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Mafietta #1
Rise of A Female Boss
When my children ask me how I did it, I tell them I watched the mistakes of those that came before me. Then I used their mistakes to create the playbook that took our family to the top.
Up until our time, many were the stories of kingpins turned inmates. Most often, the girlfriends, mistresses, and wives who survived the experience were lost once their man was shipped away on a forced vacation. This would not be me.
I turned this paradigm on its head. I turned trouble season into double season!!!!! "Mafietta"
Up until our time, many were the stories of kingpins turned inmates. Most often, the girlfriends, mistresses, and wives who survived the experience were lost once their man was shipped away on a forced vacation. This would not be me.
I turned this paradigm on its head. I turned trouble season into double season!!!!! "Mafietta"
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
E.W. Brooks
13 books17 followers"I hope to continue to put out content that people want to read. If something I write can take someone away from the stresses of their day, I've accomplished my goal. I don't seek to change the world with my books, I have a blog for that, but I do hope to entertain it."
- E.W. Brooks
E.W. Brooks is an eight-time author. Best known for the four-part Mafietta series, Brooks has also penned Legacy, Envy and Eye Candy I and II (with author Kinshasha Serbin), and her latest novel Brooks vs Damon Dash: The Unauthorized Taking of Mafietta. She is an award-winning filmmaker, having won awards for two of her last three short films.
Brooks currently lives in South Korea with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 5, 2013
Authentic voice. I felt as if I were listening into conversations among a Mafia-style community of drug dealers, girlfriends, and accomplices. This time, it's a Jamaican community in North Carolina.
I could never relate to the criminal lifestyle or the moral choices made by the key figures within the book. But it does happen. The author manages to convey the voices effectively.
The only thing I would suggest is to put the names of the speakers at the beginning of the chapter. This story is told through four characters, two men who are criminals, and their girlfriends. I sometimes had to guess who was speaking, but it was usually easy from the context, which means the author is writing well.
The story telling style is sparse. The author uses as few words as possible to tell her story. While that could backfire and result in too much missing information, the author conveys just enough to satisfy me. It is an easy read, and could be finished in two sittings.
I could never relate to the criminal lifestyle or the moral choices made by the key figures within the book. But it does happen. The author manages to convey the voices effectively.
The only thing I would suggest is to put the names of the speakers at the beginning of the chapter. This story is told through four characters, two men who are criminals, and their girlfriends. I sometimes had to guess who was speaking, but it was usually easy from the context, which means the author is writing well.
The story telling style is sparse. The author uses as few words as possible to tell her story. While that could backfire and result in too much missing information, the author conveys just enough to satisfy me. It is an easy read, and could be finished in two sittings.
November 21, 2013
I was hooked from the first few pages. This book gets into the nitty gritty of getting caught up in the drug lifestyle. How easy it is to make a good person turn bad for the sake of 'respect'! The story holds you captive- you know you shouldn't like it with the killings and all the illegal activity going on but you love it, you end up cheering for the 'Family' to make it. Clarke, really held her own in the end & learnt the game fast!
There were a few confusing chapters, where the characters switched narratives and you had to read on in able to follow the story and understand who's perspective you was reading. Also there were a few bits which made me laugh regarding the Jamaican food and culture references, but that was only because I've never had to look at it as an outsider looking in. It made it even more exciting to read & understand other perspectives.
In conclusion, this is a great read and an excellent story by E W Brooks. I can't wait for the next part.
September 24, 2013
Buckle your seat belts and hide your kids because Mafietta is one relentless thrill ride from beginning to end. If you're looking for a love story with your typical heroine wins the hot heartthrob heart and flaunts her beauty to win him over, you're in the wrong place. Female empowerment is boasted proudly in this fast paced novel with leading lady Clarke as an relate-able, in your face, and humanly flawed modern day woman. Brooks doesn't hold back as she challenges the character mental and spiritual development throughout the book. Grabbing the readers attention immediately within the first sentences. Brooks writes effortlessly as suspense builds and mounts from each chapter. Brooks is a refreshing outside of the box voice that is welcomed in an evolving industry. Mafietta is a highly recommended book club favorite and avid readers joy ride. Stay tuned the drama is only beginning....
September 1, 2013
I was a lucky winner of the book "Mafietta" by E.W. Brooks. I was quickly engrossed by the relationship between Clarke, and Errol. As part of the Bellow Brothers, Errol is king of a crime syndicate. Clarke grows to love Errol, but begins to question her life as a mafia queen. She begins to do things that used to be foreign to her life. I am now looking forward to Mafietta 2 the next installment by Brooks. I am eager to find out what path Clarke chooses. Now pregnant, she needs to make a life decision for two. Mafietta is an enjoyable read. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!
August 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It's a short read. I read it in about two days. I would love for a part two to be written. I can't wait.
April 28, 2016
Have you ever desired someone after hearing a story of their family? Have you ever made plans to be with someone without them knowing they are the object of your desire?
Clarke is an executive assistant for a successful lawyer. She is making a name for herself and currently she is single. She has a best friend by the name of Tracy. Tracy and Clarke have a mutual friend, Deanna, who Clarke just tolerates because of Tracy. Deanna is telling them the story of how she came to be in a relationship of sorts with Admiral Bellow and how his family moves Mafia style. Clarke is intrigued and wants the lifestyle that the Bellows present. She devises a plan to get the attention of one of the Bellow's men. She kicks her plan into action, with the help of Tracy. She meets the man of dreams, Errol Bellow.
Errol is Jamaican by birth. He sees Clarke when she comes in his restaurant. He makes a date with her for a boat ride. He is intrigued by her just as she is about him. Their first interaction outside of the restaurant did not go well. Clarke at this point is ready to write Errol off. Errol does not want to be written off and pursues Clarke harder. He finally gets her to agree to go on a trip with him to Myrtle Beach. It was during this trip that Clarke opened up her eyes to the man that she was pursuing. She got an inkling of the kind of dealings he had outside of his restaurant, Marley Grill.
Clarke and Errol enter into a relationship. The relationship flourishes. Errol flashes back and explains why Clarke is the love of his life. His story is so sweet and almost fairytale like in the way he describes his desire for Clarke. Clarke is just as enthralled by Errol as he is her. Her plan is coming together and she starts to live the lavish lifestyle she has only dreamed about before Errol.
As Clarke and Errol's relationship progresses, she meets more of the family. She starts to become immersed into Errol's life more and more as time passes. She now understands her position in Errol's life. Errol is wanting to make things permanent and asks Clarke to marry him. She accepts as we all knew she would. The family is evolving and growing. Errol is a king in the world of dope. Clarke is his queen and she will have some big shoes to fill.
Jealousy surrounds Clarke and Errol. They can't seem to escape from it and events are in play that will change how they live day to day. Errol is locked up and Clarke is left to run the family business. She makes a few changes and things run pretty smoothly. Clarke grows the business and adds a few businesses to make their empire bigger. Errol keeps Clarke heavily guarded, even though he is behind bars. Clarke handled the family business with ease and money came faster than she could shake her head.
I am rating four stars. This was my first read by Brooks and I enjoyed the read. Brooks kept me entertained and I liked how the book was based in the Carolinas as I am from South Carolina. It was refreshing to read a book and know of the places that the author is referencing.
Reviewed By: LaLa Garrett
Clarke is an executive assistant for a successful lawyer. She is making a name for herself and currently she is single. She has a best friend by the name of Tracy. Tracy and Clarke have a mutual friend, Deanna, who Clarke just tolerates because of Tracy. Deanna is telling them the story of how she came to be in a relationship of sorts with Admiral Bellow and how his family moves Mafia style. Clarke is intrigued and wants the lifestyle that the Bellows present. She devises a plan to get the attention of one of the Bellow's men. She kicks her plan into action, with the help of Tracy. She meets the man of dreams, Errol Bellow.
Errol is Jamaican by birth. He sees Clarke when she comes in his restaurant. He makes a date with her for a boat ride. He is intrigued by her just as she is about him. Their first interaction outside of the restaurant did not go well. Clarke at this point is ready to write Errol off. Errol does not want to be written off and pursues Clarke harder. He finally gets her to agree to go on a trip with him to Myrtle Beach. It was during this trip that Clarke opened up her eyes to the man that she was pursuing. She got an inkling of the kind of dealings he had outside of his restaurant, Marley Grill.
Clarke and Errol enter into a relationship. The relationship flourishes. Errol flashes back and explains why Clarke is the love of his life. His story is so sweet and almost fairytale like in the way he describes his desire for Clarke. Clarke is just as enthralled by Errol as he is her. Her plan is coming together and she starts to live the lavish lifestyle she has only dreamed about before Errol.
As Clarke and Errol's relationship progresses, she meets more of the family. She starts to become immersed into Errol's life more and more as time passes. She now understands her position in Errol's life. Errol is wanting to make things permanent and asks Clarke to marry him. She accepts as we all knew she would. The family is evolving and growing. Errol is a king in the world of dope. Clarke is his queen and she will have some big shoes to fill.
Jealousy surrounds Clarke and Errol. They can't seem to escape from it and events are in play that will change how they live day to day. Errol is locked up and Clarke is left to run the family business. She makes a few changes and things run pretty smoothly. Clarke grows the business and adds a few businesses to make their empire bigger. Errol keeps Clarke heavily guarded, even though he is behind bars. Clarke handled the family business with ease and money came faster than she could shake her head.
I am rating four stars. This was my first read by Brooks and I enjoyed the read. Brooks kept me entertained and I liked how the book was based in the Carolinas as I am from South Carolina. It was refreshing to read a book and know of the places that the author is referencing.
Reviewed By: LaLa Garrett
October 29, 2013
Mafietta is the story of a young woman who wants more in life and chooses a path that will lead her outside the bounds of the law and into the world of the streets to get it.
Clarke meets one of the Bellow boys, well not just any one of them, but the King (crowned during the story). The Bellow boys are rich from their street activities, doing things their way and pretty much ruling and running the streets making big money, all under the guise of a small and legitimate Jamaican restaurant. Errol Bellows, big time guy that he his, seems kind of shy when it comes to the woman he wants, but not to worry because Clarke won't make it too hard for him. Finally, he asks her out and after that first day they are inseparable. Brooks takes you through their life together - - the body guards, the traveling, the business and the love of it all, including the love for each other. The writing is good, but for me, there were logic gaps and some things seemed rushed.
I would, and have, recommended this to others. An enjoyable read.
Clarke meets one of the Bellow boys, well not just any one of them, but the King (crowned during the story). The Bellow boys are rich from their street activities, doing things their way and pretty much ruling and running the streets making big money, all under the guise of a small and legitimate Jamaican restaurant. Errol Bellows, big time guy that he his, seems kind of shy when it comes to the woman he wants, but not to worry because Clarke won't make it too hard for him. Finally, he asks her out and after that first day they are inseparable. Brooks takes you through their life together - - the body guards, the traveling, the business and the love of it all, including the love for each other. The writing is good, but for me, there were logic gaps and some things seemed rushed.
I would, and have, recommended this to others. An enjoyable read.
November 17, 2013
I'm torn with Mafietta. On one hand, I like the way it's written. I like the dialogue, I like the pacing (Though, it's a bit too fast early on, making me not really sure why Clarke is the way she is), and overall, I enjoyed the story. But on the other hand, it's not my sort of book. E.W. Brooks does a great job of bringing us into the underbelly of society and provides a strong female protagonist, but it got to be a bit much for me, and many of the characters seem more like characters in a story than actual people (Their motives are questionable). As many reviewers have shown, there's a lot to like here, but it's just not for me. If you want to read a book that reads like a movie, then by all means, read Mafietta. But if you enjoy books because they get to the root of the human condition, then this may not be the book for you. It's a genre title, through and through, which isn't a bad thing at all, but again, it's just not for me.
June 15, 2015
A Fast Read
The storyline went extremely fast. I think the author should have developed the story. Was she in a hurry to get through writing this one? It was interesting but too fast as it jumped from one characters to the next. The story was neither all gangsters nor all romantic. Her sideways like a whirlwind that I trying to catch
No Sweat
The storyline went extremely fast. I think the author should have developed the story. Was she in a hurry to get through writing this one? It was interesting but too fast as it jumped from one characters to the next. The story was neither all gangsters nor all romantic. Her sideways like a whirlwind that I trying to catch
No Sweat
December 31, 2013
This was a First Read Goodreads win for me. It started out slow but increased its speed quickly. I am glad that the book did not end on the note of Errol's death....but I'm sure ultimately that is what will happen.
July 21, 2013
The plot will keep the reader turning the pages, as the book is full of mystery and action skillfully written.
October 5, 2013
This book was an interesting read. Stacy met Errols went from paralegal to Nafirttea. I can't wait for part 2 to see what will happen next.
March 18, 2015
While this was a good book, I know that I read this before but under a different title. Either way, can't wait for part 2.
April 12, 2015
Great Read
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it to my friends. This book deals with the taboo of women being the Boss of major crime families.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it to my friends. This book deals with the taboo of women being the Boss of major crime families.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews