Shelley De Luca has a problem. A large, man-sized one in the form of the older brother of her dead high school sweetheart. She owes him a marker and he intends to collect. In the biblical way. Sure, he’s dangerous, a jerk and a player but he’s also gorgeous, sexy and secretly the man of her dreams. Except for the small matter of her heart, paying him back should be easy. Gianni Cadora is Mafia trying to go legit. When Shelley stumbles back into his life, she comes with bruises, a psycho ex and a spicy attitude he can’t resist. He’s an alpha bad-ass used to getting his way, so why is it so difficult to convince her he’s what she needs? Perhaps it’s their history or his reputation, but he isn’t above using his marker or a funny, flatulent dog to get what he wants.
I hail from Cape Town, South Africa (the very southern part for those unfamiliar) but currently live in Northern California. I'm a romance nut, crazy about my kids and animals and when I'm not writing I love growing things, especially avocados and tomatoes. I also have a thing for hot men on Harleys and ugly bulldogs.
Before my obsession with creating hot, sexy alphas and the strong women they fall in love with, I spent time as a nanny, dabbled in being a travel agent, hairdressing and property management. If you want to see my face, you can find me on TikTok @annhowesromance 🥰
Hot second-chance romance, murder mystery, stalker ex-boyfriend, mafia connections, there's so much going on in this book! But the author weaves together each of these threads to create a beautiful tapestry of emotion, with no loose ends and a cast of characters that instantly felt like family.
Shelley has moved back to San Francisco ten years after her father's death, only to cross paths with her high school boyfriend, who turns up murdered days later, while she's on the run from an abusive boyfriend who's involved in so much more than she imagined. Gianni had to let Shelley go all those years ago because of their complicated history, but now that he knows she's back and in danger he's going to pull out all the stops to protect her, even if that means keeping his own secrets.
This is a fast-paced, action-filled romance showing how communities are intricately interconnected, the good and the bad, and the lengths even honest men will go to in protecting their families. I loved every breathtaking moment, and couldn't put it down until I got to their all-secrets-revealed HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Ten stars this is mafia romance at its best, loads of characters only add spice to an already steamy twisted tale. Shelley disqualified losers first high school, Joey cheated, now Dean had hit her, being told Joey was dead and the funeral today, Shelly facing Gianni Joeys older brother and the guy she lusted over all the those years ago. Gianni couldn't believe he was seeing her again after all this time, and with a black eye it seems she needs his protection. Loved it and definitely need more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one of the best movies I’ve ever read! I know it’s a book, but I was so immersed in the story that I could see it play out in my head. The characters were engaging, I could sympathize with them all because they author filled the pages with tons of emotions and details. The story felt so realistic and I was completely invested in the outcome. I love the old guys and the way they embraced the younger generation and raced in to offer support and assistance. I throughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next installment!
This is the first I've read from this author and I have to say I liked her writing style. The potential is there for her stories to be even better or more fleshed out in certain places, And I enjoyed the characters As well as the storyline. I will look for more from this author in the future.
Rating: 3 stars What I Liked: I quite enjoyed reading this. It was very engaging and interesting to read, with just enough twists to keep me interested. The style of it made me think a little of Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick series. It had a lighter, joky tone to it despite the darker content, and I found that enjoyable. There were some humorous bits in it amongst everything else that was going on, and I thought it was quite a nice blend. I liked Shelley, she was a fun character and she behaved in ways I empathised with. I also liked that I wasn’t so keen on Gianni - he had his moments, but sometimes he annoyed me (more about that below). However, I thought their relationship had good chemistry, for the most part; the sex scenes were well-written and I thought their banter could be quite entertaining. I thought that the suspense plot line was quite interesting; there weren’t that many surprises, but I thought there was a lot of tension and some genuinely frightening/unsettling scenes. I also liked a lot of the side characters, especially Billy and including Truman the dog. They were really sweet and What I Didn’t: I liked their relationship but I found all of the back and forth about stuff that happened when she was a teenager a bit repetitive and convoluted. Some of it felt a bit random My main criticism however is the preoccupation with Shelley’s sex life. Similarly, there were some moments that felt a bit victim-blamey. Overall: For the most part, this was a fun, entertaining read, combining a lighter tone of writing with some darker subject matter quite effectively. However, there were a couple of things I didn’t like, particularly the way that Shelley’s behaviour was critiqued by Gianni. Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a sort-of-mafia romance with a more humorous atmosphere with a bit of angst. I say sort-of-mafia romance as the hero is meant to be reformed and out of the business, but the characters are still involved in organised crime to different levels. Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes. Content Warnings:
I loved Gianni and Shelley’s story so very much. This had it all…dark romance, secret crushes, secrets in general, obsession, possessiveness, kidnapping, organized crime, murder, and holy spice! Well written, tight plot, amazing characters! With humor sprinkled in, I devoured this read in one sitting. I loved watching Gianni come to terms with his feelings and cross that bridge, finally. When Shelley got her truth my heart broke with her. I was so happy dancing when Shelley got her hea. Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a great story !! One of the best mafia romances that I've read. Great characters, mystery, scorching chemistry, feisty heroine, and HEA. A must read!!
This book is about a young woman named Shelley De Luca who falls in love with a mafia man (Gianni) who is trying to go straight. He wants his men to stop selling illegal drugs and just sell prescription and painkilling drugs. Shelley used to date Joey, Gianni's brother (who was murdered under mysterious circumstances), and Dean, a vicious criminal who got really abusive toward her so she left him. But now Dean is after her and causing all kinds of terrible trouble while Shelley and Gianni are falling madly in love. Dean leaves her text threats and images, had a man run over a good friend with a car, and put a camera in her bathroom to spy on her. And that's all not to mention when he starts with attempted murder and murder, as well as kidnapping. How can Gianni keep her safe through all this? There were lots more major events but I'm trying to avoid spoilers as best as I can, just know there is PLENTY to keep your interest as you read this book. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I've read from this author and before I finished, I was already looking for more. I loved the characters, especially swoonworthy Gianni. Shelley drove me a little crazy with her back and forth issues. But with the mystery of her Dad's murder and mafia connections, the story was fast moving and action packed. A definite 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I recently read the 3rd book in this series, so I thought I'd try the first one. It's pretty good, though the story is a bit more convoluted than I enjoy. As the secrets are revealed, each one is nastier than the one before. There is lost of lusty build-up, but the pay-off wasn't as intense as I expected. The side characters were well developed, but there were too many of them.
So this gets a "yes, but..." 3 stars. I'll read the 2nd book next.
I started off by reading this book on KU. I had to buy it after since I became addicted after the first read. I love these series. This book has turned into one of my favorite re-reads. The characters are compelling and magnetic. I love the humor and the intensity. Great read. I can't wait to see what else this author comes up with.
Parts of it are really funny, but she’s horrid! So angry!
Shelly is definitely the worst part of this book. She ruins it. She’s so angry at everyone, her mother, because when her dad was murdered she didn’t talk about him, her ex who died, Gianni because he’s dated a lot???
Shelly is back living in the area she grew up in, when she is told her ex has been murdered. At the funeral she sees his brother Gianni, who she’s always had feelings for. (Jeremy Kyle storyline?) Gianni has always had feelings for her too, but never told her. Shelley’s violent and controlling ex is stalking her, and when she has a near miss with a car, Gianni takes her to his house to look after her. They get closer and have sex, and I thought, yay, that’s it they are together. Noooo that’s way too simple for this author. There are things that she totally blames him for, and aren’t his fault. She’s just angry at him all the time. And it’s ANNOYING!!! She’s angry at him that he dates a lot of women, she’s angry that he’s slept with a woman who he still does business with. Yet when he asks her if she slept with her ex, she lets him believe that she did!!! And his brother!!
The sad thing about this book, is that parts are really funny and sweet. Sex scenes are awful. A quick grope and he pounds into her. And of course she has endless orgasms just from that. Yawn. As stated above, Shelly is horrid! Couldn’t stand her! Gianni is too wimpy with her. He needs to man up and tell her that she’s out of order!
Would I read anymore of her books? No. Sadly as I do love a good laugh at times and I seriously did.
This book got off to a great start, loved it, a brilliant setup, but it never delivered. It is not a Mafia story. And it is not dark. It's told from only Shelly's pov. It's never made clear as to what the "marker" she owes Gianni is for.. It's all a little vague like the plot. The emotional links between the two that make you root for a couple aren't there. At times there was more of a emotional connection to the dead ex, Gianni's brother, Joey. Side note everyone seems to think everyone else is hot and if they have big boobs they are slutty, gossips or the other woman. If I have it right, the story takes place over 5 weeks. Which doesn't seem right for the recovery from some of her injuries. The drama with her fathers murder is not played out properly. Again, it is just sort of implied and just explained near the end. The characters are stand-up good guys, men of honour going legit. Even the bad guy says he wants to "get out"! Shelly is a bit annoying... she is smart and spicy and not going to give into Gianni... but oh, he is so good-looking she can't think! Sex scenes are very poor, Gianni just seems to pound into her, and she has multiple orgasims. And one time he just touched her and she came! The build-up or anticipation for critical events is not there. Things just happen. The fear or excitement feels at meh. Which is how I feel about this book, Meh.
Shelley De Luca returns to her home town to deal with her past and make a life for herself. The problem is that things are more complicated than she plans, an old crush, a stalker and past ghosts. Gianni Cadora is ex-mafia but still an alpha bad-ass who is used to getting his way. They have chemistry but he has a reputation and she has a lot of trust issues. The question is can they overcome it all.
This is an exciting, contemporary mafia romance that is heartwarming and full of interesting characters. This is a well crafted story with multiple layers and a great build up of suspense and romantic tension. I found this book engaging and hard to put down. The characters are full of personality complete with strengths and weaknesses and the ability to change. The storyline runs along smoothly and full of action. There is sexual tension, romantic moments, and hot steamy scenes set amongst danger, action and suspense. The characters have to go through a lot, personal histories, emotional drama and multiple external obstacles that take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. I enjoyed this book and the author’s style of writing. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shelley moves back to her hometown after 10 years. Her ex boyfriend from highschool has died and she comes face to face with his older brother. The older brother she had crushed on, and crushed hard. There's history with him and a bunch of secondary characters as they all grew up together and were all mafia but have been going legit for a while. This was an enjoyable read with engaging characters, a little suspense with an obsessed ex and Shelley & Gianni finally getting together. I enjoyed the read & despite being annoyed with Shelley at times, she was still a strong kick butt character who I wanted to see with Gianni. I definitely recommend and look forward to the next book. Enjoy!
Sometimes seeing the past through another's eyes changes the way you look at the events.
Enjoyable, although parts of it were a little drawn out and could have been condensed a little. I was beginning to think they would never just have sex and move the story line along. I pretty much figured out most of the major plot points, but that did not take away from the story. I would have like more Marco and Carmine, and even Billy. Also feel like the ex's brother should have played a role somewhere along the way. I know this all sounds like I wasn't happy with the story, but I really was. It was a great way to spend a few hours curled up on my sofa.
This is the first book of this author I see listed on her page, so possibly a new author, at least new to me. I've read a lot of mafia stories but this one is definitely different. It offers a little bit of everything, running the gamut of emotions. Of course the inevitable HEA. I will confess by the time I finished I enjoyed her style so much I binge read the rest of the series. They were equally as good. I have over 2300 read books on my kindle. I am sure Ann Howes will be added to the list of authors I follow.
I enjoyed this story. This was mostly a nice clean book except for 2 sex scenes. Gianni was a guy that most of us would've like to go with; Sex on a stick and a little bad boy. He is honest, respectful and loving. Shelley blamed the males on how she was treated, please, she was attracted to bad boys that had no respect for female. All of these characters were very believable. Mostdecided to leave the mob and live ligedemet lives. But you can't leave that world 100%.
Book one in The Bridge series by an Author I have not read before. This is a well written story with a great storyline the story flows smoothly across the pages. Shelley De Luca and Gianni Cadora will have a lot to go through before they get their happy ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this mafia romance but in this case, he is trying to go legit. He also has a chance at romance, if her ex-boyfriend doesn't kill her first.
This story has fabulous characters and is action-packed and fast-paced. It also has romance, humour, and a flatulent dog!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story, it’s the second book I’ve read by this author (despite it being the first book in the series). I really like how the author sets the scene and writes such wonderful characters. I also give extra points for including a lovable cute pup to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was well written, but at times I felt as if I wasn’t reading about adults young or old but teenagers that were confused and didn’t have a handle on their emotions. I read it full because I wanted to give this author a fair chance. I will read one more book from this author to see if this book just felt off or if I can get with their storytelling.
Four slaps First to Shelley's mom for not telling her the truth Second to Gianni for not telling Deluca the truth Third slap to Shelley for being immature and a down right pain in the butt Fourth slap to Gianni! Why didn't he ask her to marry him given his love for her and their history?
Gianni and Shelley what a story right from the start till the end this book I have not been able to put down ,it draws you in from the start so many twists and turns ,the other characters were amazing as wel I loved Billy even Trueman the farting dog I have one of those great story now on to the next one
I like a good Mafia romance so this was a great book for me. This had a good plot and once I started it I did not want to put it down. Shelley and Gianni were great together the chemistry between them was smoking hot. This was a great read and I am looking forward to the next book