Nora never wanted to be Matriarch but now she holds titles that she never expected... Boss... widow... grieving mother... With her family gone and the Patrick Family weighing on her shoulders, the freedom she so desperately craved as a teenager has been pushed further away. She has a duty to the Patrick Family but she also has an obligation to the father of her unborn child. Now that Tony is back in her life she has a problem, one that the Mafia has never seen. She may have loved Tony since she was seventeen but how can he fit into her world? He's the son of another Mafia Boss. Is her love for Tony enough to keep them together? But she also has another desire, to give her child the life she never had, a life away from the Mafia. With Nathan protecting her at every turn Nora has to tip toe her way around Tony, her Family, the FBI, and freedom.
"Mafia Queen" the third exciting and riveting installment in the "Mafia Series" heats up as Nora Patrick-Quinn takes the reins of power as Boss of the Patrick organization, determined to keep Tony Ferreti, her lover and the father of her unborn child safe even if it means pushing him away. With her Uncle Shea planning her murder so he can take her power, the Irish and local factions upset because of her close connection to the Italian Mafia, and Eddie the Hammer pushing for her marriage so he can take control of her Family, Nora begins to buckle under the pressure yearning for her son to grow up in a normal environment where he can have the freedom to make his own choices in life. Cleverly she begins planning her escape with Nathan's help, treading softly around her Family, Tony and the FBI.
In this story Nikki Kitchen brings to life the danger, violence and corruption inherent in a Mafia organization with the assaults on Nora's life and the dirty politics of the Families. Skilfully she uses Nora's class lecture to detail the history of the Mafia with the reality of the mobsters' intimidation, violent confrontations and criminal activities. There are fascinating contrasts between Nora's need to escape the brutality of a life which her son would one day inherit, and Tony's unconditional duty, trust and love for his Family which trumps his devotion to her and their baby.
In a plot that's emotionally captivating as Nora grapples with Tony's continual proposals, the pressure of the Ferreti Family, her pregnancy and the crippling weight of responsibility, the suspense escalates especially when she's shot at and threatened with death. Yet with the dark uncertainty and fear that dominates the mood of this story there are lighter moments in the banter between the Ferreti brothers as well as Gregory and Chase that takes the sting out of the violence. Technically there are a few spelling mistakes, and I would have liked a defined break after a scene change, but neither affected my appreciation of the story.
As in every book in the Mafia series the characters infuse the plot with drama, passion and high-energy especially Nora Patrick- Quinn who's suffered a painful loss and is determined to protect her lover and unborn child from the violence and death that stalks her. Although she appears to the other Syndicate Families as fierce, tough and untouchable she shows a tender, caring and often feisty nature to Tony and her best friend Nathan, the two men she trusts. Jealous of Nora's past with Quinn, Tony is insensitive and childish at times as he constantly tries to get his own way. Although he voices his love for her and their baby, it becomes more and more evident that his Family has the first claim on his affection and loyalty. In contrast Nathan a skilled bodyguard and operative for the FBI remains devoted to, and protective of Nora and the baby; the strength of his familial bond to both unconditional. He respects her decision to flee alone but is sensitive to her future needs so gives her a link to the FBI with his real name.
I liked "Mafia Queen" with its insight into Nora's role as a Boss, her love for Tony and Nathan, and her desire to be free of the responsibility that keeps her chained to the Mafia. It's an emotional roller-coaster that's unforgettable and captivating from the first page to the last.
Trying to cope with the devastation of book #2, Nora's life is further complicated by her pregnancy with Tony's child. The Ferreti family wants Tony and Nora to marry, in part to take over family's business, in part because of family values. Nora is determined to remain the Matriarch of her family and balance her relationship with Tony. But when baby is born, Nora realizes her son can't truly be protected, unless she take drastic action. Love that in the end, Nora is able to have a somewhat normal life and find joy outside the Patrick family.
Adult
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is full of a lot of small details which became a bit boring at times but will help the reader in the long run. The only parts I really found hard was the inputting of a strong religious story line which j think is always hard to do in books because it might attract readers but the religious beliefs maybe not of the reader.
Mafia Queen is very exciting and a compelling read. I enjoyed every minute of it. I was surprised the turn it took. But that only made the story even more fascinating. I highly recommend this book.