Gia Corey’s on a first-name-basis with danger. Nothing can protect her from the madman stalking her every move. Not her vital role in New York’s most powerful cartel, her money or her influence. She can’t run from the cops coming to arrest her for the deaths of six people. She can’t hide from the past that thrusts her into the path of a madman, sets her up for murder, and threatens those she loves.
Noah McLean’s carefree lifestyle as a playboy has come to a swift and violent end. Betrayal is the bullet that forces him to take his place in the family business. Gia’s his anchor, holding him together, helping him accept the role he’s been burdened with. He fell in lust with her beauty and helplessly in love with her heart, but when danger slithers close, he risks everything to keep her safe. But she only trusts two people and Noah isn’t one of them.
The past is never far behind . . .
The monster will stop at nothing to have Gia. He’ll wage a dangerous battle where murder, extortion, and terror are his instruments to tear her way from Noah and her friends. To win the war, Gia must do the unthinkable — embrace her own inner darkness.
Will she slay the monster, once and for all, or will her past break her in the end?
J.L. Lora is a Dominican-American author of contemporary and romantic suspense. Her stories explore the dark side of good characters—people living in the gray areas of life—playing the cards life has dealt them. Her stories manifest her love for badass alpha heroines and take-your-breath-away alpha men.
Like with Boss, the first book in The Trinity series, we are once again thrust into the business and lives of the three (awesome) women running the cartel known as The Trinity.
Made focuses on the life and romance of Gia and Noah. Let me first say that this is not a standalone. Some books can be read standalone in series--that's not the case here. We enter at a point where issues that were left unresolved at the end of Boss are brought forefront and center in Made. Not to mention, you get the peeks at how Gia and Noah first got together in Made, and some of their budding romance.
Now ... onto my favorite people.
Heh.
Gia's had a difficult go of it, and without giving away spoilers as to what that rough go was, let me say JL handled it well. Reactions/emotions were on point. I think anyone in Gia's position, considering what had been done to her, would feel the same way. Likewise, in business, she's starting to struggle with choices she and her friends are making for the sake of protection and business. Guilt, you would say. Second guessing why they did this in the first place. Things they said they would never do, are now becoming reality. I liked that aspect. I liked how it was worked through. I liked the way Gia worked to her own needs and conclusion in this book.
Also, it's a slow burn.
The sexual tension is on point, yes it is.
The Trinity ladies are freaking awesome. Carissa, the mother. Gia, the stubborn brainy firecracker. And Mel ... well, I will leave a description for her until I get Steel. Nonetheless, these ladies are all what I would like to think of as bosses in their own rights. They get stuff done. They do what they need to do. They do it on their own. Sure, the guys try to help, sometimes they're throwing in more trouble to the pot than is needed.
BUT ... at the end of the day, it's these women being the hero(ines) of their own books. They're saving themselves.
Made By J.L. Lora is book Two in "The Trinity" series. This is the story of Gia Corey and Noah McLean. I have read the previous book 'Boss' and feel that you would enjoy this one more if you do to. This book is mob/gangster theme...but Gia and her girlfriends have their own mob called Trinity. So it is somewhat different type of mob story. It a very exciting story of Gia trying to keep one step ahead of the stalker she has and the cops wanting to bring her in. Along with her attraction to Noah...it has a little something for everyone. Noah too has had issue and now he is having to step up and move forward with helping with the family business. Gia is a strength for him with his new responsibilities. But her stalker isn't happy with Gia and relationship with him nor her friends. This was an story that is hard to put down. https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... http://booklikes.com/blog http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/ https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
Wow! Talk about intense. When I started this book, I was not sure what to expect as my experience with the previous installment was below par. Well, this installment delivered more than I expected. The story picked up from where Boss left off. It focuses on the relationship between Noah and Gia. I first met them in Boss and from that moment, I wanted to learn more about them as it was evident they shared an undeniable chemistry.
Gia is a part of a trio of women who have been friends since they were kids. As adults, they became a force to reckon with. Together they were known as the fearsome Trinity. The birth of Trinity arose out of the desire to enact revenge on a common enemy. However, Gia questions the actions of the group, fearing that karma would come back and bite them in the butt. Ironically, as she contemplated her role in the trio, she would find herself in a precarious position, set up by someone from her past. From this moment, her life would go through rough patches. However, with the help of her best friends and the love of her life she survived the terrors of her situation. However, she would come to realise she was not safe, a fact that was reinforced when her friends came to her rescue. Her freedom came at a price. A price, which had her running to escape the tentacles of her past. Her actions resulted in her lying to her friends but most of all it led to her hurting Noah.
I understood her need to protect the people she loved, especially Noah. However, I did not agree with her decision to lie, which led to her hurting those she loved. In her efforts to protect them she would come to realise that outrunning your past is not as simple as it may seem. Her actions were born out of fear and the issues she had with trust, which resulted from a childhood trauma.
Noah, the consummate playboy never knew a beautiful slip of a woman would bring him to his knees. Meeting Gia changed his life in ways he never imagined. He proved to be loyal and protective. No matter what Gia threw at him, he made it his duty to be her anchor during the stormy times of her life.
I loved their slow burning romance. Despite their explosive chemistry their romance moved at a steady pace. They fought hard for their love amidst the challenges and obstacles created by their own hands and that of their enemies.
Like the previous book in the series, Made was a story of revenge. It moved at a steady pace but by the last eighty percent it increased its momentum. There was not a lot of action as I would have expected under the circumstances. Events occurred, but they were told instead of shown, which took away from the story in terms of excitement and suspense. As stated earlier it was not until the last eighty percent that the nail biting suspense begun. I had issues regarding the person responsible for the upheaval in Gia’s life. His name was mentioned, and I knew he was behind all the bad things happening, but it would have been good to see this aspect of the story through his eyes. I believe the story could have benefited from his voice. Despite this, I found this instalment to be a better read than the previous book. The writing flowed, and the story was easier to follow.
Conclusion/Recommendation Made shared a story of friendships and survival and it whetted my appetite for the next book in the series
I am loving this storyline! The women-ran mob business in these books has been a really fun take on a classic storyline. JL Lora has really brought the mob business into the 21st century and I LOVE it!! After reading (and loving) Boss, I couldn’t wait for Made, for Gia and Noah’s book. They’ve had this slow burn going on since the previous book and I’ve been so excited to focus on them! Now, Made is book 2 in the Trinity series, obviously. So this is a series, not a group of standalones in a series. They need to be read in order. We get some answers in Made that were brought up in Boss. So, start at the beginning!
Gia absolutely broke my heart! I won’t say what or how but Lora handled a really sensitive subject perfectly! She brought attention and gave women a face to something that is generally thought of with men mostly. I appreciate Lora evening the field a bit! I really like how human these characters are. You might think of a mob boss and think of cold and calculating, and they are, but they are also people. They battle with feelings, family… and guilt. Gia struggles with a lot of guilt in this book.
I love the slow burn that is Gia and Noah. They take their time coming together… and it’s so worth it! You feel it. I know I said this earlier but Lora really brings some women to the man’s world and it’s my favorite thing about these books! We have women doing, and being bosses in a mob world, which just seems unheard of in most the books I have read. I love that they handle it all and don’t run to the men for help. They save themselves! I find that beautiful!
An abundance of endless intrigue that will have you frantically turning the pages! An exciting storyline that makes you feel as if you are there watching the story as it unfolds! Fun, enjoyable, intense and emotionally moving! Amazing hot chemistry you just want to sink your teeth into! One heck of an amazing must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Made, The Trinity Book 2, is now live. The first important thing to know about Made is that it is not a mafia book. The Trinity is New York's top cartel and is run by three women who have been best friends and each other's support system for their entire life.
Gia and Noah first met in Boss, and while you do not need to read the first book to read this one, it's important to do so because you'll get knowledge on the character dynamic in the series.
I haven't read the first book in this series and I initially struggled to get a grasp of some of the contents. There are references to characters who obviously featured in the previous book, but not enough to connect them to what is actually happening now. It's a great concept and I am sure that I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I was aware of the roles that Declan, Sebastian and Nelly played before arriving to this point.
Gia, Carissa and Mel have been friends from a young age, known as Trinity, they run the Coven, an establishment known for its "magical" concoctions.
This is Gia's story.
Gia and Carissa's brother in law, Noah are already in a form of a relationship and there are references about some of their previous encounters. She is being persued by her ex who threatens everyone she loves if she doesn't do as she is told.
I started to get into the story after the unfounded accusations made against Gia. She goes through a tough time until her friends, with the help of Noah and his family manage to rescue her. Even then, the threats keep coming and more lives are lost. Gia decides to take the attention away from her loved ones, but hurts Noah in the process. Her sacrifice doesn't make any difference whatsoever, and the violence and murders go from bad to worse.
Gia's behaviour towards Noah appears to be selfish and hurtful. However, the revelation of her past and her secret, sheds a different light on her rash behaviour. She is only trying to be protective. Their feelings are deep, but obstacles always get in the way and there are tears and heartaches.
Gia's and Noah's story is a continuous emotional rollercoaster, but patience and perseverance pay off. Although, I was in the dark about some of the things that went before, I still enjoyed this part of the story. The solidarity of the Trinity is beholding and true love prevails.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
And after Boss here we are. Made was definitely an even greatest journey than Boss. While Boss had been explosive and a very intense read Made created a slow burn without losing the intensity. The characters in Boss were greater than life and magnetic but in Made they were down to earth and flawed and heartbreaking. The author's writing has matured and the characters of this book have more depth and layers for the reader to explore.
The story of Gia and Noah started in Boss but flourished in this book. This story even though it is an enticing romance it is more than that. Yes this is a story about criminals falling in love -and they stay true to their identities and way of life- but at the same time you can see the realism in them. The real people and their suffering and the way they grow from each other and on their own. You feel the connection and the bonds between them. Gia's PTSD was hardbreaking but so relatable and even though the writer here went in deep with very controversial and tricky themes she managed to work with them well and with a lot of respect. The more I got to read the more I got attached both with Gia and her stubborness and ache and with Noah and all the unexplored depth that was hidden beneath his low self esteem and insecurities. The chemistry between Gia and Noah not only was hot but kept building up in every page. And of course this is still a story about three girls that romance aside they keep their bond strong and they are a family. And this in truth is the biggest strength of this series.
Can't wait to read Mel's and Leo's story. All in all this has been an impressive read so far that is keeping me hooked and makes want more and more.
This is my first book by this author and I will go back and read Boss. I admit it was a little confusing in the beginning but I eventually grasp onto the plot. The author writing style is great as she did an awesome job with such a sensitive subject. The Trinity is the most powerful organization in New York and importantly ran by three female friends. Carissa, Mel and Gia was childhood friends that progress to a sisterhood. The tight knit sisterhood between the trio was strong, outstanding and emotional as they always covers each other’s back through each painful trials. It is amazing reading about female mobsters handling business without the cold callous actions. Gia Corey decision to run from her traumatized past resulted in challenging destruction for her and anyone affiliated with her. Her trust issues and fear for the safety of her loved ones wasn’t as simple as she expected. IMO, I didn’t agree with Gia decision to lie as she was undecided how to handle her relationships with Noah and her friends. Noah McLean is a playboy by nature but was halted once he met Gia. She changed his lifestyle and he became protective and loyal to her. He endured her hot and cold attitude with grace and perseverance because he loved her and wanted their relationship to work. Gia and Noah had a slow burn relationship to build trust and knowledge of each other but once the fire started, it burned strongly throughout the story. The story is definitely a must read and I love Nana Nettie quotes. I’m looking forward to reading Leo and Mel’s story. ******I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and voluntarily leaving an honest review******
I have fallen hard for The Trinity series & J.L. Lora's brilliant writing style, so frankly, I CANNOT get enough! Made is Gia's story, and it's another doozie after Boss. She seems to have dangerous stalking her every step, and believes that nothing or no one can keeps her safe from the madman who is after her. Not even Noah McLean, who she has fallen for. So Gia falls on her sword, but her monster is never far behind. Will Gia finally ask for some help or continue to run in order to protect her friends? Lord, Gia & Noah were so HOT, like fiery flames HOT, in this book that I needed a fan to cool me off. However, they both made decisions that had me wanting to shake them hard more than once. Of course, I'm siding with the powerful, & baddie woman that makes 1/3 of The Trinity, as her intentions are good. Noah's questionable decisions pissed me off. And of course the entertaining cast of secondaries were present to give me some laughing time, in the midst of the angst. So the drama off the chains emotional, as there are things that haven't been dealt with yet, and I, for one, can't wait until they are. Which leads me to the twists around every corner to keep the f-bombs dropping all over the house. I'm ready for the next book in this excitingly brilliant series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is a great book that is the second in a series, so it is a little confusing at the beginning if you haven't read the first book. But it gets clearer as you keep reading and is well worth continuing! It seems the first book (Boss) was about a woman named Carissa and the man she loves (Alec). This book is about Gia and the man she loves (Noah). And the end of this book seems to indicate that the third book will be about Mel and the man she loves (Leo). Together the three women are in charge of a powerful group in NY called The Trinity and run a lounge called The Coven. The villain of the story is named Declan, a murderer Gia once loved but who now is totally insane or evil or both. Declan wants Gia back and begins to kill people close to her and threatens everyone she loves including her mentally ill mother. The big question becomes: Can Gia stop Declan? How can it be even possible with all the terrible things he has been able to do? Then, Can Gia and Noah have an HEA in spite of all these events? I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in the Trinity series, this is not a standalone. You need to read Boss first.
Set-up is great, basic plot is good, with still with plenty of action and suspense. The transitions--something that was a problem for me in the first book--are better here. I still don't feel like we're given enough information. While I like Noah, I just didn't really care much about Gia who was little more than a nonentity in the first book--I was still far more interested in Mel even though this was Gia's story. More background on Gia earlier on would have probably helped with that. The other issue I have is they we keep getting told how the Trinity are running thing in the city, are tough and feared, but I don't really feel like we see that. I expected them to be smarter, vulnerable yes, but more mature.
I'll be continuing on with the series, because it's Mel and Leo that I've been most interested in from the beginning, and I'm hoping the loose threads will be tied up.
It's about damn time! Don't get me wrong, I love a good alpha-male story. But an alpha-female story? Badass women doing whatever it takes to not only get what they want, but what they need? Yes, please! While we may be talking about "bad" people here, it's hard not to fall for the women of The Trinity and to root for them to get the happiness they deserve. Especially Gia, the more gentlehearted and vulnerable of the three. It was satisfying to see her growth over the course of the story.
And Gia and Noah together.... *fans self* I love that they each brought out a strength within the other that they, themselves, never realized they had. JL does a great job of creating multiple complex layers in her characters. These aren't cardboard cutouts, they jump off the page like living, breathing, in-the-flesh people. I think that's my favorite part of her stories.
ONE THRILLING ADVENTURE!!! Wow! Your heart is in deep once you pick up this boy. All the ups and downs, ins and outs, a few glitches and grinds make for an unpredictable experience. Talk about some crazy events but this one really got to me. Lora totally nailed this bad boy with such realism it totally rocks. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, heart pounding, pulse racing, hard hitting, page turning dynamo that captivates from start to finish. The characters are so realistic and believable. The words flow with such passion that's weaved into every page throughout the entirety. All the drama and suspense keeps you focused on the pages and frozen to your seat waiting for the next shoe to drop. The scenes are so graphically detailed it really pulls this little treasure together wonderfully. Fantastic job Lora, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Gia, is truly a gifted part of the Trinity. As the plot thickens you wouldn’t want to put this book down... let’s not even talk about the chemistry between all of the characters. The way how the author brings them all to life. You will feel as if your right there in the thick of it all.
I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author. So, I had to use my KU account to read the first in this series, “Boss” first... that’s the first book in this series. If you haven’t read it yet...You are missing a crucial part of THIS book.
I am definitely going to read “Steal” next... I've got to see what’s going to happen next.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout, any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.
Gia Corey decision to run from her traumatized past resulted in challenging destruction for her and anyone affiliated with her. Her trust issues and fear for the safety of her loved ones wasn’t as simple as she expected. IMO, I didn’t agree with Gia decision to lie as she was undecided how to handle her relationships with Noah and her friends. Noah McLean is a playboy by nature but was halted once he met Gia. She changed his lifestyle and he became protective and loyal to her. He endured her hot and cold attitude with grace and perseverance because he loved her and wanted their relationship to work. Gia and Noah had a slow burn relationship to build trust and knowledge of each other but once the fire started, it burned strongly throughout the story.
This is an absolutely amazing book where the women run the Trinity cartel. Strong, powerful, but totally human women who are brave and not afraid to handle things for themselves. The love story between Gia and Noah is emotional and you can't be sure if love will win because Gia really only trusts her Carissa and Mel, her best friends and counterparts in the Trinity. Will Gia allow Noah to help her with the danger surrounding her?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I suggest reading Boss which is book 1 in this Trinity series prior to reading this so that you fully understand where we are and why. Love the fact that this series has 3 awesome women who now how to be in charge and do it oh so very well! The characters and relationships are further developed in this book. Questions from book one are for the most part answered. Looking forward to the final book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book needs to be read after Boss. It is not a standalone. It’s also amazing. Even better than the first book, and the characters are hot! The story is intensely addictive, and the cover is so so sexy!! I loved this story, and I love this author. Read this book!!
I wasn't too sure after Boss about this one but took a chance and was pleasantly surprised.
Firstly, its Cartel and not Mafia. The first book didn't really show much of that side but we did get a bit more of it in this one. We got to learn a bit more about the characters and we got to see a bit more of the "witch" in Gia with her potions.
I found this a much more enjoyable read than the first.
Action suspense and mystery. Drama A wealthy and connected woman who has it all right a the tips of her fingers is running scared. But she is putting her trust in the wrong people it may cost her the one she loves the most.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second installment of the stories of the women of The Trinity Series, this is Gia's story with Noah from the McLean Brothers. These two were sexy, hot and funny. This can be read as a standalone but works best if Boss is read first. Great writing.
JL Lora has a talent for pulling you into the world she's created. This is a continuation of her Trinity series and is full of both conflict and emotion.
The Trinity are back but not out in full force. I'm surprised with this storyline. I wasn't expecting some of the action that went on. Gia proves to be probably one of the toughest of the three in this novel. She definitely has extra spunk in her to take this novel soaring. Noah proves time and time again, just how loyal he can be to them. He is probably the sweetest between him and his brother. I don't feel like Gia gave him a far chance however. She roadblocks him over and over. It's a good thing he is so stubborn. It is a good storyline but the beginning is a little hard to follow if you didn't read book one.