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Never read the Men of Inked series? This is a great introduction to the series or an addition for current readers. -- This is a FREE PREQUEL to Throttle Me --

This is a SHORT story featuring the entire Gallo family and told from Mr. & Mrs. Gallo's point of view.

The Gallos are a loving Italian family filled with alpha males and one sassy sister.

Each book in the series focuses on a different sibling. 

120 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2014

359 people are currently reading
3199 people want to read

About the author

Chelle Bliss

178 books8,934 followers
Chelle Bliss is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico, but hates sand. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and loves everything romance.
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5 stars
1,938 (49%)
4 stars
1,229 (31%)
3 stars
633 (16%)
2 stars
117 (2%)
1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
Profile Image for Chan.
793 reviews52 followers
June 10, 2021
This short story gave the beginning of the Gallos children.

It was sweet hearing about the parents, Sal and Maria. The author used this as an origin story and gave us an overview of all the children through Maria's eyes.

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
April 4, 2019
🎁 FREE on iBooks today (4/4/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 5 books61 followers
September 25, 2018
I can't wait to dig into this series head first!

I LOVE family series, I love their dynamics, their banter and their love!

This is just a prequel and I'm already in love with the Gallo family. Ma and Pop, aka Maria and Salvatore, are amazing, loving, passionate and so hot!

Being the parents of five children (four loud boys/men and one sassy girl/woman), they have a lot of memories to cherish. They are devoted to their kids and to themselves and all they want to for their little ones to find the same love they share.

Even in a short story, I could feel all of that. I can't wait to see them all learning how to love like their parents to.

Bring me the Gallos!
Profile Image for Yolanda.
151 reviews16 followers
January 19, 2015
It's sweet and a nice quick read, but I have to say.. I found it a bit unrealistic? How do you do what they do at that age? Not that they are old but still..He is one super fit 50 year old. I know, I know. It’s a story.
Profile Image for Amy Jo.
73 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2015
I LOVED that you went back and did Ma and Pa Gallo! They remind me soooo much of hubby and myself (as far as teasing the kids and getting them OUT of the house to fool around, even after 30+ years!! Just because we may be half a century old or more doesn't mean we're dead!) After 30+ years they are still just as much in love and show it.

I just love the Men of Ink series and it was awesome that you showed us where they come from and why they are all as great of kids as they are. IF you haven't read any of the Men of Ink series I recommend starting here...if you have read a few of the Men of Ink still grab this to learn a lil more of where they come from. Great job as always Chelle! :)

I just don't get why so many people are commenting that it's great to see people their age still "doing the nasty" as some put it!! Really? Hell we're still able to do as much as all these youngins can, just maybe not as flexible!! LoL

If you haven't read this series yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!! :)
Profile Image for Anas Attic  Book Blog.
1,589 reviews696 followers
February 20, 2015
The Gallos
The Gallos - The Beginning by Chelle Bliss
Permanently FREE Short Prequel to the Men of Inked Series. Can stand Alone.
4.5 stars, 5 heat
The Gallos by Chelle Bliss is a short prequel story to the The Men of Inked Series by Chelle Bliss. I think you will look at it very differently if you are already a fan of the series, vs. if this was an intro to the series for you. I loved it so much!
At only about 40 pages, this was a quick introduction to the Gallo family. Each of the kids in this Italian American family get their own book, and this one is about the parents, so we get to meet each of the kids.

The story begins with Maria, the Mom of the Gallo clan watching her grown kids, hang out at her house, and hoping that they find a love like the one she had with Salvatore.


“Even at our age, he still did it for me. I didn’t see a man in his fifties, but the muscular, sexy man I met over thirty years ago.”

Maria gives us a nice overview of each kid, before they each meet their loves. and as they ask the secret of finding lasting love, Sal answers.


“Son, when you find the right woman, age will never matter. She’ll always be the one you fell in love with.”


“The trick is to find someone who doesn’t change you, but makes you better.”


The kids are over for the day, but Sal, bless his heart, is dying to get rid of them. This older guy is still ALL ALPHA.


"Right before they arrived, I had Maria pinned against the kitchen counter, kissing her neck as I ran my hand along her inner thigh. Just as I was about to pull out my cock and bury it deep inside her, the doorbell rang. I swear to shit that kids are born with the ability to cock block.”

I have been with Mr. Ana for 28 years (OMG! When did I get that old? Lets just say we met in Kindergarten) and I still find him totally hot, and we still have amazing, hot alpha sex. Even my parents are still crazy about each other after 56 years of marriage. So I must say, it’s a total pleasure reading about a hot older couple, because DAMN, Chelle can write sex, no matter what the age.

Likes:


•Great intro to the series. I love the parents, and it turn, I love the kids.
•Wonderful to see an older couple who can still be hot together, especially after 30 years.
•Damn, Chelle can write alpha sex!
•It’s FREE!
•It’s a wonderful way to check out Chelle’s writing quickly.
•Would make a great gift to readers of her series.

Dislikes:


•I would love more than 40 pages!
•I think it may be even better to read after you know the characters, because to me, the description of each character was a bit tedious, but I think I would have loved to see mom’s thoughts after reading the whole series. I will re-read after I read this entire series.
•The cover doesn't fit the story, but it matches the series.

Rating 4.5 short story stars, 5 heat

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The Down and Dirty

The Gallos is a great introduction to the Gallo kids, the heroes of the Men of Inked series. This can be a great gift to current readers, or a great introduction to new readers. The sex was super hot, and between an older couple still in love after 30 years.Chelle said she felt a little dirty writing it, because they became like parents to her, and it’s possible some loyal fans may feel like that, but I for one, loved it. The short book is free, so why not see for yourself?


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The Gallos: The Beginning" target="_blank">Amazon | BN.com
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. The Gallos Please Follow Ana's Attic

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Profile Image for Princess J. Antoinette.
999 reviews106 followers
July 5, 2021
Cute Opener

Thanks Chelle, for this background info on our upcoming characters... It's nice to get more insight of what's to come..

Overall Rating:
4* ~ Good Read
Profile Image for Adoore.
353 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2015
Very interested

Reading this small novella has me intrigued about the Gallos. I will definitely try the series the parents showed their love I can only image how the series will be.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
January 12, 2021
This short story did it's job. I find I'm intrigued by this family, love how the kids were a bit grossed out that their parents were still in love and having sex. I also really liked how the parents really saw their kids and while they might want them to have someone special in their lives they are fully aware they all play the field.
Profile Image for Sherry L.
541 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2015
This was a great peek into the Gallo's lives. I am a big fan of the Men Of Inked series by Chelle Bliss. In this novella we get to here from Momma and Pops Gallo. You will get to see exactly where the charisma and bravado come from that the Gallo kids possess.

Momma and Pops share some sexy times in this book too.( Much to some of their Children's distress - which was pretty fun). If you think you may be uncomfortable with the Sr lovin'- do not worry. It was WELL written. The elder Gallo's still have it going on!! Loved it.

A fun book helping us fans, out keeping our fires stoked for the release of Uncover Me( Thomas' story coming out January 13, 2015). Thanks Chelle!

HAPPY READING~ Sherry

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Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,683 reviews187 followers
January 11, 2015
This was just what I needed to remember how much I love the Gallo's. I have had Izzy's book on my Kobo forever and keep putting it on the gonna pile. Now I have to dive in and pray Izzy gets an alpha to rival her brothers.

Oh just a quick note. Probably don't read this while watching people practice BJJ. Then again if your mind is in the gutter as much as mine probably best just not to watch people practice BJJ ;)
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,138 reviews194 followers
July 3, 2017
5"Always Gallo fan"stars!

Such a sweet read. I love we got to know how it all began. With mama and papa Gallo. Seeing their love for each other, and their kids is so inspiring and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Will I recommend: yes ( it is short, but oh so good"! )
Profile Image for ~Melissa~.
218 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2016
Such a fun start to this series. Hope hubby and I are as hot as this couple when are kids are grown, lol
1,254 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2018
This prequel didn't really set the series up for me. Each sibling got one paragraph devoted to them which was not enough to tell the boys apart. The rest was the parents having gross old married people sex which I skimmed. I wish Izzy's book was next because she's the one I'm most interested in. I went to go check out the first in the series since it's free but these blurbs seriously need to be rewritten. I had to research each book to find out which sibling is even in book one which I shouldn't have to do and most of the blurbs did that dramatic overkill crap that I hate because it doesn't actually tell me anything about the book. I may read the next one but there's nothing in this prequel that makes it worth reading
Profile Image for ~*~Happy Hour Prez~*~.
1,898 reviews
October 10, 2019
Yeah, it IS kind of like reading about your friends parents having sex....but not as traumatizing somehow.

NOTE: I don't know if I'd have rather read this AFTER reading all or some of the series FIRST. IT IS a prequel, but I didn't know any of the characters yet so I didn't connect with them. Maybe it would have been more enjoyable reading it later (or perhaps MORE traumatising, LOL). I hope I can't remember to come back and update this with a clear decision after reading the series to help someone else make a better decision.

UPDATE: I'M GLAD I READ IT AS A PREQUEL! If I'd had read it later, I'd have had to go backwards in the timeline.
Profile Image for Hbeebti.
2,039 reviews50 followers
April 24, 2017
3.5 This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a great preview of whats to come in this series. Looking forward to reading about all the Gallo's.
Profile Image for crazipotmom.
198 reviews15 followers
October 6, 2018
quick read pov from the parents .....if possible read this book first
Profile Image for Torey.
296 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2024
Loved the story but it ended so abruptly.
Profile Image for Rebekah Murphy.
7 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2025
I wanted more from Sal & Marie !!!
The way they loved each other & their story was cut short for me!
Profile Image for Julianne.
127 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2018
Author alwas keeps you engaged in story. Thanks for that.
Profile Image for Rough Draft Book Blog.
475 reviews53 followers
March 13, 2016
The Gallos: The Beginning by Chelle Bliss
Maria & Salvator
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!
5 stars!

Ok... this is perfect!! I mean don't you wanna see where all those hot, juicy Gallo men and that feisty Izzy came from? I know I do! Hell, Maria and Sal are hot and juicy also. They heat up the pages in this little novella bringing you back to where it all began! AND we get a little early insight into the earlier lives of the Gallo boys and Izzy!

Maria (Mar) is exactly like Izzy or Izzy is exactly like her Momma! She's sassy, she's witty, and more importantly, she's not taking any shit from any man! Me likey! I have to say, even though time marched on and she gave birth to 5 beautiful babies, she never lost her spark. She remains sexy and playful to spite the grumbles from her children getting grossed out hearing about her and Sal's love life! What a great young woman who grew into the world's greatest Mom. Love you Mrs. G!

Now, Salvator "Sal," well, he reminded me of City. He was domineering, tough, and sexy as all get out! Even though he was the "bad boy," he knew what he wanted and Maria was it. His need to possess took over... Maria was going to be his and he wasn't taking NO for an answer. That's when the gentleman came out. He waited for her... the need to consume her so great. He made her first time so romantic, if only all us girls could have had a "Sal" to take us to and bring us through that first time! He has buried himself in my heart and will stay there for all eternity!

This little novella is so full of love, wit, and even a little bit of angst. It's 56 (Kindle version) pages long and for this reader, it was just enough to fill a couple of afternoon hours with it's beautiful story! The pacing is perfect, the dialogue flows, and the characters, well, if you read any of the Men of Inked series, you'll know the characters are phenomenal in each of their own ways. So... peeps... put your cell phones away, put down your brooms, store the mops, and sit your ass down for a little love from Mr. & Mrs. Gallo!
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,299 reviews1,781 followers
January 24, 2015
My Rating

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

“If he loved you, he loved you intensely, with his entire being.”

“Even at our age, he still did it for me. I didn’t see a man in his fifties, but the muscular, sexy man I met over thirty years ago.”

“He made some dickhead comment, so I knead him in the balls. It was a dirty way to end it, but swift.”


My Review:

Chelle Bliss gives us an entertaining, humorous, and thoughtful introduction to the interesting Gallo family. I particularly enjoyed reading the parents’ love story and getting to know each family member through their mother’s eyes. How refreshing to find a story where middle aged parents are respected by their children and to have remained so in love and still unable to get enough of each other.
Profile Image for Mamacita aka MawMaw .
394 reviews170 followers
June 21, 2016
4.5 "Gallos' all Round" Stars

Love meeting up w/ The Gallo Family again! Only 40 pages but I could've read much more! Loved finally a story about people a few years older than myself. I mean really, peeps middle age couples do have sex. Generationally speaking, I enjoyed much if not more than all the 20-30 yr old + virgin sex stories out there! I Just needed more content along w/ Sal & Maria to get a tattoo or piercing together to make it completed!
Profile Image for CharmaineW .
2,111 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2015
OMG...Can this family get any more perfect. You can see where they get all their hotness from.Mum Marie and Dad Salvatore.
Absolutely loved this.
Even as they get older.. In their 50's it's nice to see they are still active.
What a truly brilliant start to the Gallo family.
Loved it loved it loved it
Profile Image for Hollie.
1,680 reviews
January 12, 2015
A series with SOOOO much potential, January 10, 2015


I'm grateful this was offered as a freebie and I must say it was a good one one. I can't wait to see what happens with this family. I love how the parents were still in love and doing the naughty. Can't wait to see what this series offers.
Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 42 books145 followers
January 12, 2015
Sweet prequel

It's somewhat unrealistic, particularly the physical attractiveness of Maria and Salvator (which looks odd without an "e" on the end). But the interplay between the two, in their fifties, is sweet and affectionate and something to be envied. In fact, the free prequel was sufficient to persuade me to purchase the first novel in the Inked series.
Profile Image for M &#x1f5a4;.
126 reviews10 followers
January 7, 2024
5 ‘I’m a Gallo fan for life’ Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I found this to be a great introduction to the Gallo family. Maria and Sal’s point-of-view was really captivating. I fell in love with their relationship and their family in just 20 minutes. Also, I can’t wait to get into Joey’s story. I’m excited to see him grow as a character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews

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