As a debut novel there was much about this book that had a familiar feel, much about the storyline that had a "been there, done that" vibe. The beginning part felt especially cookie cutter-ish, but with each turn of the page the author gained confidence. While the early chapters felt a bit rough around the edges, the later chapters felt more polished and definitely pulled me in wholeheartedly. By The End, I was left breathless from all the twists and turns permeating the world this couple existed in.
Gemma and Luca are opposites in many ways, but their time growing up was rocky for both of them. For Gemma Barone the hardships and heartaches only made her stronger, made her unwilling to back down when her relationship with Luca hit some roadblocks. She's the kind of heroine you look up to and root for throughout the story to reach her richly deserved HEA.
Luca Falcone was born into the Mafia world and from an early age saw things that a young boy shouldn't see. Being born into a world of blood, bullets, and secrets has hardened him throughout the years and it's all something he wants to keep secret from Gemma the moment they meet. This duo crackled from the very start and steamed up the pages in scorching encounters. Though Luca tried to keep the truth about himself private, his secrets and his past soon caught up to him and Gemma, and put both of them in danger. From that moment on there's twists and turns, entanglements coming from every direction and cleverly woven into the story by Ms. Allee. Throughout the story, Luca's a sexy beast! He's also weighed down by all the secrets that make up his life and they've given him a raw edge. He has a dark nature, is a bit obsessive early on with Gemma, but I was still drawn to him and the moments of tenderness and sweetness occasionally on display amidst the steam.
On a whole, this was an entertaining tale. Though it was fueled by a familiar storyline, it kept me glued to all the action happening both in and out of the bedroom. This was a formidable pairing and I look forward to where life takes them next. Alongside this memorable main couple was an equally entertaining cast of secondary characters. Of this secondary cast, it's Luca's mother that was a standout for me. She was larger than life, bold and brash, and a strong role model for Luca on how to survive in their world. Though this is Ms. Allee's debut novel, it definitely won't be her last, and it's with bated breath that I start the countdown to when we get to revisit this gritty and suspenseful world!