I Should've Chosen You

by Chelsea Maria

"Love is blind, and it will take over your mind. What you think is love, is truly not. You need to elevate and find." - Eve
No one knew more about love than Capone Elliott. Since a little girl dressing up in her princess dresses and wearing her mothers' heels, she knew that falling in love with Prince Charming was in her destiny. Going off to college, she spared no time opening her heart to the first man that seemed worthy of her love. Her heart was desperate to find that happily ever after love she'd been reading about all her life. However, when she stumbled upon Travis Graham, she ignored the warning that not every frog will turn into a prince.
Unlike Capone who chased after love, Pacino Luciano wanted no parts of it. Focused on expanding the Luciano Cartel throughout the south, Pacino never thought that one late night of driving out in the country would cross his path with a woman from his past. Being the enforcer in the streets kept Pacino's heart on ice. The first time he crossed paths with Capone, she carried more baggage than he desired to deal with, but he always promised himself that if by chance she came back into his life, he would try his hand at that thing called love.
Capone wanted rainbows and roses. Pacino murdered without remorse. Two people from two separate worlds having one common need. Each other. Hearts are tied, and two families are merged in hopes of keeping the other alive. What will happen when lines are drawn and the truth is revealed?

*Please note: This is a 76,000 word urban romance standalone novel.*

Genres: African American Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2018

About the author

Chelsea Maria is rebirthing the idea of love for the millennial generation. Armed with a desire to define the union of faith and love, Chelsea Maria writes relatable stories that challenges society’s warped view of love. With a clearly defined purpose, Chelsea puts her passion and talents to use for the betterment of the generation.
Tasked with changing the narrative, Chelsea gives it her all. With no abandon, she pens fervently the stories of her heart and the hearts of her readers. Using her God-given talent, she employs wit and artistry to plant seeds of conviction and force reflection of her readers. Every addition to her growing catalog is penned with the purpose to revive the faith in love.
Now, with an arsenal of love-inspiring chronicles she is claiming her spot in the world of fiction. Bringing a new wave to the industry and reshaping the twisted perceptions.

Reviews

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read but when I say Pacino and Capone stressed me out, THEY STRESSED ME OUT!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheeellllllssseeeaaaaa Marrriiiiaaaaa!!!!!!
You ain't play no games with this one!
I'm just trying to figure out if we were friends or sumn and I didn't know because basically this is my life lol (minus a few/ a lot of things)
Cappppooonnnnnneeeeeeee.... Pooh how you deny Pacino??
Mannnnn he had me wrapped 'round his finger the first time he called her Pooh lol
Like that man loved her and Lulu sumn fierce.
Lulu is her mother's child lol she wanted all the smoke with Capone especially when it came to her Papa. Janoris' comments were hilarious.
Joaquin was evil, but he only knows what he was taught.
Lee & Travis gambled and lost.

[Carolyn King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love This Book

This book was soooo good. I need a Pacino in my life. He loved Capone for seven years. He finally got his woman. Lulu had me cracking up with her smart self. Reminding me of my granddaughter. I love that this was a standalone. A good and romance book all in one. Can you do a follow up on them or write a story about the brother and sister. Can't wait to read your next book.

[BetweentheCoversLiterary · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Omg this book was truly amazing I could not put it down for even a second I had to finish... The love that Pacino had for LuLu was amazing to step up and step in right where she needed him and to be able to fall in love with Capone and share their level of love and intimacy well before they agreed to become an union with each other was amazing

[Re · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

Pacino. Pacino. Pacino 😍😍 🗣Alexa play Anita Baker because that man is a whole damn vibe right there! He was everything

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

PACINO AND CAPONE

Omg this story was amazing. Very well written, great storyline and characters you just fall in love with. I couldn't stop reading. I need to find me a Pacino. Lol Pacino and Capone's story is one of love at first site, getting that long lost love back and laying it all on the line no matter the consequences. I loved Luna (Lulu) and her sassy smart self. The immediate connection she had with Pacino was heartwarming. There were times where i wanted to shake Capone but i understood why she acted the way she did. I was happy that Pacino showed her what real love is like. Chelsea you did your thing when writting this book. Looking forward to reading more of your work. Highly recommend reading this book.

[Katheryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!!🙌🏾🙌🏾

Whew! This book right here... I loved it! I was drawn in from the beginning and the characters were great. The main man 🤗, Pacino was an Alpha that I could love and respect. I had an issue with this author’s leading men in her last to books, but bay-bee she brought it with this man! Now, Capone made me want to shake her a couple of times, but she got right just in time. I’m so glad I read this book, because I really like this author’s work, but the “jerky” men had almost turned me off.
I highly recommend this one!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t mess with Capone and Luna.

Capone and Pacino met years ago in a park when Capone was pregnant with Luna. They became friends and grew to love each other, but Capone chose Luna’s father. Years later in an unhappy relationship she breaks down and calls Pacino, who warned her that when she called he was coming to get his woman. From there, their relationship blossoms, and while trying to navigate their relationship, they have to deal with jealous exes, Pacino’s crime family and life in general.

I like this book a lot, both the MCs were likable. I loved that Pacino knew what he wanted and was done playing with Capone! The supporting cast was entertaining as well. Only complaint is I wish Pacino has personally dealt with Lee, that would’ve made her demise better.

Overall really good read!

[Christalla Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Chelsea Marie you did that there is nothing to say but bravo to you this book was so good I could not put it down. Pacino is one of those gangsta that is hard with others but soft with the ones he love. I thought Capone was going to miss out on her good thing but I'm glad she didn't. Travis didn't deserve Capone or Lulu. Lulu stole my heart in this book. Lulu had Pacino eating out the palm of her hands.

[Ernyka Blanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yassss Chelsea did that !!!!

Boooooyy Pacino was that dude !!! Get you a him Asap !!!! No like seriously the love he had dir Capone was so Dope and he hadn't even got a taste of the cookie !!! I loved how he loved Luna and wasn't going about either of them and Capone showed us she didn't play when it came to the either !! This book is a must read duh !!!!!!!

[Gina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

OMG, this was an awesome read. This is my very first time reading a book by this author and I absolutely loved it. The intense love between Pacino and Capone leaped off the pages of this book. This story was very well written and it flowed smoothly. This author’s pen game is serious and she has definitely gained a new fan of her work. I highly recommend this book. Great job, Chelsea Maria!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Author Chelsea what can I say your lane switch is so different from what I'm use to reading from you. I seen a little snippet of it in the Anthology book and I love it. But this book right here is everything.

[AMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers!!

Now that was good. Different from all the her other books. Especially from the 1st book. Each book just keeps getting better and better. I’m thinking this might just be my favorite. Lol 100% a must read!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4.5 stars ******

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never ending kind of love!!!!

Let's talk about Mr. Pacino honeyyy yes!!! Just my kind of guy all around. His love for Capone and Luna was so beautiful! I think my favorite part was when Luna asked him to dance after class.. that just swelled my heart😍 There were so many favorite moments for me I just don't know where to start! But little Miss Lulu took the cake every time. Oh and I loved me some Janoris too! Those two men were everything to me!!! Poor lil crazy Lee, lol. This was a great love story and awesome read!!!

[Shay M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G

Chelsea, why you have to do us like this?? Why??? I’ve had my share of book baes but Pacino? He’s the king. I love him. Just the way he spoke so much love into Capone being the man he was amazes me. Please please don’t let this be the last we hear about this couple. This was an amazing read!!!

[Tramaine Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Pacino!

Chelsea, girl! You did that with this book. Enjoyed every minute of this read! Pacino made my heart swoon. He was tough but he loved him some Capone and Luna. I loved his soft side. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Brittney Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Chelsea is a jack of all trades! This storyline is so different from all of chelsea other brother but the story telling and the love is still there. I love how much P love pooh! You felt every emotion, but my favorite character was LuLu. A beautiful love story with so much drama

[DeNae Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book!

This book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Pacino and Capone forever!!! After being mistreated by her baby daddy Capone and little Lulu got the love they deserved. Once again this author amazes me with her story telling. She has a way with words that paints a picture. I love everything about this book.

[Natalya | TheIslandReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis seemed perfect on paper for Capone. He was going to be the love of her life, and she would have the happily ever after she wanted. People change, or maybe just after time they show their true colors.

During a certain period in her life, and on a break from Travis, she met Pacino. Pacino, of the Luciano Cartel, is rugged, authorative and lethal. Too many, he’s deemed heartless. He prefers it that way. Capone knocks him off his axis. He’s feelings emotions he thought were foreign to him and he knows love, even if he hadn’t experienced it prior to her. During this time, they connect; heart mind, and soul, though all they were only friends.

Capone chose to go back to a life she thought would be safe until truths are revealed and she finds herself back in Pacino’s orbit.

These two are from different worlds but the needs are similar; stability, love, and trust. They eventually enter an agreement and merge families for the sake of peace, or at least thats what they think.

During the rollercoaster ride that is their love story, lies are told and eventually revealed; people unveil their true motives, and violence is a running theme.

Once I saw the names of the main characters, I knew that I would be in for some drama, love, and a whole lot of gangsta. Named after the infamous Al Capone and Al Pacino, who would expect anything less?



I Should’ve Chosen You is an urban romance had a nice balance to it; equal parts lust and love with the right amount of regret and danger.

I think I’ve read all of Chelsea’s releases thus far and I’ve seen a distinct evolution in her writing and the way she’s developed her characters. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work.

[Smiley_Tae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read

Pacino was everything I thought he’d be and more. I liked that Capone was a woman polar opposite of his rough nature. She was a balance that wouldn’t have been given had her nature been any tougher. In world full of violence Capone kept Pacino from being swallowed whole. Everyone needs to know that they are worthy, loved, enough despite of the ugly they’ve had in their lives. I loved that Pacino and Capone found that in each other. I loved Luna’s spirit she was but a child but her big heart and God love pulled even adults into not only a relationship with her but with God. This was well written which isn’t surprising given the consistency Chelsea shows in her writing but to think this is pre Kalmin brothers. She gave us a glimpse of how a bitter man can be detrimental to your growth, and a bitter women will go to any length to destroy you but love can truly conquer even the darkest circumstances, sins, and people. You won’t be disappointed in the least with this book. The detail and depth she gives these characters will draw you in and when they drop you off at the end you’ll still be craving more.

[V. Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love overdose

I've read all of this author's books so far, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them. This story is no different. It's a great deviation from her other books. You could feel the chemistry and connection that Capone and Pacino have. Adding Luna to the mix is just love overdose. The way that he steps in and be the type of man and father that they need is breathtaking. When she made that call, it is the best decision Capone coulda made. It changing both of their worlds for the better. Pacino is able to step back from the life he always knew. To see this certified, hard nosed, head of the cartel bad @$$ softens and pray, dance, and just be there for Luna is heartwarming. She gets a father who loves her unconditionally. That delivering scene felt too real, and I have never been pregnant. Lol I wouldn't mind reading more about these characters and maybe read about Janoris and Onya. 5 thumbs up to the author.

[evette w · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Terrific!!

I am just completely blown away at just how good this story was.The writer weaves such an interesting web that you are compelled to read it to the very end.This is not your typical bad boy meets good girl drama.This story was so much more,it was about two people discovering themselves and exactly what they wanted out of life.I love that we get such a wonderful character in Pacino,this is all man and then some.When he realizes that Capone is it for him that is when the writer brings his character full circle and you are going to love this man.I adjusted loved this sassy little Lulu and all the fun she brings to the story with child's innocence.Now for Msg.Capone she was everything you want in a woman who's rediscovering what she wants and what she deserves.The character development is on point as well as the storyline.This is just good writing and a very entertaining story.

[Tierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thugs Know Love Too

I must say I truly enjoyed this love story out the gate. Capone was a wreck in the beginning but she was resilient in not letting her past stop her. Love had always been waiting for her she just had to call on it. Pacino is a definite Alpha male, one who uses his resources and first to get his point across. But what does an Alpha male do when the cold hearted world turns him to mush. The story depicts a full on displayed of life changing events. There is no going backward, ain't no breaking, it's for the long haul. I loved how the Author give her male character poetic emotions, too which they pass down those same emotions in their relationships. There were a few times as Pacino spoke that someone was cutting onions, causing my eyes to water, GEESH!! I think this is a great story to read.

[Tina Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Chelsea stepped out of her typical writing style with this story and I will say that it was a success. Pacino was THE MAN,totally loved me some Luna with her little sassy self. Capone, occasionally she ran me hot with her stubbornness and independence. I am all for a woman standing on her own two feet but sometimes we have to fall back and let a man be a man. Capone put up with so much from worthless Travis that in some ways Pacino paid for his bad behavior. In the end Capone, Pacino, and Luna got their happily ever after ( not that Pacino or Luna was going to give Capone any peace until they were all back together). I truly enjoyed this story, started reading it around 2pm on 11/14/18 completed it 2:15am on 11/15/18.

[K. Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Babyyy, this story was beautiful. First off, Pacino Luciano is that man. I love a take charge kind of guy who can put me in my place. And the way he loved and cared for his "lulu" was everything. It takes a strong individual to accept a child that isn't theirs, but you would have not know that she didn't come from him. Their bond was amazing. I am glad that after everything Capone went through with Travis, she received her happy ending. I hate she had to find out about her dad and Pacino the way she did. Lee ole bitter, hateful, jealous, spiteful a** just couldn't leave well enough alone. Smh. I loved the ending. It was a great read as always.

[Cassandra Jerido · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capone was a challenge!

Wow, Chelsea Marie really made it hard to like the main female character, Capone. Prideful people are not attractive. To stay in a dead end relationship because of your pride???? That’s stupidity. Then I disagree with parents that call themselves good parents when they don’t do what’s best for the children. So this book was a hard read for that main reason. Capone was nit likable. However, Pacino is book bae. Ms. Marie, did a horrible job describing him as well. All I know to this point is that he was tall with dreads. I loved his loyalty to Capone and Luna. He and Luna were the real stars of the book.

[Takeah Latimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby this is a READ! Pacino loved Capone so damn hard, I felt in my spirit okay!! I felt like I was intruding on their intimate moments 🤣. Talk about a man with a plan. My guy said “every breathe you take, every move you make, every time you wake, I’ll be loving you” 😩😍. I loved Capone’s character, even though most would probably drag her for her initial choices, every woman has been there, in love & foolish for a man. And little Miss Luna Meadows 🥰🥰, can you say baby fever! Overall, the plot, the characters, the love…10/10! I definitely recommend. This is my first read by this author and I very much will be back for more.

[D'Evolution · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this from the beginning to the end!! That Pacino Luciano is my new book bae!!

I loved their love story. I wish Capone wasn't so stubborn and prideful at times. I understand needing to prove that she can overcome being with Travis no good ass but she had everything she and Luna needed and more in Pacino!! And the sex scenes!! Those left me ready to get it on with my boo!! I'm happy I purchased this book!! I love that it was a standalone too!! Who wouldn't want a love like the one between Pacino and Capone because that is a love that never dies!!

[Kathy Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this a love story

Man this book was a very good love. Talking about the test of time and true love, this is definitely it. Pacnio loved Capone and Lulu like no other could. Even with almost seven years a part he never stop loving them. Now Capone to me was a bit childish and selfish but she got it together and had the best life she and Lulu could never imagine. Prancing was book bar all day everyday. Glad this was a standalone and not your average dope boy and baby mama drama and no side chicks! 💓