As an avid mafia romance reader, this NetGalley reviewer is always pleased to receive an ARC in this genre. I have to admit, though I enjoyed the mafia plot, it was the delivery of the storyline itself I found myself struggling with at times. In fact, the hero's constant inner dialog at the beginning almost chased me away. It didn't last, however, and actualy served a purpose.
This was one of those rare romance books I found myself caring more about the family mob business and how it was going to turn out than the romance between the main couple. Actually, in both cases I found myself skimming through some of it just to get to the end. That is never a good sign. Why? Credibility issues...I’ll explain in a minute.
Let me first focus on what I liked. 1.) Miles unwavering love, devotion, and protectiveness for Letty before, during, and after his 17 year prison sentence. This hero is no tom cat player. Right after getting out of the joint, he tells his youngest brother there is no reason to be a shirt chasing manho. Simply find the right girl for you and stick with her. This guy always means what he says and says what he means. He immediately gets with Letty again. He doesn’t bat an eye regarding accepting Letty’s two year old son as his own, and he protects what is his. 2.) The interesting roles of some of the sub-characters: Landon, Knox, Dustin, and Sasha. 3.) There were quite a few twists and turns. Things were not always as they appeared. However, I did figure out Knox’s plan for Miles before he set it into motion.
Some distracting credibility issues I had were immediately after being the target of a hit this couple took Letty’s two year old to a park instead of all of them sequestering somewhere safe. Especially knowing a contract was active on Miles. Yeah, we were told he didn’t want to appear scared because that could get you dead. But, hey, being stupid will get you killed, too. Then after a second attempt on his life, they went off to enjoy themselves overnight at a casino/hotel leaving the toddler with Letty’s dad. Can you say easy target? Then they didn’t get overly concerned when Gramps didn’t answer their calls/texts. Throw in Letty’s words/actions seemed bizarre at times. She slapped a guy who she claimed wasn’t treating her like a lady. Then cursed at him and spat on the ground at his feet. What that supposed to be funny? Put it this way, she annoyed me at times.
So, my fellow mafia romance book-loving friends, this one was miles away from being one of the best mafia romances I’ve read this year. Granted I am extremely spoiled as I’ve read some amazingly spectacular ones by authors such as Bethany-Kris, Cora Reilly, Nancy Haviland, J.J. MacAvoy, etc. But it certainly wasn’t a bad read. I just think the writing style was off at times so could have been better.
P.S. Was it just me? But the book cover bothered me. The guy looks like he is going to tear off his own head or has something stuck in his hair. My least favorite book cover…ever.
Title: Miles Away, Series: Carrion (Book 1) Author: Addison Kline, Pages: 335, stand-alone, HEA, mafia violence
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)