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Sinners of Boston #2
Taken
I stole my trophy wife
I need a mother for my two kids. A wife to warm my bed. A lover to break.
That's Carmela.
I thought my only battle would be between us...in the bedroom.…but marrying her incited a war I never saw coming.
If I don't win…I lose everything.
I need a mother for my two kids. A wife to warm my bed. A lover to break.
That's Carmela.
I thought my only battle would be between us...in the bedroom.…but marrying her incited a war I never saw coming.
If I don't win…I lose everything.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2020
854 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Waltz
36 books1,488 followersVanessa Waltz is an author of Dark Bad Boy Romance and lives in Seattle with her two ill-behaved cats.
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.
Vanessa is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Email: info@vanessawaltzbooks.com
Website: www.vanessawaltzbooks.com
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2JQ4PZ9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQ7i5R
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.
Vanessa is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Email: info@vanessawaltzbooks.com
Website: www.vanessawaltzbooks.com
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2JQ4PZ9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQ7i5R
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
May 10, 2020
This 2nd book in the series picks up a year after Alessio/Mia had a baby and left the mafia life. Michael has become a completely different person after Carmela/Mia's father recently killed his brother. I re-read the first book and I've rewritten this review several times to explain my frustrations. Essentially, it comes down to the characters' actions, dialogue, and internal thoughts never match. Its inconsistencies created so much confusion and frustration it drew me away from enjoying the parts I liked. This is like a draft that needs a strong and honest beta reader to help regroup, cut the unnecessary, fill in the blanks, and bring back the focus. The idea is there, but the story fell apart too many times for me to enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2020
Taken is a raw and fast-paced mafia story. It started out intense and stayed that way throughout the book. I really like Michael and Carmela. The dynamics between these two characters is great. This book is well written and does end with a HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed it and if you're into mafia-style romance I recommend this one.
Note: Reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and gave my honest opinion.
Read
May 26, 2020I won’t rate this book, I’m appreciate receiving an ARC but I’m just can’t choose the stars or what to say, specially because for that the amount of spoilers would be enormous and I try to avoided for someone else.
January 3, 2025
Absolutely horrible.
I’m tapping out of this series.
I’m tapping out of this series.
May 8, 2020
Taken is the second book in a series of stand-alones, however I feel like if you haven't already read Arranged: A Dark Mafia Romance, you would be really lost. I read it, and was still really confused about what was going on. Even though this book is a standalone for the coupling of Michael and Carmela, both have major backstories with their exes in book 1 that are very pertinent to this book.
Another problem for me was the transitions at new chapters. At new chapters, the story would be days or weeks later than where the previous chapter had left off at a pretty good sized story line peak. We'd get this great build up to something happening, but then the next page is in the future and gives us a brief synopsis of what we missed. I had pretty much the same complaint about the previous book. Besides those few things, this was a good read. And I can't wait to see if there will be more books, perhaps Vinn will get his own book next!
Another problem for me was the transitions at new chapters. At new chapters, the story would be days or weeks later than where the previous chapter had left off at a pretty good sized story line peak. We'd get this great build up to something happening, but then the next page is in the future and gives us a brief synopsis of what we missed. I had pretty much the same complaint about the previous book. Besides those few things, this was a good read. And I can't wait to see if there will be more books, perhaps Vinn will get his own book next!
June 5, 2021
Style: Mafia/ Mobster/ Romance
Story: 4/5
Sexual: GOOD
Enjoyment: 4/5
Series: Book 2
I liked the second book in the series and the storyline the author mapped out for both Carmela and Michael. I was invested in the plot and all that was unfolding, I got action, sexual excitement and got see see familiar characters from book 1. I got to see a more in depth view of Michael as he had a crazy wife who is no longer in the picture and want a mother figure for his kids. It was interesting seeing him with his kids but then having to be ruthless with everyone around him. Carmela, I liked her, obviously didn’t like her ex as he plays a big role here.
Overall, a good story for me and I am hoping there will be a story about Vinn as he is definitely mysterious.
April 11, 2022
wonderful Dark Mafia
This is book 2 in a series of Mafia books by Vanessa Waltz and while each of them is stand alone I think it is a good idea to read them in order like I have. I love Vanessa’s Characters and I think you will really like them too. Lots of action and a nice amount of 🔥 with a good HEA. Is how I describe each of Vanessa’s books.
This is book 2 in a series of Mafia books by Vanessa Waltz and while each of them is stand alone I think it is a good idea to read them in order like I have. I love Vanessa’s Characters and I think you will really like them too. Lots of action and a nice amount of 🔥 with a good HEA. Is how I describe each of Vanessa’s books.
May 19, 2020
Michael Costa🐺! Michael Costa🐺! Michael Costa🐺!
ADULT Alpha Mafia Male🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪 BDSM Romance💕👋 with Abduction. The Gangsters Wife👰.
To have and to hold👰 and to hate? Playing those mind games forever🎶.
Widower Michael Costa🐺🍆⛲👋🔫🔪, mob boss and BDSM👋👋 devotee, decides to steal Carmela💃💋, the daughter of the mobster that killed his brother. It's a retaliatory move that will have long lasting effects.
He also abducts her father and mother and is holding them hostage. Carmela💃💋 doesn't know if they are alive or dead!
She has had enough pain in her life, having been caught up in an abusive relationship at one time with Crash, a biker.
Carmela💃💋 bargains with herself as the prize🏆 if Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋 will only let her parents live. Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋 is happy to oblige, thinking he can take out all his frustrations on her. But he keeps the knowledge of what has happened to her parents to himself, a secret from Carmela. She will be his wife👰. This will be permanent!
The book is filled with a lot of unrelenting grimmness, throughout. Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋 is faced with many trials, something is always going wrong, situations are always coming up that he and his men must deal with. He wants to kill Crash, who can't seem to let go of Carmela💃💋.
Carmela💃💋 is thrilled, and desperately attracted💕 to Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋, while at the same time she is repelled by his dominating cold and calculating demeanor. The only time he lets his guard down is around his children.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got the ebook with KU.
The book is told from Alternating points of view.
This one of the better Mafia Romances💕🔫🔪 I have read. The book is an intense read.
ADULT Alpha Mafia Male🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪 BDSM Romance💕👋 with Abduction. The Gangsters Wife👰.
To have and to hold👰 and to hate? Playing those mind games forever🎶.
Widower Michael Costa🐺🍆⛲👋🔫🔪, mob boss and BDSM👋👋 devotee, decides to steal Carmela💃💋, the daughter of the mobster that killed his brother. It's a retaliatory move that will have long lasting effects.
He also abducts her father and mother and is holding them hostage. Carmela💃💋 doesn't know if they are alive or dead!
She has had enough pain in her life, having been caught up in an abusive relationship at one time with Crash, a biker.
Carmela💃💋 bargains with herself as the prize🏆 if Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋 will only let her parents live. Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋 is happy to oblige, thinking he can take out all his frustrations on her. But he keeps the knowledge of what has happened to her parents to himself, a secret from Carmela. She will be his wife👰. This will be permanent!
The book is filled with a lot of unrelenting grimmness, throughout. Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋 is faced with many trials, something is always going wrong, situations are always coming up that he and his men must deal with. He wants to kill Crash, who can't seem to let go of Carmela💃💋.
Carmela💃💋 is thrilled, and desperately attracted💕 to Michael🐺🍆⛲🔫🔪👋, while at the same time she is repelled by his dominating cold and calculating demeanor. The only time he lets his guard down is around his children.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got the ebook with KU.
The book is told from Alternating points of view.
This one of the better Mafia Romances💕🔫🔪 I have read. The book is an intense read.
October 21, 2025
STRANA FAMILY BOOK BLOG
Questo romanzo, appartenente alla serie "Peccatori di Boston", si concentra sulle figure di Carmela e Michael. Quest'ultimo, vedovo, trova nella morte della moglie un sollievo, data la sua dipendenza da sostanze stupefacenti e la conseguente trascuratezza verso i figli. Michael, pur essendo coinvolto in attività illecite, dimostra un profondo amore paterno. Carmela, reduce da una relazione traumatica, nutre una diffidenza verso gli uomini. Tuttavia, si vede costretta a sposare Michael per proteggere suo padre, assumendo il ruolo di madre per i suoi figli. L'evoluzione del loro rapporto, caratterizzata da una chimica evidente e da emozioni intense, è ben delineata. Ho apprezzato l'approccio di Michael, sebbene talvolta brusco, nel cercare di supportare Carmela. L'autrice ha sapientemente esplorato la psicologia di Carmela, rispettando i suoi traumi. I bambini, infine, hanno arricchito la narrazione, contribuendo all'empatia di Carmela. La lettura si è rivelata coinvolgente, superando le aspettative rispetto al volume precedente.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶
Emozione: 💘💘💘💘
Recensione a cura di Ileana Secci.
Questo romanzo, appartenente alla serie "Peccatori di Boston", si concentra sulle figure di Carmela e Michael. Quest'ultimo, vedovo, trova nella morte della moglie un sollievo, data la sua dipendenza da sostanze stupefacenti e la conseguente trascuratezza verso i figli. Michael, pur essendo coinvolto in attività illecite, dimostra un profondo amore paterno. Carmela, reduce da una relazione traumatica, nutre una diffidenza verso gli uomini. Tuttavia, si vede costretta a sposare Michael per proteggere suo padre, assumendo il ruolo di madre per i suoi figli. L'evoluzione del loro rapporto, caratterizzata da una chimica evidente e da emozioni intense, è ben delineata. Ho apprezzato l'approccio di Michael, sebbene talvolta brusco, nel cercare di supportare Carmela. L'autrice ha sapientemente esplorato la psicologia di Carmela, rispettando i suoi traumi. I bambini, infine, hanno arricchito la narrazione, contribuendo all'empatia di Carmela. La lettura si è rivelata coinvolgente, superando le aspettative rispetto al volume precedente.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶
Emozione: 💘💘💘💘
Recensione a cura di Ileana Secci.
May 12, 2020
3.8 ✨
So the first half of this book was all sexy times and that hate lust build up between Michael and Carmela. But, I was asking myself where is the action? What’s next? I was just about to put my kindle down for the night and then things changed. Before I knew it, Vanessa Waltz slapped me in the face with a unexpected turn of events. SHIT GOT REAL. From then on my eyes were glued to every word. This story had the touches to it that made me fall in love with Vanessa Waltz in the first place. Now, I’m eager to know who’s the woman that’s going to take Vinn down? I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
So the first half of this book was all sexy times and that hate lust build up between Michael and Carmela. But, I was asking myself where is the action? What’s next? I was just about to put my kindle down for the night and then things changed. Before I knew it, Vanessa Waltz slapped me in the face with a unexpected turn of events. SHIT GOT REAL. From then on my eyes were glued to every word. This story had the touches to it that made me fall in love with Vanessa Waltz in the first place. Now, I’m eager to know who’s the woman that’s going to take Vinn down? I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
May 29, 2020
Michael is a widower with two children, head of the mafia and wants revenge for his brother's death. He decides to kidnap Carmela, the daughter of the man that killed his brother. He also has her father and mother captive but Carmela doesn't know if they are alive or dead. Carmela offers Michael one night no strings to let her parents go but Michael sees the opportunity for much more. He needs a mother for his children and a wife to warm his bed. The problem is that by the time he realize he could lose everything it may be too late to stop events that are in motion.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
November 2, 2020
2,5✨✨
This one started good but went flat..they didn't convince me 100%.
It was enjoyable but i felt like something is missing,their first intimacy scene made me cringe, honestly almost all of them but if you like kink maybe it's ok for you.
It was also kinda strange seeing them trying for a baby so soon, before a real connection , i also usually don't enjoy reading books with MC with kids with others but in this case since i read all the books in the series i gave it a try.
Overall it was a nice read.
This one started good but went flat..they didn't convince me 100%.
It was enjoyable but i felt like something is missing,their first intimacy scene made me cringe, honestly almost all of them but if you like kink maybe it's ok for you.
It was also kinda strange seeing them trying for a baby so soon, before a real connection , i also usually don't enjoy reading books with MC with kids with others but in this case since i read all the books in the series i gave it a try.
Overall it was a nice read.
January 21, 2024
This was very short read. Didn’t really like it at all. Only read cause I read the first book. Maybe the 3rd book is better?
June 17, 2021
*KU Read
I jumped from Arranged to Taken right away. We met Carmela and Michael in the last book. Michael is the father of two children and they lost their mother in the first book. Carmela is in need of help and decides to break into Michaels's house to get it. Things don't go as planned for Carmela but she does get his help. But to get it, she will marry him and become the mother of his two children.
I LOVE Michael. He is not a nice man, but he loves his children and will do anything for them, including marrying Carmela. These two will fight like cats and dogs because of the misunderstandings they will have, as usual, they will not communicate until they are forced to.
I enjoyed the story and characters in this book. On to the next story.
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I jumped from Arranged to Taken right away. We met Carmela and Michael in the last book. Michael is the father of two children and they lost their mother in the first book. Carmela is in need of help and decides to break into Michaels's house to get it. Things don't go as planned for Carmela but she does get his help. But to get it, she will marry him and become the mother of his two children.
I LOVE Michael. He is not a nice man, but he loves his children and will do anything for them, including marrying Carmela. These two will fight like cats and dogs because of the misunderstandings they will have, as usual, they will not communicate until they are forced to.
I enjoyed the story and characters in this book. On to the next story.
Blog: http://myfantasylandblog.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasylandblog
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October 3, 2020
I loved this book and the series Michael is a loving father going after what he wants and Carmella has been pinning for Michael for a while it took some drastic stuff to happen for them to know they love each other
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2023
⭐️✨️ 1.5 stars
Even though the bar was low for this I was looking forward to reading Carmelas book. BIG MISTAKE, HUGE. This was shitty af. Michael gave me fucking whiplash with his moods and I could never tell when he was being genuine. Carmela's SA was handled so fucking poorly -the author fucked up.
Even though the bar was low for this I was looking forward to reading Carmelas book. BIG MISTAKE, HUGE. This was shitty af. Michael gave me fucking whiplash with his moods and I could never tell when he was being genuine. Carmela's SA was handled so fucking poorly -the author fucked up.
February 8, 2023
2 Stars
I read the first book a while back and didn't finish it. Couldn't it was so dumb. But I came across this series again and I thought well... I know what I'm getting into so I want to try another book by this author. My expectations were much lower this time.
It admittedly took me a little bit to piece together who was who as I only made it to halfway through book one. So the events that happened at the end of that book were lost to me.
Eventually I finally remembered enough to understand what was going down when the book starts.
Overall it was an OK read. Not great by any means. I can see the author was trying and had potential but the execution is super unpolished and clunky. The scenes didn't transition well at all. At the end of the day I've read far more interesting stories. Definitely better written. But...
The highlight for me and probably the reason I stuck with it till the end was the relationship between Michael and Carmela. Michael genuinely cared about her and fell deeply in love with her very easily. Carmela was traumatized by what love could do to a man, especially obsessive love. But he was patient with her. Surprisingly alot of the time he didn't come across any sort of cold or unfeeling type. Not even any kind of mafia man either.
His relationship with Carmela though was a highlight. His fascination with rough sex and kink aside. I was worried at first because Carmela was traumatized and that was how he liked having sex. But eventually Carmela realizes what he's into isn't about pain but pleasure and control. Because Michael never would have hurt her. Thankfully the kink aspect was as hugely involved as I expected because honestly it's such a tired trope now.
I liked them together. I loved how he felt for her tbh. All the scenes of domesticity and his need to slay all her dragons was extremely sexy. And his absolute love in being a father was cute.
Things that bothered me though...
- How Carmela's past sexual assault and abuse was handled. More like it wasn't. It was treated like some vague shadow hanging over her through the first thirty percent of the book. She didn't particularly acknowledge it and she certainly didn't think it was important to be upfront with her new husband Michael about it. Though he wasn't exactly open to that sort of confession nor did they have that type of relationship in the beginning. Regardless it really freaking bothered me when later on the night of their wedding, after they had sex, she wakes from a nightmare about her abusive ex. And the way Michael handled it was all so wrong. He seemed amused and entertained even by her attempts to fight him and threaten him to stay away from her. Even forcefully restrained her until she calmed down. Not once did he piece together she was having a PTSD episode or panic attack and she damn well didn't explain. I was so mad. That was an awful scene tbh.
Specifically because her past abuse was awful. Really bad. And then when she got away from the asshole he still hunted her down and would break into her home and rape her which led to her moving around frequently and trying to hide from him. She never told anyone about his continued assaults either.
So the fact it was handled so badly and as if it was a small part of her past and how it effected her bugged me.
- The author couldn't decide if Carmela had ebony hair or brunette with gold highlights. Honest to God from one chapter to the next it changed. Within a page Michael called her his gorgeous brunette to then describing how she was wearing her ebony hair in a certain style. Color me confused y'all but there was no consistency here.
- Michael's kids were little plot devices. Honest to God they had no real purpose to the story itself and barely featured in it either. They were used to show how much Michael supposedly loved his children and to feed on Carmela's desire to be a mother. Other than that they were either not used in scenes or felt out of place in the scenes they were used in. More background noise than anything. They didn't behave all that well and the fact Michael's oldest daughter was old enough to mourn her mother but wasn't really allowed a chance to do so because Michael hated her didn't seem a big deal. Neither child had any sort of unique presence nor did they offer anything to the story itself. So, essentially props.
- The author had this really terrible habit of using the word "howl" or "howling" to describe extreme emotion. Like, Michael's kids who were four and seven would supposedly howl when upset and running through a room when unhappy. Even the heroine Carmela claimed something "howled" inside of her when she was kidnapped by her ex and was dealing with scary situations.
I'm sorry, but I've been reading romance over 15 years now and aside from paranormal romance I never once heard anyone howl anything for any reason unless it was an actual baby howling because of hunger. My goodness what a ridiculous choice of word.
I read the first book a while back and didn't finish it. Couldn't it was so dumb. But I came across this series again and I thought well... I know what I'm getting into so I want to try another book by this author. My expectations were much lower this time.
It admittedly took me a little bit to piece together who was who as I only made it to halfway through book one. So the events that happened at the end of that book were lost to me.
Eventually I finally remembered enough to understand what was going down when the book starts.
Overall it was an OK read. Not great by any means. I can see the author was trying and had potential but the execution is super unpolished and clunky. The scenes didn't transition well at all. At the end of the day I've read far more interesting stories. Definitely better written. But...
The highlight for me and probably the reason I stuck with it till the end was the relationship between Michael and Carmela. Michael genuinely cared about her and fell deeply in love with her very easily. Carmela was traumatized by what love could do to a man, especially obsessive love. But he was patient with her. Surprisingly alot of the time he didn't come across any sort of cold or unfeeling type. Not even any kind of mafia man either.
His relationship with Carmela though was a highlight. His fascination with rough sex and kink aside. I was worried at first because Carmela was traumatized and that was how he liked having sex. But eventually Carmela realizes what he's into isn't about pain but pleasure and control. Because Michael never would have hurt her. Thankfully the kink aspect was as hugely involved as I expected because honestly it's such a tired trope now.
I liked them together. I loved how he felt for her tbh. All the scenes of domesticity and his need to slay all her dragons was extremely sexy. And his absolute love in being a father was cute.
Things that bothered me though...
- How Carmela's past sexual assault and abuse was handled. More like it wasn't. It was treated like some vague shadow hanging over her through the first thirty percent of the book. She didn't particularly acknowledge it and she certainly didn't think it was important to be upfront with her new husband Michael about it. Though he wasn't exactly open to that sort of confession nor did they have that type of relationship in the beginning. Regardless it really freaking bothered me when later on the night of their wedding, after they had sex, she wakes from a nightmare about her abusive ex. And the way Michael handled it was all so wrong. He seemed amused and entertained even by her attempts to fight him and threaten him to stay away from her. Even forcefully restrained her until she calmed down. Not once did he piece together she was having a PTSD episode or panic attack and she damn well didn't explain. I was so mad. That was an awful scene tbh.
Specifically because her past abuse was awful. Really bad. And then when she got away from the asshole he still hunted her down and would break into her home and rape her which led to her moving around frequently and trying to hide from him. She never told anyone about his continued assaults either.
So the fact it was handled so badly and as if it was a small part of her past and how it effected her bugged me.
- The author couldn't decide if Carmela had ebony hair or brunette with gold highlights. Honest to God from one chapter to the next it changed. Within a page Michael called her his gorgeous brunette to then describing how she was wearing her ebony hair in a certain style. Color me confused y'all but there was no consistency here.
- Michael's kids were little plot devices. Honest to God they had no real purpose to the story itself and barely featured in it either. They were used to show how much Michael supposedly loved his children and to feed on Carmela's desire to be a mother. Other than that they were either not used in scenes or felt out of place in the scenes they were used in. More background noise than anything. They didn't behave all that well and the fact Michael's oldest daughter was old enough to mourn her mother but wasn't really allowed a chance to do so because Michael hated her didn't seem a big deal. Neither child had any sort of unique presence nor did they offer anything to the story itself. So, essentially props.
- The author had this really terrible habit of using the word "howl" or "howling" to describe extreme emotion. Like, Michael's kids who were four and seven would supposedly howl when upset and running through a room when unhappy. Even the heroine Carmela claimed something "howled" inside of her when she was kidnapped by her ex and was dealing with scary situations.
I'm sorry, but I've been reading romance over 15 years now and aside from paranormal romance I never once heard anyone howl anything for any reason unless it was an actual baby howling because of hunger. My goodness what a ridiculous choice of word.
May 17, 2020
I originally gave it 3 stars and wrote the following review while still reading it. Than the author used the "r" slur word, and now it's a one star. It was used in a derogatory way and any other word would have worked too, it's 2020, be better. I won't be reading anymore books by this author.
This is my first book by this author, and my review is based solely on that.
The storyline seemed creative/imaginative. But imagination does not make a good writter, so the overall writting and fleshing the story out was lacking.
This feels like maybe it was written too quickly, it's a good draft. If maybe the author had a good editor, some beta readers to expand on the gaps, stretch it some more, focus a bit more. Also needs help on new adjectives. It got annoying how many times Carmela described Michael's kids as "adorable". And help with more verbs, I don't know how many times people "palmed" each other. He palmed my shoulder. As he palmed my head. And "raked", as "raked my skin", "raked his hair", "raked my back". Also when they talk, they "deadpanned" a lot.
Another issue was some of the conversations between Michael and Carmela would ramble on and I'd lose track of who was saying which sentence. The characters weren't developed well, and you'd easily get lost.
A lot of the story happened behind the scenes, then we are later told about it. There is an incident where Carmela runs into her ex. It plays out, then down the storyline Michael's pov internally says "since Carmela told me the whole story". But we as readers aren't privy to that whole story. Another time we find out that Carmela and the kids have been having one hour play dates with their cousin (Julian and his daughter). Another time, we skip weeks ahead and Carmela is pondering how far Michael has come "... He gave me hugs, texted silly emojis, cooked me breakfast, and showered me with small acts of kindness". But we never see any of this! This seems important for the storyline and character growth. There fore we never see the characters grow and change. We are just told and expected to believe. Just another way in which the characters aren't fully developed.
It is also not very "dark". Just because they say it's dark, and tell you it's dark, doesn't make it dark. The author never shows us anything dark. They have sex a few times, then one time they have sex and Carmela says that was different. Michael replies it was vanilla. But honestly as the reader, nothing was different. Yeah, the book talks about her ex raping her, and he slaps her twice. There is a sex club which is really tame, and Michael can be an a-hole at times, but it is far from a dark romance.
This is my first book by this author, and my review is based solely on that.
The storyline seemed creative/imaginative. But imagination does not make a good writter, so the overall writting and fleshing the story out was lacking.
This feels like maybe it was written too quickly, it's a good draft. If maybe the author had a good editor, some beta readers to expand on the gaps, stretch it some more, focus a bit more. Also needs help on new adjectives. It got annoying how many times Carmela described Michael's kids as "adorable". And help with more verbs, I don't know how many times people "palmed" each other. He palmed my shoulder. As he palmed my head. And "raked", as "raked my skin", "raked his hair", "raked my back". Also when they talk, they "deadpanned" a lot.
Another issue was some of the conversations between Michael and Carmela would ramble on and I'd lose track of who was saying which sentence. The characters weren't developed well, and you'd easily get lost.
A lot of the story happened behind the scenes, then we are later told about it. There is an incident where Carmela runs into her ex. It plays out, then down the storyline Michael's pov internally says "since Carmela told me the whole story". But we as readers aren't privy to that whole story. Another time we find out that Carmela and the kids have been having one hour play dates with their cousin (Julian and his daughter). Another time, we skip weeks ahead and Carmela is pondering how far Michael has come "... He gave me hugs, texted silly emojis, cooked me breakfast, and showered me with small acts of kindness". But we never see any of this! This seems important for the storyline and character growth. There fore we never see the characters grow and change. We are just told and expected to believe. Just another way in which the characters aren't fully developed.
It is also not very "dark". Just because they say it's dark, and tell you it's dark, doesn't make it dark. The author never shows us anything dark. They have sex a few times, then one time they have sex and Carmela says that was different. Michael replies it was vanilla. But honestly as the reader, nothing was different. Yeah, the book talks about her ex raping her, and he slaps her twice. There is a sex club which is really tame, and Michael can be an a-hole at times, but it is far from a dark romance.
May 25, 2020
*Spoilers (my apologies)
I will start by saying, although not really necessary, I encourage you to read Arranged prior to reading Taken.
She is the sister-in-law and ex fiancé of the new enemy. He is the former best friend and henchman for her brother-in-law. What happens when she makes an offer he can exploit by giving her an offer she can’t refuse?
Taken picks up a year after Arranged ends. We find Carmela walking into Michael’s house unannounced hoping to make a deal to save her father. When she runs into Michael, she finds that it is not going to be as easy as she thought. She is about to get more than she bargained for.
It all started with a feather. Michael teased his way into Carmela’s body’s good graces. Overtime, hate turned to need, then to like and eventually transitioned to love. Although I was able to predict some of the situations, I was able to connect with the characters. I felt the tension in the park when Nick showed up at the playground. My heart ached as Carmela tried to be strong for the children and say goodbye to them while fighting to keep them safe. My own anger flared as Nick took it a step even further over any and all lines by giving each child a “gift” to give to Michael. In that moment, my heart raced and my blood chilled as I waited for the moment Michael found out exactly what happened on that playground.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book although it was not my favorite book of the two stories. It was nice to have an answer to the question of what happened to Carmela after the ordeal she suffered in the previous story. I also found getting to know the “real” Michael incredibly interesting. I was intrigued by the fact that he had any amount of cruelty in him. All I knew, or thought I knew from Arranged, was how much he loved his children, how loyal he was to the Family, and how he was willing to put up with a lot to help his wife. His intimate tastes also through me for a loop for this same reason. But it’s just another example proving that you can’t really know what happens behind closed doors.
Like many of us, my “To Read” list is extensive however, Vanessa Waltz is quickly becoming an author that I am keeping my eye on and trying to read more of when I can.
***I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
I will start by saying, although not really necessary, I encourage you to read Arranged prior to reading Taken.
She is the sister-in-law and ex fiancé of the new enemy. He is the former best friend and henchman for her brother-in-law. What happens when she makes an offer he can exploit by giving her an offer she can’t refuse?
Taken picks up a year after Arranged ends. We find Carmela walking into Michael’s house unannounced hoping to make a deal to save her father. When she runs into Michael, she finds that it is not going to be as easy as she thought. She is about to get more than she bargained for.
It all started with a feather. Michael teased his way into Carmela’s body’s good graces. Overtime, hate turned to need, then to like and eventually transitioned to love. Although I was able to predict some of the situations, I was able to connect with the characters. I felt the tension in the park when Nick showed up at the playground. My heart ached as Carmela tried to be strong for the children and say goodbye to them while fighting to keep them safe. My own anger flared as Nick took it a step even further over any and all lines by giving each child a “gift” to give to Michael. In that moment, my heart raced and my blood chilled as I waited for the moment Michael found out exactly what happened on that playground.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book although it was not my favorite book of the two stories. It was nice to have an answer to the question of what happened to Carmela after the ordeal she suffered in the previous story. I also found getting to know the “real” Michael incredibly interesting. I was intrigued by the fact that he had any amount of cruelty in him. All I knew, or thought I knew from Arranged, was how much he loved his children, how loyal he was to the Family, and how he was willing to put up with a lot to help his wife. His intimate tastes also through me for a loop for this same reason. But it’s just another example proving that you can’t really know what happens behind closed doors.
Like many of us, my “To Read” list is extensive however, Vanessa Waltz is quickly becoming an author that I am keeping my eye on and trying to read more of when I can.
***I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2020
Carmella Ricci just got out of a dangerous relationship with one of the areas toughest motorcycle club, Rage Machine, members, Nick, known as “Crash”. He was abusive, controlling, and will not give her up.
Michael Costa is part of the Costa Crime Family that runs the area. Their Don, was sent to jail, and now Vinn runs the Family. Michael is high on the Family platform, and can make major decisions.
When Carmella’s father is taken by Michael, because her father killed Michael’s brother, she crashes his daughters birthday party, just to find Michael, and try to have him let her father live. Carmella offers herself to Michael in exchange for her father’s life. Michael agrees, and tells Carmella, she will have to marry him, and never see her family again, then her father will live. Carmella reluctantly agrees. She adores Michael’s children, and since their birth mother has passed away, she will try to be there for them.
When Michael’s Family meets with Rage Machine/Legion to make a deal to work together on some projects, Carmella freaks, knowing that Nick will be there, and tries to get away before Nick finds her. Nick finds her, and is angry she left. He hits her and chokes her. When he finds out she is married to the Mob, he is livid! He wants her back, and will do anything to get her back. Michael finds out Carmella was hurt, and goes after Crash for hitting his wife! They get into a confrontation, and vow to kill each other.
Soon, a girl from Michael’s club Sanctum is killed, and Anthony Costa, the Don’s son, disappears, Michael knows who is behind the trouble. He does everything in his power to get Anthony back. While he is trying to locate Anthony, Carmella is taken n front of his kids. When Michael finds out Carmella is missing too, he calls the Calvary and hunts Crash down. He vows to end Crashes life, and get Carmella and Anthony back.
This book is a dark story, and not for the faint of heart, but it is an excellent read! Once I began reading it, I could not put it down! I highly recommend this book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Michael Costa is part of the Costa Crime Family that runs the area. Their Don, was sent to jail, and now Vinn runs the Family. Michael is high on the Family platform, and can make major decisions.
When Carmella’s father is taken by Michael, because her father killed Michael’s brother, she crashes his daughters birthday party, just to find Michael, and try to have him let her father live. Carmella offers herself to Michael in exchange for her father’s life. Michael agrees, and tells Carmella, she will have to marry him, and never see her family again, then her father will live. Carmella reluctantly agrees. She adores Michael’s children, and since their birth mother has passed away, she will try to be there for them.
When Michael’s Family meets with Rage Machine/Legion to make a deal to work together on some projects, Carmella freaks, knowing that Nick will be there, and tries to get away before Nick finds her. Nick finds her, and is angry she left. He hits her and chokes her. When he finds out she is married to the Mob, he is livid! He wants her back, and will do anything to get her back. Michael finds out Carmella was hurt, and goes after Crash for hitting his wife! They get into a confrontation, and vow to kill each other.
Soon, a girl from Michael’s club Sanctum is killed, and Anthony Costa, the Don’s son, disappears, Michael knows who is behind the trouble. He does everything in his power to get Anthony back. While he is trying to locate Anthony, Carmella is taken n front of his kids. When Michael finds out Carmella is missing too, he calls the Calvary and hunts Crash down. He vows to end Crashes life, and get Carmella and Anthony back.
This book is a dark story, and not for the faint of heart, but it is an excellent read! Once I began reading it, I could not put it down! I highly recommend this book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2020
THIS WASN'T TOO BAD. IT'S LIKE A QUICKIE MAFIA ROMANCE. BUT I HAVE TO SAY IT WASN'T DARK AT ALL....I MEAN A LITTLE ROUGH SEX THAT TURNS A WOMAN ON 360 CAN'T BE CONSIDERED DARK AT ALL.
MICHELE wants revenge against the man who killed his brother. Unfortunately, he doesn't know the whole story about his brother's death but I guess family loyalty doesn't stop him from engaging with the enemy's daughter whom he already likes anyway, and manipulates her into marrying him. Simultaneously, he gets a mother for his two children. Michele's not like those ruthless and asshole mafia men you read from certain authors who write WTF stories. In fact, I'd call him vanilla. Because what made man truly allowed his wife to cheat on him and then let the woman sort of step all over him? Points for him for being a really good dad though...he's a total softie when it comes to his kids. In this relationship, Michele falls first for Carmela and actually makes the effort to woo her and give her a baby she's always wanted. I have to admit it's nice to read about an alpha male who isn't afraid to fall in love or have kids so willingly.
CARMELA hasn't had a good experience with love or sex, having wounded up in the arms of an abusive ex-biker boyfriend who made her a little wary of men. Nick's also the reason why she avoided Michele's possible attentions because she didn't want to sic a crazy man in the lives of two innocent children. Carmela's sweet, I liked her immensely. She's a strong woman despite having suffered abuse and she's also loyal to her family, proven when she marries Michele for the sake of her Father.
OVERALL this was a rather fast read to pass the time, and I do believe I might just read the stories for the upcoming stories, hopefully one about Vinny and Michele's adopted sister.
MICHELE wants revenge against the man who killed his brother. Unfortunately, he doesn't know the whole story about his brother's death but I guess family loyalty doesn't stop him from engaging with the enemy's daughter whom he already likes anyway, and manipulates her into marrying him. Simultaneously, he gets a mother for his two children. Michele's not like those ruthless and asshole mafia men you read from certain authors who write WTF stories. In fact, I'd call him vanilla. Because what made man truly allowed his wife to cheat on him and then let the woman sort of step all over him? Points for him for being a really good dad though...he's a total softie when it comes to his kids. In this relationship, Michele falls first for Carmela and actually makes the effort to woo her and give her a baby she's always wanted. I have to admit it's nice to read about an alpha male who isn't afraid to fall in love or have kids so willingly.
CARMELA hasn't had a good experience with love or sex, having wounded up in the arms of an abusive ex-biker boyfriend who made her a little wary of men. Nick's also the reason why she avoided Michele's possible attentions because she didn't want to sic a crazy man in the lives of two innocent children. Carmela's sweet, I liked her immensely. She's a strong woman despite having suffered abuse and she's also loyal to her family, proven when she marries Michele for the sake of her Father.
OVERALL this was a rather fast read to pass the time, and I do believe I might just read the stories for the upcoming stories, hopefully one about Vinny and Michele's adopted sister.
May 10, 2020
You don't have to read Arranged to enjoy Taken but I'd recommend it. The first book gives you the framework for the second. Michael and Carmella are an unexpected couple yet they work so well. Michael's rage at how Carmella was abandoned by everyone to her abusive ex is very understandable. Carmella fearing love and what Michael may turn into is also very understandable. There is a lot of violence which isn't really unexpected as the book explains that Boston is in the beginnings of a street war. Trigger warnings: Besides violence in general there is mentions of rape and abuse, there are scenes where a women is abused. The backstory involves a lot of abuse both physical and mental. Stalking is also mentioned.
Taken is better than Arranged in my opinion. Michael and Carmella are both adults who have been through a lot and meet on much more even ground than the couple from the previous book. The arc of the story from Michael and Carmella's initial distrust to their eventual acceptance of love is well written and very believable. The way the book shows that light BDSM is consentual and very very different than what happened between Carmella and Crash is so well written. There's no preachy speech just the example of how Michael treats Carmella versus Crash. Carmella's journey from victim to fighter is equally well written. The sex scenes are very steamy and help the plot pacing. I highly recommend this series and this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taken is better than Arranged in my opinion. Michael and Carmella are both adults who have been through a lot and meet on much more even ground than the couple from the previous book. The arc of the story from Michael and Carmella's initial distrust to their eventual acceptance of love is well written and very believable. The way the book shows that light BDSM is consentual and very very different than what happened between Carmella and Crash is so well written. There's no preachy speech just the example of how Michael treats Carmella versus Crash. Carmella's journey from victim to fighter is equally well written. The sex scenes are very steamy and help the plot pacing. I highly recommend this series and this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2020
He is dangerous, dark, and deadly. She thought he was a good guy, but after her father comes up missing and Carmella finds out that Michael is the reason for his absence, she is determined to do anything she can to saver her father. Even bargain her own life.
Michael Costa is the Consigliere of the Costa Mafia. He is a single father who will defend his children at all costs for any reason. He is looking for answers and has taken Ignacio for those answers and for revenge. His anger and darkness will cause a lot of turmoil for Michael and Carmela.
Carmela has offered herself up for retribution for her father’s freedom. Little does she know that her offer and Michael’s counteroffer will change both of their lives and their path to the life that they are both searching for.
I really liked this story. It’s full of action, suspense, secrets, and great characters. I give this story a 5-star review and I’m looking forward to more in this series. The characters are great. Michael and Carmela are both coming out of bad relationships and have a hard time believing that they could have a relationship that is not full of turmoil or angst. Michael has been attracted to Carmela for a while, but situations have changed, and they will need to find a way to overcome their pasts and move forward to find their HEA. Secrets will come to light and sacrifices will be made, but the family will continue to search for the Prince to save him.
Michael Costa is the Consigliere of the Costa Mafia. He is a single father who will defend his children at all costs for any reason. He is looking for answers and has taken Ignacio for those answers and for revenge. His anger and darkness will cause a lot of turmoil for Michael and Carmela.
Carmela has offered herself up for retribution for her father’s freedom. Little does she know that her offer and Michael’s counteroffer will change both of their lives and their path to the life that they are both searching for.
I really liked this story. It’s full of action, suspense, secrets, and great characters. I give this story a 5-star review and I’m looking forward to more in this series. The characters are great. Michael and Carmela are both coming out of bad relationships and have a hard time believing that they could have a relationship that is not full of turmoil or angst. Michael has been attracted to Carmela for a while, but situations have changed, and they will need to find a way to overcome their pasts and move forward to find their HEA. Secrets will come to light and sacrifices will be made, but the family will continue to search for the Prince to save him.
May 8, 2020
This mafia romance was laden with gritty violence, betrayal, and filled with intense unwanted passion.
Michael’s attraction to Carmela started off as a revenge game to avenge his brother’s murder. It morphed into a deep passionate love for Carmela that he purposefully resisted.
I’ve been reading a lot of dark mafia and MC romances lately that were just missing something. Not so with this romance between Michael and Carmela.
The storyline was complex but flowed well and was easy to follow.
The author was able to capture Michael’s tortured and twisted angst as he battled with his feelings for Carmela and how she affected him and his children.
Carmela’s broken past with Nick and how he influenced her current relationship with Michael was also deep and moving. Kudos to the talented writing that even gave an insight to Nick’s psychotic personality as he managed to elude Mafia and MC alike all the while focused on getting Carmela back.
I loved the way the author paralleled the personalities of Michael and Nick with their similarities with obsession, dominance, control and pain. It was great when Carmela finally got that Michael was nothing like her evil ex.
Full of well written passionately erotic scenes with zero cheating and a satisfying feel good HEA!
This was a definite keeper for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Michael’s attraction to Carmela started off as a revenge game to avenge his brother’s murder. It morphed into a deep passionate love for Carmela that he purposefully resisted.
I’ve been reading a lot of dark mafia and MC romances lately that were just missing something. Not so with this romance between Michael and Carmela.
The storyline was complex but flowed well and was easy to follow.
The author was able to capture Michael’s tortured and twisted angst as he battled with his feelings for Carmela and how she affected him and his children.
Carmela’s broken past with Nick and how he influenced her current relationship with Michael was also deep and moving. Kudos to the talented writing that even gave an insight to Nick’s psychotic personality as he managed to elude Mafia and MC alike all the while focused on getting Carmela back.
I loved the way the author paralleled the personalities of Michael and Nick with their similarities with obsession, dominance, control and pain. It was great when Carmela finally got that Michael was nothing like her evil ex.
Full of well written passionately erotic scenes with zero cheating and a satisfying feel good HEA!
This was a definite keeper for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2020
What an amazing story. Michael is so complex, complicated, cold as ice. He the devil incarnate and out for revenge on a man who did his family wrong. Carmela, sweet, kind and loving had a past of her own that haunts her every night, but when she tries to make things right with Michael to save her father, what comes out of that conversation changes her life forever.
So many twists and turns, obstacles, lies and secrets between them, but the more time they spend together Carmela begins to see the real Michael, the loving father to his children and Michael is beginning to see what Carmela brings to the table. When Carmela’s horrid past comes back to get her, will Michael reach her in time, before he loses the best thing that’s ever happened to him and his kids? What started out as hatred and disgust for Carmela is slowly turning into something more. Can Michael start to believe that a loving relationship is more than anger and constant fights?
I absolutely loved this book and I hope there is more to this series. I would love to find out what happens with Vinn and Michaels sister and whatever happened to Anthony. So many questions still left to be answered. I found this book on BookSprout.
So many twists and turns, obstacles, lies and secrets between them, but the more time they spend together Carmela begins to see the real Michael, the loving father to his children and Michael is beginning to see what Carmela brings to the table. When Carmela’s horrid past comes back to get her, will Michael reach her in time, before he loses the best thing that’s ever happened to him and his kids? What started out as hatred and disgust for Carmela is slowly turning into something more. Can Michael start to believe that a loving relationship is more than anger and constant fights?
I absolutely loved this book and I hope there is more to this series. I would love to find out what happens with Vinn and Michaels sister and whatever happened to Anthony. So many questions still left to be answered. I found this book on BookSprout.
May 12, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "TAKEN" WOW!!! What a rollercoaster ride this is full of supense, intrigue, danger, abuse, angst, debts to be paid, twists that make for thrilling exciting well written story by Vanessa Waltz.
Michael Costa is part of the Costa Crime Family that runs the area, while their Don is in jail Vinn runs the family but he can make major decisions which he does when he takes Carmella's father for killing his brother.
Carmella breaks into Michaels house during his daughters birthday party to try to offer herself in place of her father one night but Micheal counters with it'll be for life he wants another for his children she can do that but she'll never fall for Michael.
Carmella was in an abusive relationship with Nick aka Crash from Rage Machine MC he was controlling and won't give her up so the marriage to Michael Costa is going to cause a war.
Wow so much happens in dark intense storyline you are sitting on the edge of your seat will Crash pay for taking Carmella and hurting her and others Michael will make him pay with his life.
I defintely recommend to get this extremely well written thrilling action packed story with great well developed characters that make for one awesome read.
Michael Costa is part of the Costa Crime Family that runs the area, while their Don is in jail Vinn runs the family but he can make major decisions which he does when he takes Carmella's father for killing his brother.
Carmella breaks into Michaels house during his daughters birthday party to try to offer herself in place of her father one night but Micheal counters with it'll be for life he wants another for his children she can do that but she'll never fall for Michael.
Carmella was in an abusive relationship with Nick aka Crash from Rage Machine MC he was controlling and won't give her up so the marriage to Michael Costa is going to cause a war.
Wow so much happens in dark intense storyline you are sitting on the edge of your seat will Crash pay for taking Carmella and hurting her and others Michael will make him pay with his life.
I defintely recommend to get this extremely well written thrilling action packed story with great well developed characters that make for one awesome read.
October 2, 2020
Good **Spoiler**
by Mayuly
I was waiting for this story since I read the 2nd book. I just knew it was going to be an emotional roller coaster.. I have to say it was, I was Sad, Frustrated, Happy, Mad, and back at it again. The story was about Vinny and Liana, her love for him since she was 4 yrs old. You feel the tragedy of a young child losing her entire family, how she was being mistreated by her adoptive older brother, and the best friend of said bothers was her emotional saving grace. You go through their journey of life, how they got to be adults with one of them caring for the other but oblivious to the others affections, of the demons each of them had to work through and what was expected of them due to the family they belong to.
The only reason why I didn't give it a five star is because it left us with unanswered questions. I feel the end was a bit rushed she just mentions Vinny is a Don, but it really doesn't make much sense due to Anthony's re-appearance, yes the author does say we will get all the answered in the next book, but in her previous books she gives us a glimpse of the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Mayuly
I was waiting for this story since I read the 2nd book. I just knew it was going to be an emotional roller coaster.. I have to say it was, I was Sad, Frustrated, Happy, Mad, and back at it again. The story was about Vinny and Liana, her love for him since she was 4 yrs old. You feel the tragedy of a young child losing her entire family, how she was being mistreated by her adoptive older brother, and the best friend of said bothers was her emotional saving grace. You go through their journey of life, how they got to be adults with one of them caring for the other but oblivious to the others affections, of the demons each of them had to work through and what was expected of them due to the family they belong to.
The only reason why I didn't give it a five star is because it left us with unanswered questions. I feel the end was a bit rushed she just mentions Vinny is a Don, but it really doesn't make much sense due to Anthony's re-appearance, yes the author does say we will get all the answered in the next book, but in her previous books she gives us a glimpse of the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2020
Volunteer to read advance copy for an honest review
Mafia romance are hot, don’t know if it has to do with the strong sexy silent alpha types but whatever it is, it has me hooked.
This is the second book from the Boston crime family. Michael and Carmela have been attracted to each other for some time but never acted on it. He was married with kids and she was engaged to someone else.
Carmela crashes Michael’s daughter birthday party in hopes to make a deal with him to let her father free. Instead a marriage is arranged and that is when the heat really starts to turn up. The biker gang leader Crash wants what he thinks was taken from him and Michael is out for blood. He was nice the first time and when Crash doesn’t stop there you know all hell breaks loose especially when he touches the kids.
This dark romance wrapped with the mafia starts with a bang and keeps you glues to each page. Michael is a hard ass at work but behind closed doors he is a devoted father and a loving husband. It was only a matter of time that they both break down the walls and find love for one another.
Such a great series, can’t wait to see what happens next.
Mafia romance are hot, don’t know if it has to do with the strong sexy silent alpha types but whatever it is, it has me hooked.
This is the second book from the Boston crime family. Michael and Carmela have been attracted to each other for some time but never acted on it. He was married with kids and she was engaged to someone else.
Carmela crashes Michael’s daughter birthday party in hopes to make a deal with him to let her father free. Instead a marriage is arranged and that is when the heat really starts to turn up. The biker gang leader Crash wants what he thinks was taken from him and Michael is out for blood. He was nice the first time and when Crash doesn’t stop there you know all hell breaks loose especially when he touches the kids.
This dark romance wrapped with the mafia starts with a bang and keeps you glues to each page. Michael is a hard ass at work but behind closed doors he is a devoted father and a loving husband. It was only a matter of time that they both break down the walls and find love for one another.
Such a great series, can’t wait to see what happens next.
June 4, 2024
Good Book
This is book 2 and you need to read in order as when you read about previous events you don’t have a clue who was involved.
I didn’t like how Michael first forced Carmela to marry him but it was obvious they had a chemistry before his brother died.
That chemistry may have been squashed with her hurt and pain but after a while of being together the lighthearted Michael returned at times.
Nick really messed with her head after all his abuse both mental and physical and she couldn’t believe what Michael was telling her as Nick said the same things then beat and raped her so she was constantly comparing them.
They were so good together but I feel the ending was rushed as one minute she was pregnant during her kidnapping then the next she was preparing food for Alessio & Mia’s visit and just happens to mention they have a son and who they named him after.
What happened to reading about his birth and what Mariette & Matteo’s response was etc.
It was literally skimmed over and after the majority of this book is Carmela wanting / needing a baby it just didn’t focus on her reaction to his birth and that spoilt the ending for me.
This is book 2 and you need to read in order as when you read about previous events you don’t have a clue who was involved.
I didn’t like how Michael first forced Carmela to marry him but it was obvious they had a chemistry before his brother died.
That chemistry may have been squashed with her hurt and pain but after a while of being together the lighthearted Michael returned at times.
Nick really messed with her head after all his abuse both mental and physical and she couldn’t believe what Michael was telling her as Nick said the same things then beat and raped her so she was constantly comparing them.
They were so good together but I feel the ending was rushed as one minute she was pregnant during her kidnapping then the next she was preparing food for Alessio & Mia’s visit and just happens to mention they have a son and who they named him after.
What happened to reading about his birth and what Mariette & Matteo’s response was etc.
It was literally skimmed over and after the majority of this book is Carmela wanting / needing a baby it just didn’t focus on her reaction to his birth and that spoilt the ending for me.
May 14, 2020
I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to read Michael & Carmela's story, but I found this really difficult to get into.
The issue with this book for me was how disjointed the emotions, thoughts and actions of the main characters were, to the point I didn't fully understand their motivations or connect with them as characters I could root for which was a shame. For example Carmela would feel intimidated and scared of Michael when he would act like her crazy abusive ex, then shout at him and hit him for being like her ex and then kiss him. The flow of times when that happened just seemed a bit disjointed to me.
Overall the plot was good and the story was there but some things felt like they were built up then faced and resloved very quickly, when it would have been nice to see the situation play out a bit more. I really wanted to like this but unfortunately I didn't find it as enjoyable as the first in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
The issue with this book for me was how disjointed the emotions, thoughts and actions of the main characters were, to the point I didn't fully understand their motivations or connect with them as characters I could root for which was a shame. For example Carmela would feel intimidated and scared of Michael when he would act like her crazy abusive ex, then shout at him and hit him for being like her ex and then kiss him. The flow of times when that happened just seemed a bit disjointed to me.
Overall the plot was good and the story was there but some things felt like they were built up then faced and resloved very quickly, when it would have been nice to see the situation play out a bit more. I really wanted to like this but unfortunately I didn't find it as enjoyable as the first in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
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