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Costa Family #2
The Woman in the Back Room
He hadn’t planned on being a part of the Family.Life had thrown a curve at him at a young age that made him reevaluate his path in life.And he chose out.But when tragedy strikes, awakening the need for revenge, he finds himself wanting back in.To the Family.The life.The people.Including a woman he never could have seen coming, one he never would have thought he’d want in his life.Until he found her there.Now he can’t imagine a life, a home, or a future without her around.But enemies could be found in the unlikeliest of places, threatening everything he never knew he wanted, and the very woman he only just discovered he needed…
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2021
153 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
162 books5,392 followersJessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
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You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 12, 2021
4 stars
So I’m absolutely loving Jessica’s mafia books (I also finished the other 3 she has written so far).
Whoever has read her before, knows she created an amazing criminal community (which should be some sort of oxymoron) in Navesink Bank where all her books are set. She’s written about all sorts of criminals (bikers, loan sharks, gangs, hit men, fixers, etc) but never mafia and I gotta say what a waste cause I absolutely enjoy these stories as much or more than her other books - which I’ve read more than 70% of.
Now, this book: it was so good in so many ways.
I loved the heroine.
I loved Avi (the son) - finally a realistic portrayal of an 8 year old.
I loved how the plot was so very unpredictable.
BUT - MOST OF ALL - I liked the side characters. They made this book. And there were so freaking many!!
Brio- my favourite psychopath
Gio & Elio & Ricco & Ciro - her brothers and their banter
Salvatore - the weird guy who just got out of prison
Celeste - Santi’s mom
And loads of others who stole the show but I’m forgetting right now.
And I know I said that Brio is my main man but I just got introduced to Primo and I might be torn now. We just got a twist at the end of the book which sets up the premise for another couple in this world which involves Primo and a trope which I don’t think Jessica has done before. I CANT WAIT TO READ THAT BOOK.
Ok, now I have to say I didn’t love the chemistry between Santi and Alessa, the heroine. This is my only complaint about this book. I wasn’t really taken with Santi. He just kinda was and that’s it. BUT - everything else about this was so great that I didn’t even care.
Can’t wait for more books in both this series (Costa Mafia or better said NY mafia cause most of these characters are from NY not just that family) and also in the Grassi series.
So I’m absolutely loving Jessica’s mafia books (I also finished the other 3 she has written so far).
Whoever has read her before, knows she created an amazing criminal community (which should be some sort of oxymoron) in Navesink Bank where all her books are set. She’s written about all sorts of criminals (bikers, loan sharks, gangs, hit men, fixers, etc) but never mafia and I gotta say what a waste cause I absolutely enjoy these stories as much or more than her other books - which I’ve read more than 70% of.
Now, this book: it was so good in so many ways.
I loved the heroine.
I loved Avi (the son) - finally a realistic portrayal of an 8 year old.
I loved how the plot was so very unpredictable.
BUT - MOST OF ALL - I liked the side characters. They made this book. And there were so freaking many!!
Brio- my favourite psychopath
Gio & Elio & Ricco & Ciro - her brothers and their banter
Salvatore - the weird guy who just got out of prison
Celeste - Santi’s mom
And loads of others who stole the show but I’m forgetting right now.
And I know I said that Brio is my main man but I just got introduced to Primo and I might be torn now. We just got a twist at the end of the book which sets up the premise for another couple in this world which involves Primo and a trope which I don’t think Jessica has done before. I CANT WAIT TO READ THAT BOOK.
Ok, now I have to say I didn’t love the chemistry between Santi and Alessa, the heroine. This is my only complaint about this book. I wasn’t really taken with Santi. He just kinda was and that’s it. BUT - everything else about this was so great that I didn’t even care.
Can’t wait for more books in both this series (Costa Mafia or better said NY mafia cause most of these characters are from NY not just that family) and also in the Grassi series.
February 14, 2023
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 3,2 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
This one didn't convinced me.
Didn't felt really connection between the main characters.
The plot was good, but the dialogues...
It's like I was reading something between the ages of 14/15 years old.
Santiago and Alessa couldn't say a sentence without shit this, shit that.
Who the hell talks like that?!?
In here, we get a prequel what's to come in
, that was the first that I've read, but in this one, I understand better what happened.In the interaction with Primo Esposito, we can see an Alessa more mature, I liked that.
I also thought she was younger (the way she talked), but when she says that Isabella Costa is younger than her, all go to hell then.
The plot was interesting, the other characters, too.
Jessica does the connection between the books extremely well, so I just can't get why, and what she was thinking doing the main characters like this...
May 28, 2022
Join me while I try to tell you all about the New York crime family Costa and all the blood, that they might shed along the way.
When the Bullets start flying in this book. You’re going to wonder who exactly are they? Trying to target.
Santiago Costa/ Santi- he had stepped away from his mafia family when his high school sweetheart had accidentally got pregnant when they were practically kids themselves …… years past and they were the verge of a divorce. Even so that did not stop the heartbreak when Santi witnessed his Wife literally killed in front of him.
Santi realized for the safety. Of his son (Ottavio) he needed to rejoin his family, so he approached. his brother Lorenzo. And convinced him to let him back into the family business
Only thing is that, Santi was new to the lifestyle, and hadn't been around the uglier aspects of the mafia life since he was a kid
Alessa, was Gio Morelli’s Illegitimate daughter, and basically a street kid. She was a bit rough around the edges, smart and knew how to handle herself. Due to the fact that her mother was a small-town prostitute. And she was going to be Ottavio/ Avi’s new bodyguard
Alessa, the possibly least qualified woman in the city to take care of some kid, she had a truck driver mouth, she didn’t know how to cook, and hated to clean her own place, what made them think she would clean his place? But now she was a nanny
JG sucked me in with book one. She kept me hooked through book two. And now I’m itching to get my hands on book three. I hope that I never have to leave this world, because the New York and the Costa’s family is crazy good, but I also might of fell in love with new player in this crazy Mafia romance series Primo Esposito. I also wouldn’t mind reading about Salvatore Costa
Up next in this series is the long-awaited Brio
February 23, 2025
So freaking cute and adorable and all things sweet
Read
December 16, 2021𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬
🚙 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗸 - 𝟰.𝟱
🥊 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 - 𝗗𝗡𝗙
💎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟮.𝟱
I'm gonna come back to this book, I swear!! But as of right now I'm just not in the mood.
I think it's because all of the side characters I cared about in book one are STILL the side characters in book two. What I mean is, I would have been happy with Gio, Brio , Emilio, Christopher, or even Lorenzo's Mom having a book.
Instead, The Woman in the Back Room follows … *double checks characters names* Santi and Alessa. Cool cool cool, one question though … WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? And, why should I care?
Thus, this is less a dnf and more of a firm i'll be back … later.
🚙 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗸 - 𝟰.𝟱
🥊 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 - 𝗗𝗡𝗙
💎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟮.𝟱
I'm gonna come back to this book, I swear!! But as of right now I'm just not in the mood.
I think it's because all of the side characters I cared about in book one are STILL the side characters in book two. What I mean is, I would have been happy with Gio, Brio , Emilio, Christopher, or even Lorenzo's Mom having a book.
❝And he likes that his uncle is around a lot more lately. And Brio. Which leaves me to wonder why you let that fucking lunatic around your impressionable kid.❞
❝I let you around him,❞ he countered, shooting me a smirk as he waved at the mess of the living room.
Instead, The Woman in the Back Room follows … *double checks characters names* Santi and Alessa. Cool cool cool, one question though … WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? And, why should I care?
Thus, this is less a dnf and more of a firm i'll be back … later.
December 16, 2021
It was okay but kinda silly, way too long, and mostly plotless.
The heroine was maybe a badass, the hero was like a shadow of himself - but the kid was a delight. Some ridiculously miraculous recovery after a gunshot was detected which made me roll my eyes...
All in all, this book felt more like a build up for The Woman with the Ring: A Mafia Romance which I'm gonna read soon.
The heroine was maybe a badass, the hero was like a shadow of himself - but the kid was a delight. Some ridiculously miraculous recovery after a gunshot was detected which made me roll my eyes...
All in all, this book felt more like a build up for The Woman with the Ring: A Mafia Romance which I'm gonna read soon.
June 21, 2021
Mafia - they're people too, you know.
Santi opted out of his family business (his brother succeeded their father as capo di capi) to take care of his family. In spite of the accidental pregnancy with the girlfriend he was on the verge of breaking up with, he did the right thing to raise the son they made in a stable home. They were pretty successful in hiding the fact from the son that the parents were not together in any way other than being parents to their beloved child. But when his wife is gunned down right in front of him, Santi vows revenge for what they took from his boy. Which means that he needs a nanny to hang with his kid while he earns his bones in the family business.
Being the illegitimate daughter of a the head of one of the five mafia Families doesn't mean a whole lot, but Alessa is determined to be useful. When she's "voluntold" to look after Santi's kid, little does she realize that this temporary job will totally change her life. Tough, capable and totally not girly, Alessa brings some needed fun into the household as companion/bodyguard to the 8.5 year old boy and unexpectedly, to Santi.
Jessica Gadziala can make any person a relatable human being - contract killers, gun runners, loan sharks and even the mob. This is a fantastic series: violent, sexy, thrilling and moving.
Santi opted out of his family business (his brother succeeded their father as capo di capi) to take care of his family. In spite of the accidental pregnancy with the girlfriend he was on the verge of breaking up with, he did the right thing to raise the son they made in a stable home. They were pretty successful in hiding the fact from the son that the parents were not together in any way other than being parents to their beloved child. But when his wife is gunned down right in front of him, Santi vows revenge for what they took from his boy. Which means that he needs a nanny to hang with his kid while he earns his bones in the family business.
Being the illegitimate daughter of a the head of one of the five mafia Families doesn't mean a whole lot, but Alessa is determined to be useful. When she's "voluntold" to look after Santi's kid, little does she realize that this temporary job will totally change her life. Tough, capable and totally not girly, Alessa brings some needed fun into the household as companion/bodyguard to the 8.5 year old boy and unexpectedly, to Santi.
Jessica Gadziala can make any person a relatable human being - contract killers, gun runners, loan sharks and even the mob. This is a fantastic series: violent, sexy, thrilling and moving.
May 25, 2023
I love a good cameo from a side character who’s going to become a main character one day or from a main character who’s become a side character.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES
Alessa Morelli | Santiago “Santi” Costa
FEATURES
∘ mafia romance
∘ single father
∘ nanny / bodyguard
∘ tough heroine
REVIEW
Alessa’s desire to be accepted into the Family was such a good motivation, only for it to never be resolved. I loved her tough exterior and her ability to kick ass. I also adored her softhearted moments. She was easily my favorite character of the couple.
I liked Santi fine enough. He was a little boring, and he didn’t have an edge the other characters have. Maybe it’s because he wasn’t really present in previous books that made it hard to care for him as much as I did others.
Avi, the kid, was a sweetheart in the way only fictional kids could be. Maybe it’s unrealistic, but I eat it up every time.
I appreciated how the writing treated Brit, the mother/wife who died. Santi and her were separated for a while, and she wasn’t a horrible mother or person. It allowed other characters to show her respect without it being an issue to the main romance.
At times, the novel dragged, and for a while there, it was hard to sift through, but I persevered. And I’m glad I did. The ending captured the same feeling as the beginning—anticipation.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES
Alessa Morelli | Santiago “Santi” Costa
FEATURES
∘ mafia romance
∘ single father
∘ nanny / bodyguard
∘ tough heroine
REVIEW
Alessa’s desire to be accepted into the Family was such a good motivation, only for it to never be resolved. I loved her tough exterior and her ability to kick ass. I also adored her softhearted moments. She was easily my favorite character of the couple.
I liked Santi fine enough. He was a little boring, and he didn’t have an edge the other characters have. Maybe it’s because he wasn’t really present in previous books that made it hard to care for him as much as I did others.
Avi, the kid, was a sweetheart in the way only fictional kids could be. Maybe it’s unrealistic, but I eat it up every time.
I appreciated how the writing treated Brit, the mother/wife who died. Santi and her were separated for a while, and she wasn’t a horrible mother or person. It allowed other characters to show her respect without it being an issue to the main romance.
At times, the novel dragged, and for a while there, it was hard to sift through, but I persevered. And I’m glad I did. The ending captured the same feeling as the beginning—anticipation.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
June 27, 2021
The Woman in the Back Room is another great add to Jessica Gadziala’s new Costa Family Mafia series. This time our hero is Santiago, brother to the newly minted Capo di Capi, of the five families and the hero of book 1, Lorenzo Costa. Santi was not in “The Family Business”, not wanting to entangle his son and wife (in name only due to a surprise pregnancy when their relationship should have ended) in the world of made men. A successful legit businessman, Santi kept his family removed from “The Family”, until mafia business and a hit left his wife’s blood all over his body and guilt for leaving his son motherless all over is conscious. Santi demanded in to get revenge and make the killers pay. In the meantime, Santi needs some childcare help and also someone to keep his son safe.
Enter Alessa, the illegitimate daughter of another of the five families, the Morellis, ally of the Costa’s. Raised by her prostitute mother, Leesa left when her mother thought Alessa's body should be traded for paying off mom’s drug debt. Alessa found her father, half-brothers and stepmom and was embraced in the family but not welcome in the male dominated “Family Business”. Gorgeous but tough, Lessa is the perfect solution to Santi’s problem, an in the know tough female companion to his 8.5 year old son.
What follows is building friendship and trust between not only Avi and Alessa but also slow burn attraction the quickly evolves into more between Santi and Alessa. All while Santi and the other Costa made men work to make those who killed Avi’s mom pay and other violence swirls.
Filled with heat, lust, action and suspense The Woman in the Back Room is well worth reading. Plus, you get the rich world of secondary characters Jessica Gadziala is known for including Brio, the Morelli brothers, Salvatore Costa, Emilio and more like Primo and Isabella who are teased at the end of this novel.
4+ stars for a quick, fun mafia read.
Enter Alessa, the illegitimate daughter of another of the five families, the Morellis, ally of the Costa’s. Raised by her prostitute mother, Leesa left when her mother thought Alessa's body should be traded for paying off mom’s drug debt. Alessa found her father, half-brothers and stepmom and was embraced in the family but not welcome in the male dominated “Family Business”. Gorgeous but tough, Lessa is the perfect solution to Santi’s problem, an in the know tough female companion to his 8.5 year old son.
What follows is building friendship and trust between not only Avi and Alessa but also slow burn attraction the quickly evolves into more between Santi and Alessa. All while Santi and the other Costa made men work to make those who killed Avi’s mom pay and other violence swirls.
Filled with heat, lust, action and suspense The Woman in the Back Room is well worth reading. Plus, you get the rich world of secondary characters Jessica Gadziala is known for including Brio, the Morelli brothers, Salvatore Costa, Emilio and more like Primo and Isabella who are teased at the end of this novel.
4+ stars for a quick, fun mafia read.
July 25, 2021
3.5⭐️
June 24, 2021
Let's all just take a moment to thank the heavens for Jessica Gadziala. This woman for real kicks ass writing book that I am living for. Absolute Angel.
I freaking loved Santiago and Alessa.
Jessica dipped her toes into a troupe she normally doesn't lean towards when writing and I have to say she has created a monster because I just know everyone will be wanting a taste of more. I feel like in terms of single parents romance she did it very tastefully. I feel like they can be done either perfectly or very wrong because it's such a sensitive topic and giving the circumstances of this book, Jessica nailed it and then some.
Santiago is everything and then some. A business man, a father... a badass when pushed to far. This man is a lethal combination of protectiveness, honour and duty. He's a family man but he wasn't in the business until one moment changed everything for him. I really enjoyed his character and how he slotted into the fold seamlessly without pushing his way in or seeming out of place. It was despite the circumstances everything he needed at that time from his family and I loved that he wasn't forced into it either. He really was a great hero through and through.. if I'm being honest he didn't have one unlikable quality which is a rarity.
Alessa is my woman. I freaking loved her character hard core. Strong, independent and took absolutely no shit from anyone regardless of their status. She was a little bit of an out cast and most definitely a lone wolf because she never really knew any different. She raised herself and despite her circumstances she grew into a woman who thrived against all the odds. When she found herself in the position of guarding a young broken boy she found a way to relate to him with ease and blend seamlessly into the caregiver role despite never really having that herself. She was caring, protective and attentive to his needs both emotionally and physically. She's got wall a mile high around her but when she let herself love she loved hard and without question. She's also that snarky attitude and sarcasm for says and it had me cracking up.
These had this slow burning tension filled chemistry that breathed life into the pages whenever they were together. The quiet touches and searing looks from across the room just added to the suspense between them pouring fuel on an already burning fire. They are the opposite to what they've had before and yet they worked together seamlessly like it's always just been them. The kind of connection that just made sense. I loved the little familia vibe they had and how the interacted with ease. I adore the banter, the bickering and all the sweet moments they shared with eachother and of course with sweet little Avi. The circumstances should of made things awkward and yet it wasn't. I adore the relationship between Avi and Alessa. I feel like Jessie broached the subject delicately and it was fitting nothing felt forced.
As far as character development and plot progression goes Jessica aced it as per. These characters whilst larger than life are both likeable and relatable. They grew and evolved through their journey at a slow but steady pace and it felt right. The story itself is a little heart breaking but it's also sweet, hilarious and surprising. Jessica brings us a slew of epic characters that I'm already greedy for more from as well as introducing us to new faces that will for sure get pulses racing. I'm left so satisfied and already sad to be finished but I'm also so freaking curious and need to know more about certain someone's!!!. I tell you Jessie is a damn tease in this one.
I have to say this may be my favour yet of these mafia books. Big words I know but something about this book just felt so right. I so excited to see where she takes us next.
P.s... ignore spelling mistakes and if sentences don't quite make sense here. I'm rushing to get to work and needed to get some thoughts off my head straight after finishing the book. I'll come back later to fix whatever I fucked up lol.
I freaking loved Santiago and Alessa.
Jessica dipped her toes into a troupe she normally doesn't lean towards when writing and I have to say she has created a monster because I just know everyone will be wanting a taste of more. I feel like in terms of single parents romance she did it very tastefully. I feel like they can be done either perfectly or very wrong because it's such a sensitive topic and giving the circumstances of this book, Jessica nailed it and then some.
Santiago is everything and then some. A business man, a father... a badass when pushed to far. This man is a lethal combination of protectiveness, honour and duty. He's a family man but he wasn't in the business until one moment changed everything for him. I really enjoyed his character and how he slotted into the fold seamlessly without pushing his way in or seeming out of place. It was despite the circumstances everything he needed at that time from his family and I loved that he wasn't forced into it either. He really was a great hero through and through.. if I'm being honest he didn't have one unlikable quality which is a rarity.
Alessa is my woman. I freaking loved her character hard core. Strong, independent and took absolutely no shit from anyone regardless of their status. She was a little bit of an out cast and most definitely a lone wolf because she never really knew any different. She raised herself and despite her circumstances she grew into a woman who thrived against all the odds. When she found herself in the position of guarding a young broken boy she found a way to relate to him with ease and blend seamlessly into the caregiver role despite never really having that herself. She was caring, protective and attentive to his needs both emotionally and physically. She's got wall a mile high around her but when she let herself love she loved hard and without question. She's also that snarky attitude and sarcasm for says and it had me cracking up.
These had this slow burning tension filled chemistry that breathed life into the pages whenever they were together. The quiet touches and searing looks from across the room just added to the suspense between them pouring fuel on an already burning fire. They are the opposite to what they've had before and yet they worked together seamlessly like it's always just been them. The kind of connection that just made sense. I loved the little familia vibe they had and how the interacted with ease. I adore the banter, the bickering and all the sweet moments they shared with eachother and of course with sweet little Avi. The circumstances should of made things awkward and yet it wasn't. I adore the relationship between Avi and Alessa. I feel like Jessie broached the subject delicately and it was fitting nothing felt forced.
As far as character development and plot progression goes Jessica aced it as per. These characters whilst larger than life are both likeable and relatable. They grew and evolved through their journey at a slow but steady pace and it felt right. The story itself is a little heart breaking but it's also sweet, hilarious and surprising. Jessica brings us a slew of epic characters that I'm already greedy for more from as well as introducing us to new faces that will for sure get pulses racing. I'm left so satisfied and already sad to be finished but I'm also so freaking curious and need to know more about certain someone's!!!. I tell you Jessie is a damn tease in this one.
I have to say this may be my favour yet of these mafia books. Big words I know but something about this book just felt so right. I so excited to see where she takes us next.
P.s... ignore spelling mistakes and if sentences don't quite make sense here. I'm rushing to get to work and needed to get some thoughts off my head straight after finishing the book. I'll come back later to fix whatever I fucked up lol.
June 24, 2021
I love mafia romances, even more when the mafia romance it's written by one of my favorite authors 😍
This book is about Santi and Alessa.
I love the characters and Santis's son Avi is my favorite kid ever ❤
The second book in the Costa Family series is a story about Santiago, the brother of the capo di capi from the Costa Family. Santi opted to stay away from the mafia life his whole life. A terrible accident and danger to his family brought him back to the family lifestyle.
Alessa spent the first 17 years of her life without knowing that she is the illegitimate daughter of one of the 5 biggest mafia bosses. The Morelli family accepted her as a member of the family, but in the world of men she has a hard time to be accepted as an equal in the business life of the family.
She's a badass woman and has been on her own her whole life.
What would you do to prove that you are equal with the male mafia family members?
You take a job for the capo di capi.
And exactly here begins a beautiful, emotional and exciting slow burn love story with the complications of a mafia lifestyle ❤
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions and a gripping page-turner. A must-read for all mafia romance lovers ❤
This book is a part of a series, but can be read as a standalone, but I really recommend to read The Woman in the Trunk too.
This book is about Santi and Alessa.
I love the characters and Santis's son Avi is my favorite kid ever ❤
The second book in the Costa Family series is a story about Santiago, the brother of the capo di capi from the Costa Family. Santi opted to stay away from the mafia life his whole life. A terrible accident and danger to his family brought him back to the family lifestyle.
Alessa spent the first 17 years of her life without knowing that she is the illegitimate daughter of one of the 5 biggest mafia bosses. The Morelli family accepted her as a member of the family, but in the world of men she has a hard time to be accepted as an equal in the business life of the family.
She's a badass woman and has been on her own her whole life.
What would you do to prove that you are equal with the male mafia family members?
You take a job for the capo di capi.
And exactly here begins a beautiful, emotional and exciting slow burn love story with the complications of a mafia lifestyle ❤
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions and a gripping page-turner. A must-read for all mafia romance lovers ❤
This book is a part of a series, but can be read as a standalone, but I really recommend to read The Woman in the Trunk too.
January 28, 2022
#KUBinge
The Woman in the Back Room was a sexy story that brought us back into the Costa family fold again. I enjoyed Santi and Alessia's story. I also loved how adoring she was of his son and the connection they shared. This was a fun low-angst story. A mafia spin on the single father/nanny trope. 4 stars! ~Ratula
The Woman in the Back Room was a sexy story that brought us back into the Costa family fold again. I enjoyed Santi and Alessia's story. I also loved how adoring she was of his son and the connection they shared. This was a fun low-angst story. A mafia spin on the single father/nanny trope. 4 stars! ~Ratula
June 21, 2021
This second book in the Costa series gives us two individuals who for different reason's lived the majority of their lives outside the mafia world.
Santi Costa got his high school girlfriend pregnant and chose to step away from the family business to raise his son whose mother he married but they lived most of their marriage on paper only – staying married just for their son.
Alessa Morrelis was the illegitimate daughter from a prostitute and Gio Sr who runs the Morrelis mob family. She has been trying to prove herself worthy of working for the family but her gender has prevented that even though she is a tough as her brothers.
When tragedy strikes Santi and his son, the families decide to assign Alessa as their live in bodyguard. Santi also decides he wants back into the family to exact vengeance. These two “strays” end up connecting on an emotional level neither expected along with the bond Alessa forms with Santi's son.
There were some surprising twists throughout the story. One is dealt with but another will be interesting to see how that is going to play out in future books. The author is also giving us bigger glimpses at the 5 mob families which mean as a reader your jonesing for all those potential stories..
Santi Costa got his high school girlfriend pregnant and chose to step away from the family business to raise his son whose mother he married but they lived most of their marriage on paper only – staying married just for their son.
Alessa Morrelis was the illegitimate daughter from a prostitute and Gio Sr who runs the Morrelis mob family. She has been trying to prove herself worthy of working for the family but her gender has prevented that even though she is a tough as her brothers.
When tragedy strikes Santi and his son, the families decide to assign Alessa as their live in bodyguard. Santi also decides he wants back into the family to exact vengeance. These two “strays” end up connecting on an emotional level neither expected along with the bond Alessa forms with Santi's son.
There were some surprising twists throughout the story. One is dealt with but another will be interesting to see how that is going to play out in future books. The author is also giving us bigger glimpses at the 5 mob families which mean as a reader your jonesing for all those potential stories..
December 15, 2021
Solid 2nd entry to the series, 3.5 stars for making it believable and sweet with Avi. But its not as gripping or interesting as the "Trunk" book, more like soft-mafia than hard core mafia. This story makes that story seem more of a 5 now... and the next one of the series has promise (arranged mafia marriage).
I liked Alessa's banter with Avi and Santiago was a good man, but I don't feel like I got much backstory as to what he did for work? Before coming back to the family. And it seemed like we had no idea how old Avi was until much later.
I suspected Brit's boyfriend too but thought it was for other reasons. The whole relationship developed over a short time even though it didn't feel rushed.
Peeves:
Man, I am tired of sex scenes where the man demands "Come" and what do you know- she does! Its incredible! (eye roll inserted here).
And how Alessa ate "bad" foods like crazy but no mention of exercise- she must have an amazing metabolism... Just a few small things like that that I notice but its not like a plot hole, so its all good.
Salvatore seems interesting, is he available?? :)
I liked Alessa's banter with Avi and Santiago was a good man, but I don't feel like I got much backstory as to what he did for work? Before coming back to the family. And it seemed like we had no idea how old Avi was until much later.
I suspected Brit's boyfriend too but thought it was for other reasons. The whole relationship developed over a short time even though it didn't feel rushed.
Peeves:
Man, I am tired of sex scenes where the man demands "Come" and what do you know- she does! Its incredible! (eye roll inserted here).
And how Alessa ate "bad" foods like crazy but no mention of exercise- she must have an amazing metabolism... Just a few small things like that that I notice but its not like a plot hole, so its all good.
Salvatore seems interesting, is he available?? :)
June 26, 2021
This is the second book in the Costa Family Series and I am here for it! Jessica Gadziala continues to make my mafia loving heart so very happy! Santi & Alessa will keep you laughing, swooning and sitting on the edge of your seat as we slowing unravel this new book world. There are SO many secondary characters to love, so many twists and one absolutely undeniable connection that will have you rooting for these two! I loved this story/their story and I cannot wait for more from this series!
June 25, 2021
With every installment of these mafia men, we dig our hole a little deeper each time. There is no retiring in this life, the mafia, and there is no end in sight for my love of this series.
Santi would not have been my personal choice for the next hero in this series, I think because there is hype surrounding others (read: Brio) more. Jessica knows what she’s doing and when those characters in her head start talking, you can rest assured she will lead us down the right path.
Love after loss is not my jam, but it’s not really the category I would slot this book into either. I really truly loved it.
Santi, of course after being smoking hot, is a little different in that he was raised as Family but not in the Family until the murder of his wife. Leaving behind her a husband on paper only and an 8 1/2 year old (don’t forget that 1/2) son, Santi turns to his brother and gets made in order to have the help he needs to solve the mystery of her killing and give the killers their due justice.
After reading his story, I know Jessica made the right choice letting Santiago getting his happily ever after next.
Oh Less. Give me ALL the prickly, black wearing heroines, ALL day long! I relate to them the most and I always finish reading feeling like I gained a bosom friend.
Alessa was exactly the level of barbed wire without being a cringe on the page, backing her upbringing and history with the right amount of hostility. I’m here for it.
I enjoyed immensely watching her growth around Avi and how softening some corners didn’t make her any less tough.
I also loved that Less brought us four, yes, FOUR! half brothers who darn well better get stories. Who’s up for chaining JG to a writing desk? Anyone? No?
Fine, I’ll mail boxes of tea and pray it happens. Along of course with Brio and now adding Salvatore to that list as well.
As a note, it makes me beyond relieved and happy to read a story where the child is appropriately aged on the page if there is a child involved. Jessie did a great job making Avi feel like an almost nine year old which made his portion of the book just as enjoyable as Less and Santi’s journey.
I will still kick a kid’s butt at Donkey Kong though, no leniency no matter how old!
Santi would not have been my personal choice for the next hero in this series, I think because there is hype surrounding others (read: Brio) more. Jessica knows what she’s doing and when those characters in her head start talking, you can rest assured she will lead us down the right path.
Love after loss is not my jam, but it’s not really the category I would slot this book into either. I really truly loved it.
Santi, of course after being smoking hot, is a little different in that he was raised as Family but not in the Family until the murder of his wife. Leaving behind her a husband on paper only and an 8 1/2 year old (don’t forget that 1/2) son, Santi turns to his brother and gets made in order to have the help he needs to solve the mystery of her killing and give the killers their due justice.
After reading his story, I know Jessica made the right choice letting Santiago getting his happily ever after next.
Oh Less. Give me ALL the prickly, black wearing heroines, ALL day long! I relate to them the most and I always finish reading feeling like I gained a bosom friend.
Alessa was exactly the level of barbed wire without being a cringe on the page, backing her upbringing and history with the right amount of hostility. I’m here for it.
I enjoyed immensely watching her growth around Avi and how softening some corners didn’t make her any less tough.
I also loved that Less brought us four, yes, FOUR! half brothers who darn well better get stories. Who’s up for chaining JG to a writing desk? Anyone? No?
Fine, I’ll mail boxes of tea and pray it happens. Along of course with Brio and now adding Salvatore to that list as well.
As a note, it makes me beyond relieved and happy to read a story where the child is appropriately aged on the page if there is a child involved. Jessie did a great job making Avi feel like an almost nine year old which made his portion of the book just as enjoyable as Less and Santi’s journey.
I will still kick a kid’s butt at Donkey Kong though, no leniency no matter how old!
July 6, 2021
What was Santi's occupation between the age of 18 and the start of the book (age unknown)? The fact that I read this entire book, got glimpses of his life in the interim...the "ruinous" loan to start, the expansion of the office (did this employ other people?), the fact that he kept his family in a 3 bedroom, doorman apartment in NYC, his obvious success, despite absolutely no proof or cause given...and then seems to abandon it all in his quest for Mafia goodness/revenge.
I reviewed another of JG's book with the same thought...if she doesn't care about writing a cohesive story, why am I bothering to read it? It would take so little effort to round off the sharp edges and make this an enjoyable read. Instead I finished the last half of this book thinking, "Surely she's going to work this in. Surely it's a small detail." But what it did was take me completely out of the narrative. But instead she needs to throw in the next book (Isabella) to keep her fans coming back. I'm not sure I'll be back for such lackadaisical writing.
I reviewed another of JG's book with the same thought...if she doesn't care about writing a cohesive story, why am I bothering to read it? It would take so little effort to round off the sharp edges and make this an enjoyable read. Instead I finished the last half of this book thinking, "Surely she's going to work this in. Surely it's a small detail." But what it did was take me completely out of the narrative. But instead she needs to throw in the next book (Isabella) to keep her fans coming back. I'm not sure I'll be back for such lackadaisical writing.
June 22, 2021
Two words ... Loved it!
April 21, 2022
3.5
eli and alessa scenes 🥺
eli and alessa scenes 🥺
July 1, 2021
5 Mafia Family Stars
The Woman in the Back Room is the second book in the Costa Family Series by Jessica Gadziala. Santi opted not to go into the family business at a young age. Having a young family to look after he thought it was for the best. He also thought this would keep his family safe, needless to say this was not the case. Having stayed in his loveless marriage for his son and not for love, when tragedy strikes he is out for revenge.
Alessa is the illegitimate daughter of the head of the Morelli family, she was raised outside the family and is out to prove she's just as good as her brothers and all she wants is to be accepted. Lessa is one tough cookie and is just the right person to be a body guard of sorts to Santi's 8 year old son.
The slow burn build up between the two is hot and being complete opposites they shouldn't work but they can't keep their eyes and hands off each other. With some twists you don't see coming and an explosive ending this book is amazing and I couldn't put it down. We get to see some other families come into the fold and I want them all! The secondary characters are amazing and like with all Jessica's book you can't help but want their stories. A must read from me!
http://realtastypages.com
The Woman in the Back Room is the second book in the Costa Family Series by Jessica Gadziala. Santi opted not to go into the family business at a young age. Having a young family to look after he thought it was for the best. He also thought this would keep his family safe, needless to say this was not the case. Having stayed in his loveless marriage for his son and not for love, when tragedy strikes he is out for revenge.
Alessa is the illegitimate daughter of the head of the Morelli family, she was raised outside the family and is out to prove she's just as good as her brothers and all she wants is to be accepted. Lessa is one tough cookie and is just the right person to be a body guard of sorts to Santi's 8 year old son.
The slow burn build up between the two is hot and being complete opposites they shouldn't work but they can't keep their eyes and hands off each other. With some twists you don't see coming and an explosive ending this book is amazing and I couldn't put it down. We get to see some other families come into the fold and I want them all! The secondary characters are amazing and like with all Jessica's book you can't help but want their stories. A must read from me!
http://realtastypages.com
March 9, 2022
** 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐💫 **
The Woman in the Back Room was great. A little bit different, though, and why I read it. It had a good pace and nice development in the MC's relationship.
Santi [Santiago] was not as other widowers in books. He was stillmarried only for his son's sake (what I do belive is possible). So, I did not feel like I usually feel about this type of situation. He was also not like most common heroes. He was a gentleman, caring, loving father, and great guy all-around, almost an unbelievable character, to be honest. Alessa was supposed to be the hard-ass woman, but was actually very sensitive and vulnerable but not in any weak type of way. And Avi [Ottavio] was the cherry on top. I just love adorable kids in books. 😍
The Woman in the Back Room was great. A little bit different, though, and why I read it. It had a good pace and nice development in the MC's relationship.
Santi [Santiago] was not as other widowers in books. He was stillmarried only for his son's sake (what I do belive is possible). So, I did not feel like I usually feel about this type of situation. He was also not like most common heroes. He was a gentleman, caring, loving father, and great guy all-around, almost an unbelievable character, to be honest. Alessa was supposed to be the hard-ass woman, but was actually very sensitive and vulnerable but not in any weak type of way. And Avi [Ottavio] was the cherry on top. I just love adorable kids in books. 😍
June 28, 2021
SERIOUSLY!!!!
This book was so good and not just the main characters, I always love how this author Jessica gadziala sets up characters for future books. I will be waiting for Brios book... and Primo and Isabella book.... I'm even curious about Emilio and his younger brother Anthony....oh and Christopher... lol
I can't get enough of these books...
This book was so good and not just the main characters, I always love how this author Jessica gadziala sets up characters for future books. I will be waiting for Brios book... and Primo and Isabella book.... I'm even curious about Emilio and his younger brother Anthony....oh and Christopher... lol
I can't get enough of these books...
March 21, 2022
First off I’m completely mad at goodreads because it looks like my review has mysteriously disappeared! But I freaking loved this book!! Jessica Gadziala is a badass author and an amazing writer! I can’t wait to read more!
June 25, 2021
So good! The second book of this series left you wanting more. Alessa is a bad as woman that just wants to be apart of her family. She definitely leaves a mark on Santi!
June 28, 2021
an absolute gem»» love the cover of this book and the title
The kid Avi is the best!!! Wonderful couple... Enjoyed the read
The kid Avi is the best!!! Wonderful couple... Enjoyed the read
September 11, 2021
DNF. Could not get into either character, especially, h.
December 6, 2024
The Woman in the Back Room
This MFC was super fun for me. I liked her lack conforming to feminine stereotypes. She turns out being perfect for the 8 year old boy who just lost his mom,
"But I really don't see why anyone is coming to me with the idea of having me be a nanny. Have you met me? What is there about me that screams warm and soft and fuzzy? Don't worry. I'll wait," I said, waving at myself.
The MMC isn't “warm and soft and fuzzy” either since he left most of that to his estranged wife (who dies right before the story starts). This sums up his mothering experience,
"I thought birds were good mothers. With the whole throwing up food into the babies' mouths and shit.”
But when they first meet, we can see things will go okay,
"Does it bother you to have the feral daughter of a prostitute taking care of your kid?"
"Who am I to judge? My father had my mother imprisoned for almost my entire life.”
I found the dialogue between the kid and the MFC delightful, and the banter with side characters really enjoyable.
This MFC was super fun for me. I liked her lack conforming to feminine stereotypes. She turns out being perfect for the 8 year old boy who just lost his mom,
"But I really don't see why anyone is coming to me with the idea of having me be a nanny. Have you met me? What is there about me that screams warm and soft and fuzzy? Don't worry. I'll wait," I said, waving at myself.
The MMC isn't “warm and soft and fuzzy” either since he left most of that to his estranged wife (who dies right before the story starts). This sums up his mothering experience,
"I thought birds were good mothers. With the whole throwing up food into the babies' mouths and shit.”
But when they first meet, we can see things will go okay,
"Does it bother you to have the feral daughter of a prostitute taking care of your kid?"
"Who am I to judge? My father had my mother imprisoned for almost my entire life.”
I found the dialogue between the kid and the MFC delightful, and the banter with side characters really enjoyable.
November 16, 2025
Jessica Gadziala has officially become my favorite author of 2025. Santi and Alessa’s story didn’t disappoint—I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to dive into the last two books I still have left to read!
July 3, 2021
Thank you to the author for a review copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Woman in the Back Room is the second book in the Costa Family series - and if you're wondering if you can read it without having read the first book, I am proof that you can. (Although I will be going back to read the first book because I enjoyed this one a lot.)
Santiago Costa made the decision to leave the Family years ago, and focused on his young family. He never intended to become a young family, but for the sake of their son, Santi and his wife stayed together until she's killed out the front of their home. This sends him back to the Family in order to seek revenge for his son's mother. Enter, Alessa Morelli, the daughter of the Morelli family who can't seem to find acceptance as an equal, because she's a woman. She's 'volunteered' to help babysit Santi's son, Avi - and what starts as an annoying job for her to do, turns into something she becomes increasingly invested in.
This book combines some of my favourite romance tropes - slow burn, forced proximity and single parent - and weaves it into a very compelling read. Santi is a reluctant member of a mafia family, while Alessa is doing everything she can to prove herself to her own, and both of them come together as they care for Avi.
Alessa was a standout for me in this book because she is battling a lot of prejudice for being a woman (on top of being an illegitimate daughter) in a world dominated by men. But working for Santi gives her the opportunity to prove her skills and her worth more than once, and her persistence and her courage is what draws Santi to her.
The biggest surprise in the book was Avi - he was an utter delight. Children can sometimes be hit or miss in romance books, but his story as a young boy who's lost his mother, doesn't have a strong connection to his father, and who finds a companion in the woman looking after him was really great.
The Woman in the Back Room is the second book in the Costa Family series - and if you're wondering if you can read it without having read the first book, I am proof that you can. (Although I will be going back to read the first book because I enjoyed this one a lot.)
Santiago Costa made the decision to leave the Family years ago, and focused on his young family. He never intended to become a young family, but for the sake of their son, Santi and his wife stayed together until she's killed out the front of their home. This sends him back to the Family in order to seek revenge for his son's mother. Enter, Alessa Morelli, the daughter of the Morelli family who can't seem to find acceptance as an equal, because she's a woman. She's 'volunteered' to help babysit Santi's son, Avi - and what starts as an annoying job for her to do, turns into something she becomes increasingly invested in.
This book combines some of my favourite romance tropes - slow burn, forced proximity and single parent - and weaves it into a very compelling read. Santi is a reluctant member of a mafia family, while Alessa is doing everything she can to prove herself to her own, and both of them come together as they care for Avi.
Alessa was a standout for me in this book because she is battling a lot of prejudice for being a woman (on top of being an illegitimate daughter) in a world dominated by men. But working for Santi gives her the opportunity to prove her skills and her worth more than once, and her persistence and her courage is what draws Santi to her.
The biggest surprise in the book was Avi - he was an utter delight. Children can sometimes be hit or miss in romance books, but his story as a young boy who's lost his mother, doesn't have a strong connection to his father, and who finds a companion in the woman looking after him was really great.
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