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Friends in the City #3
When We Were Us
When you’re young, anything is possible.
Love is pure magic and time seems to stand still.
I remember those days like I remember seeing my first rainbow.
When the sky was bleak, he painted it full of color.
We came from different worlds.
We had no business ever interacting.
He was the wolf with glowing eyes and a cocky grin.
I was the innocent sheep that he wanted to eat up.
I knew he was trouble, but then he went and saved my life.
I was in the wrong place at the right time.
Or so I thought.
I didn’t realize that he was the leader of the pack.
He saved me from himself.
Only young love never lasts. Sometimes you grow up and move on.
That’s what I did.
But now he’s back. Meaner. Stronger. Full of darkness instead of light.
This time he’s not here to save me. This time he’s here to make me pay.
Love is pure magic and time seems to stand still.
I remember those days like I remember seeing my first rainbow.
When the sky was bleak, he painted it full of color.
We came from different worlds.
We had no business ever interacting.
He was the wolf with glowing eyes and a cocky grin.
I was the innocent sheep that he wanted to eat up.
I knew he was trouble, but then he went and saved my life.
I was in the wrong place at the right time.
Or so I thought.
I didn’t realize that he was the leader of the pack.
He saved me from himself.
Only young love never lasts. Sometimes you grow up and move on.
That’s what I did.
But now he’s back. Meaner. Stronger. Full of darkness instead of light.
This time he’s not here to save me. This time he’s here to make me pay.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
175 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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May 24, 2022The first half of the story was intriguing and had my interest. It was intense, had twists and turns, secrets and suspense.
I was rooting for Luca and Anabel, their love story had a beautiful start.
Until I reached 70% of their story, and their behaviour spoiled every good intentions I had.
Luca went to save Anabel because she had been abducted and while the circumstances were rough and dangerous, Anabel wanted to f@ck him at that right moment! And they did. And when two men entered the room to check on them, they kept on and didn’t stop until they were “satisfied”! 🙄
After they managed to leave, they took a taxi and f@cked at the back seat once more! 🙄
No gravity.
No, thank you.
Dnf @ 70%.
I was rooting for Luca and Anabel, their love story had a beautiful start.
Until I reached 70% of their story, and their behaviour spoiled every good intentions I had.
Luca went to save Anabel because she had been abducted and while the circumstances were rough and dangerous, Anabel wanted to f@ck him at that right moment! And they did. And when two men entered the room to check on them, they kept on and didn’t stop until they were “satisfied”! 🙄
After they managed to leave, they took a taxi and f@cked at the back seat once more! 🙄
No gravity.
No, thank you.
Dnf @ 70%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 28, 2020Is not the book ......Something is wrong with me ...😫😫😫
November 27, 2020
I very use to JS Cooper’s rom com style but even her slightly darker side I like. Luca & Anabel were very much in love but Luca was always afraid of how Anabel would react if she ever got hold of his secrets and when she does she runs away as fast as she can like he always thought she would but when she’s back in his orbit again it’s definitely not a happy reunion
November 24, 2020
What an explosive story!
Anabel, beautiful sweet and is 17, when she unexpectedly meets Gorgeous and mysterious Luca. For them it was love at first sight, fate. But, fate has other plans for them.
This was such a page turner, with so many twists and turns, shocking surprises, and secrets revealed. The many characters in this story line made the plot that much better. I just instantly fell in love with Anabel and Luca, and was rooting for them throughout this very well written storyline, and to my surprise, it is J.S. Cooper's first mafia romance. Beautiful, enduring love story, my only complaint is I would have liked more information on Luca and his family. Also, this was such a good book, I didn't want it to end!
I received an ARC by author for an honest review.
Anabel, beautiful sweet and is 17, when she unexpectedly meets Gorgeous and mysterious Luca. For them it was love at first sight, fate. But, fate has other plans for them.
This was such a page turner, with so many twists and turns, shocking surprises, and secrets revealed. The many characters in this story line made the plot that much better. I just instantly fell in love with Anabel and Luca, and was rooting for them throughout this very well written storyline, and to my surprise, it is J.S. Cooper's first mafia romance. Beautiful, enduring love story, my only complaint is I would have liked more information on Luca and his family. Also, this was such a good book, I didn't want it to end!
I received an ARC by author for an honest review.
December 16, 2021
This is a the third part of a series that starts with The Billionaire's fake Fiancée, second is About Last Night and this is the concluder.
It deals with three since college best friends Charlotte, Emily and Anabel and their romances.
It was disappointing and lack both continuity and cohesion.
Lots of missing words, spelling and grammar and lack of a straight line between the three books.
The three girls came off as spoilt and rather stupid for so called educated ladies.
Quite a change in character and plot between books 2 and 3 with Matteo.
Others have made similar comments.
My review goes for the series.
It deals with three since college best friends Charlotte, Emily and Anabel and their romances.
It was disappointing and lack both continuity and cohesion.
Lots of missing words, spelling and grammar and lack of a straight line between the three books.
The three girls came off as spoilt and rather stupid for so called educated ladies.
Quite a change in character and plot between books 2 and 3 with Matteo.
Others have made similar comments.
My review goes for the series.
December 15, 2020
Book 3 in the Alpha Boyfriends series and it was a great addition. This is Anabel and Luca’s story but you will see her best friends, Charlotte and Emily and their alpha men as well. A great second chance/mafia romance that will suck you in from page one and you won’t be able to put it down. Loved Anabel and Luca together. The chemistry that they shared 8 years prior was still there if not even hotter when they meet up again. Loved this book and this series.
December 13, 2020
This story was very intriguing, and I loved the way Luca and Anabel met and had an instant attraction. They fell quick and hard for each other, Anabel was innocent and sweet while Luca tough guy that had mafia ties. They dated and fell in love then one day Anabel sees Luca’s true colors and it scares her so she does the only thing she know to do and that is to run. Years later Luca still has her on his radar but instead of accepting that he would always love her he is set out to get revenge for the way she broke his heart. With some unexpected twists and turns these two end up back in each other’s lives and I was so happy to see that they didn’t wait the whole book to talk about what happened and why she ran, why he was mad, they talked it out and accepted they were meant for each other. Luca was a mafia boss, but he had a soft spot for his Anabel, but he never wanted her in harms way and that is just the lifestyle he is in. Can they make things work? Will they be able to forgive each other and move forward? Will those determined to hunt them down be what ends them in the end, or will it be trust for each other that does that? I really enjoyed this book, and it was fast paced but I loved how it wasn’t a slow burn and that they hated each other the whole time to only make up at the end. It kept me on the edge wanting to know what would happen and a few of the twists I never saw coming. I will keep this one as a go to read to go back and reread again and again.
February 13, 2021
This book went in circles a lot and I'm dizzy asf.
This is basically the gist of this book: Anabel and Luca were each other's first and only love. After a few weeks of dating, Luca being the 'alpha' male he is kills someone because Anabel was being petty after seeing Luca flirt with other girls. She fled after witnessing said murder and ratted Luca out.
Well, 8 years later, they meet again. How? You may ask, that goes back to the disastrous book that was Emily and Matteo's book (or is it Mateo? There are a few corrections in this book that made my eye twitch still. But I'll come back to that later..). Three or two weeks later, they both still can't seem to get each other out of their minds. Luca decides he hates her and wants to make her pay for the pain she caused him (because apparently they can't talk it out or whatever) by kidnapping her! That's right. That's what I call a fucking romance.
Yada yada, we get all this inner monologue about how he's going to hurt her more than she hurt him. The regular stuff, it's nothing new. But then, uh oh, plot twist another mafia boss gets to her first. It basically just goes from there. It was a mess. A hilarious mess, but still a mess. Also, what is it with the dramatic plot twists? Wtf? So stupid.
Moving on,
They kept going on and on regarding the same things like:
"You did this!"
"I know and I'm sorry, I didn't meant to.. "
"Okay, I'll kiss you and we can work this out"
*kiss*
"I don't know if I can trust you fully.."
"Why not?"
"Because you did this and it hurt me."
"I know that, I said I'm sorry. Anyway, kiss me again?"
Back to the grammatical errors / wrong spellings or what the hell ever. In Emily and Matteo's book, they were called the Calabrese Family, now in this one they're called the Cattaneo Family, which is it? Also in one sentence they're talking about Luca's uncle Matteo, the sentence following that he's cousin Mateo, which is it?!
Cooper needs to track and note what she's writing because after reading these books back to back, it seems like after writing a book she moves on to the next, after that she decides to write a story about a character in the former book with no knowledge of the character whatsoever, which doesn't make for an enjoyable read.
But it's the body shaming and slut shaming that takes the cake for me. Fyi, just because they're not the main characters doesn't mean you should break them down into these categories, and do it multiple times because apparently once ain't enough. (I got really annoyed with how many times Giorgio was called fat and the one with the pudgy little mouth— I mean, I get it he's a bad guy but really? And Valentina who is apparently a slut with a capital S, because it's the 1950's and women can't get around, tf).
Overall, worst than Charlotte and Max's story but just a little bit better than Emily and Matteo's.
This is basically the gist of this book: Anabel and Luca were each other's first and only love. After a few weeks of dating, Luca being the 'alpha' male he is kills someone because Anabel was being petty after seeing Luca flirt with other girls. She fled after witnessing said murder and ratted Luca out.
Well, 8 years later, they meet again. How? You may ask, that goes back to the disastrous book that was Emily and Matteo's book (or is it Mateo? There are a few corrections in this book that made my eye twitch still. But I'll come back to that later..). Three or two weeks later, they both still can't seem to get each other out of their minds. Luca decides he hates her and wants to make her pay for the pain she caused him (because apparently they can't talk it out or whatever) by kidnapping her! That's right. That's what I call a fucking romance.
Yada yada, we get all this inner monologue about how he's going to hurt her more than she hurt him. The regular stuff, it's nothing new. But then, uh oh, plot twist another mafia boss gets to her first. It basically just goes from there. It was a mess. A hilarious mess, but still a mess. Also, what is it with the dramatic plot twists? Wtf? So stupid.
Moving on,
They kept going on and on regarding the same things like:
"You did this!"
"I know and I'm sorry, I didn't meant to.. "
"Okay, I'll kiss you and we can work this out"
*kiss*
"I don't know if I can trust you fully.."
"Why not?"
"Because you did this and it hurt me."
"I know that, I said I'm sorry. Anyway, kiss me again?"
Back to the grammatical errors / wrong spellings or what the hell ever. In Emily and Matteo's book, they were called the Calabrese Family, now in this one they're called the Cattaneo Family, which is it? Also in one sentence they're talking about Luca's uncle Matteo, the sentence following that he's cousin Mateo, which is it?!
Cooper needs to track and note what she's writing because after reading these books back to back, it seems like after writing a book she moves on to the next, after that she decides to write a story about a character in the former book with no knowledge of the character whatsoever, which doesn't make for an enjoyable read.
But it's the body shaming and slut shaming that takes the cake for me. Fyi, just because they're not the main characters doesn't mean you should break them down into these categories, and do it multiple times because apparently once ain't enough. (I got really annoyed with how many times Giorgio was called fat and the one with the pudgy little mouth— I mean, I get it he's a bad guy but really? And Valentina who is apparently a slut with a capital S, because it's the 1950's and women can't get around, tf).
Overall, worst than Charlotte and Max's story but just a little bit better than Emily and Matteo's.
June 9, 2021
Not a very good mafia book plus Anabel was extremely annoying. Giorgio was right, Luca was weak for a mafia boss. I do NOT recommend this book if you’re looking for a good mafia book.
November 25, 2020
Luca & Anabel Get A Second Chance In This Slow Burn Mafia Romance! Fans Of The Series Will Be Thrilled To See That Anabel’s Best Friends Charlotte And Emily Are In Her Story, And Emily’s New Beau Matteo, Too.
This is the third book in the Alpha Boyfriends series about three best friends who meet during freshman year at Columbia University in New York. Charlotte, Emily, and Anabel, all twenty-five now, are young and single in New York City.
Book one, The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée, is Charlotte Johnson and Max Parker’s story. Charlotte loses her job when Max’s company buys her company and dissolves it. With an axe to grind against the mysterious Mr. Parker, she doesn’t feel badly when she is mistaken for his girlfriend in a mix-up. She goes along with the error when she sees that it gets her special treatment. Little does she anticipate how quickly rumors spread, and before she knows it Max Parker himself has sent her an angry email.
Emily Finland’s story follows in book two, About Last Night. It is her story with Matteo Fellini. After a long dry spell, a blind date and a case of mistaken identity lead Emily to a one night stand with the wrong man. Forty year old Liam Montgomery, though, turns out to be more than she bargained for she he turns up at her parents’ party the next week, and something underhanded is at play. Her flakey parents are into something shady, and the handsome older man that she couldn’t get out of her mind now goes by the name Matteo Fellini. Nothing is as it seems, and soon Emily finds herself sucked into a world of trouble.
In this book:
Eight years ago Anabel Forbes, seventeen, fell for her prince charming. It was the summer before she left her home in Brooklyn to move to Manhattan and attend Columbia University. It was a whirlwind romance, and she lost her innocence to twenty-year-old Luca Cattaneo. He was a businessman, though he joked that he was in the mafia and he did have a dangerous vibe at times. It had been true love, but when Anabel discovered that Luca was a dark prince and saw more than she bargained for, she couldn’t get away fast enough. Today she plagued by guilt and regrets.
Luca Cattaneo, twenty-eight, needs to get Anabel out of his mind. After seeing her in Miami a week or so ago – for the first time in eight years – he finds himself distracted by the memories of the love he once felt for her. He would not be that man again, softened by a woman. He is the capo of Brooklyn, ruthless and respected. He can and does have any woman he wants. He had made a deal with Lorenzo Marchese years ago, promising to marry his daughter Valentina. Valentina is beautiful and at twenty-one, her father is anxious for the wedding. Luca loves to play games, and he devises he perfect way to get even with Anabel for breaking his heart.
Things go awry at the outset, however. Giorgio, Luca’s underboss and best friend since age seven, has concerns about Anabel reappearing in Luca’s life and advises caution. With Valentina in the mix, Lorenzo Marchese must be considered. But when Enzo Russo enters the picture, things take a serious turn. Luca has a rat, and nobody can be trusted. Enzo wants something from Luca in exchange for Anabel, but Luca doesn’t mind seeing her punished. Luca plays a dangerous game, but the couple eventually earns their happy ending.
Luca and Anabel’s story has been hinted at in earlier books in the series, so it is wonderful to get the backstory here and see how it all plays out for them. Their chemistry sizzles eight years later. Reserved and innocent Anabel transforms around Luca, and change soon overcomes him as well. Their love/hate relationship is tested once again, but the eight years apart have allowed them to grow up a bit as well as to have a deeper appreciation for what they once had and lost.
Fans of the series will be thrilled to see that Anabel’s best friends Charlotte and Emily are in her story, and Emily’s new beau Matteo Fellini enters the story as well. In About Last Night, he left the mafia, but he and Luca had run different factions of the Calbrese family. Here he goes as Matteo Calabrese (different spelling). He and Luca are cousins and do not get along. It is in Matteo’s story, About Last Night, that Luca and Anabel accidentally run into one another for the first time since their breakup.
Luca and Anabel get a second chance in this slow burn mafia romance. The story is nicely written. The beginning is beautiful, almost poetic. Later, the story shifts into mafia mode as the action begins. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Luca and Anabel. I rate this book four stars.
I received and advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Alpha Boyfriends series about three best friends who meet during freshman year at Columbia University in New York. Charlotte, Emily, and Anabel, all twenty-five now, are young and single in New York City.
Book one, The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée, is Charlotte Johnson and Max Parker’s story. Charlotte loses her job when Max’s company buys her company and dissolves it. With an axe to grind against the mysterious Mr. Parker, she doesn’t feel badly when she is mistaken for his girlfriend in a mix-up. She goes along with the error when she sees that it gets her special treatment. Little does she anticipate how quickly rumors spread, and before she knows it Max Parker himself has sent her an angry email.
Emily Finland’s story follows in book two, About Last Night. It is her story with Matteo Fellini. After a long dry spell, a blind date and a case of mistaken identity lead Emily to a one night stand with the wrong man. Forty year old Liam Montgomery, though, turns out to be more than she bargained for she he turns up at her parents’ party the next week, and something underhanded is at play. Her flakey parents are into something shady, and the handsome older man that she couldn’t get out of her mind now goes by the name Matteo Fellini. Nothing is as it seems, and soon Emily finds herself sucked into a world of trouble.
In this book:
Eight years ago Anabel Forbes, seventeen, fell for her prince charming. It was the summer before she left her home in Brooklyn to move to Manhattan and attend Columbia University. It was a whirlwind romance, and she lost her innocence to twenty-year-old Luca Cattaneo. He was a businessman, though he joked that he was in the mafia and he did have a dangerous vibe at times. It had been true love, but when Anabel discovered that Luca was a dark prince and saw more than she bargained for, she couldn’t get away fast enough. Today she plagued by guilt and regrets.
Luca Cattaneo, twenty-eight, needs to get Anabel out of his mind. After seeing her in Miami a week or so ago – for the first time in eight years – he finds himself distracted by the memories of the love he once felt for her. He would not be that man again, softened by a woman. He is the capo of Brooklyn, ruthless and respected. He can and does have any woman he wants. He had made a deal with Lorenzo Marchese years ago, promising to marry his daughter Valentina. Valentina is beautiful and at twenty-one, her father is anxious for the wedding. Luca loves to play games, and he devises he perfect way to get even with Anabel for breaking his heart.
Things go awry at the outset, however. Giorgio, Luca’s underboss and best friend since age seven, has concerns about Anabel reappearing in Luca’s life and advises caution. With Valentina in the mix, Lorenzo Marchese must be considered. But when Enzo Russo enters the picture, things take a serious turn. Luca has a rat, and nobody can be trusted. Enzo wants something from Luca in exchange for Anabel, but Luca doesn’t mind seeing her punished. Luca plays a dangerous game, but the couple eventually earns their happy ending.
Luca and Anabel’s story has been hinted at in earlier books in the series, so it is wonderful to get the backstory here and see how it all plays out for them. Their chemistry sizzles eight years later. Reserved and innocent Anabel transforms around Luca, and change soon overcomes him as well. Their love/hate relationship is tested once again, but the eight years apart have allowed them to grow up a bit as well as to have a deeper appreciation for what they once had and lost.
Fans of the series will be thrilled to see that Anabel’s best friends Charlotte and Emily are in her story, and Emily’s new beau Matteo Fellini enters the story as well. In About Last Night, he left the mafia, but he and Luca had run different factions of the Calbrese family. Here he goes as Matteo Calabrese (different spelling). He and Luca are cousins and do not get along. It is in Matteo’s story, About Last Night, that Luca and Anabel accidentally run into one another for the first time since their breakup.
Luca and Anabel get a second chance in this slow burn mafia romance. The story is nicely written. The beginning is beautiful, almost poetic. Later, the story shifts into mafia mode as the action begins. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Luca and Anabel. I rate this book four stars.
I received and advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2020
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
The amount of disappointment I'm feeling is unbearable. I apologise to any mafia family if you've read this.
Anabel is stupid (I'm not even trying to search for synonyms), Luca is okayish and the other characters vary.
Where should I start...from the beginning let's see..
1. The female lead is too f*cking naive, an another level naive even though she knows he's the mafia head. She reads books, so hasn't she read any mafia book?!
2. The female lead doesn't like when he kills. Umm excuse me miss, what is he supposed to do? Distribute candies? I don't understand how she is a lawyer with her pea size brain. She's not meant for the mafia world.
3. Where's the mystery? Secret? Suspense??? Almost 30% in and we know why he hates her!
4. They've got 5 minutes to formulate a plan of escape, but what do they do? THEY FUCKING FUCK EACH OTHER! Couldn't you guys do this afterwards?!
5. He's telling her that he's doing it for both of them to escape and so he says some hurtful things. On hearing them, she starts feeling bad and thinks he means it. Woman! You freaking loved him, he told you he's doing it to keep you safe, but still you think he means it!! Do you have any intelligence?
6. The amount of dumbness the female lead has shown is amazing. When he's taking you out by whatever he says or does and you know you're safer with him then, you should go, BUT she refuses to go. Miss.Smartpants, it'll be easier for you to escape if you're in the open, not in a room.
7. The male lead atleast has quick thinking and is smart too, well not always. The plan he had for hurting her is the stupidest thing I've heard.
8. The other mafia man Enzo is a different piece of work, what can I say... He doesn't think; kind of like a light bulb that needs time before shining. How are you a part of the mafia gang and have a large empire when you need time to connect the dots and people are able to fool you!? Also, when you've been fooled and attacked already then shouldn't you keep security with yourself? He goes alone with almost zero chance of surving if Luca wanted to put a bullet in his head.
9. There's no "payment" or revenge or darkness or anything even remotely close.
10. I couldn't find any spark here. There's no vibe or slow burn or any burn. Okay, I get that since they still love each other there's no need for the romance to start all over again, but there should've been something... I couldn't feel their emotions.
The start of the story is really good, it drew me in and I was really excited to see what Luca does and how he takes revenge and falls in love again but boy, was I wrong. I've facepalmed myself so many times while reading this but kept on hoping for the story to get better, but it did not.
The amount of disappointment I'm feeling is unbearable. I apologise to any mafia family if you've read this.
Anabel is stupid (I'm not even trying to search for synonyms), Luca is okayish and the other characters vary.
Where should I start...from the beginning let's see..
1. The female lead is too f*cking naive, an another level naive even though she knows he's the mafia head. She reads books, so hasn't she read any mafia book?!
2. The female lead doesn't like when he kills. Umm excuse me miss, what is he supposed to do? Distribute candies? I don't understand how she is a lawyer with her pea size brain. She's not meant for the mafia world.
3. Where's the mystery? Secret? Suspense??? Almost 30% in and we know why he hates her!
4. They've got 5 minutes to formulate a plan of escape, but what do they do? THEY FUCKING FUCK EACH OTHER! Couldn't you guys do this afterwards?!
5. He's telling her that he's doing it for both of them to escape and so he says some hurtful things. On hearing them, she starts feeling bad and thinks he means it. Woman! You freaking loved him, he told you he's doing it to keep you safe, but still you think he means it!! Do you have any intelligence?
6. The amount of dumbness the female lead has shown is amazing. When he's taking you out by whatever he says or does and you know you're safer with him then, you should go, BUT she refuses to go. Miss.Smartpants, it'll be easier for you to escape if you're in the open, not in a room.
7. The male lead atleast has quick thinking and is smart too, well not always. The plan he had for hurting her is the stupidest thing I've heard.
8. The other mafia man Enzo is a different piece of work, what can I say... He doesn't think; kind of like a light bulb that needs time before shining. How are you a part of the mafia gang and have a large empire when you need time to connect the dots and people are able to fool you!? Also, when you've been fooled and attacked already then shouldn't you keep security with yourself? He goes alone with almost zero chance of surving if Luca wanted to put a bullet in his head.
9. There's no "payment" or revenge or darkness or anything even remotely close.
10. I couldn't find any spark here. There's no vibe or slow burn or any burn. Okay, I get that since they still love each other there's no need for the romance to start all over again, but there should've been something... I couldn't feel their emotions.
The start of the story is really good, it drew me in and I was really excited to see what Luca does and how he takes revenge and falls in love again but boy, was I wrong. I've facepalmed myself so many times while reading this but kept on hoping for the story to get better, but it did not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
Charlotte, Emily and Anabel are best friends who met at Columbia University their freshman year. Eight years later, they are still together, but one by one they're finding their "one." Charlotte has Max Parker, a billionaire whose path had crossed hers in a most surprising way. Emily has Matteo, a former mafioso who has walked away from that life because of his love for Emily. Anabel is the secretive one, the one who has her head down, reading a book as she walks down the street. The secret she carries is one of a pure love that she had with Luca Cattaneo, the capo of Brooklyn. Back then, when he was 20, he set his sights on a beautiful girl who walked right past him, as usual, her head stuck in her book. He took one look at Anabel and he was a goner! They were each other's first and they had an exciting future ahead of them. But when Luca's "business" came calling, in the form of a rapist and a traitor, he did what he had to do and killed him...right in front of Anabel! There's so much more to that story, but Anabel didn't hear anything else as she ran. Luca watched as his future ran from him, turning him cold, cruel. But now, eight years later, he sees her once again, but this time he wants revenge and he is going to ruin her. He makes a plan with his underboss, Giorgio, to kidnap her and bring her to him but, before that can happen, Anabel's kidnapped by Enzo, an enemy mafioso. Luca doesn't want to go after her, he hates her, after all, but knowing what Enzo could be doing is enough to make him come for her. Once at Enzo's, the emotions erupting around them are almost palpable. It's then that you know that Luca never has stopped loving Anabel but, to keep her safe, he has to act as if he couldn't care less. When Luca tells her the rest of the story, I have to admit that I certainly didn't see that coming! It's a touchingly sweet story, tinged with violence, that brings the love story of Anabel and Luca to a temporary close. Although the ending is wonderful, I'd like to see an epilogue to bring about full closure. A terrific series!
November 22, 2020
This is book three in The Alpha Boyfriend's Series and it is Luca and Anabel's story and omg you have to read it. When Anabel and Luca met they were quite young but there connection was instant but Anabel needed to continue her studies and do well so she could go to university and Luca was part of the mafia not that she knew at the time but after he saved her from an attack when she was nearly eighteen they started seeing each other but it all blew up in there faces. Years later and Luca is the top boss in the mafia but he has never forgot Anabel even after everything that she had done so when her life is threatened all bets are off and who ever it is he will deal with them harshly. Anabel loves her best friends Charlotte and Emily as they have been there for her at the worst time in her life even though she never told them about Luca so now she is avoiding them so as not to answer the questions that she knows that they will ask and she can't talk about it as it will break her yet again. Will they ever get a second chance to be together or has too much time past for it to ever work for them. Omg this book was absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down and it had so many twists and turns that it kept you on your toes and you had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was totally addictive. Anabel and Luca still had a strong connection and chemistry between them but will it be enough. JS Cooper is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by her and you will definitely not be disappointed as it is a true masterpiece.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this Amazing Book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this Amazing Book.
March 6, 2025
I read this book by mistake, thinking it was the book my reading group had chosen. That said, even with an open mind, I was disappointed in how the story played out. The premise had potential for an intense romance with suspense and intrigue, but the execution fell flat.
I enjoy good Mafia romances, but this one just doesn’t work for me. Adding to the execution problems are the numerous missing words, misspellings, and grammar issues. I am by no means a grammar policeman, but these errors pulled me out of the story, and I didn’t want to get back in. It is very frustrating.
The female lead in this story, Anabel, comes across as spoiled and surprisingly naive for a well-educated woman. As a mafia romance, it also missed the mark—Anabel was beyond annoying, and Luca was far too weak to be a believable mafia boss or even a boss in training. I wanted to yell at him to find another job.
Overall, this book didn’t work for me. The plot lacked cohesion, the characters were frustrating, and the writing felt unpolished. If you're looking for a compelling Mafia romance, there are better options out there. I will admit that this is the third book in the series, and possibly, if I had started at the beginning, I may have enjoyed the story more, but I don’t think so. It is a Kindle Unlimited selection, so that is a positive.
I enjoy good Mafia romances, but this one just doesn’t work for me. Adding to the execution problems are the numerous missing words, misspellings, and grammar issues. I am by no means a grammar policeman, but these errors pulled me out of the story, and I didn’t want to get back in. It is very frustrating.
The female lead in this story, Anabel, comes across as spoiled and surprisingly naive for a well-educated woman. As a mafia romance, it also missed the mark—Anabel was beyond annoying, and Luca was far too weak to be a believable mafia boss or even a boss in training. I wanted to yell at him to find another job.
Overall, this book didn’t work for me. The plot lacked cohesion, the characters were frustrating, and the writing felt unpolished. If you're looking for a compelling Mafia romance, there are better options out there. I will admit that this is the third book in the series, and possibly, if I had started at the beginning, I may have enjoyed the story more, but I don’t think so. It is a Kindle Unlimited selection, so that is a positive.
November 28, 2020
This series gets better and better, it’s sexy, hot and still full of intrigue. The book was fast paced intense and suspenseful. The story begins eight years previously when Anabel and Luca first meet but things ended up badly between them. Now eight years on Luca a now powerful mafia boss, sees Anabel but it’s not passion that’s driving him this time it’s revenge. What happens when the truth and lies come to the surface?? Will they be able to salvage what they once had and get there HEA?? What’s the secret Enzo his arched enemy and Giorgio his under boss are hiding maybe Matteo his estranged cousin knows more than he is letting on?? Just when you think you have figured the plot out Jaimie hits you with another curveball. I definitely recommend this book, not one to be missed. I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
November 24, 2020
Super hot supper sexy love,hate you name it there emotions were pure on her part raw and dangerous on his part. Luka hes not warm and fuzzy hes a mafia boss but when they first met he was just in the beginnings of his downward spiral of darkness but she was his light completely innocent of who and what he was. Then the inevitable happened and Anabel discovered who he really was so she ran. Anabel spent along time moving past her love for Luka and a longer time hiding from him there shouldn't be anything left but time and fate brings her back to Luka and everything dangerous is there love strong enough or is his life as a mafia boss to much for Anabel yet again. This had allot of tension in it there was a build up to there emotions and passion and who doesn't like a good I love you now I hate you book.
I was allowed to read this book and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read this book and this is my honest review.
November 24, 2020
When We Were Us brings us back to the three besties and the men who’ve captured their hearts. This is Anabel and Luca story tho Anabel’s besties Charlotte and Emily and significant others to make their appearance and play role in this book. The twist/turns and oh my gosh scenarios keep you captivated throughout the book. Phenomenal story! Characters that you can feel in your heart. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat and glued to your kindle! For me it was I love you but hate you deal as the main characters face the harsh reality. Payback is on their side. A must read. Grab your copy today and start reading. Enjoy happy reading 📚 I do suggest to grasp the whole story grab these two great books “The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée” (Charlotte/Max) and “About Last Night” (Emily/Matteo)
"I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book."
"I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book."
November 24, 2020
Mafia and second chance
Very good mafia romance with a dark anti-hero, Luca and his former love, Anabel, who had run away from him when she saw his dark side. However, the past catches up with them.
The story is all in doubts, manipulations, lies, within the Brooklyn criminal organization, and it is very tense between the former lovers, if only for the attraction they have for the other and which they hate to want.
The story is pretty good, sometimes very hot, but the end is a bit stretched over the decisions to be made, while the beginning is teeming with action, events. However, reversals take place throughout the story and keep the suspense on what will happen and what will fight. For a first mafia romance for JS Cooper it is pretty good.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Very good mafia romance with a dark anti-hero, Luca and his former love, Anabel, who had run away from him when she saw his dark side. However, the past catches up with them.
The story is all in doubts, manipulations, lies, within the Brooklyn criminal organization, and it is very tense between the former lovers, if only for the attraction they have for the other and which they hate to want.
The story is pretty good, sometimes very hot, but the end is a bit stretched over the decisions to be made, while the beginning is teeming with action, events. However, reversals take place throughout the story and keep the suspense on what will happen and what will fight. For a first mafia romance for JS Cooper it is pretty good.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
November 28, 2020
I received an advanced copy and l volunteered to leave an honest review.
Anabel finally gets her book. We meet up with Emily and Charlotte in this third installment. Anabel and Luca have instant attraction and great chemistry.
The beginning is amazing. You get the background story, the how and when. I enjoyed the different POVs from both of them as well. I liked Anabel since Emily’s book so it was nice to hear you talk now.
This was a nice twist from enemies to lovers and also a second chance romance. It had its mafia references and some “dark” content, but nothing too extreme. It was an easy read and a nice way to tie all three girls together. I really liked the integration of Matteo to the mix.
Overall, it was a slow burn but sill captivating. You do have some laughs but few and far between. No major plot line flaws or inconsistencies.
Anabel finally gets her book. We meet up with Emily and Charlotte in this third installment. Anabel and Luca have instant attraction and great chemistry.
The beginning is amazing. You get the background story, the how and when. I enjoyed the different POVs from both of them as well. I liked Anabel since Emily’s book so it was nice to hear you talk now.
This was a nice twist from enemies to lovers and also a second chance romance. It had its mafia references and some “dark” content, but nothing too extreme. It was an easy read and a nice way to tie all three girls together. I really liked the integration of Matteo to the mix.
Overall, it was a slow burn but sill captivating. You do have some laughs but few and far between. No major plot line flaws or inconsistencies.
December 2, 2020
This is the third book in the Alpha Boyfriends series. In books 1 and 2 Anabel skirted around the fact that she had a tragic first love and at the end of About Last Night she wound up face to face with her past after a brief run in with Luca.
When We Were Us is time for Anabel and Luca’s story to be told. Luca is out for revenge because he thought that Anabel left him and immediately turned the mafia boss into the feds.
While my favorite book in the series was the first one, The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée because of the humor and fun dialogue between all of the characters, I enjoyed it more than About Last Night. Luca is the right amount of Alpha Boyfriend and Anabel is no shrinking violet.
All in all, another solid book by JS Cooper
I received this book as an ARC and promised to leave an honest review.
When We Were Us is time for Anabel and Luca’s story to be told. Luca is out for revenge because he thought that Anabel left him and immediately turned the mafia boss into the feds.
While my favorite book in the series was the first one, The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée because of the humor and fun dialogue between all of the characters, I enjoyed it more than About Last Night. Luca is the right amount of Alpha Boyfriend and Anabel is no shrinking violet.
All in all, another solid book by JS Cooper
I received this book as an ARC and promised to leave an honest review.
November 20, 2020
Filled with drama, lust, secrets and miscommunication, this DARK MAFIA ROMANCE will have you saying WTF...? Seriously!!!!
So let me start off with.. like all of JS Coopers books I really couldn’t put this book down. IT’s GUARANTEED TO HOLD YOU CAPTIVE UNTIL THE END. Filled with drama, lust, secrets and miscommunication, this DARK MAFIA ROMANCE will have you saying WTF...? Seriously!!!!
But don’t let that comment fool you.. THIS BOOK ISN'T LIKE ANY OF THE OTHERS SHE HAS WRITTEN nor is it like other Dark Mafia Romances I have read!! So if you like a book with a few mysterious twists that contains some thriller elements then this is definitely a book you should be reading, and if it’s not, you don’t know what your missing!!
I received an ARC of this book!!
So let me start off with.. like all of JS Coopers books I really couldn’t put this book down. IT’s GUARANTEED TO HOLD YOU CAPTIVE UNTIL THE END. Filled with drama, lust, secrets and miscommunication, this DARK MAFIA ROMANCE will have you saying WTF...? Seriously!!!!
But don’t let that comment fool you.. THIS BOOK ISN'T LIKE ANY OF THE OTHERS SHE HAS WRITTEN nor is it like other Dark Mafia Romances I have read!! So if you like a book with a few mysterious twists that contains some thriller elements then this is definitely a book you should be reading, and if it’s not, you don’t know what your missing!!
I received an ARC of this book!!
November 25, 2020
This is the alpha story of Lucas, who is a mafia boss. He likes Anabel and wants to keep her safe and out of his lifestyle. This is story grabs you at the beginning and keeps you reading. Lots of intrigue and action as well as some good steam. When Anabel found out about Luca when she was younger, she did the only thing she could and ran. Years later, Luca has her in his sights though this time he wants revenge for what she did when they were young. They do end up talking it out and feel they were made for each other but can they make things work? Can they forgive each other and make a life? Can they trust again? This one has some good twists that surprise you and keep you reading.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
December 5, 2020
Drama drama drama
Loved this series. And the relationships between the three girls and their chugs. Each had their own story with their own love interest and it was building to Annabel with Luca. It was mentioned in the previous book with Emily and Matteo when it was brought to our attention that basically in another life they were together and they broke up. Essentially breaking both their hearts. It was sad and both loving because you could see how much they both cared and loved one another in their own ways. So many Homs dropped. So much drama. Then at the end another bomb! And the reasoning behind all the lies and betrayals. But both characters grew and became better individuals than they were before being in a solidified couple. Great story.
Loved this series. And the relationships between the three girls and their chugs. Each had their own story with their own love interest and it was building to Annabel with Luca. It was mentioned in the previous book with Emily and Matteo when it was brought to our attention that basically in another life they were together and they broke up. Essentially breaking both their hearts. It was sad and both loving because you could see how much they both cared and loved one another in their own ways. So many Homs dropped. So much drama. Then at the end another bomb! And the reasoning behind all the lies and betrayals. But both characters grew and became better individuals than they were before being in a solidified couple. Great story.
November 22, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This book is a mafia romance with a HEA ending. And what mafia book would be complete without some hot sexy scenes. I actually didn't realize this is the 3rd book in the series but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Luca is the boss and gets anything he wants. Except the girl. She betrayed him in the worst way. Now he's ready to make her feel his pain.
Anabel wasn't ready to see Luca again. She wasn't ready for all the memories to come back. The ones she has kept hidden even from her friends.
I really enjoyed this book. It had some twist that I didn't see coming and I don't want to give them away. Definitely a must read.
Luca is the boss and gets anything he wants. Except the girl. She betrayed him in the worst way. Now he's ready to make her feel his pain.
Anabel wasn't ready to see Luca again. She wasn't ready for all the memories to come back. The ones she has kept hidden even from her friends.
I really enjoyed this book. It had some twist that I didn't see coming and I don't want to give them away. Definitely a must read.
November 26, 2020
Wow, I loved this book! I seem to say that a lot, but J. S. Cooper never disappoints me.
There’s nothing like thinking you’ve lost the love of your life to realise that you don’t hate them for leaving you after all. Maybe you still love them, enough to risk your own life for them.
When We Were Us will keep you up all night to get to the finish and see what happens.
This book is great, my only wish is that it didn’t have to end just yet, a few more years with the main characters from all 3 books would be awesome.
Thanks for sharing your passion for writing with us J. S. Cooper.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.
There’s nothing like thinking you’ve lost the love of your life to realise that you don’t hate them for leaving you after all. Maybe you still love them, enough to risk your own life for them.
When We Were Us will keep you up all night to get to the finish and see what happens.
This book is great, my only wish is that it didn’t have to end just yet, a few more years with the main characters from all 3 books would be awesome.
Thanks for sharing your passion for writing with us J. S. Cooper.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 29, 2020
After all the years apart Anabel and Luca still had a sizzling connection. Even though they claimed to hate each other as we all know there's a fine line between love and hate. Luca tried to protect Anabel years ago but she didn't know that. Assuming things will lead you down a wrong path as it did the two of them. But when he is suddenly back in her life Anabel can't deny her true feelings even though she knows it's wrong. As events unfold and secrets come out, one of the most shocking secrets almost gets Anabel, Luca and her friends killed. If not for Matteo exposing Giorgio things may not have turned out so good.
Mafia rules to live by
Mafia rules to live by
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
I’m annoyed that I read this book. I preordered it after reading Charlotte and Max’s book because I was so curious about Annabel’s ex who we did not speak of. I thought I read the second but never did. When I saw that the preorder finally arrived, I felt up for a mafia romance.
The story has stuff I didn’t see coming and I was interested to see where the story was going to play out. But the endless monologues were painful, particularly at the end. I can’t even find it in my to be happy for their HEA.
Not sure I’ll read any more from this author, there are just too many others who’s stories I like way more. I’m out...
The story has stuff I didn’t see coming and I was interested to see where the story was going to play out. But the endless monologues were painful, particularly at the end. I can’t even find it in my to be happy for their HEA.
Not sure I’ll read any more from this author, there are just too many others who’s stories I like way more. I’m out...
November 30, 2020
Innocent and sweet Anabel meets Mafia Boss Luca and instant attraction pulls them together until Luca shows his true colors causing her to run. Several years pass with no contact until some unexpected events occur and the two are back in each other’s lives. Can these two make their relationship work? Will they be able to forget the past and move forward together? Will the people determined to harm them be what ends them, or will the lack of trust they have for each other do that? Really liked the book. It was very fast paced which making it a page turner. Full of twists and intrigue.
I received a ARC copy of this book f0r my honest opinion.
I received a ARC copy of this book f0r my honest opinion.
December 2, 2020
Do you want danger and love in a book? If so, this is one for you. Luca half jokingly tells Anabel he's in the Mafia. She doesn't believe him at first and then she finds out he isn't joking.
Luca had seen Anabel and from first sight he loved her. She felt the same. Until one day, something changed. Something happened and they both feel the other person is to blame for the heartache. What happens when Anabel and Luca come back into one another's lives? Can you ever truly be safe when dealing with the Mafia? Some good twists and turns that make this enjoyable. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book and have not been compensated for my time or for a revoew.of this book.
Luca had seen Anabel and from first sight he loved her. She felt the same. Until one day, something changed. Something happened and they both feel the other person is to blame for the heartache. What happens when Anabel and Luca come back into one another's lives? Can you ever truly be safe when dealing with the Mafia? Some good twists and turns that make this enjoyable. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book and have not been compensated for my time or for a revoew.of this book.
December 3, 2020
This was a different type of book for Ms. Cooper, but I have to say bravo for her foray into the darker side, ie. the mafia. Luca was the mob boss of his family, not necessarily because he wanted to, but once he was, he was the head mafia boss in New York. Until he saw her again in Miamii. The one who got away, so to speak. Annabel. He never forgot her. Now, he can't concentrate, which in his line of work could get you dead! So he makes a plan... Please read this book, all of it's ups and downs! I promise, the roller coaster ride is so worth it in the end! I highly recommend! I highly recommend!
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