Alessia I was born into one of the most powerful Mafia families on the East Coast. Unfortunately, being a girl meant my future was never my own. Our rivals are weakened, and now is the time to strengthen our numbers and form powerful alliances, meaning I’m being married off to the callous and brazen head of the Irish Mob. Every time he tries to charm me with that devilish smirk, I can’t decide if I want to kiss him or smack it off his gorgeous face. He assumes he’s getting a demure princess who was raised to defer to her husband at every turn. Oh, the fun I’ll have proving him wrong.
Finn There’s been a power shift in Boston, and the head of a rival family wants to strike a bargain to ensure the destruction of our mutual enemy. And he’s offered his daughter in marriage to seal the deal. No one prepared me for the stunning hellion with a razor-sharp tongue in that delectable mouth of hers. And I sure as hell never thought one brush of her soft lips would haunt my every waking moment. It’s no secret the cold Mafia princess would rather be anywhere other than at my side and likes to contradict me at every turn. Unfortunately for her, I’ve never met a challenge I didn’t face with relentless determination, and I’m not about to start now. But my wife has enemies of her own. When a dangerous man from her past slithers out of the shadows, I’ll prove just how ruthless I become when someone threatens what’s mine
Kate is a lover of all things books. It doesn’t matter what genre, as long as there’s a HEA, she’s in. She started reading romance in high school and would hide novels in textbooks to read during class. Becoming an author was always a dream she had and finally decided to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and write what she loves. She grew up in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan then became a West Coast girl where she lives with her amazing husband and hilarious son. She would love to hear from readers so check out all her socials and sign up for her newsletter so she can keep you up to date on her books and whatever other ramblings come to mind.
I have read the Black Roses MC series from this author so it wasn’t a first for me but it was a first reading a mafia book and I genuinely could not put this book down.
This was a great story, a great plot, well written, the characters were strong and addictive and I loved every page!
The MMC Finn is the head of the Irish Mafia, he feels guilt that his ‘lack of action’ caused issues for the MC he works with because of one of the rival Italian mafia families. (Can read the Black Roses MC series for more but it is explained in the book so not necessary). Finn’s plan to try and finally get some control back is to team up with one of the other Italian Mafia families and work together to take down the increasingly unstable enemies. The FMC Alessia is not a weeping willow women in the Mafia, she knows everyone expects her to be given the traditions and family she’s been born into but that’s their mistake to make. She knows an arranged marriage will strengthen her father’s business and tie the Italian and Irish families. Trouble is she likes her new husband as much as she wants to slap him and she can’t get him out from under her skin and enjoys pushing his buttons far too much.
This book was great, it was fire and ice, sass and respect, strength and vulnerability. Alessia had not had an easy past but that would not define her and she was more than happy to go toe to toe with Finn at every given opportunity. I loved the fight and push and pull of their relationship. The side characters were just as strong as the main characters which I think is important for getting you invested in the families and plot. The pace was fast but not so fast that anything felt rushed or missed and the spice was *chef’s kiss*
Great book. Loved it all, can’t wait to see what else comes next!
5⭐️3🌶️
This is a genuine and honest review of the book. I received an advanced copy of this arc to review #thenextsteppr
Holy smokes! I always love Mafia tropes and of course, Mafia world have some sort of similarities indeed but I gotta say, this one manages to keep my interest till the end in a very good way that the Mafia story doesn’t felt typical or repetitive.
I think that must have been due to Finn & Alessia love & life story - which taken up most of the plot. I love the banter, the plot growth, each characters, the humour and everything in between that filled in this story. I love such strong FMC (Alessia) which also can relate to most of her part as well, making me felt closer to her character and Finn (the MMC) as well. Their relationship growth / journey had made me happy, comforted, sometimes funny, also at edge at times, and overall, I felt glad that I’ve dived into their world and journey.
I love the other tropes presented in this book as well - the forced (even though can’t say it’s totally forced marriage since it’s more like a win-win deal between both parties), aside from the possessive MMC, violence, enemies to lovers, scary for others yet loving for the one MMC, and more. The writing is good, and always wanna make me to keep on reading till the end as I couldn’t get enough from chapter to chapter.
Since this is book 1, it does end with some kind of cliffhanger despite giving some kind of HEA as well (I guess I can say momentarily since yeah you’ll get what I meant after you read the book). Yet the ending doesn’t disappoint me, thanks for that brilliant plot planning I guess? It does make me looking forward to read the second book, while still calming me down with this part 1 from this book. So yeah don’t get turned off to read this book as the (kind of cliffhanger) ending will not disappoint you.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this whole book and totally get immersed into their world, and looking forward to read for more and get into another journey together with each and more characters! Thank you so much for the ARC, I’ll peel my eyes excitedly for the second book for sure! 😍
my first read from this Author and so enjoyed an amazing read. Finn is the head of his Irish family. And to become stronger he needs an alliance.so they can take the Cataldi family down. so, he makes an alliance with the Italian Amatto family. he will have to marry. Alessia she is not like all the other Mafia princesses. She is a very strong and clever woman. so, they marry. she starts to realize that Finn is not like the other men. The chemistry between them is so strong the Schenes and oh some of the bits so funny. will they make it so can't wait for book 2 a cliffhanger
This amazing read gets this new series off to an addicting start. I enjoyed every second of Alessia and Finn's romance. The burn may be slow burning between these two, but the tension and sparks will have you feeling the heat long before things actually combust. This consuming story had me hanging on every word with a complex and enticing blend of emotion, drama, intensity, twists, and action. I need to continue this series ASAP!!
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
This is the first book by this author I have read, and I am so pleased to have discovered a new author. The two romance subgenres I love are Mafia and MC. Finn is the first book in a new mafia series, The Boston Syndicate, and Ms Randall has an MC series I intend to explore, The Black Roses MC. 🙌 So happy!
Finn Monaghan and Alessia Amatto are the lead characters in this slow-burn romance. Being a marriage of convenience, it’s a real-life expectation that these two wouldn’t immediately fall into each other’s arms. I truly like that aspect, and as they become familiar with each other, so do we. Both are capable, determined people with connections to criminal organisations: Finn—the Irish Mob- and Alessia—the Mafia. I like them both! I think they make an ideal partnership in business and life.
There’s an underlying problem with another mob family that disrupts not only Finn and Alessia’s families. Bit by bit, more is exposed about it until the action really heats up, making it extremely exciting. Alongside this issue is a personal one for Alessia, well, one from years ago. It raises an interesting question about what people think others should do when, in reality, it’s not that black and white. I won’t spoil it by explaining, but I will say it’s very thought-provoking, and the whole topic is handled well in the story.
I’m already looking forward to reading Luca’s story next!
It’s an unholy union born in hell when the head of the Boston Irish mob, Finn Monaghan enters a marriage of convenience with Italian mafia princess Alessia Amatto joining their two families in readiness for the upcoming war with a rival gang. But if Finn was expecting a docile bride, that’s the last thing he got with the fiery Alessia in Finn, the first book in the Boston Syndicate series.
The overall story was well written, and the plot had just the right balance of romance and suspense with plenty of action on both fronts. As a couple Finn and Alessia were evenly matched, and I loved the dynamics between them. Their actual romance was slowburn and the fall gradual as they danced around one another but there was no doubting their chemistry and as the tension rose between them, they were combustible together. After their first meeting Finn never saw her as anything less than his equal and both gave off definite touch my man/woman vibes and I’ll unalive you, with both resorting to violence to make their point crystal clear to the people who were a bit slow on the uptake. And I loved when, after discovering Alessia had a bad personal history with one of the villains of the story, he let his inner caveman lose. It didn’t matter to Finn that events had happened years before, as far as he was concerned, this person had hurt someone who belonged to him. The secondary characters were fantastic with the various relationships all bringing depth a touch of humour to the story. From Finn and his brother Eoghan, to Alessia and Enzo, her bodyguard who was essentially a brother in all but name and not forgetting Alessia and her bestie Gemma, who was definitely her ride or die. The book does end on a slight cliffhanger but it’s more of the ‘to be continued’ variety setting the scene for the next couple and the upcoming mafia war. A well deserved 4.5 stars from this reader.
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner. This is the first book by this author I have read, and I am so pleased to have discovered a new author. The two romance subgenres I love are Mafia and MC. Finn is the first book in a new mafia series, The Boston Syndicate, and Ms Randall has an MC series I intend to explore, The Black Roses MC. 🙌 So happy!
Finn Monaghan and Alessia Amatto are the lead characters in this slow-burn romance. Being a marriage of convenience, it’s a real-life expectation that these two wouldn’t immediately fall into each other’s arms. I truly like that aspect, and as they become familiar with each other, so do we. Both are capable, determined people with connections to criminal organisations: Finn—the Irish Mob- and Alessia—the Mafia. I like them both! I think they make an ideal partnership in business and life.
There’s an underlying problem with another mob family that disrupts not only Finn and Alessia’s families. Bit by bit, more is exposed about it until the action really heats up, making it extremely exciting. Alongside this issue is a personal one for Alessia, well, one from years ago. It raises an interesting question about what people think others should do when, in reality, it’s not that black and white. I won’t spoil it by explaining, but I will say it’s very thought-provoking, and the whole topic is handled well in the story.
I’m already looking forward to reading Luca’s story next!
Ok, I loved this book so much more than I expected. Finn is an absolute dream! Usually I'm not a fan of the constant banter between the couples in an enemies to lover trope, because sometimes it's just too much with no advancement in the story. This, however, was handled like a dream. The chemistry between Finn and Alessia was good from the get go. I loved Finn egging Alessia on, and Alessia making fun of him - and vice versa. Their bond grew naturally which was nice. Nothing was rushed or felt forced. We even got some tenderness and romance when he whisks her away on their little date/trip. I loved how protective he was of her - the shower scene when she falls apart in his arms was so well done! I did want to see maybe Alessia being kidnapped and having Finn raise all sorts of hell, but all we got was a close call. Great start to the series.
Finn is the head of the Irish mafia and trying to eliminate a threat that has been brewing for awhile. He takes a meeting with the head of an Italian family with the possibility of creating ties. His brother thinks this is a terrible plan because of the rumors of the ice princess.
Alessia is the Italian ice princess who wears her cold gaze like a security blanket. She's got a chip on her shoulder for men in this line of work due to past experiences. Her father tells her about this potential opportunity to unite to powerful families and though she's not happy about it she agrees.
Both Finn and Alessia acknowledge to themselves that there's an attraction towards one another, but refuse to step over the professional and business boundaries they set for themselves. Will they succumb to their feelings or will they continue to hide behind their own stubbornness and remain strangers I'm passing?
This book has good bones. I really really liked Finn and how he carries himself. He was patient and kind and considerate the entire way through and I appreciated that. I wasn't really feeling Alessia, and although I LOVED having a strong FMC what I didn't like was her need to argue for the sake of arguing. Without giving anything away ill try to describe what I'm talking about, there was one scene where Finn was trying to do something nice and she just ragged on him at every step of the way. I would have said meh fine we'll just stay home if I were him. This story ends but the overall plot does end on a cliffy and its set up for another couple to continue the story.
I loved this author’s in MC series so I thought I would give her mafia series a try, and boy was it worth it!! Finn is the head of the Irish mafia and he is looking to create a powerful alliance with the Italian mafia. They decide on an arranged marriage between him and Alessia, who is the daughter of head of the Italian mafia. Alessia, the ice princess, isn’t too keen on the arrangement, but she bites her tongue because the unity will help strengthen both mafias to help them eliminate a mutual threat. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
Wow Wow Wow! This book needs 6 ⭐️s. Absolutely in love with this story! Anyone that is a fan of Dark Romance, Mafia, MC HAS to read this book!! I could not put it down and didn’t want it to end! I cannot wait to read all of Kate Randall’s books!
Yesssssss!!!! Marriage of convenience?!?! Instant read! I love finally seeing this Irish gang after reading about some of them in the Black Roses series. Soooo obsessed with Finn! The way he treats Alessia is literally swoon worthy, even if they are strangers at first. Also love Alessia being the badass babe she is! She and Finn literally are the perfect match in mob history! Obsessed with them so much and can’t wait for the next one!
4* Finn agreed to an arranged marriage with Alessia Amatto the mafia Princess. Alessia knew marrying finn was for convince to unite the families but she's no pushover. Another great addition to the series, I really liked the characters and I'm enjoying the series.
Finn and Alessia are explosive and I really enjoyed the back and forth as they tried to find their way. The story has some good twists with plenty action and drama to keep it interesting.
Kate does it again!!! Finn is goals!!! All the touch her and 💀 vibes you could hope for and then some!
When the Italian mob princess marries the Irish mob boss as a marriage of convenience to help strengthen both their families hold on territory you’re not sure how these two will co-exist but the more they learn about one another the more their respect and love grows for one another. When Finn finds out about Alessia’s abusive ex he wants to 💀 him, but when she requests the privilege instead, Finn happily helps her dreams of vengeance come true! 💖
I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Irish and can’t wait for Cataldi to get what’s coming to him!
Me gusto que Alessia y Finn no fueran tan diferentes y que ambos fueran fuertes y sean un igual a la hora de ser parte de la mafia, ella se mostró como una mujer fuerte e independiente y eso se mantuvo de principio a fin. Finn fue muy comprensivo y me gusto que en ningún momento quisera cambiar la decisión de ella al querer ser parte del lado "violento" de la mafia y que el respetara su deseo y le diera su lugar.
Me hubiera gustado mas de la relación amorosa (y del gato que de repente se esfumó del libro¿?) y ecenas dónde ellos compartieran un vínculo mas fuerte del que tenían porque se notaba que ella pasó por muchas cosas en su pasado y siento que no se le dió la suficiente importancia y se sintió un poco vacío en ese sentido el libro.
My Thoughts: Finn is the head of the Irish mafia looking to create a powerful unity with the Italian mafia. Together they come up with a plan to arrange a marriage between himself and Alessia. Alessia isn't very fond of the unity due to her past relationships but agrees. These two have a push-to-pull relationship. I loved how Finn was with Alessia, he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to push those boundaries. Alessia is very headstrong. This book has drama, arranged marriage, and a little spice - but the spice is amazing, and strong characters. I enjoyed this book and Finn and Alessia's story.
This is the first book i’ve read by her and i loved it. i love the story line between finn and alessia and how their relationship changes. this was such a cute book with little spice but kept me wanting more! ❤️
Finn seems likable, but one dimensional. No flaws, except being occasionally violent as a mob boss (gasp!). Other MC is always referred to as “wife” so I forget her name. She (spoiler alert) is never in any danger, so stakes are knee-high at best.
DNF I was lost at the beginning of the book, feeling like their were so many people that I was supposed to know already. Maybe from a previous series? It lost me, and my focus drifted.
The story was captivating, featuring a strong plot and skillful writing. The characters were well-developed, showcasing strong chemistry.
Finn, the leader of the Irish mafia, faces a looming threat that has persisted for some time. To regain control, he devises a plan to forge an alliance with an Italian mafia family, aiming to jointly eliminate this shared adversary.
Alessia, often dubbed the “ice princess” due to her aloof demeanor, is the daughter of the Italian mafia’s leader. Despite not fitting the mold of a typical mafia Don’s daughter, she understands the stakes involved and the implications of refusing to go along with the plan.
Alessia and Finn find themselves in a marriage of convenience, a strategic move to benefit both mafia families. Despite their immediate mutual dislike, they also experience a strong physical attraction that complicates their already tense relationship.
The story was a perfect balance of heat and frost. Alessia and Finn’s banter was outstanding. Alessia, despite her past, refused to be defined by it. She fearlessly challenged Finn at every opportunity, never backing down. Finn’s character was a standout; his patience, kindness, and respect shone throughout the narrative.
The story concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to discover what happens next.
I had this book on my TBR for a while, but I think I read it at the perfect time. Just the book I needed to start off my birthday month. I loved all the characters and storylines. Plus the twists and turns keep the book from being overly predictable.
Kate Randall does an amazing job with world building between her different series.
One thing I have come to appreciate this year in reading is a bad ass, gun wielding FMC. While I enjoyed a nice good girl storyline. There is something about a FMC that can defend herself that's just magical.
Finn and Alessia has such great banter, that made this book a major page turner. I found myself saying just one more chapter, which turn into 5 more. I couldn't get enough. Plus the side characters were just as interesting.
I'm surprised that Orlando lived so long despite what he did. I get wanted to prevent a war, but homeboy needed to go "missing" or something.
Gemma and Alessia are friendship goals 🥰
Caveman Finn had me giggling like a school girl, good God what a mouth on him 🥵. Plus the fact these two get turned on by arguing (my kink hehehe) is everything. Just made the spice just a little extra spicy for me, meow!
The ending of this book was chef's kiss, with a great cliff hanger that made me eager to start book 2.
Finn was going to go through with the marriage to help get the ports they needed. He thought he was marrying a mafia princess but when he met her he realised she was anything but that. Alessia was agreeing to the marriage because it’s what was expected, that didn’t mean she was going to be nice and bend over to her husband’s will, even making sure to omit the heirs in the contract. The more Finn learnt of Alessia he realised that he wanted his wife. She was his match in everyway and wasn’t the shy, timid, mafia princess he thought she was, she was anything but. Alessia can’t believe that her husband isn’t what she thought, from her experience of men in the business, she swore she would never go near one again. Slowly Finn is chipping away at her wall. Finn seems genuine doing things she knows other men wouldn’t even think of. When her past comes up she lets him know that it was handled, although not happy with the answer Finn agrees to let it go, until the past comes to threaten both of them and he learns the whole story. They both see they are a match, they like and dislike each other, can they realise what they have is real and they don’t just have an arranged marriage like they think.
Alessia and Finn's marriage is a business arrangement to help both their mafia families. They immediately dislike each other, while being attracted to each other at the same time. Over time Alessia and Finn realize their marriage is more than they thought, but the past is coming back to cause problems for both of them.
I really enjoyed reading Finn! The enemies to lovers romance was top notch, with lots of spice, and the banter between Alessia and Finn was so fun. The two of them were highly entertaining together. Finn was practically perfect, just ignore that whole morally grey mafia boss thing he had going on. It was definitely a "touch her and die" kind of book, and the dual POV gives a view of both characters' thoughts, making the book even more interesting. I devoured this book in one day and can't wait for the rest of The Boston Syndicate books to come out. The only negative is that since this is a spin-off series there was a huge information dump at the beginning of the book. I'm giving it a pass since it was probably helpful to understand the backstory, but it was a bit to wade through. Definitely a 5 star book for me and a fun ride!
Alessia, entrenched in Mafia power, faces a shifting landscape of alliances when betrothed to Finn, the head of the Irish Mob. His charm is both enticing and abrasive, leaving her torn. Finn, thrust into power, sees Alessia as both pawn and prize, her defiance hiding an undeniable allure. As they clash, past enemies resurface, threatening Alessia's safety. Yet, Finn's determination solidifies, ready to defend what's his. In this world of crime, they must stand united against all challenges. 💥🔥💑🔪🌟👑
Finn and Alessia's marriage was so much fun to read! 😍 Alessia was incredibly feisty and strong, never bowing in front of anyone. 💪 Finn, who initially didn't like Alessia, soon became obsessed with her and protected her at all costs. 🛡️ It was such a blast to watch these enemies fall in love! ❤️ They were so entertaining, and their verbal sparring was top-notch. 🔥 This was truly a fantastic arranged marriage mafia romance. 💑 The hot scenes were unbelievably steamy! 🔥💋 And the suspense had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. 🙀 Highly recommended for anyone who loves arranged marriage mafia romance novels! 📚💕
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Alessia and Finn. He is the head of the Irish family. But his family needs to be stronger. To accomplish this, he needs an alliance and that alliance just happens to come in the form of Kate's father who is the head of the Italian Amatto family. After all is is really important to him now that the Cataidi family be taken down. He never expected Alessia. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and she is also not your average Mafia princess. I absolutely feel for these two head over heels. Yes, they don't meet in the way most people do and fall in love. They have a marriage to get through. But, I am of the mind that these two got really lucky and are pure fire together. Add to it that Alessia is a strong, fierce, really cleaver girl and he is all alpha and totally not what you are going to be expecting. But that isn't a bad thing. I fell in love with these two as I read this book. These two have some absolutely amazing chemistry. You are going to love this book.
Finn is the first book of The Boston Syndicate Duet by Kate Randall. This is really a good start to the series, and I cannot wait to read the second book of this series. Finn Monaghan (MMC) is the head of the Irish Mafia in Boston. To prepare for a mafia war he joins forces with rival mafia family by entering an arranged marriage with Alessia Amatto (MFC) Italian Mafia Princess. The last thing he expected was a feisty, beautiful, and strong wife but that is what he got. She had her own voice and opinions. Their union strengths both families. The mixture of Finn and Alessia is the start of spark to a out control fire. This relationship is fun to read and to see the evolution from I do not want to bother with you to HOT, BURNING LOVE 🔥 🌶️ 🔥 🌶️. Good sass, banter, slow burn, and great plot. The side characters in the book add to the book. They are well developed. I really liked this book and I am looking forward to the second book.
Arc review for Finn By Kate Randall is the first book in her , the Boston syndicate i was so excited to read this book I have read her previous series the black roses Mc so I was excited to start this new journey. We meet Finn who is the head of the Irish mob family. So he need to strengthen his family power with an another rival family by marry the daughter of another rival family. Which we meet Alessia the mob princess, she is fiery and hot temped she agrees to the marriage in name only because she has no choice. The more time they begin to spend together they feeling grow and evolve into something more memorable. Can they figure out a way to make this work for real or will the past come back to haunt them? This was a fun and exciting read I could put it down once I started it was fast paced and interesting read. I had so much fun. I can’t wait to see what comes next. This book comes out April 18 so go check it out it. Thanks for this arc opportunity!
This is the 1st story in The Boston Syndicate Series about Finn who rules the Irish Family. When an enemy controls the docks he seeks an alliance with an Italian Don to marry his daughter for help bringing down the stronghold they have. When Alessia is told about the agreement she’s not happy and her father actually allows her time to think this over before agreeing and when she does they create to marriage contract together. Alessia is a lucky woman who has earned the trust of her father and he listens to her advice. When Finn meets Alessia he knows he’ll marry a strong independent woman who is not what he expected. The connection and situations they find themselves in adds to their journey. We have Finn a gentleman towards Alessia but ruthless when needed to deal with business and Alessia is stubborn. When trouble comes their way from Alessia’s past, Finn does what’s necessary to protect her and his family! This story continues in the story…