyond par and you find yourself rooting for the over the top bossy alpha men because deep down in the real world we wish we had someone who would love us and protect us from harm as fiercely and without care of what other people think .
I highly recommend this series if you love a Mafia story , you will not be disappointed

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I love this author because she writes great characters. The FMC is strong and independent without being abrasive or obnoxious. She knows how to stand up for herself with the issues that matter and to compromise when needed. She communicates rationally and has a strong sense of self worth. The MMC is an alpha without being an alpha-hole. He is protective and strong but still understands issues like consent and respect. He reasons and compromises with FMC without being overbearing. Even when he’s resisting his feelings for her, he still demonstrates his attachment and respect for her as a separate, intelligent person. I really fall in love with her characters who always strike the right chord and balance between likeable and sexy.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Hot,so beautiful!

This story was so good and very hard to put down! Miceli fought so hard to express his feelings for Roise but the closer he got he could feel his heart melting.Ro'ise didn't realize that the man she met in Portland was going to be her husband down the road until her uncle sprung on her the news and she fought all the way until she got her concessions met,she was very head strong. This story is very dark,intense with feelings that finally get express between Miceil and Ro'ise and their heart become one,you need too read this story,you won't be disappointed. Dark,intense, violent at times,love in spots,worth more then five stars!

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I was hooked from the start it had me captivated, I really enjoyed reading this book, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. I was laughing the when Ròise, decided to give her V-card to a stranger, after all she is the niece of the Irish Mob and soon will marry into the Cosa Nostra. Miceli, will do anything for la famiglia even marry she is fifteen years younger and her V-card has been broken they signed the contract after much deliberation they are now ready to sign in blood.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointed

I couldn’t finish it. Skimmed the last half just to move the story along.
It held my interest in the beginning and I really enjoyed the main characters.
However, there was so much introspection and silent thoughts between characters that it overwhelmed the story. It was hard to follow a simple conversation between them.
The story dragged on with a lot of chatter and from what I could glean from my skipping ahead, the wedding, honeymoon and rehearsal dinner were all crammed into the epilogue which was after 81 chapters.
It started out well, but just missed the mark big time.
Maybe a better editor could have helped this book along.

[Gloria McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!

I’ve been waiting so long for this book that I had written the author, added the publishing day to my calendar and worked out my schedule so I could have the whole day for reading. It did not disappoint! I want to read more from Lucy Monroe. Her books should be on the New York Times bestseller list seller list.
Who would ever think that beautiful stories could be written about those members of the Mafia? Me!

[AllisonY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roise and Miceli started off full speed and each thinking it was a brief escape to pleasure. I enjoyed their journey of making the best of their new situation, and taking the time to know each other in a sincere and meaningful ways (beyond the physical :). Roise shows her cleverness and strength in fighting for herself and a loved relative. Miceli reveals his vulnerable “secret” side to a woman who becomes his trusted life-partner. A good addition to Ms. Monroe’s Syndicate Rules series.

[Tones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4 star read. I’m a little sad because I had read the preview of their first meeting in Portland and it sounded awesome. But Roise totally acted her age, which was a bit irritating since she came off as immature and naive. She got better and more tolerable, but I didn’t get consumed by their relationship. It felt like telling more than showing. I think Miceli was better at the showing part, in fact.

All in all, good but not outstanding.