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In Too Far #1
Salvatore: An In Too Far Novel
Desperate men do desperate things . . .
Salvatore Romero is a dangerous man. If you’ve lived the life Sal has, rage is to be expected and maybe so is heart. After his father killed his mother in a jealous rage, Sal was left to raise his two younger brothers, becoming a parent long before he was ready.
Desperate for money to support his family, Sal sought help from his old friend, Vincent Maggiano, the son of New Jersey’s top crime boss being groomed to take over his ailing father’s empire.
Sal never planned to join the mob. He also never planned to fall for his brother's sweet and ultra conservative counselor, Adrianna Daniels.
Aedry isn’t the type of girl Sal is usually drawn to. Her skirts are longer, her hair is tamer, and her heels aren’t clear. But he can’t deny the attraction he feels. And Salvatore’s dark, sexy, and dangerous persona is the exact opposite of the clean-cut business men who usually catch Aedry’s attention.
Neither planned on a life of crime nor did they plan on love. But now, both are in too far.
Salvatore Romero is a dangerous man. If you’ve lived the life Sal has, rage is to be expected and maybe so is heart. After his father killed his mother in a jealous rage, Sal was left to raise his two younger brothers, becoming a parent long before he was ready.
Desperate for money to support his family, Sal sought help from his old friend, Vincent Maggiano, the son of New Jersey’s top crime boss being groomed to take over his ailing father’s empire.
Sal never planned to join the mob. He also never planned to fall for his brother's sweet and ultra conservative counselor, Adrianna Daniels.
Aedry isn’t the type of girl Sal is usually drawn to. Her skirts are longer, her hair is tamer, and her heels aren’t clear. But he can’t deny the attraction he feels. And Salvatore’s dark, sexy, and dangerous persona is the exact opposite of the clean-cut business men who usually catch Aedry’s attention.
Neither planned on a life of crime nor did they plan on love. But now, both are in too far.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2019
8 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Cecy Robson
43 books2,340 followersCecy Robson is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author.
As an immigrant of El Salvador with proud Nahua Pipil indigenous heritage, Cecy worked as a registered nurse for twenty-three years and is honored to have received multiple accolades for her writing. In her free time, Cecy creates magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure.
You can find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.
Connect with Cecy online at www.cecyrobson.com
As an immigrant of El Salvador with proud Nahua Pipil indigenous heritage, Cecy worked as a registered nurse for twenty-three years and is honored to have received multiple accolades for her writing. In her free time, Cecy creates magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure.
You can find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.
Connect with Cecy online at www.cecyrobson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 18, 2019
So torn about how I feel about this book. Review to come once I process.
*EDITED TO ADD REVIEW*
3.5 to 4 stars
I wanted to both love and hate this book and I think, at times, I really did both love and hate it.
I hated all the lies and even how Sal acted for a good chunk on the story and I will admit, I was even not rooting for him for part of it. And yet, my weird self couldn't help but like that this gruff dangerous, over aggressive, over alpha male did have a soft spot for Aedry and most of the time, even treated her right.
But did all of that make up for the bad? I honestly, still don't know. I have so many mixed feelings about this book. When Robson said it was dark, she wasn't lying. Nothing about this book except maybe Aedry's relationship with Sal's brothers, is light. Nothing about it is even really good except for the one little thing called love and all the redeeming power said love can have and how very much someone, even a gruff alpha male, will do for it.
So did I love the lies, the deceit, and all the secrets? No, I actually didn't.
But yet, I did love the tender rare moments and the great change that overall, happened to them all along the way and the way that in the end, it did work out and it was a happily ever after.
Did I trust that Cecy would be able to change my mind about what I didn't like into something I did by the time the last page was turned? Why yes, yes, I did.
So while this wasn't a favorite of mine, it was still classic Cecy under all that darkness and deceit and I couldn't help but like the characters in the end and yes, was even rooting for them and that crazy alpha male.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
*EDITED TO ADD REVIEW*
3.5 to 4 stars
I wanted to both love and hate this book and I think, at times, I really did both love and hate it.
I hated all the lies and even how Sal acted for a good chunk on the story and I will admit, I was even not rooting for him for part of it. And yet, my weird self couldn't help but like that this gruff dangerous, over aggressive, over alpha male did have a soft spot for Aedry and most of the time, even treated her right.
But did all of that make up for the bad? I honestly, still don't know. I have so many mixed feelings about this book. When Robson said it was dark, she wasn't lying. Nothing about this book except maybe Aedry's relationship with Sal's brothers, is light. Nothing about it is even really good except for the one little thing called love and all the redeeming power said love can have and how very much someone, even a gruff alpha male, will do for it.
So did I love the lies, the deceit, and all the secrets? No, I actually didn't.
But yet, I did love the tender rare moments and the great change that overall, happened to them all along the way and the way that in the end, it did work out and it was a happily ever after.
Did I trust that Cecy would be able to change my mind about what I didn't like into something I did by the time the last page was turned? Why yes, yes, I did.
So while this wasn't a favorite of mine, it was still classic Cecy under all that darkness and deceit and I couldn't help but like the characters in the end and yes, was even rooting for them and that crazy alpha male.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
March 15, 2019
With “Salvatore” Ceci Robson gives us a tale of sizzling chemistry between a dangerous mobster and his brothers’ sweet, old-fashioned guidance counselor.
Salvatore Romero wanted a better life for his family and was poised to make it big in the UFC until his father brutally murdered his mother. While desperately trying to get custody of his two younger brothers he turned to his friend Vin, one of the most dangerous criminals in New Jersey. He didn’t want a life of crime, but he’ll do anything to protect those he loves.
Raised in an ultra-conservative family but wanting to help kids through her counseling degree, Adrianna Daniels moved to the big city along with her V-card and unadventurous fashion sense. She never thought she’d catch the attention of a gorgeous alpha male, but that’s exactly what happened when she set out to help Gianno and Apollo Romero. Can these two opposites overcome the dangerous obstacles before them?
Robson delivers a story full of danger and romance. Aedry is a lovely heroine whose greatest failings are her readiness to accept Salvatore’s lack of honesty and her sacrificial predisposition which leads to fierce compassion and understanding. This in turn attracts Salvatore further, finding light, refuge and happiness in Aedry in a way he never would have imagined.
Sal’s brusque exterior hides a loving and extremely protective soul who is looking for a way out of the dark. Because of her innocence, Salvatore’s noble but dangerous dark side prevent him from taking things too far too soon and their romance could be considered a slow burn, but the chemistry between the two is palpable from the start and the love scenes are scorching hot.
Although the ending was a bit hasty, or perhaps I was just left wanting more, Cecy Robson delivers a story filled with touching understanding and swoony love.
Salvatore is book #1 of the In Too Far series by Cecy Robson. It is a standalone contemporary romance, told by both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2UyeisN
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via IndieSage. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
“I want to be your everything,” she whispers.
Salvatore Romero wanted a better life for his family and was poised to make it big in the UFC until his father brutally murdered his mother. While desperately trying to get custody of his two younger brothers he turned to his friend Vin, one of the most dangerous criminals in New Jersey. He didn’t want a life of crime, but he’ll do anything to protect those he loves.
Raised in an ultra-conservative family but wanting to help kids through her counseling degree, Adrianna Daniels moved to the big city along with her V-card and unadventurous fashion sense. She never thought she’d catch the attention of a gorgeous alpha male, but that’s exactly what happened when she set out to help Gianno and Apollo Romero. Can these two opposites overcome the dangerous obstacles before them?
“I may be her poison, but she’s the one who gives me life.”
Robson delivers a story full of danger and romance. Aedry is a lovely heroine whose greatest failings are her readiness to accept Salvatore’s lack of honesty and her sacrificial predisposition which leads to fierce compassion and understanding. This in turn attracts Salvatore further, finding light, refuge and happiness in Aedry in a way he never would have imagined.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
I shrug. “Oh nothing. Just looking for your club, caveman.”
“I’m not acting like a caveman... I’m just looking out for my woman”
“Is that what that was? Here I thought you were just being a jealous lunatic. Silly me.”
Sal’s brusque exterior hides a loving and extremely protective soul who is looking for a way out of the dark. Because of her innocence, Salvatore’s noble but dangerous dark side prevent him from taking things too far too soon and their romance could be considered a slow burn, but the chemistry between the two is palpable from the start and the love scenes are scorching hot.
Although the ending was a bit hasty, or perhaps I was just left wanting more, Cecy Robson delivers a story filled with touching understanding and swoony love.
Salvatore is book #1 of the In Too Far series by Cecy Robson. It is a standalone contemporary romance, told by both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2UyeisN
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via IndieSage. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
February 23, 2019
ARC received for review
Salvatore is all kinds of yummy and grumpy. He's a great big brother who gave up a lot to keep them together as a family. Then he meets Aedry who is his brothers' school counselor, and a virgin which is an extreme bad word for him. Of course, she wins him over and they fall in love. Then drama ensues and she leaves. True love wins in the end.
I don't consider that a real epilogue. It should be Chapter 28 and then an epilogue.
Man, I wanna know more about Lucca, and I want him to hook up with her friend Autumn.
Salvatore is all kinds of yummy and grumpy. He's a great big brother who gave up a lot to keep them together as a family. Then he meets Aedry who is his brothers' school counselor, and a virgin which is an extreme bad word for him. Of course, she wins him over and they fall in love. Then drama ensues and she leaves. True love wins in the end.
I don't consider that a real epilogue. It should be Chapter 28 and then an epilogue.
Man, I wanna know more about Lucca, and I want him to hook up with her friend Autumn.
March 14, 2019
I wish I could do that, go through life like I’m actually living it, instead of just trying to survive it.
When Sal lost his mother to a murder suicide at 21, he made a pact with the devil to get the legal help he needed to claim his two younger brothers and become their guardian. Fast forward 6 years and Sal is walking the edge. Tittering on the ledge and everyday coming closer and closer to the no turning back point.
His brothers and his own determination are the only things holding him back from becoming fully immersed in the mafia lifestyle. When he meets Aedry it becomes crystal clear that life is worth more than the darkness he’s been fighting every day.
“I wish you could feel everything I feel when I look at you,” he says. “I wish you could understand how alone I am without you. If you did, you’d never doubt who you are to me.”
Although not as dark as I was expecting, I still got sucked into Sal and Aedry’s angsty journey. I loved Sal’s brothers, I loved Sal. He was such a romantic (gruff and broody) but with a heart full of love for his brothers and his woman. I also really loved Aedry, she was sweet but also so strong. She had to weather a lot but she never doubted her feelings for Sal or her belief that he was a good man. Even when he didn’t believe it himself, Aedry was always there to defend him.
The really dark gritty parts were mostly about Sal’s friend, Donnie. The mafia boss’s mistress. The intimate glimpses into her life were heartbreaking. Then there’s the most disgusting excuse for a human being that is Vin, the mob boss. This guy was just beyond skeevy and I was not sad to see the last of him.
I hope we get Luccas’ story next. After that explosive ending, I am dying to know what his story is. Not to mention his instant connection with Aedry’s nerdy BFF Autumn! I already ship those two so hard :)
Would I recommend? Yes, I enjoyed it and although the ending was a bit rushed, it was sweet and left me all the gooey warm feels. I loved both Sal and Aedry. Secondary characters were a bonus!
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
March 9, 2019
3.5 A Conflicted Man Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I have been following Cecy Robson for years now. I discovered her in 2014 with her Shattered Past series. She captured my interest from the start, each book fully formed with characters I loved. I then followed up with her next series, The O'Brien Family was even more addictive. I couldn't wait to get my hands on each entry. When I saw this new book, I cleared the way to read it right away.
We meet Salvatore and his brothers. We have an understanding of who they are, not choir boys. Sal has been raising them ever since the brutal murder of his mother by his father. Sal was determined to keep his brothers out of the foster system any way he could. The government, though, was not recognizing him as a viable choice. In order to retain an attorney who had the skill level needed to fight for him, Sal literary made a deal with the devil. Vincent Maggiano, the son of New Jersey’s top crime boss, had been a childhood friend of Sal's for years. With his back to the wall, he has to go to him making Sal "Owe Him".
The brothers and Sal are able to be together and now instead of pursuing the MMA career or working towards owning his own gym, Sal is the bodyguard for the mob's heir apparent girlfriend. Sal has never wanted to be "made" and this job keeps him close to Vincent and under his control. He grew up with this girl and knows she should not be the side piece of this man. He tries in his own way to look out for her as best he can. He had done other heavy lifts for Vincent but tries very hard to walk that line, not crossing it because then he would never be able to walk away.
Adrianna Daniels is concerned. She is a new student counselor and she comes from a very different location from New Jersey. She is a more small-town conservative from North Carolina. She loves looking out for her students and sincerely wants the best for them. She was made aware of Apollo Romero has been skipping school and is about to be expelled. She decides to visit the home and try to connect with his guardian and get this child back in school. She drives to the home, not even knowing anything about the neighborhood, who Salvatore is or how dangerous going alone could be...No she just goes and knocks on the door.
Sal answers, tired from a long night looking out and protecting Vincent's girl from herself. With the girl group drinking and carrying on...Sal had his hands full. When he sees this proper little woman standing in front of him, he is curious as to what would bring her to his door. Aedry introduces herself and explains why she is there... looking for Apollo and how he has not been in school.
Sal allows her in the house and is stunned this woman had the balls or is so clueless to not have come with another person to a stranger's house. Aedry pushes back and says she knows how to handle herself and sal smirks. They do get down to business and in the middle of their talking, Apollo comes into the house and then Sal starts to explode at Apollo but Aedry puts her hand on Sal's chest to hold him back...She was like the lion tamer controlling the wild beast.
This is the start of the story where we have been given a lot of character insight... Sal and his brothers are troubled by what happened with the father and mother...the horror of that event has impacted more then they acknowledged. Aedry offers to counsel the brothers after school on her own time. Sal is amazed someone would be willing to do it and sees this is the type of woman she is. Sweet, Good and Nothing like anyone he has ever met.
Sal is drawn to her, knows he should say far away because of his life and connections with the mob. Aedry is taken by Sal... he is nothing she is used to and knows he could hurt her but in the end, cannot resist. Sal benefits from her and Aedry grows as a woman owning who she is. She has a strong code of conduct and she will not bend to Sal's desires for her. This causes a new chapter for both of them, Sal learning to actually date a woman and have a relationship.
For those who love a gritty dark mob read, there is some of this. There is also the continuing push/pull of Sal's guilt of what he does, hiding it from her, and how to make it right for Aedry. Aedry was blind and accepted what Sal told her about his job. Sal carried the guilt of not sharing the truth of how deep he was with the mob. These were issues which caused me some frustration.
Overall, Sal and Aedry have a love which overcomes all and there is much to enjoy in this story. Cecy Robson takes people who are not perfect and gives them a life which seems real. She also has given us some secondary characters who look likely to have their own tale. I am a solid fan and will be there for the next installment.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I have been following Cecy Robson for years now. I discovered her in 2014 with her Shattered Past series. She captured my interest from the start, each book fully formed with characters I loved. I then followed up with her next series, The O'Brien Family was even more addictive. I couldn't wait to get my hands on each entry. When I saw this new book, I cleared the way to read it right away.
We meet Salvatore and his brothers. We have an understanding of who they are, not choir boys. Sal has been raising them ever since the brutal murder of his mother by his father. Sal was determined to keep his brothers out of the foster system any way he could. The government, though, was not recognizing him as a viable choice. In order to retain an attorney who had the skill level needed to fight for him, Sal literary made a deal with the devil. Vincent Maggiano, the son of New Jersey’s top crime boss, had been a childhood friend of Sal's for years. With his back to the wall, he has to go to him making Sal "Owe Him".
The brothers and Sal are able to be together and now instead of pursuing the MMA career or working towards owning his own gym, Sal is the bodyguard for the mob's heir apparent girlfriend. Sal has never wanted to be "made" and this job keeps him close to Vincent and under his control. He grew up with this girl and knows she should not be the side piece of this man. He tries in his own way to look out for her as best he can. He had done other heavy lifts for Vincent but tries very hard to walk that line, not crossing it because then he would never be able to walk away.
Adrianna Daniels is concerned. She is a new student counselor and she comes from a very different location from New Jersey. She is a more small-town conservative from North Carolina. She loves looking out for her students and sincerely wants the best for them. She was made aware of Apollo Romero has been skipping school and is about to be expelled. She decides to visit the home and try to connect with his guardian and get this child back in school. She drives to the home, not even knowing anything about the neighborhood, who Salvatore is or how dangerous going alone could be...No she just goes and knocks on the door.
Sal answers, tired from a long night looking out and protecting Vincent's girl from herself. With the girl group drinking and carrying on...Sal had his hands full. When he sees this proper little woman standing in front of him, he is curious as to what would bring her to his door. Aedry introduces herself and explains why she is there... looking for Apollo and how he has not been in school.
Sal allows her in the house and is stunned this woman had the balls or is so clueless to not have come with another person to a stranger's house. Aedry pushes back and says she knows how to handle herself and sal smirks. They do get down to business and in the middle of their talking, Apollo comes into the house and then Sal starts to explode at Apollo but Aedry puts her hand on Sal's chest to hold him back...She was like the lion tamer controlling the wild beast.
This is the start of the story where we have been given a lot of character insight... Sal and his brothers are troubled by what happened with the father and mother...the horror of that event has impacted more then they acknowledged. Aedry offers to counsel the brothers after school on her own time. Sal is amazed someone would be willing to do it and sees this is the type of woman she is. Sweet, Good and Nothing like anyone he has ever met.
Sal is drawn to her, knows he should say far away because of his life and connections with the mob. Aedry is taken by Sal... he is nothing she is used to and knows he could hurt her but in the end, cannot resist. Sal benefits from her and Aedry grows as a woman owning who she is. She has a strong code of conduct and she will not bend to Sal's desires for her. This causes a new chapter for both of them, Sal learning to actually date a woman and have a relationship.
For those who love a gritty dark mob read, there is some of this. There is also the continuing push/pull of Sal's guilt of what he does, hiding it from her, and how to make it right for Aedry. Aedry was blind and accepted what Sal told her about his job. Sal carried the guilt of not sharing the truth of how deep he was with the mob. These were issues which caused me some frustration.
Overall, Sal and Aedry have a love which overcomes all and there is much to enjoy in this story. Cecy Robson takes people who are not perfect and gives them a life which seems real. She also has given us some secondary characters who look likely to have their own tale. I am a solid fan and will be there for the next installment.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 14, 2019
Telling of how a mafia boss Vincent Maggiano comes to the aid of a friend just to manipulate him thereafter. Salvatore is a troubled man who is trapped by his boss because years back he needed help holding on to his brothers after their parents died. The shining light and warmth comes into these brothers' life through a school counselor Aedry. This was a well plotted story with amazing characters. Lots of action and heart that does not let you put this book down. "A copy of this book was provided by author through netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." ALL CECY STORIES ARE WORTH THE READ!!
February 10, 2019
Salvatore is a heartbreaking story of a man forced to sell his soul to the Family in order to save his family. Sal's fight to be worthy of Adrianna's love left me in tears.
When I was offered an ARC of Salvatore, my first reaction is that I don't read mob stories. While I watched every episode of The Soprano, I never saw Tony Soprano as a romantic hero. Truly I don't need my heroes to be saintly, I just can't look forward to a HEA for someone involved in prostitution and murder, even if the murder is other mob guys. Yet Cecy Robson has written some of my favorite characters, so I had to give Salvatore a try.
In this story we find a man who suffered an abusive childhood and after his father murdered his mother, he fought desperately to save his two young brothers from being lost in the system. But Salvatore was barely more than a child himself and the system was too busy judging him to be concerned that the boys would be better off raised by a brother who loved them. If not for his childhood friend, the young son of the local mobster, coming to his rescue, Salvatore would have lost custody of his brothers. Salvatore knows that he owes a great debt to Vincent and accepts that he will live his life among the dregs of the city as his payment to keep his brothers safe, but he still fights each day not to lose his soul completely.
Salvatore has spent the last few years guarding Vinny's gumad, a position which offers him some protection from the seedier world of the Mob. Sal isn't looking to rise through the ranks. He is doing everything he can not to take that final step and kill for the Family. The problem is that with Vincent's father dying and Vincent about to step up as boss, the only one he truly trusts is Salvatore and now he wants Sal stepping up to guard his back. It is a position that Sal knows will leave him with no option but to kill since Vin hasn't earned the respect that his father has, and all the other bosses are literally gunning for Vincent's territory. Sal is still doing his best to avoid the promotion until Vinny finds the one pressure point that will force Sal's obedience -- Aedry.
Adrianna Daniels is the guidance counselor for Salvator's brothers and everything would have been fine if she has just stayed in that role. But Adrianna has become more than professionally attached to the Romero boys--all of them. Aedry has shown them a depth of love and kindness that they haven't experience since their mother's death and more than just Apollo and Gianno have lost their hearts to her. Salvatore knows that he has no business going near a woman as kind and sweet and good as Aedry and although he tries very hard to keep a distance between them, he can't seem to stop himself from being drawn to her. And when a chance meeting puts Aedry in the path of Vincent, Vin realizes that he finally has what he needs to push Sal over the line because he knows that Salvatore would kill to keep her safe.
Salvatore wants very badly to be a man worthy of Adrianna but he sold his soul long ago to keep his family together. So now what he needs to do is be a better man and let her go, but does he have the strength to walk away from the woman who showed him he still has a heart?
I expected to have a hard time rooting for the mobster to have a happily ever after, but I found myself crying over the tortured soul of a man who sacrificed everything yet still thinks himself too unworthy to love a good and kind woman.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
When I was offered an ARC of Salvatore, my first reaction is that I don't read mob stories. While I watched every episode of The Soprano, I never saw Tony Soprano as a romantic hero. Truly I don't need my heroes to be saintly, I just can't look forward to a HEA for someone involved in prostitution and murder, even if the murder is other mob guys. Yet Cecy Robson has written some of my favorite characters, so I had to give Salvatore a try.
In this story we find a man who suffered an abusive childhood and after his father murdered his mother, he fought desperately to save his two young brothers from being lost in the system. But Salvatore was barely more than a child himself and the system was too busy judging him to be concerned that the boys would be better off raised by a brother who loved them. If not for his childhood friend, the young son of the local mobster, coming to his rescue, Salvatore would have lost custody of his brothers. Salvatore knows that he owes a great debt to Vincent and accepts that he will live his life among the dregs of the city as his payment to keep his brothers safe, but he still fights each day not to lose his soul completely.
Salvatore has spent the last few years guarding Vinny's gumad, a position which offers him some protection from the seedier world of the Mob. Sal isn't looking to rise through the ranks. He is doing everything he can not to take that final step and kill for the Family. The problem is that with Vincent's father dying and Vincent about to step up as boss, the only one he truly trusts is Salvatore and now he wants Sal stepping up to guard his back. It is a position that Sal knows will leave him with no option but to kill since Vin hasn't earned the respect that his father has, and all the other bosses are literally gunning for Vincent's territory. Sal is still doing his best to avoid the promotion until Vinny finds the one pressure point that will force Sal's obedience -- Aedry.
Adrianna Daniels is the guidance counselor for Salvator's brothers and everything would have been fine if she has just stayed in that role. But Adrianna has become more than professionally attached to the Romero boys--all of them. Aedry has shown them a depth of love and kindness that they haven't experience since their mother's death and more than just Apollo and Gianno have lost their hearts to her. Salvatore knows that he has no business going near a woman as kind and sweet and good as Aedry and although he tries very hard to keep a distance between them, he can't seem to stop himself from being drawn to her. And when a chance meeting puts Aedry in the path of Vincent, Vin realizes that he finally has what he needs to push Sal over the line because he knows that Salvatore would kill to keep her safe.
Salvatore wants very badly to be a man worthy of Adrianna but he sold his soul long ago to keep his family together. So now what he needs to do is be a better man and let her go, but does he have the strength to walk away from the woman who showed him he still has a heart?
I expected to have a hard time rooting for the mobster to have a happily ever after, but I found myself crying over the tortured soul of a man who sacrificed everything yet still thinks himself too unworthy to love a good and kind woman.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
March 13, 2019
Salvatore by Cecy Robson is the story of Salvatore Romero and Adrianna Daniels.
Sal had to take over raising his brothers after his father and mother died at his father's hands. So he ended up going to the family mob Vincent Maggiano to be able to keep his family together. Which he pretty much sold his sole to keep his brothers. Now Sal is knees deep in and he meets Adrianna who is his brother school counselor. Adrianna is the button up, awkward bookish type so different from what women Sal goes with. But Adrianna is nothing but loving and caring which slowly makes Sal want to be the man that Adrianna deserves.
Enjoyed their story.
Sal had to take over raising his brothers after his father and mother died at his father's hands. So he ended up going to the family mob Vincent Maggiano to be able to keep his family together. Which he pretty much sold his sole to keep his brothers. Now Sal is knees deep in and he meets Adrianna who is his brother school counselor. Adrianna is the button up, awkward bookish type so different from what women Sal goes with. But Adrianna is nothing but loving and caring which slowly makes Sal want to be the man that Adrianna deserves.
Enjoyed their story.
March 22, 2019
Liked this one...
very uncharacteristic and freshly done in aspects of portraying NA characters in very emotionally difficult and existential situations...
the price of sacrifice...the decisions transpiring on the future of depending lives...and the unlikely love worth risking the very life for...
very uncharacteristic and freshly done in aspects of portraying NA characters in very emotionally difficult and existential situations...
the price of sacrifice...the decisions transpiring on the future of depending lives...and the unlikely love worth risking the very life for...
March 22, 2019
I've been a fan of Cecy Robson's books since she first started writing her Weird Girls urban fantasy series and I've followed as she moved into writing contemporary romances too. I already knew she writes excellent conflicted heroes but this time she's taken things a step darker as Salvatore is an enforcer for the mob. Don't go into this expecting it to be too dark though, Salvatore has done a lot of things he isn't proud of but he's never killed anyone and we don't see a huge amount of his gang life on page. There are a few scenes with his boss Vincent where lines are crossed and murder is involved but Salvatore is never the one pulling the trigger.
Salvatore never wanted to join the mob, he was actually training as an MMA fighter and close to hitting the big time but when his father brutally murdered his mother before killing himself Salvatore's life was turned upside-down overnight. Salvatore would to anything to protect his younger brothers Apollo and Gianno but he desperately needed money to fight for custody of them and stop them being swallowed up in a system he didn't trust to keep them safe. He turned to his childhood friend Vincent for help but that left him indebted to the son and heir of one of New Jersey's top crime bosses. Salvator's life is a dangerous one and he knows it's only a matter of time before he's forced to cross a line he can never come back from.
Aedry is the total opposite of Salvatore, she's shy, sweet and innocent with a heart of gold and a desperate need to help people. She is a guidance counsellor at the school Apollo and Gianno attend and she reaches out to Salvatore when his brothers get in trouble for fighting and skipping classes. The attraction between Aedry and Salvatore is instant but Salvatore is unwilling to pull her into his dangerous world and Aedry knows she'd never be able to hold the attention of someone so magnetic. Instead she focuses on helping his brothers and by doing that she starts to turn the whole family's lives around.
I have to admit I got a little frustrated that Salvatore kept pushing Aedry away but not giving her the full information on why he didn't feel good enough for her. He was trying to be noble but he was keeping so many secrets that she wasn't able to make an informed decision about whether she wanted to be in his life or not. I did think their romance was incredibly sweet though, I loved the interactions between the whole family and the way she became a motherly figure for Salvatore's brothers. She brought a lot of stability to all of their lives and I liked how protective they became of her when they thought Salvatore wasn't treating her right. Aedry put up with a lot from Salvatore, there were times when I wanted her to push back at him harder but in the end she did stand her ground and make the best choice for her own peace of mind.
The ending seemed a little too easy considering the situation Salvatore was in at the beginning but I really liked how things turned out for them as a family so I'm willing to overlook that. I did really enjoy the story and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series which I hope will be about Lucca and Autumn.
Salvatore never wanted to join the mob, he was actually training as an MMA fighter and close to hitting the big time but when his father brutally murdered his mother before killing himself Salvatore's life was turned upside-down overnight. Salvatore would to anything to protect his younger brothers Apollo and Gianno but he desperately needed money to fight for custody of them and stop them being swallowed up in a system he didn't trust to keep them safe. He turned to his childhood friend Vincent for help but that left him indebted to the son and heir of one of New Jersey's top crime bosses. Salvator's life is a dangerous one and he knows it's only a matter of time before he's forced to cross a line he can never come back from.
Aedry is the total opposite of Salvatore, she's shy, sweet and innocent with a heart of gold and a desperate need to help people. She is a guidance counsellor at the school Apollo and Gianno attend and she reaches out to Salvatore when his brothers get in trouble for fighting and skipping classes. The attraction between Aedry and Salvatore is instant but Salvatore is unwilling to pull her into his dangerous world and Aedry knows she'd never be able to hold the attention of someone so magnetic. Instead she focuses on helping his brothers and by doing that she starts to turn the whole family's lives around.
I have to admit I got a little frustrated that Salvatore kept pushing Aedry away but not giving her the full information on why he didn't feel good enough for her. He was trying to be noble but he was keeping so many secrets that she wasn't able to make an informed decision about whether she wanted to be in his life or not. I did think their romance was incredibly sweet though, I loved the interactions between the whole family and the way she became a motherly figure for Salvatore's brothers. She brought a lot of stability to all of their lives and I liked how protective they became of her when they thought Salvatore wasn't treating her right. Aedry put up with a lot from Salvatore, there were times when I wanted her to push back at him harder but in the end she did stand her ground and make the best choice for her own peace of mind.
The ending seemed a little too easy considering the situation Salvatore was in at the beginning but I really liked how things turned out for them as a family so I'm willing to overlook that. I did really enjoy the story and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series which I hope will be about Lucca and Autumn.
February 13, 2019
Salvatore often times puts his foot in his mouth, “you didn’t mean any disrespect?” she repeats. If I didn’t think she could stiffen anymore, I was wrong. “And there’s nothing wrong with how I am? ” she asks, spinning her chair slowly to face me. Salvatore tends to have a different definition on some things, “you called it a negligee,” I remind her. “I call it something small enough to snap off with my teeth.” I liked this book, I liked Salvatore.
March 10, 2019
Oh Cecy Robson, you write books that suck me in and make me want to live in their world, no matter how dangerous it may be. And make no mistakes, Salvatore Romero's world is dangerous. But he has such a loving and protective heart. I just wanted to squeeze him. I really liked Aedry as well. She was innocent to the world Sal lived in but she had a strong backbone and didn't mind doing what needed to be done for herself, or the children she worked with at the school.
I'm curious to see if Lucca will get a book. Or Autumn. Or maybe their book will be one and the same ;) And what happens to Apollo and Gianna when they grow up.
I'm curious to see if Lucca will get a book. Or Autumn. Or maybe their book will be one and the same ;) And what happens to Apollo and Gianna when they grow up.
March 22, 2019
As an avid fan of alpha protective mafioso heroes, who deep down are good at heart (have an air of respect/honor about them and do not compromise their principles regardless of the questionable circumstances they might find themselves), I'm struggling with how to rate Salvatore’s (Sal) character. Yes, he definitely had the vast majority of those qualities. Some may feel he even possessed all of them. I’ll be honest here and admit something happened at the very beginning that got him off on the wrong foot with me. It was the last trait that came into play in that particular situation where I wanted him to speak up and say, "Thanks..but no thanks."
Sal definitely had good guy tendencies (guardian of two teen siblings, befriended/felt sorry for his mob boss’s beautiful but skanky, druggy ho mistress, who was clearly her own worst enemy, became protective of Aedry). I just took exception when he just went with the flow of things most of the time. Of course, maybe I'm being too hard on the guy. Because he had such a hot tempered employer, Sal likely would have found himself wearing concrete shoes and swimming with the fishes otherwise. Stepping up and in when that boss, Vin, was failing miserably to be the Don he needed to be at least saved face for Salvatore in my eyes. Salvatore came across as a paid but “not made” mob man, who had a natural head and leadership for this type of business, though he wanted nothing more than to wash his hands of it entirely.
Aedry, by her own admission, first described herself as awkward, embarrassed easily, dresses like a church lady, has no social life, virgin heroine, until miraculously somehow she isn’t, thanks to an unlikely ally. Her best friend, Autumn, was portrayed pretty much the same, if not worse. Despite being a medical professional, she came across as a geeky, middle schooler. I’m sure in the next book she’ll blossom into model gorgeous, as well. In fact, I'm counting on it and think I know who she will eventually wind up. I found it sad how little these two thought of themselves being worthy of a hot guy. They were living up to the label they pinned on themselves. Thankfully, Aedry comes to her senses and shakes the inaccurate ugly duckling mindset.
At 66% into it, I realized I was finding the promise of this main couple’s relationship sweet but rather exhausting and contradictory at the same time. A repetitive “I want you but I’m not good enough for you” and ”I won’t live with you/have sex with you because I want marriage first (aka want a ring on my finger)...but I’ll let you do any and every dirty, smexy thing you can think of to me” theme put this relationship on rocky ground. Speaking of which, the lengthy, graphic smexy scenes started taking over at the drop of a hat. I realized nothing significant was happening for quite some time. By the conclusion, all things considered, everything worked out for them, but it was rather inevitable, despite the explosive twist it took. It just sort of happened and “bang...bang” was over. However, the short epilogue was especially romantic and endearing. I love to see a groveling hero who is willing to do anything to get his girl back.
So, yeah, I liked that Sal didn’t want to be a bad guy, but was forced into this life for a greater good. Plus, once he fell for Aedry, he couldn’t stop thinking about her and wanted to be with her constantly. He was also quick to want to protect her and became alpha cave man jealous of other guys. There were simply some parts that were what they were, folks, and I'm going to leave it at that.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Salvatore, Series: An In Too Far novel, Author: Cecy Robson, Pages: 356, stand-alone, works for the mob hero, sweet but insecure of herself virgin heroine, graphic mob violence, guardian of two teen siblings, several graphic smexy scenes, drug use by subcharacter. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
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Sal definitely had good guy tendencies (guardian of two teen siblings, befriended/felt sorry for his mob boss’s beautiful but skanky, druggy ho mistress, who was clearly her own worst enemy, became protective of Aedry). I just took exception when he just went with the flow of things most of the time. Of course, maybe I'm being too hard on the guy. Because he had such a hot tempered employer, Sal likely would have found himself wearing concrete shoes and swimming with the fishes otherwise. Stepping up and in when that boss, Vin, was failing miserably to be the Don he needed to be at least saved face for Salvatore in my eyes. Salvatore came across as a paid but “not made” mob man, who had a natural head and leadership for this type of business, though he wanted nothing more than to wash his hands of it entirely.
Aedry, by her own admission, first described herself as awkward, embarrassed easily, dresses like a church lady, has no social life, virgin heroine, until miraculously somehow she isn’t, thanks to an unlikely ally. Her best friend, Autumn, was portrayed pretty much the same, if not worse. Despite being a medical professional, she came across as a geeky, middle schooler. I’m sure in the next book she’ll blossom into model gorgeous, as well. In fact, I'm counting on it and think I know who she will eventually wind up. I found it sad how little these two thought of themselves being worthy of a hot guy. They were living up to the label they pinned on themselves. Thankfully, Aedry comes to her senses and shakes the inaccurate ugly duckling mindset.
At 66% into it, I realized I was finding the promise of this main couple’s relationship sweet but rather exhausting and contradictory at the same time. A repetitive “I want you but I’m not good enough for you” and ”I won’t live with you/have sex with you because I want marriage first (aka want a ring on my finger)...but I’ll let you do any and every dirty, smexy thing you can think of to me” theme put this relationship on rocky ground. Speaking of which, the lengthy, graphic smexy scenes started taking over at the drop of a hat. I realized nothing significant was happening for quite some time. By the conclusion, all things considered, everything worked out for them, but it was rather inevitable, despite the explosive twist it took. It just sort of happened and “bang...bang” was over. However, the short epilogue was especially romantic and endearing. I love to see a groveling hero who is willing to do anything to get his girl back.
So, yeah, I liked that Sal didn’t want to be a bad guy, but was forced into this life for a greater good. Plus, once he fell for Aedry, he couldn’t stop thinking about her and wanted to be with her constantly. He was also quick to want to protect her and became alpha cave man jealous of other guys. There were simply some parts that were what they were, folks, and I'm going to leave it at that.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Salvatore, Series: An In Too Far novel, Author: Cecy Robson, Pages: 356, stand-alone, works for the mob hero, sweet but insecure of herself virgin heroine, graphic mob violence, guardian of two teen siblings, several graphic smexy scenes, drug use by subcharacter. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
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March 15, 2019
There are stories, which will break your heart piece by piece and then slowly mend each broken piece until its whole again. Salvatore by Cecy Robson was one such book for me.
Salvatore works for the mob, but his heart is not in it. He does it to repay a favour. He had a challenging childhood. Left home at 16 to become an MMA fighter so he could help his mom and brothers. However, tragic circumstances forced him to give up his dream, and he had to raise his brothers. However, his need to take care of his brothers was not without its challenges, and to overcome the obstacles he found himself indebted to a mob boss. Hence, his current occupation, bodyguard to said mob boss mistress. All this happened when he was barely 21.
The battle for his soul would be his biggest challenge yet as his boss is determined to drag him deeper into the belly of the underworld. Then he meets Adrianna, who encompasses sweetness and innocence. He knew he should avoid her, but the pull was too strong.
Adrianna is a guidance counsellor for an inner-city high school. Her desire is to help students who had potential to succeed, so when the Romero brothers caught her attention she had to stage an intervention. However, nothing could prepare for, Salvatore their big brother and guardian.
Adrianna grew up in a Christian home. Conservative from head to toe not the kind of person who belongs in Sal’s world, but they cannot stay away from each other.
She is light in his dark world. He knows he is not the right man for her, but the heart want what it wants. Walking away would prove to a hard task.
Sal made many mistakes along the way. The secrets and the lies would be too much for any well thinking person to tolerate. I knew the reason he lied. It was out of fear of losing her, but I still did not agree with his actions. He tried separating both his worlds, but eventually they would collide.
It took a while for Adrianna to recognize he was hiding things from her, but when she did, she had no qualms of letting him know how much she detested his actions. Despite her love for him, there were certain things she could not accept.
I loved his protective nature towards his brothers and Adriana. I enjoyed the interaction between Sal and his brothers. They were not afraid to stand up to him and call him out on his mistakes.
I must admit I took a while to get on board with an HEA Sal and Adrianna. Their worlds were so far apart. An innocent woman with a Christian upbringing and a man hardened by his past and works for the mob. I kept wondering how the author would work out this precarious situation.
The story was not as dark as I had expected. In fact, when compared to other dark stories I have read this one was rather tame. However, this was darker than the stories the author is known for.
The twist near to the end of the story came so unexpected it took a while for me to come terms with it. Never once throughout the story did I get a hint that this would transpire. Talk about a mind-blowing moment.
I felt the events leading up to the HEA could have done with more development. This aspect of the story felt rushed and left me disappointed. Despite this, I enjoyed the story.
Conclusion/Recommendation
This moving story captured the complexities of loving someone whose life is shadowed by pain and darkness. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Cecy Robson delivered an emotional read and one I recommend to fans of mafia romance.
Salvatore works for the mob, but his heart is not in it. He does it to repay a favour. He had a challenging childhood. Left home at 16 to become an MMA fighter so he could help his mom and brothers. However, tragic circumstances forced him to give up his dream, and he had to raise his brothers. However, his need to take care of his brothers was not without its challenges, and to overcome the obstacles he found himself indebted to a mob boss. Hence, his current occupation, bodyguard to said mob boss mistress. All this happened when he was barely 21.
The battle for his soul would be his biggest challenge yet as his boss is determined to drag him deeper into the belly of the underworld. Then he meets Adrianna, who encompasses sweetness and innocence. He knew he should avoid her, but the pull was too strong.
Adrianna is a guidance counsellor for an inner-city high school. Her desire is to help students who had potential to succeed, so when the Romero brothers caught her attention she had to stage an intervention. However, nothing could prepare for, Salvatore their big brother and guardian.
Adrianna grew up in a Christian home. Conservative from head to toe not the kind of person who belongs in Sal’s world, but they cannot stay away from each other.
She is light in his dark world. He knows he is not the right man for her, but the heart want what it wants. Walking away would prove to a hard task.
Sal made many mistakes along the way. The secrets and the lies would be too much for any well thinking person to tolerate. I knew the reason he lied. It was out of fear of losing her, but I still did not agree with his actions. He tried separating both his worlds, but eventually they would collide.
It took a while for Adrianna to recognize he was hiding things from her, but when she did, she had no qualms of letting him know how much she detested his actions. Despite her love for him, there were certain things she could not accept.
I loved his protective nature towards his brothers and Adriana. I enjoyed the interaction between Sal and his brothers. They were not afraid to stand up to him and call him out on his mistakes.
I must admit I took a while to get on board with an HEA Sal and Adrianna. Their worlds were so far apart. An innocent woman with a Christian upbringing and a man hardened by his past and works for the mob. I kept wondering how the author would work out this precarious situation.
The story was not as dark as I had expected. In fact, when compared to other dark stories I have read this one was rather tame. However, this was darker than the stories the author is known for.
The twist near to the end of the story came so unexpected it took a while for me to come terms with it. Never once throughout the story did I get a hint that this would transpire. Talk about a mind-blowing moment.
I felt the events leading up to the HEA could have done with more development. This aspect of the story felt rushed and left me disappointed. Despite this, I enjoyed the story.
Conclusion/Recommendation
This moving story captured the complexities of loving someone whose life is shadowed by pain and darkness. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Cecy Robson delivered an emotional read and one I recommend to fans of mafia romance.
February 25, 2019
He did what he had to do to save his family and now he's paying with his own soul until a woman comes along to shine light into his darkness. The author excels at alpha bad boys with generous hearts of gold and it is never so visible as in Salvatore, the first in a hot and darker new series.
Salvatore is a love conquers all wrong side of the tracks urban romance between a mafia don's bodyguard and a high school guidance counselor. Salvatore gave up his own life to the mob to save his brothers from being lost in the system. Now, his boss wants to drag him in deeper so that there is no way out. Aedry is a sweet southern gal come north to give her heart to helping inter-city Jersey kids get a chance at success. The Romero brothers are smart and have great potential so she charges in to make their older brother who is their guardian aware that they are on the brink of bad mistakes. Aedry has never encountered a man like Sal who shocks all her sensibilities with a challenge in his dark eyes and a sizzling suggestion on his tongue. Sal has the same stunner when his brother's counselor turns out to be too good and pure to believe. Does this impossible pair stand a chance?
Well, that was something else. The author's usual powerful and emotion-producing writing was definitely out in full force. She is in a setting she writes well. Lower class, inter-city neighborhoods and people with the exception of the southern transplanted heroine. Dialogue fully of gritty wit and sizzling romance with characters up against a tough situation. I was totally down for that.
However, this success in dipping her toe into mafia is a qualified one for me. I've read my fair share of dark romance and specifically dark mafia or gang romances so I was prepared for all that can entail. In truth, I found this one on the milder to moderate end of the spectrum. Though, that said, if others are coming to this after experiencing the author's earlier releases, the warning that its darker is spot on. The mafia world, the violence, and the dirty talking in your face vice and lusty romance was good and on par with what I wanted and expected in such a story.
What had me on the fence somewhat was Aedry. Is there a thing of too opposite in an opposites attract romance? For me, that is where I was at when all was said and done. I loved Sal in all his flawed, cocky glory as he learned how to treat a worthy woman and heal from his own painful past. I adored Aedry as this beautiful soul trying to save the world one underprivileged kid at a time. She grew up sheltered in a religious farming family and brought some of that fresh faced value into the city. She's basically an untouched virgin who has little inkling of what the life of the kids in her case load are dealing with, but she cares and that can go far with a teen. To her getting wild is dressing up in pants and a blouse to go clubbing with a girl posse not watching a mob conduct business like Sal does on a daily basis. They were both wonderful people and I could see where there might be some attraction in stepping out of their norm and trying the different and the new. I could also see how the pair of them would bond over loving and wanting the best for his younger brothers which was what initially brought them into each other's orbit.
But, it was after that, when the relationship started to form, that I have to admit that I wasn't buying the promise of long-term. This is just me. Others might and will see them as perfect for each other. And, I don't mean that this ruined this story at all. Not by a long shot. There is a reason why I am a fan and the author is auto-buy. Even when I was on the fence about the heroine as the romance interest, I was still all in with loving on this story.
All in all, this was a fabulous gritty and intense beginning to love and life in a mafia world. I look forward to what is coming next in this series and can heartily recommend this one to those who enjoy mild to moderate spicy mafia romance.
My thanks to the author via Caffeinated PR services for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Salvatore is a love conquers all wrong side of the tracks urban romance between a mafia don's bodyguard and a high school guidance counselor. Salvatore gave up his own life to the mob to save his brothers from being lost in the system. Now, his boss wants to drag him in deeper so that there is no way out. Aedry is a sweet southern gal come north to give her heart to helping inter-city Jersey kids get a chance at success. The Romero brothers are smart and have great potential so she charges in to make their older brother who is their guardian aware that they are on the brink of bad mistakes. Aedry has never encountered a man like Sal who shocks all her sensibilities with a challenge in his dark eyes and a sizzling suggestion on his tongue. Sal has the same stunner when his brother's counselor turns out to be too good and pure to believe. Does this impossible pair stand a chance?
Well, that was something else. The author's usual powerful and emotion-producing writing was definitely out in full force. She is in a setting she writes well. Lower class, inter-city neighborhoods and people with the exception of the southern transplanted heroine. Dialogue fully of gritty wit and sizzling romance with characters up against a tough situation. I was totally down for that.
However, this success in dipping her toe into mafia is a qualified one for me. I've read my fair share of dark romance and specifically dark mafia or gang romances so I was prepared for all that can entail. In truth, I found this one on the milder to moderate end of the spectrum. Though, that said, if others are coming to this after experiencing the author's earlier releases, the warning that its darker is spot on. The mafia world, the violence, and the dirty talking in your face vice and lusty romance was good and on par with what I wanted and expected in such a story.
What had me on the fence somewhat was Aedry. Is there a thing of too opposite in an opposites attract romance? For me, that is where I was at when all was said and done. I loved Sal in all his flawed, cocky glory as he learned how to treat a worthy woman and heal from his own painful past. I adored Aedry as this beautiful soul trying to save the world one underprivileged kid at a time. She grew up sheltered in a religious farming family and brought some of that fresh faced value into the city. She's basically an untouched virgin who has little inkling of what the life of the kids in her case load are dealing with, but she cares and that can go far with a teen. To her getting wild is dressing up in pants and a blouse to go clubbing with a girl posse not watching a mob conduct business like Sal does on a daily basis. They were both wonderful people and I could see where there might be some attraction in stepping out of their norm and trying the different and the new. I could also see how the pair of them would bond over loving and wanting the best for his younger brothers which was what initially brought them into each other's orbit.
But, it was after that, when the relationship started to form, that I have to admit that I wasn't buying the promise of long-term. This is just me. Others might and will see them as perfect for each other. And, I don't mean that this ruined this story at all. Not by a long shot. There is a reason why I am a fan and the author is auto-buy. Even when I was on the fence about the heroine as the romance interest, I was still all in with loving on this story.
All in all, this was a fabulous gritty and intense beginning to love and life in a mafia world. I look forward to what is coming next in this series and can heartily recommend this one to those who enjoy mild to moderate spicy mafia romance.
My thanks to the author via Caffeinated PR services for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2019
***4 Stars***
I’ve read a few of the authors contemporary romances and really enjoyed them, so when I saw that she was dipping a toe into the mafia side of things, I decided I needed to give this one a go and I really enjoyed it. It’s got a dark edge to it, but there is also a good dose of sweet and smexy and a couple of things that I didn’t see coming.
I loved Sal and Aedry. Sal is all kinds of alpha AF male. He does what needs to be done, even if some of those things aren’t always the best choices and puts him in a position he isn’t entirely happy with. Aedry is interesting. She is has this...wallflower feel to her where she doesn’t need, or want, to be in the spotlight, but she’ll step up to the plate when she feels strongly about something and won’t mince words.
Sal and Aedry’s journey was sweet, smexy and frustrating all at the same time. Between Sal’s constant push/pull thing going on (and OMG there were a few times I want to take a 2x4 to his head) and Aedry’s blindness (which, yes, I understood why, but still) to the world Sal had gotten himself stuck in (for noble reasons that went sideways on him) they seriously drove me batshitcray, but...yeah, there is a BUT, they were really good together. That spark, that connection between them was strong and they both brought out the best in each other. Of course, their already rocky road had to deal with a huge sinkhole, which wasn’t a surprise, but in the end, while I would have liked a tinsy bit more groveling, I can’t deny it for them both perfectly and I love how things ended up for them.
This was a fun read, a little darker than what I’ve read of the authors so far, but still a good read. It was easy to get drawn in to the story and want to see it through til the end. There are some things that may be triggers for some, so beware. As for the supporting cast of characters, I loved Apollo and Gianni and what they brought to the story and Vin and Donnie definitely added the drama, but I’m hoping to get more of Lucca and Autumn in because they both intrigued me and simply need to know more!
~ Copy provided by Caffinated PR via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
March 6, 2019
I don't read a lot of genre's other than PNR most of the time but there are some authors that I just love their writing style and this happens to be one of those authors, so I knew I was going to request this book as soon as I saw it on NetGalley.
Sal's story broke my heart. When he and his younger brothers were kids, their father killed their mother. And I thought, Oh hell, this story is gonna make me cry. I felt so bad for the kids, especially Sal since he was the oldest and he wanted to take care of his brothers. The entire child welfare system is messed up and would rather break up a family than help them stay together. So when Sal's friend, Vincent helps him keep his family together, he's now indebted to him. It wouldn't be so bad if Vincent wasn't the son of a major mob boss and was slotted to take over the family business at some point.
Sal ends up working for the mob and it's a bad world, a bad time and a bad life but he's keeping his brother's safe so that's all that matters to him. Sal has done a lot of things but he's never killed anyone...yet. But if Vincent gets his way and Sal takes the new position as his bodyguard, he will probably have to kill someone since the other mob bosses are coming after Vincent when he takes over the family business. Things seem to be going on as normal as ever but Sal and his brothers have gotten really close to the boys guidance counselor, Adrianna Daniels. Watching Sal and Aedry get to know one another was almost sad at first. He's really not used to someone normal like her and he messes up a bit before they finally start getting along.
Sal has been so careful not to get involved with anyone who could be hurt by what he does but Vincent finds out about her and uses her to try and get Sal to do what he wants. As soon as Adrianna meets Vincent, she knows that there's more to the man than just a regular boss and Sal knows that she might be in danger if he steps out of line with Vincent.
I was a little mad at Sal for ever getting involved with her in the first place knowing who he associates himself with and what he does. He put her in danger. I was wondering how this was going to end. How they were going to get their HEA or if they were. Then in the span of a few pages everything changes. That twist happened so fast, it left my jaw on the floor for a few seconds. I actually had to go back and re-read what just happened. I never saw that ending coming but it was great!
Disclosure: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sal's story broke my heart. When he and his younger brothers were kids, their father killed their mother. And I thought, Oh hell, this story is gonna make me cry. I felt so bad for the kids, especially Sal since he was the oldest and he wanted to take care of his brothers. The entire child welfare system is messed up and would rather break up a family than help them stay together. So when Sal's friend, Vincent helps him keep his family together, he's now indebted to him. It wouldn't be so bad if Vincent wasn't the son of a major mob boss and was slotted to take over the family business at some point.
Sal ends up working for the mob and it's a bad world, a bad time and a bad life but he's keeping his brother's safe so that's all that matters to him. Sal has done a lot of things but he's never killed anyone...yet. But if Vincent gets his way and Sal takes the new position as his bodyguard, he will probably have to kill someone since the other mob bosses are coming after Vincent when he takes over the family business. Things seem to be going on as normal as ever but Sal and his brothers have gotten really close to the boys guidance counselor, Adrianna Daniels. Watching Sal and Aedry get to know one another was almost sad at first. He's really not used to someone normal like her and he messes up a bit before they finally start getting along.
Sal has been so careful not to get involved with anyone who could be hurt by what he does but Vincent finds out about her and uses her to try and get Sal to do what he wants. As soon as Adrianna meets Vincent, she knows that there's more to the man than just a regular boss and Sal knows that she might be in danger if he steps out of line with Vincent.
I was a little mad at Sal for ever getting involved with her in the first place knowing who he associates himself with and what he does. He put her in danger. I was wondering how this was going to end. How they were going to get their HEA or if they were. Then in the span of a few pages everything changes. That twist happened so fast, it left my jaw on the floor for a few seconds. I actually had to go back and re-read what just happened. I never saw that ending coming but it was great!
Disclosure: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After living a life in the mob to support his brothers, Salvatore has known nothing else but violence. He’s done everything without fear or remorse. What he didn’t expect is to fall for his brother’s school counselor. She is the opposite of everything he stands for and now, he’ll do anything just to get a chance to love her.
I enjoyed this mobster-gets-salvation trope. The story has a bit of danger, drama, and good romance. Robson brought on the heat in Salvatore. Not that her previous books were not hot but this book’s level of spice is through the roof. Salvatore is sexy, broody, dangerous, and all kinds of yummy. To be the girl to tame this bad boy is a dream come true. Audrey is that girl. She is the pure and innocent heroine but tough enough to be Sal’s salvation. Robson did well with this matchup. I enjoyed seeing Sal squirm and do anything for her. Nothing like seeing a tough guy bend over backward for the love of his life.
This book is a little darker than Robson’s usual but I enjoyed it just the same. It’s a mafia story, so expect mafia related scenes like prostitution, fights, and murders, etc but nothing over the top. Overall, a great start to a hopefully a new series. At this time, Salvatore looks like a stand alone novel, but Robson left a few things open and hopefully we get HEA for the other characters.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 11, 2019
Read it in about two sittings. Kept me interested for sure. Sal is lucky that Aedry is a very forgiving person, because he really screwed up a ton of times. Sal is on the fringes of the mob so it is not an emergence of it per say. There is some violent scenes where people are shot. There is the harsh reality of being trapped in a situation you see no exit from. Sal is definitely a brooding hero and Aedry calls him on it. The boys are interesting and I wish the author had put some more background on them. I hope we see Lucca’s story soon! Good read
Recieved an ARC from the pulisher through NetGalley
Recieved an ARC from the pulisher through NetGalley
February 26, 2019
3.5 stars
Salvatore is doing everything he can to keep his family afloat. He is doing everything he can not to be a Made man. He has lived a hard life and doesn't expect anything else but what he knows.
Enter one beautiful guidance counselor on a crusade and he's done for. He just doesn't know it yet. She is everything he never let himself want. And now she is everything he can never let himself have.
I cried. There is no shame in admitting it. If Apollo can cry, so can I. The feels are there. The love is evident. But love isn't always everything...
Learning that could be everything you ever wanted unless you let it mean nothing.
Salvatore is doing everything he can to keep his family afloat. He is doing everything he can not to be a Made man. He has lived a hard life and doesn't expect anything else but what he knows.
Enter one beautiful guidance counselor on a crusade and he's done for. He just doesn't know it yet. She is everything he never let himself want. And now she is everything he can never let himself have.
I cried. There is no shame in admitting it. If Apollo can cry, so can I. The feels are there. The love is evident. But love isn't always everything...
Learning that could be everything you ever wanted unless you let it mean nothing.
March 22, 2019
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I haven’t read many novels about mafia, but I must admit that when I saw that Cecy Robson, an author I love, was getting into it, I didn’t resist for very long! I must say that I had recently read novels in this context by another author and I loved them, so I was curious to discover the author’s ideas.
I admit that it was nice, but it wasn’t what I expected. Salvatore is a man who after his parents’ death had to take care of his two brothers and for that, he had to ally himself with organized crime. Even if it doesn’t define him, even if he doesn’t like it, he knows that he can’t escape it. So when he meets Aedry, who is trying to help her brothers as much as she can and who also awakens something in him that he has never felt before, he knows that things will not be easy.
I had a good time with the novel, but my feelings are a little mixed. I really enjoyed following the two characters and seeing them evolve. I also really appreciated Salvatore’s brothers who are really very touching. On the other hand, I had trouble with the very accentuated side about the fact that Aedry is a virgin. It’s something with which I have more and more difficulty in novels, especially when it’s a very important part of the story. I also asked myself questions about some reversals of situations, but overall I found it quite nice and I’m curious to read on!
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I haven’t read many novels about mafia, but I must admit that when I saw that Cecy Robson, an author I love, was getting into it, I didn’t resist for very long! I must say that I had recently read novels in this context by another author and I loved them, so I was curious to discover the author’s ideas.
I admit that it was nice, but it wasn’t what I expected. Salvatore is a man who after his parents’ death had to take care of his two brothers and for that, he had to ally himself with organized crime. Even if it doesn’t define him, even if he doesn’t like it, he knows that he can’t escape it. So when he meets Aedry, who is trying to help her brothers as much as she can and who also awakens something in him that he has never felt before, he knows that things will not be easy.
I had a good time with the novel, but my feelings are a little mixed. I really enjoyed following the two characters and seeing them evolve. I also really appreciated Salvatore’s brothers who are really very touching. On the other hand, I had trouble with the very accentuated side about the fact that Aedry is a virgin. It’s something with which I have more and more difficulty in novels, especially when it’s a very important part of the story. I also asked myself questions about some reversals of situations, but overall I found it quite nice and I’m curious to read on!
March 11, 2019
When it comes to romances set in the world of the mafia there seems to be a bit of familiarity when it comes to these books and Ms. Robson’s latest remains familiar but no less satisfying because of its larger-than-life hero. In a romance of opposites attracting readers will find themselves captivated by the conflict of its hero and quickly caught up in a web of suspense and lies.
Salvatore Romero once had dreams of his own, but the murder of his mother by his father irrevocably changed the path his life was to have taken and led him down a dark path that leaves him feeling dirty. It was a deal with the devil, agreeing to work for mobster Vincent Maggiano, that led him astray but it was a necessity in order to help him gain custody of his brothers after their mother’s murder and it’s his love for them that made the choice simple. The pain of that murder though hangs over these three brothers, always weighing them down like an anchor and it’s what brings Sal into contact with a woman his complete opposite but who brings a bit of light to his darkness. It’s a rocky road to HEA though for him and Aedry as he desperately tries to keep the truth about who he is and what he does from tainting her. He longs to be the man she sees when she looks at him, but the secrets and lies make for a relationship that’s bound to bring heartache unless the power of love can prevail. As a reader I LOVE bad boys and their sexy and dangerous vibe of power. Sal has all that and more. He’s protective and will do anything to keep those he loves safe and it’s that aspect of him that endeared him to me. There’s a lot of darkness surrounding him though, his need to tell lies to keep Aedry in his life, that frustrated me but is par for the course in these kinds of books. Sal may be predictable in his actions but his sweet moments with Aedry, and the sexiness that radiates off him, drew me to him despite all that he did in the name of the devil.
Adrianna Daniels is the proverbial good girl, someone with a big heart who just wants to help others, and it’s this need to help a young man with a tough home life that brings her to Sal’s doorstep. It’s a crackling first meeting, one that changes both of their lives irrevocably, and brings her into a world that could put her in danger. Aedry’s a likable heroine, one who puts on a brave face to do what she needs to do when helping others. She dives in without hesitation and while I applaud her caring side I can’t help but wish she had a stronger sense of self-preservation in her career. When it comes to her heart too she blindly believes the stories Sal tells her which marred their connection a bit for me. That’s not to say that she always caves to the whim of Sal and those moments that she stood up to him and his desires had me cheering and made for an even more scorching relationship.
On a whole this was a satisfying story with an appealing couple made stronger, and better, by being together. Though they’re opposites in many ways they just felt right together and I especially liked seeing a softer side to Sal that arouse when he was with Aedry. There’s much weighing on them from the outside world though, much that battered at their HEA, in a story that ultimately ends in a satisfying conclusion. Surrounding this likable main couple was an equally appealing cast of secondary characters whose stories I long to have told. From Sal’s younger brothers to Luca there’s still plenty of stories left to tell and I look forward to where Ms. Robson takes us next.
Salvatore Romero once had dreams of his own, but the murder of his mother by his father irrevocably changed the path his life was to have taken and led him down a dark path that leaves him feeling dirty. It was a deal with the devil, agreeing to work for mobster Vincent Maggiano, that led him astray but it was a necessity in order to help him gain custody of his brothers after their mother’s murder and it’s his love for them that made the choice simple. The pain of that murder though hangs over these three brothers, always weighing them down like an anchor and it’s what brings Sal into contact with a woman his complete opposite but who brings a bit of light to his darkness. It’s a rocky road to HEA though for him and Aedry as he desperately tries to keep the truth about who he is and what he does from tainting her. He longs to be the man she sees when she looks at him, but the secrets and lies make for a relationship that’s bound to bring heartache unless the power of love can prevail. As a reader I LOVE bad boys and their sexy and dangerous vibe of power. Sal has all that and more. He’s protective and will do anything to keep those he loves safe and it’s that aspect of him that endeared him to me. There’s a lot of darkness surrounding him though, his need to tell lies to keep Aedry in his life, that frustrated me but is par for the course in these kinds of books. Sal may be predictable in his actions but his sweet moments with Aedry, and the sexiness that radiates off him, drew me to him despite all that he did in the name of the devil.
Adrianna Daniels is the proverbial good girl, someone with a big heart who just wants to help others, and it’s this need to help a young man with a tough home life that brings her to Sal’s doorstep. It’s a crackling first meeting, one that changes both of their lives irrevocably, and brings her into a world that could put her in danger. Aedry’s a likable heroine, one who puts on a brave face to do what she needs to do when helping others. She dives in without hesitation and while I applaud her caring side I can’t help but wish she had a stronger sense of self-preservation in her career. When it comes to her heart too she blindly believes the stories Sal tells her which marred their connection a bit for me. That’s not to say that she always caves to the whim of Sal and those moments that she stood up to him and his desires had me cheering and made for an even more scorching relationship.
On a whole this was a satisfying story with an appealing couple made stronger, and better, by being together. Though they’re opposites in many ways they just felt right together and I especially liked seeing a softer side to Sal that arouse when he was with Aedry. There’s much weighing on them from the outside world though, much that battered at their HEA, in a story that ultimately ends in a satisfying conclusion. Surrounding this likable main couple was an equally appealing cast of secondary characters whose stories I long to have told. From Sal’s younger brothers to Luca there’s still plenty of stories left to tell and I look forward to where Ms. Robson takes us next.
March 22, 2019
Yum! Sooo good! Not your typical mafia story...so much more. It's life, love, family, friends, and tough decisions. I was sucked in from the beginning with the juxtaposed characters in the fabulously alpha Salvatore and the wonderfully sweet Adrianna. There's so much to say about these excellent characters that this terrific author created for us to enjoy. I loved them and all the conflict with their different backgrounds and lifestyles. Salvatore is a crude-talking, rough guy but so so strong and noble especially when it comes to his brothers, Gianno and Apollo. Those two are a hoot and great characters. I really liked the relationship between the boys and Aedry. The Romero brothers lived a rough Jersey life which is so different from the rural, religious Southern upbringing of Aedry (didn't get the nickname.) This lead to an interesting, tender and ultimately HOT romance between Sal and Aedry. For me, it was on mark and the slow-build romance is achingly beautiful. This story not only had a swoon-worthy, sexy romance but all the danger and suspense that goes along with a guy trying to avoid being pulled any deeper into the mafia life. Lots of heart-stopping and heartbreaking moments with a good twist at the end. The secondary characters were especially good and I hope we see more of the smart, quirky Autumn, the mysterious, dangerous Lucca, and, of course, the marvelous Romero teen brothers. Not a dull moment in this spectacular story! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
March 4, 2019
What an interesting read, these characters are so complex and it just makes for an excellent story. Sal is so complicated and he is the alpha in the book and he really shows off all his strong alpha behaviors when it comes to Aedry. I am not a fan of her nickname I have no idea how it’s pronounced and it looks odd on the pages of this story. I love her morals and how much of a positive influence she is on the brothers and the others she works with at the school. I also love that she stands her ground throughout the book and really shows Sal what loving someone looks like, feels like and how much it can change the person when they find the right person to love. The changes we see with the brothers throughout this story is great, from their overall attitude in the beginning tohow much they feel for the loss of Aedry. I really wanted the epilogue to be a little longer, I just wanted to know a little bit more and wanted to know about the life these two create for themselves and the brothers. Overall, this was a great book and it was hard to put it down once I got a few chapters in. There is something so relatable to Aedry character that you just wanted to see how much she would put up with or deal with before she either broke or something happen to her.
Thanks to netgalley.com, the author and publisher for a copy of this book.
Thanks to netgalley.com, the author and publisher for a copy of this book.
March 14, 2019
This is a dark, dark read and I had a hard time coming to grips with it at times. Sal is a ultra alpha male who has stepped up to raise his younger brothers to keep them out of the foster system after their father murdered their mother. In order to do this, he is forced to join the Family, yes, the mob. Then the boys school counselor comes to the house when one is not in school and some light is brought into his darkness. Adrianna is all kinds of light and goodness and she is tough, too, and stands up to Sal. I read this one in two sittings because I had a hard time putting it down. Sal does not believe he deserves Aedry and her kindness, goodness, and sweetness but light always shines bright in the dark and happily ever after is beautifully done. I'm looking forward to seeing if the secondary characters get books.
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
March 13, 2019
Since the beginning of time when confronted with protecting ones family, a person will do almost anything to keep them safe. But at what cost? I felt for Adrianna who being young and naïve, understood Salatore’s need to take care of his brothers, but not to the extent he did his job. Torn between right and wrong, both must make a choice. I found myself asking myself what I would do in Aedry’s case.
Cecy Robson has written a dramatic story with a dramatic ending that I absolutely loved and can’t wait for the book.
**Review by Kathy Dunn**
Cecy Robson has written a dramatic story with a dramatic ending that I absolutely loved and can’t wait for the book.
**Review by Kathy Dunn**
March 9, 2019
Cecy Robson is a new author to me but this story captured my interest right away. Sal is the head muscle for Vin whose is trying to be the head of a crime family and failing at it. When Sal meets Aedry she is there to help with his younger brothers who are having issues in school but one look at her and Sal is hooked. None of this story is easy, Aedry is a believer in everything good and Sal has to represent everything bad even if he doesn’t want too. Aedry, Sal and even Donnie break your heart but you keep reading because the author gets you so invested. I will be looking for more from this author.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
March 15, 2019
Excellent
A dark mafia romance that kept me intrigued throughout. Salvatore is a man trapped by his circumstances. He longs for a "normal" life but can't see a way out. When he meets Aedry he knows he has to do something. You'll want to come along on the ride these two take. Recommended read.
A dark mafia romance that kept me intrigued throughout. Salvatore is a man trapped by his circumstances. He longs for a "normal" life but can't see a way out. When he meets Aedry he knows he has to do something. You'll want to come along on the ride these two take. Recommended read.
April 14, 2019
Angst, passion, worlds colliding. Adrianna is a school counselor. Salvatore is muscle for a mobster doing it in part to help support his two high school-aged brothers. Graphic sex, graphic violence, and a steamy, yearning build up between Aedry and Salvatore. Side characters, especially the brothers, are well formed, and there's strong set up for the next "beauty and the beast" installment.
March 13, 2019
Sal just wanted to protect his family and ends up working for the mob. He believes Adrianna is his opposite, but sparks fly. He knows he should stay away but just can’t. Great read with plenty of drama and suspense. Steamy chemistry and an entertaining story. I liked it.
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