What do you think?
Rate this book
Castaletta Syndicate #1
Take Me Higher
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07DSFT7NS.)
Don't Blink... You Might Miss Something.
Joe Castaletta has been running the underbelly of Chicago for decades, but it's now time to turn over the keys to the kingdom. His right-hand man, Demetri DeMarco, is more than ready to race forward into a new way of doing old school. With Joe's sexy daughter as Demetri's enforcer and a gang of mobsters to keep things running smoothly, he's confident, collected and a bastard and a half.
The only thing that's just out of his reach is the one thing he wants most... Izabella.
Don't Blink... You Might Miss Something.
Joe Castaletta has been running the underbelly of Chicago for decades, but it's now time to turn over the keys to the kingdom. His right-hand man, Demetri DeMarco, is more than ready to race forward into a new way of doing old school. With Joe's sexy daughter as Demetri's enforcer and a gang of mobsters to keep things running smoothly, he's confident, collected and a bastard and a half.
The only thing that's just out of his reach is the one thing he wants most... Izabella.
192 pages, ebook
First published May 11, 2016
468 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Ali Parker
367 books2,052 followersAli Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello.
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 21, 2017
Well, I read this one in a nick of time, seriously, it was fast, it had everything in it that a good mafia book needs to have - mobsters (duh?! LOL), a lot of bang-bang (as in guns), fantastic heroine (who's an enforcer, fuckin awesome, and who does all the badass stuff men do, even fucks who she wants, when she wants, even when the job demands it of her! Perfetto!!!) and yes, the "romantic" side of the story is complicated as hell, as the both chatacters are stubborn as fuck and won't back down, so they mindfuck each other while depraving one another of their carnal desires.
They are Demetri DeMarco , an underboss of the Castaletta Syndicate, (who's in love with our heroine but won't give in to the relationship which could diminish their efficiency! Bollocks, i say!!!) and Isabella/Izzy Castaletta (mentioned in the previous lines), and their story is yet to be resolved...as we see their bickering filled with sparks and aggravated sexual tension.
They are Demetri DeMarco , an underboss of the Castaletta Syndicate, (who's in love with our heroine but won't give in to the relationship which could diminish their efficiency! Bollocks, i say!!!) and Isabella/Izzy Castaletta (mentioned in the previous lines), and their story is yet to be resolved...as we see their bickering filled with sparks and aggravated sexual tension.
Want to read
November 9, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/09/2017)!
June 26, 2016
Take Me Higher ( Casteletta Syndicate book 1 ) - Ali Parker ( 5 Stars)
Izabella is the daughter of a mob boss and he's molded her to be a Ruthless Killer , who will take out anyone who dares to ruin their family name , by any means necessary , at any cost ..even if the person is one of their own.
So when a beloved family member is taken Hostage and killed.
can she keep a level head amongst all the chaos brewing,to figure out who the Rat is or will the feelings she has for her fathers right hand man get in the way and make her lose her mark ??
Demetri Demarco is the strong arm of the Casteletta Family , being molded to take over once the head of the family steps down , but with recent events threatening to destroy them,will he be forced to watch as the one thing he wants most slips farther from his reach,because of his loyalty to her father ??
Can this family come together to take down their Enemies or will they have to enlist outside enforcers to Help them finish the Job Off ??
Wow , I don't know where to start !
I loved the beginning of Ali's new crime family series . It was filled with Action, Angst , Heartache ,betrayals and lots of Devious Revenge .
I enjoyed all of the characters and the fact that none of them are safe.This family sticks together ,works in a pack and will do anything to keep the ememy out ...... even if it means knocking off each other or breaking each others hearts.
I loved that Lizzy is a stone cold Bitch and gets the job done and Demetri is her equal counter part in that game ,but being that hard is breaking her inside especially where Demetri is concerned . They each have so much yearning for each other that those desires are bursting at the seams, but Family comes first and the Tension filled lust between them is about to shatter until it turns into Blind Hate and Fury.
I even enjoyed the fact that Ali added a few people from her other books into the mix ....Who doesn't love Marcus !
I just finished this book and the Anticipation for the next installment in the Casteletta Syndicate series is already Killing me !!!
* Given an ARC copy for an Honest Review .
Izabella is the daughter of a mob boss and he's molded her to be a Ruthless Killer , who will take out anyone who dares to ruin their family name , by any means necessary , at any cost ..even if the person is one of their own.
So when a beloved family member is taken Hostage and killed.
can she keep a level head amongst all the chaos brewing,to figure out who the Rat is or will the feelings she has for her fathers right hand man get in the way and make her lose her mark ??
Demetri Demarco is the strong arm of the Casteletta Family , being molded to take over once the head of the family steps down , but with recent events threatening to destroy them,will he be forced to watch as the one thing he wants most slips farther from his reach,because of his loyalty to her father ??
Can this family come together to take down their Enemies or will they have to enlist outside enforcers to Help them finish the Job Off ??
Wow , I don't know where to start !
I loved the beginning of Ali's new crime family series . It was filled with Action, Angst , Heartache ,betrayals and lots of Devious Revenge .
I enjoyed all of the characters and the fact that none of them are safe.This family sticks together ,works in a pack and will do anything to keep the ememy out ...... even if it means knocking off each other or breaking each others hearts.
I loved that Lizzy is a stone cold Bitch and gets the job done and Demetri is her equal counter part in that game ,but being that hard is breaking her inside especially where Demetri is concerned . They each have so much yearning for each other that those desires are bursting at the seams, but Family comes first and the Tension filled lust between them is about to shatter until it turns into Blind Hate and Fury.
I even enjoyed the fact that Ali added a few people from her other books into the mix ....Who doesn't love Marcus !
I just finished this book and the Anticipation for the next installment in the Casteletta Syndicate series is already Killing me !!!
* Given an ARC copy for an Honest Review .
May 29, 2016
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. The storyline and plot are great. Unfortunately those are the only great things about this book.
Demetri and Izzy are the couple of interest in this story. This Mafia story, to be specific. Demetri is the underboss of the family. Izzy is the enforcer and the daughter of the Don/Boss of the family. Demetri is incredibly immature and hormonal. He's in love with Izzy but doesn't want to get involved with her hoping she'll leave the life behind eventually. He handles his feelings by arguing with her, lashing out at everyone, and constantly in his feelings. Izzy handles her feelings for Demetri by having sex with men who work for her dad. These two are a walking disaster.
Another peeve, the Castaletta family is searching outside the syndicate for help with their clubs and other business interests. How many Mafia families allow outsiders? There are so many weak links in this family. Mafia families are strong. Untouchable. Not in this case.
This story is a 2.5 star story because it's not very believable. The two main characters are about as compatible as oil and water, too many things going on in the story, and not enough attention given to the areas that matter. This story is not a great start for this series but I am an optimist. Maybe book 2 will be a better product. I'm willing to give book 2 an opportunity at redemption.
As usual with any reviews less than four stars, please consider other reviews when considering purchasing this book. My expectations may be a bit high as this genre is my first love. My review is simply my opinion of the story and should be considered as such.
Thank you.
Demetri and Izzy are the couple of interest in this story. This Mafia story, to be specific. Demetri is the underboss of the family. Izzy is the enforcer and the daughter of the Don/Boss of the family. Demetri is incredibly immature and hormonal. He's in love with Izzy but doesn't want to get involved with her hoping she'll leave the life behind eventually. He handles his feelings by arguing with her, lashing out at everyone, and constantly in his feelings. Izzy handles her feelings for Demetri by having sex with men who work for her dad. These two are a walking disaster.
Another peeve, the Castaletta family is searching outside the syndicate for help with their clubs and other business interests. How many Mafia families allow outsiders? There are so many weak links in this family. Mafia families are strong. Untouchable. Not in this case.
This story is a 2.5 star story because it's not very believable. The two main characters are about as compatible as oil and water, too many things going on in the story, and not enough attention given to the areas that matter. This story is not a great start for this series but I am an optimist. Maybe book 2 will be a better product. I'm willing to give book 2 an opportunity at redemption.
As usual with any reviews less than four stars, please consider other reviews when considering purchasing this book. My expectations may be a bit high as this genre is my first love. My review is simply my opinion of the story and should be considered as such.
Thank you.
August 15, 2016
This book was excruciating for me to read. I understand wanting to be realistic, but there is only so much dysfunction that can happen between a couple, and with the secondary characters, before it all just becomes aggravating and the characters become unlikable. I can't see wanting to get the second book in this series, because I disliked the characters so much that I do not care if they find their happily ever after.
June 20, 2018
The Currency of Hell👿
Soul Sucking. Vioent.
Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 is a very, very, baaaad naaasssty girl......she sees a hot sexy guy and she always gets what she wants.
The sins of the father become the sins of the daughter in this violent Chicago mafia novel by Ali Parker.
Isabella💃💋🔪🔫 is an enforcer for her father, Joe Castaletta, in the Castaletta Syndicate. She is the favorite child of her father, but there is another adult child, Freddy, and he is causing some problems within the syndicate. He is up to something, and it's probably no good.
Demetri DeMarco🐺🍆🌋🔫, another enforcer, is assigned to figure out what Freddy is doing, because he's messing up and since he's Izzy's brother, she can't and shouldn't be the one checking on him.
The tall, ripped and very Italian Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 is also The 💘love of Izzy's life, although they have kept their hands off of each other for six years. Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 desires Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 as much, but he thinks he's not good enough for her. He is the heir apparent to the Castaletta Syndicate, and he's a very disciplined, violent man, who has no trouble killing when necessary.
The book is very long and quite violent. There is a large cast of characters, but I had no problem following the story, because most of the characters were introduced one at time, as they came into the story. There are numerous XXX scenes in the book.
The book is extremely well written and follows the actions and reactions of Joe Castaletta discovering a rat or mole in their organization.
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book with KU. 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
Soul Sucking. Vioent.
Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 is a very, very, baaaad naaasssty girl......she sees a hot sexy guy and she always gets what she wants.
The sins of the father become the sins of the daughter in this violent Chicago mafia novel by Ali Parker.
Isabella💃💋🔪🔫 is an enforcer for her father, Joe Castaletta, in the Castaletta Syndicate. She is the favorite child of her father, but there is another adult child, Freddy, and he is causing some problems within the syndicate. He is up to something, and it's probably no good.
Demetri DeMarco🐺🍆🌋🔫, another enforcer, is assigned to figure out what Freddy is doing, because he's messing up and since he's Izzy's brother, she can't and shouldn't be the one checking on him.
The tall, ripped and very Italian Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 is also The 💘love of Izzy's life, although they have kept their hands off of each other for six years. Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 desires Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 as much, but he thinks he's not good enough for her. He is the heir apparent to the Castaletta Syndicate, and he's a very disciplined, violent man, who has no trouble killing when necessary.
The book is very long and quite violent. There is a large cast of characters, but I had no problem following the story, because most of the characters were introduced one at time, as they came into the story. There are numerous XXX scenes in the book.
The book is extremely well written and follows the actions and reactions of Joe Castaletta discovering a rat or mole in their organization.
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book with KU. 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
June 23, 2018
copy received for honest review.
this is a mafia saga containing everything you would want. Sex, action packed, smoking hot mafiosos. The most interesting thing for me was female enforcer. It is rare that we get a stone cold female assassin. Izzy is all that and more. She has all the traits that we normally see in males. She has multiple sex partners but her heart belongs to Demetri, the under boss. Demetri is in love with Izzy but feels she should find someone outside the business. there is a lot of sexual tension between the two. They have to dig out secrets, get pass betrayals and trust each other to get to their happy ending. There are a lot of side characters and sometimes I got confused. It took too long for the two main characters to get their act together. The story was really good. I like the action and the twists and turns .
this is a mafia saga containing everything you would want. Sex, action packed, smoking hot mafiosos. The most interesting thing for me was female enforcer. It is rare that we get a stone cold female assassin. Izzy is all that and more. She has all the traits that we normally see in males. She has multiple sex partners but her heart belongs to Demetri, the under boss. Demetri is in love with Izzy but feels she should find someone outside the business. there is a lot of sexual tension between the two. They have to dig out secrets, get pass betrayals and trust each other to get to their happy ending. There are a lot of side characters and sometimes I got confused. It took too long for the two main characters to get their act together. The story was really good. I like the action and the twists and turns .
June 23, 2018
The Currency of Hell👿
Soul Sucking. Violent.
Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 is a very, very, baaaad naaasssty girl......she sees a hot sexy guy and she always gets what she wants.
The sins of the father become the sins of the daughter in this violent Chicago mafia novel by Ali Parker.
Isabella💃💋🔪🔫 is an enforcer for her father, Joe Castaletta, in the Castaletta Syndicate. She is the favorite child of her father, but there is another adult child, Freddy, and he is causing some problems within the syndicate. He is up to something, and it's probably no good.
Demetri DeMarco🐺🍆🌋🔫, another enforcer, is assigned to figure out what Freddy is doing, because he's messing up and since he's Izzy's brother, she can't and shouldn't be the one checking on him.
The tall, ripped and very Italian Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 is also The 💘love of Izzy's life, although they have kept their hands off of each other for six years. Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 desires Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 as much, but he thinks he's not good enough for her. He is the heir apparent to the Castaletta Syndicate, and he's a very disciplined, violent man, who has no trouble killing when necessary.
The book is very long and quite violent. There is a large cast of characters, but I had no problem following the story, because most of the characters were introduced one at time, as they came into the story. There are numerous XXX scenes in the book.
The book is extremely well written and follows the actions and reactions of Joe Castaletta discovering a rat or mole in their organization.
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book with KU. 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
Soul Sucking. Violent.
Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 is a very, very, baaaad naaasssty girl......she sees a hot sexy guy and she always gets what she wants.
The sins of the father become the sins of the daughter in this violent Chicago mafia novel by Ali Parker.
Isabella💃💋🔪🔫 is an enforcer for her father, Joe Castaletta, in the Castaletta Syndicate. She is the favorite child of her father, but there is another adult child, Freddy, and he is causing some problems within the syndicate. He is up to something, and it's probably no good.
Demetri DeMarco🐺🍆🌋🔫, another enforcer, is assigned to figure out what Freddy is doing, because he's messing up and since he's Izzy's brother, she can't and shouldn't be the one checking on him.
The tall, ripped and very Italian Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 is also The 💘love of Izzy's life, although they have kept their hands off of each other for six years. Demetri🐺🍆🌋🔫 desires Izzy💃💋🔪🔫 as much, but he thinks he's not good enough for her. He is the heir apparent to the Castaletta Syndicate, and he's a very disciplined, violent man, who has no trouble killing when necessary.
The book is very long and quite violent. There is a large cast of characters, but I had no problem following the story, because most of the characters were introduced one at time, as they came into the story. There are numerous XXX scenes in the book.
The book is extremely well written and follows the actions and reactions of Joe Castaletta discovering a rat or mole in their organization.
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book with KU. 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
June 29, 2018
What the what
So much got thrown at me reading this. Freddy is just like any other baby of a family. Not worth anything. Marco needs to stand up and step down, he don't have the guts for his job. Demetri is.... amazing
So much got thrown at me reading this. Freddy is just like any other baby of a family. Not worth anything. Marco needs to stand up and step down, he don't have the guts for his job. Demetri is.... amazing
June 17, 2016
This was a good book. The story line was good, and the writing was wonderful. Izabella the very strong daughter of the Don, the Enforcer. Demetri, the Underboss, strong and in control. Both are stubborn and deny their strong connection to each other. This book is a spin off from another series, Bad Money. I liked the Bad Money series better. I will continue to read this series because there were alot of unanswered questions. I am very curious about the outcome. Ali Parker is a very talented writer. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2016
Whoa..
This book will take you deep into the mob family while they try to deal with everyday life and losing one of their own.. But izzie and demetri have some flames and you will see the sparks fly with them.
This book will take you deep into the mob family while they try to deal with everyday life and losing one of their own.. But izzie and demetri have some flames and you will see the sparks fly with them.
June 19, 2018
All book in one. Must read the ALL!!
Bk 1
Wow we get the scene very fast as the mother of the east coast crime family is murdered and we watch as the two main characters try to find love and peace in this screwed up mess. Izzy and D have this love /hate thing going on that has us hooked from the start. Let's see how it plays out. Man you got to love that whole bad boy/bad girl story. Now onto book 2.
Wow, this one gave us some major insight as what's going on with the crime family. We have a kid who isn't part of the family causing trouble. A sister who needs just one man but can't seem to have so finds lust in other men. The older brother not wanting to take over for their father. But most of all we see Izzy and D finally coming to terms with what their relationship is or will be. Man I can't wait to see what happens in book 3. Who will die, who will leave and who will find love. Off to see what goes down.
Book 3
Wow is all I can say...never saw any of this coming. We see and find out so many new truths that it's a twisted game of who's who in this fsmoly. Friends turn to lovers, enemies turn to allies and do on. The more we read the more we really want to know who is the mastermind. By the last chapter we find out and let's just...SHOCKER!! Now to see how it all ends. I'm hoping that Izzy and D get that HEA.
Book 4.
Wow is all I can say about how this series finally came to an end. It left us guessing at how many twists we were give and never really knowing what was going tonhappen. You think one thing but when you read about what actually went down, that absolutely blew your mind. As we watch Izzy come face to face with the realization of what her family did it torn me up. She was what I'd call a trooper. By the end we were, happu, sad, angry but most of all glad to see them have their HEA. Ali Parker I loved this series and I hope that you write more like this. Mafia and bad boys always go hand in hand. I absolutely give this 5+ stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy
Bk 1
Wow we get the scene very fast as the mother of the east coast crime family is murdered and we watch as the two main characters try to find love and peace in this screwed up mess. Izzy and D have this love /hate thing going on that has us hooked from the start. Let's see how it plays out. Man you got to love that whole bad boy/bad girl story. Now onto book 2.
Wow, this one gave us some major insight as what's going on with the crime family. We have a kid who isn't part of the family causing trouble. A sister who needs just one man but can't seem to have so finds lust in other men. The older brother not wanting to take over for their father. But most of all we see Izzy and D finally coming to terms with what their relationship is or will be. Man I can't wait to see what happens in book 3. Who will die, who will leave and who will find love. Off to see what goes down.
Book 3
Wow is all I can say...never saw any of this coming. We see and find out so many new truths that it's a twisted game of who's who in this fsmoly. Friends turn to lovers, enemies turn to allies and do on. The more we read the more we really want to know who is the mastermind. By the last chapter we find out and let's just...SHOCKER!! Now to see how it all ends. I'm hoping that Izzy and D get that HEA.
Book 4.
Wow is all I can say about how this series finally came to an end. It left us guessing at how many twists we were give and never really knowing what was going tonhappen. You think one thing but when you read about what actually went down, that absolutely blew your mind. As we watch Izzy come face to face with the realization of what her family did it torn me up. She was what I'd call a trooper. By the end we were, happu, sad, angry but most of all glad to see them have their HEA. Ali Parker I loved this series and I hope that you write more like this. Mafia and bad boys always go hand in hand. I absolutely give this 5+ stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy
June 16, 2018
TOW THE LINE!!!
Holy crap batman! I have to say this is one of the most mind-boggling, unpredictable reads I've read in quite some time. I don't know where Ali gets her inspiration. But I have to say she totally nail this one to the arch. Talk about a wild rollercoaster ride of deceit, lies, hatred, fury, backstabbing and all out betrayal. It doesn't get any better than this. The characters were mind blowing and authentic with personalities that screamed for respect. The main female was my hero. She was a total bada** from the get go. Man I loved her role. Ali really did a fantastic profile and persented her with just the right balance. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Twists and turns abound with nerve racking, nailbiting, spine tingling, adrenaline pumping, suspense and danger that will keep you on a razors edge and complete focus on the storyline as the tale unfolds. A perfect blend of characters that really set this page turning masterpiece in a league of its own. You feel the struggle that each go through and you can't help but feel for a few of 'em. This is one read I'd totally recommend if you're into mafia bad boy romance and all that it entails. Phenomenal job Ali, thanks for sharing this brilliant, mind-blowing read with us.
Holy crap batman! I have to say this is one of the most mind-boggling, unpredictable reads I've read in quite some time. I don't know where Ali gets her inspiration. But I have to say she totally nail this one to the arch. Talk about a wild rollercoaster ride of deceit, lies, hatred, fury, backstabbing and all out betrayal. It doesn't get any better than this. The characters were mind blowing and authentic with personalities that screamed for respect. The main female was my hero. She was a total bada** from the get go. Man I loved her role. Ali really did a fantastic profile and persented her with just the right balance. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Twists and turns abound with nerve racking, nailbiting, spine tingling, adrenaline pumping, suspense and danger that will keep you on a razors edge and complete focus on the storyline as the tale unfolds. A perfect blend of characters that really set this page turning masterpiece in a league of its own. You feel the struggle that each go through and you can't help but feel for a few of 'em. This is one read I'd totally recommend if you're into mafia bad boy romance and all that it entails. Phenomenal job Ali, thanks for sharing this brilliant, mind-blowing read with us.
June 16, 2018
Demetri and Izzy. I don’t know if Ali Parker has ever written a mafia romance book before, but if she hasn’t, this one knocked the nail right on the head. This book has everything. Guns. Protection. Love. Family. Dedication. Loyalty. That’s what this book is about. This book is about smooth flowing storytelling. It just flows from scene to scene and person to person. There are no gaps. There are no slow parts. You will so badly want Demetri and Izzy to get together. They are m favorite characters so far. It is just a continuous read of action and drama and intensity. Reading this book is like watching part one of a four part movie that just sucks you in and keeps you from doing anything else until you get to the end of the book. You can’t wait for part two. It is awesome and I love it. There are a lot of things all happening at the same time, but are they all intertwined. Did I say this was a great book? It is. I can’t wait to read the second book. Another great one from Ali Parker. How does she do it? I don’t know, but I’m so glad she does.
June 19, 2018
I had read the first books in this series and now the author is offering it all in one and with the final, last part to complete the series. This read has it all, steamy scenes, lust, love, betrayal, action, violence, blood, murder, drugs, different syndicates, enemies, friends, lovers, heartache, heartbreak, new and old characters from other books by this author. I also loved reading Demetri and Izzy’s POV, as well as the many other POV’s which brings the story altogether.
A read with all the above and much much much more and at times I thought that there was no way Demetri and Izzy would get their HEA when everything around them was falling apart. Demetri the underboss to the Don, who happens to be Izzy’s father and Izzy the beautiful deadly enforcer to the family. Their relationship and love for each other is complicated to say the least and the story is their journey of survival with and without each other, while figuring out who murdered her mother in cold blood.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A read with all the above and much much much more and at times I thought that there was no way Demetri and Izzy would get their HEA when everything around them was falling apart. Demetri the underboss to the Don, who happens to be Izzy’s father and Izzy the beautiful deadly enforcer to the family. Their relationship and love for each other is complicated to say the least and the story is their journey of survival with and without each other, while figuring out who murdered her mother in cold blood.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
June 18, 2018
Isabella's father has made her into the perfect killer for the family. The Don is wanting her with a man of his choosing but Isabella is in love with Demetri. With their love being forbidden and her being pushed towards another man it makes things even more difficult for Isabella. Demetri is supposed to take over when the Don steps down but will his love of Isabella keep that from happening. With everything coming to an explosive head will Isabella and Demetri find a way to each other or will the family Business pull them apart.
This was a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat from the first chapter. The chemistry between Isabella and Demetri is sizzling hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. With every twist and turn this story will have you feeling like your on a roller coaster. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
This was a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat from the first chapter. The chemistry between Isabella and Demetri is sizzling hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. With every twist and turn this story will have you feeling like your on a roller coaster. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
June 20, 2018
This is one amazing read that surprised me as I didn't expect it to be so MUCH. It encompasses so much with brilliant characters, Demetri and Izabella who you'll cheer for them getting their HEA, and with twists and turns that surely make this the beginning of one Mafia story by Ali Parker, top USA best selling author that is so well written that you just know that you've got to buy and read more of her stories. With suspense and action that will take your breath away and leave you wanting more just as all good writers do. Ali is one of those authors that pulls me into her world with every book of hers that I read and I look forward to discovering the characters and storyline of her next adventure for us to read. I received a reader’s copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here.
Definitely Recommended !
Definitely Recommended !
July 16, 2018
Now this is a mafia story!! Ali Parker draws us in deep into the mob and the Cataletta family. There are secrets, death, treachery, and love. There are many moving parts to this book and each page turned brings a new dimension to the book. Demtri and Izabella are the main two characters of this story and it does center around them, however, there are quite a few chapters being told from other charater's points of view. I loved this, but be prepared to settle in to read, it is a long one. Truly great book that should not be passed up. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Demetri = 5/5
Heroine, Izabella = 5/5
Chemistry, = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 5/5
Mystery = 4/5
Action = 5/5
Darkness = 5/5
Humor = 2/5
POV = many
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I Re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes
Hero, Demetri = 5/5
Heroine, Izabella = 5/5
Chemistry, = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 5/5
Mystery = 4/5
Action = 5/5
Darkness = 5/5
Humor = 2/5
POV = many
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I Re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes
June 18, 2018
Absolutely amazing Ali well done! This series of books is just wow I couldn't put it down. I even dropped my phone because I feel asleep reading it. These 4 books tell the stories of Joe, Marco, Izabella and Freddy Castella as well as Demetri Demarco. This crime syndicate is powerful in Chicago and have enemies all over the US. Joe is is the Don. Demetri is the Undergoes and Izzy is the Enforcer. This all starts with the rape and murder of Izzy's mother. They have all sworn to find out who did it and take them out. In the process there are prostitutes being beat up for no reason which leads them to finding that they a FBI rat in their midst. Meanwhile they are trying figure who is trying to take out syndicate ans why.
June 18, 2018
Absolutely amazing Ali well done! This series of books is just wow I couldn't put it down. I even dropped my phone because I feel asleep reading it. These 4 books tell the stories of Joe, Marco, Izabella and Freddy Castella as well as Demetri Demarco. This crime syndicate is powerful in Chicago and have enemies all over the US. Joe is is the Don. Demetri is the Undergoes and Izzy is the Enforcer. This all starts with the rape and murder of Izzy's mother. They have all sworn to find out who did it and take them out. In the process there are prostitutes being beat up for no reason which leads them to finding that they a FBI rat in their midst. Meanwhile they are trying figure who is trying to take out syndicate ans why.
June 26, 2018
Oh boy. Buckle up and get ready for a read that will keep you so intrigued it will be hard to put the book down. There is so much going on in the Castaletta family you won't know who to trust, who is going to die and who is sleeping with whom. D and Izabella are meant to be together but with her father denying them being together will they tear each other apart. Edward will be there to pick up the pieces. Joe is the Don of the family and has so many secrets of his own as well as Marco who is one of the sons. There is so much going on that I just can't go on, this is a must read that is so worth your time. You have family, loyalty, dishonestly, death, money, sex and so much more. You will not be disappointed at all. Enjoy
July 10, 2018
A powerful, soaring, love...
The Castellatas and the DeMarcos. From the first series I was hooked and followed the trials and tribulations of Izabella and Demetri as their love would soar to unbelievable heights to dramatically explode like neutron bomb. That was their life within a Mafia syndicate. From the violent murder/rape of Isabella's mother at unknown assailants to the kidnap/murder of her young brother we take a journey with them both as they navigate treacherous waters to unravel a mystery within a mystery while their love is tested to the max. Could their love flourish? Will it be possible? Or should they forever be denied. Loved the series. So Riveting. And finally the end...recommended highly. Ms Ali Parker such awesome writing. Thank you.
The Castellatas and the DeMarcos. From the first series I was hooked and followed the trials and tribulations of Izabella and Demetri as their love would soar to unbelievable heights to dramatically explode like neutron bomb. That was their life within a Mafia syndicate. From the violent murder/rape of Isabella's mother at unknown assailants to the kidnap/murder of her young brother we take a journey with them both as they navigate treacherous waters to unravel a mystery within a mystery while their love is tested to the max. Could their love flourish? Will it be possible? Or should they forever be denied. Loved the series. So Riveting. And finally the end...recommended highly. Ms Ali Parker such awesome writing. Thank you.
June 8, 2018
Read For Author:
I love this fast-paced suspense filled book with Italian passion and a little humor thrown in. It's for me something different I have read by Ali Parker but I really enjoyed the read and the characters.
It shows the workings of the Castaletta Family, Izzy and Underboss Demetri are sexually combustible, the younger brother Freddy is a screw-up and the older brother Marco seems to be the level headed one but after losing their beloved Mother to rape and murder it's a family coming together of sorts. It's a fascinating read I highly encourage you to do so. I'm looking forward to the next installment. I read it one sitting and enjoyed the heck out of it.
I love this fast-paced suspense filled book with Italian passion and a little humor thrown in. It's for me something different I have read by Ali Parker but I really enjoyed the read and the characters.
It shows the workings of the Castaletta Family, Izzy and Underboss Demetri are sexually combustible, the younger brother Freddy is a screw-up and the older brother Marco seems to be the level headed one but after losing their beloved Mother to rape and murder it's a family coming together of sorts. It's a fascinating read I highly encourage you to do so. I'm looking forward to the next installment. I read it one sitting and enjoyed the heck out of it.
June 20, 2018
Once this story gets started, it quickly became once that I couldn't put down as I came to love Demetri and Izzy. I respect how strong Izzy is, and she's an enforcer for her father. Demetri is another such enforcer, and he's trying to find out exactly what Freddy, her brother, might be up to. This is an exciting read, and I loved the twists as things come together. I don't want to spoil a thing, but I will say that I highly recommend grabbing this book, and others, because it's that good. A quick. very well-written romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
June 16, 2018
WOWZERS! This is an incredible series filled with twists and turns that will surprise you! This isn’t my first mafia storyline to read but it is definitely the one that I will remember! This family is MESSED UP! But Ali Parker weaves their stories into one series that makes you enjoy the ride and the peak into this amazing family. This series has it all...from childhood friendships, love triangles, addiction, adultery, prostitution, drugs,,,you name it, it’s in here! Total wild ride that I thoroughly enjoyed! Although I received this as an ARC, all opinions are my own.
June 16, 2018
Fast-paced and full of action, This mafia themed romance will keep you page turning. No shortage of suspense, danger or drama. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster as you follow the journey of Demetri and Izabella. This book has so many twists and surprises that your head will be spinning. Wow, what a read. Ali did a great job with this book. The story line was captivating and the characters were well developed and likable. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
June 19, 2018
I’m really picky when it comes to Mafia romance, and I even rarely finish one if it’s not to my liking after the first few chapters. That said, this one was everything I expected in a Mafia romance and so much more! Lies and betrayal at every turn, intriguing and well developed characters, smooth and captivating storyline, it all captured my attention right from the start. Whichever genre of romance Ali Parker writes she definitely delivers a great, enjoyable read! This was definitely one of my favorite reads this year.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 20, 2018
Wow this story is full of every feeling you are able to feel, love, hate, sadness, happiness, fear, regret, loneliness, also the grills and suspense, the twists and turns on the story, has you on the edge the whole time, you dont know who is friend or foe, I read all four books and could not put them down. Ali had me with the opening page hooked. The love and hate between the mane characters, the family lies and deceit, the Don, who would of thought what happens at the end, I’m not telling you, you have to read it. The best suspense romance novel I’ve ever read.
June 26, 2018
Wow! Take Me Higher is a real beauty of a book! The twists and turns in the story are so deliciously compelling that you just can’t put it down. Written in such a wonderful way, Ali Parker has a natural gift for storytelling that just gets you hooked.
The characters are beautifully written. Demetri and Izy are really great to read about. The relationship complexities, emotional & physical, just make you want more and more of them. The other characters are equally as enthralling and incredibly addictive!
The characters are beautifully written. Demetri and Izy are really great to read about. The relationship complexities, emotional & physical, just make you want more and more of them. The other characters are equally as enthralling and incredibly addictive!
June 17, 2018
This is one mafia read not to be missed.
Take Me Higher is a great weekend mafia read. Curl up with a nice glass of wine under your umbrellas under the sun for this one. Demetri and Izabella make this book an engaging read, bringing in characters from other well loved Ali Parker books is just a bonus. Following along their journey kept me on my toes as well as yelling at them occasionally. The amount of action going on (both bedroom and other), let alone the mystery involved kept me on the edge of my seat. Ms. Parker really needs to take a bow for this riveting read.
Take Me Higher is a great weekend mafia read. Curl up with a nice glass of wine under your umbrellas under the sun for this one. Demetri and Izabella make this book an engaging read, bringing in characters from other well loved Ali Parker books is just a bonus. Following along their journey kept me on my toes as well as yelling at them occasionally. The amount of action going on (both bedroom and other), let alone the mystery involved kept me on the edge of my seat. Ms. Parker really needs to take a bow for this riveting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews