This book started well, really really well. I loved both Denis and Callie and I couldn’t believe how much I was enjoying their story.
There were several small things I took issue with but brushed them aside. For example I just couldn’t get on board with the fact that a man like Denis had been celibate for 10 years. Even knowing his wife was working her way through the entire male population. There’s loads more but I was enjoying it too much to really care.
And I did enjoy it and I understood why Denis was still with his wife but…
The endless threats. I mean even I was rolling my eyes after a while. I’m sorry but it shouldn’t have taken that long…but like I said brushing it aside here.
There was a scene with Callie towards the end that didn’t work for me but…I’m brushing.
This is a seriously fabulous read especially if you can avoid getting hung up on the small stuff. Normally I’m not very good at that but I’m trying.
Thinking I might have to go back and read the whole series.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
One heck of a sensational ride. The second read through was even better than the first. Denis is hands down one of my favorite characters from this series. And Callie has quickly made her way into my heart, as well as all the hearts of the Gallagher women.
🔥 mafia agegap romance 🔥 40yo married H with 6 children 🔥 22yo businesswoman 🌶 spicy scenes 🔪 beautiful violence 🙊 major OW drama and cheating BUT the circumstances are seriously on the H’s side!! I personally wouldn’t call it cheating, I’d say it’s finally finding forever 🖤 Family reunions
I had the pleasure of reading this story in both beta and ARC and I wasn’t prepared for Denis AT ALL!! I’ll be honest, seeing him as an older man and father figure through books 1-3 had me initially hesitant for his HEA. His actual age aside, as the father for characters we’d seen get married and have children made it hard to envision him doing the same.
Then, I met the man himself. And oh my frickin god, HAVE YOU SEEN THAT COVER!! Denis Gallagher is compassionate, protective, domineering, energetic, and entertaining. He’s faithful and devoted. And it may have been close to a decade but the man hasn’t lost his stride. Callie is well sated and completely fulfilled in all the right ways.
Denis is the leader of the Clann in Ireland and Northern Ireland. His father is the head in New York. His grandfather is the man everyone must answer to. His younger sister is the head of the east coast of the United States. His sons run the UK and Spain and their wives are well connected too. His daughter is married to the grandson of the Capo dei capi for the Italian mafia who is the also the current underboss of Connecticut’s Irish-Italian mafia. And yet in all things MADE series, Callie O’Hara is more connected than him across Ireland.
As you’ll soon learn Callie isn’t what meets the eye. She may be nothing like Makenna or Melissa but she has heart and doesn’t back down from what she believes in. She’s very much like Holly; smart, capable, fierce, and trustworthy. She runs her business with a savvy that has made her successful across Ireland and the UK. But her kind heart is what I fell for, not many women are able to step up in the way she does by the time this book reaches 50 percent. She’ll earn your respect and trust. And time and time again she’ll prove why she’s nothing like Zoe and everything Denis needs.
And if you’ve questioned my faithful comment earlier you don’t know Zoe. She’s not worth bucket of water in a fire and it pains me to have to even mention her!! But her trifling ass still has to be talked about since she’s the catalyst for so many wrongdoings. If you’ve been following along with the series you know that Zoe, from day one, has been scheming and plotting for personal gain. She despises her children and probably doesn’t know their true parentage. After all we know only 2 of the 6 children actually are father by Denis. Yup, that’s ridiculous for a 20+ year marriage. Yet it’s the men she chose as her side pieces that is the most appalling. The woman could have singlehandedly started wars, but instead she’s unified factions that would have never been connected. Jokes on her!! Her comeuppance is beautiful and my only gripe is I wish she’d been tortured longer and spilled more secrets.
The end of this story will leave you excited for the future and wanting the next book like yesterday.
When I saw this 4th book was about Big Bad "Daddy" Denis I immediately snatched it up and put it next on my TBR. This book does not disappoint and the drama with his wife Zoe is literally out of control. This is an older man/younger woman story but don't let Callie's age fool you as she's one successful and connected woman all on her own. Through the books we've seen snippets of Zoe (Denis's wife) before but this was an extremely eye opening experience. I honestly feel so bad for Denis and all their kids for having to deal with this woman for so long. There's not even bad enough words to describe her unsavory personality. If there was ever a woman who was a waste of space it's her and everything she stands for. Of course regardless how I feel about Denis I still don't think he started things with Callie and for months kept mum about his life and that big DOOZY...... that he's married. One thing that disappoints me though is after all these years how Denis could still underestimate Zoe and her manipulations. Denis also claims all 5 of Zoe's children even if only two are his. This was a bit of a weird dynamic to take in because Denis is a crime boss, father of five and still able to start a new relationship, now talk about time management LMAO
I did feel this book read a little choppy with some quick transitions and time jumps. I feel like we missed much of the bonding and falling in love between Callie and Denis and rather the story focused more on the drama surrounding their relationship. The book is also set in Ireland which I thought was fricking awesome but aside from visiting Callie's pubs, I didn't get the sense that this was taking place anywhere specific. On the note of her pubs however, I really did love Callie. She's built an empire for herself and has earned everything she has on her own. She also stands her ground when she has to even if she does forgive Denis rather easily a few times IMO. With threats around every corner the two will have to join more than just their hearts but their lives & families as well to live another day. Can't wait for Finn's book next, this series is really pretty Awesome!
Denis loves his family and his children are his world, but is it too much to ask that his toxic wife gets gone?( I know not what you’re expecting but she truly is a wretched person and her mothering skills are severely lacking). As part of the Irish Mob, second only to his father Denis know his wife is evil and he thinks his chance at happiness is gone, but a surprise bump into Callie has him realizing maybe things are starting to look up, but can she deal with his job and family? And what happens when Callie finds out about his wife. Now I know this may cause a few people to stop and say no way, but this is NOT a cheating spouse book (he hasn’t been with her in almost 10 years) and if you just give it a try you’ll realize there is a reason why Denis doesn’t just leave his wife for Callie, so please do not give up on this book before even starting. The blend of hard and soft sides in both Denis and Callie is perfect (this author really knows how to make strong female characters) and the supporting characters have you wanting to find out more. This is a continuation of a series and while the author does go back to explain things that occurred in previous books to get the full picture I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first. 4.5 stars. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
Dennis and Callie grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The story follows their love story and trying to navigate everything going on in their lives- DENNIS BEING MARRIED!
The start of the story started off pretty flat for me, but man oh man did it pick up. FAST! I'm a total sucker for a good fictional dad and Dennis was everything and more. Callie is a boss bisssh ! I admired her so much for the decisions she made in this book!
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the arc <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shattered Union is book 4 in Brooke Summers Made Series. Told in dual POV, we are FINALLY getting Denis and Callie’s story. Technically, this book can be read as an interconnected standalone, but you will lose so much back story and context that really makes this story an amazing read. I have been impatiently waiting for this couple and Brooke did not disappoint. I was surprised by the lack of “Mafia Stuff” for lack of a better phrase. The other books in the series, while centered around their specific couples, still focused on The Clann or The Famiglia and all of the politics that come with being a part of the mafia. Yes, Denis is head of the Irish Mafia, but we learn that Callie is quite connected to The Life even if it is more of a six degrees of separation type of situation. The characters are dealing with the fallout that happened in the previous books, but this is definitely more of a contemporary romance with Mafia Trope undertones. The vibe of Shattered Union wouldn’t have worked as Book One in this series, but being the fourth book - it really works. Callie and Denis have very complicated lives, but I absolutely LOVE them together. All of the Zoe stuff is heartbreaking and that woman is infuriating. Brooke did a wonderful job bringing the couple full circle. Callie and Denis’ passion and chemistry was off the charts, and the love they have for each other was fun to read. I really enjoyed the kids and the storyline that went with it. I really loved this book and the series just continuously gets better. I definitely recommend this book even if the mafia trope is not your usual cup of tea. ARC graciously given by the author via Netgalley by The Next Step PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I went into this book blind, not realising it was Denis’s story. After reading previous books, I could understand him needing a HEA. He may be the father of previous characters, but his wife, their mother, is pure evil. I thought Denis had the patience of a saint putting up with her.
When Denis meets Callie you can feel the chemistry between them. Callie is the total opposite to Zoe. She’s got a heart of gold and the perfect match for Denis.
Can Denis finally put a end to his misery? To maybe have chance of happiness?
This series just keeps getting better and better. I’m totally hooked and can’t wait for the next instalment.
Finally the book I've been dying to read in this series, Denis's story. And wow what a read this was, this poor man and his mean wife. I knew I would hate her from the rest of the series, but holy this cemented that forsure. She was such a mean spirited person, no one should treat ppl or her kids that way. But at last Denis finally finds someone he connects with, someone that treats him and his kids like humans. I loved Callie, there is no way you won't fall in love with her. Loved these two together, there was definitely a few hiccups along the way but loved he got his hea he deserves.
Wow!!! Author did it again. Callies and Denis story is heartbreaking but so worth it. I couldn’t stop reading. The story has you on the edge. Many secrets come to light and decisions need to be made. At the end will Callie and Denis get their happy ever after? Wow must read!!!
Brooke blew me away with Dennis and Callie's story. Such a great book. Absolute touchdown of a happily ever after. Cant wait to see what she's got next. I received an ARC for my honest review.
Another masterpiece done by the amazing Brooke Summers in The Made Series. Shattered Union was one of my favorites. Denis and Callie was an age-gap love that kept you on the edge of your seat. It's a definite must read.
This is book four in The Made Series and it is Callie and Denis story and omg it is a must read but have the tissues ready because you will definitely need them. Denis is married to Zoe and has been for twenty years after she got pregnant on purpose to trap him knowing how important family was to him but he has hated her for so long as she slept around and had children that are not his but he loves them all equally even though she treats all the children so badly, unfortunately he can't get rid of her yet as she is blackmailing him and could put there son in jail for a long time but as soon as he finds and gets what he needs she will be gone from his and the children's lives and he will do whatever he needs to do to make sure that she never comes back. Denis was on his way to attend to some business when his driver has to stop the car suddenly and that is when Denis meets Callie and has a instant attraction to her which has never happened to him before so he decides that he wants to get to know her better. Callie owns four bars in Dublin and two in London but when she meets Denis her attraction to him is instant and strong which is not like her especially after what she had gone through with a previous relationship and after they spent two night together she hadn't heard from him since and that hurt but she carried on with her life regardless. Callie is such a strong woman and she takes no messing from anyone as she has built a great life for herself but when her feelings for Denis grows so strong but what will happen when she finds out that he not only has so many secrets but he also lied to her as he is still married and that completely devastated her. There are twists and turns along the way including danger, betrayal, mental and physical abuse, kidnapping, death, loss, hope, love and so many emotional situations that I was in tears with everything that was going on. This book was totally addictive and I couldn't put it down as not only was it a page turner it also kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what would happen next. This is the first book that I have read by Brooke Summers but definitely not the last as it was so well written and I can't wait to read more of her books. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mafia family is killing it in this series. Once I realized Shattered Union was going to be about Denis? Well, shit. I knew I needed to get my hands on it and forget the world. Long story short, this did not disappoint one bit. The only disappointing thing was me because I missed getting the ARC for it.
I honestly have zero regrets buying it so it worked out in the end. Plus getting to watch Denis fall in love with Callie was just completely precious. Until that whore of his wife came into the picture and tried to ruin it repeatedly. And by wife.. the marriage is definitely a shame. Out of all their kids, 2 are actually his. She definitely got around.. a lot.
Ever since we met Zoe, I knew she was going to be a pain in the freaking ass. We do know what happens to her so she just annoyed me in this one. It was, I'll admit, pretty interesting to see her try to take down Callie.. but we all know she fails at life. Denis deserved way better and Callie was that for him.
In the end, I'm very excited to jump into the next book! Which, yes, I do have the ARC for.
Every book in this page turning series gets better and better. This was my favourite one yet hence it was an easy choice to add it to my top reads of '21 list. From her very first book this author has captured my attention, and although I've enjoyed every book, her growth as an author really shows and is inspiring to watch. So much happens within the action packed pages of this book that it's almost tempting to get out a whiteboard and string to get all the facts straight (a lot of it would just be figuring out who Zoe hadn't slept with as that would be a short list). The couple starring in this book are absolutely perfect for each other, but they go through so much both together and apart, will they be able to look past everything and be happy? Then there's what seems like a hundred different family members from both sides.. Let's just say that from cover to cover you'll definitely be kept on your toes and will be run through a gamut of emotions over and over. Yet again highly recommend.
I was not prepared to love Denis as much as I did! In previous books he always just kind of comes off as the supportive but closed off Dad who stays married to an absolute psycho because of obligation and blackmail. In Shattered Union we get to pull back the curtain and learn who Denis really is. He’s a loving and loyal family man and I was taken with how much he loves his children, even though some are not his. Callie is an independent and strong willed entrepreneur who is every bit his equal. Denis spends some of this book being a straight idiot and making bad decisions and boy does he pay for it, so does Callie though unfortunately. I love this universe it’s a lot of fun and the characters are all so different from each other it’s kind of amazing. I can’t wait to read about Finn!
Shattered Union us book four in the Made series by Brooke Summers. Having read the first three books I was really hoping that Denis would get a book. Denis and Callie's story is a wild ride. Normally I don't read books with cheating but everything that Denis' wife has put him through, I had to condone it. I can't wait to see what's next for this series.
I am so excited that this book is here. Yet again Brooke Summers has truly out did herself and wrote an absolutely amazing book. I completely devoured this in one sitting. I won’t go into detail or post spoilers but most definitely you need Denis and Callie in your life.
This was so good. Denis and Callie are awesome characters. I started reading and couldn’t stop until it was finished. I love this authors stories and can’t wait to read her next book. Highly recommended.
This silver fox cover! I have been waiting for Denis’ book. Poor long-suffering Denis, who knows his wife Zoe has been stepping out on him, and is devastatingly cruel to their children. All is revealed in his story. I was cheering for Denis and Callie, and that almost 20 year age gap didn’t mean a thing. Callie is clever in business, instils loyalty in dangerous friends, and sticks up for those who need a voice. She is fearless, until she meets Denis, and feels fear on so many levels. Callie’s strength and Mafia savvy is indisputable. I loved the way this book brings together the characters from the first three books in the Made series (if you don’t read them in order, there’s spoilers) and all the families hanging out together. I love this series! It’s always got action, drama, with a hard won HEA.
I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.
I liked Dennis and Callie’s story. They meet and he is instantly attracted to her. He is older, but Callie has preferred to date older men. So the attraction is mutual. And they start dating. Dennis doesn’t tell Callie that he’s married. He knows he needs to tell her but as soon as he does she is going to leave him. Their story is a page turner. This is part of a series. But I haven’t read any of the other books and didn’t feel lost.
5* Denis is still trying to get the evidence his devious wife Zoe is hiding. Still as evil as ever Zoe is up to her usual selfish tricks and playing games. When Denis meets Callie he's completely hooked but holding important things from her has her evaluating what she wants. Wow this book had me hooked from page one to the end! Love this series and can't wait to read more.
Denis is a man trapped in a marriage to a toxic woman. They share children but not all of them may be his since she constantly cheats on him. When he meets Callie everything changes for him. He knows he wants and its not long before he knows she's the one for him. However he hasn't told her about his crazy wife and this could bring some serious issues out for them. When things start to get serious will Denis tell Callie everything before its too late? Will they get their happy ending?
This is a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series keeps entertaining me, and Denis and Callie’s tale was no exception. He falls for her, she falls for him, and all is grand. Until the truth comes out, that is. Then Denis is scrambling to repair the trust he shattered, while Callie ends up on the losing end of vindictively cruel acts by someone who has no business being mad about anything she does. Add in who Callie’s family is, what they are are Denis and his family, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster or bliss. It just takes a while to figure out which way everything end up.
I especially enjoyed the introduction of more characters to love. Stephen will likely have one heck of a story to tell, and I fully expect to hear more from him when we get back to Ireland after Finn figures out how to fix his mess. I’m sure we’ll see more of everyone in those books also, since this author has a talent for keeping past couples involved without allowing them to take center stage.
This book was a lovely surprise. I love an strong heroine who doesn't need the hero to fend herself and our heroine in this book is the epitome of that! I adored that she was successful and independent before she met our hero (by the way, that meet cute was amazing!) That in fact made the story more interesting because she didn't need him. Even when she struggled, she didn't need him and yet still she WANTED him. I really liked that. It made their love story a lot better. I also liked how sweet she was with Dennis' children and that she met them before knowing who they were. I love her family too and I'm super curious about Mav and Stephen now. And yes there were things I didn't expected or enjoyed but overall this was a fantastic book. Now I'm really intrigued by Finn and his book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review
I was absolutely thrilled with how Denis's story came out. I needed him to get a happy ending and I was floored with how well it was delivered. Callie holds her own among the other ladies in the series and I love that Denis was given a woman who could stand up to his world and not be shattered by it. This is a great addition to the series.
This book was great! Not as action packed as the others but was great finding out what was happening with Denis after reading the other novels in this series. I really wanted to know what happened with Zoe and this book answered that! Now as for Callie and Denis...wow. To find someone you connect so deeply with and so instantly is something special. Poor callie though. The emotional roller coaster she was on because Denis lied...a person can relate! All the new character I traduced that I now need stories on! This book was great for finding out the denis' side of the issues in the other books and once he was hone long enough to fight for calling 🔥. And the happily ever after...perfect. I can not wait for more in this series!
This is the book I have been waiting for! This is book four in The Made Series and is Dennis & Callie's story. Once again our female lead is no shrinking violet and I love that. You absolutely need to read the other books in the series first so you can fully appreciate the complex mafia/mob plot along with all the relationships, connections and affiliations. This book is full of action and drama and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mafia romance.
Although I liked the romance/angst/cheating, the ow/wife was ott and with all the shenanigans she pulled I can’t believe the H put up with her for 22 years. That’s a loooonnnnggg time. So it made the story seem far fetched and eye rolling silly… and it made the H seem like a weak little girl instead of a big bad mafia boss… plus the fact that he let her live after she had 3 kids with hook ups and passed them Off as the H’s. Uhmmm Luca would unalive someone. Bound by Honor by Cora Reilly is the book I judge all mafia romances by. This one came up lacking. Denis meets Callieand its love at first sight. It’s age gap and he’s unhappily married to an evil bitch who is a horrible mother to his 5 children. He and Callie carry on with lots of time hops in their relationship so that waters down the romance. They’re in love then she finds out he’s a married man of 22 years with a boatload of childrenand she’s the ow. All this gets forgiven fairly easily and the H is constantly saying he’s going to murder his wife. He needs to take Nikes slogan to heart and JUST DO IT! A lot of side characters and names floating all through this story so if you haven’t read the authors other books you’re bored to tears.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
" Losing him hurt me. It shouldn't. He was never mine to begin with. "
Shattered Union was everything that I wanted it to be and then some... ALL the angsty goodness, Twist & Turns and a very complicated connected between two of my most favorite characters to date. Callie and Denis... they will make you swoon, shout at your kindle because of their stubbornness ( Callie ) and fall in love with this book world and all the interconnected goodness that is the Made Series.
Shattered Union is my favorite read in the Made Series so far; Brooke never fails to make me gasp, have me all up in my feels and wanting to shout at her repeatedly whilst reading! She never disappoints! Each book is unique and jam packed full of characters that you cannot help but fall in love with and I cannot wait for more!