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Chicago Angels #1
Covert
Alessandro is the unwilling heir of a Chicago crime family. Intent on leaving the life set out for him, he decides to run as fast and as far away as possible. His plans crumble when one girl crash lands in his life. He should hate the daughter of his father’s mistress, but it’s near impossible when he finds that they are alike in more ways than one.
Olivia grew up watching men walk in and out of her mother’s life. When one man finally decides to stay, she learns that crime lords don’t leave until someone’s dead. Olivia’s salvation comes from the person she least expects: his son.
Six years later, Olivia and Alessandro are reunited when her life is threatened. If time has proven one thing, it’s that repeating their parents’ mistakes seems inevitable.
In a world where friendship is a luxury and love a death sentence, two unlikely lovers find each other only to be separated by their cruel reality.
Olivia grew up watching men walk in and out of her mother’s life. When one man finally decides to stay, she learns that crime lords don’t leave until someone’s dead. Olivia’s salvation comes from the person she least expects: his son.
Six years later, Olivia and Alessandro are reunited when her life is threatened. If time has proven one thing, it’s that repeating their parents’ mistakes seems inevitable.
In a world where friendship is a luxury and love a death sentence, two unlikely lovers find each other only to be separated by their cruel reality.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
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November 24, 2014
3.5 stars
Title:Covert
Series:Chicago Angels #1
Author:G.K. Moore
Release date: December 2, 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:Yes
HEA:
To say I'm having conflicted feelings about this book is putting it mildly. Ask me at random points in the book how I felt about it and I would give you a variety of answers. When I was offered a chance to read this book, after reading the opening paragraph, let's just say I was sufficiently hooked and ready to see what this author had to offer. Covert starts out right in the middle of a tense moment and I love being able to sink into a story with little to no effort. That shows me right away that the author has the ability to grab my attention and hold it.
I stared at the lifeless body on the floor, thinking about the blood seeping into the wood and staining it. It would be impossible to clean. The wooden floorboards would have to be replaced.
Olivia (Lulu) has just killed a man in her apartment who was there to murder her. In that kill or be killed moment, she did what was necessary and I thought starting out she would be a heroine that I would enjoy with strength and determination. Unfortunately, the more the story wore on, this is not how she appeared to me. Rather, how she felt was needy and dependent and by the end I was almost pulling my hair out at the bad choices she kept making.
What we know in the beginning of the book:
The heroine had a horrific childhood and was sent away for some reason, away from the Mafia and away from Alessandro (Alex), the man she's in love with. They had a secret affair, but somehow circumstances led him to send her away and take the place as the boss which he never wanted a part of. When she is sent back home to Alex, though you know nothing about their past, you can immediately feel their passion and angst for each other.
She's (very unwillingly) returned to the house that brought her so many terrifying memories as well as the man who protected her, loved her, and then betrayed and broke her. But after she's almost killed, he's not letting her out of his sight.
"I'm not your brother, nor do I want to be," he said, staring into my eyes. "And I don't give a flying fuck about Silvio. That bastard is dead. I will always protect you, and in this world, my name means protection."
For a big part of the book, you're left wondering at their history and how they were separated. I kept an open mind because of that even though the hero was displaying some really questionable behavior.
I knew something wasn't adding up and I was right about that in the end. What shocked me was that my opinion completely turned around about him and I saw how underneath his actions, he was trapped and trying to protect her no matter what harm might come to himself from it.
The hero also had his moments of tenderness and I really fell for him at those times. He was completely obsessed and captivated by her which made his actions through some of the book even more confusing.
I took her face between my hands, pressing my forehead against hers and looking into her eyes. "I'll say I love you," I said, "only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been invented."
Good stuff, right?
I did see an inconsistency, such as
For a debut author, there's no disputing that there is clear talent here. This book was anything but predictable and I spent a lot of the book turning the bits of information around in my mind trying to get a clearer picture of where the story was headed. My emotions went from sympathetic, to angry, to sympathetic again...and in the end knowing full well that there would be a cliffhanger did not prevent me from leaving the book in a very frustrated state. Yes, it was in part because of the lack of resolution to this couple's struggle, but another big part of that frustration was due to this couple's aggravating nonsensical actions that prevented them from being together. The heroine acting extremely immature toward the end, letting her emotions control her and put her life in jeopardy knowing that there was a contract put out on her life and she could be found at any moment and attacked again. I couldn't get past that or her inability to make the difficult choices needed and put herself first. Alessandro is her true weakness and strength all at the same time.
What I felt for Alex was a raging inferno. It was a high fever that consumed me and in his presence I was always afraid I'd burst into flames and turn into ashes.
The flashbacks were sweet seeing their bond grow and understanding this couples history and deep feelings for each other. It helped gain my sympathy for them as well because of the heartbreaking things that the heroine endured throughout her entire life. But it wasn't enough for me to completely excuse the her weaknesses. I just couldn't do it.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and a book that will stir up a lot of emotions with a well developed plot, you will definitely find that here. Will I be reading the next book? In all probability, yes. That ending has quite the cliffy and I don't like not knowing the full story once I've started. Maybe I can be brought around in the conclusion. I'll have to wait and see.
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Title:Covert
Series:Chicago Angels #1
Author:G.K. Moore
Release date: December 2, 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:Yes
HEA:
To say I'm having conflicted feelings about this book is putting it mildly. Ask me at random points in the book how I felt about it and I would give you a variety of answers. When I was offered a chance to read this book, after reading the opening paragraph, let's just say I was sufficiently hooked and ready to see what this author had to offer. Covert starts out right in the middle of a tense moment and I love being able to sink into a story with little to no effort. That shows me right away that the author has the ability to grab my attention and hold it.
I stared at the lifeless body on the floor, thinking about the blood seeping into the wood and staining it. It would be impossible to clean. The wooden floorboards would have to be replaced.
Olivia (Lulu) has just killed a man in her apartment who was there to murder her. In that kill or be killed moment, she did what was necessary and I thought starting out she would be a heroine that I would enjoy with strength and determination. Unfortunately, the more the story wore on, this is not how she appeared to me. Rather, how she felt was needy and dependent and by the end I was almost pulling my hair out at the bad choices she kept making.
What we know in the beginning of the book:
The heroine had a horrific childhood and was sent away for some reason, away from the Mafia and away from Alessandro (Alex), the man she's in love with. They had a secret affair, but somehow circumstances led him to send her away and take the place as the boss which he never wanted a part of. When she is sent back home to Alex, though you know nothing about their past, you can immediately feel their passion and angst for each other.
She's (very unwillingly) returned to the house that brought her so many terrifying memories as well as the man who protected her, loved her, and then betrayed and broke her. But after she's almost killed, he's not letting her out of his sight.
"I'm not your brother, nor do I want to be," he said, staring into my eyes. "And I don't give a flying fuck about Silvio. That bastard is dead. I will always protect you, and in this world, my name means protection."
For a big part of the book, you're left wondering at their history and how they were separated. I kept an open mind because of that even though the hero was displaying some really questionable behavior.
I knew something wasn't adding up and I was right about that in the end. What shocked me was that my opinion completely turned around about him and I saw how underneath his actions, he was trapped and trying to protect her no matter what harm might come to himself from it.
The hero also had his moments of tenderness and I really fell for him at those times. He was completely obsessed and captivated by her which made his actions through some of the book even more confusing.
I took her face between my hands, pressing my forehead against hers and looking into her eyes. "I'll say I love you," I said, "only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been invented."
Good stuff, right?
I did see an inconsistency, such as
For a debut author, there's no disputing that there is clear talent here. This book was anything but predictable and I spent a lot of the book turning the bits of information around in my mind trying to get a clearer picture of where the story was headed. My emotions went from sympathetic, to angry, to sympathetic again...and in the end knowing full well that there would be a cliffhanger did not prevent me from leaving the book in a very frustrated state. Yes, it was in part because of the lack of resolution to this couple's struggle, but another big part of that frustration was due to this couple's aggravating nonsensical actions that prevented them from being together. The heroine acting extremely immature toward the end, letting her emotions control her and put her life in jeopardy knowing that there was a contract put out on her life and she could be found at any moment and attacked again. I couldn't get past that or her inability to make the difficult choices needed and put herself first. Alessandro is her true weakness and strength all at the same time.
What I felt for Alex was a raging inferno. It was a high fever that consumed me and in his presence I was always afraid I'd burst into flames and turn into ashes.
The flashbacks were sweet seeing their bond grow and understanding this couples history and deep feelings for each other. It helped gain my sympathy for them as well because of the heartbreaking things that the heroine endured throughout her entire life. But it wasn't enough for me to completely excuse the her weaknesses. I just couldn't do it.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and a book that will stir up a lot of emotions with a well developed plot, you will definitely find that here. Will I be reading the next book? In all probability, yes. That ending has quite the cliffy and I don't like not knowing the full story once I've started. Maybe I can be brought around in the conclusion. I'll have to wait and see.
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November 25, 2014
THREE STARS!
When it comes to books about notorious crime families, I'll be the first to admit that I don't have a vast reading knowledge of these types of books, so I was more than happy to get my hands on this ARC, not only because it was my first, but also because I wanted to delve a bit more into this genre. And I have to say that I was quite pleased with this debut novel and can't wait to delve a little bit more into these types of books.
Covert starts off with a bang. Quite literally. Well, an unseen bang, followed by an unseen thud and a frantic call to one Alessandro D'Angelo. Being the head of a Chicago crime family, he knows a thing or two about cleaning up messes, and comes to the rescue of Olivia Louise D'Angelo, who has definitely gotten herself into one big mess. But Alessandro finds that this clean up may be more than he bargained for, and protecting Lulu may very well be impossible.
I enjoyed this book. I think it could have been a solid four star read for me as I loved Alessandro's character and his partnership with Tiny. At first, it took me awhile to connect with him, , but the more his story unfolded, the more I understood his character, his motivations, his actions, and quite frankly, I wanted nothing more than to embrace him andstroke soothe make(?) all his hurts go away. In my mind, he had the perfect balance between ruthlessness and heart, knowing to peddle out enough punishment without being cruel and sadistic, and I enjoyed him all the more for that.
Olivia on the other hand was someone I wanted to slap. To be fair, I think I might be a little bit hard on her, but for the most part, I did not like any of the decisions she made nor the thought processes that lead her to these decisions. There never seems to be any accountability for her actions, everything is always someone else's fault or to be blamed on her less than stellar past. Don't get me wrong, I was definitely #TeamLulu when I read the flashbacks, my heart even hurt for her, but I couldn't reconcile those feelings for the woman we read in present time. I couldn't connect and ultimately, had to dock a whole star because I just wasn't feeling her.
Overall, while I wish this book could have been a bit better in regard to the portrayal of the heroine, I am more than willing to continue with this series. There are so many unanswered questions that I just have to know the answers to. I want more Alessandro. I want more Tiny. I want to know more about Elena's past. And I sincerely hope, that Olivia grows in leaps and bounds in the next book. If she can hook me in like the younger version of her did, I have a feeling that there will be nothing but glorious feels for me during the next book.
ARC provided by the spectacular G.K. Moore! Thank you!
When it comes to books about notorious crime families, I'll be the first to admit that I don't have a vast reading knowledge of these types of books, so I was more than happy to get my hands on this ARC, not only because it was my first, but also because I wanted to delve a bit more into this genre. And I have to say that I was quite pleased with this debut novel and can't wait to delve a little bit more into these types of books.
Covert starts off with a bang. Quite literally. Well, an unseen bang, followed by an unseen thud and a frantic call to one Alessandro D'Angelo. Being the head of a Chicago crime family, he knows a thing or two about cleaning up messes, and comes to the rescue of Olivia Louise D'Angelo, who has definitely gotten herself into one big mess. But Alessandro finds that this clean up may be more than he bargained for, and protecting Lulu may very well be impossible.
I enjoyed this book. I think it could have been a solid four star read for me as I loved Alessandro's character and his partnership with Tiny. At first, it took me awhile to connect with him, , but the more his story unfolded, the more I understood his character, his motivations, his actions, and quite frankly, I wanted nothing more than to embrace him and
Olivia on the other hand was someone I wanted to slap. To be fair, I think I might be a little bit hard on her, but for the most part, I did not like any of the decisions she made nor the thought processes that lead her to these decisions. There never seems to be any accountability for her actions, everything is always someone else's fault or to be blamed on her less than stellar past. Don't get me wrong, I was definitely #TeamLulu when I read the flashbacks, my heart even hurt for her, but I couldn't reconcile those feelings for the woman we read in present time. I couldn't connect and ultimately, had to dock a whole star because I just wasn't feeling her.
Overall, while I wish this book could have been a bit better in regard to the portrayal of the heroine, I am more than willing to continue with this series. There are so many unanswered questions that I just have to know the answers to. I want more Alessandro. I want more Tiny. I want to know more about Elena's past. And I sincerely hope, that Olivia grows in leaps and bounds in the next book. If she can hook me in like the younger version of her did, I have a feeling that there will be nothing but glorious feels for me during the next book.
ARC provided by the spectacular G.K. Moore! Thank you!
November 21, 2014
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☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
3-3.5 stars!!
Unexpected first love. Secret agendas. Devious motives. Betrayal. Devastation. And heartbreaking loss.
Welcome to the world of G.K. Moore’s Covet.
☆☆☆☆☆
As the book debut from this author, I was actually quite surprised at how much I liked it. Covet was interesting, it was baffling, and it made me want to covet these characters into a love cocoon and never let them escape to life’s obscurities.
☆☆☆☆☆
While Alessandro battles with his demons and quenching to rise up and take what’s his, we see him struggling to battle with what is expected of him, his own ploys for power and control, and what he truly wants and desires.
Will he be able to hold on to Olivia? Or will he have to let her go and sacrifice his true chance of love by fate’s cruel reality?
☆☆☆☆☆
As for Olivia, though she may love Alessandro, I loved her determination to not fall into the same pattern as her mother and her greatest fear- to become someone’s mistress. You get to see her in many multi-faceted dimensions as she fights to break away from mistakes of the past and tries to find hope and salvation for her future.
But how much is she willing to risk? To lose? And is she willing to ultimately lose herself and sell her soul to the enemy in the process?
Read and you will find out!
#Bring on book two, baby!! That cliffy completely gutted me!!
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
3-3.5 stars!!
Unexpected first love. Secret agendas. Devious motives. Betrayal. Devastation. And heartbreaking loss.
Welcome to the world of G.K. Moore’s Covet.
☆☆☆☆☆
As the book debut from this author, I was actually quite surprised at how much I liked it. Covet was interesting, it was baffling, and it made me want to covet these characters into a love cocoon and never let them escape to life’s obscurities.
☆☆☆☆☆
While Alessandro battles with his demons and quenching to rise up and take what’s his, we see him struggling to battle with what is expected of him, his own ploys for power and control, and what he truly wants and desires.
Will he be able to hold on to Olivia? Or will he have to let her go and sacrifice his true chance of love by fate’s cruel reality?
☆☆☆☆☆
As for Olivia, though she may love Alessandro, I loved her determination to not fall into the same pattern as her mother and her greatest fear- to become someone’s mistress. You get to see her in many multi-faceted dimensions as she fights to break away from mistakes of the past and tries to find hope and salvation for her future.
But how much is she willing to risk? To lose? And is she willing to ultimately lose herself and sell her soul to the enemy in the process?
Read and you will find out!
#Bring on book two, baby!! That cliffy completely gutted me!!
December 2, 2014
I really want to knock a star off for the end because I hated it but to be perfectly honest, this book was amazing. I couldn't put it down.
I'm seriously addicted to mafia romances. There's just something about the guys that strikes a chord with me. Maybe it's their combination of being alpha males and going for revenge on the bad guys that threaten or hurt their women. But either way, from page one, Alex was perfect. I loved every moment of him.
Olivia aka Lou aka Lou Lou aka Livi....well...I had more issue with her. I liked her and felt for her in what she'd been through and survived but there were many times that I also thought the current day Livi was TSTL. I just didn't get her. In theory, I agree with her that she needed to be smart. But the thing was, she wasn't smart. The only time she was smart was when she contacted Alex when she was in trouble. But once he started helping her, she started working against him and acting stupid. He life was in danger and she totally disregarded that and made bad decisions that put other people, as well as herself in even more danger. She didn't stop to discuss things with Alex, she just went off half-cocked and made assumptions. So for that, I really hated her.
I loved the flashbacks that were in this book. They provided history as well as establishing the connection between Livi and Alex. I loved seeing how they fell for each other and how things fell apart. But I have to admit, even before the flashbacks started, I could feel the connection with just their first meeting in the book.
I really hate that this book had a cliffhanger because I'm dying to know what happens next. I need to know what really happened and what's going on with Alex, because there's definitely more to the story. And I need to know that Alex is going to get his HEA withme Livi.
I can't thank the author enough for an advanced copy of this book. I loved (almost) every moment of it and can't wait to find out what happens next.
I'm seriously addicted to mafia romances. There's just something about the guys that strikes a chord with me. Maybe it's their combination of being alpha males and going for revenge on the bad guys that threaten or hurt their women. But either way, from page one, Alex was perfect. I loved every moment of him.
Olivia aka Lou aka Lou Lou aka Livi....well...I had more issue with her. I liked her and felt for her in what she'd been through and survived but there were many times that I also thought the current day Livi was TSTL. I just didn't get her. In theory, I agree with her that she needed to be smart. But the thing was, she wasn't smart. The only time she was smart was when she contacted Alex when she was in trouble. But once he started helping her, she started working against him and acting stupid. He life was in danger and she totally disregarded that and made bad decisions that put other people, as well as herself in even more danger. She didn't stop to discuss things with Alex, she just went off half-cocked and made assumptions. So for that, I really hated her.
I loved the flashbacks that were in this book. They provided history as well as establishing the connection between Livi and Alex. I loved seeing how they fell for each other and how things fell apart. But I have to admit, even before the flashbacks started, I could feel the connection with just their first meeting in the book.
I really hate that this book had a cliffhanger because I'm dying to know what happens next. I need to know what really happened and what's going on with Alex, because there's definitely more to the story. And I need to know that Alex is going to get his HEA with
I can't thank the author enough for an advanced copy of this book. I loved (almost) every moment of it and can't wait to find out what happens next.
December 26, 2014
First i need book 2 now,i need to know what happen next,i need to see Alex and olivia HEA,second i swear same author are sadistic,Damn and damn you cliffy,after that ending this is me right now:
Olivia(Lulu,Lou,Livi) just killed a man in her apartment,she know that the only men how will help her is Alessandro D'Angelo-her first love, and the men how broke her heart in million pieces.Olivia had bad and hard childhood,with her alcoholic mother who doesn't care for her,things to get even worst her mother become the mistress of the italian mob-boss-Silvio.They move in his house where Olivia is constantly ignored by her mother and abused by Silvio.Alone and frightened she finds comfort in the only son of Silvio-Alex.Alex know that he should hate Olivia and her mother after all Silvio brings them in his house after only two days after the death of his mother.But after one look on Olivia,he finds himself protecting of the little child.Over the years they are connected with each other and although AleX is in boarding school he always find way to tolk with her.After one summer where he fight with his father and in the end only get beaten up from his father security after tha Alex not return home even 3 years.When he finish boarding school he come home with one goal to save Olivia(his Lulu).He still think she is little girl but he gets the surprise of jis life when in front of him stand Olivia but she not anymore little,she grown -up in beautifully girl.They are both atracted to each other and over next 3 years they have secret affair.And when Alex think he will finnaly run away with Olivia and be happy life throw anather suprice.Alex send Olivia away with gun and telephone with message- call me only if it is life or death situation,with that he broke her heart and her happy ending.
Present day
After Olivia is unwillingly taken back to the house,she is scared to see Alex after 6 years.That house have too many memories.When she finally enter his house she see him but not only him , also his famous girlfriend Reagan(i hate her,i hope in book 2 she will get what she deserved).The next 50% are full of drama and frustration from Olivia stupid decisions.But i just can't put it down.
Alex
Before to start to read i see review that say that he was big jerk,and i expect to find Alex to be distant and asshole to Olivia.And now i want to ask them with which action he was big jerk when only he want is protect and love her.It's little to say i fell in love with him,his love for Olivia and he missing her six years are heartbreaking.He is alpha,dominant and only for her caring.To grow-up with asshole of father and still be a man how want to make things right.
Olivia
I don't know how she went from strong and likeable heroine to the heroine i want to slap her for her stupid decisions.She was annoying,needy, she run from the only men how can protect her and with that not only she put her life in danger but also others lives.In the flashback we see how much she suffered and my heart broke for her, but then again that was not excuse her stupid acting.
Overall for me this was amazing book even with all that frustration i just can't wait for book 2 and to see Alex and Olivia HEA.You will have so many emotion while reading from sad and heartbreaking to anger and frustration,but in the end it's amazing book.Great debut G.K. Moore now please give us book 2.
Olivia(Lulu,Lou,Livi) just killed a man in her apartment,she know that the only men how will help her is Alessandro D'Angelo-her first love, and the men how broke her heart in million pieces.Olivia had bad and hard childhood,with her alcoholic mother who doesn't care for her,things to get even worst her mother become the mistress of the italian mob-boss-Silvio.They move in his house where Olivia is constantly ignored by her mother and abused by Silvio.Alone and frightened she finds comfort in the only son of Silvio-Alex.Alex know that he should hate Olivia and her mother after all Silvio brings them in his house after only two days after the death of his mother.But after one look on Olivia,he finds himself protecting of the little child.Over the years they are connected with each other and although AleX is in boarding school he always find way to tolk with her.After one summer where he fight with his father and in the end only get beaten up from his father security after tha Alex not return home even 3 years.When he finish boarding school he come home with one goal to save Olivia(his Lulu).He still think she is little girl but he gets the surprise of jis life when in front of him stand Olivia but she not anymore little,she grown -up in beautifully girl.They are both atracted to each other and over next 3 years they have secret affair.And when Alex think he will finnaly run away with Olivia and be happy life throw anather suprice.Alex send Olivia away with gun and telephone with message- call me only if it is life or death situation,with that he broke her heart and her happy ending.
Present day
After Olivia is unwillingly taken back to the house,she is scared to see Alex after 6 years.That house have too many memories.When she finally enter his house she see him but not only him , also his famous girlfriend Reagan(i hate her,i hope in book 2 she will get what she deserved).The next 50% are full of drama and frustration from Olivia stupid decisions.But i just can't put it down.
Alex
I`ll say I love you, only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been created.
Before to start to read i see review that say that he was big jerk,and i expect to find Alex to be distant and asshole to Olivia.And now i want to ask them with which action he was big jerk when only he want is protect and love her.It's little to say i fell in love with him,his love for Olivia and he missing her six years are heartbreaking.He is alpha,dominant and only for her caring.To grow-up with asshole of father and still be a man how want to make things right.
Olivia
I don't know how she went from strong and likeable heroine to the heroine i want to slap her for her stupid decisions.She was annoying,needy, she run from the only men how can protect her and with that not only she put her life in danger but also others lives.In the flashback we see how much she suffered and my heart broke for her, but then again that was not excuse her stupid acting.
Overall for me this was amazing book even with all that frustration i just can't wait for book 2 and to see Alex and Olivia HEA.You will have so many emotion while reading from sad and heartbreaking to anger and frustration,but in the end it's amazing book.Great debut G.K. Moore now please give us book 2.
February 27, 2015
I am going to start by telling you to DROP what you are doing and pick up this book! For a debut novel I was blown away and I’m going to mandate that everyone reads it ASAP ;) I was NOT disappointed in this book at all!
Set in Chicago we follow the story of Alessandro aka Alex and Olivia aka Livi/Lulu. Their pasts were thrown together, torn apart, and now they are back in each other’s lives.
“I should’ve know the past would catch up to me – he would always catch up with me.”
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are “bad guys” and hot sex, there are good girls and straight up bitches, there is shady business and good friends. The most prominent aspect for me was the love and hatred that Alex and Lulu share for each other….it made this story so much more intense.
“What do you sat to the woman that haunts your dreams and stars in your worst nightmares?”
“I wanted to slap him or kiss him senseless. He made me angry and turned me on all in the same breath.”
I felt like I was in the same room with them so many times…like a fly on the wall taking it all in. I couldn’t get enough, I was consumed by them. The way that GK Moore brings us to the past and back to the present was done seamlessly. I was worried that it would be confusing but she only enhanced the story more the way she worked it altogether. I felt what they were feeling, loved when they loved, and fell apart when it all unraveled. I am left wanting more and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
“I was in love with him. It was a broken, reckless, stupid love, but it was also an all consuming, soul-scorching, passionate love.”
“One kiss was all we’d ever had and it was a stolen, clumsy kiss that rook me by surprise. It lasted barely a second, but it was my reason for breathing and made me desire her even more.”
Set in Chicago we follow the story of Alessandro aka Alex and Olivia aka Livi/Lulu. Their pasts were thrown together, torn apart, and now they are back in each other’s lives.
“I should’ve know the past would catch up to me – he would always catch up with me.”
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are “bad guys” and hot sex, there are good girls and straight up bitches, there is shady business and good friends. The most prominent aspect for me was the love and hatred that Alex and Lulu share for each other….it made this story so much more intense.
“What do you sat to the woman that haunts your dreams and stars in your worst nightmares?”
“I wanted to slap him or kiss him senseless. He made me angry and turned me on all in the same breath.”
I felt like I was in the same room with them so many times…like a fly on the wall taking it all in. I couldn’t get enough, I was consumed by them. The way that GK Moore brings us to the past and back to the present was done seamlessly. I was worried that it would be confusing but she only enhanced the story more the way she worked it altogether. I felt what they were feeling, loved when they loved, and fell apart when it all unraveled. I am left wanting more and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
“I was in love with him. It was a broken, reckless, stupid love, but it was also an all consuming, soul-scorching, passionate love.”
“One kiss was all we’d ever had and it was a stolen, clumsy kiss that rook me by surprise. It lasted barely a second, but it was my reason for breathing and made me desire her even more.”
March 7, 2015
Damn this is cliffhanger where you would want to know what's going to happen next.
Okay the book felt a little off in the beginning and then a few chapters in BAM it unravels with so maaaany twists and turns that for me it's total angst when feelings aren't been genuine so this is me when I read Alessandro and Olivia's feelings...
Book 2 where are you!!!
November 13, 2014
This suspenseful romance grabbed me from the beginning and kept me up into the wee hours of the night reading. The story begins with great action, and the author does an excellent job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The backstory is revealed perfectly throughout the story between action packed scenes and steamy romance, only giving you enough to keep you wanting more.
Alex is the domineering hero that you want to hate, but can’t help but love.
Lulu, is the vulnerable heroine who has gone through hell and back, but keeps on fighting.
Alex and Lulu have explosive chemistry, evident by the first time they are in the same room together.
Loved this story and can’t wait to read the next installment. Powerful. Bellissima.
Alex is the domineering hero that you want to hate, but can’t help but love.
Lulu, is the vulnerable heroine who has gone through hell and back, but keeps on fighting.
Alex and Lulu have explosive chemistry, evident by the first time they are in the same room together.
Loved this story and can’t wait to read the next installment. Powerful. Bellissima.
December 3, 2014
3 Stars!!
This is book 1 in the Chicago Angels Series by G.K.Moore and consists of a cliffhanger which will either make you want to beg the author for the next book or bang your head against a wall.This is G.K.Moore's debut novel and I think she did a good job in reeling the reader in and wanting to read on to see how things will work out.
I love mafia romance so when I was offered an arc of this one I jumped at the chance.I didn't know how it would go and didn't read any reviews before reading it since. There were parts that I enjoyed and parts I didn't which is normal with every book I guess. I really liked the fact that the book starts off with a bang since I love fast paced beginnings, something that draws you in and leaves you in the center of chaos.
We meet Olivia who has ended up in a messy situation and in need of help she turns to Alessandro who she has been trying to stay away from. At the start when they meet there is chemistry but other than that I felt like Alessandro was indifferent towards Olivia.Their relationship isn't clear until a later when there is a flashback which shows how they know each other and what happened in the past that still binds them together.I think they both make some stupid decisions which in the end leads to a bigger mess that may ruin them forever.This book has dual POVs which was absolutely necessary for this book since they lacked good communication skills.I just wanted to scream and tell them to bloody tell each other everything! Stop avoiding it. But did they listen to me? The answer is no.
Olivia needs to quit running and get everything out into the open.What happened in the past still haunts her. She had a rough childhood and my heart went out to the little Lulu and I loved the young Alessandro. What the hell happened, that's what I want to know.Hated Silvio urgh and I hope Olivia doesn't follow in her mothers footsteps.
'There should have been an explosion, a crash or a piercing scream.How could my heart have been completely destroyed in deathly silence?'
The ending..*Deep breath* NO I am not liking Alessandro right now and he better get his shit together in the next book..or else!
**ARC provided for an honest review**
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November 12, 2014
* * Arc provided in exchange for an honest review * *
I have so many feelings and i just don't know what to do about them because this book utterly destroyed me. I haven't read a lot of books that I've given 5 stars too but there is no doubt in my mind that this book is 5 and beyond stars.
Olivia, or Lulu or Lou or Livi, was such a beautiful heroine. Her home life was something people need decades of therapy to recover from, yet she was such a strong character and you're able to see her character develop throughout the novel. Her mother was part of the reason her young adult life had been so atrocious. She was so money hungry that there wasn't room for anything else. There was not a motherly bone in her body and I was actually thankful for the way things ended for her.
Alessandro was wonderful but in a different way than Olivia. He is an enigma throughout the book but you're given multiple hints as to what is really going on. You are meant to question his behaviour and motives but since you're given his pov as well as Lulu's, it is clear that he is unequivocally in love with her. He is an alpha male through and through but not in a 1950's ‘you can't speak or do anything without my permission kind of way.’ He wasn't overbearing and everything he did was for Lulu's protection. His father, Silvio, was another matter. He was the worst kind of human with absolutely no redeeming qualities besides the fact he gave birth to beautiful Alessandro.
There was a fair bit of action in this book but I definitely ugly cried. A flashback that involved LuLu and her dog just completely decimated me seriously hysterics all around. The end was pretty brutal as well, it's a cliffhanger that has made me desperate for the next book. As much as the ending stressed me, i was ok with it because i think the author was true to her characters.
I didn't want to give too much away so i mainly focused on the characters, but this book is definitely worth reading.
I have so many feelings and i just don't know what to do about them because this book utterly destroyed me. I haven't read a lot of books that I've given 5 stars too but there is no doubt in my mind that this book is 5 and beyond stars.
Olivia, or Lulu or Lou or Livi, was such a beautiful heroine. Her home life was something people need decades of therapy to recover from, yet she was such a strong character and you're able to see her character develop throughout the novel. Her mother was part of the reason her young adult life had been so atrocious. She was so money hungry that there wasn't room for anything else. There was not a motherly bone in her body and I was actually thankful for the way things ended for her.
Alessandro was wonderful but in a different way than Olivia. He is an enigma throughout the book but you're given multiple hints as to what is really going on. You are meant to question his behaviour and motives but since you're given his pov as well as Lulu's, it is clear that he is unequivocally in love with her. He is an alpha male through and through but not in a 1950's ‘you can't speak or do anything without my permission kind of way.’ He wasn't overbearing and everything he did was for Lulu's protection. His father, Silvio, was another matter. He was the worst kind of human with absolutely no redeeming qualities besides the fact he gave birth to beautiful Alessandro.
"So good," he said with a sigh. I closed my eyes, and relished his embrace, knowing I would have to pull back at any moment. Then he said the words that were my undoing. "I missed you, love."
There was a fair bit of action in this book but I definitely ugly cried. A flashback that involved LuLu and her dog just completely decimated me seriously hysterics all around. The end was pretty brutal as well, it's a cliffhanger that has made me desperate for the next book. As much as the ending stressed me, i was ok with it because i think the author was true to her characters.
I didn't want to give too much away so i mainly focused on the characters, but this book is definitely worth reading.
October 2, 2015
**ARC provided by Fifty Shades of Grey Support Group for honest review**
This was my first book by G.K. Moore and it definitely exceeded all my expectations. For the most part mafia books can sometimes be unreal but this actually read like some of my favorite crime boss/mafia books.
The two main characters are Olivia and Alessandro. Alessandro is a couple of years older than Olivia and is now the head of his part crime lifestyle/ part businessman. He is a real estate investor that happens to mix business with pleasure in order to get what he wants. Olivia was Alessandro's father mistress daughter and came to live in Alessandro's world at the age of 12. She was a very sad and lonely little girl that never left Silvo's estate (Alex's dad) until she was 18. She's always seen Alex has her savior and fell in love with him. But of course what's a mafia book without a little murder and mayhem. Olivia is sent away but comes back 6yrs later only to be attacked again.
Alex totally got on my nerves at times with his wishy washy attitude towards Olivia, one moment he loves and wants her and the next moment he's pushing her away.
I'm really looking forward to reading the second book, as this one ends with a cliffhanger.
This was my first book by G.K. Moore and it definitely exceeded all my expectations. For the most part mafia books can sometimes be unreal but this actually read like some of my favorite crime boss/mafia books.
The two main characters are Olivia and Alessandro. Alessandro is a couple of years older than Olivia and is now the head of his part crime lifestyle/ part businessman. He is a real estate investor that happens to mix business with pleasure in order to get what he wants. Olivia was Alessandro's father mistress daughter and came to live in Alessandro's world at the age of 12. She was a very sad and lonely little girl that never left Silvo's estate (Alex's dad) until she was 18. She's always seen Alex has her savior and fell in love with him. But of course what's a mafia book without a little murder and mayhem. Olivia is sent away but comes back 6yrs later only to be attacked again.
Alex totally got on my nerves at times with his wishy washy attitude towards Olivia, one moment he loves and wants her and the next moment he's pushing her away.
I'm really looking forward to reading the second book, as this one ends with a cliffhanger.
November 18, 2014
3.75 D’Angelo Stars
This book is tricky it would be a solid 4 stars but The language is a little tricky not every Italian word/phrase is translated.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
I love going online and seeing author requests to read their books <3
this book literally starts off with a bang, a mystery, a him and a blood/murder clean up crew wow!!
Our story starts when ( you know what fuck it I will pick my own damn name for this girl… her name is Liv for the purpose of this review) Liv and her mom move in with the D’Angelo’s because her mom is the mistress… which is totally normal (apparently)
After a series of horrible tragic moments for Liv ( Alex’s dad shoots her dog in front of her, she kills a man with a screwdriver and she kills a man with an untraceable gun) she is lost. And seriously Liv is literally far more badass then any of the Crime Familys listed in this novel. HOWEVER Liv is annoying.. she is just built up to be this strong character but she is completely crushed when the one man she slept with 18 and at 21 doesn’t want her the same…I'll say I love you only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been created
However Alex has only said I love you one time.. and it wasn’t to his fiancé Regan ( who I hate with a passion… typically vapid person)
And if you think Alex is a pushover you are mistaken.. he could instill fear into anyone!!! I will break every one of your pathetic bones...I will skin you alive...slowly, piece by piece and feed you to sewer rates. When I'm done with you, you'll god-damn wish you were dead
The book premises on Liv being alone her whole life and Alex befriends her and they start a cute little affair but it’s just sex and promises in the dark. The book is told in flashbacks from Liv and Alex which I think is great because it makes us see how human they are.
There are a ton of secrets left to be unveiled and I think this story can only get better. I hope the author will bless me with the 2nd novel because the cliffhanger in this book is GREAT but its also a BIG ASS CLIFFHANGER like I think people will jump to their deaths over it. … and there wasn’t even a epilogue…a teaser…a future blurb… I NEED TO KNOWWWWWW
If I hear about book 2 releasing well you better believe
This book is tricky it would be a solid 4 stars but The language is a little tricky not every Italian word/phrase is translated.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
I love going online and seeing author requests to read their books <3
this book literally starts off with a bang, a mystery, a him and a blood/murder clean up crew wow!!
Our story starts when ( you know what fuck it I will pick my own damn name for this girl… her name is Liv for the purpose of this review) Liv and her mom move in with the D’Angelo’s because her mom is the mistress… which is totally normal (apparently)
After a series of horrible tragic moments for Liv ( Alex’s dad shoots her dog in front of her, she kills a man with a screwdriver and she kills a man with an untraceable gun) she is lost. And seriously Liv is literally far more badass then any of the Crime Familys listed in this novel. HOWEVER Liv is annoying.. she is just built up to be this strong character but she is completely crushed when the one man she slept with 18 and at 21 doesn’t want her the same…I'll say I love you only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been created
However Alex has only said I love you one time.. and it wasn’t to his fiancé Regan ( who I hate with a passion… typically vapid person) And if you think Alex is a pushover you are mistaken.. he could instill fear into anyone!!! I will break every one of your pathetic bones...I will skin you alive...slowly, piece by piece and feed you to sewer rates. When I'm done with you, you'll god-damn wish you were dead
The book premises on Liv being alone her whole life and Alex befriends her and they start a cute little affair but it’s just sex and promises in the dark. The book is told in flashbacks from Liv and Alex which I think is great because it makes us see how human they are.
There are a ton of secrets left to be unveiled and I think this story can only get better. I hope the author will bless me with the 2nd novel because the cliffhanger in this book is GREAT but its also a BIG ASS CLIFFHANGER like I think people will jump to their deaths over it. … and there wasn’t even a epilogue…a teaser…a future blurb… I NEED TO KNOWWWWWW
If I hear about book 2 releasing well you better believe
December 3, 2014
** JOSIE'S 5 STAR REVIEW **
WOW, just wow, the author started off with a BANG and she ended it that way as well. I love me a good mafia book that is filled with deception, secrets, dominant Italians and a heroin that believes in that one promise. The author never once lost me in the read. I had a slew of emotions while reading this book that left me questioning my sanity. I cried for Olivia/Lu Lu/Liv as well as laughed with her. I felt her heart wrenching in pain over and over again, all she wanted was to be loved. At first I will admit, Alessandro’s character was a mystery to me and the more I read I began to understand why he did the things he did.
The book and the plot of the story moves fast. When you think things are calm and you have it figured out something happens and shakes up everything. I had mixed feelings with Olivia’s character. I felt her pain and torment for all she had to endure and how she manages to survive her past but I also felt her character was a little weak considering her life with a mafia family. I understand her connection with Alex and her deep feelings for him and the confusion and rejection he played in her life but she also managed to make poor choices that endangered herself and others. Her life was in danger and she knew the only person to help would be Alex but instead of doing as he said, she jeopardizes herself and everyone else involved.
Alex’ character was lovable, but I also had an issue with the decisions he made in his life and the damage he has caused to Liv. We can feel by the authors writing, his conflict about said choices but he continually shatters Liv more and more. Alex would give his life for Liv, he will kill anyone for hurting her but what about him? The best parts of this book was the progression from past to present. We are able to see how their relationship started and how deep their bond goes. Alex had always felt something for Liv and Liv’s heart has always belonged to him even after Alex sent her away for 6 years.
I loved this book and when I got to the end I just wanted more of them. I already stalked the author begged her to release book 2 soon. I have a feeling Liv is coming back to kick some major a**. How many times can Liv be put through the ringer, attacked, abused and almost murdered before a person snaps. I need the next book. I hope it comes out sooner than later because this book seriously got me and I want more.
WOW, just wow, the author started off with a BANG and she ended it that way as well. I love me a good mafia book that is filled with deception, secrets, dominant Italians and a heroin that believes in that one promise. The author never once lost me in the read. I had a slew of emotions while reading this book that left me questioning my sanity. I cried for Olivia/Lu Lu/Liv as well as laughed with her. I felt her heart wrenching in pain over and over again, all she wanted was to be loved. At first I will admit, Alessandro’s character was a mystery to me and the more I read I began to understand why he did the things he did.
The book and the plot of the story moves fast. When you think things are calm and you have it figured out something happens and shakes up everything. I had mixed feelings with Olivia’s character. I felt her pain and torment for all she had to endure and how she manages to survive her past but I also felt her character was a little weak considering her life with a mafia family. I understand her connection with Alex and her deep feelings for him and the confusion and rejection he played in her life but she also managed to make poor choices that endangered herself and others. Her life was in danger and she knew the only person to help would be Alex but instead of doing as he said, she jeopardizes herself and everyone else involved.
Alex’ character was lovable, but I also had an issue with the decisions he made in his life and the damage he has caused to Liv. We can feel by the authors writing, his conflict about said choices but he continually shatters Liv more and more. Alex would give his life for Liv, he will kill anyone for hurting her but what about him? The best parts of this book was the progression from past to present. We are able to see how their relationship started and how deep their bond goes. Alex had always felt something for Liv and Liv’s heart has always belonged to him even after Alex sent her away for 6 years.
I loved this book and when I got to the end I just wanted more of them. I already stalked the author begged her to release book 2 soon. I have a feeling Liv is coming back to kick some major a**. How many times can Liv be put through the ringer, attacked, abused and almost murdered before a person snaps. I need the next book. I hope it comes out sooner than later because this book seriously got me and I want more.
January 16, 2015
I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I decided to read this book. I had hoped it would be hot and interesting, and boy was it that. However it was also really well written and also a mystery of sorts. Who was trying to kill Olivia and what had happened to Alessandro and Olivia six years before? I should've known I was going to fall in love with this book when a body was discovered on page one and set off events that I'm still thinking about long after I've finished reading this book.
I really liked Olivia. I felt horrible for the circumstances she found herself in. I felt even worse when her current situation deteriorated and I found out what had been happening to her as a child. I didn't just feel horrible, I was enraged that a child would have to experience what she did. I was happy that she'd found some comfort from Alessandro who had every reason to hate her and make her life more miserable. I really wanted to like Alessandro. He had some really good moments and then there were times when I was baffled by his actions. I'm still holding out on deciding for good how I feel about him.
Hot isn't enough to describe Olivia and Alessandro's chemistry. It was off the charts spectacular. I wasn't sure if they were going to rip each other's clothes off or rip off something else. I have to commend Olivia for doing and dealing with things the way she did. I was on edge the entire time I was reading this book. I was either expecting another attack, or it was the details I was learning that had me anxious. I also had no idea what direction the book was going in. Besides the obvious threat to Olivia's life, stuff was going on in the mob world that made Alessandro anxious and their future seem uncertain.
This book ended on a high note, and on a cliffhanger. The high energy that was created on page one, lasted through out the entire book. I stayed up late to read this book so I could read it all at one time, and I had a hard time sleeping afterwards because I wanted to know more about G.K. Moore and when the next book in this series would be coming out. I'm really excited about it and I can't wait to read it. G.K. Moore has written one heck of a book. Her debut novel is impressive and she's shot onto my must read list with this book and you know I'm going to want this book on my bookshelf too. In all honesty, nothing I can say will really do this book justice. Pick it up and read it; you won't regret it!
I really liked Olivia. I felt horrible for the circumstances she found herself in. I felt even worse when her current situation deteriorated and I found out what had been happening to her as a child. I didn't just feel horrible, I was enraged that a child would have to experience what she did. I was happy that she'd found some comfort from Alessandro who had every reason to hate her and make her life more miserable. I really wanted to like Alessandro. He had some really good moments and then there were times when I was baffled by his actions. I'm still holding out on deciding for good how I feel about him.
Hot isn't enough to describe Olivia and Alessandro's chemistry. It was off the charts spectacular. I wasn't sure if they were going to rip each other's clothes off or rip off something else. I have to commend Olivia for doing and dealing with things the way she did. I was on edge the entire time I was reading this book. I was either expecting another attack, or it was the details I was learning that had me anxious. I also had no idea what direction the book was going in. Besides the obvious threat to Olivia's life, stuff was going on in the mob world that made Alessandro anxious and their future seem uncertain.
This book ended on a high note, and on a cliffhanger. The high energy that was created on page one, lasted through out the entire book. I stayed up late to read this book so I could read it all at one time, and I had a hard time sleeping afterwards because I wanted to know more about G.K. Moore and when the next book in this series would be coming out. I'm really excited about it and I can't wait to read it. G.K. Moore has written one heck of a book. Her debut novel is impressive and she's shot onto my must read list with this book and you know I'm going to want this book on my bookshelf too. In all honesty, nothing I can say will really do this book justice. Pick it up and read it; you won't regret it!
December 2, 2014
I loved this book.. i mean i loved to hate Alessandro..
He really pissed me off.. and his actions after seeing her for the first time in years.. i was like wtf?
This story is about Olivia.. there are a few flashbacks to her childhood and i usually don't like flashbacks at all but these are short snippets that are needed for the reader to understand the relationship between Alessandro and Olivia.
God Olivia's mom was queen bitch
Silvio sweet jesus that guy is.. there aren't even words...
If you're a fan of the Mafia genre.. this is definitely for you.. if you're a fan of mystery... want to know but can't figure it out stories then this is also for you! I personally cannot wait for book 2!!!
The end... It left a bitch hangin!
He really pissed me off.. and his actions after seeing her for the first time in years.. i was like wtf?
This story is about Olivia.. there are a few flashbacks to her childhood and i usually don't like flashbacks at all but these are short snippets that are needed for the reader to understand the relationship between Alessandro and Olivia.
God Olivia's mom was queen bitch
Silvio sweet jesus that guy is.. there aren't even words...
If you're a fan of the Mafia genre.. this is definitely for you.. if you're a fan of mystery... want to know but can't figure it out stories then this is also for you! I personally cannot wait for book 2!!!
The end... It left a bitch hangin!
November 18, 2014
Covert - Chicago Angels #1 - 3.75 stars
*I was gifted an ARC of this book in return for an honest review*
I don't think I've ever been so conflicted about a story before. There's no denying that the book is great, brilliant even. The author draws you into a world that's raw and dark and gritty. In a round about way it reminded me of Spin and Ruin; a criminal world that sees people dealing or running and is filled with secrets - all amongst a dark romance. A love that is just out of their grasp due to the life they've been handed.
The beginning was brilliant, I was flicking through the pages like they were on fire. It start off with a bang, literally, which sees the heroine - Lulu, returning to the house, and the history that she was sent away from.
There we meet Alex. Alex and Lulu have a past that we get snippets of throughout the book. Alex is fiercely protective of Lulu. He sent her away when she was 18, and she returns to find him having taken over the reins of his father's empire; something he didn't want but was somewhat forced into.
We get an idea of why in the past snippets, and from what I can gather everything leads back to protecting Lulu (Olivia)
What I'm insure of, is why the book fell flat for me around the midway point. I was so engrossed in it, and then I felt like I lost interest. Whether it be because it became less about the relationship between Alex and Lulu and more about the situations and dealings... Or due to the fact that I didn't actually feel the emotional connection between to the two. I don't know I can't quite put my finger on it. But I do know that I'll be continuing with the series to find out what happens.
Despite my reservations, it is fantastic, engrossing and well written. There were a few errors, but being an advanced copy it was to be expected.
Thanks
*I was gifted an ARC of this book in return for an honest review*
I don't think I've ever been so conflicted about a story before. There's no denying that the book is great, brilliant even. The author draws you into a world that's raw and dark and gritty. In a round about way it reminded me of Spin and Ruin; a criminal world that sees people dealing or running and is filled with secrets - all amongst a dark romance. A love that is just out of their grasp due to the life they've been handed.
The beginning was brilliant, I was flicking through the pages like they were on fire. It start off with a bang, literally, which sees the heroine - Lulu, returning to the house, and the history that she was sent away from.
There we meet Alex. Alex and Lulu have a past that we get snippets of throughout the book. Alex is fiercely protective of Lulu. He sent her away when she was 18, and she returns to find him having taken over the reins of his father's empire; something he didn't want but was somewhat forced into.
We get an idea of why in the past snippets, and from what I can gather everything leads back to protecting Lulu (Olivia)
What I'm insure of, is why the book fell flat for me around the midway point. I was so engrossed in it, and then I felt like I lost interest. Whether it be because it became less about the relationship between Alex and Lulu and more about the situations and dealings... Or due to the fact that I didn't actually feel the emotional connection between to the two. I don't know I can't quite put my finger on it. But I do know that I'll be continuing with the series to find out what happens.
Despite my reservations, it is fantastic, engrossing and well written. There were a few errors, but being an advanced copy it was to be expected.
Thanks
April 21, 2015
Covert by G.K. Moore is the first in the Chicago Angels series. An edge of your seat, enticing, suspenseful read that will leave you desperate for more.
Olivia has escaped her past for over six years but now it has caught up with her.
She had one chance to call him. Life or death, he said. Well, it was life or death alright.
Alessandro didn't expect the call from Olivia and didn't know how to reign his emotions in to handle business the way he has planned for the years since she has been gone.
Everything was falling into place but now it is all in danger.
I couldn't think. He was too close, his warm breath tickled my forehead as he lowered his head to talk to me. I closed my eyes, hoping I'd be strong enough not to throw myself in his arms.~ Olivia
This story is told in a dual POV and also flashes to the past to slowly build a more complete picture of the lives and love of Alessandro and Olivia. It ends on a cliffhanger and I am impatiently awaiting the release of the next book.
Olivia has escaped her past for over six years but now it has caught up with her.
She had one chance to call him. Life or death, he said. Well, it was life or death alright.
Alessandro didn't expect the call from Olivia and didn't know how to reign his emotions in to handle business the way he has planned for the years since she has been gone.
Everything was falling into place but now it is all in danger.
I couldn't think. He was too close, his warm breath tickled my forehead as he lowered his head to talk to me. I closed my eyes, hoping I'd be strong enough not to throw myself in his arms.~ OliviaThis story is told in a dual POV and also flashes to the past to slowly build a more complete picture of the lives and love of Alessandro and Olivia. It ends on a cliffhanger and I am impatiently awaiting the release of the next book.
November 20, 2014
This book was amazing and I found it hard to put down. The story is suspenseful and kept me on the edge wanting to know what will happen next. The author does a very good job of building the story, smoothly intermingling the past back story and present within different chapters of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it through both points of views of the main characters Olivia(Livi) and Alessandro(Alex). The characters have a lot of depth and are well developed. I couldn't help feeling sad for Livi because she is so broken, but she is a survivor. I wanted to hate Alex but when you read the story through his eyes, your heart melts for him.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it through both points of views of the main characters Olivia(Livi) and Alessandro(Alex). The characters have a lot of depth and are well developed. I couldn't help feeling sad for Livi because she is so broken, but she is a survivor. I wanted to hate Alex but when you read the story through his eyes, your heart melts for him.
I cannot wait for the next book.
September 14, 2015
G.K. MooreI received this book from the author for my honest review
Please tell me there is gone to be another one after this!!!! It keep on edge from the beginning. I truly thought I had it figured out about the ending, but course I was total wrong. This was a very suspenseful and exciting read. I eagerly to await to see is a next book, cuz I'll jump right on that a soon it comes out!!
Please tell me there is gone to be another one after this!!!! It keep on edge from the beginning. I truly thought I had it figured out about the ending, but course I was total wrong. This was a very suspenseful and exciting read. I eagerly to await to see is a next book, cuz I'll jump right on that a soon it comes out!!
September 9, 2016
I was very kindly provided with a copy of Covert to read and review by the author.
Covert is the opening book of the Chicago Angels series and it certainly gets things going with a huge bang and not just the one from me banging my head against the nearest brick wall because of that jaw dropping cliffy ending. This is the beginning of the story of Alessandro 'Alex' D’Angelo and Olivia 'Livi, Lulu, Lou'. Alex is dragged into his fathers criminal life literally kicking and screaming, Lou is equally dragged into his family fold by her mothers desire to be loved, owned and rich. As the book begins Lou has spent the last six years living a new life under a new identity for reasons not fully explained. But when her past seemingly comes back to kill her, she strikes first and all of a sudden the only man who can clean up her mess is the same man who sent her away, Alex. Why did he send her away? Why is the past suddenly resurfacing? Or is there so much more to this than meets the eye?
Alex was without a doubt my favourite part of the whole book. His love and devotion for Lou grew stronger and stronger from the moment he first met her as a twelve year old girl. The things he was willing to do, endure and sacrifice for either her happiness or her well being could be heartbreaking at times and through the frustration of not always fully understanding his actions it was impossible not to see that everything he did, every choice he was being forced to make was for her benefit whether she ever realises it or not. At times I couldn't understand why he didn't just open up and tell her everything but I think that his reasoning for that may hopefully come to light in book two.
“I love you,” she whispered. My heart contracted. She was mine… and she would be mine forever. I took her face between my hands, pressing my forehead against hers and looking into her eyes. “I’ll say I love you,” I said, “only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been created.
He gasped and our gazes met. His eyes were glazed over, as were mine. In that moment, he was my Alex. He was the boy the befriended me, and the man that loved me. The man that had promised me the world, when all I had ever wanted was him.
And, I was his Lulu again.
The girl he saved from loneliness, and the woman that would have done anything for him. In that moment, we were each other’s. For the first time in years, I felt complete. The gaping hole in my heart had miraculously healed. All I wanted was to touch him again. To assure myself he was really there, in front of me.
Lou was a little more difficult to get along with. In principal she was fantastic but in reality I had to shake and yell at my tablet repeatedly as she made yet again another backwards, rash decision and the way she could switch from thinking she'd made a good choice to a bad one all within the same sentence was beyond infuriating. I just wanted her, just once, to see what was really going on and not what conclusion she was jumping to. But at the same time it was hard not to feel for her, she had had an awful upbringing and her mother didn't even deserve to be referred to in such a way. She was young and naive, even as an adult so I'm looking forward to seeing her grow into a stronger, wiser woman in book two.
This a tale of star crossed lovers, lies, love, loss, pain .... it had everything but the kitchen sink thrown in somewhere along the way and other than the odd frustrating moment because of Alex and Lou's lack of communication, I couldn't have loved it more. There is so many authors dipping in to the Mafia genre now but very few hit the nail as squarely on the head as G.K. Moore has managed to with Covert. It was beyond easy to fall into the story and because of the non stop fast paced action, the endless sexual tension and the huge question marks it was impossible to put this book down. Be prepared to be confused, to fall in love, to cry and definitely to hate the villains of this book. This was an absolutely amazing opening book to the series and book two can't come out quickly enough, that cliffhanger was soul breaking and the amount of questions I'm left with is enough to make me pull chunks of hair out but it was incredibly worth it. This is how a Mafia romance should be written. Thank you to G.K. Moore!
There are some things you know happen in the world, but they are so abstract, so far removed from your own reality, that you block them out. You simply close your eyes. If you can’t see them, they don’t exist. But, when your eyelids are pried open and you have to confront reality, there’s nowhere you can hide and no way you can ever forget.
Covert is the opening book of the Chicago Angels series and it certainly gets things going with a huge bang and not just the one from me banging my head against the nearest brick wall because of that jaw dropping cliffy ending. This is the beginning of the story of Alessandro 'Alex' D’Angelo and Olivia 'Livi, Lulu, Lou'. Alex is dragged into his fathers criminal life literally kicking and screaming, Lou is equally dragged into his family fold by her mothers desire to be loved, owned and rich. As the book begins Lou has spent the last six years living a new life under a new identity for reasons not fully explained. But when her past seemingly comes back to kill her, she strikes first and all of a sudden the only man who can clean up her mess is the same man who sent her away, Alex. Why did he send her away? Why is the past suddenly resurfacing? Or is there so much more to this than meets the eye?
Alex was without a doubt my favourite part of the whole book. His love and devotion for Lou grew stronger and stronger from the moment he first met her as a twelve year old girl. The things he was willing to do, endure and sacrifice for either her happiness or her well being could be heartbreaking at times and through the frustration of not always fully understanding his actions it was impossible not to see that everything he did, every choice he was being forced to make was for her benefit whether she ever realises it or not. At times I couldn't understand why he didn't just open up and tell her everything but I think that his reasoning for that may hopefully come to light in book two.
“I love you,” she whispered. My heart contracted. She was mine… and she would be mine forever. I took her face between my hands, pressing my forehead against hers and looking into her eyes. “I’ll say I love you,” I said, “only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been created.
He gasped and our gazes met. His eyes were glazed over, as were mine. In that moment, he was my Alex. He was the boy the befriended me, and the man that loved me. The man that had promised me the world, when all I had ever wanted was him.
And, I was his Lulu again.
The girl he saved from loneliness, and the woman that would have done anything for him. In that moment, we were each other’s. For the first time in years, I felt complete. The gaping hole in my heart had miraculously healed. All I wanted was to touch him again. To assure myself he was really there, in front of me.
Lou was a little more difficult to get along with. In principal she was fantastic but in reality I had to shake and yell at my tablet repeatedly as she made yet again another backwards, rash decision and the way she could switch from thinking she'd made a good choice to a bad one all within the same sentence was beyond infuriating. I just wanted her, just once, to see what was really going on and not what conclusion she was jumping to. But at the same time it was hard not to feel for her, she had had an awful upbringing and her mother didn't even deserve to be referred to in such a way. She was young and naive, even as an adult so I'm looking forward to seeing her grow into a stronger, wiser woman in book two.
This a tale of star crossed lovers, lies, love, loss, pain .... it had everything but the kitchen sink thrown in somewhere along the way and other than the odd frustrating moment because of Alex and Lou's lack of communication, I couldn't have loved it more. There is so many authors dipping in to the Mafia genre now but very few hit the nail as squarely on the head as G.K. Moore has managed to with Covert. It was beyond easy to fall into the story and because of the non stop fast paced action, the endless sexual tension and the huge question marks it was impossible to put this book down. Be prepared to be confused, to fall in love, to cry and definitely to hate the villains of this book. This was an absolutely amazing opening book to the series and book two can't come out quickly enough, that cliffhanger was soul breaking and the amount of questions I'm left with is enough to make me pull chunks of hair out but it was incredibly worth it. This is how a Mafia romance should be written. Thank you to G.K. Moore!
There are some things you know happen in the world, but they are so abstract, so far removed from your own reality, that you block them out. You simply close your eyes. If you can’t see them, they don’t exist. But, when your eyelids are pried open and you have to confront reality, there’s nowhere you can hide and no way you can ever forget.
December 2, 2014
Oh Alex...You are so swoony even if you are in a horrible place and situation. And LIvi girl growup. Seriously did you even think for one second that maybe things aren't what they seem that maybe people are doing things for a reason. You are a wee bit selfish and self absorbed. Years ago you changed the course of life for Alex. You made him need to make decisions that tore him apart and tore the two of you apart and now you call him for help, act like a petulant child, endanger people and treat him like that when you know nothing of anything. Tiny tries to tell you but do you listen I mean really listen no no you don't. Instead you sit there in self righteous anger and act like a wounded child. Than you say words in anger not once but twice and when the results aren't as you wanted and you get your way you don't like it. You don't question you just get self indulgent and start to feel as if all is against you and hurting you. Well girl others are hurting more than you. Others are sacrificing for you so you can have freedom and a life and have been for years. You are a doof. Alex has given up everything for you and so has Tiny. These two have no life for you to protect you and you are this way. You don't deserve Alex heck you don't even deserve to shine his shoes. Sad thing is he feels like he doesn't deserve you but in reality he deserves better.
This is a wonderful story. Two people who fell in love stuck in a impossible situation. Both wanting freedom. One night one hears something and it changes both worlds. In order to protect the love of his life, Alex, makes a decision. He lets Livi go. Years later she is back and in trouble. She turns to Alex who is now in a precarious situation. He is trying to get out of the life and take down the bad guys with Tiny but now needs to worry about LIvi. No one is supposed to know she lives. Her life is in danger and to protect her and keep her freedom Alex is once again making tough choices. Problem being LIvi has no idea of these choices and thinks Alex is becoming his father. Tiny tries to give her hints as to what she is seeing but she is being to self righteous and childish to listen. When she lashes out Alex becomes resigned and backs off. All he wants is her safe. He loves her so much he has given up his life essentially for her.
This is a complex story with complex characters. Tiny and Alex appear to the world to be bad guys when in actuality they aren't. They made choices years ago to protect a girl and keep her safe and they are still doing this. They are also trying to bring down people who are bad and find a way to freedom. Tiny wants to do more than Alex but I think now that Livi has lashed at Alex this will change. I think Alex is now beaten and will only wish to see Livi safe. He has now been deflated by her and feeling resigned to where he is. Poor guy he was only trying to protect her while giving her the life she wanted. Livi is a petulant overindulgant child. She doesn't grasp the whole picture nor is she trying to. She is to busy thinking of herself and her feelings and no one else. This really ticks off Tiny but she still doesn't care. Tiny is a great guy. Him and Alex's bond is wonderful. They always have each others back and are both trying to protect Livi. Reagan seriously do not like. She is a spoiled princess who knows more than we think. I think she is more involved in her fathers business than we know as well. So much going on in this world of intrigue and danger that we are left wondering so many things. Will alex and tiny come out of this alive and with freedom? Will Alex be able to get out of the clutches of Reagan? Will Livi finally grow up and see what is really going on? Will Tiny come out of this unscathed? Will the Doyles finally pay for all they have done? Will Alex be with his one true love in the end?
A intriguing and wonderfully written book that keeps you on your toes and wondering what is next. The characters have so many sides and secrets. Some are noble in their actions like tiny and alex, some are self serving like Livi and Reagan but all have alternative motives and I am looking forward to seeing it all play out.
This is a wonderful story. Two people who fell in love stuck in a impossible situation. Both wanting freedom. One night one hears something and it changes both worlds. In order to protect the love of his life, Alex, makes a decision. He lets Livi go. Years later she is back and in trouble. She turns to Alex who is now in a precarious situation. He is trying to get out of the life and take down the bad guys with Tiny but now needs to worry about LIvi. No one is supposed to know she lives. Her life is in danger and to protect her and keep her freedom Alex is once again making tough choices. Problem being LIvi has no idea of these choices and thinks Alex is becoming his father. Tiny tries to give her hints as to what she is seeing but she is being to self righteous and childish to listen. When she lashes out Alex becomes resigned and backs off. All he wants is her safe. He loves her so much he has given up his life essentially for her.
This is a complex story with complex characters. Tiny and Alex appear to the world to be bad guys when in actuality they aren't. They made choices years ago to protect a girl and keep her safe and they are still doing this. They are also trying to bring down people who are bad and find a way to freedom. Tiny wants to do more than Alex but I think now that Livi has lashed at Alex this will change. I think Alex is now beaten and will only wish to see Livi safe. He has now been deflated by her and feeling resigned to where he is. Poor guy he was only trying to protect her while giving her the life she wanted. Livi is a petulant overindulgant child. She doesn't grasp the whole picture nor is she trying to. She is to busy thinking of herself and her feelings and no one else. This really ticks off Tiny but she still doesn't care. Tiny is a great guy. Him and Alex's bond is wonderful. They always have each others back and are both trying to protect Livi. Reagan seriously do not like. She is a spoiled princess who knows more than we think. I think she is more involved in her fathers business than we know as well. So much going on in this world of intrigue and danger that we are left wondering so many things. Will alex and tiny come out of this alive and with freedom? Will Alex be able to get out of the clutches of Reagan? Will Livi finally grow up and see what is really going on? Will Tiny come out of this unscathed? Will the Doyles finally pay for all they have done? Will Alex be with his one true love in the end?
A intriguing and wonderfully written book that keeps you on your toes and wondering what is next. The characters have so many sides and secrets. Some are noble in their actions like tiny and alex, some are self serving like Livi and Reagan but all have alternative motives and I am looking forward to seeing it all play out.
December 2, 2014
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this one till I was done reading it and sat back and pondered the lead female characters behavior and role in this story. I went and looked at the reviews to see if others had an issue with her as well and found I wasn’t alone. What I do think makes me different than others who have strong feelings about her behavior is I believe she had to be this reckless in book one, to make whatever the author has coming late mean more. My gut tells me the ending of this book was the first step in her growing up and realizing what her life is now, not her rebellion over what it used to be. So for that reason, along with the story and writing style of the author, I give this book four stars with high hopes that the next installment will be a five star rating once everything is played out.
Olivia and Alessandro have a history. Her mother, his father, married and brought them together as a family, only Olivia and Alessandro discovered a different connection, they found love. When they had chance years ago to run off together and get away from the mafia business his dad ran, events tragically derailed their plans. With her being sent off and he taking over the business, their paths were not meant to cross till years later when she made a desperate phone call for help. There are so many twists and turns in this book that I would love to spell out and talk about, but you really need to read this one and go through the maze yourself. If you are like me, you will find a mix of emotions while you read.
Now someone is trying to kill her and Alessandro is determined to not only protect her but find out who it is that is the threat. He will balance his feelings for her and the other woman he is involved with while Olivia will confront the nightmares from her past that she refuses to let go of. She still loves Alessandro but she isn’t willing to relent to those emotions and she makes some pretty stupid decisions that will put her and others at risk, which leads me back to my prior remarks. I had moments where I didn’t like him hanging on to the girlfriend that he really didn’t feel anything for and lusting after Olivia, but I can’t shed this nagging feeling we are going to find out soon why he is doing it and it will make perfect sense. Alessandro isn’t the kind of man who does something that isn’t calculated and planned.
This isn’t the darkest or grittiest book I have read, but it does get graphic in places so if you are a fluffy, faint of heart book lover, you might want to prepare yourself for this one. The characters are well developed and I could really understand and feel for each of them. Even the secondary characters were presented in a way that the reader could invest in them. They did more than fill in the space in this story.
I can hardly wait for the next installment. The ending was a cliffhanger but more of an emotional kind. There wasn’t gun shots or buildings exploding and then we fade to black, it was more raw and gut wrenching when she discovered what she had done and was left with no one to blame but herself. Will she stand up and recover or will she lay there and wallow……….that is what we will find out in book two.
Olivia and Alessandro have a history. Her mother, his father, married and brought them together as a family, only Olivia and Alessandro discovered a different connection, they found love. When they had chance years ago to run off together and get away from the mafia business his dad ran, events tragically derailed their plans. With her being sent off and he taking over the business, their paths were not meant to cross till years later when she made a desperate phone call for help. There are so many twists and turns in this book that I would love to spell out and talk about, but you really need to read this one and go through the maze yourself. If you are like me, you will find a mix of emotions while you read.
Now someone is trying to kill her and Alessandro is determined to not only protect her but find out who it is that is the threat. He will balance his feelings for her and the other woman he is involved with while Olivia will confront the nightmares from her past that she refuses to let go of. She still loves Alessandro but she isn’t willing to relent to those emotions and she makes some pretty stupid decisions that will put her and others at risk, which leads me back to my prior remarks. I had moments where I didn’t like him hanging on to the girlfriend that he really didn’t feel anything for and lusting after Olivia, but I can’t shed this nagging feeling we are going to find out soon why he is doing it and it will make perfect sense. Alessandro isn’t the kind of man who does something that isn’t calculated and planned.
This isn’t the darkest or grittiest book I have read, but it does get graphic in places so if you are a fluffy, faint of heart book lover, you might want to prepare yourself for this one. The characters are well developed and I could really understand and feel for each of them. Even the secondary characters were presented in a way that the reader could invest in them. They did more than fill in the space in this story.
I can hardly wait for the next installment. The ending was a cliffhanger but more of an emotional kind. There wasn’t gun shots or buildings exploding and then we fade to black, it was more raw and gut wrenching when she discovered what she had done and was left with no one to blame but herself. Will she stand up and recover or will she lay there and wallow……….that is what we will find out in book two.
January 19, 2015
**An eARC was provided in exchange of an honest review**
I really liked this book! I'm a huge fan of anything dark, twisted or involving killers. They are my favorite books and I read a whole lot of them. This book had a little of everything mentioned above. Covert is told by both Alex and Olivia's POV, following their lives six years after their separation and the night that changed their lives forever.
This book started off with something very big happening. I liked the fact that we didn't have to wait long for the action to start or for things to be explained. We were immediately thrust into Olivia's life as another big change happened to bring her back to an old life she thought she would never return to and to a man she never thought she'd see again.
I'm a sucker for second chance romances, so I was swooning and my heart twisting as Alex and Olivia where reunited. It made me all teary-eyed and emotional and wishing they could finally be together, but life isn't easy, especially if you're a head of a big crime family and you have so many people gunning for you. I loved the action, and the fact that things kept happening and happening, all in the span of a few days, but I wanted to see Alex and Olivia's life together six years ago and how they fell for each other. I wanted a deeper connection with them. 40% in, we get flashbacks of their time together, their first meeting and the life they suffered together and separately at the hands of Alex cruel father. While I had really wanted these scenes from before, I was disappointed when all the action in the first half of the book was replaced with mostly flashback with a few chapters of the present in between in the second half. I would have liked it much better if we were introduced to their past from the first chapters instead of dedicating most of the second half of the book to that.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. This book is not very long, so it made it a very easy read. I was hooked from the very first chapter and I didn't want to put this book down. My heart ached for young Alex and Olivia and the things they went through. I loved them more as young children than adults, frankly. Olivia, determined not to turn out to be like her mom, did some very stupid things that just made me want to strangle her. While she did have a right in her fear, she put a lot of people in danger. Alex gave me whiplashes. I could never be sure what he was thinking or feeling. I kind of understood his reasoning most of the time, but the ending was a very abrupt one and it made me feel like I was missing something. I would have liked a closer look on how that happened instead of it being dropped like a bomb in the last page. It shocked me so much, I had to flip back to make sure I didn't accidentally skip any pages.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I want to see what happens next and what life holds for Alex and Olivia and how they would find a solution to what's going on.
I really liked this book! I'm a huge fan of anything dark, twisted or involving killers. They are my favorite books and I read a whole lot of them. This book had a little of everything mentioned above. Covert is told by both Alex and Olivia's POV, following their lives six years after their separation and the night that changed their lives forever.
This book started off with something very big happening. I liked the fact that we didn't have to wait long for the action to start or for things to be explained. We were immediately thrust into Olivia's life as another big change happened to bring her back to an old life she thought she would never return to and to a man she never thought she'd see again.
I'm a sucker for second chance romances, so I was swooning and my heart twisting as Alex and Olivia where reunited. It made me all teary-eyed and emotional and wishing they could finally be together, but life isn't easy, especially if you're a head of a big crime family and you have so many people gunning for you. I loved the action, and the fact that things kept happening and happening, all in the span of a few days, but I wanted to see Alex and Olivia's life together six years ago and how they fell for each other. I wanted a deeper connection with them. 40% in, we get flashbacks of their time together, their first meeting and the life they suffered together and separately at the hands of Alex cruel father. While I had really wanted these scenes from before, I was disappointed when all the action in the first half of the book was replaced with mostly flashback with a few chapters of the present in between in the second half. I would have liked it much better if we were introduced to their past from the first chapters instead of dedicating most of the second half of the book to that.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. This book is not very long, so it made it a very easy read. I was hooked from the very first chapter and I didn't want to put this book down. My heart ached for young Alex and Olivia and the things they went through. I loved them more as young children than adults, frankly. Olivia, determined not to turn out to be like her mom, did some very stupid things that just made me want to strangle her. While she did have a right in her fear, she put a lot of people in danger. Alex gave me whiplashes. I could never be sure what he was thinking or feeling. I kind of understood his reasoning most of the time, but the ending was a very abrupt one and it made me feel like I was missing something. I would have liked a closer look on how that happened instead of it being dropped like a bomb in the last page. It shocked me so much, I had to flip back to make sure I didn't accidentally skip any pages.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I want to see what happens next and what life holds for Alex and Olivia and how they would find a solution to what's going on.
November 16, 2014
Alessandro ~ "I'll say I love you, only because the words to describe what I feel for you have not been created."
From the moment I started reading Covert, I did not want to put it down. Great plot and writing kept me guessing until the last page. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next!
The story starts off with a bang (literally) and Olivia has only one person that she can turn to. Alessandro, the son of her mother's lover and the man that stole her heart six years ago. Theirs is not a conventional love story, so if you're looking for a flowery, romantic book, this isn't it. These two characters have been through hell and back. Alessandro, raised by a cruel mobster of a father, only wanted to be free of this life. Olivia, raised by a heartless mother who couldn't give a damn about her, scared and alone. When Olivia's mother becomes Silvio's mistress and moves them into his home when she's a child, Olivia and Alessandro become unlikely allies and friends. Alessandro becomes her protector and those feelings change as they get older.
But life doesn't always work out how we plan it and the love they have for one another is not enough. Alessandro sends Olivia away after a deadly encounter and it takes her being in danger again to bring them back together.
"In that moment, he was my Alex. He was the boy that befriended me, and the man that loved me. The man that had promised me the world, when all I had ever wanted was him. And I was his Lulu again. The girl he saved from loneliness, and the woman that would have done anything for him."
Their past is told in a series of flashbacks that work seamlessly throughout the book. It gives us glances into their childhood and most broke my heart after reading them. The book is also written in dual POV of both characters and this works so well. On one side you see Olivia, struggling with her feelings for Alessandro, for the future they could have had. Fighting to not be her mother, weak and dependent, a mistress to a mobster.
"What I felt for Alex was a raging inferno. It was a high fever that consumed me and in his presence I was always afraid I'd burst into flames and turn into ashes."
The other, Alessandro, now having taken his father's place and yet, there is much more behind his reasons that keeps me intrigued throughout the entire book. Did I mention how much I did not want to put this down!! That ending had me frantically turning the pages of my kindle and praying for more and I might have started stalking the author's Facebook page (no maybe about that.) I need the next book. I need to know what happens. I read this a few days ago and it still lingers in my mind. Don't hesitate to pick this up.
From the moment I started reading Covert, I did not want to put it down. Great plot and writing kept me guessing until the last page. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next!
The story starts off with a bang (literally) and Olivia has only one person that she can turn to. Alessandro, the son of her mother's lover and the man that stole her heart six years ago. Theirs is not a conventional love story, so if you're looking for a flowery, romantic book, this isn't it. These two characters have been through hell and back. Alessandro, raised by a cruel mobster of a father, only wanted to be free of this life. Olivia, raised by a heartless mother who couldn't give a damn about her, scared and alone. When Olivia's mother becomes Silvio's mistress and moves them into his home when she's a child, Olivia and Alessandro become unlikely allies and friends. Alessandro becomes her protector and those feelings change as they get older.
But life doesn't always work out how we plan it and the love they have for one another is not enough. Alessandro sends Olivia away after a deadly encounter and it takes her being in danger again to bring them back together.
"In that moment, he was my Alex. He was the boy that befriended me, and the man that loved me. The man that had promised me the world, when all I had ever wanted was him. And I was his Lulu again. The girl he saved from loneliness, and the woman that would have done anything for him."
Their past is told in a series of flashbacks that work seamlessly throughout the book. It gives us glances into their childhood and most broke my heart after reading them. The book is also written in dual POV of both characters and this works so well. On one side you see Olivia, struggling with her feelings for Alessandro, for the future they could have had. Fighting to not be her mother, weak and dependent, a mistress to a mobster.
"What I felt for Alex was a raging inferno. It was a high fever that consumed me and in his presence I was always afraid I'd burst into flames and turn into ashes."
The other, Alessandro, now having taken his father's place and yet, there is much more behind his reasons that keeps me intrigued throughout the entire book. Did I mention how much I did not want to put this down!! That ending had me frantically turning the pages of my kindle and praying for more and I might have started stalking the author's Facebook page (no maybe about that.) I need the next book. I need to know what happens. I read this a few days ago and it still lingers in my mind. Don't hesitate to pick this up.
March 7, 2015
3 ½ to 4 stars
I’m on the fence with this one, as you know I am a huge fan of the Mafia genre and have read many, many fictional books covering this subject. This one seemed a little tame in terms of Alessandro’s input to the story. It seemed that all the violence and blood centred around Livi. Or Lou. Or Olivia. Or Lulu. I really don’t know which name to use for the main character as she was referred to the four I’ve just mentioned. For arguments sake I’m going to go with Olivia. Anyway, it all revolved around her and the fact that she isn’t really involved with the family kind of took that Mafia thread and tamed it a little for me. We find a man that has taken over his father’s empire in a way he never wanted yet he doesn’t fit that mould. Although it becomes obvious why when you get further into the book I really wanted those gory details that normally come with the Mafia Kings. I felt short changed. Olivia is this scared little girl who never really seems to grow into herself, sent away when her step father died but still hopelessly in love with the very man who did that to her.
The story starts off with a brutal bang as we find Olivia in a situation she can’t run from, no matter how far she runs. She turns to Alex, which in unravels a whole ugly can of worms. I found it a little weird that Olivias indiscretions were constantly mentioned but never Alex’s. Surely he would have many? It’s a hopeless situation, and you realise that very quickly. We have Regan who is something to Alex yet she comes across as if she knows far more than she lets on, I do think she is yet to play her hand and It isn’t going to be pretty. Then we have Tiny, I can’t get a handle on him yet but I do think that’s the whole point of Tiny. The secondary characters are developed extremely well and slide in and out of this story well. The plot line seems solid, I didn’t come across any inconsistencies or holes which is always a bonus. Be warned, there is a cliff hanger here….
I enjoyed how this was written. The back and forth between timelines was really easy to follow and actually a joy to read. The multiple POV doesn’t keep you guessing so you know exactly what the MC’s are thinking. I always like that; it’s my preferred reading style to be honest. It is nice to get a story that spans time also; you get a feel for their history and what they mean to each other. But whilst there was a lot going on in this book I felt there wasn’t enough going on in this book. It’s hard to explain. I’m not sure if this is a duology or a trilogy but I do most certainly want to read on and I would recommend. However, whilst it has dark themes running through it, it isn’t that all-consuming read I was expecting.
I’m on the fence with this one, as you know I am a huge fan of the Mafia genre and have read many, many fictional books covering this subject. This one seemed a little tame in terms of Alessandro’s input to the story. It seemed that all the violence and blood centred around Livi. Or Lou. Or Olivia. Or Lulu. I really don’t know which name to use for the main character as she was referred to the four I’ve just mentioned. For arguments sake I’m going to go with Olivia. Anyway, it all revolved around her and the fact that she isn’t really involved with the family kind of took that Mafia thread and tamed it a little for me. We find a man that has taken over his father’s empire in a way he never wanted yet he doesn’t fit that mould. Although it becomes obvious why when you get further into the book I really wanted those gory details that normally come with the Mafia Kings. I felt short changed. Olivia is this scared little girl who never really seems to grow into herself, sent away when her step father died but still hopelessly in love with the very man who did that to her.
The story starts off with a brutal bang as we find Olivia in a situation she can’t run from, no matter how far she runs. She turns to Alex, which in unravels a whole ugly can of worms. I found it a little weird that Olivias indiscretions were constantly mentioned but never Alex’s. Surely he would have many? It’s a hopeless situation, and you realise that very quickly. We have Regan who is something to Alex yet she comes across as if she knows far more than she lets on, I do think she is yet to play her hand and It isn’t going to be pretty. Then we have Tiny, I can’t get a handle on him yet but I do think that’s the whole point of Tiny. The secondary characters are developed extremely well and slide in and out of this story well. The plot line seems solid, I didn’t come across any inconsistencies or holes which is always a bonus. Be warned, there is a cliff hanger here….
I enjoyed how this was written. The back and forth between timelines was really easy to follow and actually a joy to read. The multiple POV doesn’t keep you guessing so you know exactly what the MC’s are thinking. I always like that; it’s my preferred reading style to be honest. It is nice to get a story that spans time also; you get a feel for their history and what they mean to each other. But whilst there was a lot going on in this book I felt there wasn’t enough going on in this book. It’s hard to explain. I’m not sure if this is a duology or a trilogy but I do most certainly want to read on and I would recommend. However, whilst it has dark themes running through it, it isn’t that all-consuming read I was expecting.
January 11, 2015
WOW
Olivia, also known as Lou, Lulu and Livi, had a rough childhood being raised by a mother who would do anything for money. When she was twelve, Olivia's mother became Silvio's mistress. Silvio was the head of the Chicago Italian mob. When they moved to his house, Olivia became isolated from the outside world, being homeschooled, until she met Alessandro (Alex). Although he wanted to hate her, Alex and Olivia became very close and fell in love. They planned running away but one night everything changed and Olivia was the only one that left Chicago. Fast forward six years and Olivia is a art student in Chicago. One day, when she arrives home, a hitman tries to kill her. Luckily, Olivia is able to get to her gun and kill the man. She only knows one person that can help her and fix everything: Alex. Alex helps Olivia and tries to find who wanted to kill her but it seems that the situation is more complicated than he thought.
Loved this book! The story hooked is the kind of story that hooks the reader from the beginning and it keeps you guessing what's going to happen next. It is packed with action, mystery, intrigue, drama and steamy scenes (Olivia's dream was so HOT!!!). Loved the flashbacks. They help the reader connect better with the characters.
Olivia is a strong heroine. Growing up, she did everything she was told and now she is determined to follow her own rules. She loves Alex, but doesn't want to be the person she was before she left Chicago six years ago. She doesn't want to be like her mother, the other woman, and wants a better future for herself.
I didn't like Alex in the beginning, especially during the breakfast scene with Reagan and Olivia. But as I kept reading I began to understand him and his actions. He is very protective and possessive. At times he seems to treat Olivia with indifference, but he loves her and can be very kind and sweet.
This is an awesome book and a great debut from G.K. Moore. Loved that the story was told from both Olivia's and Alex's POV because it was needed to understand their actions and what they were thinking and feeling. Covert was very well written and I loved G.K.'s writing style. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Olivia, also known as Lou, Lulu and Livi, had a rough childhood being raised by a mother who would do anything for money. When she was twelve, Olivia's mother became Silvio's mistress. Silvio was the head of the Chicago Italian mob. When they moved to his house, Olivia became isolated from the outside world, being homeschooled, until she met Alessandro (Alex). Although he wanted to hate her, Alex and Olivia became very close and fell in love. They planned running away but one night everything changed and Olivia was the only one that left Chicago. Fast forward six years and Olivia is a art student in Chicago. One day, when she arrives home, a hitman tries to kill her. Luckily, Olivia is able to get to her gun and kill the man. She only knows one person that can help her and fix everything: Alex. Alex helps Olivia and tries to find who wanted to kill her but it seems that the situation is more complicated than he thought.
Loved this book! The story hooked is the kind of story that hooks the reader from the beginning and it keeps you guessing what's going to happen next. It is packed with action, mystery, intrigue, drama and steamy scenes (Olivia's dream was so HOT!!!). Loved the flashbacks. They help the reader connect better with the characters.
Olivia is a strong heroine. Growing up, she did everything she was told and now she is determined to follow her own rules. She loves Alex, but doesn't want to be the person she was before she left Chicago six years ago. She doesn't want to be like her mother, the other woman, and wants a better future for herself.
I didn't like Alex in the beginning, especially during the breakfast scene with Reagan and Olivia. But as I kept reading I began to understand him and his actions. He is very protective and possessive. At times he seems to treat Olivia with indifference, but he loves her and can be very kind and sweet.
This is an awesome book and a great debut from G.K. Moore. Loved that the story was told from both Olivia's and Alex's POV because it was needed to understand their actions and what they were thinking and feeling. Covert was very well written and I loved G.K.'s writing style. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
November 15, 2014
I received an ARC of Covert by G.K. Moore and to sum up the book in one word would be amazing. She pulls you into the story and the characters right from the start. You can see the relationship between Lulu (Livi) and Alex is complicated but so full of passion that it is bound to explode at some point. There are times when that heat does ignite and they are deliciously sexy and wickedly hot. While that passion is there, it all started with an amazing friendship. The depth of their relationship can be summarized in two of the finest lines in the book. "He was the boy the befriended me, and the man that loved me. The man that had promised me the world, when all I had ever wanted was him." As well as "And I was his Lulu again. The girl he saved from loneliness, and the woman that would
have done anything for him."
Covert was set in Chicago, the city I grew up loving and living just outside of. The accuracy of the cities depiction as well as much of the subtext of how the city operates is very well written. Gina included a long standing mafia feud that the city was almost founded on. The distain that the Irish and Italians have for each other. It would be impossible to write a mafia based book and not include that history of the city.
Through the novel Gina gives you glimpses of their past, at several different points, and the development of Lulu and Alex through those flashbacks is so profound. You learn about not only their past together, but also with their parents. It provides you with so much depth of who they are and how they became that way. The flashback scenes enable the reader to truly comprehend why Lulu, and Alex, are both equally angry with their pasts but also unable to escape them, or each other.
This book also has the poignant "love to hate characters". There are three in particular, but I won't spoil who they are. I will say you will know who they are right off and your hatred will only grow through out all the way to the end.
Covert will take you on an emotional roller coaster all the way to the end. There are many twists and turns and they are unexpected and create a truly wonderful story. I laughed and cried while reading this book. I would recommend this book to anyone I know. It will rip your heart out and make you laugh at the same time. It was fantastic and I can NOT wait for the follow up.
have done anything for him."
Covert was set in Chicago, the city I grew up loving and living just outside of. The accuracy of the cities depiction as well as much of the subtext of how the city operates is very well written. Gina included a long standing mafia feud that the city was almost founded on. The distain that the Irish and Italians have for each other. It would be impossible to write a mafia based book and not include that history of the city.
Through the novel Gina gives you glimpses of their past, at several different points, and the development of Lulu and Alex through those flashbacks is so profound. You learn about not only their past together, but also with their parents. It provides you with so much depth of who they are and how they became that way. The flashback scenes enable the reader to truly comprehend why Lulu, and Alex, are both equally angry with their pasts but also unable to escape them, or each other.
This book also has the poignant "love to hate characters". There are three in particular, but I won't spoil who they are. I will say you will know who they are right off and your hatred will only grow through out all the way to the end.
Covert will take you on an emotional roller coaster all the way to the end. There are many twists and turns and they are unexpected and create a truly wonderful story. I laughed and cried while reading this book. I would recommend this book to anyone I know. It will rip your heart out and make you laugh at the same time. It was fantastic and I can NOT wait for the follow up.
January 12, 2015
When Alessandro’s father moves in his mistress and her daughter he should hate her. When he meets Olivia for the first time he found someone who might be lonelier than he is. Alessandro befriends the little girl the few short moments when he is home. When one summer he comes home and everything has changed. Olivia is no longer a friend, she is someone he is falling in love with more and more every day.
”
Olivia has watched her mother bring home different men for months at a time but this new one might be the cruelest of them all. When they move into his home she finds a friend in a boy that is rarely ever home. When her feelings turn from friendly to more they take that chance together. Olivia and Alessandro plan to run away from his mafia family until one day he makes her leave. He puts her on a bus to Miami and never looks back.
I absolutely loved the way this story was written. We get both Alessandro and Olivia’s POVs and we also get flashbacks. We get to see what each of them actually went through. The flashbacks start from when Olivia moved in to the day Alessandro sent her to Miami. The current timeline opens with a bang almost literally. Olivia has just killed a man and now she has to call the one person she promised she would never call again, Alessandro.
Olivia’s character isn’t one of my favorites. She wasn’t very smart about the situation she was in. I understand her not being able to be a prisoner in a house she never wanted to go back to. But when her life is in danger it’s a little stupid to run away. Alessandro was pretty great. Every breath he takes, and everything he does in his life has been for Olivia. He has never given up hope that they would be together in the end. He was sweet and caring to Olivia.
The flow to this book was just incredible. The way everything tied together and the things we have left to figure out. G.K. Moore really created a story that sucks you in. That cliffhanger was just cruel though. I finished this book in one sitting and now I don’t know what to do with myself. I really need this next book.
”
Olivia has watched her mother bring home different men for months at a time but this new one might be the cruelest of them all. When they move into his home she finds a friend in a boy that is rarely ever home. When her feelings turn from friendly to more they take that chance together. Olivia and Alessandro plan to run away from his mafia family until one day he makes her leave. He puts her on a bus to Miami and never looks back.
I absolutely loved the way this story was written. We get both Alessandro and Olivia’s POVs and we also get flashbacks. We get to see what each of them actually went through. The flashbacks start from when Olivia moved in to the day Alessandro sent her to Miami. The current timeline opens with a bang almost literally. Olivia has just killed a man and now she has to call the one person she promised she would never call again, Alessandro.
Olivia’s character isn’t one of my favorites. She wasn’t very smart about the situation she was in. I understand her not being able to be a prisoner in a house she never wanted to go back to. But when her life is in danger it’s a little stupid to run away. Alessandro was pretty great. Every breath he takes, and everything he does in his life has been for Olivia. He has never given up hope that they would be together in the end. He was sweet and caring to Olivia.
The flow to this book was just incredible. The way everything tied together and the things we have left to figure out. G.K. Moore really created a story that sucks you in. That cliffhanger was just cruel though. I finished this book in one sitting and now I don’t know what to do with myself. I really need this next book.
December 2, 2014
**4.5 Stars**
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Alessandro had unwillingly taken over the family business when his father passed away. He had been trying to run away from the life his father had created his entire life and because of his death he lands the top spot of the drug lord business. The one thing that he cannot control is the feelings he has for the one person he should hate; Olivia. After all, she is the mistresses’ daughter.
Olivia being raised around the business has made her smart, paranoid, vulnerable and a target. Trying to live a normal life proves to be difficult when she must defend herself and has no choice but to call the one man that she does not ever want to talk to again.
I do not typically read mafia/crime type books but when I read about this book my interest piqued. Once I started reading I really could not put it down. The suspense is awesome, the duel POV is exactly what was needed. There was some flashbacks into their lives to let the reader really know what was going on and why.
The relationship between the main characters is troubling at times. They love each other so much but the plans that Alessandro has going on has him in a committed relationship with Regan. Not to mention the issues in the past that Olivia cannot seem to forget.
Now let me move on to what troubled me the most. THE ENDING! I am not one to complain about cliffhangers however, I feel this was more than just a cliffhanger. I NEED answers. Guess I will have to wait until the next book, which I will definitely be reading.
Overall, this was a great read and I would recommend this to anyone that loves a good crime story with heated passion.
My Favorite Moment: I really enjoyed when Olivia met Regan for the first time. When there is chemistry in the air everyone feels it.
“She gave me a tight-lipped smile and tried to kiss Alex, but he turned at the last moment and she ended up kissing his cheek. She turned to me and offered me a cold stare; I gulped not able to offer anything more. I was certain I had just made an enemy.”
My Favorite Line: “Don’t tempt a lion, little bird, unless you’re ready to be eaten.”
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Alessandro had unwillingly taken over the family business when his father passed away. He had been trying to run away from the life his father had created his entire life and because of his death he lands the top spot of the drug lord business. The one thing that he cannot control is the feelings he has for the one person he should hate; Olivia. After all, she is the mistresses’ daughter.
Olivia being raised around the business has made her smart, paranoid, vulnerable and a target. Trying to live a normal life proves to be difficult when she must defend herself and has no choice but to call the one man that she does not ever want to talk to again.
I do not typically read mafia/crime type books but when I read about this book my interest piqued. Once I started reading I really could not put it down. The suspense is awesome, the duel POV is exactly what was needed. There was some flashbacks into their lives to let the reader really know what was going on and why.
The relationship between the main characters is troubling at times. They love each other so much but the plans that Alessandro has going on has him in a committed relationship with Regan. Not to mention the issues in the past that Olivia cannot seem to forget.
Now let me move on to what troubled me the most. THE ENDING! I am not one to complain about cliffhangers however, I feel this was more than just a cliffhanger. I NEED answers. Guess I will have to wait until the next book, which I will definitely be reading.
Overall, this was a great read and I would recommend this to anyone that loves a good crime story with heated passion.
My Favorite Moment: I really enjoyed when Olivia met Regan for the first time. When there is chemistry in the air everyone feels it.
“She gave me a tight-lipped smile and tried to kiss Alex, but he turned at the last moment and she ended up kissing his cheek. She turned to me and offered me a cold stare; I gulped not able to offer anything more. I was certain I had just made an enemy.”
My Favorite Line: “Don’t tempt a lion, little bird, unless you’re ready to be eaten.”
November 16, 2014
Four stars!
Have I ever told you how much I love mafia/crime boss romances? Yeah, well I devour them. This one was no exception, the icing on the cake was that it was a second chance at love, which also happens to be one of my favorites. I was sucked into this story from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. It was dark, gritty, cute and had me guessing the whole way through. The writing was solid and I swooned over Alessandro or Alex. I won't go into the story too much as it stands on its own and there is so much going on that it is best to just go in and figure it out!
Olivia (Livi, or Lulu as she is also known as) is a young woman who escaped her former life six years ago, now when her life is threatened, she makes the decision to call on her former love and former heartbreak, Alessandro who is now a very influential man in a very big crime family. Alessandro has never forgotten his Lulu and is willing to do anything to protect her, unfortunately it is hard to do that when their past feelings and present lives collide and clash.
Although I was frustrated sometimes with Lulu's character, I always understood where she was coming from. It is that knowledge and understanding that made her into a heroine that I enjoyed. She protects herself and doesn't allow anyone to walk all over her or keep her from accomplishing what it is that she wants to do.
Alex while swoon worthy was also very infuriating as well. However, he cares very deeply for Lulu, and there are things going on under the surface that have yet to come out that he is working towards. (So can't wait to find out what they are.) He is caring, protective and completely alpha.
The story itself was set at a wonderful pace, while it is set in the present we get glimpses and story from the past that allows you to fully bond and understand the connection between Lulu and Alex. It was well written, detailed and intricate. I can't wait to find out what happens next, at least I hope there is a next one after an ending like it had! I would definetly recommend this one!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Have I ever told you how much I love mafia/crime boss romances? Yeah, well I devour them. This one was no exception, the icing on the cake was that it was a second chance at love, which also happens to be one of my favorites. I was sucked into this story from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. It was dark, gritty, cute and had me guessing the whole way through. The writing was solid and I swooned over Alessandro or Alex. I won't go into the story too much as it stands on its own and there is so much going on that it is best to just go in and figure it out!
Olivia (Livi, or Lulu as she is also known as) is a young woman who escaped her former life six years ago, now when her life is threatened, she makes the decision to call on her former love and former heartbreak, Alessandro who is now a very influential man in a very big crime family. Alessandro has never forgotten his Lulu and is willing to do anything to protect her, unfortunately it is hard to do that when their past feelings and present lives collide and clash.
Although I was frustrated sometimes with Lulu's character, I always understood where she was coming from. It is that knowledge and understanding that made her into a heroine that I enjoyed. She protects herself and doesn't allow anyone to walk all over her or keep her from accomplishing what it is that she wants to do.
Alex while swoon worthy was also very infuriating as well. However, he cares very deeply for Lulu, and there are things going on under the surface that have yet to come out that he is working towards. (So can't wait to find out what they are.) He is caring, protective and completely alpha.
The story itself was set at a wonderful pace, while it is set in the present we get glimpses and story from the past that allows you to fully bond and understand the connection between Lulu and Alex. It was well written, detailed and intricate. I can't wait to find out what happens next, at least I hope there is a next one after an ending like it had! I would definetly recommend this one!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
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