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The Family #1
Angelica
Family is many things to many people but in one woman’s world family means
Respect
Honor
Loyalty
These words are the meaning to life in her world. When these words are not followed there is only one other word that you must know
Revenge
For Angelica it is the only word that has held any meaning in her life for ten years. Taught at an early age that disloyalty equals death and that blood is to be answered with blood she seeks vengeance for the deaths of those she loved.
Always alone she has been careful to stay free of emotional ties until her life takes an unexpected turn. Unfortunately like everything in her life it has consequences. Consequences that can only be answered with blood. As her past and future collide together Angelica must face her past once and for all if she has any chance at a future and happiness that she never dared hope for. She must do it quickly before she sinks further into the darkness and becomes the very thing that she hunts.
excerpt:
At the age of ten I was my daddy’s little princess and my mommy’s little angel. I was kept in my tower like any other princess. My mommy was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was so beautiful that many people called her Helen of Troy, and though our coloring was different, everyone said I was just as beautiful. When Mommy chose Daddy, the other men she hadn’t chosen were very angry, though they hid it and waited. My parents were worried that someone would steal me, so I lived in my tower, only allowed to be seen by my family. When I was ten my mommy became pregnant with my brother, and we were sent away to be safe. When I was ten my daddy and my mommy died and I was forced to run and hide.
When I was eleven he found me. When I was twelve he found me. When I was thirteen he found me. When I was fourteen he found me. When I was fifteen he found me. When I was sixteen he found me and told me that I would be his princess. When I was seventeen he found me and told me that I was to remain a virgin. When I was eighteen he found me and told me that I was to be his virgin princess bride. When I was nineteen he found me. As I escaped again he yelled to me that if I ever allowed any to touch me, he would kill them, and the pain I suffered now would be nothing compared to what I would suffer for the rest of my life.
His threats scared me then no more than they had when I was eleven. The hurt he did to me I refused to show. The numbness of my existence let me block it out. The problem was, when I turned twenty I did something I had never done before. I allowed someone to become my friend.
Respect
Honor
Loyalty
These words are the meaning to life in her world. When these words are not followed there is only one other word that you must know
Revenge
For Angelica it is the only word that has held any meaning in her life for ten years. Taught at an early age that disloyalty equals death and that blood is to be answered with blood she seeks vengeance for the deaths of those she loved.
Always alone she has been careful to stay free of emotional ties until her life takes an unexpected turn. Unfortunately like everything in her life it has consequences. Consequences that can only be answered with blood. As her past and future collide together Angelica must face her past once and for all if she has any chance at a future and happiness that she never dared hope for. She must do it quickly before she sinks further into the darkness and becomes the very thing that she hunts.
excerpt:
At the age of ten I was my daddy’s little princess and my mommy’s little angel. I was kept in my tower like any other princess. My mommy was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was so beautiful that many people called her Helen of Troy, and though our coloring was different, everyone said I was just as beautiful. When Mommy chose Daddy, the other men she hadn’t chosen were very angry, though they hid it and waited. My parents were worried that someone would steal me, so I lived in my tower, only allowed to be seen by my family. When I was ten my mommy became pregnant with my brother, and we were sent away to be safe. When I was ten my daddy and my mommy died and I was forced to run and hide.
When I was eleven he found me. When I was twelve he found me. When I was thirteen he found me. When I was fourteen he found me. When I was fifteen he found me. When I was sixteen he found me and told me that I would be his princess. When I was seventeen he found me and told me that I was to remain a virgin. When I was eighteen he found me and told me that I was to be his virgin princess bride. When I was nineteen he found me. As I escaped again he yelled to me that if I ever allowed any to touch me, he would kill them, and the pain I suffered now would be nothing compared to what I would suffer for the rest of my life.
His threats scared me then no more than they had when I was eleven. The hurt he did to me I refused to show. The numbness of my existence let me block it out. The problem was, when I turned twenty I did something I had never done before. I allowed someone to become my friend.
282 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
29 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
About the author
Angelique Jones
15 books81 followersI can’t help but smile when I read that someone was inspired by the voices in their head and how they just had to let them out. Yes I smile because once my husband read what the voices in my head were saying he started sleeping with one eye open and with one foot on the floor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 24, 2016
As a whole I enjoyed the storyline and plot and fully plan on reading Dominic, the next book in the series. Angelica is a badass heroine, who doesn't take crap, can hold her own and is lethal as an assassin. The same people who drew first blood killing her family are the same ones she's sworn vengeance upon. The author does amazing job walking you through the darkness of the world she lives, the nightmares and desolation she faces.
My chief complaints is the author could have expanded more. Gone more heavily into details with the events, the plotting and most of all what the characters were feeling and experiencing. The majority of the story is narrated with not enough dialog, that alone made connecting with the characters hard.
Too many key details and events were glossed over. Last but not least, Angelique Jones periodically bounced from third person omniscient to first person point of view. I don't know if that was a typo but occasional slips had me scratching my head. However you may feel differently. Enjoy, happy reading!
My chief complaints is the author could have expanded more. Gone more heavily into details with the events, the plotting and most of all what the characters were feeling and experiencing. The majority of the story is narrated with not enough dialog, that alone made connecting with the characters hard.
Too many key details and events were glossed over. Last but not least, Angelique Jones periodically bounced from third person omniscient to first person point of view. I don't know if that was a typo but occasional slips had me scratching my head. However you may feel differently. Enjoy, happy reading!
June 23, 2024
I read this previously, quite a while back and decided to reread it. I found a lot of issues this second time that I don't recall experiencing on my initial read. Maybe I just wasn't as aware then or my taste has evolved since. So the bones of this story were excellent the subject highly intriguing. I had no issues there and I do adore a capable kick-ass female lead, but one thing I kept noticing was how Angie was the best at everything. She was like bloody Mary Poppins practically perfect in every way and it got old. Yes, I get it Angelica your beautiful everyone wants to be you or get a piece of you but frankly, it got tiresome fast.
I then wasn't loving the relationship either between Angie and Lucca it felt flat and besides the physical, I wasn't convinced of even the why of their feelings. To much tell and not enough show.
There were also discrepancies in the timeline that didn't quite corralate or maybe it was the confusing words as I found myself having to reread stuff as it wasn't always that clear.
Finally, some of Angie's capabilities and ability to endure felt far-fetched her actions as a child seemed far past her years.
Despite all of the above, this was easy to digest and if you can suspend your disbelief entertaining. The bones of the story were excellent the execution not so much. Still, I enjoyed this to a point and will probably reread book two as well.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 8, 2016
Right...all I knew before I started this book was that I wanted to read a Mafia Book and I wanted the heroine to be kick-ass. I mean a really strong, independent, don't give a f#ck, slice 'em up and walk away heroine.
Boy did I get that in this book.
This book won't appeal to everyone. It has issues with grammar and spelling. It is written is 3rd person, but then out of no where, it's in 1st person.
But I don't care.
I read this all in one sitting and enjoyed every last bit of it. This was exactly what I wanted to read and I'm quite glad I read it.
Boy did I get that in this book.
This book won't appeal to everyone. It has issues with grammar and spelling. It is written is 3rd person, but then out of no where, it's in 1st person.
But I don't care.
I read this all in one sitting and enjoyed every last bit of it. This was exactly what I wanted to read and I'm quite glad I read it.
August 16, 2015
I absolutely love mob stories! I love the power play among the families and of course the power play and blossoming feelings between the main characters. Usually it's the alpha male making the sacrifices, protecting his woman, family, and business etc.
In this story Angelica is main character, the alpha female, the character sacrificing to fulfill promises of family honor and vengeance. This chick is the epitome of badass! Angelica is like a freakin McGyver, mob enforcer, black widow all in one! I love this chick! So yeah while she's fulfilling promises, defending honor, killing every man moving who slighted her family, she inadvertently meet her destiny, Lucca. Through an intricate game of family betrayal, mafia mayhem, kidnapping, murder, babies and whatnot, Angie and Lucca are on a downward spiral to "H E double hockey sticks"! Lucca can't wrap his brain around his "little" woman's ability to take care of her herself. He's destined to lose her if he doesn't wake up!
This book is extremely action packed. It certainly read like an awesome kick ass movie! Although the love play between Angie and Lucca is sooooooooo friggin HOT (Lucca is THE MAN readers!!!), Angie's kickass actions outweigh the fact she is Lucca's submissive in bed! Ha! Submissive my hind parts!
This story is beyond awesome! It's definitely 5+ stars and one of my faves! Unfortunately I flew through the story because it's so good! It's definitely worth a more calm and detailed second, third, and fourth read! Angie is the new enforcer!!!
In this story Angelica is main character, the alpha female, the character sacrificing to fulfill promises of family honor and vengeance. This chick is the epitome of badass! Angelica is like a freakin McGyver, mob enforcer, black widow all in one! I love this chick! So yeah while she's fulfilling promises, defending honor, killing every man moving who slighted her family, she inadvertently meet her destiny, Lucca. Through an intricate game of family betrayal, mafia mayhem, kidnapping, murder, babies and whatnot, Angie and Lucca are on a downward spiral to "H E double hockey sticks"! Lucca can't wrap his brain around his "little" woman's ability to take care of her herself. He's destined to lose her if he doesn't wake up!
This book is extremely action packed. It certainly read like an awesome kick ass movie! Although the love play between Angie and Lucca is sooooooooo friggin HOT (Lucca is THE MAN readers!!!), Angie's kickass actions outweigh the fact she is Lucca's submissive in bed! Ha! Submissive my hind parts!
This story is beyond awesome! It's definitely 5+ stars and one of my faves! Unfortunately I flew through the story because it's so good! It's definitely worth a more calm and detailed second, third, and fourth read! Angie is the new enforcer!!!
August 24, 2015
This book was awful. Can I have my refund?
The story line was everywhere, the writing was so simple, it made me feel as if a 13 year old wrote. It was really bad.
The story line was everywhere, the writing was so simple, it made me feel as if a 13 year old wrote. It was really bad.
December 8, 2015
Death Angel
If ten stars could be given, this book would have them! It's been a while since I've read straight through a book, but when you have a female Dexter Morgan crossed with Jason Bourne, putting the book down is not an option! Angie was BAD TO THE BONE! Having suffered a horribly tragic childhood put her on an immediate quest for vengeance while simultaneously trying to stay ahead of her psychotic, obsessed stalker. Maria put the first chink in the armor around her heart, Lucca the next and Alexa totally obliviated the rest. This is the best mafia novel I have read this year (and I have read MANY)!
If ten stars could be given, this book would have them! It's been a while since I've read straight through a book, but when you have a female Dexter Morgan crossed with Jason Bourne, putting the book down is not an option! Angie was BAD TO THE BONE! Having suffered a horribly tragic childhood put her on an immediate quest for vengeance while simultaneously trying to stay ahead of her psychotic, obsessed stalker. Maria put the first chink in the armor around her heart, Lucca the next and Alexa totally obliviated the rest. This is the best mafia novel I have read this year (and I have read MANY)!
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January 5, 2016oh god it has such a potential. I mean the characters are great and I love bad ass heroine but this books its too descriptive. I love when there is more interaction and less written all around it. I mean I have imagination. so sory. I'm not gonna rate the book. I haven't finished it so there is no point. Hopefully I will return to it because as I said it was very interesting at some point but I felt like this
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September 19, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author. I think the story had potential but the writing is not there quite yet. It had basically no dialogue which made it hard for me to get to know the characters, the story line also felt rushed and it felt to me like it had no depth.
April 18, 2016
Lol this is honestly such a horrible book haha. Lucca is so horrible & useless. The book as a whole is a sh*tstorm
November 10, 2021
Mafia books have always been a favorite of mine, especially when done right.
I’m happy that I found this series since lately I’ve been picking up bad book after another.
Overall the story was interesting and had you rushing to read the next chapter. Some parts were a little over the top and dramatic to the point I truly believed hurt the story. You don’t need to be explosive throughout it the entire book.
Something that bugged as well was Ang was supposedly dead to her family, and Enzo a man obsessed with her chases her throughout the entire book knows who she is. She’s basically running from place to place to get away from Enzo and carry out her mother’s wish.
The girl has fire red hair.
She does absolutely nothing to change her appearance from alerting her family that she’s alive, and from better hiding from Enzo. I mean she’s so recognizable that when her family sees her again for the first time with her brother, they instantly recognize her. And the fact that she basically strunts her stuff wanting to be noticed…. I mean come on haha. At least wear a wig and color contacts or some thing.
Another thing I wished this book explored more on is her and Lucca. They basically had zero interactions to make me believe that they love each other. More alone time of them talking and just basic stuff would have been more valuable to the storyline verses all that crazy over the top action.
But I still enjoyed this read. It has some flaws that can be hard at times to over look but over all it’s worth a read.
Xoxo 💋
I’m happy that I found this series since lately I’ve been picking up bad book after another.
Overall the story was interesting and had you rushing to read the next chapter. Some parts were a little over the top and dramatic to the point I truly believed hurt the story. You don’t need to be explosive throughout it the entire book.
Something that bugged as well was Ang was supposedly dead to her family, and Enzo a man obsessed with her chases her throughout the entire book knows who she is. She’s basically running from place to place to get away from Enzo and carry out her mother’s wish.
The girl has fire red hair.
She does absolutely nothing to change her appearance from alerting her family that she’s alive, and from better hiding from Enzo. I mean she’s so recognizable that when her family sees her again for the first time with her brother, they instantly recognize her. And the fact that she basically strunts her stuff wanting to be noticed…. I mean come on haha. At least wear a wig and color contacts or some thing.
Another thing I wished this book explored more on is her and Lucca. They basically had zero interactions to make me believe that they love each other. More alone time of them talking and just basic stuff would have been more valuable to the storyline verses all that crazy over the top action.
But I still enjoyed this read. It has some flaws that can be hard at times to over look but over all it’s worth a read.
Xoxo 💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2017
I'm kind of surprised by how high the ratings are for this one. First off, there's a lot of darkness and depravity but there really isn't much depth. It's a very twisted but ultimately superficial read. Secondly, it's very difficult to read without a lot of eye-rolling and sighing on my part - perhaps the author initially wrote this in first person and changed her mind - or maybe it's just that poorly edited but the present/past and first/third person tenses change literally every page. Some typos, which aren't too bad, except in places where she obviously uses the incorrect character's name!
All in all, a meh, and not compelling me to read more.
All in all, a meh, and not compelling me to read more.
June 27, 2017
Loved it!
This book will grab you from the beginning and hold you till the end. I really enjoyed it. Angelica is a well rounded character and even though she takes justice into her own hands you still love her wholeheartedly. She has to be strong and resourceful and resilient. But the one thing she is missing in her life is love, she doesn't realize this until it happens to her and then it takes her by surprise because she's been on her own for so long. But she also has to take the dangers of the life of Family and where she comes from and Loyalties play a huge part in this high stakes game called life. Great job Ms. Jones thanks for sharing your talent.
This book will grab you from the beginning and hold you till the end. I really enjoyed it. Angelica is a well rounded character and even though she takes justice into her own hands you still love her wholeheartedly. She has to be strong and resourceful and resilient. But the one thing she is missing in her life is love, she doesn't realize this until it happens to her and then it takes her by surprise because she's been on her own for so long. But she also has to take the dangers of the life of Family and where she comes from and Loyalties play a huge part in this high stakes game called life. Great job Ms. Jones thanks for sharing your talent.
July 15, 2020
How have I never heard of this author before!
Holy cow this book was so good. The plot was so well executed. The blurb makes it sound like there are a lot of triggers in the book but they are handled in a genius manner. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the ending. Without giving any spoilers, she takes the main characters apart and then throws them back together with no resolution. Just “I will ignore you” versus “I will not leave” then suddenly “I love you.” It didn’t match the flow of the rest of the book. But that is my only issue with this story. I will be checking out Dominic’s book next!
Holy cow this book was so good. The plot was so well executed. The blurb makes it sound like there are a lot of triggers in the book but they are handled in a genius manner. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the ending. Without giving any spoilers, she takes the main characters apart and then throws them back together with no resolution. Just “I will ignore you” versus “I will not leave” then suddenly “I love you.” It didn’t match the flow of the rest of the book. But that is my only issue with this story. I will be checking out Dominic’s book next!
April 23, 2019
This was quite a surprisingly amazing find! I love a good mafia story & a bad ass heroine- this had both! The plot was refreshing & different, while still living up to basic mafia standards. I loved the characters! It was fast paced & intriguing. The love story was paced JUST right to where it wasn’t annoying insta love, but neither was it a slow burn. Just all around a GREAT book! I might even up it to five stars just because finding books that get me this excited has become rare indeed!
November 18, 2024
This was an ok read could have been brilliant, but there was no character depth what so ever. This felt rushed tho the storyline was good it needed that bit more. Angie was a fab female lead like I love but it left me just lacking. I won't read any more of the series as through reviews I've heard the last book is mindblowing with all the male leads being killed off. I dnt fancy investing in a series I wasn't truly in love with to still have to deal with the emotional blow at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
It is a twisted tale of love and revenge. A princess kept locked up for future use only she will end up seeking revenge to save herself after finding true love in a world of bloodshed and betrayal. What one female must go through to find some sort of happiness? A gripping read.
It is a twisted tale of love and revenge. A princess kept locked up for future use only she will end up seeking revenge to save herself after finding true love in a world of bloodshed and betrayal. What one female must go through to find some sort of happiness? A gripping read.
July 19, 2017
This was my second time reading this book. The POV is mainly Angie. Due to her strength and loyalty she is a likeable heroine. The only disappoint is that her and Lucca don't make an emotional connection till the end of the book.
April 24, 2018
Love it
I love the way it’s written . It makes you feel so many emotions. I love the story and the characters.
I love the way it’s written . It makes you feel so many emotions. I love the story and the characters.
October 14, 2018
This story was okay, but could be better. There were areas where the writing was weak and all over the place. There were times where the writing wasn't clear and lost my focus.
November 10, 2019
2.5 Certe cose mi sono piaciute altre le ho odiate. Quindi è un nih.
Possibile che tutti la vogliano violentare, e dai.
Possibile che tutti la vogliano violentare, e dai.
December 1, 2020
We get it Angelica... you’re beautiful. 🙄
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September 14, 2025so good
December 7, 2015
I'm extremely surprised at all the good reviews this book got because the story could have been great if the author kept her focus. This is my first book by this author and I can tell she’s very talented, but I didn't connect with this story due to the different timeline, format which added more confusion. As a reader, it is wise to keep an open mind when reading due to many directions the writer may or may not take to create an awesome plot; however, there was so many different directions this plot took... I need a certain amount of realism to believe the story but some of the plot twists that seemed way too over-the-top and not realistic...Lucca was dominating, controlling and down right crazy as h**l.. How can you say you love someone and don't check on her?? The author wanted Angelica to be a super heroine that she threw in everything AND the kitchen sink but it was a distraction. Overall, had potential just fell along the way...
October 2, 2015
5 Vengeful Stars!!!!
This book is a must read for EVERYONE!!!!! I don't want to give anything away so I will just say this:
If you love a great Mafia read then this is a must for you. This book is amazingly written and will suck you in from the very first line.
I found myself more then once holding my breath and preying with everything that I had that everything would work out or that the bad guy would fall.
The book had the ability to have my laughing out loud 1 minute then tearing up the next.
So pick this book up and fall in love with Lucca and his Angie xx
This book is a must read for EVERYONE!!!!! I don't want to give anything away so I will just say this:
If you love a great Mafia read then this is a must for you. This book is amazingly written and will suck you in from the very first line.
I found myself more then once holding my breath and preying with everything that I had that everything would work out or that the bad guy would fall.
The book had the ability to have my laughing out loud 1 minute then tearing up the next.
So pick this book up and fall in love with Lucca and his Angie xx
March 22, 2016
BADA**
I love a book with a bada** heroin!! Angie gets her vengeance for a the wrongs in her life!! She has experienced some of the most horrible the things that can happen in life and they have made her one tough lady, so tough that when love comes she pushed it away!!
Lucca is a underboss, feared by most. He falls hard for Angie determined to have her no matter the price!!
Lucca and Angie together....that is a scary and deadly combination, well for their enemies anyway...
I love a book with a bada** heroin!! Angie gets her vengeance for a the wrongs in her life!! She has experienced some of the most horrible the things that can happen in life and they have made her one tough lady, so tough that when love comes she pushed it away!!
Lucca is a underboss, feared by most. He falls hard for Angie determined to have her no matter the price!!
Lucca and Angie together....that is a scary and deadly combination, well for their enemies anyway...
May 11, 2016
I like the idea of this book, but I will say I feel like I was forced to like Lucca. It was an insta lust that turned into love that Lucca NEVER said back!
this poor girl went through HELL, I was hopping Lucca would be nicer to her than he was....it was still good and I do want to read the next book
this poor girl went through HELL, I was hopping Lucca would be nicer to her than he was....it was still good and I do want to read the next book
December 16, 2015
My favorite mafia bad ass book of 2015. Absolutely love this book and have bragged about the originality of the author's idea for writing this story. Never was a dull moment and Angie was wonderful and a true mafia Queen. Best book ever
August 11, 2016
Yes yes yes. Beautiful. I am loving to books where the girl has no problem getting her hands dirty! Loved everything about the book and I am ver y tempted to read the next one as well!! Ahhhhhhhh loved it!
September 24, 2018
I received this book as a free giveaway through Goodreads.
For the most part it was a good thriller. A little too "me man, you woman" for me. Also some very brutal violence. But overall a decent read.
For the most part it was a good thriller. A little too "me man, you woman" for me. Also some very brutal violence. But overall a decent read.
August 24, 2015
What a mess of a book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews