The Associate: A Mafia Romance

by M.Z. Arthur

FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE M.Z. ARTHUR


A Family Business story


One man desires to be part of the Family. One man wants to save his family. Neither expected to find family with each other.


Joseph “Gio” Spatafora longs to become a full member of the San Gaetano family. A loyal associate, he is eager to move up the ranks and happy when he catches the attention of the don. The family plans to take over a business behind on its protection payments, and the don wants Gio to manage it. If he succeeds, Gio will become a made man with his future assured, so long as the family doesn’t discover he is gay.


Conor Malloy is shocked to learn his father’s failing health is the result of pressure from the mob to pay off delinquent debts. He never wanted to manage his father’s pub, but he’ll do what it takes to save his parents. When he feels there is nowhere to turn for help, a handsome Sicilian crosses his path…

Genres: M M Romance

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

M.Z. Arthur writes books about people who kiss. She does not write or edit with generative AI.

M.Z. also writes as Maude Zbornak.

Reviews

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable quickie about Gio, a man who has been working hard to move up the ranks of the San Gaetano crime family to reach made status. He’s kept his nose to the ground, his sexuality hidden and has just about reached his goal. Then, he is tasked with seeking the agreement of the owner of Lonnegan’s Pub, who has fallen ill, to pay off their debts by selling them the building (below value). In doing so, he runs into Connor, a red-headed Irishman who is visiting on family business. The attraction is there before Gio realizes Connor is the son of the pub owner.

Connor has come home to help his parents after his father fell ill. It doesn’t take long for him to learn of their predicament and to devise a plan to extricate them from said situation. when a quick hookup turns into possibly more, and Gio takes a chance as well, things start happening more quickly. Suffice to say, it’s difficult to see these two having any sort of chance together, given their respective paths, but you can see how it could have easily grown into something aside from that.

Things take a bit of a different turn at the end with the help of the Don’s feisty daughter, Aggie. Belief must surely be suspended with the outcome in this story, but it was a lovely way to end things to be sure. I had a little difficulty getting a real vibe for these two as a couple given how short this story is. I really would have enjoyed a more fleshed out story, but if this was just sticking the toes in the water for this author, I’d gladly take a swim in the pool should a further story develop in this world. I’ll definitely be looking for more in the future.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance Reviews and this is me leaving my honest reviews
This is a new author for me, and I’ve got to say I was really pleased with this short read. It’s about a man called Gio who works for the mob. He is hoping to work hard and gain status. The only fly in the ointment is that Gio is gay, and he’s not sure how the San Gaetano crime family will take it. Listening to the other members who make homophobic slurs about the rainbow colours and the establishment for the LBGTQ + he’s out collecting protection money. When he notices the Irish pub is closed. And he knows the owner is well behind on his payments. Gio wasn’t looking forward to telling the boss.
Connor had arrived from Ireland to find his father on deaths door after a heart attack. He always knew he would have the pub handed down to him, but he had a life in Ireland, a good job, no significant other tho. But he’s in for a shock when he finds out how the business has been going. His father owes a lot of money to the mob and they think they can take Lonnegan’s pub from them, well they were in for a fight because this pub means everything to his old man. That night he goes out he is too restless to watch his fathers breathes. He meets a man call joe and they hit it off right away. But will it be a hook up or something more??
I got to say I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a short read with a big punch. The attraction between them is electric but it’s the connection that gave me goosebumps. A really good read.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short mafia romance. It was a bit insta-lust but it worked for them. This might have worked better if it were a novel instead of a novella. I feel like there were a lot of things happening that could have been expanded on and while the ending is a HEA it kinda feels a bit open ended, we don't know how they will make it work with everything, we just know they want to be together.
I enjoyed the start of Gio and Conor's story, but we didn't get to see the relationship blossom and how they kade it work. The mafia aspect was nicely written and I enjoyed the characters talking about their heritage and childhood memories. It's a novella, but I felt like we still got to know the 2 MCs and their situations and lives pretty well. Despite it being a mafia romance it was still pretty low angst.
It was an enjoyable read and it's perfect to read between longer books.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of stories where a couple has immediate chemistry only to discover who they are is a major obstacle to any sort of relationship and feel that dynamic was well played in this story where Gio is a member of a mafia family whose big dream is to become a made man and move up in the hierarchy. His major worry about not being able to do that is the fact that he's gay and the organization is definitely not an accepting place. He takes every possible step to hide that part of himself. He hopes to manage a pub whose owner is deeply in debt to the Family. When he meets Conor and they hit it off immediately, little does he know that Conor is the son of said pub owner. Conor is stunned to find out his father in so deeply in debt and when he discovers who Gio actually is, these two have some major decisions to make in a dangerous atmosphere.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gio just want to move up in the Family but as a gay man he has to be careful. His efforts seem to be paying off. A pub is behind on payments and Gio is sent to collect. Then he meets Conor and his carefully protected secret definitely put his future in jeopardy.

I liked Conor and Gio separately but as a viable couple they just didn’t spark for me. While there was heat between them, it didn’t seem real enough for Gio to risk his life. Conor seemed almost okay with way the pub problem was solved.

The book was a quick read. I’m thinking if it had of been a longer story I might of felt differently about the characters and their ultimate resolution. I just felt it needed more depth.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gio has been working to make his way in the mafia to a full member, not just an associate. He has had to keep some aspects of himself on the downlow as he engaged in his climb within the organization. When he is sent to take over a business that is not paying the protection money demanded of it. Conor's family business is the one on the line. After he and Gio have a hookup and it feels like they want more Gio is moved to help Conor, putting his own goals in jeopardy. If he can deliver the business he becomes a made man. Interesting story about choices and what influences them.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This was a good, quick read with some spice and nicely rendered characters. For a novella, I think we got a good sense of the MCs (Gio and Connor) and of the mafia life as well. I do think that in giving us such fullness in characterization and Mafia life, that maybe the romance aspect suffered a bit. The spice scenes were good, but the emotional part was kinda insta and not really discussed. I loved Aggie's character - she was a bonus delight. I do wish the HEA was more than just implied. Overall, I enjoyed this - definitely a nice, low-angst read in between more emotional or long reads.

Thanks to GRR for this ARC - I am leaving m review voluntarily.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like a good mm mafia storyline! I think its the aspect of the fact that being gay is just not done! This is shown in this story as they only way Gio can climb to a higher rank is to hide his sexual orientation. He meets Connor in his pub when he is sent by the Don to collect the money Connors family owes! Connor is running the pub to pay back the money his father owed the Mafia. A nice storyline follows as they both give in to the attraction and end up helping each other.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely a work of fiction but in the best possible way. Real life for the Mob probably doesn’t bring a happily ever after for such characters but I’m happy to report this story does. An easy to read, easy to enjoy story that leaves you happy. I like that a lot. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[FHR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being in the mafia, Gio has had to hide his true orientation in order to climb the ranks. When sent on business to Connors pub, Gio finds it hard to hide his true self.
With Connor by his side, Gio gets to finally be himself whilst helping Connor too.

A quick mafia read that was a bit lack lustre in character development and chemistry for me.
Overall it was an okay read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He wants to become a member of the family instead of the hired help. He will be given a job which could help him get there. He will meet them and life is going to get very complicated very quickly. He needs to hide his true sexuality or it will ruin all his changes. Their lives are going to become very different to what they both thought it would be. Wow what a brilliant read

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mafia story about Gio and Connor it was a decent read but I would have liked it to be a bit longer to expand the story a bit as there was a few things going on in the story that could have been expanded a bit more if it was a longer read, this for me is a 3.5 but I’ve rounded it up to 4 as I did enjoy it just think a longer story could have been even better.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but well written story was very enjoyable. The main characters, Gio and Connor both start out with some white lies. Gio can't get past his feelings and it's probably going to get him killed. Connor Can't stay away and does as much as he can to keep Gio safe. I really loved this story!! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Precociousp · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Associate: A Mafia Romance" by M.Z. Arthur had intriguing potential, given its high-stakes premise. For a story in this genre, a fast and intense pace is essential, but unfortunately, this book fell short in several areas. The character development was lacking, which detracted from the overall reading experience. I would give it a 3 out of 5.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I love MM mafia romance. I loved both Gio and Conor. They had such great chemistry. But with Gio needing to keep his sexuality a secret from the family, it added a layer of suspense and danger. I wish this story were longer. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be reading more. 4 stars.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable mafia novella.  The story has very little angst, which surprised me.  Gio and Conor are good characters but I would have liked to have had more development of their relationship.  Gio was risking a lot for this relationship with Conor.  

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cutish romance. I did enjoy Gio's character, he really won me over. While I get why he kept himself and his preferance quiet, I felt bad that he was so surprised that Connor and Aggie chose to stand up for him.

I do wish

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph "Gio" Spatafora aspires to climb the ranks of the San Gaetano crime family while carefully guarding his secret as a gay man. His loyalty catches the attention of the don, who assigns him to manage a pub that’s behind on protection payments. This could secure Gio's future as a made man, but his hidden identity puts him at risk. Meanwhile, Conor Malloy discovers that his father's poor health stems from mob pressure regarding the pub's debts. Reluctantly stepping into a managerial role to support his family, Conor encounters Gio, whose charm complicates their already tense situation. As their lives intertwine, both must navigate the dangers of their respective worlds while confronting their feelings for each other.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

he wants to rise the ladder in the family. but he has one thing now standing in his way. it will come out that he not been totally honest about his prefer partners. when he told to collect past due money from club. these two may not totally remember where they stand in their roles

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gio and Connor ❤️
3.5 Stars

✅ Mafia
✅ Spicy
✅ Sweet

This was a quick, enjoyable and easy read. It had a surprise twist that was perfect for the storyline. I'd recommend.

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

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Gio and Conor. It was a quick read and even though it wasn’t a full novel, it was easy to get invested in them. I would definitely recommend it.

[Nedra81 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable yet entertaining mafia story with a twist because honestly, how many male on male action really happens in the mob world. Easy to read but even more intriguing than expected.

[Emeli Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best mafia romance i have read but not the worst either it was a good book and it had my favourite trope mafia so all in all an enjoyable read

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story but a good one. Gio is making headway to move up in the organization. Then he falls for the son and suspension of belief enters but it is really nice. It leaves you smiling.

[Christina Nolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review. The Associate by MZ Arthur is a gripping tale of love and crime. Throw hidden identities, a sick parent, an old fashioned Irish pub, the mafia and heartache together and you have the essence of The Associate. I truly enjoyed reading this! MZ Arthur perfectly captures the anxiety at being found out by people who really shouldn't, the instant attraction between the two main characters, and the tension when all of it comes together. Gio and Conor are very believable and sympatheric main characters, and Gios commitment to his "job" and to Conor as well had me wishing we could have more.
I honestly devoured this novella and wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone who would love to dive into the streets of New York to follow Gio and Conor, and their star-crossed love affair.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not familiar with the writing style. So pardon me if I'm not really got in tune with the characters.
I tried to find the chemistry between Gio and Connor, but I think it's very low.
The Associate is a decent story. But as a mob story, it's a lack of action. And the ending almost too easy.