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Her Consigliere
Attorney Siobhan Collins’s life has been shrouded in mystery from the moment she was born, but she is certain of one thing—she owes her life and everything she has achieved to the Mancuso family, and she has pledged to protect their interests at any cost. Her loyalty will be put to the test when she learns the woman who has stolen her heart is determined to destroy the only world she has ever known. FBI agent Royal Scott is ready to ditch working undercover and figure out how to live in the real world, but her boss convinces her to take one more assignment pretending to be someone she’s not. Her one goal—infiltrate the Mancuso family’s illegal empire and find a way to bring them down. But when she becomes captivated by Siobhan Collins, the elusive counselor to Don Mancuso, she may be the one taking the fall. Advance praise from Publishers "With this sexy lesbian romance take on the mobster genre, Taite brings savvy, confidence, and glamour to the forefront without leaning into violence...Taite’s protagonists ooze competence and boldness, with strong female secondary characters...This is sure to please."—Publishers Weekly, 4/29/2021
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2021
33 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books293 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 7, 2021
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher (Bold Strokes Books) in exchange for a honest review'
**'Stories don't write themselves. It takes thoughts, research, knowledge, notes, skill, time and more work than any reader would believe..'
Fascinating read!
It's a rarity that whenever I do get a chance to read any new book by Carsen Taite that i'm never not satisfied or even disappointed. She's one of those writers that gets it on how to both tell a good story and appease her readers with broadening the topic plus interweaving all things pertaining to law enforcement, The justice system and a bunch of unscrupulous activities surrounding the mafia, their families and people close to them. And so this leads to the exact pace that 'HER CONSIGLIERE' follows with more surprising twists and this effortless love story embedded.
Additionally, when it comes to all of Taite's books, I think her storytelling in mystery and crime thriller are arguably her most highly regarded because of being so immensely knowledgeable in Law etc...
Her razor-sharp characterization, smart plotting, lawyering, undercover investigative procedures & techniques are reflected in this storyline also all of which are infused with this engrossing adventurous tale starting with the title -- which says a lot.
Once you finish reading 'HER CONSIGLIERE,' you will wish the storyline had more to it and might even want this book to continue into a series. The story is both compelling and at times riveting, and a one-sit read that kept me glued wondering what would happen next, from the very first chapter to the ending.
Any interested readers looking to add another book to their must-read list (and even if you're not), 'HER CONSIGLIERE' should be at the top of your choices. Highly recommended!
**'Stories don't write themselves. It takes thoughts, research, knowledge, notes, skill, time and more work than any reader would believe..'
Fascinating read!
It's a rarity that whenever I do get a chance to read any new book by Carsen Taite that i'm never not satisfied or even disappointed. She's one of those writers that gets it on how to both tell a good story and appease her readers with broadening the topic plus interweaving all things pertaining to law enforcement, The justice system and a bunch of unscrupulous activities surrounding the mafia, their families and people close to them. And so this leads to the exact pace that 'HER CONSIGLIERE' follows with more surprising twists and this effortless love story embedded.
Additionally, when it comes to all of Taite's books, I think her storytelling in mystery and crime thriller are arguably her most highly regarded because of being so immensely knowledgeable in Law etc...
Her razor-sharp characterization, smart plotting, lawyering, undercover investigative procedures & techniques are reflected in this storyline also all of which are infused with this engrossing adventurous tale starting with the title -- which says a lot.
Once you finish reading 'HER CONSIGLIERE,' you will wish the storyline had more to it and might even want this book to continue into a series. The story is both compelling and at times riveting, and a one-sit read that kept me glued wondering what would happen next, from the very first chapter to the ending.
Any interested readers looking to add another book to their must-read list (and even if you're not), 'HER CONSIGLIERE' should be at the top of your choices. Highly recommended!
June 9, 2021
My favourite Carsen Taite books are usually the ones with lawyers and courtroom scenes but this one comes close.
Royal Scott is an FBI agent specializing in undercover operations. At the beginning of the story, she gets pulled from a job and immediately sent to another one, spying on the Mancuso family, and, more precisely, on the don’s consigliere, Siobhan Collins. As she finds herself falling for her mark, Royal can’t shake the feeling that nothing is quite as straightforward as it seems.
In the acknowledgements, Carsen Taite mentions getting help from lesfic’s mafia expert Ali Vali. While I’m not a huge fan of Vali’s Cain Casey’s series, it has nothing to do with her talent (for me to enjoy books with morally grey characters, I need to love said characters absolutely and Casey never did it for me). I don’t know whether Taite and Vali had long work sessions on this or if it was just a couple of tips over the phone but the result is awesome. What I usually care most about in a book is the characters but what I’ll probably remember about this book is the atmosphere, this impression of a dark shadow, the sense of foreboding.
Which doesn’t mean I didn’t like the characters. Both Royal and Siobhan are captivating and complex. Siobhan is uncertain of her place in the family, Royal isn’t so sure she loves her job anymore. They’re both willful and reluctant to admit they deserve better, a situation made even more complicated by Royal’s undercover mission since she can’t be entirely truthful about who she is. Siobhan and Royal have wonderful chemistry from the first time they meet. Carsen Taite writes the irresistibility very well, the powerlessness of the head over what heart and body desire.
Among the secondary characters, my favourite is Royal’s brother Ryan and Siobhan’s bodyguard Neal. I was also very pleasantly surprised to see one of Ali Vali’s characters (Muriel Casey) get a cameo.
The tension keeps growing in a thrilling way but it’s resolved in a twist that feels a tad anticlimactic. For the author to give the readers a happy ending, there was only one way the story could go, and I didn’t mind that the ending was unsurprising because it made complete sense, but I would have liked the getting there to be more elaborate.
Carsen Taite is always a sure bet, her stories always entertaining. This one is no exception.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
Royal Scott is an FBI agent specializing in undercover operations. At the beginning of the story, she gets pulled from a job and immediately sent to another one, spying on the Mancuso family, and, more precisely, on the don’s consigliere, Siobhan Collins. As she finds herself falling for her mark, Royal can’t shake the feeling that nothing is quite as straightforward as it seems.
In the acknowledgements, Carsen Taite mentions getting help from lesfic’s mafia expert Ali Vali. While I’m not a huge fan of Vali’s Cain Casey’s series, it has nothing to do with her talent (for me to enjoy books with morally grey characters, I need to love said characters absolutely and Casey never did it for me). I don’t know whether Taite and Vali had long work sessions on this or if it was just a couple of tips over the phone but the result is awesome. What I usually care most about in a book is the characters but what I’ll probably remember about this book is the atmosphere, this impression of a dark shadow, the sense of foreboding.
Which doesn’t mean I didn’t like the characters. Both Royal and Siobhan are captivating and complex. Siobhan is uncertain of her place in the family, Royal isn’t so sure she loves her job anymore. They’re both willful and reluctant to admit they deserve better, a situation made even more complicated by Royal’s undercover mission since she can’t be entirely truthful about who she is. Siobhan and Royal have wonderful chemistry from the first time they meet. Carsen Taite writes the irresistibility very well, the powerlessness of the head over what heart and body desire.
Among the secondary characters, my favourite is Royal’s brother Ryan and Siobhan’s bodyguard Neal. I was also very pleasantly surprised to see one of Ali Vali’s characters (Muriel Casey) get a cameo.
The tension keeps growing in a thrilling way but it’s resolved in a twist that feels a tad anticlimactic. For the author to give the readers a happy ending, there was only one way the story could go, and I didn’t mind that the ending was unsurprising because it made complete sense, but I would have liked the getting there to be more elaborate.
Carsen Taite is always a sure bet, her stories always entertaining. This one is no exception.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
June 24, 2021
3.75 stars. I have not read a lot of Carsen Taite’s books yet, but I know she’s most well known for her court room inspired books, so it was surprising to see a mobster book. I don’t know what it is, but a morally grey character always intrigues me and I liked this a lot. It’s also good to see there was some inspiration and collaboration with BSB author Ali Vali and there were even some cameos from the Cain Casey series.
The story seems pretty clear-cut. Royal is an undercover FBI agent tasked to take down Siobhan, the consigliere (advisor) of don Carlo, a mobster boss in Dallas. So basically, it’s good versus bad, but of course things are never that simple, genuine feelings between Royal and Siobhan get in the way of the investigation and there is a mystery/thriller element to the story as well, to keep things even more interesting.
The characters were well written. Soon you realize that Siobhan is not all that bad, even if she works for the mob. She has her reasons for being loyal to don Carlo, but there are many underlying factors that influence her role and place in the mobster family. Royal on the other hand has a perfect history working for the FBI, but she has doubts about her future at the bureau. A romance based on lies and deceit is always tricky. It starts simple with attraction, but soon I felt this tension where I wanted Royal to come clean, but at the same time not, because you know this type of deceit will be the end of their relationship and I wanted them to be together. So, I felt Royals dilemma, but I actually also somehow felt sorry for Siobhan, for the way she was being used by Royal, ughhh…..well done for messing with my mind.
I’m not going to say a lot about the thriller/mystery storyline, it was fun, there were a couple of surprises and also a couple that were quite predictable, but I didn’t mind it. The only drawback that I had with the book was that the ending felt rushed. For the romance I had the feeling that some steps were skipped and I realize that this may have been deliberate in order not to fall in the 80% lesfic death trap, but now it just felt a little too simple some crucial points were not discussed. Also, the thriller part ended very rapidly and I this could have been more elaborate. This was a pretty short book and a couple of extra chapters would have been nice in my opinion. That said there were no obvious plot holes and it is well written, so there is plenty to enjoy if you’re looking for an entertaining mafia themed romantic thriller.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story seems pretty clear-cut. Royal is an undercover FBI agent tasked to take down Siobhan, the consigliere (advisor) of don Carlo, a mobster boss in Dallas. So basically, it’s good versus bad, but of course things are never that simple, genuine feelings between Royal and Siobhan get in the way of the investigation and there is a mystery/thriller element to the story as well, to keep things even more interesting.
The characters were well written. Soon you realize that Siobhan is not all that bad, even if she works for the mob. She has her reasons for being loyal to don Carlo, but there are many underlying factors that influence her role and place in the mobster family. Royal on the other hand has a perfect history working for the FBI, but she has doubts about her future at the bureau. A romance based on lies and deceit is always tricky. It starts simple with attraction, but soon I felt this tension where I wanted Royal to come clean, but at the same time not, because you know this type of deceit will be the end of their relationship and I wanted them to be together. So, I felt Royals dilemma, but I actually also somehow felt sorry for Siobhan, for the way she was being used by Royal, ughhh…..well done for messing with my mind.
I’m not going to say a lot about the thriller/mystery storyline, it was fun, there were a couple of surprises and also a couple that were quite predictable, but I didn’t mind it. The only drawback that I had with the book was that the ending felt rushed. For the romance I had the feeling that some steps were skipped and I realize that this may have been deliberate in order not to fall in the 80% lesfic death trap, but now it just felt a little too simple some crucial points were not discussed. Also, the thriller part ended very rapidly and I this could have been more elaborate. This was a pretty short book and a couple of extra chapters would have been nice in my opinion. That said there were no obvious plot holes and it is well written, so there is plenty to enjoy if you’re looking for an entertaining mafia themed romantic thriller.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
I rate books on how much I enjoy them and I absolutely enjoyed this book!
Royal Scott is an undercover cop who gets roped into one last case about the Mancuso family. She’s hired to infiltrate their illegal empire via their consigliere, Siobhan Collins who she has undeniable chemistry with.
I really needed this book, in the midst of constant dud reads and stressful schooling, it offered up a distraction.
Characters- this books focuses more on Riley than it does on Siobhan, nevertheless the author manages to successfully make her characters their own distinct personalities with interesting backgrounds.
Plot- I loved the plot and I expected nothing less than the perfect execution Carsen Taite provided.
Taite has improved greatly since the last book I read of her’s where though it was a good book she failed to keep me entertained. This book was the exact opposite of that one as it captured my attention from the very first page.
Ms Taite mentions in the acknowledgment the impression from another lesbian book writer, Ali Vali who just so happens to be another one of my favorite writers. Imagine my absolute excitement at the Cain Casey cameos! If you’re a fan of those books as well then I can only describe this book as “if Shelby loved Muriel enough”.
All in all, I highly recommend this book. Amazing storytelling that had me glued to my seat wondering what was gonna happen next. It was insanely enjoyable and the chemistry between Royal and Siobhan was instantly felt. My only complaint would be the length, I definitely would have enjoyed more scenes between the two to make me want them together more.
5 stars! Loved this
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in return for an honest review
Royal Scott is an undercover cop who gets roped into one last case about the Mancuso family. She’s hired to infiltrate their illegal empire via their consigliere, Siobhan Collins who she has undeniable chemistry with.
I really needed this book, in the midst of constant dud reads and stressful schooling, it offered up a distraction.
Characters- this books focuses more on Riley than it does on Siobhan, nevertheless the author manages to successfully make her characters their own distinct personalities with interesting backgrounds.
Plot- I loved the plot and I expected nothing less than the perfect execution Carsen Taite provided.
Taite has improved greatly since the last book I read of her’s where though it was a good book she failed to keep me entertained. This book was the exact opposite of that one as it captured my attention from the very first page.
Ms Taite mentions in the acknowledgment the impression from another lesbian book writer, Ali Vali who just so happens to be another one of my favorite writers. Imagine my absolute excitement at the Cain Casey cameos! If you’re a fan of those books as well then I can only describe this book as “if Shelby loved Muriel enough”.
All in all, I highly recommend this book. Amazing storytelling that had me glued to my seat wondering what was gonna happen next. It was insanely enjoyable and the chemistry between Royal and Siobhan was instantly felt. My only complaint would be the length, I definitely would have enjoyed more scenes between the two to make me want them together more.
5 stars! Loved this
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in return for an honest review
July 9, 2021
3 Stars
For the most part I’ve liked the books I’ve read from Carsen Taite. They’re generally well written, she knows her stuff and they’re easy to read. This is an intrigue/suspense romance but unfortunate was a bit short on both for me.
Attorney Siobhan Collins is the consigliere (counselor/advisor) to Don Carlo Mancuso. He took her in after her mother was killed when she was a child and she feels beholden to them. Royal Scott is an undercover agent with the FBI. She’s tasked with infiltrating the Mancuso empire and taking them down.
“Her Consigliere” kind of feels like Taite wrote two incomplete books and just put them together. First the intrigue/suspense mafia storyline. I enjoyed it at first. I was able to guess fairly quickly what was going to happen but I didn’t mind. I was enjoying the process of getting there and learning who everyone was. My issue was the it all felt rushed. A couple of things happened and the ending seemed rushed and anticlimactic. There’s also a mystery and we never really see much of the “bad guy” or hear their motivations.
The romance also felt very rushed. Royal and Siobhan only share a few scenes together until just about halfway through. Frankly, I just didn’t buy into their romance. We’re told about their feelings for one another but I never saw much chemistry or emotional connection. It was also hard for me to believe that Siobhan, who is supposedly smart and the right hand to the Don, would make all the choices she makes once she meets Royal. I did see potential with them together but it seemed like the book ended before it was able to blossom to anything more for me.
All in all, while in the end this didn’t click for me, I feel like it’ll work better for others. I especially think fans of Ali Vali’s Cain Casey series will appreciate this. I do feel like if this becomes a series and we get more depth to both the mafia world and their romance, I would probably rate this one higher. Because like I said, it’s a good starting off point.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part I’ve liked the books I’ve read from Carsen Taite. They’re generally well written, she knows her stuff and they’re easy to read. This is an intrigue/suspense romance but unfortunate was a bit short on both for me.
Attorney Siobhan Collins is the consigliere (counselor/advisor) to Don Carlo Mancuso. He took her in after her mother was killed when she was a child and she feels beholden to them. Royal Scott is an undercover agent with the FBI. She’s tasked with infiltrating the Mancuso empire and taking them down.
“Her Consigliere” kind of feels like Taite wrote two incomplete books and just put them together. First the intrigue/suspense mafia storyline. I enjoyed it at first. I was able to guess fairly quickly what was going to happen but I didn’t mind. I was enjoying the process of getting there and learning who everyone was. My issue was the it all felt rushed. A couple of things happened and the ending seemed rushed and anticlimactic. There’s also a mystery and we never really see much of the “bad guy” or hear their motivations.
The romance also felt very rushed. Royal and Siobhan only share a few scenes together until just about halfway through. Frankly, I just didn’t buy into their romance. We’re told about their feelings for one another but I never saw much chemistry or emotional connection. It was also hard for me to believe that Siobhan, who is supposedly smart and the right hand to the Don, would make all the choices she makes once she meets Royal. I did see potential with them together but it seemed like the book ended before it was able to blossom to anything more for me.
All in all, while in the end this didn’t click for me, I feel like it’ll work better for others. I especially think fans of Ali Vali’s Cain Casey series will appreciate this. I do feel like if this becomes a series and we get more depth to both the mafia world and their romance, I would probably rate this one higher. Because like I said, it’s a good starting off point.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2021
Mobs and undercovers.
Carsen Taite is a hit or miss for me. I absolutely loved It Should Be A Crime but I couldn't quite get into some of her other books. Taite writes decent legal / courtroom storylines, but as a romance-first reader, I felt the chemistry between characters lacking in some of those.
Her Consigliere has a good romance and thriller storyline that kept me reading from start to finish. It's a breath of fresh air from her courtroom romances. It's exciting and feels like it could be made into a movie. Royal is an FBI agent assigned to infiltrate the mob to bring down the Mancuso family's illegal empire, even if it means giving all she's got to get close to the family's consigliere. Ice queen attorney and Mancuso family consigliere, Siobhan, never mixes business with pleasure until Royal. The mutual attraction between Royal and Siobhan is present from the first encounter even before Royal got the assignment and the chemistry's great.
But this story is short for an exciting storyline like this, and the ending felt rushed. I wish I had more of Royal and Siobhan. I wanted more depth and for Royal and Siobhan to develop deeper feelings before falling head over heels with each other. And in this case, perhaps a bit more angst would have been befitting of such a promising story.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Carsen Taite is a hit or miss for me. I absolutely loved It Should Be A Crime but I couldn't quite get into some of her other books. Taite writes decent legal / courtroom storylines, but as a romance-first reader, I felt the chemistry between characters lacking in some of those.
Her Consigliere has a good romance and thriller storyline that kept me reading from start to finish. It's a breath of fresh air from her courtroom romances. It's exciting and feels like it could be made into a movie. Royal is an FBI agent assigned to infiltrate the mob to bring down the Mancuso family's illegal empire, even if it means giving all she's got to get close to the family's consigliere. Ice queen attorney and Mancuso family consigliere, Siobhan, never mixes business with pleasure until Royal. The mutual attraction between Royal and Siobhan is present from the first encounter even before Royal got the assignment and the chemistry's great.
But this story is short for an exciting storyline like this, and the ending felt rushed. I wish I had more of Royal and Siobhan. I wanted more depth and for Royal and Siobhan to develop deeper feelings before falling head over heels with each other. And in this case, perhaps a bit more angst would have been befitting of such a promising story.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2021
Carsen Taite is one of my go-to lesfic authors. I especially like it when she writes legal thrillers enriched by her experience as a retired criminal attorney. Even though Her Consigliere features an attorney main character, the book focuses more on the criminal aspects of the Italian mafia in Texas.
Attorney Siobhan Collins was brought up within the Mancuso family and now is the counselor to Don Mancuso, the mafia Padrino who leads criminal operations in Dallas. Royal Scott is an undercover FBI agent tired of her job when she is forced to infiltrate the Mancuso family to try to bring them down. But when both women feel a mutual attraction, things get complicated and dangerous.
This novel started at a fast pace and kept the intrigue aspects of it for most of the story. I liked the way that Ms. Taite describes the work of an undercover agent and the intricacies of the mafia criminal network. Both main characters are well portrayed and they have good chemistry together though their relationship felt a bit rushed at times.
My main issue is that I wasn’t convinced about the plot resolution, especially in the last few chapters. It felt a bit rushed, many things were wrapped up in a short time which contradicted the slower build-up of the story. I thought that parts of the cast acted out of character, especially considering that irreversible life-changing decisions were taken with little reflection. It might be just me so take this with a pinch of salt, but I felt that many important things happened in a very short part of the book.
Fans of Ali Vali’s Cain Casey series will be delighted that some of the characters from those books make a short cameo appearance in this book. According to the acknowledgments, Ms. Vali, who is friends with the author, gave her advice on the criminal behaviour of the mafia that she had researched for her own books. Having read Vali’s The Devil Inside, it was good to see Cain and Emma in action again.
Overall, this was an entertaining read but with some plot resolution issues. Not the best book by Carsen Taite for me but if you are into crime novels you might want to give it a try. 3.5 stars.
Attorney Siobhan Collins was brought up within the Mancuso family and now is the counselor to Don Mancuso, the mafia Padrino who leads criminal operations in Dallas. Royal Scott is an undercover FBI agent tired of her job when she is forced to infiltrate the Mancuso family to try to bring them down. But when both women feel a mutual attraction, things get complicated and dangerous.
This novel started at a fast pace and kept the intrigue aspects of it for most of the story. I liked the way that Ms. Taite describes the work of an undercover agent and the intricacies of the mafia criminal network. Both main characters are well portrayed and they have good chemistry together though their relationship felt a bit rushed at times.
My main issue is that I wasn’t convinced about the plot resolution, especially in the last few chapters. It felt a bit rushed, many things were wrapped up in a short time which contradicted the slower build-up of the story. I thought that parts of the cast acted out of character, especially considering that irreversible life-changing decisions were taken with little reflection. It might be just me so take this with a pinch of salt, but I felt that many important things happened in a very short part of the book.
Fans of Ali Vali’s Cain Casey series will be delighted that some of the characters from those books make a short cameo appearance in this book. According to the acknowledgments, Ms. Vali, who is friends with the author, gave her advice on the criminal behaviour of the mafia that she had researched for her own books. Having read Vali’s The Devil Inside, it was good to see Cain and Emma in action again.
Overall, this was an entertaining read but with some plot resolution issues. Not the best book by Carsen Taite for me but if you are into crime novels you might want to give it a try. 3.5 stars.
July 31, 2021
This was such a great read... but I wish there was more of Royal and Siobhan to read about. As happy as the book made me, it felt a tad too short. The guest stars from Ali Vali's Casey series was a bonus too. The Maldives was a beautiful touch too.
May 26, 2021
With Consigliere, Carsen Taite has ventured into mobster territory. I normally expect her stories to revolve around lawyers, court fights, and the law. One of the main characters in this book (Siobhan Collins) is a lawyer, but her only client is the head of the Mancuso crime family. She is the consigliere or counselor to Don Carlo Mancuso. FBI agent Royal Scott is inserted into the family business to try and get evidence through Siobhan to take her and the entire Mancuso family down. Problems occur, though, when Siobhan and Royal connect in ways that have nothing to do with business.
Ms. Taite is excellent at creating strong, independent, and intelligent characters which is perfect for those of us who are character-driven readers. With Siobhan and Royal, she has delivered once again. Even the secondary characters, both good and bad, are well-developed and fit their roles in the tale.
The story is thrilling and intriguing. I figured out where the plot was going as I read, but I still enjoyed reading the whole story. I also noticed a few elements in the tale that reminded me of another series by a fellow BSB author. In fact, thanks to that author, there is a cameo appearance of a favorite character of mine from that other series. I squeed when I found that out. If this novel turns into a series, I would love to see more of that. Perhaps these two authors could write a novel together. I’m just wishing here.
Consigliere is a very enjoyable thriller/romance with intrigue, well-developed characters, and a beautiful love story. I had a lot of fun reading this book, and would love to see more of these characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Ms. Taite is excellent at creating strong, independent, and intelligent characters which is perfect for those of us who are character-driven readers. With Siobhan and Royal, she has delivered once again. Even the secondary characters, both good and bad, are well-developed and fit their roles in the tale.
The story is thrilling and intriguing. I figured out where the plot was going as I read, but I still enjoyed reading the whole story. I also noticed a few elements in the tale that reminded me of another series by a fellow BSB author. In fact, thanks to that author, there is a cameo appearance of a favorite character of mine from that other series. I squeed when I found that out. If this novel turns into a series, I would love to see more of that. Perhaps these two authors could write a novel together. I’m just wishing here.
Consigliere is a very enjoyable thriller/romance with intrigue, well-developed characters, and a beautiful love story. I had a lot of fun reading this book, and would love to see more of these characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this story about an undercover agent infiltrating the Mancuso family empire. My only disappointment was the ending. It felt rushed. And bland. I expected it with a little more... fireworks.
October 26, 2021
This is an excellent and well worked FBI v mob romance with an unexpected twist in the tail. Amusing crossover with Ali Vali’s Cain Casey series which it could easily be part of.
The MC’s are both at a crossroads they aren’t even really aware of, living life they don’t really fit into. They are well rounded characters with hidden depths. As always with Ms Taite’s books the plot is extremely well put together layering the romance with the “whodunnit” with effortless mastery.
Great reading and another winner from this author.
The MC’s are both at a crossroads they aren’t even really aware of, living life they don’t really fit into. They are well rounded characters with hidden depths. As always with Ms Taite’s books the plot is extremely well put together layering the romance with the “whodunnit” with effortless mastery.
Great reading and another winner from this author.
May 26, 2021
FBI agent Royal Scott was working her last undercover assignment, she hoped. This last mission was turning into a more dangerous task than she was comfortable with. When she finally got home she had high hopes of taking a vacation to some beach, just to relax. Unknown to her was the fact that her younger brother was staying in her apartment having resigned his position with the Rangers. But, there is always a but, her superior has other ideas. They are this close to finally having the info required to put the Mancuso crime family away but they wanted her to go undercover again.
Siobhan Collins has been with the Mancuso family as long as she can remember. Her mother worked for the Don and when she was killed he decided Siobhan would stay with the family. So she was treated like another daughter as the Don’s two daughters. She was encouraged to become a lawyer and when she passed the bar exam she was given the responsibility of looking after all the legal details the family was involved in.
Ms Taite can and does give us another wonderful read. Great characters along with a fast paced story. I have to say this one stands out for me as one of her better books. Don’t get me wrong, all of Taites books are entertaining but this one, great.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
Siobhan Collins has been with the Mancuso family as long as she can remember. Her mother worked for the Don and when she was killed he decided Siobhan would stay with the family. So she was treated like another daughter as the Don’s two daughters. She was encouraged to become a lawyer and when she passed the bar exam she was given the responsibility of looking after all the legal details the family was involved in.
Ms Taite can and does give us another wonderful read. Great characters along with a fast paced story. I have to say this one stands out for me as one of her better books. Don’t get me wrong, all of Taites books are entertaining but this one, great.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
June 3, 2021
I think it's honourable that Carsen Taite decided to branch out and write a romance featuring a mobster's dirty lawyer and an undercover agent. Although Siobhan is a lawyer, there's no courtroom drama within the novel, as the drama happens later on in the book once the romance has been established between these two very different main characters who lead completely different lives. Regardless of these differences, Her Consigliere has a great resolution for our MCs, and for me it felt like the novel and romance were both perfectly concluded.
In saying that, I would've liked to have heard a little more from Siobhan, as I feel as though there could've been more explanation to a few aspects of the family's operations but maybe that's just me wanting a bit more of the mobster side of the story.
Another great read from Carsen Taite who is well and truly one of my favourite lesfic authors.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
In saying that, I would've liked to have heard a little more from Siobhan, as I feel as though there could've been more explanation to a few aspects of the family's operations but maybe that's just me wanting a bit more of the mobster side of the story.
Another great read from Carsen Taite who is well and truly one of my favourite lesfic authors.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2021
Carsen Taite, the uncrowned ruler of lesfic stories with lawyers, when you put that together with some mobster inspiration and advice from Ali Vali you are sure you have a winner on your hands.
Taite knows how to write a lawyer character and in this case even a lawyer who might be on the wrong side of the law, but it extremely likable. Siobhan is an attorney, or consigliere, for a mob boss in Dallas. She is as much a part of the family as his two daughters are, but she does feel like an outsider at times. Royal is an undercover FBI agent who we meet on a different op first, a chance meeting with Siobhan and a new assignment later the two are together more often than not. But where do their allegiances lie? Royal wanted out of undercover work for a bit but now she is in and with Siobhan, she doesn't know what to do anymore. Both characters are strong and have their own personality. Personalities that don't seem to match separately, but when you put them together there are slight changes and they are a perfect fit.
The little gift Ali Vali gave Taite is super nice and makes me wish there was more. I actually would like to see much more about Siobhan and Royal. Maybe Royal can get a name change in a next book. A next book I am not expecting I might add. It seems like this won't be part of a series. But I wouldn't be mad at Taite if it were to become one. Someone who writes attorney types as strong as she does and mixes it with the mob and FBI, sure winner. Maybe Ali Vali and Carsen Taite can work on a book together, that's a dream book I think. I can already picture it, here's to hoping my dream becomes a reality someday
It's a solid read, with good characters, the mob angle could have been a bit stronger, but it's a good read overall. So what is there complain about really? There is one thing that is revealed towards the end of the book, I saw it coming from chapter 3 onwards I think. It's fine, nothing too mind-blowing, but predictable. It would have been nice if a book that strays from the lesfic formulaic pitfalls to have a revelation that would blow your mind as well. As they say you can't have it all...
It's a strong Carsen Taite book and I hope to see more mob-inspired stories by this author.
4.25 stars
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Taite knows how to write a lawyer character and in this case even a lawyer who might be on the wrong side of the law, but it extremely likable. Siobhan is an attorney, or consigliere, for a mob boss in Dallas. She is as much a part of the family as his two daughters are, but she does feel like an outsider at times. Royal is an undercover FBI agent who we meet on a different op first, a chance meeting with Siobhan and a new assignment later the two are together more often than not. But where do their allegiances lie? Royal wanted out of undercover work for a bit but now she is in and with Siobhan, she doesn't know what to do anymore. Both characters are strong and have their own personality. Personalities that don't seem to match separately, but when you put them together there are slight changes and they are a perfect fit.
The little gift Ali Vali gave Taite is super nice and makes me wish there was more. I actually would like to see much more about Siobhan and Royal. Maybe Royal can get a name change in a next book. A next book I am not expecting I might add. It seems like this won't be part of a series. But I wouldn't be mad at Taite if it were to become one. Someone who writes attorney types as strong as she does and mixes it with the mob and FBI, sure winner. Maybe Ali Vali and Carsen Taite can work on a book together, that's a dream book I think. I can already picture it, here's to hoping my dream becomes a reality someday
It's a solid read, with good characters, the mob angle could have been a bit stronger, but it's a good read overall. So what is there complain about really? There is one thing that is revealed towards the end of the book, I saw it coming from chapter 3 onwards I think. It's fine, nothing too mind-blowing, but predictable. It would have been nice if a book that strays from the lesfic formulaic pitfalls to have a revelation that would blow your mind as well. As they say you can't have it all...
It's a strong Carsen Taite book and I hope to see more mob-inspired stories by this author.
4.25 stars
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
July 10, 2021
Royals' character was robbed. As much as I enjoyed this, the ending was a turn off. Also there's a Cain Casey near the end as a nod to Ali Vali. Nice touch.
June 16, 2021
Her Consigliere is an exciting Mob story which kept me reading all night. I could not put the book down until I knew what happened to undercover FBI agent Royal Scott and Mob family lawyer Siobhan Collins.
Taite knows how to construct strong characters in trouble. Add in a Mob family under fire and an undercover FBI agent tired of playing someone else and you have a thrilling story. This is storytelling at its best!
Royal is a likeable character which you easily feel sympathetic towards. Most people can identify with having a job you want to leave. Siobhan
is a different story. She is a take no prisoners lawyer and an Ice Queen. As her back story is revealed you cannot help but admire and see Siobhan’s appeal.
This was a fun novel to read especially with the appearance of Ali Vali characters. It is a small world in the land of imaginary characters. Who knew?
A bit of an aside here, the name Siobhan has both Irish and Scottish roots. To the Irish Siobhan means Joan. Joan Collins. Well it made me chuckle.
Her Consigliere is an enjoyable read ending with a possible opportunity for a sequel in the future. I would love to see Royal and Siobhan’s story continue.
5⭐️
Taite knows how to construct strong characters in trouble. Add in a Mob family under fire and an undercover FBI agent tired of playing someone else and you have a thrilling story. This is storytelling at its best!
Royal is a likeable character which you easily feel sympathetic towards. Most people can identify with having a job you want to leave. Siobhan
is a different story. She is a take no prisoners lawyer and an Ice Queen. As her back story is revealed you cannot help but admire and see Siobhan’s appeal.
This was a fun novel to read especially with the appearance of Ali Vali characters. It is a small world in the land of imaginary characters. Who knew?
A bit of an aside here, the name Siobhan has both Irish and Scottish roots. To the Irish Siobhan means Joan. Joan Collins. Well it made me chuckle.
Her Consigliere is an enjoyable read ending with a possible opportunity for a sequel in the future. I would love to see Royal and Siobhan’s story continue.
5⭐️
May 19, 2022
Another fun read from Taite.
June 26, 2021
3.5 stars. Attorney Siobhan Collins owes her life to the Mancuso family, as they took her in after her mother died. Dominque, the daughter of the head of the Mancuso family, works with Siobhan to make sure the family stays at the top and is not caught by the FBI. FBI agent Royal Scott has been working undercover for a long time. She is assigned to work to bring down the Mancuso family. Royal doesn't take account how beautiful she finds Siobhan and she cannot stay away. She is unsure if she should use her attraction to take down the crime family or if she should try to get closer to Siobhan. Siobhan knows she should not trust Royal so quickly. but there is something about Royal that she can't keep away from.
I enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the chemistry between Royal and Siobhan. The only thing I did not like about this book is the ending seemed a little too neat for the book, as it tied everything up in a nice bow. I liked the storyline as a whole and I enjoyed watching Royal and Siobhan get closer and closer as the book went on and seeing how I thought some parts of the book may not have made sense as it was a little hard to follow, but overall, a solid book that I would recommend.
I enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the chemistry between Royal and Siobhan. The only thing I did not like about this book is the ending seemed a little too neat for the book, as it tied everything up in a nice bow. I liked the storyline as a whole and I enjoyed watching Royal and Siobhan get closer and closer as the book went on and seeing how I thought some parts of the book may not have made sense as it was a little hard to follow, but overall, a solid book that I would recommend.
July 1, 2021
Whist this was a good story the ending didn't feel realistic and struck me as being a bit rushed.
June 23, 2021
Such a thrill!
Royal Scott, an FBI agent who was looking forward to a well-earned break finds herself thrown into another undercover case to infiltrate the powerful Mancuso family. Swayed by the beautiful Siobhan who is dedicated and associated to the family in her role working with the head of the family, Royal wonders if she can keep up appearances when it comes to Siobhan who is having her loyalty tested not only by Royal’s arrival but other factors at play she never expected.
Such a great story! I was literally living for every moment in this. Both Royal and Siobhan were strong, powerful, authoritative women who I was absolutely captivated by. Their worlds and jobs were both edgy and exciting, providing that thrill of a little bit of danger along the way, especially when their emotions and affections for one another started to show. I adored them both and genuinely couldn’t get enough of them. They were amazing!
The whole story was exciting though, not just the amazing connection between Royal and Siobhan but their characters growing and changing as the situation developed and changed. There were scenes where I was amazed by Royal’s skills, and others where I was in complete awe of Siobhan and how cool, calm, and collected she was. There was this emotional connection you couldn’t help put get swept up in, firstly between Royal and Siobhan, and the other on how loyal Siobhan was to the family who were her world.
I loved that this was mafia based, with that law enforcement connection. It was ultimate conflict and it just feeds desires in me as a reader. This is truly a theme I adore reading and when done right, it’s fantastically brilliant. Carsen Taite has more than delivered with this story and I couldn’t get enough of it. I haven’t read to many books by Carsen but this has to be my favourite and definitely a story I could read again and again.
A truly brilliant story that had me unable to put it down as I just needed to know what moves Royal and Siobhan were going to make. I highly recommend the story and enjoyed it so much I hope there will be more from Royal and Siobhan in future.
Royal Scott, an FBI agent who was looking forward to a well-earned break finds herself thrown into another undercover case to infiltrate the powerful Mancuso family. Swayed by the beautiful Siobhan who is dedicated and associated to the family in her role working with the head of the family, Royal wonders if she can keep up appearances when it comes to Siobhan who is having her loyalty tested not only by Royal’s arrival but other factors at play she never expected.
Such a great story! I was literally living for every moment in this. Both Royal and Siobhan were strong, powerful, authoritative women who I was absolutely captivated by. Their worlds and jobs were both edgy and exciting, providing that thrill of a little bit of danger along the way, especially when their emotions and affections for one another started to show. I adored them both and genuinely couldn’t get enough of them. They were amazing!
The whole story was exciting though, not just the amazing connection between Royal and Siobhan but their characters growing and changing as the situation developed and changed. There were scenes where I was amazed by Royal’s skills, and others where I was in complete awe of Siobhan and how cool, calm, and collected she was. There was this emotional connection you couldn’t help put get swept up in, firstly between Royal and Siobhan, and the other on how loyal Siobhan was to the family who were her world.
I loved that this was mafia based, with that law enforcement connection. It was ultimate conflict and it just feeds desires in me as a reader. This is truly a theme I adore reading and when done right, it’s fantastically brilliant. Carsen Taite has more than delivered with this story and I couldn’t get enough of it. I haven’t read to many books by Carsen but this has to be my favourite and definitely a story I could read again and again.
A truly brilliant story that had me unable to put it down as I just needed to know what moves Royal and Siobhan were going to make. I highly recommend the story and enjoyed it so much I hope there will be more from Royal and Siobhan in future.
March 20, 2023
I recommend this book
Very enjoyable read. The characters are very interesting and likable. The love story was very good. Thanks for another winner.
Very enjoyable read. The characters are very interesting and likable. The love story was very good. Thanks for another winner.
May 31, 2021
Carsen Taite always writes great books - page-turners that involve interesting legal cases. I've read them all and it's hard to remember details, but Her Consigliere is my new favorite. First of all, that title is a bold choice, but I love it.
This is an opposites attract story between an undercover FBI agent who ends up falling for the very person she's charged to get to know. Royal and Siobhan each have their reasons for shying away from a relationship, and it really worked for me. The appearance of characters from my all-time favorite series certainly didn't hurt.
My only complaint is that the book just ended. Bam. I choose to think that was a calculated decision and these characters will be back in some way. Five unputdownable stars.
This is an opposites attract story between an undercover FBI agent who ends up falling for the very person she's charged to get to know. Royal and Siobhan each have their reasons for shying away from a relationship, and it really worked for me. The appearance of characters from my all-time favorite series certainly didn't hurt.
My only complaint is that the book just ended. Bam. I choose to think that was a calculated decision and these characters will be back in some way. Five unputdownable stars.
July 17, 2022
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: favorite trope, butch character, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, possibly other categories
4.5☆
Taite is a consistent and reliable author, and I never read blurbs or the synopsis for her books anymore - I have every faith that they'll be great. This is another awesome book, and I had figured a couple of things out in the story, but it might be due to the fact it was a crossover from another author's well-loved series. In fact, I think I need to go back to the series and read the last book or two to see what might have been written about the main and secondary characters.
Well done! I, too, am glad that your friend shared some characters with you.
4.5☆
Taite is a consistent and reliable author, and I never read blurbs or the synopsis for her books anymore - I have every faith that they'll be great. This is another awesome book, and I had figured a couple of things out in the story, but it might be due to the fact it was a crossover from another author's well-loved series. In fact, I think I need to go back to the series and read the last book or two to see what might have been written about the main and secondary characters.
Well done! I, too, am glad that your friend shared some characters with you.
August 12, 2021
3.4 star rating
I smiled when I came across the gift the author mentioned in her introduction....that was nice.
On the story itself, it wasn't as gripping as the author's other legal novels. The character's rumination for instance were too lengthy and that kinda bored me often.
I smiled when I came across the gift the author mentioned in her introduction....that was nice.
On the story itself, it wasn't as gripping as the author's other legal novels. The character's rumination for instance were too lengthy and that kinda bored me often.
May 22, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Siobhan owes her life to the Mancuso family they were there for her when she needed them the most. She a accomplish attorney who also a consigliere for the family.
Royal who is undercover agent who just about to take a long needed vacation is called into work. She task to find evidence on the Mancuso family and gets a opportunity when she saves Siobhan from getting hit.
Siobhan is torn between her loyalty to the family who help her and the attraction she feels for the woman who there to help take the family down.
This was a good read. It’s sometimes hard to do the right thing when it possibly lose the people you love.
Siobhan owes her life to the Mancuso family they were there for her when she needed them the most. She a accomplish attorney who also a consigliere for the family.
Royal who is undercover agent who just about to take a long needed vacation is called into work. She task to find evidence on the Mancuso family and gets a opportunity when she saves Siobhan from getting hit.
Siobhan is torn between her loyalty to the family who help her and the attraction she feels for the woman who there to help take the family down.
This was a good read. It’s sometimes hard to do the right thing when it possibly lose the people you love.
Read
April 4, 2025a book you should only be able to buy from the local gay bookstore when the leatherdyke at the counter decides you're worthy
May 11, 2021
I love lawyer books and particularly enjoyed Carsen Taite's Legal Affairs series among others by her. In a slight departure the lawyer this time works for the bad guys. Siobhan Collins is consigliere to the Mancuso crime family. Like Tom Hagen in the Godfather, she has been raised by the crime Don but doesn't have the family name. She keeps the crime syndicate out of legal trouble. Royal Scott is an undercover FBI agent sent to infiltrate the mob family. Coincidentally Royal saved Siobhan's life on the day she received the assignment.
This is a quick moving book that twists and turns. Who is trying to Kill Siobhan? Will Royal bring the family down? I'm not giving away the answers. I thought the storyline somewhat simple but the writing is excellent. I could feel the paranoia from both leads wondering who they could trust. The plotting kept me turning the pages and I read it in one evening. I did feel the ending was rushed but I liked how things turned out. This book contained minimal violence, some language and mostly off the page heat.
This book is for anyone looking for a fast paced mystery crime/thriller/romance. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quick moving book that twists and turns. Who is trying to Kill Siobhan? Will Royal bring the family down? I'm not giving away the answers. I thought the storyline somewhat simple but the writing is excellent. I could feel the paranoia from both leads wondering who they could trust. The plotting kept me turning the pages and I read it in one evening. I did feel the ending was rushed but I liked how things turned out. This book contained minimal violence, some language and mostly off the page heat.
This book is for anyone looking for a fast paced mystery crime/thriller/romance. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2021
FBI agent Royal Scott has just come out from another assignment, and has been promised both some time off and end to long undercover assignments in the future. Alas,this is not to be, as her boss wants her to go undercover and infiltrate the Mancuso crime family, which he assures her won't last too long. She reluctantly accepts.,
When Royal leaves the FBI building, she saves a woman from being run over by an SUV. Intentional? Hard to tell. It turns out the woman, Siobhan Collins, is the consigliere (lawyer/advisor) to the head of the Mancuso family. Lucky break that Royal gets to start on the newest assignment right away.
Royal scores an assignment and introduction to a couple of low level associates working for Mancuso, and winds up at the Don's house, unloading untaxed liquor, which seems to be their specialty. Royal and Siobhan run into one another again and share a few bantering lines.
Siobhan, speaking to the Don and his natural daughter (Siobhan was basically adopted by Mancuso, and raised in the family, much like Don Vito allowed Tom Hagen into the Corleone family in The Godfather). She's a lawyer. She's careful, as she should be, protecting the Mancusos. This is why I found it mind-boggling that she tapped Royal - someone she doesn't know and hasn't yet vetted - to come work for them as more than a driver of boosted liquor. Even the Don thinks it's a good idea, just because She pulled Siobhan out of the way of the SUV. Why? Everything she is supposed to do is supposed to protect the family. This is one of the off notes in the story for me. I get it, The two of them need to be put in a situation where they will spend more time with one another, but this was ahead scratcher. At least Siobhan's driver/bodyguard is suspicious of Royal.
Siobhan has a suspicion that the Don's waspish, nasty daughter is up to some kind of no good, but decides she can't act unless there's hard evidence of it. Royal has her own family entanglement to deal with when her brother shows up at her door.
The romance part was okay. The mystery/mob part of it, even with the issue I noted above, was better, with Siobhan looking for anyone who might want to hurt the family, and Royal looking out for anyone who wants to kill Siobhan. They get more time together and in fact do wind up sleeping with one another (not: there are a couple of minorly explicit scenes.
The ending feels a little rushed, and not without a bit of a cliffhanger about what happens to someone other than the main characters. The end made me do a bit of a head scratch - it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility, but seemed a little too...public, I suppose if the word I'm looking for.
Overall, something that can be read in one sitting without a ton of plot holes, or at least none that couldn't be ignored for the sake of the two mains. Three out of five stars.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
When Royal leaves the FBI building, she saves a woman from being run over by an SUV. Intentional? Hard to tell. It turns out the woman, Siobhan Collins, is the consigliere (lawyer/advisor) to the head of the Mancuso family. Lucky break that Royal gets to start on the newest assignment right away.
Royal scores an assignment and introduction to a couple of low level associates working for Mancuso, and winds up at the Don's house, unloading untaxed liquor, which seems to be their specialty. Royal and Siobhan run into one another again and share a few bantering lines.
Siobhan, speaking to the Don and his natural daughter (Siobhan was basically adopted by Mancuso, and raised in the family, much like Don Vito allowed Tom Hagen into the Corleone family in The Godfather). She's a lawyer. She's careful, as she should be, protecting the Mancusos. This is why I found it mind-boggling that she tapped Royal - someone she doesn't know and hasn't yet vetted - to come work for them as more than a driver of boosted liquor. Even the Don thinks it's a good idea, just because She pulled Siobhan out of the way of the SUV. Why? Everything she is supposed to do is supposed to protect the family. This is one of the off notes in the story for me. I get it, The two of them need to be put in a situation where they will spend more time with one another, but this was ahead scratcher. At least Siobhan's driver/bodyguard is suspicious of Royal.
Siobhan has a suspicion that the Don's waspish, nasty daughter is up to some kind of no good, but decides she can't act unless there's hard evidence of it. Royal has her own family entanglement to deal with when her brother shows up at her door.
The romance part was okay. The mystery/mob part of it, even with the issue I noted above, was better, with Siobhan looking for anyone who might want to hurt the family, and Royal looking out for anyone who wants to kill Siobhan. They get more time together and in fact do wind up sleeping with one another (not: there are a couple of minorly explicit scenes.
The ending feels a little rushed, and not without a bit of a cliffhanger about what happens to someone other than the main characters. The end made me do a bit of a head scratch - it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility, but seemed a little too...public, I suppose if the word I'm looking for.
Overall, something that can be read in one sitting without a ton of plot holes, or at least none that couldn't be ignored for the sake of the two mains. Three out of five stars.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
October 19, 2021
Carsen Taite never disappoints with her books and while this is a slight deviation from her book situated in the courtroom I loved this one about Siobhan, a lawyer but also consigliere to Don Carlo, the man that took her in after her mother was killed when she was a young girl.
Royal is an undercover cop who infiltrates the family through Siobhan in order to get enough evidence to bring down the Mancuso family but she didn't expect to develop real feelings.
As in Ali Vali's books (hard not to compare especially with a certain guest character in this book) Taite manages to humanize the members of the mob and shows us there are shades of grey in a world that could be viewed as black and white. As it turns out there's trouble brewing with the ranks and Siobhan gets caught in the middle as a target by a rival Don which lead Royal to evaluate her options and what is important for her in life.
I'm on the fence when it comes to the romance part, but I often am in Taites books, I love the way she writes and really liked this book based on the storyline yet the romance wasn't quite there. I missed a connection between Royal and Siobhan aside from attractiveness although I did get glimpses of it here and there. And I actually do hope there will be a follow up book with all the loose ends at the end of the book since I enjoyed the read.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
Royal is an undercover cop who infiltrates the family through Siobhan in order to get enough evidence to bring down the Mancuso family but she didn't expect to develop real feelings.
As in Ali Vali's books (hard not to compare especially with a certain guest character in this book) Taite manages to humanize the members of the mob and shows us there are shades of grey in a world that could be viewed as black and white. As it turns out there's trouble brewing with the ranks and Siobhan gets caught in the middle as a target by a rival Don which lead Royal to evaluate her options and what is important for her in life.
I'm on the fence when it comes to the romance part, but I often am in Taites books, I love the way she writes and really liked this book based on the storyline yet the romance wasn't quite there. I missed a connection between Royal and Siobhan aside from attractiveness although I did get glimpses of it here and there. And I actually do hope there will be a follow up book with all the loose ends at the end of the book since I enjoyed the read.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
December 19, 2022
If I had to recommend any book by this author it would definitely not be this one. Luckily she has so many other stories that are worth it that for one that does not reach her usual level it is not relevant.
This time, the story stars an undercover agent and a lawyer for a family of gangsters, mainly related to illegal alcohol. The agent is Royal, a typical butch who has been on a mission for some time and she has just come out of it quite hurt, in every way. The lawyer is Siobhan, an orphan woman, daughter of a servant of the mafia family she works for, the Mancuso family. She has grown up in the house of the rich ones, she has studied her career thanks to the help of the rich ones, but she is not part of the family and she knows her place, although she is well considered thanks to her work.
Royal must now infiltrate the illegal network of the Mancuso family and in doing so will discover things that could put Siobhan in danger. But the danger is not clear where she is really going to come from. And who else will be in danger is also unclear.
Siobhan may have been a bit of a difficult character for me to appreciate and that has weighed my overall assessment. The truth is that other stories similar to this one have interested me more and I have also appreciated them more at the end.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
This time, the story stars an undercover agent and a lawyer for a family of gangsters, mainly related to illegal alcohol. The agent is Royal, a typical butch who has been on a mission for some time and she has just come out of it quite hurt, in every way. The lawyer is Siobhan, an orphan woman, daughter of a servant of the mafia family she works for, the Mancuso family. She has grown up in the house of the rich ones, she has studied her career thanks to the help of the rich ones, but she is not part of the family and she knows her place, although she is well considered thanks to her work.
Royal must now infiltrate the illegal network of the Mancuso family and in doing so will discover things that could put Siobhan in danger. But the danger is not clear where she is really going to come from. And who else will be in danger is also unclear.
Siobhan may have been a bit of a difficult character for me to appreciate and that has weighed my overall assessment. The truth is that other stories similar to this one have interested me more and I have also appreciated them more at the end.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
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