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Haven Hart #1
Snow Falling
After running from a past destined to kill him, Snow has been hiding on the streets. Tell nobody your name. Tell nobody your secrets. Trust nobody! These are the rules of the streets.
His entire life changes when he saves an eight-year-old boy from a violent end.
Christopher Manos is one of the most powerful crime bosses in the country. Don't ask anyone to do something you aren't willing to do yourself. Secrets can get you killed. Trust nobody! These are the rules he lives by.
When his eight-year-old nephew disappears, he never expects the boy's savior to end up being his own.
A man with a dangerous past and a man with a dangerous future find love amidst murder and mayhem. But with Snow's life being threatened at every turn, will Christopher's best be enough to prevent Snow from falling?
Contains mature themes.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 21 minutes.
His entire life changes when he saves an eight-year-old boy from a violent end.
Christopher Manos is one of the most powerful crime bosses in the country. Don't ask anyone to do something you aren't willing to do yourself. Secrets can get you killed. Trust nobody! These are the rules he lives by.
When his eight-year-old nephew disappears, he never expects the boy's savior to end up being his own.
A man with a dangerous past and a man with a dangerous future find love amidst murder and mayhem. But with Snow's life being threatened at every turn, will Christopher's best be enough to prevent Snow from falling?
Contains mature themes.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 21 minutes.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 27, 2017
440 people are currently reading
1581 people want to read
About the author
Davidson King
55 books730 followersDavidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 622 reviews
December 25, 2017
Okay, I’ll admit that I went into this book with my eyes wide open. What I mean is, that I read the reviews of my fellow reviewers saying it wasn’t all mafia-like as the blurb claimed, so I wasn’t that upset and disappointed when I found the remarks to be true.
And yes, the others were right. It was like entering the Twilight Zone of mobs, it was so bizarre to start a book thinking you will find grit, gore and bloodbaths, but only to encounter a mob boss who acts like any self-righteous billionaire, his cronies acting like his bodyguards who had probably been in his life since he was a child, the villains causing problems because of petty, unfounded issues, the mystery behind the actions of the MCs ending up being nothing out of the ordinary.
I also agree with those reviewers who said that the writing was really tight, and I think we should thank the editor for that. I only found one typo, but since I wasn’t much looking at the punctuation, I won’t comment on it. Yes, for a debut novel, it had a tight narrative, systematic progression of events. It’s just sad that the events themselves were found lacking.
Mob life is no joke, and usually the stories we read that are set up in this world are really dark and painful, making you feel like you are having your skin pulled apart with pliers! But this was more like a Harlequin romance, with some car chase and gunfights thrown in to add some spice.
Had the author not set up a pedestal too high, the story could have ended up going down smoothly with us, though, fortunately, we had adorable Simon to smooth things over a little bit.
Conclusively, I’d look forward to the author’s other works. I think we will get a great one later on for sure.
P.S.- The cover was really eye-catching. Loved it.
And yes, the others were right. It was like entering the Twilight Zone of mobs, it was so bizarre to start a book thinking you will find grit, gore and bloodbaths, but only to encounter a mob boss who acts like any self-righteous billionaire, his cronies acting like his bodyguards who had probably been in his life since he was a child, the villains causing problems because of petty, unfounded issues, the mystery behind the actions of the MCs ending up being nothing out of the ordinary.
I also agree with those reviewers who said that the writing was really tight, and I think we should thank the editor for that. I only found one typo, but since I wasn’t much looking at the punctuation, I won’t comment on it. Yes, for a debut novel, it had a tight narrative, systematic progression of events. It’s just sad that the events themselves were found lacking.
Mob life is no joke, and usually the stories we read that are set up in this world are really dark and painful, making you feel like you are having your skin pulled apart with pliers! But this was more like a Harlequin romance, with some car chase and gunfights thrown in to add some spice.
Had the author not set up a pedestal too high, the story could have ended up going down smoothly with us, though, fortunately, we had adorable Simon to smooth things over a little bit.
Conclusively, I’d look forward to the author’s other works. I think we will get a great one later on for sure.
P.S.- The cover was really eye-catching. Loved it.
could-not-finish
December 1, 201725% cnf... Snow is homeless. Christopher Manos is a feared crime lord. I read something like that in a summary, and I'm thinking "cool a nice dark, gritty, edgy read, right?" Nope. If anything, it was a bit on the cutesy side. So I'm moving on.
January 25, 2018
A Mafia Lite for me, please.
2.5 Stars rounded down. First, “Yay! Debut Author, congrats on your first novel.” Second, good cover. Third, nice title.
OK, now when I read blurbs with words like “mafia, crime boss, secrets, murder, and power play” (OK, to be honest, I don’t know if those words were in the blurb, I’m just winging it here....just go with it) I expect DARK. Yes, that’s right. DARK and BITTER.
What I got was a crime lord with a heart of gold (*wipes tear from eye*), who did more good than bad. I wonder if there is a calculator for that? How many good deeds offset one murder? Like carbon offsets that you can sell or purchase. It’s all about balance, really.
Anyway, Christopher, our hunkylicious mob boss only kills people who really deserve it. And he tries to do in in the most humane way possible. Kinda like the Whole Foods of mob families: ethically and environmentally responsible, charitable, and a great place to work!
Snow is our street kid/young adult. He’s funny, snarky, tough as nails, secretive, and virginal....he’s had a tough go of it, but tries to do the right thing no matter the cost to his life. He brings laughter and joy to the Christopher Manos family. A Skittles Rainbow. (Although they don’t sell those at Whole Foods).
Gosh, these two men fall for each other and say lots of things you might find inside a Hallmark card. Super sweet, super, super, super, super sweet. Who knew crime lords and street kids could produce so much spun sugar?
I thought it odd that the only DARK things mentioned were murders, some torture, kidnapping, and some prostitution. How does our golden Chris make his living? I’m not a crime lady (duchess? Princess? Dame? Queen?), but even I know that things like trafficking drugs, arms, and humans are high on the “How to Make Ends Meet as a Crime Queen” list.
Again, this is a friendly, happy type of mafia story. Mafia fluff without much of the mafia ugly. I guess I’m just old fashioned and prefer my MM mafia romances to make me squirm both in horror and freakish delight.
2.5 Stars rounded down. First, “Yay! Debut Author, congrats on your first novel.” Second, good cover. Third, nice title.
OK, now when I read blurbs with words like “mafia, crime boss, secrets, murder, and power play” (OK, to be honest, I don’t know if those words were in the blurb, I’m just winging it here....just go with it) I expect DARK. Yes, that’s right. DARK and BITTER.
What I got was a crime lord with a heart of gold (*wipes tear from eye*), who did more good than bad. I wonder if there is a calculator for that? How many good deeds offset one murder? Like carbon offsets that you can sell or purchase. It’s all about balance, really.
Anyway, Christopher, our hunkylicious mob boss only kills people who really deserve it. And he tries to do in in the most humane way possible. Kinda like the Whole Foods of mob families: ethically and environmentally responsible, charitable, and a great place to work!
Snow is our street kid/young adult. He’s funny, snarky, tough as nails, secretive, and virginal....he’s had a tough go of it, but tries to do the right thing no matter the cost to his life. He brings laughter and joy to the Christopher Manos family. A Skittles Rainbow. (Although they don’t sell those at Whole Foods).
Gosh, these two men fall for each other and say lots of things you might find inside a Hallmark card. Super sweet, super, super, super, super sweet. Who knew crime lords and street kids could produce so much spun sugar?
I thought it odd that the only DARK things mentioned were murders, some torture, kidnapping, and some prostitution. How does our golden Chris make his living? I’m not a crime lady (duchess? Princess? Dame? Queen?), but even I know that things like trafficking drugs, arms, and humans are high on the “How to Make Ends Meet as a Crime Queen” list.
Again, this is a friendly, happy type of mafia story. Mafia fluff without much of the mafia ugly. I guess I’m just old fashioned and prefer my MM mafia romances to make me squirm both in horror and freakish delight.
November 30, 2017
He comenzado a escribir esta review varias veces y he borrado lo que he escrito porque no sé muy bien cómo decir lo que me ha parecido el libro, no quiero ser hiriente. Justo es decir que estoy en minoría aquí y que la mayoría de reviewers parece que han adorado el libro.
¿Cómo empezar? La historia de un chico de la calle y un jefe de una de las mafias más poderosas se presentaba interesante, cuando piensas en ese tipo de historias te viene a la cabeza la tensión, la oposición entre lo bueno y lo malo, profundidad, plots muy trabajados, personajes complejos. Bueno, pues aquí nada de esto se cumple. La redacción es extremadamente simple, no sencilla, simple, los personajes no están nada trabajados, parecen caricaturas, son totalmente unidimensionales, algunos diálogos son de sonrojarse. Y como ya comencemos con el plot... Todo es ridículo, nada creíble, una familia del hampa que parece la familia Trapp criminal, unos malos con corazoncito, es que se sienten fatal cuando matan, por supuesto no sabemos a qué se dedica ese jefe de la mafia, no sabemos de dónde saca el dinero, armas?, drogas?, prostitución? Ni idea. Pero en el fondo es muy bueno, es que dona mucho dinero a la caridad. Por favor... Podría escribir horas explicando lo absurdo que es todo lo que se cuenta, la relación de los protagonistas, cómo según la autora una familia de la mafia se comporta... Pero no quiero hacer más sangre.
Supongo que el resumen es que los personajes son simpáticos, se lee en nada, pero el libro es muy malo.
Además, no me han gustado algunos comentarios sobre los chicos que se prostituyen. Nada.
No lo recomiendo. No pongo 1 estrella porque solo lo hago en casos extremos.
¿Cómo empezar? La historia de un chico de la calle y un jefe de una de las mafias más poderosas se presentaba interesante, cuando piensas en ese tipo de historias te viene a la cabeza la tensión, la oposición entre lo bueno y lo malo, profundidad, plots muy trabajados, personajes complejos. Bueno, pues aquí nada de esto se cumple. La redacción es extremadamente simple, no sencilla, simple, los personajes no están nada trabajados, parecen caricaturas, son totalmente unidimensionales, algunos diálogos son de sonrojarse. Y como ya comencemos con el plot... Todo es ridículo, nada creíble, una familia del hampa que parece la familia Trapp criminal, unos malos con corazoncito, es que se sienten fatal cuando matan, por supuesto no sabemos a qué se dedica ese jefe de la mafia, no sabemos de dónde saca el dinero, armas?, drogas?, prostitución? Ni idea. Pero en el fondo es muy bueno, es que dona mucho dinero a la caridad. Por favor... Podría escribir horas explicando lo absurdo que es todo lo que se cuenta, la relación de los protagonistas, cómo según la autora una familia de la mafia se comporta... Pero no quiero hacer más sangre.
Supongo que el resumen es que los personajes son simpáticos, se lee en nada, pero el libro es muy malo.
Además, no me han gustado algunos comentarios sobre los chicos que se prostituyen. Nada.
No lo recomiendo. No pongo 1 estrella porque solo lo hago en casos extremos.
November 30, 2017
This book is seriously good. For a debut novel, the skill which has gone into the plotting, the tightness of the narrative and the unique flavour of each of the MCs is very impressive.
On the face of it, this is your typical mobster related romantic thriller, but when you drill deeper into the story, there is a lightness to the author's hand which results in sharp dialogue, a good store of secondary characters and world building, and a great chemistry between the MCs.
I loved both Christopher and Snow (and isn't that cover image of him just gorgeous!), and their relationship built at a realistic pace. This isn't a smexy heavy storyline but when they do happen, there is an honest mix of lust and emotion between the two men.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more from Davidson King.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
On the face of it, this is your typical mobster related romantic thriller, but when you drill deeper into the story, there is a lightness to the author's hand which results in sharp dialogue, a good store of secondary characters and world building, and a great chemistry between the MCs.
I loved both Christopher and Snow (and isn't that cover image of him just gorgeous!), and their relationship built at a realistic pace. This isn't a smexy heavy storyline but when they do happen, there is an honest mix of lust and emotion between the two men.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more from Davidson King.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
dnf
August 1, 2018DNF 79%. I know...I could have kept going but it just wasn't working anymore for me. I tried this book 3 times and was determined to finish it this time. I was doing good but then all the stuff with Roy happened and just lost interest.
November 30, 2017
1.5 rounded up tho I'm not sure why...I don't even know where to start bc everything was so over the top ridiculous.
Big crime boss immediately trusts an unknown homeless man to live in his house, gaurd his nephew, be in the room when he kills a guy??? He just starts spilling all kinds of secrets & within 2 days Snow is just part of his crew...NO.
Everything is just understood or solved with a quick conversation...no questions.
The more I'm thinking about it, as I write this, the more annoyed I'm getting at how absolutely trusting all of these ppl are...example, they keep one of the guys that tried to kidnap the nephew in the basement to try & get info and then 2 weeks later Christopher is saying to give him a gun if they need the help?!?! WHAT????
The premise of the book was promising but the execution was really bad. The story starts right at the kidnapping, there's no build up to anything, no buildup to anything really...everything played out very Pollyannaish, too perfect, too trusting, too fast, too clean.
Gah, seriously...what kind of crime boss patiently explains everything he's doing/done to a complete stranger or just starts talking to the cops with no lawyer present?!?! Only thing I can come up with is one that's tstl...
Big crime boss immediately trusts an unknown homeless man to live in his house, gaurd his nephew, be in the room when he kills a guy??? He just starts spilling all kinds of secrets & within 2 days Snow is just part of his crew...NO.
Everything is just understood or solved with a quick conversation...no questions.
The more I'm thinking about it, as I write this, the more annoyed I'm getting at how absolutely trusting all of these ppl are...example, they keep one of the guys that tried to kidnap the nephew in the basement to try & get info and then 2 weeks later Christopher is saying to give him a gun if they need the help?!?! WHAT????
The premise of the book was promising but the execution was really bad. The story starts right at the kidnapping, there's no build up to anything, no buildup to anything really...everything played out very Pollyannaish, too perfect, too trusting, too fast, too clean.
Gah, seriously...what kind of crime boss patiently explains everything he's doing/done to a complete stranger or just starts talking to the cops with no lawyer present?!?! Only thing I can come up with is one that's tstl...
February 23, 2018
I don’t often have the time to try new authors these days. It’s not that I’m unwillingly to try new things, but more like I have less time to devote to reading, reviewing, blogging and I’m forced to focus on familiar and trusted names. I think it was a combination of the intriguing blurb, sharp cover and title that snagged my attention here. I’m grateful I gave it a chance. I enjoyed both the story and King’s style and will certainly keep an eye out for more from her.
If you’re looking for a hardcore mafia story, I suggest you move along. Despite what the blurb states, our crime boss is actually a bit of a sweetheart. Which I adored but I can see this particular thread could cause some unraveling for some readers. There is death but this is not a violent story. There is fear but this is not a horror story. There is also humor, suspense and love…which is why we are here. I chuckled, I held my breath and melted. There’s not much more I can ask for.
What's to like: The flow and pace felt perfect, especially considering this was a debut novel. When a fresh author is still finding their groove and comfort in their craft the reader often glimpses trademark newbie marks. King knows how to cast and hook like a pro! I was engaged and vested in the story early on and my attention never faltered. Building a bit more back story or history could have been helpful. I also felt slightly overwhelmed with the cast a time or two. There is a LOT going on (hello mafia drama) and I understand the need for a larger cast but I had to brush aside some of the niggles of who was who in the secondary cast to truly enjoy it. Touch of streamlining and firmer foundation could have pushed this story up another notch for me. Nevertheless, these were small issues that I could easily overlook because the MC’s were so bright.
What's to love: Snow! Oh, how I adored him. He’s sassy, smart and sexy. Things kick off with Snow slipping into a white knight moment. He saves a young boy from a lifetime of nightmares and in exchange offers a piece of his soul. As it turns out, the young child, Simon, belongs to Christopher Manos. Manos is a head crime boss as well as a devoted Uncle. The safety of his family is his utmost priority and is beyond grateful for Snow’s selfless act. Chris is instantly fascinated with Snow and is keen to uncover his secrets. And he wasn’t alone. I craved more. I wanted to know how he ended up homeless on the streets. I wondered what his fears were. I longed for him to hold onto the happiness that unexpectedly fell into his lap. Christopher was just as strong of a magnet and I was quickly charmed. As I flew through the pages, I was spellbound with their connection and possibilities. I devoured this story and was left with a huge smile and a happy heart.
Beware of: Mild mannered mafia. I’ll take goo over gore any day but I know everyone doesn’t feel the same. Snow is much younger than Chris but I have come to love my love-knows-no-age stories. Simon is adorable and shares the limelight with Snow and Chris, but rest assured he doesn’t distract from the romance or heat factor.
This book is for: If you enjoy suspenseful romance and can do without the grit in exchange for grip, I would recommend taking the time for this sweet and sexy starring debut from Davidson King. It appears this is a series and I can’t wait for the next!
Book UNfunk
If you’re looking for a hardcore mafia story, I suggest you move along. Despite what the blurb states, our crime boss is actually a bit of a sweetheart. Which I adored but I can see this particular thread could cause some unraveling for some readers. There is death but this is not a violent story. There is fear but this is not a horror story. There is also humor, suspense and love…which is why we are here. I chuckled, I held my breath and melted. There’s not much more I can ask for.
What's to like: The flow and pace felt perfect, especially considering this was a debut novel. When a fresh author is still finding their groove and comfort in their craft the reader often glimpses trademark newbie marks. King knows how to cast and hook like a pro! I was engaged and vested in the story early on and my attention never faltered. Building a bit more back story or history could have been helpful. I also felt slightly overwhelmed with the cast a time or two. There is a LOT going on (hello mafia drama) and I understand the need for a larger cast but I had to brush aside some of the niggles of who was who in the secondary cast to truly enjoy it. Touch of streamlining and firmer foundation could have pushed this story up another notch for me. Nevertheless, these were small issues that I could easily overlook because the MC’s were so bright.
What's to love: Snow! Oh, how I adored him. He’s sassy, smart and sexy. Things kick off with Snow slipping into a white knight moment. He saves a young boy from a lifetime of nightmares and in exchange offers a piece of his soul. As it turns out, the young child, Simon, belongs to Christopher Manos. Manos is a head crime boss as well as a devoted Uncle. The safety of his family is his utmost priority and is beyond grateful for Snow’s selfless act. Chris is instantly fascinated with Snow and is keen to uncover his secrets. And he wasn’t alone. I craved more. I wanted to know how he ended up homeless on the streets. I wondered what his fears were. I longed for him to hold onto the happiness that unexpectedly fell into his lap. Christopher was just as strong of a magnet and I was quickly charmed. As I flew through the pages, I was spellbound with their connection and possibilities. I devoured this story and was left with a huge smile and a happy heart.
Beware of: Mild mannered mafia. I’ll take goo over gore any day but I know everyone doesn’t feel the same. Snow is much younger than Chris but I have come to love my love-knows-no-age stories. Simon is adorable and shares the limelight with Snow and Chris, but rest assured he doesn’t distract from the romance or heat factor.
This book is for: If you enjoy suspenseful romance and can do without the grit in exchange for grip, I would recommend taking the time for this sweet and sexy starring debut from Davidson King. It appears this is a series and I can’t wait for the next!
Book UNfunk
June 10, 2021
re-read June 10, 2021 Loved it again !
A first book by this author. It's fantastic !
Snow, a sassy, strong willed,
a fighter, a survivor, has a gifted mind. Five years on the street since he escaped his dad, and has not sold his body. He's seen a lot of sadness in his life already. Now, a pair of bad guys were roughing up a kid, trying to take him, when Snow runs into the alley to stop them. A deal is made, the kid is safe, so, Snow takes him home to his Uncle, but Roy's payback is next week.
His Uncle is none other than, Christopher Manos, crime boss,
who is happy to have his nephew back. Little Simon is afraid for Snow, because the bad guy is going to hurt Snow. One of the bad guys is Roy, the son of the Russian Mafia leader, so a meeting is set, and Snow is asked to stay under Chris's protection.
Later Snow's street friend is killed, and a bodyguard injured. An informant is found, and Chris personally handles it. Snow fits in with the cast of characters at the mansion, and little Simon says he's a hero. Our men, Chris and Snow become close, and end up sizzling the sheets in their sexy times.
Life is good, for a bit, as Snow helps Simon with his talent show, we get funny banter and great wit. There's a charity event, and our bad guy, Roy, is threatening Snow. Snow runs so Simon won't be hurt by the obsessed pedophile. He learns a lot on his trip, but ends up in big trouble as he's kidnapped.
He recovers enough to be in the talent show with Simon as they lip sync to Lady Gaga songs.
This book is exciting, loving, and action packed.
We see two sides to our crime boss, as he tortures, kills, rescues, and personally handles some difficult situations, but he is also a loving uncle, a strong and passionate lover, and he treats his family with gentle care. The tale flows beautifully, and we learn back stories to our men, and see them move forward, and gain strength in trust.
The epilogue is one year later, after the final assault, and we are happy to hear what everyone is doing.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
====
Thank you dear Hadis for the recommendation !
====
A first book by this author. It's fantastic !
Snow, a sassy, strong willed,
a fighter, a survivor, has a gifted mind. Five years on the street since he escaped his dad, and has not sold his body. He's seen a lot of sadness in his life already. Now, a pair of bad guys were roughing up a kid, trying to take him, when Snow runs into the alley to stop them. A deal is made, the kid is safe, so, Snow takes him home to his Uncle, but Roy's payback is next week.
His Uncle is none other than, Christopher Manos, crime boss,
who is happy to have his nephew back. Little Simon is afraid for Snow, because the bad guy is going to hurt Snow. One of the bad guys is Roy, the son of the Russian Mafia leader, so a meeting is set, and Snow is asked to stay under Chris's protection.
Later Snow's street friend is killed, and a bodyguard injured. An informant is found, and Chris personally handles it. Snow fits in with the cast of characters at the mansion, and little Simon says he's a hero. Our men, Chris and Snow become close, and end up sizzling the sheets in their sexy times.
Life is good, for a bit, as Snow helps Simon with his talent show, we get funny banter and great wit. There's a charity event, and our bad guy, Roy, is threatening Snow. Snow runs so Simon won't be hurt by the obsessed pedophile. He learns a lot on his trip, but ends up in big trouble as he's kidnapped.
He recovers enough to be in the talent show with Simon as they lip sync to Lady Gaga songs.
This book is exciting, loving, and action packed.
We see two sides to our crime boss, as he tortures, kills, rescues, and personally handles some difficult situations, but he is also a loving uncle, a strong and passionate lover, and he treats his family with gentle care. The tale flows beautifully, and we learn back stories to our men, and see them move forward, and gain strength in trust.
The epilogue is one year later, after the final assault, and we are happy to hear what everyone is doing.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
====
Thank you dear Hadis for the recommendation !
====
November 22, 2017
Snow a young man an enigma... for five years in the shadows
Christopher, head of an imperium, a man respected and feared by his surrounders, righteous but razor sharp.
Snow saves a little boy from cruel destroying hands.... not knowing this boy Simon is the nephew of Christopher...
When their paths crossed the air changed...
The interaction between Snow and Christopher is very strong.
"I'll make you feel so normal your head will explode.”
"Please.”
When you know the context you'll understand the weight.
Snow isn't cold as his name suggests, he will give you shivers... yes....from emotions because ghaaad I cried at his reflections.
Snow's past is his burden and a heavy one....a nightmare.... it's crushing him...
The moment the story is accelerating I was on the edge...
The whole building up was emotional, the further in the story the more my heart squeezed. Their love has to survive...because otherwise I will not..
All personalities were amazing put down... they made me love and hate.
Wonderful written captivating story it had so much in it...so much...
It was raw and delicate, ingenious smart, suspenseful and heartbreaking, light and darkness....in the same breath. All was so vivid performed I was in a bubble and didn't want to come out...
I was floored, a debut novel...
Kindly received an ARC from the author.
Highly recommend
Christopher, head of an imperium, a man respected and feared by his surrounders, righteous but razor sharp.
Snow saves a little boy from cruel destroying hands.... not knowing this boy Simon is the nephew of Christopher...
When their paths crossed the air changed...
The interaction between Snow and Christopher is very strong.
"I'll make you feel so normal your head will explode.”
"Please.”
When you know the context you'll understand the weight.
Snow isn't cold as his name suggests, he will give you shivers... yes....from emotions because ghaaad I cried at his reflections.
Snow's past is his burden and a heavy one....a nightmare.... it's crushing him...
The moment the story is accelerating I was on the edge...
The whole building up was emotional, the further in the story the more my heart squeezed. Their love has to survive...because otherwise I will not..
All personalities were amazing put down... they made me love and hate.
Wonderful written captivating story it had so much in it...so much...
It was raw and delicate, ingenious smart, suspenseful and heartbreaking, light and darkness....in the same breath. All was so vivid performed I was in a bubble and didn't want to come out...
I was floored, a debut novel...
Kindly received an ARC from the author.
Highly recommend
January 8, 2025
4.5 stars ...
Re-read: Jan '25
Let me say first that this DEBUT novel is an all-time favorite and I'll be re-reading it many times in the future ... as well as the rest of the series, which only gets better as it goes along with more and more characters added to the "family". I literally fell in love with this book with Chapter 1 (where we're introduced to "Snow" and "Eight") the first time I read it.
I see many people disparaging this book ... and, of course, they DNFed it or didn't continue with the series. I feel like many went into it with preconceived notions of what it was going to be (please stop tryin' to make everything a "romance" 🙄) ... and it wasn't what they expected, so they bailed early. Fair enough. However, every book in this 9-book series has a 4+ overall rating. There's a good reason for that. 😏
I've always been kind of obsessed with the whole Batman/Gotham universe and, all the way through my first read of this series, I kept thinkin' of that. In my head, I picture Haven Hart as "Gotham" and Christopher Manos as "The Dark Knight" (though his 8 year old nephew, Simon, prefers "Iron Man" ... whatever 😁🤷♂️😂). Snow is his "Robin" and they fall in love and have hot sex ... but that's really beside the point because, of course they do!
“Mr. Manos, I can’t condone vigilante justice.” Detective Hooper took a breath, looked right at Snow, and said all I needed to hear. “Enough people have let Snow down. Don’t be one of those guys.”
“Never.”
I do so very much love "vigilante justice" (Batman, right?) and this is that done brilliantly! Drama, action (yes, violence), angst ... but SO MUCH loyalty (literally willing to "take a bullet" for each other), SO MUCH heart, SO MUCH love! Christopher will do what.ever is necessary to protect his loved ones (and his "family" will do the same for him) and his city ... by what.ever means are necessary, legal or illegal. The bad guys are found and dealt with "appropriately" ... ALWAYS! 🤨
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered before kissing him again.
“No apologies, Chris. I’m okay, Simon is okay. It’s over.”
It was over, but one thing Roy’s rampage had taught me was no power was indestructible or untouchable. I would never let this happen again.
I'll stop rambling now and leave you with this ...
Snow snuggled into my side. Pressing my nose against his hair, I inhaled. I smelled the night, the dirt, and sweat. I could swear I smelled the forgotten fear. But deep down, there was the scent I had come to love. Like freshly fallen snow, strength, and most importantly, life.
“What do we tell Simon tomorrow?” Snow whispered into the darkness of the room.
“The truth. He knew you were taken. He will see your bruises. He’ll cry, but he will be happy because you’re safe.”
“You saved me again.”
“I’ll save you always. After all, Simon said I’m Iron Man.”
Re-read: Jan '25
Let me say first that this DEBUT novel is an all-time favorite and I'll be re-reading it many times in the future ... as well as the rest of the series, which only gets better as it goes along with more and more characters added to the "family". I literally fell in love with this book with Chapter 1 (where we're introduced to "Snow" and "Eight") the first time I read it.
I see many people disparaging this book ... and, of course, they DNFed it or didn't continue with the series. I feel like many went into it with preconceived notions of what it was going to be (please stop tryin' to make everything a "romance" 🙄) ... and it wasn't what they expected, so they bailed early. Fair enough. However, every book in this 9-book series has a 4+ overall rating. There's a good reason for that. 😏
I've always been kind of obsessed with the whole Batman/Gotham universe and, all the way through my first read of this series, I kept thinkin' of that. In my head, I picture Haven Hart as "Gotham" and Christopher Manos as "The Dark Knight" (though his 8 year old nephew, Simon, prefers "Iron Man" ... whatever 😁🤷♂️😂). Snow is his "Robin" and they fall in love and have hot sex ... but that's really beside the point because, of course they do!
“Mr. Manos, I can’t condone vigilante justice.” Detective Hooper took a breath, looked right at Snow, and said all I needed to hear. “Enough people have let Snow down. Don’t be one of those guys.”
“Never.”
I do so very much love "vigilante justice" (Batman, right?) and this is that done brilliantly! Drama, action (yes, violence), angst ... but SO MUCH loyalty (literally willing to "take a bullet" for each other), SO MUCH heart, SO MUCH love! Christopher will do what.ever is necessary to protect his loved ones (and his "family" will do the same for him) and his city ... by what.ever means are necessary, legal or illegal. The bad guys are found and dealt with "appropriately" ... ALWAYS! 🤨
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered before kissing him again.
“No apologies, Chris. I’m okay, Simon is okay. It’s over.”
It was over, but one thing Roy’s rampage had taught me was no power was indestructible or untouchable. I would never let this happen again.
I'll stop rambling now and leave you with this ...
Snow snuggled into my side. Pressing my nose against his hair, I inhaled. I smelled the night, the dirt, and sweat. I could swear I smelled the forgotten fear. But deep down, there was the scent I had come to love. Like freshly fallen snow, strength, and most importantly, life.
“What do we tell Simon tomorrow?” Snow whispered into the darkness of the room.
“The truth. He knew you were taken. He will see your bruises. He’ll cry, but he will be happy because you’re safe.”
“You saved me again.”
“I’ll save you always. After all, Simon said I’m Iron Man.”
July 22, 2021
*re-read 07/21/2021*
Since I just read this book about a month ago, I am not going to go into the actual review process but what I will say is the audio was so incredible. Philip Alces & Joel Leslie gave me all the perfect feels for Snow and Christopher. Joel Leslie has a bucket full of accents that he is so good at, and I knew this would be no different, but Philip Alces was wonderful!! He was able to do the deep tone I would expect with a mob boss but also keep his voice so delicate when he was talking to Snow or Simon. Since I got the first four books in the Haven Hart Series in a box set through Audible, I am looking forward to what these two narrators can do with different characters.
*original review 05/31/2021*
This book surprised me so much!! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect since this was my first Davidson King book and of course I read too many reviews making me second my decision to read it. Honestly, it was so freaking sweet with a little violence thrown in making it exactly what I was needing. Snow & Christopher were cuteness personified.
Snow was everything I love in a damaged MC. He had been through so much, but he was still tough as nails not letting people treat him like he was less than because his life had been difficult.
Christopher was N O T H I N G like your typical mob boss. Yes, he was ruthless and protective of his family and the people that he loved but he was also so damn tender hearted I was swooning all over the place.
Simon was adorable!! He instantly trusted Snow and I love that with children, they can just tell sometimes if someone is good or bad. I felt like with Simon was able to trust Snow despite growing up the nephew of a mobster because he could see the good in him.
While the murder and mayhem weren't a top priority in this story, I did really like King's way of adding in enough action to make the book unputdownable. I was turning pages so fast just trying to see what was going to happen with Snow and Christopher.
Snow Falling was one of those books that just shocked the hell out of me, and I will definitely reading book two even though it is a new story.
Since I just read this book about a month ago, I am not going to go into the actual review process but what I will say is the audio was so incredible. Philip Alces & Joel Leslie gave me all the perfect feels for Snow and Christopher. Joel Leslie has a bucket full of accents that he is so good at, and I knew this would be no different, but Philip Alces was wonderful!! He was able to do the deep tone I would expect with a mob boss but also keep his voice so delicate when he was talking to Snow or Simon. Since I got the first four books in the Haven Hart Series in a box set through Audible, I am looking forward to what these two narrators can do with different characters.
*original review 05/31/2021*
This book surprised me so much!! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect since this was my first Davidson King book and of course I read too many reviews making me second my decision to read it. Honestly, it was so freaking sweet with a little violence thrown in making it exactly what I was needing. Snow & Christopher were cuteness personified.
Snow was everything I love in a damaged MC. He had been through so much, but he was still tough as nails not letting people treat him like he was less than because his life had been difficult.
Christopher was N O T H I N G like your typical mob boss. Yes, he was ruthless and protective of his family and the people that he loved but he was also so damn tender hearted I was swooning all over the place.
Simon was adorable!! He instantly trusted Snow and I love that with children, they can just tell sometimes if someone is good or bad. I felt like with Simon was able to trust Snow despite growing up the nephew of a mobster because he could see the good in him.
While the murder and mayhem weren't a top priority in this story, I did really like King's way of adding in enough action to make the book unputdownable. I was turning pages so fast just trying to see what was going to happen with Snow and Christopher.
Snow Falling was one of those books that just shocked the hell out of me, and I will definitely reading book two even though it is a new story.
January 10, 2022
If I had sum up this novel in one word, it would be BLAND. It's like a meal that needs more seasoning. It needed more emotions, more violence, just more. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. It was just blah. The only thing that shined was the relationship between the little boy Simon, and the character we know as Snow. If only all the relationships in this novel seemed as organic. The sex scenes were boring, and mobster wasn't scary. I would give this author another chance, but my expectations wouldn't be high.
January 28, 2019
I’m late to this party (yet again) and there’s so many great reviews I’ll keep mine short.
My short review is simply.
What she said
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I wasn’t sure I was ever going to read this book. I’d read the reviews and knew it was a sweet, warm and fluffy mafia read. Now when I think mafia I think dark, gritty and ruthless so I’d more or less decided to skip it. But then the reviews for the other books in the series kept cropping up and they were good. They were so good I decided to dive in and give Snow a chance.
It was easier for me because I knew what to expect. I suspect if I’d gone in blind I wouldn’t have been quite so accommodating.
The reviews I’d read were spot on but there was enough here for me to enjoy it despite the Hallmark Channel type of mafia.
I liked Snow and absolutely loved Simon. Christopher was great but far too cute and snuggly to be any kind of mafia boss.
It’s straight onto the next book Hug it Out for me now. And it’s about... wait for it...
A notorious assassin and a professional hugger.
I kid you not.
My short review is simply.
What she said
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I wasn’t sure I was ever going to read this book. I’d read the reviews and knew it was a sweet, warm and fluffy mafia read. Now when I think mafia I think dark, gritty and ruthless so I’d more or less decided to skip it. But then the reviews for the other books in the series kept cropping up and they were good. They were so good I decided to dive in and give Snow a chance.
It was easier for me because I knew what to expect. I suspect if I’d gone in blind I wouldn’t have been quite so accommodating.
The reviews I’d read were spot on but there was enough here for me to enjoy it despite the Hallmark Channel type of mafia.
I liked Snow and absolutely loved Simon. Christopher was great but far too cute and snuggly to be any kind of mafia boss.
It’s straight onto the next book Hug it Out for me now. And it’s about... wait for it...
A notorious assassin and a professional hugger.
I kid you not.
October 12, 2020
Imagine yelling at a man who had a heart attack and a stroke 🥴 like yeh I get your feelings but it’s too late now because it does not compute. For some reason that really irked me along with a bunch of other things.
Enjoyable enough for me to finish.
dnf
December 29, 2017DNF at 38%
I so wasn't feeling this relationship. These guys had no chemistry at all.
I so wasn't feeling this relationship. These guys had no chemistry at all.
February 19, 2020
This book is less 'A Study in Scarlet' and more 'A Study in How Many Times a Person Can Get Kidnapped '
For a while now, I have seen this series frequently recommended in few of the Book Reader/Listener Groups , I belong. And
did something, I usually don't do , I went in blind. I didn't read reviews. I doubt I would have listened/read it I had done so.
This is a fluffy , Rainbows and Unicorns , completely baffling Mafia story .
I say this because when I think of Mafia in Fiction and Real Life names like Don Corleone, Al Capone, Tony Soprano , Lex Luther, Pablo Escobar , John Gotti , Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzman and so on and on pop in my mind. This story and Mafia King is far, far removed from any RL or fiction tales , I have ever read , heard or watched.
There is a thing called Suspension of Disbelief and Snow Falling stretch it out to the max.
On the positive side:
Phillip Alces and Joel Leslie narration was well done and helped me power on with the story.
Snow and Christopher the heroes were likeable as well as Simon , a young secondary character .
I , now know, Snow Falling is the debut novel by Davidson King. Since then, I am told by people I trust and share same taste in books ; she has learned and have mastered her craft a great deal and other books of series are great. I will continue reading this series as I love a good redemption tale.
#KU #AudibleEscape #Audible #Read2020 #Listen2020 #Kindle
For a while now, I have seen this series frequently recommended in few of the Book Reader/Listener Groups , I belong. And
did something, I usually don't do , I went in blind. I didn't read reviews. I doubt I would have listened/read it I had done so.
This is a fluffy , Rainbows and Unicorns , completely baffling Mafia story .
I say this because when I think of Mafia in Fiction and Real Life names like Don Corleone, Al Capone, Tony Soprano , Lex Luther, Pablo Escobar , John Gotti , Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzman and so on and on pop in my mind. This story and Mafia King is far, far removed from any RL or fiction tales , I have ever read , heard or watched.
There is a thing called Suspension of Disbelief and Snow Falling stretch it out to the max.
On the positive side:
Phillip Alces and Joel Leslie narration was well done and helped me power on with the story.
Snow and Christopher the heroes were likeable as well as Simon , a young secondary character .
I , now know, Snow Falling is the debut novel by Davidson King. Since then, I am told by people I trust and share same taste in books ; she has learned and have mastered her craft a great deal and other books of series are great. I will continue reading this series as I love a good redemption tale.
#KU #AudibleEscape #Audible #Read2020 #Listen2020 #Kindle
July 10, 2019
While not perfect, this was thoroughly enjoyable... I loved Snow from the very first page and all throughout the book. Christopher was also such an unexpected sweetheart with Snow(for a crime boss lol!)
There wasn't a dull moment(which led to one/two rushed things in the story) but you won't hear a word of complaint from me. It was a fun ride
I'm glad I picked this up and luckily for me,all the other books in the series are also on KU so win!
Oh and thanks to Denise H. for the indirect recommendations... I saw all her reviews on the series and HAD to try it! 🤣🤣
There wasn't a dull moment(which led to one/two rushed things in the story) but you won't hear a word of complaint from me. It was a fun ride
I'm glad I picked this up and luckily for me,all the other books in the series are also on KU so win!
Oh and thanks to Denise H. for the indirect recommendations... I saw all her reviews on the series and HAD to try it! 🤣🤣
March 26, 2021
I have to admit this series is surprising me. I came across it when I was looking for something mafia related because of a recent movie choice and I came across this on audible escape. I knew I liked Joel Leslie as a narrator and I am also now in love with Philip Alces. Great voices because Joel does amusing well and Philip sounds like Goliath from the Gargoyles cartoon all deep and sexy. Anyway weird reference, but that's where my mind went.
November 26, 2024
Oh, that was GOOD. Been a long time since I read a morally gray, crime family genre and it wasn't as toxic as I initially feared. It was kind of sweet actually... sweet with a hint of violence and murder. LOL
Love the dynamic of Snow and Chris, and together with Simon, they make a beautiful family.
Love the dynamic of Snow and Chris, and together with Simon, they make a beautiful family.
July 18, 2019
Overall this book was just okay for me. The writing was fairly sophomoric, with a lot of showing us something and then saying "this character did something" and it was like...."yeah, I know, I just read about this."
Snow and Christopher had okay chemistry, but this was very low heat (which, I don't really get why) and since we only got one scene that was even fairly explicit, there wasn't a lot of connection between them outside of that. I didn't really understand why they came to love each other.
I personally felt a better connection between Snow and Chris's nephew, Simon, for a long time in this book before I finally felt a real connection between Snow and Christopher near the last 20% or so of this book.
I also wasn't finding myself terribly invested in the story until about that last 20-25% of the book so this took me awhile to read.
I think, overall, this definitely showed in that it was the author's first book. There was just a lot of room to improve. It wasn't bad or anything and the ending really saved this for me to get it to 3 stars instead of less than that. If the ending hadn't been so interesting for me, this would have probably been 2 stars for me.
So it had some fun parts, mainly in the end, but the slow pace and the lack of connection between the MC's, and the sophomoric writing bogged down this story for me. I probably won't be reading more books in this series - maybe I will, but most likely not.
Snow and Christopher had okay chemistry, but this was very low heat (which, I don't really get why) and since we only got one scene that was even fairly explicit, there wasn't a lot of connection between them outside of that. I didn't really understand why they came to love each other.
I personally felt a better connection between Snow and Chris's nephew, Simon, for a long time in this book before I finally felt a real connection between Snow and Christopher near the last 20% or so of this book.
I also wasn't finding myself terribly invested in the story until about that last 20-25% of the book so this took me awhile to read.
I think, overall, this definitely showed in that it was the author's first book. There was just a lot of room to improve. It wasn't bad or anything and the ending really saved this for me to get it to 3 stars instead of less than that. If the ending hadn't been so interesting for me, this would have probably been 2 stars for me.
So it had some fun parts, mainly in the end, but the slow pace and the lack of connection between the MC's, and the sophomoric writing bogged down this story for me. I probably won't be reading more books in this series - maybe I will, but most likely not.
December 2, 2018
3.5 stars
A good first book from a first-time author. Luckily I went into it knowing it was on the light side of mafia books and didn't expect intense crimeworld goings on. This is a pretty straight-forward love story between two men who never should have met and on the outside seemingly have nothing in common.
Davidson King's writing is very self-aware and you can tell she was a big-time reader before diving into writing. As I was reading and a thought or niggle popped into my mind, it was almost always quickly addressed, usually through a comment by a character. I was happy when Snow, talking to Christopher, mirrored my thoughts with this one "for a big, bad crime boss, you’re very fluffy and sweet. Why is that? How has no one snuck up and killed you."
It was a fast-paced, sweet love story and an enjoyable read. There was a TSTL moment or two but for the most part all the characters are likable and there are a few I'd like to see more of. I'll definitely be reading more from Davidson King.
A good first book from a first-time author. Luckily I went into it knowing it was on the light side of mafia books and didn't expect intense crimeworld goings on. This is a pretty straight-forward love story between two men who never should have met and on the outside seemingly have nothing in common.
Davidson King's writing is very self-aware and you can tell she was a big-time reader before diving into writing. As I was reading and a thought or niggle popped into my mind, it was almost always quickly addressed, usually through a comment by a character. I was happy when Snow, talking to Christopher, mirrored my thoughts with this one "for a big, bad crime boss, you’re very fluffy and sweet. Why is that? How has no one snuck up and killed you."
It was a fast-paced, sweet love story and an enjoyable read. There was a TSTL moment or two but for the most part all the characters are likable and there are a few I'd like to see more of. I'll definitely be reading more from Davidson King.
January 28, 2019
3.3 Stars
I liked the narration but given the summary I think I was expecting a grittier book. Don't get me wrong, there was a bit of Mob-type Justice here (that kid ) and I liked that Snow finally got some closure on his previous life (and that ). But for the most part it felt like a typical Billionaire love-story...with clothing acquisition & requisite society party and all.
This is the first of a series and I'm willing to try the next one, though.
I liked the narration but given the summary I think I was expecting a grittier book. Don't get me wrong, there was a bit of Mob-type Justice here (that kid ) and I liked that Snow finally got some closure on his previous life (and that ). But for the most part it felt like a typical Billionaire love-story...with clothing acquisition & requisite society party and all.
This is the first of a series and I'm willing to try the next one, though.
May 6, 2023
This well written and entertaining story is part mystery, part action thriller, and part romance. A little something for everyone:) Snow is a streetwise young man, who happens to come upon the son of one of the local crime bosses trying to kidnap a young boy off the street. Little does he know just who that boy belongs to, or how much his own life is about to change. Snow does exactly what he knows is right and saves the boy only to end up in the home of yet another crime boss, this one eager to learn his story and help him out. Snow himself has a fairly dark past and is on the run and hiding out on the streets from a father who hides his own corruption under the mantle of Chief of Police. The life Snow left behind was one of endless fear, and nothing, not even the love of a man Snow fears has already stolen his heart, can make up for this. Everything appears to be fine on the surface of Snow's life and he's not above doing whatever it takes, including facing his father, if he means he can possibly have the love of Christopher Manos who sees Snow for so much more than who Snow sees himself as. The plot holds together well and made sense throughout the story in spite of the number of side characters that were introduced. I have read another series by this author and was expecting nothing less than excellence from her here.
December 6, 2018
DNF at around 70%. 1.5 stars for the simple fact I've read worse.
I don’t want to come across as mean, but I fail to understand how this book’s got so many five star reviews. If you approach it from any objective point of view, judging the characters’ construction alone, their motivation and the plot of the story, this book will be nowhere near the five-star rating.
I'll start by pointing out that the elements underlined so many times in the blurb have been completely neglected in the development of the story itself. It’s like the blurb and the book it represents are two different things and the only common point they have is the name of the characters.
“Trust no one” seems to be the creed that drives these two characters, however neither Snow, nor the impressive mafia lord, Christopher Manos, are leading their lives according to it.
This discrepancy between the description and the book itself, or rather this short story, is enough to bother the reader. A blurb is supposed to offer a small window into a work. Think of it as a summary, the most basic description of the characters and the story meant to lure you in, which will expand on those points. But this one doesn’t do what it says on the tin. At all.
When you say mafia, you instantly think of some gory action, suspenseful moments and conflicted characters, sociopolitical intrigue or the facets of the criminal underworld and of those that dwell in it. But in this case, you’ve got talent shows, charity events and poorly executed attempts at portraying dull characters as something they’re not. And maybe if done properly and used in a manner that would've served the subject of the story, it wouldn't have been something out of the ordinary. Criminals thrive in every environment and take many forms, especially that of rich, respectable men. But you know it's bad when the only things you're left with after reading a story are dancing, Lady Gaga and talent shows.
The story’s got two POVs, one for Snow, the other for Chris, but the book would’ve been better off without them. Instead of splitting the book in two POVs that didn't help the story in any way, it would’ve been best if the author would’ve focused on one only.
Snow had the most potential as a character and if that would’ve been exploited properly, this story would’ve had the chance of stepping above the average. However, a lot of energy was wasted with giving the mysterious, badass character aka C. Manos a POV that presented an incomplete, undistinctive and quite unremarkable character who lacked an unique voice. And because of that the end result were two characters who didn’t appeal to me at all.
The story itself resembles the skeleton of a story that could’ve been turned into something great. The author never dives into all that background information that’s mentioned throughout the book so many times.
Snow’s life on the street and his past are only a tool for creating drama rather than something that could’ve been used to strengthen the character. And that last bit of the book that tries to create a link between Snow’s dreadful past and the problems he’s facing in the present has lost its appeal to me.
As I mentioned somewhere above, the blurb states the characters’ life creed is to trust no one. But after the first interaction between them, the MCs are quite taken with one another and there’s nothing but trust between them.
How could a powerful mafia boss let a homeless person into his house, next to the people he cares about, let him assist to the dirtier aspects of his life aka murdering someone and ultimately put him in charge of the “protection” of his nephew is beyond me.
Then you have Snow, who charms people like a wizard, everybody seems to like him instantly and he doesn’t have to work to gain anyone’s trust. Plus the so-called plans he comes up with are laughable at best.
I’ll refrain from commenting on the “relationship” between the two MCs because that’s just a waste of everyone’s time and I won’t be getting into the “villains” and their motives because that element of the book is lacking as well.
Then there's the unnecessary episodes and events. A crime boss lets a person he’s barely met into the room in which he interrogates (or at least attempts to) a person of interest. The entire description of that scene made me cringe and not because it was disgusting and Christopher did the most unspeakable and horrible things. Quite the opposite. You’ve got a crime lord who acts as if he had to put down a sick dog that he grew up with. This emotional and psychological aspect could’ve been indeed used in a lot of clever ways that could’ve shown Christopher’s development and the multidimensional nature of the character, but obviously that didn’t happen.
The story itself had no momentum to speak of and the events in it don’t allow yourself to immerse in the book, due to the superficiality with which they’re treated. The rhythm is too fast paced and not in a good way.
I know there are people who say liking a book or not is a matter of taste but in this case, taste’s got nothing to do with it and the so many points I presented above emphasize that.
I don’t want to come across as mean, but I fail to understand how this book’s got so many five star reviews. If you approach it from any objective point of view, judging the characters’ construction alone, their motivation and the plot of the story, this book will be nowhere near the five-star rating.
I'll start by pointing out that the elements underlined so many times in the blurb have been completely neglected in the development of the story itself. It’s like the blurb and the book it represents are two different things and the only common point they have is the name of the characters.
“Trust no one” seems to be the creed that drives these two characters, however neither Snow, nor the impressive mafia lord, Christopher Manos, are leading their lives according to it.
This discrepancy between the description and the book itself, or rather this short story, is enough to bother the reader. A blurb is supposed to offer a small window into a work. Think of it as a summary, the most basic description of the characters and the story meant to lure you in, which will expand on those points. But this one doesn’t do what it says on the tin. At all.
When you say mafia, you instantly think of some gory action, suspenseful moments and conflicted characters, sociopolitical intrigue or the facets of the criminal underworld and of those that dwell in it. But in this case, you’ve got talent shows, charity events and poorly executed attempts at portraying dull characters as something they’re not. And maybe if done properly and used in a manner that would've served the subject of the story, it wouldn't have been something out of the ordinary. Criminals thrive in every environment and take many forms, especially that of rich, respectable men. But you know it's bad when the only things you're left with after reading a story are dancing, Lady Gaga and talent shows.
The story’s got two POVs, one for Snow, the other for Chris, but the book would’ve been better off without them. Instead of splitting the book in two POVs that didn't help the story in any way, it would’ve been best if the author would’ve focused on one only.
Snow had the most potential as a character and if that would’ve been exploited properly, this story would’ve had the chance of stepping above the average. However, a lot of energy was wasted with giving the mysterious, badass character aka C. Manos a POV that presented an incomplete, undistinctive and quite unremarkable character who lacked an unique voice. And because of that the end result were two characters who didn’t appeal to me at all.
The story itself resembles the skeleton of a story that could’ve been turned into something great. The author never dives into all that background information that’s mentioned throughout the book so many times.
Snow’s life on the street and his past are only a tool for creating drama rather than something that could’ve been used to strengthen the character. And that last bit of the book that tries to create a link between Snow’s dreadful past and the problems he’s facing in the present has lost its appeal to me.
As I mentioned somewhere above, the blurb states the characters’ life creed is to trust no one. But after the first interaction between them, the MCs are quite taken with one another and there’s nothing but trust between them.
How could a powerful mafia boss let a homeless person into his house, next to the people he cares about, let him assist to the dirtier aspects of his life aka murdering someone and ultimately put him in charge of the “protection” of his nephew is beyond me.
Then you have Snow, who charms people like a wizard, everybody seems to like him instantly and he doesn’t have to work to gain anyone’s trust. Plus the so-called plans he comes up with are laughable at best.
I’ll refrain from commenting on the “relationship” between the two MCs because that’s just a waste of everyone’s time and I won’t be getting into the “villains” and their motives because that element of the book is lacking as well.
Then there's the unnecessary episodes and events. A crime boss lets a person he’s barely met into the room in which he interrogates (or at least attempts to) a person of interest. The entire description of that scene made me cringe and not because it was disgusting and Christopher did the most unspeakable and horrible things. Quite the opposite. You’ve got a crime lord who acts as if he had to put down a sick dog that he grew up with. This emotional and psychological aspect could’ve been indeed used in a lot of clever ways that could’ve shown Christopher’s development and the multidimensional nature of the character, but obviously that didn’t happen.
The story itself had no momentum to speak of and the events in it don’t allow yourself to immerse in the book, due to the superficiality with which they’re treated. The rhythm is too fast paced and not in a good way.
I know there are people who say liking a book or not is a matter of taste but in this case, taste’s got nothing to do with it and the so many points I presented above emphasize that.
January 2, 2023
I struggled with how to rate this one. Sorry this review feels like it's all over the place.
I'll start with two things:
1. I am obsessed with the cover model. He is absolutely stunning! So gorgeous; and
2. The Dedication is perfect, which reads: This book is dedicated to all the people who said I couldn’t do it. Especially you, Mrs. Raskin. Fuck you. You just gotta love shit like that.
Anyways, on to the actual story.
I remembered one time this old guy on the street told me about the rules. Ways to survive. Never tell anyone your real name. And never tell someone what you wanted most in the world. Both left you vulnerable.
The book starts out with Snow saving Simon from some street thugs. Simon is Christopher's nephew and Christopher has been taking care of him because his sister died. Christopher is also the head of the Manos crime family. He also comes off as mostly not that scary. Once Snow saves Simon, they are taken to Christopher's house where the two MCs finally meet.
I feel like this story is basically, someone is taken, they look for the person, they find the person. Rinse and repeat with a bunch of other information thrown in.
I think this story suffered from too much plot. Too much going on all the time. I realize that this book is basically setting up a decent sized series, so I see where that makes sense to a point. There is just a lot of people introduced in this book. Something is constantly happening. How many times can one person be kidnapped in a book?
“Don’t be afraid of me,” I whispered against his lips. Lifting his head, his bright blue eyes twinkled with mirth. “I’m not afraid of you… I’m desperate for you.”
My favorite parts of the book are when we are focused on Snow and Christopher. I feel like we are missing out on a lot between them. I would have loved to have read more with them interacting together, getting to know one another, etc. There were 2-3 sex scenes, but they felt rushed and/or just very short.
I didn’t have words to express how much he meant to me. I wanted to scream that I loved him but nothing came out. I let my body speak. Pushing him down on the couch, I straddled his lap, cupped his face in my hands, and pressed my lips to his. I kissed him until I could feel him get hard. “Snow,” he whispered against my lips.
When he looked at me, the sincerity, and dare I say love, in his eyes made me gasp. “You keep the darkness away. I’d give you anything.”
So, to sum this up, I think there is too much stuff going on and not enough interaction between the two MCs.
I'll start with two things:
1. I am obsessed with the cover model. He is absolutely stunning! So gorgeous; and
2. The Dedication is perfect, which reads: This book is dedicated to all the people who said I couldn’t do it. Especially you, Mrs. Raskin. Fuck you. You just gotta love shit like that.
Anyways, on to the actual story.
I remembered one time this old guy on the street told me about the rules. Ways to survive. Never tell anyone your real name. And never tell someone what you wanted most in the world. Both left you vulnerable.
The book starts out with Snow saving Simon from some street thugs. Simon is Christopher's nephew and Christopher has been taking care of him because his sister died. Christopher is also the head of the Manos crime family. He also comes off as mostly not that scary. Once Snow saves Simon, they are taken to Christopher's house where the two MCs finally meet.
I feel like this story is basically, someone is taken, they look for the person, they find the person. Rinse and repeat with a bunch of other information thrown in.
I think this story suffered from too much plot. Too much going on all the time. I realize that this book is basically setting up a decent sized series, so I see where that makes sense to a point. There is just a lot of people introduced in this book. Something is constantly happening. How many times can one person be kidnapped in a book?
“Don’t be afraid of me,” I whispered against his lips. Lifting his head, his bright blue eyes twinkled with mirth. “I’m not afraid of you… I’m desperate for you.”
My favorite parts of the book are when we are focused on Snow and Christopher. I feel like we are missing out on a lot between them. I would have loved to have read more with them interacting together, getting to know one another, etc. There were 2-3 sex scenes, but they felt rushed and/or just very short.
I didn’t have words to express how much he meant to me. I wanted to scream that I loved him but nothing came out. I let my body speak. Pushing him down on the couch, I straddled his lap, cupped his face in my hands, and pressed my lips to his. I kissed him until I could feel him get hard. “Snow,” he whispered against my lips.
When he looked at me, the sincerity, and dare I say love, in his eyes made me gasp. “You keep the darkness away. I’d give you anything.”
So, to sum this up, I think there is too much stuff going on and not enough interaction between the two MCs.
April 1, 2018
** not an ARC review ** 3.5 stars
This was a really good debut novel. The writing was above par and the characters were mostly believable. It had some real laugh out loud and witty lines; Snow was very entertaining. However, it wasn't perfect. I think the plotting had some weak points. It leaned a tad too close to insta-love, had at least one TSTL plot choice for Snow and the author tried too hard to make Christopher Manos both equal parts ruthless and lovable which made him seem more ineffective than was intended, I'm sure.
Those weaknesses aside I think we should expect more and hopefully even better books from Davidson King and should all set an alert for when her next book comes out.
This was a really good debut novel. The writing was above par and the characters were mostly believable. It had some real laugh out loud and witty lines; Snow was very entertaining. However, it wasn't perfect. I think the plotting had some weak points. It leaned a tad too close to insta-love, had at least one TSTL plot choice for Snow and the author tried too hard to make Christopher Manos both equal parts ruthless and lovable which made him seem more ineffective than was intended, I'm sure.
Those weaknesses aside I think we should expect more and hopefully even better books from Davidson King and should all set an alert for when her next book comes out.
September 22, 2019
This was a little softer than I expected. Snow was a great character, although somewhat “too good “ and just seemed a bit too perfect. Christopher was the toughest and most feared mafia boss but really was pure fluff for Snow. **After a reread I’ve decided I really love Snow - I think you need to read the series then come back again ❤️
November 14, 2019
3,5 - Questa storia parte molto bene, introducendo un bambino simpaticissimo, un ragazzo giovane, dolce come un "elfo" spuntato dalle fiabe o un fiocco di neve apparso all'improvviso, e un boss all'apparenza severo, ma con uno spazio disponibile per Snow nel proprio cuore.
Mi è subito piaciuto il contrasto tra la spensieratezza (apparente) di Snow, il suo essere sopra le righe, il ballare e il cantare, e il rigore di Christopher, che - comunque si voglia indorare la pillola e farlo passare per un pezzo di pane - è un boss che traffica in affari illegali e non esita a torturare e uccidere (seppure con morte "misericordiosa").
Poi però ho trovato un po' imbarazzante l'insistenza sul descrivere il clan come una sorta di grande famiglia allargata, con la governante-nonnina che prepara i biscotti e non batte ciglio se viene portato in casa un ferito dopo una lite con le gang rivali, e i piani sotterranei trasformati in prigione dove un nemico viene ospitato (con tanto di beveraggi offerti), anche se non è sicuro che verrà poi risparmiato.
E' una realtà distorta, di maniera, dove le grandi famiglie (russi/cinesi, ecc.) si ritrovano a confrontarsi per beneficenza in quiz culturali e dove si scambiano le vite dei loro uomini come risarcimento danni.
Ma mentre io la trovavo inquietante, la trama insisteva su questa atmosfera dolce e romantica, come se l'elemento dei cattivi fosse solo un dettaglio.
Snow mi ha ricordato fortemente uno dei personaggi della Calmes: il tipo eccentrico, che piace sempre a tutti e che tutti adorano alla follia, e che senza specifiche competenze organizza e sa sempre cosa fare.
La seconda parte del libro, oltre tutto, è confusa e ancor più surreale, così come il motivo per cui un ragazzo intelligente e con una certa cultura si è ridotto a fare il senza tetto senza più identità.
Ci sono parti carine e la narrazione scorre via, però ci ho trovato tante carenze per poter arrivare a quattro stelline piene.
Mi è subito piaciuto il contrasto tra la spensieratezza (apparente) di Snow, il suo essere sopra le righe, il ballare e il cantare, e il rigore di Christopher, che - comunque si voglia indorare la pillola e farlo passare per un pezzo di pane - è un boss che traffica in affari illegali e non esita a torturare e uccidere (seppure con morte "misericordiosa").
Poi però ho trovato un po' imbarazzante l'insistenza sul descrivere il clan come una sorta di grande famiglia allargata, con la governante-nonnina che prepara i biscotti e non batte ciglio se viene portato in casa un ferito dopo una lite con le gang rivali, e i piani sotterranei trasformati in prigione dove un nemico viene ospitato (con tanto di beveraggi offerti), anche se non è sicuro che verrà poi risparmiato.
E' una realtà distorta, di maniera, dove le grandi famiglie (russi/cinesi, ecc.) si ritrovano a confrontarsi per beneficenza in quiz culturali e dove si scambiano le vite dei loro uomini come risarcimento danni.
Ma mentre io la trovavo inquietante, la trama insisteva su questa atmosfera dolce e romantica, come se l'elemento dei cattivi fosse solo un dettaglio.
Snow mi ha ricordato fortemente uno dei personaggi della Calmes: il tipo eccentrico, che piace sempre a tutti e che tutti adorano alla follia, e che senza specifiche competenze organizza e sa sempre cosa fare.
La seconda parte del libro, oltre tutto, è confusa e ancor più surreale, così come il motivo per cui un ragazzo intelligente e con una certa cultura si è ridotto a fare il senza tetto senza più identità.
Ci sono parti carine e la narrazione scorre via, però ci ho trovato tante carenze per poter arrivare a quattro stelline piene.
December 22, 2017
In Snow Falling, we have Snow, who is basically a homeless street rat who happened to rescue the mafia boss, Christopher Manos' nephew. The story was told in a way that we get to see a lot of action and plot progression, but we didn't get to delve much into the characters background. For example, I didn't get to know how Snow survive on the street, what did he do to survive? Chris seems to be a formidable figure, but I don't know what kind of criminal activities does he involve in.
The part that I enjoy is seeing all the little quirks of Snow, someone who have a photographic memory and his relationship with Chris. Snow tried his hardest to hide his true identity, but I wonder why did he feel so free to show Chris his hidden talent. When his past caught up with him, he might have to come clean with Chris and hope for the best. When Snow decided to confront his demon, there was quite a suspense with how things will go down, especially with Chris working from a different angle. Overall, it was an okay read for a debut novel, I get the chemistry, but still lack the emotional connection towards the character.
The part that I enjoy is seeing all the little quirks of Snow, someone who have a photographic memory and his relationship with Chris. Snow tried his hardest to hide his true identity, but I wonder why did he feel so free to show Chris his hidden talent. When his past caught up with him, he might have to come clean with Chris and hope for the best. When Snow decided to confront his demon, there was quite a suspense with how things will go down, especially with Chris working from a different angle. Overall, it was an okay read for a debut novel, I get the chemistry, but still lack the emotional connection towards the character.
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