Nina Marcelle was born into prominence. As the granddaughter of a legendary watchman whose name carried weight in every circle of New York high society. Groomed for success and raised to protect her family’s reputation, love was never supposed to complicate her life. But that was before she met him…
He was forbidden. Dangerous. A man whose very name struck fear and respect across the city. A made man in the powerful Gotti family. Against every warning and instinct, Nina gave in to the pull of his world. Their secret romance became an addiction neither of them could escape, igniting a love so passionate it shattered boundaries and birthed a child that would bind them forever.
Over the span of many years, their story unfolds in shadows, where twisted secrets come to light, betrayals cut the deepest, and every choice carries a cost. From hidden rendezvous to explosive confrontations, Nina and her mob boss lover are forced to face the reality of a love that’s as dangerous as it is undeniable.
In Love with a Made Man is a sweeping urban romance that blends passion, suspense, and whirlwinds of romance into a tale of love and devotion that refuses to die, even when the world and their families conspire to tear it apart.
*You do not have to read any prior books written by Nako. This is a new series with new characters*
Nakoreya “Nako” Roberson is a native of Atlanta, Georgia studying Mass Communications, Political Science, and Spanish at the illustrious Jackson State University. Upon signing her publishing deal in December 2014, her first book debuted on Amazon.com only one month later and she’s written thirty-three (33) novels to date. She’s become an accomplished and successful author overnight and is planning on additional releases within this year. Her first national release, The Connect’s Wife, ranked within the top one hundred (100) releases and was number one (#1) in the following categories: African American Romance, Urban Fiction, and African American Fiction. At twenty-two, Nako has already made her mark on the literary world. Through the formation of her newly-established publishing company, NakoEXPO, she’s dedicated and determined to assist other talented authors in the literary world to bring their projects to fruition. Her ultimate goal is to assist other authors in realizing their true potential and change the world one novel at a time. CEO of NakoEXPO Publishing ● Successfully published and released seventeen novels ● Eight Best-selling novels ● Sold 50,000 copies of her debut novel, The Connect’s Wife, within the first six months ● Nominated for E-Book of the Year and Reader’s Choice Awards (Other nominees are New York Times Best-sellers and Nako is the youngest nominee in both categories) ● Author of The Connect’s Wife series, The Chanel Cavette Story, If We Ruled the World, and Love in the Ghetto ● Founder of mentorship program entitled, Molding Girls into Jacksonian Women ● Over three hundred (300) girls have been mentored since the organization’s inception in 2014 AREAS OF INTEREST ● Keynote Speaker – Topics range from Publishing, Character Development, and Pursing Your Dreams ● Philanthropist- Bullying, Overcoming Low Self-Esteem, and Navigating through Toxic Relationships ● January 2014, launched The Passport, a personal guide for women striving to find their “stamps” in life. Once a month, Nako releases a “stamp” to her followers geared towards reaching contentment. www.NakoEXPO.com cometoatlanta@gmail.com for BOOKING
Nako has quickly made her way into my “if she writes it, I’m reading it” lane and I love that for me!! When I saw a new series was coming, I knew I would drop everything to read and this book delivered just what I needed.
Let’s talk about the prologue!! Mind blown. Mic drop. Jio had some ‘splainin to do! Who, when, where, what, how..? So many questions about Jio and Nina’s relationship!! And this was just the beginning, Nako took us all the way to the first encounter. I knew she would make me fall in love with them as a couple and now I’m questioning the entire prologue and who the true Villian in the relationship was because…. I’m giving Nina a bombastic side eye!
Jio was a made man; the head of the Gotti mob. It made sense that he kept a low profile but for Nina, he was ready to risk it all! Nina was prim and proper; the chosen one and the soon to be head of her family business. It made sense for Nina to be so cautious, because her parents controlled her life. But girl, you are an adult!!! There was bad blood and tension from both families - while the Gotti family was known for their bad behavior, I fear they have nothing on the Marcelle family - what’s done in the dark shall come to the light..
This story gave secrets, forbidden love, stubbornness, good girl meets bad boy, slow burn, but it was all worth it!! Jio exemplified “play with me if you want” and Nina stayed playing with him like he wasn’t that dude! I can’t wait to see how things play out because the ending has me anxious!! In true Nako fashion, she found a way to incorporate thought provoking points and a necessary word on faith. Whew! The prayer had me ready to type it in my phone and read it daily!! THE PEN!! 😩🤌🏾
I loved this story. I really like that we go back In time to see how Nina and Jio relationship came about. I’m curious to see how this plays out but lord how am I swooning over a dead man ?
I'm stresseddddd!!!! Nina is a character! This book has me rolling my eyes to infinity and beyond. I'm tired for Gotti. I know there's more to the story but this is definitely his villain orgin story.
What I didn’t get in the beginning of Jio and Nina’s relationship, friendship, or situationship was that they both needed each other in a way that they didn’t think they did. Well let me correct that, Jio knew that Nina was his forever, Nina just wasn’t trying to get the memo because she had to please her family and do as they say. I understood that parents wants the best for their children, but at the same time a parent should want to see their children happy, healthy and living their best lives with their significant other. Nina parents wanted her to run the family business against her will. Her parents never ask if that was something that she wanted to do. Nina’s mother brought the fire in me when she wanted Nina to marry a football player and she had no regard for Nina’s concern or permission. I thought that Nina should have grown a back bone a long time ago. Nina played the field because if she truly didn’t want to do anything her parents wanted her to do, she would have put her foot down and stood on business. Nina played my boy Jio the whole book, she made it seem like they couldn’t be together because of their family history, but she was all up in his face telling him that she loved him, lost her virginity to him and just played with his emotions the whole time. She wanted to play the field with Jio and she was all up in that football players face. I felt that Nina was not the girl for Jio, he needed someone who was not ashamed of him and their relationship, he needed somebody who felt the same for him as he felt for her. Nina unfortunately was not that person. Jio should have let her go the first time she played with him and his feelings. I just hope Jio gets tired of chasing Nina and move on because she was definitely a waist of energy and time. Nina like I stated before played games and was leading poor Jio on.
Jio showed grace & patience with a Nina who felt crushed by the expectations of a family name, more like the curse of society's unspoken rules of her purpose in life. Both family names represent past relationships of hurts & an understanding that she could never be her authentic self in their eyes. So, they settle, dimming their light and 'Wearing The Mask.' This powerful narrative proves that the grace we seek from others is merely a reflection of the unconditional self-acceptance we are due. Readers will find an inspirational roadmap here, affirming: You are enough, and your true self is the greatest legacy. That's Nako's work! Always lifting us up! 📚🤗💜💚💛
I gave this book three stars because the writing itself is strong. However, I didn’t feel like I read a complete story. By the end, it still felt as though I was stuck in chapter one, waiting for something to fully unfold. This wasn’t a cliffhanger that left me eager for more; it simply felt unfinished, as though the story never fully arrived.
Nako knows she can spin a tale! The bad guy falls for the good girl but not in your typical fashion. Who’s in love for real and who’s playing around? I need book 2 now!
Never did I yearn for a man to leave a woman. Jio loved her way more than she ever loved him. She was selfish and told him no but was a sucker for her parents who did not care about her feelings. I woulda left that family so quick for that man. He loved her down to the point where it was not healthy. He respected her and she treated him like a side piece. This is a good book because it left me emotionally drained and wanting redemption. I thought about these characters way after I closed the book. Also, I loved the way he courted her, waited on her and the romance wasn’t insta garbage. He fell in love with her body, mind, and soul. A lot of urban writers fall into the same instalove trope where all they show is fast sex and lust. No baby this was earned loved. She is a good writer. I am mad she didn’t drop all the books!
Just From Two Different Worlds!! Nina is the youngest of four who is always wanted to please her parents. Mind you she graduating with a law degree, but they want her to take over the company when her daddy retires. Jio comes from a long line of made men. Nina felt Jio’s eyes across the bakery and then at the bookstore. He introduced himself asked for her number. Took her on a couple of dates then out the country. Of course she doesn’t introduce him to anyone in her family. Like she ashamed of him. Jio knew he didn’t want her involved in his world. Nina gave him her virginity, she says that she is in love with him but her actions says different. He is in love with Nina and his prove it. They had one son. After he died and Ms. Carrington shows up and they have two children
I have loved every book I've read of yours. But, I have to say I didn't really like Nina because of how she was hiding Jio like he wasn't worthy of her. And then for Jio to be a made man he looked weak as sugar water! I get that he is in love but, that doesn't mean he has to look weak and stupid! She wants him when she wants him and thats it because if she was in love with him like she says she is, then she would choose her happiness and his over being her parents puppet. I loved Jio at 1st but, then he went from being this strong fine made man to a fine weak, pathetic man. This one didn't do it for me. The Nina thing was just really long, tiring, and drawn out!
Nako does it again with another good read!!! 10/10 full of trials and tribulations. Man throughout this whole book I felt so bad for Gotti like he is such a boss and to be treated that way, but I also feel for Nina to because girl you grown. I understand her, but to want to satisfy your parents she is hurting herself and her relationship!! I’m convinced she couldn’t love him because ain’t no way. She should have said forget that family real talk. I just know from the prologue they never get there happily ever after, and that makes me more sadder than anything.
From the first time Jio encountered Nina he wanted her. It is an unspoken rule the families don't mix but the heart wants what it wants. Nina is trying to be politically correct on both sides, its not working. Why he wants to push the envelope, no ene understands but he's willing to push her to get with the plan. The night of her graduation in his club all bets are off. What will happen with Kobie, Nina, Jio, we will have to wait and see. So far an excellent new series.
Nako never disappoints. The prologue set the scene beautifully with the promise of drama to unfold.
This was a read that I literally could not put down. I have anxiety for Jio. He’s not getting the same energy back that he is giving. His love for Nina is authentic and pure. Nina does not seem worthy. She continues to put her family and their needs before her own and Jio’s. Hopefully she’ll redeem herself in book 2.
I really want Jio and Nina to have their happy ending but we know that will not happen. Running to book 2 with a heavy heart anyway.
The prologue gave me anxiety and had me on edge the entire book because I thought I knew what would happen but I was wrong! I really loved Nina and Jio’s relationship building despite the way they are having to build in secret. Jio Jio Jio, had me swooning the whole book and fussing at Nina a few times but I also understood they come from different but yet similar families. Once again Nako has me loving yet another powerful couple
Let me tell you something Nako never miss… I can go months without reading and if I see a Nako drop oh I’m reading it and I’m not putting it down…she never miss Nina my Nina this man love you downnnnnn and you don’t see the weight he carrying around. He is not regular but to her he is and the same for him but he know the weight of her last name. I can not wait for part 2. Please Nako don’t have me waiting to long!! I love Jio
Just why? I’ll start by saying that this book was very well written, flowed well and kept me invested from beginning to end. Usually, we would find the female lead character acting head over heels for the male, but Nina was getting on my nerves with the way that she was handling Jio. I can’t wait for book two when she mess around and find out that she’s dealing with a boss. I really dislike cliffhangers. Ugh!
I can't cuss because they won't post this! But, this was so f'in good. I kept adding this book to my kindle and taking it out to read something else, but it kept coming up on IG. I downloaded it again and coykd not put it down, can not wait for book 2. J got it bad for Nina but she getting on my last nerve!!! And this chick at the funeral with his 2 kids, wtf!!!!
This book was soo good I forgot it was about the past… I felt like I was right there with Nina and jio. I want her to forget her family but a legacy is forever and jio is dealing with that same thing . I love how open he is for her and it seems that Nina takes advantage of that at times. I can’t wait for part two…
Let me start by saying, I CANT STAND NINA! Nina was wrong to play with his emotions knowing she was never going to love him out loud. Jio wasn’t perfect either with his lying self. I was rooting for them real bad. Jio Gotti 😮💨 Now I’m curious about the other woman from the funeral 🤔
Another great read by Nako. I’ve been stuck in the underworld for so long I didn’t know how I would feel about new characters. As always Nako captivates our attention with a storyline that will keep us wanting more. I can’t wait for part 2!
Man Nako has done it again...when I tell you Gotti is definitely a Made Man ... This is the crazy love I need ... Perfect read again ... Can't wait for part 2 ...
Although I hate the fact that I have to wait for part 2, this book is the business. Phew!! I just hate how Nina was moving and I’m dying to get back to present day and CS. For Nako, I’ll wait all day every day.
I don’t know how Nako does it.. 80+ books later and she’s still a writing powerhouse. I didn’t expect anything less than intriguing, suspenseful, filled with love and lessons. I’m beyond curious to see what the future holds for Nina and Jio..
I know Jio ain't going out like that over her!!! That's some hard love, but he gonna loose her that way, but I can't wait to see how it all turns out!!! Loved it, waiting on the next episode!!!
This story is just getting started and babyyyy Nako gave us an INTRODUCTION! The cliffhanger has me on edge for book 2. Nako I loved every minute and I am looking forward to more. Well done!
Two powerful families, one forbidden love story ❤️
*May contain spoilers*
Jio and Nina fell in love at first sight, however, the build up of their love story was beautiful to follow. I love how Nako incorporated foreshadowing to build anticipation for what’s to come later in the story.
Nina’s character drove me CRAZY with her decision making. She’s a perfect picture of the saying “all that glitters is not gold”. She comes from a wealthy but empty family. She felt like she couldn’t escape her family to love her man out loud, but she tried her hardest to be both a lover girl and someone her family could be proud of. I just wish she put herself first!
Jio — the made man. The boss. The lover boy. I absolutely love reading about MMC’s who are in touch with their feelings and know exactly what they want. He was also a very smart man who loved reading. We don’t see much of that in books these days! I initially thought he was a great, well-rounded character but I can’t help but wonder the story behind this Carrington Strozier character 👀!
Nina’s cousins are birds 🦢. I don’t like them!
Jio’s family dynamic was very dysfunctional and I think that helped build an anxious attachment style.
Im dreading how this story is going to end but I’m also ready to see how it unfolds.