Lies of Omission

Zinnetti Mafia World #1

by C. Lymari

A M/M dark romance that will come out part of the Anti-Valentine Anthology then full novel coming this Fall.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Mafia Romance, LGBT, Contemporary

378 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2024

About the author

Claudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she's not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she's fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel.

Claudia writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.


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Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️

Lies had a way of killing you, but ours had made us stronger.

I really wanted to love this one. But, alas, mafia romances are really not my thing. When should one decide to give up on a genre?

We were fucking magnets, and we were bound to be attracted to each other no matter how deadly the outcome might be.

There were still some aspects that kept me hooked, mainly the romance portion. I liked the possessiveness between Sal and Theo, their fierce passion. They were pretty explosive together.
Too bad the mafia politics overshadowed the love story.

There were a lot of side characters, and it was a bit of a struggle to keep up with the mafia family, the betrayals, the sub plots.
The time jumps, while they allowed for a better grasp of the characters backstory, were a little jarring and made me lose, in turn, the connection between said characters. We miss whole chunks of their relationship, of them falling for each other. So much so, that when we get to the love confessions, I was not feeling the love.
The ending was a complete contrast to the rest of the book - way too sugary sweet, a complete 180 compared to the tone we get before the epilogue.

I also felt a little mislead by the content warnings, which were blood play and CNC. I didn’t find either of those things here, unless licking a bloody lip is blood play, and dub-con (no previous mention/discussion of any roleplaying of non consent) is considered CNC. Making someone suck on your dick while pointing a gun at him (even if he’s enjoying it) is not CNC (unless they talked about doing similar scenarios off page).

Great writing, which helped me keep on reading, but unfortunately not enough for me to really enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Attempted SA and SA
- Mafia
- Opposite/rival families
- Violence & abuse
- Gun play
- Dub-con/ CNC (?)
- Strict top/bottom
- Brief rimming

[Renae Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sal and Theo have an intense love story that spans years including an imprisonment and murder. They have an almost instant connection that brings about a great romance both are surprised and terrified at the same time due to their families being outright enemies, which is just the beginning of their problems.

Overall I enjoyed the dual timelines and getting the backstory of Sal and Theo's relationship, while eventually meeting up in the present and seeing how their feelings have remained a constant in their life regardless of all the dramatic setbacks that threaten their relationship. This is a fun read that left me surprised and anxiously anticipating their eventual HEA.

[Tania ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes :
- Mafia
- Enemies to Lovers (second chance)
- Betrayal
- Hut/Comfort

I had a great time with Salvadore and Theodore.
What I particularly liked was going through my reading through different moments of their lives: in high school then in adulthood. I like having flashbacks in my books and I like discovering the beginning of their story.
I also loved the secondary characters and the loyalty they had between them. Besides, I ship Armando and Leanna.

The negative point of my reading was that I was a little confused about the problems in Sal's family, I must admit that I had difficulty following and understanding what was the heart of the problem. I had a hard time understanding who was betraying who.

But despite all that, I really liked the relationship between our two boys. They managed to go through the ordeals, the time and ended up finding each other again. And they both looked adorable together.

Thank you Claudia for giving me the opportunity to have this ARC.
Rating : 3,5 ⭐️

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theo is just trying to make it through the school year- he is an easy and frequent target for bullies and creeps thanks to his Dad's career. He expects some of the worst treatment to come from classmate Salvadore, but is shocked when Sal proposes an alliance of sorts instead. But how can a judge's son and a mafia price ever trust one another? Lies of Omission is an opposites attract, bully/victim, possessive "touch him and die", mafia romance, kind of slow burn (because it takes them awhile to sort out their respective issues).

I grabbed this book because the blurb sounded great. While I liked parts of the book, I felt like I was trying to sort out what the heck was going on for most of it. It became a bit irritating to try and piece the plot together as different bits of information were revealed. I understand when authors do that in mystery novels, but in this case I didn't see why the reader was purposefully kept in the dark as to what had happened between Theo and Sal. The other thing that led to my 3 star review was that the content warnings were inaccurate - after finishing the book I wondered where the knife play was, amongst other things. If you are like me and use the content warnings as a shopping list, be aware that most of them are briefly mentioned at best with the exception of the SAs (I would say repeated attempted sexual assault would be more accurate, Theo is attacked by at least 3 different men).
CNC - ?/ Blood Play - ?/ Knife Play - ?/ Degradation - just a little?

Rating: 3
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Read the short story/first couple of chapters of this story in the Anti-valentine anthology**

Not bad of a introduction to the characters and a good amount of information mentioned which lead readers wanting to read the full story of Theo and Sal.

Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the first couple chapters I got to read mainly because it felt like it was lacking something. I know, hard to say when the full story hasn’t been released, but I’m honestly not sure if I will be reading it. Also, there were some barely there typos at different points throughout the book but that doesn’t really affect my rating as much since the typos weren’t so bad to the point of no comprehension. However, I was hoping for that extra ‘push,’ so to say, to make me desperate for more of this story.

Nonetheless, as I said, it was a good introduction and I don’t find it impossible for me to read Theo and Sal’s full story as there were many questions unanswered and a couple time jumps that didn’t make much sense.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "Little Lion!!!" stars***



"How much would you be willing to pay from freedom?...
Freedom came from a mouth filled with lies. A body coated in deception and the hearts of those you trusted the most."

I had taken a taste of Theo and Sal back in the "Anti-Valentine" anthology and I was very intriguing by this couple...
This was a beautifully written story and I liked that we got to see Sal and Theo as teenagers where their story had bloomed!!!
But there were too many things happening in there, except of their unfiltered love...
Both of these guys had lost so much while they had fallen for each other...
Betrayals, secrets, lies, backstabbings, murders, condictions were standing between them. Will their young love survive everything that life and his families are throwing their way???

"His lips were a sweet poison, and I was ready to die."

Sal was from a well known mafia family and he was following in their footsteps... His life wasn't an easy one since everyone was out for his blood... He had to prove to everyone that he deserved to be part of the Zinetti legacy...
Theo's father was a judge, but his life beside him wasn't an easy one... Theo had a difficult life in school as well... His only wish was for the last year of school to end and to take his life into his own hands, somewhere far away from there...
Sal and Theo came closer, not without an ulterior motive, but they had found a connection in between...

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to be the one to finish breaking him, or protect him."

Years later, things are very different...
Theo became a police officer and because of him, Sal got in prison...
Now, Sal is back and he is about to teach a lesson to his little lion for his betrayal...
It is starting a mouse and a cat game between them, but their underlying feelings for each other are always there and are getting them on trouble all the time...
Will they survive from everything that is happening around them, cause trust me on this matter, that too many shits are happening in the background...

"His lies and mine were a noose waiting to choke us both."

Yes, I liked Theo and Sal's story very much... and I like the potentionals that Claudia had given us for future books...
Yes, sometimes, things were too complicated to understand them, but I believe that the author left us like that intentionally....
Armando and Leah better come here soon, cause they had driven me crazy and I need to know more about them and about everything that is happening to that family's inner circle!!!
Mafia romance looks good on Claudia, that's the only sure thing!!!

Revenge would be sweet, but Theodore Lyons's lips were sweeter."

**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**

[Thalia Ohh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 3/5

What to expect:
Mafia Romance
Revenge
Touch Him & 💀
Enemies to Lovers
Second Chances

Now.. I do wanna state that I'm a total ✨MOOD READER✨ So, take that into account!
ANYWAY , I enjoyed this book so much so, that I didn’t wanna adult ! I fxckn couldn’t WAIT to curl up & jump right into Lies of Omission, BUT, there were SOME parts that had your girl confused AF (like time jumps) & some other things that I’m just chalking it up to typos in an ARC. & I’m letting that shit GO! Why do you ask?

Because baby that CHEMISTRY between our two MCs Sal & Theo?! Just wowwww 🥵 & I’m not talking just their SEXUAL chemistry. Which was AMAZING
Oh no! In their enemies stage? That push & pull between the two? That TENSION? was fxckn PALPABLE 🤤

& honestly.. THAT'S what it came down to because the dark romance was DEF dark romancing between these two. I LOVED the possessiveness, the little nicknames, the GAMES . It’s beautifully TOXIC and I fall for it ALL the time because at the end, I see their vulnerability .
& listen, whats MORE beautiful than seeing a broken man fall in LOVE ? Seeing TWO broken men, fall in love with each other, AND finally have their hard-earned HEA. 🥰

Thank you to C. Lymari & team for this ARC. & As always; all thoughts & opinions are honest & my own.

[Kenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me feel like I was reading for days on end, I like the concept of the book and Sal and Theo but the plot felt like it was missing points like things that needed to be explained more. Idk if I continue reading the series but I want to know if the plot deepens in the second one and explain more.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the start of this book I had no idea where things would lead for Theo and Sal, things were not on great terms for them, but I didn’t fully grasp their backstory. I enjoyed going back and forth between their present and past, which helped me understand where things went wrong, and what was going on between the two of them.

Lies of Omission tells their love, and sometimes hate, story, and how things evolved and devolved over the years that they knew one another. Theo’s father was a conservative judge, part of the upper echelon, while Sal was part of the local mafia, but he sat on the outer rung. Never good enough, as his father was in prison, his deceased mother wasn’t Italian, and he wasn’t quite straight enough.

Sal and Theo, while often trying to protect one another, never quite seemed to get it right. It wasn’t until years later that both understood the lengths that the other went to, and then so much damage had been done to the other. They both hurt one another.

I really enjoyed this book, I wish there was more so we could better understand what happened within the first generation, and maybe more down the line for Sal and Theo. I would also love to know more from the perspective of Caro, Lea, as well as Mallory, as their lives likely changed a lot in the aftermath of the ending.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

This is my first book by C. Lymari and I liked the edge of darkness and the all-consuming relationship Sal and Theo find themselves in. Theo is the son of a judge and the family name means everything to his father. But Theo knows his father is involved in unsavory acts and wants to be out from under his control and see his father pay for his own crimes. Theo’s mother left the family years ago and Theo never had closure on that either. His best friend stands in as his girlfriend, as Theo can never tell his father that he is gay, and he has unwanted attention from one of his teachers. Every day seems to be another minefield to try and navigate through, and now Theo has the attention of Salvadore Zinnetti.

While some of the structure of the story didn’t all track for me, the men certainly have to work for their HEA and there is never a doubt these two are end game for each other. If there was more written for these men or this world, I would certainly check that out.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I really wanted to like this one because it has a lot of tropes that I love in it. MM, enemies to lovers and mafia.

Both of the characters were fine and they had their roles that were well written but I didn’t anticipate it being a book that spanned over several years. These guys meet in high school as enemies, become lovers, break up, become enemies again and then end as lovers. It was too many years separation for me. I enjoyed the book when they were in high school and had their secret thing going on but then after that I just found myself confused.

So neither of them were celibate during the separation and Sal even went as far as saying he tried very hard and screwed many people to try and feel like he felt with Theo and that just took a star off for me especially since he was the one who broke Theo’s heart.

Also the whole mafia plot was super confusing. I didn’t understand who anyone was. There were too many Zios (uncles) named and I had no idea who was who and what the hell they were doing and why. I basically just skimmed the plot and read the romance parts. I did like the possessiveness Sal had for Theo throughout the book but I was just too confused for most of it to enjoy it very much.

IDK IF I SHOULD SAY NO CHEATING BUT I GUESS THEY WERENT WITH ANYONE ELSE WHEN THEY WERE TOGETHER
OW DRAMA
OM DRAMA
5 YEAR SEPARATION AND THEN A 2 YEAR SEPARATION
VIOLENCE
ATTEMPTED SA ON MC

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was both confusing and entertaining 💀 like I enjoyed the vibes but I really don’t know what actually happened lmao

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Sal and Theo! This two have a rollercoaster of ups and downs,of lies,of deception of so much feelings that it was heartbreaking seeing how this two took awhile to get their happy ever after but it was definitely worth following their journey to get there.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sal and Theo 🔥

4 Stars ⭐️

✅Mafia/Law Enforcement
✅Enemies
✅Dark 😈

Well that was delicious 🔥. Two words : Fierce Chemistry... these two, gah!!! I'd like to first say that this is no fluffy love story but a love story nonetheless. It had great characters, explosive chemistry, extremely dark and violent scenes and I freaking ate that sh*t up!!! For those who have triggers, I strongly suggest reading the warnings. For lovers of dark and depraved romance, go for it... it does not disappoint. I recommend 100%.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[S a n d r a · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I read the preview of this book in the Anti-Valentine anthology, which included only about seven or eight chapters. And those few chapters were enough for me to know that this story was perfecto for me and to leave me eager for the whole book to come out!

Normally, I'm not a big fan of romance books with multiple timelines; don't ask me why. I think it's because jumping back and forth usually takes me out of the plot. However, in this case, the jumps aren't that many and only occur at certain points in the story to keep some parts unknown for the time being. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in Sal and Theo's story both in the present timeline and in the past, where we discover how they met and why they ended up separated.

For a mafia story, the romance is quite tender. It has its moments because ultimately, betrayals and revenge play a significant role in the story, but generally, Sal and Theo are tender and sweet together. They meet in high school, and although they should be enemies because Theo's father was responsible for putting Sal's father in prison (where he was later killed), they quickly fall into an atypical dynamic.

Sal feels an irresistible attraction to Theo; there's something about him that calls to him and irritates him, and he can't stay away for long. Theo is more skeptical about accepting the company of the Zanettis; his only purpose is to survive until graduation and then leave for another city without looking back.

Their relationship changes naturally, and I loved how things unfolds between them and how they gradually accept what is happening between them, even without clearly admitting that they are falling in love. They are two boys living an impossible love, and although neither is willing to talk about love, they also don't deceive themselves. And the way they protect each other? OMG, I was a gonner!

But things fall apart, and life takes them down different paths. Thus, the present timeline focuses on their second chance, their reunion, delving into what has become of their lives and how being back in the same city and having the possibility of being together again will affect them.

Conspiracies abound in this book, as I mentioned; there's a lot of betrayal and power plays revolving around the mafia plots.

Overall, I loved this first book about the Zanettis for being intense, emotional, and very hot. I enjoyed not only the relationship between our MCs but also the camaraderie between Lea, Theo, Caro, Sal, and Armando.

As for what I didn't like, I think the resolution of the conflict was a bit anticlimactic because it happened off-page. This makes it seem rushed, and although it's not poorly resolved, considering how tension builds as the book progresses, I expected something a bit more elaborate.

Nevertheless, the ending is quite satisfying and, of course, it left me wanting to read Armando and Lea's story. Which is rare because when I read M/M books, I'm usually taken out of the story a bit when an M/F book follows. In this case, however, as I read Sal and Theo's story and saw Armando and Lea interact, my desire to know their story grew exponentially.

I don't know how many books this series will have, although unfortunately, something tells me this will be the only M/M book (hope dies last, but everything seems to indicate otherwise). Time will tell, I suppose.

[Christy Davisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Many Lies and Secrets to Unfold in this MM Mafia Romance!!

The author did a fabulous job showing similarities and differences between these characters with their struggles to be accepted by family or friends with their sexual orientation. Not only do you have this dynamic that both Salvadore and Theodore face but they also have the enemies-to-lovers forbidden/star-crossed lovers vibe happening within all the other chaos their lives bring. This story bounces back and forth from past to present with these two. It allows you to fully understand each character and where they come from explaining why certain things are done along the way.

Theodore comes from an extremely conservative father who happens to be an elite crooked judge who would not accept his son for whom he chooses to love. He is ridiculed/bullied by his peers and his only saving grace is his best friend Lea who tries to help him wherever she can. With all the pressure he faces daily he can't help but find himself attracted to his enemy Salvadore Zinnetti, who comes from the mafia crime family his father has helped lock up. With uncontrollable emotions, Theo decides to open up to Sal and when a connection forms he's pulled even more into wanting to be with the guy he knows he shouldn't. Be ready to watch as he and Sal have to overcome many obstacles from their pasts.

Salvadore is the black sheep of his family because his father chose to marry outside of the family which means he's not a full Italian making him have to fight for his place within this family organization. With his mother gone and after his father passes away in prison leaving him orphaned. The need to prove his place within the Zinnetti family becoming more dire than before and his need to know who caused both his uncle and father to be cast out and put in jail is his fuel for wanting revenge and using Theodore to obtain the information he needs unfortunately he becomes obsessed with Theo and forms a bond that neither expected along the twisted traumatic path they find themselves on. This is also another complication for Sal because not only not being fully Italian but in love with a man is a big no-no in this lifestyle. The pull to protect Theo at all costs leaves unbearable consequences for them both.

Fast forward several years later and these two are pulled into another round of chaos with lies and secrets finally coming out, bringing these two closer than ever. You watch as each man now understands his true feelings and desires for each other. These two have always had a steamy love affair but this time it's so much more. Tons of spice and actions along the way to finding a HEA.

Highly recommend this one if you want an MM star-crossed lovers mafia romance with enemy vibes along the way this is it. It's action packed with spicy moments but a deep storyline of self-acceptance along the way.

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies of Omission was a suspenseful and crazy ride. I loved how the story weaved back and forth from past to present, which kept the plot flowing and definitely kept me turning pages late into the night.

We meet Theo and Sal as grown men, but then immediatly are thrown back to when they are in high school. Their story continues to weave between the past and present, their tale layed out , much like a puzzle that will eventually show the whole picture, as each chapter goes along. It not only built the suspense of the plot, but also built the relationship between the two men. It was the perfect way for this book to be pieced together, at least in my opinion.

Theo is the son of a judge, making his life a bit difficult, especially when he goes to school with many of the kids whose parents his dad has incarcerated. That is only part Theo's meek persona, the other is wrapped up in his sexuality, which he hides behind his relationship with his best friend Lea. Sal is one of the few who looks behind the fake relationship he has Lea, but looking is just the beginning. I really enjoyed the character growth that Theo went through; beginning as a youthful, almost scared of his own shadow teen up to a man fighting off the mafia. His entire journey was really great to watch.

As for Sal...I really respected Sal's close family, his cousins for instance. In a mafia family there are normally expectations and toxic male stereotypes, so I really liked that Sal's close relatives didn't push him away, or look down on him for who he liked or wanted in his bed. There was a lot going on in his family, as far as who was in charge and whatnot, but aside from the politics going on, I seriously enjoyed the dynamics between Sal and his cousins.

The chemistry between the two guys is great, no matter what age we got them at, if there is any complaint, it's that the ending came too quickly, I was actually hoping for more. I was loving all the tension and suspense and then it was over. I did love the epilogue as it was a wonderful follow-up.

[Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lying by omission is my new motto.”

This was one of them books that you knew was going to hurt you right along with one of the characters and I jumped fully in.
All the good stuff was in here that makes it all just go down that much more smooth.
Praise
Forbidden
Forced Proximity, in a way
Mafia
You're mine-ness
The spice although very few scenes was just as good
Tension & Angst

Sal & Theo kept me not wanting to put this book down.
A could be mafia prince and a judges son, of course there is going to be tension and angst and all the good things that come from this type of relationship.

Theo is a judges son so when he goes to a school full of people who hate his father and in turn hate him too, let the countdown begin towards the end of the torment and he can leave.
Sal never expected to be as drawn to the boy whose father sent his father away but he we are. That fine line between hate and love is as thin as thread in most cases and this time is certainly no different.
Theo is no longer the scared boy he was years ago when Sal left him, now he is a man who will fight for what he wants and or who he wants. It just so happens that the one he thought left him only did it for other reasons.

The way this book goes through everything starting from the now then to the past and back makes everything fall into place and it is soo good. Caring for someone so much is different for one of them but pushing them away for their own safety might just break them.
The secrets and lies once revealed give you that "oh my god" moment and everything clicks into place and makes sense.

I definitely enjoyed this book, Caro was the well placed humor that was needed at just the right moment. Lea & Armando's bickering, I see the ground work there ;)

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙕𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚.

Lies of Omission ~ C. Lymari ~ The Zinnetti Crime Family 1
🍁🍁🍁
Salvadore ~ Theodore

We met Sal and Theo in the Anti-Valentine anthology and their story was entertaining and sinfully forbidden. Now we have them in their extended version and for me, it did not live up to the novella.

Sal and Theo were from opposite sides of the tracks and their dads were mortal enemies but that could not stop them from gravitating to each other from the day they met in high school.

Sal and Theo were still entertaining and sinful when they were together but I found the extension focused more on everything but Sal and Theo's relationship. The beginning of the book starts with a bang and then we are brought back to them in high school where the book focuses more on the father's feud and the consequences the children face which ends up spilling over once we come back to present day and I also felt there was more focus on Caro and Leanna than Sal and Theo.

Get ready for...

🏳️‍🌈 MM
🖤 Mafia
💛 Law Enforcement
🖤 Opposites
💛 Forbidden
🖤 Dark/Suspense
💛 Enemies

🎙️ First-Person, Dual

⚠️ Be mindful that some content may be uncomfortable for readers!

❤️🖤

*A copy of this book was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Reads*

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[Syria · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot for a good story was there but unfortunately it was not well written, all the events seemed rushed to me, things happened one after the other but without giving weight to certain particular moments, without describing them further or more carefully, the story goes on too quickly, it needed more moments of reflection, but also of explanation, the author gives us all the conclusions towards the end without making you understand how they really happened, many topics treated in the wrong way or left without an ending, first of all the character of Sal, he was promising from the beginning but in the end he did absolutely nothing, we do not know anything about when he killed William, we do not know how difficult prison was for him, never had a private clash with his boss and corrupt uncle, never one with Theo's father, in short so many things that had enriched the story that seems like a summary of the initial story.
We also don't know anything about Theo and how he managed to become a policeman, never a sense of duty towards his job, I like that he gives up everything to be on Sal's side but never a hesitation, never a doubt, he is no longer a high school kid but a man... there wasn't enough drama and the little that there was wasn't well served.
In short, the ideas for a good story were there but they were not well developed, the author needs to go much deeper if she wants to distinguish herself from so many mediocre stories that are circulating or wants to improve and differentiate herself.

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies of Omission is book one in the Zinnetti Mafia world, but it can be read as a standalone. This MM romance story is about Theodore and Salvadore.

I first read about Theo and Sal in the Anti-Valentine anthology, and I was excited to hear we would be getting more of them. Their story went back and forth between their past and present. It was so interesting to learn Theo and Sal's backstory. I loved seeing how they went from enemies to lovers, and then learning when things went wrong. Theo's father was a judge and would send people like Sal's family to jail. Sal's mafia family was a little confusing to follow at times, and I wish I was able to get a better understanding of the betrayal that was happening. But despite this, I enjoyed reading about Theo and Sal's love story. They had amazing chemistry together, and little did they know they would develop such strong feelings for one another. Although they both made choices they thought would be best, Theo and Sal ended up hurting each other. I didn't know if they could still love each other and get past all the lies and betrayals. I kept wanting to read to see how it would all play out. I did love Theo and Sal, and I also enjoyed reading about the side characters. I look forward to seeing more of them in the next book in this mafia world.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Samantha Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this book is betrayal from Theo but we don't understand until the story unfolds. This does go back to past for the first 40-50% of the book because we are getting Sal and Theo's backstory in high school which I actually thoroughly enjoyed reading, as I'm usually not a past fan when reading books but this was done well.

𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙙.

Theo has been through some trauma, especially in high school. Sal takes an interest in Theo especially in senior year, this is where their "relationship" starts and ends.

Skip to the present and Sal is released from prison and cannot wait to cause a riot and stir Theo's world upside down.

Some good plot twists however I would've liked a bit more when "someone" got arrested for everything they caused to be covered a bit more (I can't say who because it spoils the book) it felt a bit rushed towards the end.

“𝘽𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙮, 𝙘𝙪𝙗. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙣.”

4 ⭐️
3🌶️

Tropes
- 𝘔𝘔 𝘮𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
- 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘹 𝘮𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢
- 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘭
- 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘹 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵
- 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lies of Omission blurb and tropes lured me in. It's an MM mafia romance with opposites attract, rival families, second chances, and touch him and you die vibes.

Theo is the son of the judge who sent Sal's dad to jail. They attend the same high school, which is the last place between Theo and his freedom. Theo's plan is simple: keep his head down through the senior year, graduate, and get as far away as possible from everyone.

The chemistry between Sal and Theo is sizzling. Hidden glimpses, attraction, nicknames, and banter fuel their connection. However, their story is written with continuous time jumps, leaving details unexplained. Many things were told rather than shown, which weakened the story and made parts feel rushed.

Add the numerous secondary characters outside Sal and Theo's inner circle, and it gets complicated. I understand that the first book in a series sets a new world. But as much as I wanted to like it, it didn't work for me. Yet, I want to know Armando and Lea's story. So, I'll be reading the next installment.

[Katie MacLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first MM romance from this author (though I’ve read many of her other books) and I love that while yes, they are both gay and finding how to navigate that in a traditional world (some of this timeline is set in high school), there is more to this book than their sexual orientation. The beginning of the book jumps around a bit and then plunges us back into the past for these guys and shows us how their relationship developed while they were in high school together. The real nail bitter, excellent part of this book is the last 1/3 when we are brought back to real time and for a moment, I thought there is no way she can wrap this up in 50 more pages. I wish there was more in this section than the high school section personally. I get we needed the slow burn build up but I really wanted more during this mystery. Now, I really wonder is this a standalone completely or a first in a new series of standalones because I thinks a Lea and Armando story would be fire.

[mm_spice_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok first off, can we talk about this cover?! It's absolutely stunning! This is the story of Sal and Theo. We learn from the beginning that these two have had a relationship, and Theo has done something to betray Sal. The next big section of the book goes back to their senior year of high school, where the development of their story occurs. It eventually gets back to the present day. There were a lot of side characters in this, and at times, it was alot to keep track of. I think this would have been a 5 star read for me, but there were some plot inconsistencies that were a bit too much to let go. I found myself confused at times with regards to Sal's family. Despite that, I did enjoy this, they had great chemistry and the story was good, I honestly couldn't put it down - I just wish some of those inconsistencies had been caught.

[Luna's Library ⚡︎]

DNF @ 33%

Rarely do I advocate for couples to get duologies but in this case a duology could have saved this book for me.

The pacing of this book is terrible and relationship dynamic tidbits we should be focusing on to get a fuller story end up being skipped over. It feels like Lymari is trying to pack a whallop in one book and it’s failing.

Here’s what should have happened:

Book One: Sal and Theo’s High School relationship up until Theo setting Sal up

Book Two: Post Prison release relationship

This would have allowed Lymari to explore their relationship and actually show us why they were attracted to each other, how they tried to avoid it, and how they failed. As well as the drama that comes with them being “enemies” and deal with the troubling relationship between Theo and William. We could have also seen the emotional connection they shared.

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, it had a strong start and was written in an interesting timeline. It could have been better. The balance of romance, drama, mafia nuances and politics was good. There were some parts that even though had a good leading into, were killed off into a phrase or a few lines (that was a little sloppy). One of my problems was how Sal was built up as having all this power and command and yet did so many things wrong, and Theo, sweet high school Theo was weak and then cop Theo was ....stronger? hmmmm I just couldn't imagine the two Theos as the same person. (I don't like cop roles in books at all, no offense). I liked the whole gang and can see where this series will go. The next book will be m/f (Armando and Lea are screaming for their book). And last of all, the HEA was sweet, or as sweet as you get in the mafia. I couldn't/didn't put this book down. It's a good read.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sal & Theo were amazing 🤌🥵🥵 loved them so much but I couldn't get into the plot of the book.

I was intrigued about what was going on and who was the traitor & all the other things but I couldn't get into it. Firstly, I got confused between the names of his uncles and whether Sal's father is dead or not because in one place he is written like he is alive and then in the next sentence he is dead. There was a lot of confusion for me.

But Sal and Theo were amazing and their chemistry was hot, the story plays with the past and present POV which I liked and Sal's possessiveness 🤌
I loved Lea, Caro and Armando and would have loved to see a bigger epilogue because it was so sweet even though the last few chapters were fast-forward, I liked they got their HEA.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was so excited for this book since i first got a glimpse of it in the anti-valentine anthology, it definitely did not disappoint. the connection between sal and theo was just so sweet and spicy. they are two men that definitely shouldn’t have ended up together their lives are complete opposite but together they are fireworks. i would definitely recommend if you like mafia romance and light enemies to lovers. as far as i am aware this is the first MM book of this author but you definitely couldn’t tell it read like an experience MM romance writer. not only did i love theo and sal but i also loved the side character, im not usually and MF reader but i will definitely read more if this author especially if some of the side characters get books.

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛Dark romance
💛M/M
💛Mafia
💛Enemies to lovers
💛Mobster/cop


Lies of Omission is C.Lymari’s first M/M romance and she absolutely smashed it out of the park. The spicy scenes were *chef’s kiss!*

Lies of Omission starts when Sal and Theo are in school and you see how much Theo struggles with his life due to his dad being a judge. Because of this, Theo gets bullied at school. I really enjoyed the fact that Sal had the power in high school, but when they are adults and Theo becomes a cop, the power dynamic flips. C.Lymari did so well with this and it made for some explosive scenes.

Please read trigger warnings as there is some graphic scenes and on page SA. This is a dark romance! An amazing M/M debut from C.Lymari