Living in Rome far from her family, Lyndie misses them so much that she risks everything to sneak back to Chicago for her mom’s birthday. But her surprise visit goes up in flames—literally a disaster. Before she knows it, she’s trapped in a deadly bargain, forced to spend a month as a “birthday gift” for a Mafia boss’s nephew, all to keep her brothers safe. Lyndie is instantly likable. She’s smart, sharp, and heartbreakingly brave. You can feel her fear and her fierce devotion to her family in every decision she makes. And then there’s Johnny, the nephew. Hardened by loyalty, survival, and years in the mob’s shadow, he’s a man who’s forgotten what tenderness even feels like. When his uncle presents him with a beautiful “birthday present,” Johnny is completely thrown. He doesn’t know what to make of her, or the innocence that seems to clash with her supposed purpose. The tension between them crackles from the start; electric, chaotic, and impossible to look away from. What makes it even juicier is that Johnny is Lyndie’s brother’s ex–best friend, the boy she crushed on for years before life tore their families apart. It’s been over a decade since he’s seen her, so he doesn’t recognize her and that secret adds another delicious layer to their dangerous game. Like the previous books in the series, this one balances edge-of-your-seat danger with quiet, emotional moments that let the relationship breathe and bloom. Johnny’s fall is fast and hard, and watching his tough exterior crumble to reveal that hidden softness was so satisfying. Lyndie’s sly wit keeps their banter sharp and addictive, and their chemistry practically scorches the page. This is a fast-paced, steamy Mafia romance that doesn’t shy away from the dark and the deadly—but still delivers a heart-melting, guaranteed happy ending. It’s passionate, gritty, and full of tension in all the right ways. Buckle up, you’re in for one wild, emotional ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.