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A Favor For a Favor
"Forget favors given; remember those received." - John Wooden
A time for love can't be more deadly...
Julia Leonardi thought she put her past behind her. The widow of a mobster, all she wants is to steer clear of the criminal elements. Then she meets Domenico Bonacci...
Dom is handsome, charming, and intense. The world knows him as a prominent businessman, but Julia sees him as everything she fought to escape.
Once the scion of a powerful Mafia family Dom left the world of organized crime after his father's death. And he swore he would never go back.
No matter how hard she tries, Julia can't seem to ignore the powerful spark of attraction between them and her growing feelings for him. But when Dom's shady past catches up with him, the two forbidden lovers find themselves trapped in a deadly game.
Will Dom renege on his vow and lose the woman he loves, or he will manage to break free of his past for once and for all?
A time for love can't be more deadly...
Julia Leonardi thought she put her past behind her. The widow of a mobster, all she wants is to steer clear of the criminal elements. Then she meets Domenico Bonacci...
Dom is handsome, charming, and intense. The world knows him as a prominent businessman, but Julia sees him as everything she fought to escape.
Once the scion of a powerful Mafia family Dom left the world of organized crime after his father's death. And he swore he would never go back.
No matter how hard she tries, Julia can't seem to ignore the powerful spark of attraction between them and her growing feelings for him. But when Dom's shady past catches up with him, the two forbidden lovers find themselves trapped in a deadly game.
Will Dom renege on his vow and lose the woman he loves, or he will manage to break free of his past for once and for all?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2020
23 people are currently reading
1328 people want to read
About the author
Nat Chelloni
2 books71 followersI'm a TV personality, a screenwriter, a film critic, an avid book reader across all genres, and a self-published author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 4, 2021
I am always up for a good mafia romance and this one surprised me in a really good way. This is not your typical mafia romance and I really loved how this book was packed with action and all the mafia politics here and there, as well as we get a passionate secret romance.
Having lost her husband within 5 months of her marriage, Julia has left the mob world behind her and is living her life away from the shadows of her past. A chance encounter brings her to the club of Domenico Bonacci, a man that rivals everything she stands for right now, a man she should stay away from, a man bound to her with the same past that tore away everything from her. But what she doesn't realise that Dom really has let himself free from the grasp of the mafia world and is currently a well established,legitimate businessman. Once they give in to their feelings for each other and embark on the journey of love, the darkness of their past threatens to shatter their life all over again.
This book left me surprised at every turn, I did not absolutely expect the turn of events in this book. I loved the thriller-mystery aspect of this book. At the very beginning of the book we are thrown into a scene of encounter and throughout the book bits and pieces are revealed and we keep getting deeper into the tangle of decisions that caused it all. It was honestly exhilarating to see Dom, who is your good guy who steps up in order to protect the ones he loves. This is definitely not your typical mafia book as it focuses more on the fact what happens when you escape an organisation like this one and the constant balance between right and wrong.
Coming to the romance, I lived for it. Their love was angsty, passionate and so emotional as well. I did shed quite a few tears over the course of this book. I loved the forbidden aspect of their love as they both come from opposite sides of an event that shaped their past and led them to where they are. For me this story had it all and I really enjoyed it.
Having lost her husband within 5 months of her marriage, Julia has left the mob world behind her and is living her life away from the shadows of her past. A chance encounter brings her to the club of Domenico Bonacci, a man that rivals everything she stands for right now, a man she should stay away from, a man bound to her with the same past that tore away everything from her. But what she doesn't realise that Dom really has let himself free from the grasp of the mafia world and is currently a well established,legitimate businessman. Once they give in to their feelings for each other and embark on the journey of love, the darkness of their past threatens to shatter their life all over again.
This book left me surprised at every turn, I did not absolutely expect the turn of events in this book. I loved the thriller-mystery aspect of this book. At the very beginning of the book we are thrown into a scene of encounter and throughout the book bits and pieces are revealed and we keep getting deeper into the tangle of decisions that caused it all. It was honestly exhilarating to see Dom, who is your good guy who steps up in order to protect the ones he loves. This is definitely not your typical mafia book as it focuses more on the fact what happens when you escape an organisation like this one and the constant balance between right and wrong.
Coming to the romance, I lived for it. Their love was angsty, passionate and so emotional as well. I did shed quite a few tears over the course of this book. I loved the forbidden aspect of their love as they both come from opposite sides of an event that shaped their past and led them to where they are. For me this story had it all and I really enjoyed it.
October 25, 2020
Passionate Page-Turner
Mafia hits, fiery passions, family loyalties, and unexpected turns make this book a page-turner to the end. If you’re looking for a sweet love story, this isn’t your book, but if what you want is the kind of raw, gut-churning, all-encompassing, love that rocks you to your bones, this is the read for you. It’s not just a love story though. It’s a love story within a crime drama. Definitely read if you’re after a decent plot and a lot of passion.
Mafia hits, fiery passions, family loyalties, and unexpected turns make this book a page-turner to the end. If you’re looking for a sweet love story, this isn’t your book, but if what you want is the kind of raw, gut-churning, all-encompassing, love that rocks you to your bones, this is the read for you. It’s not just a love story though. It’s a love story within a crime drama. Definitely read if you’re after a decent plot and a lot of passion.
October 18, 2020
A Favor for a Favor is a gripping romantic suspense that focuses on Julia and Dom, two people who find love amid dangerous intrigue and an unsolved murder that affects them both. The dynamic characters, carefully woven plot, and messages of embracing love, forgiving, and being true to yourself are the highlights of the novel. Plus, the enemies-to-lovers romance between Julia and Dom is fantastic!
Julia is an interesting character. The widow and daughter of a mobster, Julia has worked hard to extricate herself as much as possible from the mob life. However, she can’t help her feelings for Dom, who she knows has mob affiliations. Dom has a reputation for being intense and ruthless, and only his close friends know his true character. Though this is often to his benefit, it doesn’t help him win over Julia.
The romance between Julia and Dom is complicated, explosive, and filled with chemistry. Dom has liked Julia from afar for many years, but because of her marriage and then her loss, he never acted on his feelings. Now, years later, Julia and Dom are both available and attracted to each other. Dom badly muddles their first encounter, which exacerbates Julia’s dislike and distrust, and Dom has to work even harder to prove that he’s the right one for her. It’s interesting to see how the pair resolves their inner doubts and outward obstacles to be together.
I was also drawn to the setting, as it takes place in the same area of the United States where I live. As a life-long Rhode Island resident and Italian, I was intrigued by these references. Rhode Island is often known for its large Italian heritage and mafia affiliations, so this aspect of the story really interested me. Julia and Dom have families that love hard, and they very much resemble the loving, boisterous, supporting, and, at times, overbearing family that I grew up in. Minus the whole mafia component, of course.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Julia’s husband and the murder of Dom’s younger cousin add to the intrigue. Dom is determined to find out what happened to his beloved cousin all those years ago, and the more he uncovers, the more his life is in jeopardy. This doesn’t stop Dom from figuring out what happened and how Julia’s husband is connected, nor does it stop him from seeking revenge.
A Favor for a Favor is a complex and suspenseful story with well-developed characters and a tumultuous romance. I enjoyed this debut novel by Nat Chelloni and look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
Julia is an interesting character. The widow and daughter of a mobster, Julia has worked hard to extricate herself as much as possible from the mob life. However, she can’t help her feelings for Dom, who she knows has mob affiliations. Dom has a reputation for being intense and ruthless, and only his close friends know his true character. Though this is often to his benefit, it doesn’t help him win over Julia.
The romance between Julia and Dom is complicated, explosive, and filled with chemistry. Dom has liked Julia from afar for many years, but because of her marriage and then her loss, he never acted on his feelings. Now, years later, Julia and Dom are both available and attracted to each other. Dom badly muddles their first encounter, which exacerbates Julia’s dislike and distrust, and Dom has to work even harder to prove that he’s the right one for her. It’s interesting to see how the pair resolves their inner doubts and outward obstacles to be together.
I was also drawn to the setting, as it takes place in the same area of the United States where I live. As a life-long Rhode Island resident and Italian, I was intrigued by these references. Rhode Island is often known for its large Italian heritage and mafia affiliations, so this aspect of the story really interested me. Julia and Dom have families that love hard, and they very much resemble the loving, boisterous, supporting, and, at times, overbearing family that I grew up in. Minus the whole mafia component, of course.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Julia’s husband and the murder of Dom’s younger cousin add to the intrigue. Dom is determined to find out what happened to his beloved cousin all those years ago, and the more he uncovers, the more his life is in jeopardy. This doesn’t stop Dom from figuring out what happened and how Julia’s husband is connected, nor does it stop him from seeking revenge.
A Favor for a Favor is a complex and suspenseful story with well-developed characters and a tumultuous romance. I enjoyed this debut novel by Nat Chelloni and look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
November 23, 2020
A fast-paced, twisty, absorbing read with great characters and masterful storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seats the entire time. I gulped the book in one sitting unable to put it down. An engaging story of love, revenge, family ties, and the choices that bring dramatic consequences, sprinkled with a mind-blowingly hot romance! What else do you need this fall? An absolute must-read and a stunning debut!
P.S. I read it again in softcover this time and the experience was ever so enjoyable. Love the characters and the plot and this book in my personal opinion is the best crime thriller I've read in a long time!.
P.S. I read it again in softcover this time and the experience was ever so enjoyable. Love the characters and the plot and this book in my personal opinion is the best crime thriller I've read in a long time!.
October 18, 2020
Written in third person POV, A favor for a favor by Nat Chelloni encompasses the love story between Domenico, a businessman with a MIT degree and Julia, a widow who runs her own business as well. When their paths cross, sparks fly and what happens next is totally unexpected.
My Review:
The book starts with a bang. I never anticipated it to catch pace right from the beginning, so I was pleasantly surprised.
The first chapter begins five years after the prologue and much has happened since the unlikely events. I won't be revealing what happened in the prologue as telling it would spoil the story, but there were multiple deaths in prologue, which shaped the course of this story.
At their very first meeting, Dom blackmails Julia to sleep with him. She agrees after she finds out that she has no other choice.
Nonetheless, Dom lets her go when he finds out that Julia was not just into it and releases her. He wasn't a jerk like other mafia men that I have read who wouldn't give a single thought about the heroine.
I love when hero is the main pursuer of relationship, which was the case in this book. He chases her relentlessly and doesn't give up until he gets what he wants.
Julia is jarred from her past and doesn't want to get involve with Dom, as she thinks he is affiliated to mafia. What she doesn't know is that his family went defunct when his father died. He’s just a businessman and all of his ventures are now legit.
However, they say that once a mafia, always a mafia. So even though he is not actively involved with the organization, has no more connections with the Mob, though he doesn’t walk on the other side of the law, he has to face repercussions as his dodgy past comes to haunt them.
I was astounded how a debut novel of an author could be so perfect. I thought the author was definitely lying about this being her first novel, because the story was absolute finesse and it flowed so smoothly.
My thoughts on heroine:
Julia is someone who wouldn't take any shit and gave right back. She put forth her views, points and thoughts very strongly and was absolutely clear with what she wanted.
My thought on hero:
Dom was a true alpha, but he didn't need to beat his chest and act like a caveman to show his superiority. He gave control to Julia where required and treated her as his equal. The below quote is the perfect example of how much he held her in high regard.
“I respect my fiancé’s wishes, sir, and I love her spirit. You wouldn’t want it differently, would you?”
Special mention to Julia's Mum. The way she threatened Dom was absolutely hillarious.
My favorite quote:
“There are different kinds of love, Gi. I’ll always remember Ricci. He was my first love. While I can put my feelings for Ricci into words, I can’t describe the love I feel for Dom, if you get my drift. He’s simply my life.”
My Rating:
In real life, I will be scared as hell if I ever crossed paths with a man like Domenico. But there's a reason why Books are called our solace. Because in this fiction world, I can imagine anything. And so, I would definitely want Dom to be my Book-Boyfriend, I loved him that much. I admired Julia as well and loved her resilience. So, I'm going to give FIVE FAVOR STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Follow me here: 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻Instagram | Blog
My Review:
The book starts with a bang. I never anticipated it to catch pace right from the beginning, so I was pleasantly surprised.
The first chapter begins five years after the prologue and much has happened since the unlikely events. I won't be revealing what happened in the prologue as telling it would spoil the story, but there were multiple deaths in prologue, which shaped the course of this story.
At their very first meeting, Dom blackmails Julia to sleep with him. She agrees after she finds out that she has no other choice.
Nonetheless, Dom lets her go when he finds out that Julia was not just into it and releases her. He wasn't a jerk like other mafia men that I have read who wouldn't give a single thought about the heroine.
I love when hero is the main pursuer of relationship, which was the case in this book. He chases her relentlessly and doesn't give up until he gets what he wants.
Julia is jarred from her past and doesn't want to get involve with Dom, as she thinks he is affiliated to mafia. What she doesn't know is that his family went defunct when his father died. He’s just a businessman and all of his ventures are now legit.
However, they say that once a mafia, always a mafia. So even though he is not actively involved with the organization, has no more connections with the Mob, though he doesn’t walk on the other side of the law, he has to face repercussions as his dodgy past comes to haunt them.
I was astounded how a debut novel of an author could be so perfect. I thought the author was definitely lying about this being her first novel, because the story was absolute finesse and it flowed so smoothly.
My thoughts on heroine:
Julia is someone who wouldn't take any shit and gave right back. She put forth her views, points and thoughts very strongly and was absolutely clear with what she wanted.
My thought on hero:
Dom was a true alpha, but he didn't need to beat his chest and act like a caveman to show his superiority. He gave control to Julia where required and treated her as his equal. The below quote is the perfect example of how much he held her in high regard.
“I respect my fiancé’s wishes, sir, and I love her spirit. You wouldn’t want it differently, would you?”
Special mention to Julia's Mum. The way she threatened Dom was absolutely hillarious.
My favorite quote:
“There are different kinds of love, Gi. I’ll always remember Ricci. He was my first love. While I can put my feelings for Ricci into words, I can’t describe the love I feel for Dom, if you get my drift. He’s simply my life.”
My Rating:
In real life, I will be scared as hell if I ever crossed paths with a man like Domenico. But there's a reason why Books are called our solace. Because in this fiction world, I can imagine anything. And so, I would definitely want Dom to be my Book-Boyfriend, I loved him that much. I admired Julia as well and loved her resilience. So, I'm going to give FIVE FAVOR STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Follow me here: 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻Instagram | Blog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2020
A friend recommended this book to me and I'm sooo glad I read it. It's a fantastic book. One of the best romantic suspense I read that has Mafia storyline. I adore forbidden love theme and it has a golden one amidst of some badass moments with the Mob confrontation. A sassy, tough and vulnerable heroine and a hero from a defunct crime family, trying to protect himself and those he loves from the mafia and the Russian criminals. Their love story made me swoon. The first encounter between Julia and Dom is so steamy, I was like - OMG! The mafia side of the story is complex and has unpredictable, truly blood-chilling twists and turns. I read the book in one sitting and I fell in love with Domenico Bonacci. What a guy!
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April 27, 2022
Found this debut novel on a GR mafia list and the blurb was interesting enough for me to give it a shot but it was not what I expected. This is not your average romantic, angsty mafia romance. In fact, there was zero angst that I could feel. The book is written in an almost clinical way. The author bio says she's a screenwriter and I could sense that from the writing style.
The story is plot driven, there's a lot of lying and miscommunication between the two main characters that never gets resolved and the ending was rushed. The book could have been edited better cause it was full of misspellings and some of the dialogue didn't make sense to me.
The story is plot driven, there's a lot of lying and miscommunication between the two main characters that never gets resolved and the ending was rushed. The book could have been edited better cause it was full of misspellings and some of the dialogue didn't make sense to me.
September 26, 2020
An outstanding Romantic thriller of the year!
I rarely write reviews but I was compelled to share my opinion. I've not enjoyed a book this much in a really long time,
although I'm an obsessive read-it-all person.
The story gripped me from the start and didn't let go until the very end. It's not your average temporary-thrill read,
it's a classy and intelligent Romantic thriller that solidly fits into an organized crime genre as well. The plot, the story,
the characters, the snappy dialogues, incredibly chilling twists and turns will stay with you for long after you finish it.
Domenico Bonacci is a lovely male, every woman's dream, a very complex and interesting hero, who despite
his shady past and dubiously moral decisions will grow on you. Julia Leonardi is a feisty, gutsy heroine and the
secondary characters are so very good.
Don't miss out on this novel. It's a worthy read and I truly believe it could make an unbelievably good film and
Television series!
I rarely write reviews but I was compelled to share my opinion. I've not enjoyed a book this much in a really long time,
although I'm an obsessive read-it-all person.
The story gripped me from the start and didn't let go until the very end. It's not your average temporary-thrill read,
it's a classy and intelligent Romantic thriller that solidly fits into an organized crime genre as well. The plot, the story,
the characters, the snappy dialogues, incredibly chilling twists and turns will stay with you for long after you finish it.
Domenico Bonacci is a lovely male, every woman's dream, a very complex and interesting hero, who despite
his shady past and dubiously moral decisions will grow on you. Julia Leonardi is a feisty, gutsy heroine and the
secondary characters are so very good.
Don't miss out on this novel. It's a worthy read and I truly believe it could make an unbelievably good film and
Television series!
October 6, 2020
What a fantastic debut! This novel has it all-a great plot with some unexpected, jaw-dropping twists that left me breathless, incredibly hot romance (yes!) and unforgettable characters! I didn’t want to finish it! A truly unputdownable book that I literally consummed in one sitting. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!
December 14, 2020
After her mobster husband disappears, presumed murdered, barely half a year into their marriage, Julia Leonardi has distanced herself from her Mafia roots. Domenico Bonacci, whose Father was a Mafia Don, has also renounced the life to become a successful businessman. When their paths cross, it unleashes a passion neither can resist but will the past remain the past?...
A Favor For A Favor is a rollercoaster ride of pure escapism. It’s an accomplished, gripping and a thoroughly enjoyable read. From the very outset, the plot twists keep coming but they are credible, well-constructed and thought through. As the novel flows, it’s easy to underestimate just how nuanced and complex the story is. You can see some of developments coming but Ms Chelloni’s prose is so captivating, it’s interesting to see how they style out. The chemistry between Dom and Julia is electric and believable. Their scenes are well-realised without being overly gratuitous. Ms Chelloni switches narrative so that the reader is given both Julia and Dom’s point of view which provides a nice change in tempo as the novel is pretty pacey.
Given the subject matter, I was concerned that the novel would veer into caricature; but it doesn’t. All the Mafia characters are portrayed in a restrained yet authentic manner with none becoming pantomime Dons as is often the case. This was enhanced by the inclusion of a number of non-Italian characters close to Dom, such as the Mendoza brothers and Mat Lomax. Another strength of the novel was the dialogue; it was naturally genuine and I thought Dom had some wonderfully insightful lines without being cliched. In regard to Julia and Dom’s character arcs, these are convincingly developed. I was concerned towards the end that it was getting a touch saccharine and cosy but the plot toughens up again as it rushes headlong to the conclusion which, although a little neat, was still satisfying. Notwithstanding, Ms Chelloni cleverly leaves it a open-ended, working reader imagination and hinting at the possibility of a second book which I would not hesitate to read.
A Favor For A Favor is a well-written, addictive and exciting novel which is hard to put down. An outstanding debut that is highly recommended.
A Favor For A Favor is a rollercoaster ride of pure escapism. It’s an accomplished, gripping and a thoroughly enjoyable read. From the very outset, the plot twists keep coming but they are credible, well-constructed and thought through. As the novel flows, it’s easy to underestimate just how nuanced and complex the story is. You can see some of developments coming but Ms Chelloni’s prose is so captivating, it’s interesting to see how they style out. The chemistry between Dom and Julia is electric and believable. Their scenes are well-realised without being overly gratuitous. Ms Chelloni switches narrative so that the reader is given both Julia and Dom’s point of view which provides a nice change in tempo as the novel is pretty pacey.
Given the subject matter, I was concerned that the novel would veer into caricature; but it doesn’t. All the Mafia characters are portrayed in a restrained yet authentic manner with none becoming pantomime Dons as is often the case. This was enhanced by the inclusion of a number of non-Italian characters close to Dom, such as the Mendoza brothers and Mat Lomax. Another strength of the novel was the dialogue; it was naturally genuine and I thought Dom had some wonderfully insightful lines without being cliched. In regard to Julia and Dom’s character arcs, these are convincingly developed. I was concerned towards the end that it was getting a touch saccharine and cosy but the plot toughens up again as it rushes headlong to the conclusion which, although a little neat, was still satisfying. Notwithstanding, Ms Chelloni cleverly leaves it a open-ended, working reader imagination and hinting at the possibility of a second book which I would not hesitate to read.
A Favor For A Favor is a well-written, addictive and exciting novel which is hard to put down. An outstanding debut that is highly recommended.
November 13, 2021
This is everything I love to read in romance! Tension and suspense, morality and survival, love and passion; all are presented in full force in this brilliant debut novel.
At age twenty-five, Julia Leonardi is a young mafia widow who wants absolutely nothing to do with her family’s illicit business. When she walks into a fancy nightclub to collect her wayward nephew, she is expecting trouble and gets it from the very don-like owner of the club, Domenico Bonacci. But, Dom is not the mafia prince he pretends to be, having never stepped into his late father’s role as one of the mob bosses of Boston.
Dom’s not-at-all “meet cute” with his old crush had me wanting to smack him upside the back of his head! What was he thinking? Watching him trying to grovel, but not grovel, to win back Julia’s regard kept me entertained the first quarter. By then, it became apparent that other elements from his family’s past were haunting him and he would have to be a whole lot more clever to keep himself, his “brothers”, and his new love safe from a Business that most never walk away from alive.
Nat Chelloni knows how to keep a story well-paced and engaging, delivering a large cast of interlocking relatives, friends, and enemies that overwhelm at the beginning but are well loved by the end. One of the aspects I love about her unique mafia romance is that both Julia and Dom are steadfastly outside of the Mafia and struggle hard to resist its gravitational pull. Dom, especially, has to make chessboard moves to stay clean and stay alive. It kept me on tenterhooks!
I also loved the chemistry between Julia and Dom, which started with their very wrong encounter at the nightclub and just wouldn’t let up. They went from slow burn to roaring inferno! Their story had action, conflict and depth. This author fed me well!! I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
This is a sincere review of a complimentary copy of A Favor for a Favor gifted from Nat Chelloni.
At age twenty-five, Julia Leonardi is a young mafia widow who wants absolutely nothing to do with her family’s illicit business. When she walks into a fancy nightclub to collect her wayward nephew, she is expecting trouble and gets it from the very don-like owner of the club, Domenico Bonacci. But, Dom is not the mafia prince he pretends to be, having never stepped into his late father’s role as one of the mob bosses of Boston.
Dom’s not-at-all “meet cute” with his old crush had me wanting to smack him upside the back of his head! What was he thinking? Watching him trying to grovel, but not grovel, to win back Julia’s regard kept me entertained the first quarter. By then, it became apparent that other elements from his family’s past were haunting him and he would have to be a whole lot more clever to keep himself, his “brothers”, and his new love safe from a Business that most never walk away from alive.
Nat Chelloni knows how to keep a story well-paced and engaging, delivering a large cast of interlocking relatives, friends, and enemies that overwhelm at the beginning but are well loved by the end. One of the aspects I love about her unique mafia romance is that both Julia and Dom are steadfastly outside of the Mafia and struggle hard to resist its gravitational pull. Dom, especially, has to make chessboard moves to stay clean and stay alive. It kept me on tenterhooks!
I also loved the chemistry between Julia and Dom, which started with their very wrong encounter at the nightclub and just wouldn’t let up. They went from slow burn to roaring inferno! Their story had action, conflict and depth. This author fed me well!! I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
This is a sincere review of a complimentary copy of A Favor for a Favor gifted from Nat Chelloni.
November 8, 2020
Are you a mood reader?
I definitely am and always switching between he genres.
That’s how I stub on this dark mafia romance on my hunt for something new on Kindle Unlimited.
I love it so much and the fact that it’s a debut novel, made me think that this author is a must read and someone to look up in the future because this book is just perfect for the lovers of the genre and I highly recommend it.
Julia is a beautiful young widow that left her background in the past but one night that past collide with her present and everything changes in a moment.
Dom is the sexy, alpha character that has a soft heart under that rough armour of a mafia lider that wants to change the history and won’t stop until he’ll have what his heart wanted for so many years.
It’s such a beautiful written story, with interesting characters and so many suspenseful twists, steamy scenes and much more feelings and emotions than you can expect.
Give it a try and fall in love with this surprising story.
Kindle unlimited read
I definitely am and always switching between he genres.
That’s how I stub on this dark mafia romance on my hunt for something new on Kindle Unlimited.
I love it so much and the fact that it’s a debut novel, made me think that this author is a must read and someone to look up in the future because this book is just perfect for the lovers of the genre and I highly recommend it.
Julia is a beautiful young widow that left her background in the past but one night that past collide with her present and everything changes in a moment.
Dom is the sexy, alpha character that has a soft heart under that rough armour of a mafia lider that wants to change the history and won’t stop until he’ll have what his heart wanted for so many years.
It’s such a beautiful written story, with interesting characters and so many suspenseful twists, steamy scenes and much more feelings and emotions than you can expect.
Give it a try and fall in love with this surprising story.
Kindle unlimited read
September 18, 2020
Wow! This was astonishingly good read! The plot, story, characters, setting, actions, twists, dialogues, just wow! I’m a sucker for mafia Romances but lately they all come out flat, lacking in plot and characters, and are over sexualized. It’s one hot romance but intelligently crafted with all the elements of a great crime novel! I just couldn’t put it down. It felt like watching a good mafia film while reading it. Strongly recommend it to anyone who loves the genre. Five stars from me.
December 12, 2020
A superb organized crime read with romance. I think male and female readers will both enjoy it. Could make a great movie.
February 14, 2022
A Favor For a Favor
Written by: Nat Chelloni
You know that you are going to get one hell of a story when the two characters that drive this story are killed in the prologue.
Without the murders of “Frankie Boy” Bonacci and Ricci Castellano this story would have gone in a different direction. How does the death of a 13-year-old boy and man who loved life drive this story? They are the catalysts that change the lives of Dominico (Dom) Bonaccini and Julia Leonardi. Both from Mafia families, Dom’s family was declared defunct after emotions and unsanctioned killings took place to revenge Frankie. Julia became a widow that night, stepped away from her family, she lost her husband Ricci and the mafia had been the cause.
Five years after Frankie was killed and Ricci went missing, Dom and Julia met again. For a smart man who graduated top of his class at MIT, Dom sure knows how to piss off a woman, most especially Julia. He got cocky, she got angry, he stole a kiss, she was willing to shoot him for that and he willingly admitted to himself and her, he was an ass, he was sorry could they start again. Julia finally accepted that he was sorry for the “incident” between them, but she was sure he was Mafia and she didn’t do Mafia any more.
But, but oh but, the chemistry, the whispers in her ears, the butterfly kisses to her face, her neck and the way his mouth possessed hers, she couldn’t say no!
If you think their attraction to each other is hot, as you read you will find out that the suspense and the depth of this story only add to the heat. Readers get a story that often looks like one thing but there is always a quirk or a twist to be found.
As the chapters fly by and believe me they do, the suspense in A Favor For a Favor continues to grow and we know that there will be a reckoning and when it happens that little voice in your head will scream….
Nat Chelloni has done a superb job giving us an explosive beginning and an ending that makes this book one that will more than likely be picked up again and again to be re-read.
Non-stop action, regrets, tears and finally the truth about what happened the night Frankie Boy died and Ricci Castellano disappeared. Five stars all the way from me.
Written by: Nat Chelloni
You know that you are going to get one hell of a story when the two characters that drive this story are killed in the prologue.
Without the murders of “Frankie Boy” Bonacci and Ricci Castellano this story would have gone in a different direction. How does the death of a 13-year-old boy and man who loved life drive this story? They are the catalysts that change the lives of Dominico (Dom) Bonaccini and Julia Leonardi. Both from Mafia families, Dom’s family was declared defunct after emotions and unsanctioned killings took place to revenge Frankie. Julia became a widow that night, stepped away from her family, she lost her husband Ricci and the mafia had been the cause.
Five years after Frankie was killed and Ricci went missing, Dom and Julia met again. For a smart man who graduated top of his class at MIT, Dom sure knows how to piss off a woman, most especially Julia. He got cocky, she got angry, he stole a kiss, she was willing to shoot him for that and he willingly admitted to himself and her, he was an ass, he was sorry could they start again. Julia finally accepted that he was sorry for the “incident” between them, but she was sure he was Mafia and she didn’t do Mafia any more.
But, but oh but, the chemistry, the whispers in her ears, the butterfly kisses to her face, her neck and the way his mouth possessed hers, she couldn’t say no!
If you think their attraction to each other is hot, as you read you will find out that the suspense and the depth of this story only add to the heat. Readers get a story that often looks like one thing but there is always a quirk or a twist to be found.
As the chapters fly by and believe me they do, the suspense in A Favor For a Favor continues to grow and we know that there will be a reckoning and when it happens that little voice in your head will scream….
Nat Chelloni has done a superb job giving us an explosive beginning and an ending that makes this book one that will more than likely be picked up again and again to be re-read.
Non-stop action, regrets, tears and finally the truth about what happened the night Frankie Boy died and Ricci Castellano disappeared. Five stars all the way from me.
August 9, 2021
𝔸 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣 is the debut novel by Nat Chelloni. 𝔸 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣 follows Domenico Bonacci “Dom” and Julia Leonardi on their emotional and suspenseful journey full of twists and turns.
Their first meeting is electric, and you don’t know what to think. Julia Leonardi lost her husband only 5 months into their marriage leaving her a young widow. Her former husband, Ricci had some Mafia connections leading to his murder. Julia wants nothing to do with the mob and stays away from it as much as she can, however she is was brought up in a Mafia family and still hold a close connections to her family members.
By chance, Dom and Julie meet at one of Dom’s clubs when her nephew needs her help. Dom and Julia are electric. When they meet sparks fly. Dom’s father was a notorious crime boss, even though Dom is a legitimate businessman and does everything by the books. Julia is strong and definitely doesn’t let anyone walk all over her yet is rational and levelheaded.
The novel is told in third POV and allows us to see both sides of the relationship. I had no idea how this would turn out as there were twists at every turn! This isn’t a typical mafia novel as there is no glorification of mafia life. Dom truly does everything he can to not associate himself with a life of crime, yet events keep pulling him back.
Coincidently, Julia and Dom’s lives intertwine in various ways. They are a part of the same circle and eventually. They skirt around each other leading to a steamy explosion when they finally get together. Even once Julia and Dom are committed, things aren’t easy for them.
Dom has a sweet, vulnerable and caring side to him. You could feel how much he protects the ones he loves.
There is never a moment where you aren’t wondering what will happen. If you like romantic suspense, I think you’ll enjoy this novel.
February 1, 2022
This is the incredible debut mafia novel from this author, and I have to say, I am impressed, I absolutely loved it! Dom and Julia’s story is told from the third person POV, which is usually not my favorite, but it is done in such a fantastic way, I couldn’t help but love it.
The storyline is intriguing, suspenseful, steamy, and full of action. I loved how in-depth the mafia part of the story goes. It gives you a spectacular insight into that major part of Dom and Julia’s past and present. Once I dug into this story it was virtually impossible to pry myself away.
Dom, Julia, as well as all the other characters are wonderful! The character development is amazing. I loved the way that Dom and Julia’s relationship developed and progressed throughout the many obstacles. I seriously fell in love with a lot of the secondary characters just as much as I did the main characters.
If you are looking for a great new mafia romance read, then I definitely recommend giving this book a read!
The storyline is intriguing, suspenseful, steamy, and full of action. I loved how in-depth the mafia part of the story goes. It gives you a spectacular insight into that major part of Dom and Julia’s past and present. Once I dug into this story it was virtually impossible to pry myself away.
Dom, Julia, as well as all the other characters are wonderful! The character development is amazing. I loved the way that Dom and Julia’s relationship developed and progressed throughout the many obstacles. I seriously fell in love with a lot of the secondary characters just as much as I did the main characters.
If you are looking for a great new mafia romance read, then I definitely recommend giving this book a read!
September 21, 2020
A magnificent novel of love and crime. Love is a dangerous game. But when love is not just a game anymore, it becomes the most important choice in Domenico Bonacci's life. I was absolutely absorbed in reading the breathtaking story full of unforgettable characters. Highly recommend it to all sophisticated readers and lovers of crime fiction.
December 17, 2020
Wow! This story was great! I loved the story line and the characters of this story. It’s a mafia story, but a bit different take on it. I loved it!
Julia Leonardi married very young and was widowed very young as well. The only problem is that she is unsure of whether she’s a widow or a woman whose husband up and left her one night. Only a very few know the real story and a two of them are dead. One tragic night two young lives were taken, and the truth of their death was buried and avenged, but the blood spilled for their deaths was not the blood of those involved. Secrets have a way of coming to light, especially when those with more to hide start getting greedy and trying to pull people into their web.
Domenico Bonacci was close to Franky Boy, his younger cousin and his death and subsequent discovery of his body just about destroyed him. He loved the boy like a brother, and he wanted vengeance for his death. Even five years later he wants to know the truth of his cousin’s death and with little things coming to light, he may have his answers and vengeance soon. Dom loved and respected his father. Even with his father being gone, he still remembers the things his father told him and taught him, and they have made him a man that his father could be proud of.
I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were great. I loved the strength of Julia and the power that Dom had, even though his family was no longer mafia. He still has the clout and the respect that his father had with some of the family and his determination for justice as well his determination to finally have Julia as his are strong. This was my first read of Ms. Chelloni, but I will be reading more of her stories in the future. Hopefully more of this family. I would love to read Bran’s story as well as Vince’s story, and Val’s. I give this story a 5-star review and look forward to more books by Ms. Chelloni.
Julia Leonardi married very young and was widowed very young as well. The only problem is that she is unsure of whether she’s a widow or a woman whose husband up and left her one night. Only a very few know the real story and a two of them are dead. One tragic night two young lives were taken, and the truth of their death was buried and avenged, but the blood spilled for their deaths was not the blood of those involved. Secrets have a way of coming to light, especially when those with more to hide start getting greedy and trying to pull people into their web.
Domenico Bonacci was close to Franky Boy, his younger cousin and his death and subsequent discovery of his body just about destroyed him. He loved the boy like a brother, and he wanted vengeance for his death. Even five years later he wants to know the truth of his cousin’s death and with little things coming to light, he may have his answers and vengeance soon. Dom loved and respected his father. Even with his father being gone, he still remembers the things his father told him and taught him, and they have made him a man that his father could be proud of.
I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were great. I loved the strength of Julia and the power that Dom had, even though his family was no longer mafia. He still has the clout and the respect that his father had with some of the family and his determination for justice as well his determination to finally have Julia as his are strong. This was my first read of Ms. Chelloni, but I will be reading more of her stories in the future. Hopefully more of this family. I would love to read Bran’s story as well as Vince’s story, and Val’s. I give this story a 5-star review and look forward to more books by Ms. Chelloni.
February 20, 2021
This is the first book I've read from this author and I was blown away. This is the amazing story of Julia and Dom. These two characters have amazing intense chemistry between them from the start. You will fall in love with these characters as you read. This book has it all fast paced, action, edge of your seat moments, love, revenge and so much more. This is a mafia romance read at it's best. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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February 23, 2021
There are only a few mafia authors that are worth reading and I have to say Ms. Chelloni knocked this one out of the park with this debut novel.
“Love is always enough,” she said sharply. “That phrasing only works when there isn’t enough love.”
Julia is a widow when Dom propositions her she is outraged. This story is a angsty and suspenseful page turner. Dom is a romantic force of nature and he is not about to give up what he wants and he wants Julia.
Domenico Bonacci’s intense gaze hit Julia like an avalanche that threatened to steal her oxygen. She stopped dead in her tracks.
I’m sure this is the start of a successful writing career. I know I’ll be reading more from this author in the future.
“Love is always enough,” she said sharply. “That phrasing only works when there isn’t enough love.”
Julia is a widow when Dom propositions her she is outraged. This story is a angsty and suspenseful page turner. Dom is a romantic force of nature and he is not about to give up what he wants and he wants Julia.
Domenico Bonacci’s intense gaze hit Julia like an avalanche that threatened to steal her oxygen. She stopped dead in her tracks.
I’m sure this is the start of a successful writing career. I know I’ll be reading more from this author in the future.
December 28, 2021
I read some of this via Kindle Unlimited, but whilst it wasn't a bad story, it brought nothing new to an already overcrowded table. I did enjoy the first third, but then we get Julia undergoing a total 180 on her feelings for Dom, feelings that I was simply unable to buy into.
I had to put this aside due to another reading commitment but, on returning to it, I found I had no motivation or desire to complete it. I didn't DNF for negative reasons but rather because I just felt very "meh" about the plot and characters, for me there was just no excitement to be found within the pages of the book.
Not so much an issue with the story or writing just that I've read too many similar books before.
I had to put this aside due to another reading commitment but, on returning to it, I found I had no motivation or desire to complete it. I didn't DNF for negative reasons but rather because I just felt very "meh" about the plot and characters, for me there was just no excitement to be found within the pages of the book.
Not so much an issue with the story or writing just that I've read too many similar books before.
September 22, 2020
It was a very impressive, dynamic and absorbing read for me! I read it so fast I didn't feel time. I loved the characters, especially Domenico Bonacci, the plot and the story, which was amazing. The Mob/Organized crime details are realistically depicted and unfold with one very hot romance. My favorite genre has always been Romantic Suspense and I totally fell in love with this book. Among so many Mafia Romance books this one truly stands out. It's a brilliant read and I highly recommend it.
October 28, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. When Julia left the crime world swore never to go back, she ends up meeting a tall strong gorgeous alpha male badass Domenico a business man wanted to leave the criminal world behind. Julia and Dom had off the charts intense chemistry. Will they stay away from the criminal world or will they get dragged back in.
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.
December 21, 2021
Okay...Where do I start? This is the best mafia book I have read in the longest time. It's so freaking well written and so incredibly thought through from beginning to end. I loved the characters, the unique plot, mafia politics with the Godfather vibes, and the romance. I lived for the romance. A truly epic read.
July 4, 2021
A wild ride
This was a fun read. A wild ride in the mafia world. I really enjoyed the story as a whole. Looking forward to reading what comes next.
This was a fun read. A wild ride in the mafia world. I really enjoyed the story as a whole. Looking forward to reading what comes next.
February 16, 2021
“I’m a product of that life, sweetheart. I did things I’m not proud of.”
This story was really intriguing from the start .
A really great Mafia romance , filled with passion , plot twists and so much more.
It was a real page turner , I was the all time on the edge .
Dom and Julia enemies-to-lovers . Their journey wasn’t easy , open your heart to forgiveness and follow your heart isn’t easy to embrace .
The mafia world has always been a difficult part of their life . That’s why booth tried to escape it.
“Be unpredictable. Always surprise your enemies with the train of your thoughts and actions. Do things they least expect you to do.
Don’t feed your ego, feed your thirst for knowledge because knowledge is power.
Earn respect, never demand it.
Talk less, observe more.”
Julia ,after her husband death , left behind her old life , building a new one filled with amazing fiends , a good job . She had it all , but then Dom happened , and she started to realized that maybe something was missing until then.
Domenico Bonacci , worked hard to escape his past with the mafia, building his own business , staying on the right part of the law.
And then fate happened and when their paths crossed it was like fireworks . Their chemistry was undeniable , they were just meant to be . Julia tried so hard to fight her feelings for Dom but sometimes there’s no way to escape real love.
“Always trust your gut feeling. It never lies.”
This was Nat Chelloni ‘s debut novel and I have to say she did a real great job . Terrific book!
I gave it 4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*COPY GIFTED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
This story was really intriguing from the start .
A really great Mafia romance , filled with passion , plot twists and so much more.
It was a real page turner , I was the all time on the edge .
Dom and Julia enemies-to-lovers . Their journey wasn’t easy , open your heart to forgiveness and follow your heart isn’t easy to embrace .
The mafia world has always been a difficult part of their life . That’s why booth tried to escape it.
“Be unpredictable. Always surprise your enemies with the train of your thoughts and actions. Do things they least expect you to do.
Don’t feed your ego, feed your thirst for knowledge because knowledge is power.
Earn respect, never demand it.
Talk less, observe more.”
Julia ,after her husband death , left behind her old life , building a new one filled with amazing fiends , a good job . She had it all , but then Dom happened , and she started to realized that maybe something was missing until then.
Domenico Bonacci , worked hard to escape his past with the mafia, building his own business , staying on the right part of the law.
And then fate happened and when their paths crossed it was like fireworks . Their chemistry was undeniable , they were just meant to be . Julia tried so hard to fight her feelings for Dom but sometimes there’s no way to escape real love.
“Always trust your gut feeling. It never lies.”
This was Nat Chelloni ‘s debut novel and I have to say she did a real great job . Terrific book!
I gave it 4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*COPY GIFTED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
December 24, 2021
It was one of those books that when it ends you feel like you lost a friend. Sometimes I had the feeling that I'm watching a movie rather than reading a book.
"A Favor For a Favor" had everything that I like in a good mafia book, it had suspense, betrayal, love, sacrifice and friendship.
Julia Leonardi was a character that I instantly fell in love with, she was feminine and gentle but at the same time she had the power shinning through the broken pieces of her heart. She experienced loss and pain that made her who she was: an admirable woman.
Domenico Bonacci was portraied as a man oriented towards change, he was relentlessly trying to escape the mafia life and the darkness it brought to his soul, but it seemed to follow him everywhere he went. He was nurturing feelings for Julia for a long time but due to the circumstances they were never more than strangers and enemies, until one night turned their world upsidedown...
Dom and Julia were a couple so loyal and devoted to each other, despite their rough start they developed a relationship that was beyond beautiful.
To sum up, I would like to say that this book left me feeling melancholic, from the moment I opened it I knew that a spectacular story is unfolding before my eyes, it gave me the old mafia vibes and I completely loved the way Julia's family and friends played their role in her relationship with Dom, I mean her brothers were hilarious and her father and mother were amazing and supportive. Dom's mom, she was special in her own way, her immediate acceptance of Julia made me want to cry (and I actually cried 😅), the way she wanted the best for her son and respected his decisions was exceptional. Undoubtedly, this book left a mark on my soul and I'm extremely happy that I had the opportunity to immerse in this wonderful universe Nat Chelloni created.
October 8, 2021
This book is the debut novel by the author and I've to say I'm glad I gave it a chance.
I love mafia romances and I read a lot of them lately, but this book is a very unique mafia romance.
You can ever say that the main characters do everything in their power not to be bound to the mafia world.
Growing up in the mafia families taught them what they don't want for their lives.
The problem with separate themselves from their family legacy is, you have to be very resistant and resourceful.
But as it is with family and the past, you cannot completely escape it.
I like that the topic is new and the story unique and unpredictable.
This book is full of action, dramatic events and of course a beautiful love story ❤
After this book, I'm curious what this author brings next.
I love mafia romances and I read a lot of them lately, but this book is a very unique mafia romance.
You can ever say that the main characters do everything in their power not to be bound to the mafia world.
Growing up in the mafia families taught them what they don't want for their lives.
The problem with separate themselves from their family legacy is, you have to be very resistant and resourceful.
But as it is with family and the past, you cannot completely escape it.
I like that the topic is new and the story unique and unpredictable.
This book is full of action, dramatic events and of course a beautiful love story ❤
After this book, I'm curious what this author brings next.
May 30, 2021
This was definitely a page turner!
I was captivated from the get go and Julia and Dom are one couple you won't want to miss out on reading! This book has a bit of everything romance, suspense, action, danger and drama. The plot is well thought out and very in depth.
This is a great read and I can't wait to read more by Nat!
I was captivated from the get go and Julia and Dom are one couple you won't want to miss out on reading! This book has a bit of everything romance, suspense, action, danger and drama. The plot is well thought out and very in depth.
This is a great read and I can't wait to read more by Nat!
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