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Made #2

Burden

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One day, the life I lead will get me killed.
It's my burden to carry.
One I easily accept.
One I never thought twice about until the day I met her.


While avenging his mother’s death, Declan Connolly trusts no one, not even the men sworn to be loyal to him as the leader of their Irish clan. The final warning Declan’s father gives him on his deathbed is one he holds close to his chest. But when Francesca Costa stumbles into his life, he must decide whether he will continue to heed his father’s warning or trust the Italian beauty that could destroy everything.

Audiobook

Published August 11, 2021

9 people are currently reading
1252 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Ellen

21 books1,057 followers
Melissa Ellen is an indie author of contemporary romance. She writes about modern-day couples that give you all the feels. A lover of both the big city and small towns, her stories are set in both. A Reason To Stay, book one of the Blackwood Series, was her debut novel.

She grew up as a bookworm, reading anything and everything, and still tries to read at least a book a week. She's always had an active imagination. Luckily, she now has time to put it to good use writing about the characters constantly swarming around in her head.

She went from designing buildings to crafting stories while living in Texas with her husband, son, their rescue dog, and her five chickens. Her number one goal in life is to own some land with a mini moo (tiny cow) and a horse. When she's not writing, you'll find her tackling her latest architectural design project, reading a good book, gardening, or spending time with her family.

Melissa Ellen's writing style is characterized by its relatable characters, emotional resonance, and ability to blend humor and heart into her stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance novels with depth, humor, and heartwarming themes, then Melissa Ellen's books are definitely worth checking out.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
October 21, 2020
Declan was born and bred to do what he does. He’s not a nice man and he doesn’t try to hide that fact. Frankie wants to know the truth about her father. That puts her on a collision course with Declan’s world. Will these two find the answers they’re searching for or will the darkness Declan’s so comfortable in destroy them both? I couldn’t put this book down. I couldn’t read it fast enough. There were so many twists and interwoven plot threads that I was sucked deep into the story and everything else around me disappeared. I loved watching this pair together. Declan is able to ground some of Frankie’s recklessness and she’s softens out some of his sharpest edges. And now, knowing the groundwork that’s been set in place for the third book of the series makes me desperate to get my hands on it.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Valentine PR & Literary Management.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,237 reviews60 followers
October 19, 2020
"And what is it you do, Declan Connolly?"
"I make nightmares come true," he whispered


A mafia romance has to be a good one to keep me interested; to keep my eyes clued to the pages and Burden sure did that! I was intrigued from the off set with Francesca the girl who had gone to college in NY with one goal in mind to find out what had happened to her father, how had he died; not getting any answers from her mom and with just an old picture of her dad and 3 men she didn't reorganise that she had found in her mom's belonging and with college now behind her she can start her quest. But you need to be very careful for what you wish for because you might not like what you find out and when Francesca unwittingly gains the attention of Irish Mob boss Declan Connolly things are not only about to get complicated but heat up!
Declan didn't need words when his energy was dark like this. His silence was the same as a vice grip around your throat, chocking the life out of you.

Ever since his dad's untimely death a year ago Declan was thrust into leading the Irish mob a role he was groomed for since an early age (at 14 his dad left his on the streets to fend for himself for two weeks). But Declan has one goal to find out who killed his mother and he will stop at nothing to find out! What he wasn't expecting was to stumble across little Francesca and a picture that was going to entwine their lives as they both set out to find their answers.

Declan and Francesca from the outside are from two different worlds but Declan cannot escape the fact that his cold black heart has started to beat again for this little slip of a woman. Francesca has lead a normally life what she wasn't expecting was to be drawn to the handsome yet cold Declan or to be drawn into a war with not only the Irish, but the Italian and Russian mob.

Hold on to your hats for quite a ride!
951 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2020
Burden by Melissa Ellen is a Made novel, and let me tell you, it had me HOOKED.

Declan is one delicious hot headed man, that carries a heavy burden on his shoulders. He's a hard man, but I wanted to see him have to reveal his layers, wanted to see who could potentially bring him to his knees.

Francesca fascinated me from the start! Strong, independent, yet with an air of sweetness that drew me right into her story.

And the two of them together? The connection is electric!

I adore me some good old-fashioned mafia drama, and Burden ABSOLUTELY fits the bill!

If you're looking for some angst, lots of twists and turns, a powerful love connection and more, you can stop looking, because I promise you Burden will tick off all those boxes on your list, so, what are you waiting for? Dive in!

P. S. I am INTRIGUED by Agent Rhodes, and the entire cast of secondary characters (Finn, Connor, Kami, Rory, Nolan...I could go on)! I would gladly read their stories next! I'll be keeping an eye out for sure!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
October 21, 2020
Declan is the head of the Irish Clan, who is determined to get revenge for his mother's murder, and he's not willing to trust anyone but himself. Francesca is on the quest to find out what happened to her father when she comes across Declan, and life changes for them both. They have chemistry in spades though Declan knows that she's a distraction that he shouldn't have in his life but that pull he has to her isn't going to be told no. They're perfect for each other but the journey is definitely not one that is easy. It made for some HOT sexy times from the chemistry that wouldn't be denied, but it was the twists that I lived for which had me dropping many loud f-bombs. I'm a fan of this author as I've read quite a few of her books, but Burden was leveled up for me so yeah, I CANNOT wait for more of this world! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews258 followers
October 19, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Declan and Francesca’s story. Declan is the leader of the Irish Clan and is on a mission to avenge his mother’s death, and he trusts nobody but himself. Francesca was kept in the dark by her mother for her own protection and she is determined to find out more about her father. Francesca is a complicated destruction for Declan, but I loved them together. This is a well written story which has complex characters, and an intricate and riveting plot, which had me enthralled throughout this intriguing and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend for all.
Profile Image for Georgia Coffman.
Author 27 books1,583 followers
November 10, 2020
"Are you lost, sweetheart?"

Oh my... what a sizzling mafia romance!! Declan is calculative. Lethal. HOT. He intrigued me right away. He and Frankie have instant chemistry, and the mystery surrounding them had me reading until way past my normal bedtime.

"You will be the death of me. That much I am sure of. But I'll die a happy man, remembering how it felt to have you as mine."

If you like suspense, heat, and a touch of angst in your romance, you won't be able to put Burden down! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Megan.
478 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2020
This is a new to me author and let me tell you she did not disappoint! This book is so well written and flows smoothly.
It’s a mafia book where the H is as high as you can get on the totem pole and is living the bachelor life by choice. The h has been kept in the dark, by her mom, to protect her. And it all falls apart!
This book is packed with action, romance, killings, betrayal, and eventually love.

ARC copy for honest review
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews61 followers
June 27, 2022
(audiobook) Though I’m not sure I bought the romance, the story was gripping enough that it kept me interested to the end.

I still don’t know what to think of Declan. He’s introduced as the ultimate alpha male who doesn’t care about anyone and would do anything to get what he wants. Yet his reasons for protecting Francesca in the first place quickly become flimsy. On the other hand he’s prompt to withdraw his trust if someone in the organization messes up just once–if that someone has earned it, and it wasn’t easy to do. So yeah, I found doubtful how easily Francesca enters Declan’s world.

There’s attraction between Francesca and Declan, sure. A lot of lust. Maybe Francesca is attracted to danger. And maybe he’s intrigued by her fierce nature. But I don’t see how deeper feelings can come from that. Nevertheless, they fall for each other, though the love confessions are late in the story.

The suspense part is well done. We’re given bits of information here and there, and like the characters, we assume their meaning. And of course, we’re all wrong.

Prejudices and hasty conclusions are at the heart of the story. That’s why Francesca and Declan are enemies at the beginning, and why Declan hasn’t solved yet the mystery of his mother’s death.

The narration was impeccable. The male narrator expressed Declan’s coldness perfectly, while the female narrator did great with Francesca energy. A very good audiobook.

Quickie

- Series: Made #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #mafia romance #romantic suspense #enemies to lovers
- Triggers: violence, death, rape threats, kidnapping
- Main couple: Francesca Costa & Declan Connolly
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + great suspenseful plot with many twists and revelations
- – Declan’s reluctance to admit his feelings is kind of annoying
Profile Image for Jenn Amy.
910 reviews82 followers
November 14, 2021
Audiobook Review

Burden by Melissa Ellen is the second book in her Made series. This story is full of action, crime, and drama. It is a thrilling read and one I couldn’t stop until I finished.

Declan is seeking revenge after becoming the head of the Irish mob due to his father’s heinous murder. He trusts no one and will not allow himself to get distracted or allow anyone to get in his way. Until Francesca. She is the one thing he never saw coming and her need to seek answers about her own father lands herself deep into Declan’s world. These two were magnetic! Their intense connection and phenomenal chemistry was addicting. The way Francesca sees through Declan and is able to soften some of his hardness and Declan’s ability to ground Francesca made them the perfect unit and they became unstoppable together. One of my favourite things about a mafia romance is the strong theme of family, loyal and love and this story has this in spades and I highly recommend it.

Connor Crais' performance blew me away. His ability to tap into the raw emotion of Declan’s character was impressive. Chloe Ryan is a new to me narrator. Her voice aptly portrayed the emotion and complexities of Francesca’s character and these two brought this story to life phenomenally.

Note: I received an audible review copy via Valentine PR in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,570 reviews26 followers
February 20, 2021
Burden Melissa Ellen

This is the second book in this series by this author. This story follows the relationship of the characters, Declan and Francesca. These two characters have amazing chemistry between them. The story is a complexed one but one you just get sucked into as you read. This is another fast paced mafia romance read, which you won't want to put down till the last page. This book is a fantastic addition to this series and can be read as a stand alone read.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

www.obsessedbookreviews.com
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,209 reviews72 followers
March 9, 2021
Holy cow! What a complicated story. Declan is a relentless mafia boss. Francesca is a complicated distraction with a history Declan wasn’t expecting. Declan is so incredibly sexy and bossy that Francesca doesn’t know if she should kiss him or slap him! I truly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed The complicated story line and the chemistry these two shared. I love A quick sexy read and this definitely fits the Bill. I look forward to reading another book by this author.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,642 reviews
October 23, 2020
Book 2 in the Made series and it was so good. Loved Declan and Francesca. Both were looking into the deaths of their respective love ones. This is what causes them to cross paths and sends her into a world that he knows all about but she is not familiar with. They were so good together. The chemistry and attraction between them was really intense. Great storyline that will keep you invested until the very last page.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,523 reviews133 followers
October 26, 2020
4.5 Stars for Burden ( Made, #2)
Melissa Ellen is a fair new author to me and I haven’t read book one in this series but as you can see from my rating that took nothing away from the story or the enjoyment, I will however be going back and reading the first book as soon as time permits.
Declan Connolly trusts no one, not even the men working for him so what will he do when Francesca Costa comes stumbling into his life, will he heed his fathers warnings or will he give this stunning woman a chance....
Head of the Irish Mafia meets an Italian beauty from a family who are the enemy but life isn’t always what it seems and sometimes people are not who we believe them to be. This book touched me on so many levels, I loved the characters and I loved how Francesca wanted to know the truth she wanted to hear the good, the bad and at times the ugly, the chemistry is sizzling and Declan and Francesca’s story was captivating, I was certainly kept on the edge of my seat throughout this great read. If you love Mafia romance this gem should certainly be on your TBR list. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
1,263 reviews11 followers
October 24, 2020
Dark, brutal, and unforgiving Declan held loyalty as his priority in all of his dealings. Cold and calculating, he grew more and more remote as he heartlessly eliminated anyone suspicious immediately after his father’s murder.
Not trusting anyone, he was completely taken off guard when Francesca stumbled into his life.
This fast paced graphic drama was filled with dark romance within a deeply crafted mafia world.
Kudos to the author for creating a believable intensity between the main couple but staying within the lines of a mafia drama.
I personally hate when the heroine suffers from the conniving villain who always seems to be one step ahead of the hero. Not so with this storyline! Declan was a worthy dark alpha hero in this one.
No skimming over this well written, heated drama romance. It was a treat from start to finish!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,698 reviews39 followers
October 21, 2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Francesca is a small town girl who moved to the big city. She’s someone who is very curious about her surroundings. This lends to my curiosity of what the author has in store for her readers. Declan is a man with a score to settle. He seems to have a few rough edges but you see those edges slowly soften – but not by much.

This story does have some suspense but I felt there was more mystery. I had questions of who and why that needed to be answered. Our author was sneaky because she didn’t give anything away and if I wanted those two questions answered then I had no choice but to follow her characters to the end. And I was pleased with her choice but I want more so I’ll settle for some suspense until book three comes out.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,308 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2020
This was my second book I read by Melissa Ellen. This book confirmed for me that she will be a go to author for me. This book hooked me in right away! I couldn’t put it down! It only took me one sitting to finish it! There was never a dull moment! Declan is definitely on the top of my book boyfriend list! I didn’t want it to end! This book is a true standalone in the series. I haven’t read the first book (which I have and will definitely read) and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Yes you get characters from the first book but I didn’t feel like I needed to read their story for this one to flow better. If you like mafia/darker romances make sure you read this one! I would absolutely recommend it!!

Received an arc for a honest review.
1,072 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2020
Frankie is in NYC for college, but is also trying to find out more about her late father who died before she was born. Only she didn’t expect to attract the attention of mob boss Declan Connolly who thinks she’s a spy for another family. She knows she should be afraid of him, but instead she finds herself falling for him! Declan is trying to find out who had his mother killed, when Francesca aka Frankie sneaks into his office he wonders if she knows more than she says! He knows he should just get rid of her, but he can’t help his feelings for her! Can he learn to trust her? Can they find out the truth? Great book that I would highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,840 reviews52 followers
October 20, 2020
Burden is a fabulous read. If you've read Honor then you have an idea who Declan is. If you haven't no worries you'll be fine (but I do recommend it because it is an amazing read too). If you love Mafia romance then you will love this one. Declan is fantastic head of the Irish Mafia. He never expected Francesca. There is such a pull between Declan and Francesca that you will love. Francesca is full of questions. She is trying to discover what happened to her father. I love the tie in to Francesca's family and Declan's. This was one that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for more from the Made series.
560 reviews
October 16, 2020
WOW!!! Talk about sitting on the edge of your seat suspense!!! Francesca is a curious person and wants to know about her father, who her mother has only said died, but never how or why Declan is out for revenge for the deaths of his parents. From page one I was captivated by the story line and found myself rooting for Declan and Francesca. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to find out how agent Rhodes fits in.

I received this book free from the author and freely give my honest review
4,330 reviews27 followers
October 24, 2020
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the second book in the Made series. It is the hard fought love story between Frankie and Declan. They are both looking for answers, trust no one and find their unimaginable future with each other. This book was full of suspense, revenge, danger, lies, lust and love. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
October 25, 2020
Being head of the Irish Mafia, Francesca is a surprise to Declan. Declan is dark , cold and raised to do what his does, Francesca is young, innocent and determined to find out the things from her past.

Their story will take you on a dark ride of suspense and chemistry, that will have you lost in the journey page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews13 followers
October 28, 2020
A wonderfully well written story that has an intricate and riveting plot.  This intriguing and addictive page turner has mystery/suspense, lots of questions, and hot chemistry while flowing smoothly page after page. The characters are interesting and complex with undeniable attraction. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC standalone within a series leave me on the edge for more from others in the series.
Profile Image for Debra Soehner.
1,278 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2020
Declan is a mob boss looking for his mother’s killer and Francesca is a young woman in New York trying to find out information about her deceased father. How will they connect and what secrets will be uncovered? Great author and story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee).
880 reviews11 followers
October 20, 2020
Oh my this was an amazing book. The interaction between Declan and Francesca was not something to miss.  They have tia connection that leaves us wanting to know what happens and how it's going to turn out. The story has us mesmerized and loving it. I can't wait to see what the next story brings. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
October 20, 2020
I absolutely loved Declan. Broody, cocky, arrogant and totally falling down the rabbit hole of love with Francesca.

This book kept me captivated and turning this pages as fast as I could to find out what came next. The two were magnetic from the start. Each had their own guilt from the pasts of their parents.

Such a great read and can’t wait to see what comes next.
5,450 reviews32 followers
October 21, 2020
If you read Honor you have been waiting for this story, and it will not disappoint you in any way. The story line and character work were terrific. I enjoyed this one more than the first one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,627 reviews
October 26, 2020
A mafia romance with suspense, action, attraction, angst, twist and turns, mystery, and romance.
Declan and Francesca are captivating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel Jones.
353 reviews
October 29, 2020
Such an easy read. I really enjoyed it. I couldn’t put it down once I started because it just pulled me in. Declan and Frankie are a great couple with all the squabbling between them! Great story line!
I received this book as an arc from Hidden Gems for my honest review.
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews433 followers
June 14, 2022
This is my first book by this author and it was an OK listen. I loved the narrators. Connor Crais is one of my favourites! It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did I enjoyed it enough! Declan and Frankie were perfect together!

3.5 stars!

Profile Image for Melissa Ellen.
Author 21 books1,057 followers
Read
October 22, 2020
It’s LIVE!!! I hope you love Declan and Francesca as much as I do!
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