Off the Record

With Me in Seattle Mafia #3

by Kristen Proby

From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes the thrilling conclusion to her With Me in Seattle Mafia series…

Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli was never one for the family business. Alas, being born into a crime syndicate means doing the family’s bidding and making sure you’re connected—and, yes, breaking a few kneecaps. Rafe would love nothing more than to hang up his enforcer apron and live a quiet life, but as more and more higher-ups in rival clans turn up dead, Rafe realizes he doesn’t have a choice. Especially not when the captivating and gorgeous bratva princess needs his help.

Dr. Annika Tarenkov learned early on that her life belongs to her family. She’s a pawn in the long game, a bargaining chip for power and prestige. She gave up the only person in her life she thought she could be happy with, all for the greater good of the family. Now, a newly made widow and desperately seeking answers, she’s forced to confront her past as it converges with her present. But all it does is make her wonder about her future and how she can make Rafe hers again. While being with him is like wrangling a toddler at times, he still makes her heart race and her breath catch. And she wouldn’t feel safer with anyone else.

With the chips seemingly stacked against them, they must work to uncover the perpetrators of the nefarious plot that’s been brewing for some time—before it’s too late.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Mafia Romance, Contemporary

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2021

About the author

Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Reviews

[Coco.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars! Review to come...

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that the last book about the Martinelli brothers was left to Rafe and Annika. We got to see their tension in the two prior books that set their story perfectly. I loved that these two had a past together. While they were young, their love and connection was very real. But Rafe and Annika were from different crime families and back then they didn’t mix. Annika was forced to leave Rafe behind. But even apart and separated, their love never died.

Now that both families are on good term, life is suddenly too short to not go after what you want. But first, Rafe and Annika, his brothers and their significant others must battle the evil forces going after crime families. Having the group all together is always entertaining. But most importantly, Rafe and Annika take their love into their own hands and go for their HEA.

*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Meant To Be Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
This is Kristen Proby's take on a Mafia Romeo and Juliet story. Rafe and Annika fell hard for each other when they were in college. They knew the relationship was against everything their families stood for...no mixing with the enemy. The only problem is neither of them saw each other as foes instead, they fell in love and no matter the fear of families wrath, they vowed to figure it out.

Yet those who were in charge forced Annika to leave her Rafe and that action changed everyone's life. The years pass and the families have all of the challenges of managing their syndicates. Marriages happen without love, threats to others and backroom politics take place.

Now Rafe and Annika cross paths again. Her husband dead, a marriage nothing like it should have been. It is at a wedding when Annika's ugly past rears its ugly head and Rafe finds out. This starts in motion the search for those who are hurting emotionally the woman he still loves.

This is the last book, I think, of this series. We have all of the past couples working with our main characters to bring all the threats down. There are lots of bad guys, suspense, and eventually a very happy ending.

Underboss (With Me in Seattle Mafia #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Headhunter (With Me in Seattle Mafia #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Off The Record (With Me in Seattle Mafia #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
April 28, 2021- Going In, Woo Hoo!
March 8, 2021
Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli and Dr. Annika Tarenkov...
Learned The Family Rules Early In Their Lives...

Rafe Wanted Nothing To Do With "The Business"...
Annika Wanted Rafe But The Family Said No...
So Both Did As They Were Told...

He Became An Enforcer...
She Married Who They Said To...

Now Things Have Changed For Annika...
She Is A New Widow Who Is Going...
To Decide Her Own Life...
She Needs Answers And...
Rafe May Be The One To Help Her...

And Maybe, Just Maybe...
Working Through All The Past Mistakes...
She Can Have Rafe Keep Her Safe...

And If Rafe Has The Same Feelings...
She Is Having, They Won't Need...
To Keep Their Love...

Off the Record (With Me In Seattle Mafia, #3)-May 11, 2021

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe, aka Rocco, and Annika have a romantic past...one that we have suspicions about from the previous two books in the trilogy. Now we not only have confirmation that our suspicions were accurate but we finally get the full story as well. I'm so glad these two have at long last gotten their HEA. I hope you're ready for Romeo and Juliet Mafia style.

If you have read either or both of the two previous books you will know that Annika was married and not to the nicest person, well we find out just how cruel he was. Annika was put through the ringer with her late husband but now that Rafe is at her side she is ready to take everyone on and get to the bottom of what is currently going on in her life.

Rafe has only ever loved Annika even when she was married to someone else he still longed for her. He is there for her for whatever she needs especially now. The chemistry was just as hot as I had expected because you cannot be engrossed with someone for over a decade if the chemistry wasn't there.

Kristen Proby did a great job with wrapping up this trilogy, there are no loose ends, no unanswered questions about the Martinelli's. But I do have a question....will we see more of the other Mafia Families pop up in a series of their own? Only time will tell...I for one hope she does write more about the different families.

If you enjoy Romantic Suspense, Steamy Reads, Second Chance at Love Romances, or Organized Crime Romances I would highly recommend this book as well as this trilogy to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more about the book here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewOtR



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot scream loudly enough how absolutely perfect this series has developed. It has turned out to be way more than I expected. Not that I don’t always have high expectations for an author the likes of Kristen Proby, because I do, but this entire mafia thing is tricky, imo, and even the best of authors haven’t been such a great hit for me with it. This has been an indescribably good hit for me!

Off the Record managed to draw even more emotion from my heart even when I thought it was drained. It was an all-consuming story. The very best Martinelli brother got to wrap up this family trilogy spectacularly. BTW, these stories have individual HEAs but by no means stand on their own. If you are going to invest in one, you need to invest in them all.

As you can already surmise, Rafe and Annika have history. History that couldn’t go anywhere in the circumstances they both lived in. That was then and this is now and Rafe isn’t letting anything get in the way of having his one true love, Annika. MY GAWD, this story! This series! All of it! PEOPLE, you must read it all! I cannot wait until enough times has passed that I can go back and reread it all! Well done!

Now go do the thing!!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lNF4tP
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3gkhbt2
Nook: https://bit.ly/37zJO1e
Kobo: https://bit.ly/33JTnd1

[Eva ✧ ࣪ ⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆ evathedreamer ₊˚.⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊ ✩ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great series 👌
This one was kinda heartbreaking.. but as with the others, it had a lot of spice, violence, romance, and drama 👏

Between 4.5 - 5 ⭐️’s

[Gi's Spot Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 'Meant to be' Stars

OMG!!! Talk about ending with a bang! What a mafiatastic wrap up! Rafe and Annika were THE couple I've been dying to know more about, and I could not be happier with this conclusion. Sexy, action packed, enrapturing plot, and some main characters to die for, all masterfully laid out with the most perfect of hint of dark romance. Ms. Proby knows how to give as the most believable of mafia tales!!!<3 <3 <3 <3 <3





ARC kindly provided by the author via Valentine PR, for an honest review

[Izzie d]

DNF
This just really didn't work for me.

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

La historia no me atrapó y tuve dificultades con los personajes principales. No sentí que tenían química.

[Manoela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 estrelas

Livro sem muitas surpresas, mas agradável de ler

[Melissa ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off The Record is the highly anticipated conclusion to the With Me In Seattle Mafia series and holy smokes did we get some twists and turns that definitely left me stunned!

Rafe is the youngest of the Martinelli men but the one who found his soulmate at a young age. The worst part is....they were feuding Mafia families then, but times have changed and now he wants to claim his girl. Annika loved Rafe at 20 but had to move on yet never truly did. Now she can't deny her love from the one man who lived her like no other

"Today and everyday that I walk this Earth. You're the only one for me."

This story had it all.....suspense, intrigue, scorching chemistry and one helluva swoon-worthy Mafia hero.

"You're my soul mate. I need to be with you the way I need air."

This final book is a mind-blowing, page turner that will have you addicted from the very first page, so prepare to be consumed!!

[Elle Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and sexy.

3,75 stars

This was the last book in the mafia series and featured Rafe (the youngest Martinelli brother) and Annika.
After being forced apart by their families, they are finally around each other again, but it's hard to start a new relationship after everything they've been through.

For a mafia story, this book wasn't scary nor it was dark. It was fast paced and things settled rather easily.
Yet, it was enjoyable and a good way to relax.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

OFF THE RECORD is the third (and final?) instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult WITH ME IN SEATTLE MAFIA erotic romance series- a spin-off from the author’s With Me In Seattle Series. This is pilot/Mafia son Rafe ‘Rocco’ Martinelli, and Dr. Annika Tarenkov’s story line. OFF THE RECORD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines (or series) is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspective (Rafe and Annika) OFF THE RECORD follows the rekindling romance and relationship between is pilot/Mafia son Rafe ‘Rocco’ Martinelli, and Bratva daughter Dr. Annika Tarenkov. Years earlier Rafe Martinelli and Annika Tarenkov had fallen in love but their families were rivals in the criminal underworld, and Annika was sent away to destroy their bond. Fast forward to present day wherein, Annika, now a widow whose husband had been abusive and controlling, finds herself a target of blackmail by an unknown source but Rafe has promised his undying protection, and calls in the ‘families’ to help with the woman he loves. As the threats against Annika increase, several mob boss families are found tortured and murdered, and the Martinelli family may be next on the list. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Rafe and Annika, and the potential fall-out as the past demands retribution and revenge seeking power and control of the criminal underworld.

Annika Tarenkov believes she is damaged goods but has never stopped loving our story line hero. Rafe Martinelli had never stopped loving the woman that was torn from his arms but Annika’s marriage to a man she never loved threatened the possibility of a future for our storyline couple. A target has been placed on the families in both the Mafia and Bratva, and in this everyone comes under the protection until the killers are found.

The relationship between Rafe and Annika is one of second chances; a rebuilding romance that begins as friendship as Rafe bides his time in the wake of the threats against our story line heroine The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including mob boss son Carmine Martinelli, and thirty year old, Mafia princess Nadia Tarenkov (Underboss1), mob boss’ son Shane Martinelli, and medical receptionist Ivie Jordan (Headhunter 2); cousin Elena and her husband Archer; Annika’s uncle Igor; and Rafe’s parents. The requisite evil has many faces.

OFF THE RECORD is a story of power, greed and control; a tale of family, relationships, betrayal and loss. The fast paced premise is twisted, spicy and inviting; the romance is spirited and seductive; the characters are lively, strong willed and spirited. OFF THE RECORD is a wonderful addition to Kristen Proby’s WITH ME IN SEATTLE MAFIA series.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the With Me in Seattle Mafia series and the last of the Martinelli brothers. I have been waiting to hear all about Rafe and Annika since Rafe was mentioned in book one.
Rafe and Annika's story started while they were quite young and they took their relationship to college. Unfortunately, they were torn apart by family feuds and the fact that Annika didn't want to be more involved with the Family than she already was. She ends up marrying another man and he is not who she thought he was. He brought evil to her door and she thinks she is not deserving of Rafe or an HEA.

If you know the Martinelli brothers, they won't take no for an answer and they will protect their loved ones with every bit of their soul. Rafe never let Annika go and now that she is free of her husband, they are free to be together, right? Not so fast. There is always more to the story and we get all those loose end wrapped up in this 3rd book.
This book and this series was fast paced and full throttle ahead. I wanted more to some of the back stories and I wanted more about Annika and her relationship with her ex brought into the book so we could get more 'Mafia Rafe'. I wanted that grit and dirty part of Mafia life, but this was more Mafia Lite. But their story is still entertaining and the side characters all play a great role in all three books and their stories intertwine in a cohesive way. Will we see any of the side characters that didn't get book in future books?

With all that said, I listened to audio and loved the narrators. They really made the book that much more enjoyable. Jason Clarke was the perfect narrator for Rafe. He had that edge to his voice and when he went all alpha and protective, it was just what the story called for. And Erin Mallon is always on point. I think she is more romcom, but she fit Annika's character for this story. She brought some fun to her character and she gave her a little light that she needed after going through everything with her ex.

Overall, this was a fun and fast paced story and fast paced series. They are short and easy to read. It's light on mafia, but there was still that mystery and intrigue that pulled you in. The feuding families? What can I say, but they are a sneaky little bunch and I'm glad they are now a force to be reckoned with. I hope we see a certain guy that runs his boss' compound in Colorado. He is just itching for a book!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Record is book 3 and the final book in the With Me In Seattle Mafia Series and Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli and Dr Annika Tarenkov second chance romance is the perfect story to end this wonderful series with. Mafia is not a genre I’m drawn to but Ms Proby has certainly shown me what Im missing because the Martinelli brothers, their partners and families captivated me from the first book and had me excited for every book that followed. I was intrigued and interested to see where Rocco’s story was going to go and I was not disappointed this book was everything I expected and so much more. He is a man determined to do whatever is necessary to protect his loved ones and honestly he was so easy to fall in love with. Dr Annika Tarenkov had her heart broken years ago when their families warned them off each other but now it seems fate has intervened and given them a second chance but will their families except them being together this time around and will the danger they all find themselves in tear them apart forever.....
This book ticked all my boxes, it’s full of love, mystery, passion and suspense, it’s a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat and it will have you falling hard and fast for this couple. Honestly I didn’t want this series to end but Rafe and Annika’s journey was the perfect story to end the series on. I will certainly read this series again because I will never get tired of these families and their stories.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author***

4.5 Stars

I love, love, love the darker titles by Kristen Proby. There's just something about them that is fun, and twisty, and a little dark and a lot hot and sexy.

Rafe, or Rocco as he thinks he wants to be called (and he doesn't, as Rafe is better than Rocco and Annika agrees with me) is in a mafia family and while he is incredbly attracted to Annika, and has been for years, he feels that they should not be together and that he is not good enough for her.

Annika is coming out of a bad marriage...and bad is an understatement...and knows that life is short and that it's time for her to get what she wants, and what she wants is Rafe.

Well, Rafe is unable to resist this, and as readers we are glad he didn't. Their story is hot, it's fun, and even though Rafe is a mobster, and has killed people, it's also easy to see that when it comes to Annika, he is in love and would never do anything to harm her.

Watching them figure out how to be together, and how to make their relationship work is a fabulous ride.

As this is the last book in the trilogy, there is also some time spent closing up the loose ends from the first 2 books.

I enjoyed and recommend this title...and the entire series.

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite book in the series! We've known since the first book that Annika and Rafe had an emotional past together, but we really get to see how everything unfolded, and just how much horrific abuse poor Annika endured at the hands of her despicable husband. This book is full of second chance, steam, a pure and honest love, with the mafia element and suspense thrown in as well. I really believed all of these tropes blended so well together with this book, but I still wish this was more mafia-y (totally made up a new word!) Beyond that though, this was definitely a worthwhile read, especially if you've read the previous books in the series as well.

This looks like this is the last book in the series (at least for now!!) and everything was tied up with no loose ends, so you aren't left with any lingering questions when you get to the last page. I definitely appreciated that, and will read more from this author in the future!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**

[Audrey Krofchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third and final book on the Martinelli Mafia trilogy. This book is about Rocco aka Rafe and Annika. In this book is it finally time for Annika and Rafe to be together? That question is answered in this book along with a few others I didn’t know I had. There are long buried secrets that come to light that bring everyone together. I loved that you got to see Elena & Archer AND Matt Montgomery. By the end of the book I was still trying to figure out who was behind everything. This was a good end to series. I do suggest reading Elena’s book and the other two in the trilogy to truly understand the dynamics and what happens.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero 4⭐ Rafe.
Heroine 4⭐ Annika.
Story 4⭐
Writing 4⭐
Steam 3⭐
Romance 4⭐
Angst 3⭐
Secondary Characters 4⭐
Drama 4⭐
Mystery 4⭐
Twists 4⭐
Action 4⭐

Recommend - Yes.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Off The Record (With Me in Seattle Mafia #3) by Kristen Proby
To be honest mafia based stories are not at all a genre I usually read. However I have to say that Kristen Proby has drawn me in with this series and held me captive.
Off The Record is the third and final book and is Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli and Dr. Annika Tarenkov second chance at love story. It was well written, riveting and the story line had me invested from the first to the last chapter.
Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli intrigued me when I met him in the first book and his story did not disappoint. He is a man on a mission, determined to do whatever is necessary to protect those he loves; I fell for him hard and fast.
Pairing him with Dr. Annika Tarenkov was spot on in my humble opinion. Years ago they were in love but because of their families they were torn apart. However, times have changed and when Annika’s past collides with her present, all bets are off and Rocco will track down those who are trying to hurt her.
I loved how strong and determined she was to succeed. The chemistry and passion between Rafe and Annika is intense and as the danger intensifies we are taken on a journey that at times had me on the edge of my seat. I loved all the characters, the mystery, suspense, the twists and turns and was disappointed when I finished the book.
This was a fitting conclusion to the series and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

[B-Books Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗜𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁, 𝘄𝗲’𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺. 𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗸𝗮. 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁. 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼. 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲.”
❤️
Let’s talk about “Off The Record by Kristen Proby”, third and last book in the Martinelli Mafia series.
❤️
Rafe/Rocco and Annika won my little heart. You can read this book as a standalone but to understand their story and especially what Annika went through with her ex-husband and such you definitely should read the previous two books. In this story Annika is being blackmailed over somethings her ex made her do it and her blackmailer is ready to expose her to everyone.

Of course the whole family is ready to fight for her, Shane and Ivie, Carmine and Nadia and obviously Rafe. They all fall behind her and I think my favorite scenes of the three books are when they are all together, because as individuals they awesome, but together they are a powerhouse. I also enjoyed that Annika didn’t let her be a damsel in distress, she wasn’t as skilled as her family and friends, but she could put a bullet better than some.

Although their relationship is more slow burn than the previous ones, when they finally got together it was so freakin’ steamy. Their supportive and caring ways made me swoon so hard. Especially Rafe, can I get him for me? Actually, all of the brothers, please! There’s also lest action in this book, but the suspense and the “gathering intel” is heavy here.

The danger is so much more than Annika, it could end their families too. So together with their bosses (the parents) the kick asses and put the lame to the curb. I was truly surprised over the ending and who was responsible for everything. Wow. It’s painful to see that it’s over now, I could read about the 3 couples so much more, I’ll definitely miss them.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes the thrilling conclusion to her With Me in Seattle Mafia series…


OFF THE RECORD: MARTINELLI MAFIA
(WITH ME IN SEATTLE MAFIA SERIES #3)
BY: KRISTEN PROBY


REVIEW ☆☆☆☆

Don't you just hate a series ending? I know I do, especially when the final book turns out to be my favorite. OFF THE RECORD draws the WITH ME IN SEATTLE MAFIA SERIES to a fabulous close.

Rafe and Annika are the couple many of us intuitively knew would occupy the finale. They have that certain something, a quality that draws you to them and places you squarely in their corner. The history between Rafe and Annika is long, complicated and loosely tied to a Romeo and Juliet thread. These two, young and in love, forbidden by family to ever be together, were ,thus, parted.

Years gone, Annika has not lived an easy life - a life that she feels powerless to control. Rafe dislikes numerous aspects of his life, but he has never forgotten Annika. Will circumstances draw these two back together? Is a second chance worth the risk?

The plot will keep you guessing and throw curveballs at you. OFF THE RECORD is an exciting read that is difficult to look away from because of the suspense, action and heat. I was rooting for Rafe and Annika all the way, and I bet you will, too. They are sympathetic likeable characters with a dynamite dynamic who deserve all good things.

OFF THE RECORD can be read as a standalone, but the story will be better overall if you read the series in order (UNDERBOSS #1, HEADHUNTER #2). Regardless of how you read this book, just make sure that you do!

[Vania Nunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance a la Romeo & Juliet.
Two lovers from enemy families.

Rafe "Rocco" Martinelli and Annika fell in love in college, and were inseparable for a while. Until her uncle - the boss of one of the most prominent crime families in the country - discovers the forbidden romance and has her transferred to another college. As an argument, her uncle said Rafe had been sent only to stay close to her to discover any family secrets.

Years later, Annika married another man, but the marriage doesn't last long. And while she was married, Annika was involved in a blackmail scheme, and despite her husband's death, someone else knows what she did, and wants something more from her.

Annika's uncle, Igor Tarenkov, who had been against her affair with Rafe, is now the father-in-law of Carmine Martinelli, Rafe's older brother.
And they all band together to help her get rid of this blackmail, as well as to find out who is the tormentor who is killing the main Mafia bosses.

Kristen Proby is known for writing books full of romance, second chances, erotic/fun scenes and family dynamics. Well, this mafia trilogy has it all, and more. Subjects never before addressed by the author, but still with its strong characteristic of protective alpha male characters and happy ending.
4 stars

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the final installment of the Mafia in Seattle spin off series by this author. What a way to wrap up the story! Lots of action in this one. Secrets are revealed, bad guys get what's coming to them and true love wins the day!

Annika and Rafe were in love years ago. Their families made them part ways. It just wasn't right for 2 Mafia families to intermingle. Times have changes. Meanwhile Annika has had a horrendous marriage. Rafe still loves only her. Together they are just perfect. I feel like much of their story was told in the previous books so you will want to read those first.

For this couple, they have a second chance and true love. It works for them. All the brothers are happy. Together, the two crime families set out to solve who is taking out the other crime families. It's a new age and a new way to do business.

Those that like mafia reads, I would say this is mafia light. Of the 3 books, this one is the most bloody but I still wouldn't say it is a dark read by any means. It was great to see come cameos from the Montgomery clan.

I am sad to see the series end but so happy to have met this family!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final installment of Kristen Proby’s, With Me In Seattle Mafia Series, Off The Record, is finally here! I’ll just sum it up real quick. This book is hot, suspenseful, and filled with so much family love. I’m so in love with all the Martinelli men, and their women, that I couldn’t pick just one even if I had to! Rafe/Rocco has been in love with Annika for over a decade. Rafe is just handsome, tough, and as loving as his brothers. Annika tries her best to resist Rafe because she still believes her family will not approve of Rafe like they did ten years ago while she was in college. But when someone tries to hurt Annika, Rafe and the rest of his family and Annika’s begin to “circle the wagons” so to speak to protect Annika and eventually the whole family. Throughout the story, twists and turns abound around every corner. I was quite surprised how it ended. I really loved this series. These characters are well developed and I have yet to be disappointed in a Kristen Proby book! I love it when an author will write an epilogue that wraps up the lives of the characters for the reader to know where they are and where they are going while still leaving room for more down the road. Oh, by the way, the between-the-sheets-action is very HOT! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *****

[Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off the Record by Kristen Proby is the final book in the With Me in Seattle Mafia trilogy and a great second chance romance.

Rafe “Rocco” Martinelli and Dr. Annika Tarenkov lives are now intertwined and as the book opens the reader can feel the sexual tension bleeding off the pages.

As this story unfolds with steam, mystery, suspense, and what the reader can feel as soul connecting love you become immersed in wanting to know how this all plays out.

I adored how you could feel Rocco's draw to Annika and how you know wants what is best for her.

The three couples that make up this trilogy whose lives were intertwined before they found love and now a force to be reckoned with.

This book has a bit more mafia than the prior two but it really helps complete the story arc for the trilogy. So yes these are standalone romances but I highly recommend With Me in Seattle Mafia as a binge read! They will make a great summer read!

As this one comes to a close Rocca and Annika have a happy just right for them!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that Rafe and Annika have to be the most anticipated couple of the series. And now that book three and the final book in the series is upon us - We finally get their story.

From the beginning of the series, we know that Rafe and Annika have a past but we are never truly clued into what their deal is. In OFF THE RECORD, we find out that Annika and Rafe most definitely have a past and it's a hot and heavy one at that!

Annika finds herself being blackmailed and as always Rafe is there for her, whether she likes it or not. A lot of secrets are exposed in book three and I'm going to keep those secrets but just know that this book is high action, suspense, and the tension between Annika and Rafe is combustible!

I really loved Off the Record because all the little questions are answered from the other two books and the whole series is tidied up and wrapped up with all the HEAs we love to have!

Great series, fantastic book!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.

Off the Record is book 3 of Kristen Proby's With Me In Seattle Mafia series. This is a very fast paced series that has to be read in order or you will not understand all the players in the story. This book is narrated by Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon. The way these narrators embody the characters makes the listener feel like the characters were written for their voices.

Rafe and Annika have tried to stay as in the shadows of their family businesses as possible. But when the business comes knocking on their front doors they are forced to confront their pasts. These two have been fighting their feelings even longer. Now that each are unemcumbered they can explore what their hearts have always known.

Kristen Proby is the master of intertwined family and friend romances. I love the way she blends each book seamlessly together. I will always come for a Kristen Proby series.

[Romance Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 by Kristen Proby we 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 get Annika and Rafe’s story! Off the Record is the third installment of the 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. This is a stand-alone novel; however, it ties in 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 closely with the first and second books. I 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 recommend you read the With Me in Seattle Mafia Series which follows the three Martinelli brothers and their loves, the Tarenkov ladies.

The prior books in the series are:
𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀 – (Carmine & Nadia)
𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 – (Shane and Ivy)

As we read in the prior two books, Rafe (Rocco) Martinelli and Annika Tarenkov dated in college for two years. As the children of rival mafia families, the lovers were forbidden to see each other on both ends. We can tell there has always been this love that Rafe had for Annika, however, prior to reading this book, it didn’t seem that Annika’s feelings were reciprocated. Annika went on to marry another man who we learn in this read, caused havoc in her life.

Since, the bad blood between the families has finally ended all these years later, due to Carmine and Nadia’s union, the time has come for Rafe and Annika to finally see if they can make it work between them.

Of course, being a Martinelli story, it’s never as easy as that. Annika’s ex’s bad history and a mafia murder plot spanning across multiple states causes the gang to get back together and solve this crime before they all end up casualties.

This story has a ton of interconnected characters which I loved. I always enjoy when Nadia and Carmine come back to the story as I see them as the anchor couple of the Martinelli brood.

The epilogue was adorable. I would read more of these characters just hanging out and living their lives. Hence, the beauty of a Kristen Proby novel.

I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this final book. I appreciated how the author didn’t go into details on what was done to Annika because it would have made the book much much darker. As it is my imagination conjured up enough. I think it was just the perfect ending though, because Rocco didn’t have to start over with Annika they just picked up again and they had their ups and downs while rebuilding their relationship. The book also tied up a lot of the loose ends from the previous books. Though it was a bit anti-climatic and I would have liked a bit more action it was well written. Overall, I think Kristen Proby did a great job with this mafia series and I’ll definitely be recommending it.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*