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The Woman with the Ring
Primo Esposito snatched me off the street in a ploy to bring long-sought peace between the Families.
His proposal was simple.
Me, my life, my future.
In exchange for a ceasefire.
If I said no, it would mean the immediate slaughter of my friends, of all my family.
There had never been a choice at all.
So I found myself agreeing to marry the most notorious, the most ruthless, the most violent of all the Five Families bosses. A man so evil, so cold, that no woman could love him.
Least of all the one who’d been forced into marriage with him.
As the days turned to weeks and the weeks to months, though, there was no denying a primal sort of attraction, an unexpected and irrational sort of affection.
But enemies could be found around every corner, ones that threatened to steal away the very thing I claimed I never wanted, the heart and love of a man who I’d never seen coming, one I never wanted to lose…
His proposal was simple.
Me, my life, my future.
In exchange for a ceasefire.
If I said no, it would mean the immediate slaughter of my friends, of all my family.
There had never been a choice at all.
So I found myself agreeing to marry the most notorious, the most ruthless, the most violent of all the Five Families bosses. A man so evil, so cold, that no woman could love him.
Least of all the one who’d been forced into marriage with him.
As the days turned to weeks and the weeks to months, though, there was no denying a primal sort of attraction, an unexpected and irrational sort of affection.
But enemies could be found around every corner, ones that threatened to steal away the very thing I claimed I never wanted, the heart and love of a man who I’d never seen coming, one I never wanted to lose…
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2021
149 people are currently reading
1583 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
162 books5,394 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.
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
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xx
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...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...
xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
December 21, 2021
2.5 stars
For everyone wanting an arranged marriage mafia romance which is short, kinda sweet, safe and generally has all the needed tropes this might be a good choice.
However if you go into it like I did - with sky high expectations after finishing the last book (The woman in the back room) and excited to read about the crazy psycho goodness that Primo was supposed to bring to the table - well, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
The only saving grace this book had was that there was chemistry between the MCs - they did not have the love story I expected or wanted (it was mediocre) but at least there was something there.
Okay, now I’m gonna mention some little things which bothered me on a plotting level. In the last book Primo was described physically different - he was taller, different body type etc - and I already had an idea of him only to start this book and get a different description. It was annoying to say the least. Second plot hole so to speak, was the fact that it didn’t make sense that the Costas would just leave Isabella there. Those guys are crazy protective and they knew nothing of Primo except that he was unhinged and dangerous - it made no sense that they didn’t try to get her back regardless of the feud it would ensue. They had the support of 3 other families in the city and with planning they would have pulverised the whole Esposito family/mafia. I couldn’t get over some of these inconsistencies.
Now onto the plot/action. It was - to put it nicely - complete garbage. The other books had some action and intrigue and some twists and turns - here the story was mostly static and when the twist did come - it was amateurish and lame tbh.
Now Primo, gahhh, Primo was such a beta compared to how we were told he was. I swear what we were told he was vs who he actually was - two different people. At least Lorenzo in the first book (who was kinda like Primo) was described as sort of beta and of mild temperament compared to other guys so you got what you were promised. Here it’s like you were promised steak but instead got dry ramen noodles. - this was probably the biggest disappointment of the book.
Isabella - same. Yeah, she wasn’t a pushover - but she also didn’t have anything to recommend her really. I don’t know, for me she ended up being kinda flavourless as a character.
She was a glorified housewife for the longest time (against her will) and then she got used to it and eventually truly became one. She just shed her old life like it was a costume. That’s not natural.
I don’t know.. this book just didn’t click and come together the way it should have. The attempts at steam were good and all that, but it meant nothing for me because it just wasn’t enough.
Buddy Read with Lana! Thank you for discussing this one with me and fingers crossed for a better luck next time we do this!
For everyone wanting an arranged marriage mafia romance which is short, kinda sweet, safe and generally has all the needed tropes this might be a good choice.
However if you go into it like I did - with sky high expectations after finishing the last book (The woman in the back room) and excited to read about the crazy psycho goodness that Primo was supposed to bring to the table - well, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
The only saving grace this book had was that there was chemistry between the MCs - they did not have the love story I expected or wanted (it was mediocre) but at least there was something there.
Okay, now I’m gonna mention some little things which bothered me on a plotting level. In the last book Primo was described physically different - he was taller, different body type etc - and I already had an idea of him only to start this book and get a different description. It was annoying to say the least. Second plot hole so to speak, was the fact that it didn’t make sense that the Costas would just leave Isabella there. Those guys are crazy protective and they knew nothing of Primo except that he was unhinged and dangerous - it made no sense that they didn’t try to get her back regardless of the feud it would ensue. They had the support of 3 other families in the city and with planning they would have pulverised the whole Esposito family/mafia. I couldn’t get over some of these inconsistencies.
Now onto the plot/action. It was - to put it nicely - complete garbage. The other books had some action and intrigue and some twists and turns - here the story was mostly static and when the twist did come - it was amateurish and lame tbh.
Now Primo, gahhh, Primo was such a beta compared to how we were told he was. I swear what we were told he was vs who he actually was - two different people. At least Lorenzo in the first book (who was kinda like Primo) was described as sort of beta and of mild temperament compared to other guys so you got what you were promised. Here it’s like you were promised steak but instead got dry ramen noodles. - this was probably the biggest disappointment of the book.
Isabella - same. Yeah, she wasn’t a pushover - but she also didn’t have anything to recommend her really. I don’t know, for me she ended up being kinda flavourless as a character.
She was a glorified housewife for the longest time (against her will) and then she got used to it and eventually truly became one. She just shed her old life like it was a costume. That’s not natural.
I don’t know.. this book just didn’t click and come together the way it should have. The attempts at steam were good and all that, but it meant nothing for me because it just wasn’t enough.
Buddy Read with Lana! Thank you for discussing this one with me and fingers crossed for a better luck next time we do this!
January 29, 2023
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,6 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
My faith in Gadziala was restored!
I've loved Isabella and Primo story.
Primo is Esposito family, Isabella is Costa family.
When Primo has the "bright" idea of a convenience marriage to avoid war between the families, he kidnaps Isabella.
I thought Isabella was a bit too much stubborn, it kind of lingered.
I'm hoping for a Mira and Vissi book...
This book was full of surprises, I didn't see it coming.
Since this is in a mafia universe, there's a lot of violence.
This is also super sexy.
I'm a bit sad for some things that happened in the story, but it's mafia world without pink glasses.
It's funny, it's sweet.
And now, I have to read all the Costa Family series.
I guess it have some triggers, but not so many that may be offensive to anyone, for those who like to read mafia stories but nothing too dark, this one is for you all.
April 15, 2024
welcome to the Esposito family drama in Bronx, New York with its 1st book The Woman with the Ring
This life was cruel and cutting and no one was guaranteed safety from it, especially if you live within the Mafia Family
For those of you that do not know many of Jessica Gadziala books exist within the same larger “universe.
We first met this couple in The Woman in the Back Room (Costa Family Series) when Isabella Costa agrees to marry Primo Esposito. So, to say that most people who had enjoyed JG’s previous series was waiting on pins and needles for this book’s release might be putting it lightly
Things that you just might find in this book.
Forced Marriage
Hate to Love/ Enemies to Lovers
Mafia drama
Plenty of Gorgeous sexy Italian men
Family drama
With plenty of steamy scene.
Isabella, was raised in a large Italian family that has been part of New York Mafia Crime scene, her whole life. So, to say that she knew how to stand up for herself Against Overbearing Control freaks, was putting it lightly
Isabella was like any other woman who had dreams of her wedding and having her own large family one day, but I guess that dream was dash when she agrees to try to settle the war between Costa family and the Esposito Family by marrying the Enemy, but she was not about to take her captivity laying down.
Primo Esposito.
The boss of the Esposito family.
A man that had, as legend went, sliced his father’s throat during a Family sit-down, wiped the knife off on a napkin, then sat down to finish cutting his steak with it.
Primo ran his neighborhood with an iron fist. He kept good, normal citizens terrified of him and what he might do to them if they stepped into his business. And trust me when I say that, Isabella seen firsthand a few times the fear in the people’s eyes for Primo
Had Primo bit off more than he can chew when it came to Isabella……. Most definitely
Did Isabella over kill on the
‘’ If you thought that was the kind of wife you were going to get, you chose the wrong woman, Primo.’’ Most definitely
Maybe it’s just my current mood, but I wanted something bloodier… but with that said this still was great book
Now I am really looking forward to JG giving us book on Vissi and Mira.... well I’m hoping that Jessica will give us a book on these to characters. In the near future.
Read
December 13, 2021
Guess what? I dropped my new standalone, forced marriage mafia book today. And I want to scream about it from the rooftops because it is my favorite thing I've written. Sooo... maybe you want to get a copy?
🎉 Read for free with KU 🎉
🔥 Standalone, mafia, hate-to-love, forced marriage, steamy. 🔥
🛒 Treat your shelf 🛒
US: https://amzn.to/3FS0RLG
Everywhere Else: mybook.to/withthering
TBR: https://bit.ly/3xVLsH8
❤️ Blurb ❤️
Primo Esposito snatched me off the street in a ploy to bring long-sought peace between the Families.
His proposal was simple.
Me, my life, my future.
In exchange for a ceasefire.
If I said no, it would mean the immediate slaughter of my friends, of all my family.
There had never been a choice at all.
So I found myself agreeing to marry the most notorious, the most ruthless, the most violent of all the Five Families bosses. A man so evil, so cold that no woman could love him.
Least of all the one who’d been forced into marriage with him.
As the days turned to weeks and the weeks to months, though, there was no denying a primal sort of attraction, an unexpected and irrational sort of affection.
But enemies could be found around every corner, ones that threatened to steal away the very thing I claimed I never wanted, the heart and love of a man who I’d never seen coming, one I never wanted to lose…
May 18, 2023
I just can’t stop thinking about how he was chopping vegetables (including onions) and then fingered her.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES
Isabella Costa | Primo Esposito
SUMMARY
From the moment Primo saw Isabella, of the rival crime family Costa, he knew the spirited woman was the one he wanted to marry. He then proceeds to have her kidnapped as the first step of his plan. The Costas and Espositos then reach a tentative agreement of a marriage between Primo and Isabella to remove distrust and unify the families.
The newlyweds struggle to adjust to their new life, Isabella resenting him and Primo impatiently patient with her resentment. Just as they begin to reach a truce, an attempt on Isabella’s life deteriorates their progress.
Underneath all that hatred is an attraction that, try as she might, Isabella cannot ignore. Where attraction leads, desire follows.
REVIEW
An arranged marriage plot where both characters do not want to be in their marriage is compelling, but an arranged marriage plot where one of them is so sure they want to be married to the other that they kidnap them? Somehow, even more compelling.
The slowburn of Isabella and Primo’s relationship was perfect. Even after things got physical, there was a one-sided, albeit weakening, hatred on Isabella’s end. Isabella’s refusal to concede and Primo’s adoration—and exasperation—of her antics made for such a fun read. Although at times the development (both progression and regression) was a bit abrupt, overall the relationship plot itself is easily a 5/5.
The external plot— Isabella’s life being threatened— and its resolution disappointed me. Not because of who the antagonist turned out to be, but because I absolutely despise when there is no (or in this case, minimal) foreshadowing. See spoilers at bottom.
Jessica Gadziala is no stranger of creating immersive of underworld organizations and the love stories in them, and while this is my first read of this series, I have no doubt the other books set in this universe will be just as captivating.
OM/OW DRAMA minor OW —
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
SPOILERS
content warning:
The Third Act Conflict and [REDACTED]’s Betrayal
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES
Isabella Costa | Primo Esposito
SUMMARY
From the moment Primo saw Isabella, of the rival crime family Costa, he knew the spirited woman was the one he wanted to marry. He then proceeds to have her kidnapped as the first step of his plan. The Costas and Espositos then reach a tentative agreement of a marriage between Primo and Isabella to remove distrust and unify the families.
The newlyweds struggle to adjust to their new life, Isabella resenting him and Primo impatiently patient with her resentment. Just as they begin to reach a truce, an attempt on Isabella’s life deteriorates their progress.
Underneath all that hatred is an attraction that, try as she might, Isabella cannot ignore. Where attraction leads, desire follows.
REVIEW
An arranged marriage plot where both characters do not want to be in their marriage is compelling, but an arranged marriage plot where one of them is so sure they want to be married to the other that they kidnap them? Somehow, even more compelling.
The slowburn of Isabella and Primo’s relationship was perfect. Even after things got physical, there was a one-sided, albeit weakening, hatred on Isabella’s end. Isabella’s refusal to concede and Primo’s adoration—and exasperation—of her antics made for such a fun read. Although at times the development (both progression and regression) was a bit abrupt, overall the relationship plot itself is easily a 5/5.
The external plot— Isabella’s life being threatened— and its resolution disappointed me. Not because of who the antagonist turned out to be, but because I absolutely despise when there is no (or in this case, minimal) foreshadowing. See spoilers at bottom.
Jessica Gadziala is no stranger of creating immersive of underworld organizations and the love stories in them, and while this is my first read of this series, I have no doubt the other books set in this universe will be just as captivating.
OM/OW DRAMA minor OW —
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
SPOILERS
content warning:
The Third Act Conflict and [REDACTED]’s Betrayal
December 16, 2021
ᴛᴡᴏ.❺ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ ✩
oof. the missed potential is strong with this one. The Woman with the Ring should have been a slam dunk for me.
[ i mean just look at these tropes ☟]
and i mean … JG did deliver on the mafia-shit, thank the lord 🙄
ᴛʟ;ᴅʀ ➜ my biggest issue with TWWTR was the lack of anything. the romance didn't "start" until around seventy percent, there's shit ton of body betraying syndrome, and the mafia-drama was so stupid it made me laugh. plus, everyone kept calling Primo a psycho even though he had the same energy as Lorenzo from book one.
[that said this entire scene with Brio was iconic ☟]
𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬
🚙 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗸 - 𝟰.𝟱
🥊 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 - 𝗗𝗡𝗙
💎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟮.𝟱
❝You’ve been stalking me?❞ she asked, face twisting.
❝I was deciding which Costa woman to choose,❞ I said, shrugging.
❝That’s really creepy. Just so you know. Lurking in the shadows like some basement-dwelling incel.❞
❝Such love words on our wedding day,❞ I said, shoving the bouquet toward her.
oof. the missed potential is strong with this one. The Woman with the Ring should have been a slam dunk for me.
[ i mean just look at these tropes ☟]
✨mafia-shit
✨kidnapping
✨forced/arranged marriage
✨enemies-to-lovers
✨lovable-psycho hero
✨heroine w/backbone
✨rival families
and i mean … JG did deliver on the mafia-shit, thank the lord 🙄
ᴛʟ;ᴅʀ ➜ my biggest issue with TWWTR was the lack of anything. the romance didn't "start" until around seventy percent, there's shit ton of body betraying syndrome, and the mafia-drama was so stupid it made me laugh. plus, everyone kept calling Primo a psycho even though he had the same energy as Lorenzo from book one.
[that said this entire scene with Brio was iconic ☟]
❝The fuck was that?❞ I asked, feeling a little whip-lashed at the whole situation.
❝Yeah, ah, apparently, that is Brio’s thing now,❞ Isabella said, shaking her head at her distant cousin’s strange appearance. ❝He just… brings people animals. Like he’s doing community outreach for the local shelters or something.❞ …
𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬
🚙 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗸 - 𝟰.𝟱
🥊 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 - 𝗗𝗡𝗙
💎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟮.𝟱
February 2, 2022
Another fabulous read from Jessica Gadziala! I can’t wait for more exciting mafia romances!🙏♥️❤️
December 15, 2021
The Woman With The Ring is EXACTLY the kind of story that I live and die for. I adore mafia romance and arranged marriage stories are basically my favorite books ever. Jessica Gadziala knocked it out of the park with this book!!! I DIED for Isabella and Primo. This story was sexy, romantic and just fabulous!!!!
Real Talk: I have heard of Jessica Gadziala and even hoarded a few of her books but felt intimidated by her large blacklist and the sheer number of books she has. But when I read the blurb for The Woman With The Ring I couldn’t jump aboard this book fast enough. 12 hrs later and I am finished and now OBSESSED! This story was so sexy and the tension between Primo and Isabella was INSANE. These two together were FIRE! I loved Primo's intensity, strength and the level of respect he had for his wife. Likewise, Isabella was SASSY af!! She was the perfect heroine and wife to a mafia boss.
Gah!! This story was just SO fantastic! Now I can't wait to jump on another book in this author's arsenal! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
Real Talk: I have heard of Jessica Gadziala and even hoarded a few of her books but felt intimidated by her large blacklist and the sheer number of books she has. But when I read the blurb for The Woman With The Ring I couldn’t jump aboard this book fast enough. 12 hrs later and I am finished and now OBSESSED! This story was so sexy and the tension between Primo and Isabella was INSANE. These two together were FIRE! I loved Primo's intensity, strength and the level of respect he had for his wife. Likewise, Isabella was SASSY af!! She was the perfect heroine and wife to a mafia boss.
Gah!! This story was just SO fantastic! Now I can't wait to jump on another book in this author's arsenal! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
January 6, 2022
I was expecting some craziness from Primo, some edge maybe, some dark sense of humour - the way he was presented in the previous book. Instead, he was like a vanilla version of himself and it felt like a letdown.
The same with Isabella, she was kinda okay but there was nothing remarkable about her in any way. She was just there, we didn't even get to know what she worked as before all this stuff happened, she barely did anything interesting at all.
The conflict was a little ridiculous.
I mean it was still sweet if you completely ignore the crazy premise. If you only think about it as a sexy little story and turn off your mind otherwise, then it's not too bad.
The same with Isabella, she was kinda okay but there was nothing remarkable about her in any way. She was just there, we didn't even get to know what she worked as before all this stuff happened, she barely did anything interesting at all.
The conflict was a little ridiculous.
I mean it was still sweet if you completely ignore the crazy premise. If you only think about it as a sexy little story and turn off your mind otherwise, then it's not too bad.
December 12, 2021
Favourite book by Jessica ever. PERIOD. I CANNOT.
Hate to Love/ Enemies to Lovers.
Forced Proximity
Marriage of Convenience
MAFIA.
It's been done for years. The marriage of convenience, when two people from different families are forced to marry to keep war at bay and bring a union together. A treaty of sorts. With rules of course.
Isabella did not spend her day thinking her whole world was about to change when she was so rudely snapped up and taken from everything she knows, and thrown into shark territory with no chance of surviving unscathed.
Primo is a man who bleeds for the family, works for the family and keeps the family running no matter what it takes to achieve all that. He understands he has to be the bag guy but that doesn't mean he isn't traditional when it comes to his values or his wife.
Lords above these two had my gut burning and my heart feeling like it was about to pump itself out of my fucking chest. The tension was so fucking tangible I could feel myself getting angsty with anticipation.
Isabella is a sweet woman who understood the life she was born into. She had the fire and the backbone but she also had dreams of her perfect wedding and a life with the one she'd love for a life time. Obviously that guy was never meant to be Primo. Isabella showed many admirable traits through her own person journey but I think the best one was her unwavering loyalty to her family and the knowing that the sacrifices she made was to save the ones she loved. That there is true strength. The kind you can't fake. However miss Isabella is a Mafia woman and she was not about to take her captivity laying down. She showed Primo that he really didn't know her and that she would fight him every damn step of the way in ways that he couldn't stop or have any control over. Let's just say the little lamb turned into a damn lion when she wanted to.
Primo is a prime hottie asshat that I'm living and dying for. That's my toxic trait.. wanting the asshole bahahaha. No seriously, what he did is unforgivable but also genius. He knew the only way to make the families see him was to give them something that would prevent war... even if he had to take something to do that. Let just say he didn't step off on the right foot but his intentions are understood and contrary to popular belief he is a monster but he's not that kind of monster. So he stole his soon to be wife and with that he stole her dreams but he wasn't going to take what was not freely offered to him. When I tell you is man is positively lethal... the sex appeal to him is unrivalled. He isn't sweet or tender, not even a little but he is present and true to himself with a side just for Isabella that made him appear more vulnerable and easier to understand.
They had the love to hate feelings down to perfection. Her throwing sass and him soaking in the attitude was foreplay. They pushed and pulled at eachother. They broke boundaries and somewhere along the line it started to mean more. She pushed at his hard and found something fucking precious and he pulled at her resentment and found unwanted need. They bounced around eachother, they fought, they teased and lord did they build eachother up to the point you don't think they can live up to the dirty expectations you have of them. Like the tension is just that fucking high. But they did. Boy did they... it was like they just combusted because they reached the point of no return and it was at the worst time ever but still it was fucking hot and I was swoooning like a crazy bitch.
Honesty they sucked the life out of me in the best ways. Their journey is turbulent to say the least filled with so much intensity, it's almost to much. I adored the back and forth cat and mouse game. I loved watching them both loose and win simultaneously. It was a marathon not a race for sure but it was worth every single minute of the crazy.
The side characters!!!!!. Just saying but if I don't get Brio I'm going to start a war. I need my animal giving psychopath like yesterday. Then we have Vissi and Mira.... I'm curious and wanting and praying they will be a them because the chemistry they have is insane.
Then we have all the other characters who add so much personality to this crazy story.
I love this world, these characters and their crazy lives. There is never a dull moment and it quickly became my favourite place to be.
Oh and the story... let's just say it leads to where I never expected and shook the ever loving shit out of me. GURLLLLL. I did not see it fucking coming. Flabbergasted.
Honestly... this series is epic and this is my favourite to date.
Hate to Love/ Enemies to Lovers.
Forced Proximity
Marriage of Convenience
MAFIA.
It's been done for years. The marriage of convenience, when two people from different families are forced to marry to keep war at bay and bring a union together. A treaty of sorts. With rules of course.
Isabella did not spend her day thinking her whole world was about to change when she was so rudely snapped up and taken from everything she knows, and thrown into shark territory with no chance of surviving unscathed.
Primo is a man who bleeds for the family, works for the family and keeps the family running no matter what it takes to achieve all that. He understands he has to be the bag guy but that doesn't mean he isn't traditional when it comes to his values or his wife.
Lords above these two had my gut burning and my heart feeling like it was about to pump itself out of my fucking chest. The tension was so fucking tangible I could feel myself getting angsty with anticipation.
Isabella is a sweet woman who understood the life she was born into. She had the fire and the backbone but she also had dreams of her perfect wedding and a life with the one she'd love for a life time. Obviously that guy was never meant to be Primo. Isabella showed many admirable traits through her own person journey but I think the best one was her unwavering loyalty to her family and the knowing that the sacrifices she made was to save the ones she loved. That there is true strength. The kind you can't fake. However miss Isabella is a Mafia woman and she was not about to take her captivity laying down. She showed Primo that he really didn't know her and that she would fight him every damn step of the way in ways that he couldn't stop or have any control over. Let's just say the little lamb turned into a damn lion when she wanted to.
Primo is a prime hottie asshat that I'm living and dying for. That's my toxic trait.. wanting the asshole bahahaha. No seriously, what he did is unforgivable but also genius. He knew the only way to make the families see him was to give them something that would prevent war... even if he had to take something to do that. Let just say he didn't step off on the right foot but his intentions are understood and contrary to popular belief he is a monster but he's not that kind of monster. So he stole his soon to be wife and with that he stole her dreams but he wasn't going to take what was not freely offered to him. When I tell you is man is positively lethal... the sex appeal to him is unrivalled. He isn't sweet or tender, not even a little but he is present and true to himself with a side just for Isabella that made him appear more vulnerable and easier to understand.
They had the love to hate feelings down to perfection. Her throwing sass and him soaking in the attitude was foreplay. They pushed and pulled at eachother. They broke boundaries and somewhere along the line it started to mean more. She pushed at his hard and found something fucking precious and he pulled at her resentment and found unwanted need. They bounced around eachother, they fought, they teased and lord did they build eachother up to the point you don't think they can live up to the dirty expectations you have of them. Like the tension is just that fucking high. But they did. Boy did they... it was like they just combusted because they reached the point of no return and it was at the worst time ever but still it was fucking hot and I was swoooning like a crazy bitch.
Honesty they sucked the life out of me in the best ways. Their journey is turbulent to say the least filled with so much intensity, it's almost to much. I adored the back and forth cat and mouse game. I loved watching them both loose and win simultaneously. It was a marathon not a race for sure but it was worth every single minute of the crazy.
The side characters!!!!!. Just saying but if I don't get Brio I'm going to start a war. I need my animal giving psychopath like yesterday. Then we have Vissi and Mira.... I'm curious and wanting and praying they will be a them because the chemistry they have is insane.
Then we have all the other characters who add so much personality to this crazy story.
I love this world, these characters and their crazy lives. There is never a dull moment and it quickly became my favourite place to be.
Oh and the story... let's just say it leads to where I never expected and shook the ever loving shit out of me. GURLLLLL. I did not see it fucking coming. Flabbergasted.
Honestly... this series is epic and this is my favourite to date.
October 23, 2024
I admittedly liked it, but let’s be fr this book is bad. It’s not bad like the worst thing I’ve ever read, but it's far from being good, too. I guess it's partially my fault for having some sort of high expectation but still. Also, maybe it didn’t just work for me.
Primo Esposito and Isabella Costa. They had so much (wasted) potential. They’re from different mafia families, and when Isabella is kinda-but-actually-really-forced to marry him in order to put an end to the war between them, what could’ve been a start to a good story, only went down south for me.
The major issue with the book is: I can’t tell when anything happened. I only know that Primo’s been obsessed with Isabella for a while, and decided that marrying her was a good way to resolve his/their problems. So, he kidnapped her, she was forced to/accepted to marry him, she hated him but they wanted each other and…then what? They fell for each other because the physical attraction they had was huge? They could be talking and falling in between scenes, I guess, but Isabella refused to talk to him for most of the book so it clearly didn’t happen, and suddenly, they love each other and want a family together? Make it make sense.
Also, Primo’s a so-called-monster, so I hoped to see him acting to honor it, maybe? Plus, the amount of losses, grief, conspiracy and betrayals was just way too much. I mean, it’s a mafia book, I know these things happen, but nah. I didn’t buy it in this one. This book just didn’t work for me at all.
Primo Esposito and Isabella Costa. They had so much (wasted) potential. They’re from different mafia families, and when Isabella is kinda-but-actually-really-forced to marry him in order to put an end to the war between them, what could’ve been a start to a good story, only went down south for me.
The major issue with the book is: I can’t tell when anything happened. I only know that Primo’s been obsessed with Isabella for a while, and decided that marrying her was a good way to resolve his/their problems. So, he kidnapped her, she was forced to/accepted to marry him, she hated him but they wanted each other and…then what? They fell for each other because the physical attraction they had was huge? They could be talking and falling in between scenes, I guess, but Isabella refused to talk to him for most of the book so it clearly didn’t happen, and suddenly, they love each other and want a family together? Make it make sense.
Also, Primo’s a so-called-monster, so I hoped to see him acting to honor it, maybe? Plus, the amount of losses, grief, conspiracy and betrayals was just way too much. I mean, it’s a mafia book, I know these things happen, but nah. I didn’t buy it in this one. This book just didn’t work for me at all.
August 21, 2022
I think Jessica took her rule book and threw it out with this one. So many departures from her typical stories and a big didn't see that coming moment.
Excellent enemies to love story. Like mob romances then dive into her mob world featuring the Grassis, Costas, Morellis and Espositos.
Excellent enemies to love story. Like mob romances then dive into her mob world featuring the Grassis, Costas, Morellis and Espositos.
July 14, 2024
2.5⭐️
Tropes:
Mafia obv
Forced marriage
Enemies to lovers (mostly one-sided)
One-bed trope
Grumpy x sunshine (like most books in this genre)
Third act kidnapping (if that’s a thing)
Morally grey mmc (duh)
Don’t have a lot to say about it. Good book in its genre, it kept me interested throughout. Nothing too special but if you are in a mood for something fast-paced and that fits these tropes, it is a solid book.
(totally extra and non significant note: there was this one thing that extremely irked me in this book, which was that she gets her period and immediately after that they have sex. Now I’m not against that or anything. But the author doesn’t really address that and the scene kept on implying that they are having normal sex, which annoyed me a lot for some reason like idk at least mention it or something! I’m still confused if I missed some bit of the book or what!)
Tropes:
Mafia obv
Forced marriage
Enemies to lovers (mostly one-sided)
One-bed trope
Grumpy x sunshine (like most books in this genre)
Third act kidnapping (if that’s a thing)
Morally grey mmc (duh)
Don’t have a lot to say about it. Good book in its genre, it kept me interested throughout. Nothing too special but if you are in a mood for something fast-paced and that fits these tropes, it is a solid book.
(totally extra and non significant note: there was this one thing that extremely irked me in this book, which was that she gets her period and immediately after that they have sex. Now I’m not against that or anything. But the author doesn’t really address that and the scene kept on implying that they are having normal sex, which annoyed me a lot for some reason like idk at least mention it or something! I’m still confused if I missed some bit of the book or what!)
December 9, 2021
Every girl dreams of her wedding day. Isabella is no different. She just never imagined she would choose her fiancé as he’s threatening to slaughter her family….after he kidnapped her.
But well the olive oil warned her…so she can’t be surprised!
Isabella is determined to make this marriage as miserable as she can.
And it works…until is doesn’t!
—————————
Primo has fought everyday of his life. To survive. For respect. To maintain his status among the families.
So when he sees an easy way to build a bridge between two families of course he does it…who cares if it involves kidnapping!
I LOVE this couple! There is a push and pull between them that builds in a way you just know it’s bound to explode!
The jabs they throw at one another was one of my favorite parts 😂😂
And once again I need all of the side characters to get their books 🙏🙏
But well the olive oil warned her…so she can’t be surprised!
Isabella is determined to make this marriage as miserable as she can.
And it works…until is doesn’t!
—————————
Primo has fought everyday of his life. To survive. For respect. To maintain his status among the families.
So when he sees an easy way to build a bridge between two families of course he does it…who cares if it involves kidnapping!
I LOVE this couple! There is a push and pull between them that builds in a way you just know it’s bound to explode!
The jabs they throw at one another was one of my favorite parts 😂😂
And once again I need all of the side characters to get their books 🙏🙏
December 13, 2021
I'm fairly new to this author.
This was not an ARC.
I really liked this book.
The premise was set up in the previous book, the Hero has kidnapped the sister of a rival mob family to make a business deal for peace through marriage.
He has observed her (stalked) and believes that it's a good idea to pick a strong woman for his wife as shell need to be to cope with the life.
The heroine doesn't appear all that strong at the start but soon finds her backbone.
The Hero genuinely thinks his plan will work, he wants a good marriage and ends up trying to change so that he can make her happy.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Neither are virgins.
No details of her past relationships.
He mentions that the housekeeper has given him oral.
It is said as though it was recent, no details, the Hero took her up on the offer as the last hurrah before he committed himself to his decision to kidnap and marry the heroine as he intends to be faithful and can't see him being intimate with her for some time.
The housekeeper turns up, is flirty, the Hero only has eyes for the heroine. He says he will change housekeepers the next day.
Secondary characters introduced and previous characters appear.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Merged review:
I'm fairly new to this author.
This was not an ARC.
I really liked this book.
The premise was set up in the previous book, the Hero has kidnapped the sister of a rival mob family to make a business deal for peace through marriage.
He has observed her (stalked) and believes that it's a good idea to pick a strong woman for his wife as shell need to be to cope with the life.
The heroine doesn't appear all that strong at the start but soon finds her backbone.
The Hero genuinely thinks his plan will work, he wants a good marriage and ends up trying to change so that he can make her happy.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Neither are virgins.
No details of her past relationships.
He mentions that the housekeeper has given him oral.
It is said as though it was recent, no details, the Hero took her up on the offer as the last hurrah before he committed himself to his decision to kidnap and marry the heroine as he intends to be faithful and can't see him being intimate with her for some time.
The housekeeper turns up, is flirty, the Hero only has eyes for the heroine. He says he will change housekeepers the next day.
Secondary characters introduced and previous characters appear.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This was not an ARC.
I really liked this book.
The premise was set up in the previous book, the Hero has kidnapped the sister of a rival mob family to make a business deal for peace through marriage.
He has observed her (stalked) and believes that it's a good idea to pick a strong woman for his wife as shell need to be to cope with the life.
The heroine doesn't appear all that strong at the start but soon finds her backbone.
The Hero genuinely thinks his plan will work, he wants a good marriage and ends up trying to change so that he can make her happy.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Neither are virgins.
No details of her past relationships.
He mentions that the housekeeper has given him oral.
It is said as though it was recent, no details, the Hero took her up on the offer as the last hurrah before he committed himself to his decision to kidnap and marry the heroine as he intends to be faithful and can't see him being intimate with her for some time.
The housekeeper turns up, is flirty, the Hero only has eyes for the heroine. He says he will change housekeepers the next day.
Secondary characters introduced and previous characters appear.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Merged review:
I'm fairly new to this author.
This was not an ARC.
I really liked this book.
The premise was set up in the previous book, the Hero has kidnapped the sister of a rival mob family to make a business deal for peace through marriage.
He has observed her (stalked) and believes that it's a good idea to pick a strong woman for his wife as shell need to be to cope with the life.
The heroine doesn't appear all that strong at the start but soon finds her backbone.
The Hero genuinely thinks his plan will work, he wants a good marriage and ends up trying to change so that he can make her happy.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Neither are virgins.
No details of her past relationships.
He mentions that the housekeeper has given him oral.
It is said as though it was recent, no details, the Hero took her up on the offer as the last hurrah before he committed himself to his decision to kidnap and marry the heroine as he intends to be faithful and can't see him being intimate with her for some time.
The housekeeper turns up, is flirty, the Hero only has eyes for the heroine. He says he will change housekeepers the next day.
Secondary characters introduced and previous characters appear.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
3.5 rounded down
It really bothered me that they had sex while hero literally had a bullet inside him. He was bleeding and they just decided to “f’ck it, let’s bang”. YIKES😬
Anyway, both MC are decent and likable.
Hero is a man believes in marriage and despite his marriage with h wasn’t based on love at first, he actually put efforts in making it worked. Plus, he always treats her with respect and HATES cheating because his father was a cheater, this wins him more points.
Heroine is OK. It was late but she finally grew a backbone near the end and for that I forgave her “traitorous body” moments. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not a weak ass alright but I just wish she let her inner stronger-self come out sooner.
Overall this a fine read, I like it and totally recommend if you like possessive protective alpha hero who’s loyal to his sassy woman.
Safety-gang :
No virgins. Hero was a manwhore before he married h but h wasn’t a saint so they’re an even match.
OW - not actually an OW drama. H let his housekeeper suck him off the morning before he kidnapped and married h. This housekeeper later appeared flirty with him and he replaced her the next day. This didn’t bother me because h was cool in the situation.
HEA. Great epilogues (had a son and new puppy).
Possible trigger : loss of loved one.
It really bothered me that they had sex while hero literally had a bullet inside him. He was bleeding and they just decided to “f’ck it, let’s bang”. YIKES😬
Anyway, both MC are decent and likable.
Hero is a man believes in marriage and despite his marriage with h wasn’t based on love at first, he actually put efforts in making it worked. Plus, he always treats her with respect and HATES cheating because his father was a cheater, this wins him more points.
Heroine is OK. It was late but she finally grew a backbone near the end and for that I forgave her “traitorous body” moments. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not a weak ass alright but I just wish she let her inner stronger-self come out sooner.
Overall this a fine read, I like it and totally recommend if you like possessive protective alpha hero who’s loyal to his sassy woman.
Safety-gang :
No virgins. Hero was a manwhore before he married h but h wasn’t a saint so they’re an even match.
OW - not actually an OW drama. H let his housekeeper suck him off the morning before he kidnapped and married h. This housekeeper later appeared flirty with him and he replaced her the next day. This didn’t bother me because h was cool in the situation.
HEA. Great epilogues (had a son and new puppy).
Possible trigger : loss of loved one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
Yes, this is a new mafia romance by my all favorite author and again! 🤭 my favorite book by her.
This story is a little bit different to all her other mafia romances.
Yes, we have of course an alpha mafia boss and a fierce badass heroine, but all begins with forced marriage that transforms in hate-to-love story of epic dimensions.
Gosh! I love Isabella and her constant fights against and with Primo.
He might be the mafia boss, but she's definitely a mafia queen.
Primo Esposito is one the most dangerous and brutal mafia bosses, but his approach to Isabella is a complete contrast to the image that follows him, what makes her even more suspicious and angry 🤣
He's a dark and moody jerk of course, but his approach to marriage and family is traditional and honorable and again => Isabella has a reason to hate him even more.
And before I forget, the story it's so steamy you'll need a cold shower afterwards 🔥🔥🔥🤣
This book is a must-read, action-packed, suspense-packed page-turner that I recommend to all mafia romance lovers.
This story is a little bit different to all her other mafia romances.
Yes, we have of course an alpha mafia boss and a fierce badass heroine, but all begins with forced marriage that transforms in hate-to-love story of epic dimensions.
Gosh! I love Isabella and her constant fights against and with Primo.
He might be the mafia boss, but she's definitely a mafia queen.
Primo Esposito is one the most dangerous and brutal mafia bosses, but his approach to Isabella is a complete contrast to the image that follows him, what makes her even more suspicious and angry 🤣
He's a dark and moody jerk of course, but his approach to marriage and family is traditional and honorable and again => Isabella has a reason to hate him even more.
And before I forget, the story it's so steamy you'll need a cold shower afterwards 🔥🔥🔥🤣
This book is a must-read, action-packed, suspense-packed page-turner that I recommend to all mafia romance lovers.
December 10, 2021
Jessica Gadziala gave us an arranged marriage mafia romance, and let me tell you..I am here for it!! Primo and Isabella’s story starts at the end of The Woman in the Back Room, but you don’t have to read that first because Jessica includes that same scene from Primo’s point of view at the beginning of this book. To better understand the backstories of the side characters, you should read The Woman in the Trunk and The Woman in the Back Room.
Primo has devised a plan to bring peace to the mafia families in New York..and that plan involves kidnapping Isabella Costa and giving her the option to either marry him or he would bring war to her family (and all other families of New York). So of course she agrees, but she is little spitfire that will not be tamed so easily…but, unfortunately it was her fire that drew Primo to her, and caused him to choose her as his wife. He isn’t phased by her antics, and it only makes him want her more. I really appreciate Jessica Gadziala’s approach to the arranged marriage trope. This isn’t one of those arranged marriages where the girl is 18 and they have to present the wedding night sheets to prove her purity and all that stuff. I’ve read and loved plenty of books like that, but it was nice to read about a more progressive mafia family…well as progressive as you can be with arranged marriages. I also LOVED how serious Primo took his wedding vows. He was willing to wait as long as needed for Isabella to get comfortable with him. He wanted a wife and a family and was going to work hard to make their situation work. He was SO freaking sweet even though he was an asshole 😂 We didn’t get to see very far into the couple’s future, but they give me major “power couple” vibes! I’d love to see Isabella charming all the other made men to do her bidding. And “family man” Primo is so swoon worthy!! 😍
Primo has devised a plan to bring peace to the mafia families in New York..and that plan involves kidnapping Isabella Costa and giving her the option to either marry him or he would bring war to her family (and all other families of New York). So of course she agrees, but she is little spitfire that will not be tamed so easily…but, unfortunately it was her fire that drew Primo to her, and caused him to choose her as his wife. He isn’t phased by her antics, and it only makes him want her more. I really appreciate Jessica Gadziala’s approach to the arranged marriage trope. This isn’t one of those arranged marriages where the girl is 18 and they have to present the wedding night sheets to prove her purity and all that stuff. I’ve read and loved plenty of books like that, but it was nice to read about a more progressive mafia family…well as progressive as you can be with arranged marriages. I also LOVED how serious Primo took his wedding vows. He was willing to wait as long as needed for Isabella to get comfortable with him. He wanted a wife and a family and was going to work hard to make their situation work. He was SO freaking sweet even though he was an asshole 😂 We didn’t get to see very far into the couple’s future, but they give me major “power couple” vibes! I’d love to see Isabella charming all the other made men to do her bidding. And “family man” Primo is so swoon worthy!! 😍
December 16, 2021
I gave it 4 stars but it was actually a little less like 3.75. I liked the 1st book of this series the best.
I don't like when books start with banter between the characters and then as soon as it gets interesting, it cuts to all this internal dialogue and memories of the POV you are reading, which cloud the moment before returning to where we left off. I find myself skimming to get past it all.
They are all feisty Italian "Family" women that fight back and are all sassy and shit. Its fine for a while especially when the dialogue is funny but it does wear on a reader after a while. The side characters are interesting in this series and Primo was HOT but I didn't get a strong connection with Isabella.
PEEVES:
For starters: when she was kidnapped and married, what happened with her current job? No mention of what she did for a living, if she liked it, what she felt in having to quit, etc. I would have liked some of that closure with her "old" life. Same with any friends?
And why the hell wouldn't Primo give her a cell phone to talk to family to help her adjust?? Or be able to Zoom on a laptop? It was old school with absolutely no modern electronics mentioned as an option for communication.
No discussion after having unprotected sex, no acknowledgement of a possible child here, just back to arguing- immature. Multiple times too.
But:
Loved the whole living-in-a-warehouse thing, totally one of my dreams with the loft and open space theme. I appreciated Primo more than some of the other male MC's and it was awful he had to deal with all that betrayal. But the whole housekeeper thing took away points for him :)
HEA for the mob family- yay. Vissi was fun, like Emilio, Brio and Salvatore are, so we will see if we get more about them.
I don't like when books start with banter between the characters and then as soon as it gets interesting, it cuts to all this internal dialogue and memories of the POV you are reading, which cloud the moment before returning to where we left off. I find myself skimming to get past it all.
They are all feisty Italian "Family" women that fight back and are all sassy and shit. Its fine for a while especially when the dialogue is funny but it does wear on a reader after a while. The side characters are interesting in this series and Primo was HOT but I didn't get a strong connection with Isabella.
PEEVES:
For starters: when she was kidnapped and married, what happened with her current job? No mention of what she did for a living, if she liked it, what she felt in having to quit, etc. I would have liked some of that closure with her "old" life. Same with any friends?
And why the hell wouldn't Primo give her a cell phone to talk to family to help her adjust?? Or be able to Zoom on a laptop? It was old school with absolutely no modern electronics mentioned as an option for communication.
No discussion after having unprotected sex, no acknowledgement of a possible child here, just back to arguing- immature. Multiple times too.
But:
Loved the whole living-in-a-warehouse thing, totally one of my dreams with the loft and open space theme. I appreciated Primo more than some of the other male MC's and it was awful he had to deal with all that betrayal. But the whole housekeeper thing took away points for him :)
HEA for the mob family- yay. Vissi was fun, like Emilio, Brio and Salvatore are, so we will see if we get more about them.
December 13, 2021
Isabella Costa is not having a good day.
The olive oil spilled while I was preparing lunch. Generations of women before me would have seen it as a bad omen.
I should have heeded the warning, called out of work, ordered in a pint of salted caramel gelato, got back into my comfy pajamas, and spent the day watching movies.
To stop a war from erupting Primo Esposito does the unthinkable. What some people call a psychopath others call overprotective alpha.
“Oh, but I’m not a prisoner or anything, right, warden?”
He definitely bit off more than he can chew.
“If you thought that was the kind of wife you were going to get, you chose the wrong woman, Primo.”
I’m so loved these mafia men. I just can’t get enough. Every new one is my favorite. Keep em coming.
The olive oil spilled while I was preparing lunch. Generations of women before me would have seen it as a bad omen.
I should have heeded the warning, called out of work, ordered in a pint of salted caramel gelato, got back into my comfy pajamas, and spent the day watching movies.
To stop a war from erupting Primo Esposito does the unthinkable. What some people call a psychopath others call overprotective alpha.
“Oh, but I’m not a prisoner or anything, right, warden?”
He definitely bit off more than he can chew.
“If you thought that was the kind of wife you were going to get, you chose the wrong woman, Primo.”
I’m so loved these mafia men. I just can’t get enough. Every new one is my favorite. Keep em coming.
December 14, 2021
Love it
January 27, 2022
“That’s my wife” is what I wanted, and I got it. CW for claustrophobia, kidnapping, murder, some torture. I really wanted a marriage of convenience today and Primo gave me all the vibes I wanted.
July 15, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 3.5 ☆ ꒱
one thing about me is that i will eat up any arranged marriage mafia books
one thing about me is that i will eat up any arranged marriage mafia books
March 4, 2024
2 conflicted stars.
I like Jessica Gadziala books. It’s obvious by reading history. However there were some inconsistencies in this story that made it extremely hard to stop myself from yelling at my eReader while finishing the tale of Primo & Isabella.
I thought Primo & Isabella had sufficient chemistry between the two. However I’m going to be frank making readers wait until 60% - 70% marker to finally start getting together is a hugely frustrating plot device to read. These aren’t YA books & I am not reading them for Mr. Darcy & Miss Bennett to hold hands.
Isabella - it is unrealistic that a woman who grew up in a generations old mafia family would have the relationship hang ups presented in this book. The Costa family wasn’t without its troubled history. She knew what she was agreeing too when she said yes to Primo’s extortion offer. So her juvenile actions during the first 60% of the book were annoying. Combined that with her continued classification of her husband being a “psychopath” her lack of any fear of him wasn’t genuine.
Primo - is this character the worst family boss ever? How did he ever ascend and keep his place at the head of the Benito family? Spoilers people stop reading. How was he able to miss that 1 of his brother’s is a pedophile and 2 others are narcissistic sociopaths? The twins were so smart they hid their betrayal for years only to get caught within hours of kidnapping Isabella? If this is the case Primo 100% did not deserve to be the head of his family. What new husband who admits to have sexual relations with his house keeper doesn’t replace that staff until after his wife essentially gets in his face about it. We’re supposed to believe this character is smart and doesn’t think to make this staffing change?
Costa Family - So I am supposed to believe that the first family of the eastern seaboard mafia family just let the oldest daughter be taken by the head of another family whom they considered a psychopath and didn’t send anyone to at least watch over her? Her unstable sister showing up unannounced doesn’t count. Wouldn’t the head of the family start watching all siblings after the abduction of 2 female family members to prevent other people from trying this tactic?
This story was so full of inconsistent plot holes that it was honestly hard to finish. I didn’t dislike the characters I thought the plot points were inconsistent and unbelievable.
I like Jessica Gadziala books. It’s obvious by reading history. However there were some inconsistencies in this story that made it extremely hard to stop myself from yelling at my eReader while finishing the tale of Primo & Isabella.
I thought Primo & Isabella had sufficient chemistry between the two. However I’m going to be frank making readers wait until 60% - 70% marker to finally start getting together is a hugely frustrating plot device to read. These aren’t YA books & I am not reading them for Mr. Darcy & Miss Bennett to hold hands.
Isabella - it is unrealistic that a woman who grew up in a generations old mafia family would have the relationship hang ups presented in this book. The Costa family wasn’t without its troubled history. She knew what she was agreeing too when she said yes to Primo’s extortion offer. So her juvenile actions during the first 60% of the book were annoying. Combined that with her continued classification of her husband being a “psychopath” her lack of any fear of him wasn’t genuine.
Primo - is this character the worst family boss ever? How did he ever ascend and keep his place at the head of the Benito family? Spoilers people stop reading. How was he able to miss that 1 of his brother’s is a pedophile and 2 others are narcissistic sociopaths? The twins were so smart they hid their betrayal for years only to get caught within hours of kidnapping Isabella? If this is the case Primo 100% did not deserve to be the head of his family. What new husband who admits to have sexual relations with his house keeper doesn’t replace that staff until after his wife essentially gets in his face about it. We’re supposed to believe this character is smart and doesn’t think to make this staffing change?
Costa Family - So I am supposed to believe that the first family of the eastern seaboard mafia family just let the oldest daughter be taken by the head of another family whom they considered a psychopath and didn’t send anyone to at least watch over her? Her unstable sister showing up unannounced doesn’t count. Wouldn’t the head of the family start watching all siblings after the abduction of 2 female family members to prevent other people from trying this tactic?
This story was so full of inconsistent plot holes that it was honestly hard to finish. I didn’t dislike the characters I thought the plot points were inconsistent and unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
Great addition to the series
Jessica is a prolific author whose new books I tend to gobble up. Her different series (and some standalones) do tend to happen in the same universe, but each have a distinctive feel and rhythm over and above her normal writing style.
This mafia series is possibly more gritty than other books in this universe. This book has the forced marriage, psycho mafia boss, and a betraying body tropes. This could have meant a formulaic storyline that cannot hold the reader's attention. However, the characters are wonderfully flawed and thus multidimensional. Although you start to anticipate the twist in the story, guessing the involved characters are almost impossible.
I enjoyed the pace of the book, the chemistry and the evolving relationship between Isabella and Primo as they personally adjust to their new reality. In all a great read.
Jessica is a prolific author whose new books I tend to gobble up. Her different series (and some standalones) do tend to happen in the same universe, but each have a distinctive feel and rhythm over and above her normal writing style.
This mafia series is possibly more gritty than other books in this universe. This book has the forced marriage, psycho mafia boss, and a betraying body tropes. This could have meant a formulaic storyline that cannot hold the reader's attention. However, the characters are wonderfully flawed and thus multidimensional. Although you start to anticipate the twist in the story, guessing the involved characters are almost impossible.
I enjoyed the pace of the book, the chemistry and the evolving relationship between Isabella and Primo as they personally adjust to their new reality. In all a great read.
December 10, 2021
Jessica Gadziala is amazing: she can create the most appealing story out of the worst possible situation. Take this book, for example: a Mafia daughter gets snatched off the street by the head of another Mafia family. Known as one of the most cruel and ruthless Mafia dons around, Primo Esposito is doing what they used to do back in the olden days: making peace by marrying a member of a rival faction. Brutal, touching and funny in equal measure, the balance of violence, intrigue and ultimately, love, is perfectly set. As always, this book is satisfying in every way!
December 16, 2021
So yeah..
This is the first ever book I read by this author and the blurb hooked me so I said let's give it a go.
It was a decent enough read, honestly maybe because I have read a million stories just like this but the thing is.. the hero explained in the blurb and the hero written in the book are poles apart. He's no cold or anything type of ruthless killer, he's literally the most chillest mafia 'boss' ever. This felt more like a high school hero than a oh-damn-that's-a-cold-violent-bastard type of character which is the norm of such genres.
Anyhoo, it was okay I guess.
This is the first ever book I read by this author and the blurb hooked me so I said let's give it a go.
It was a decent enough read, honestly maybe because I have read a million stories just like this but the thing is.. the hero explained in the blurb and the hero written in the book are poles apart. He's no cold or anything type of ruthless killer, he's literally the most chillest mafia 'boss' ever. This felt more like a high school hero than a oh-damn-that's-a-cold-violent-bastard type of character which is the norm of such genres.
Anyhoo, it was okay I guess.
December 8, 2021
Grab this book now and be prepared to be sucked in. Picked it up and didn’t want to stop till I reached the end. Primo and Isabella have such chemistry together even from the first encounter! Ok maybe not the first. But there is something about them that leaves a little sizzles when you have them together.
So good and a little different from a typical JG book.
So good and a little different from a typical JG book.
December 26, 2021
One of Jessica Gadziala's HOTTEST books this year!!
When I say I was not prepared for Primo, I WAS NOT PREPARED!! Holy mother of sheep, if you are into jealous/possessive then Primo is THE GUY for you. I really thought after he forced the situation he was going to proceed to ignore Isabella, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Not only is Primo VERY INTO his wife, but he also made a vow at the very beginning to be committed only to her.
None of the above should convince you that Primo is a staid, boring kind of Don, he has a LOT going on in his Family, and unfortunately most of it he does not know about.
Isabella is the quintessential Mafia Queen. She may have been forced into this situation, but she gives as good as she gets. She holds Primo accountable for his jerkish behavior, spending massive amounts of his money, and cooking breakfast for no one for herself ~ apparently difficult to do if your Italian Mama taught you to cook for everyone else first.
Isabella's sexiness with Primo is not to be ignored. From the beginning it builds like a crescendo in a symphony, and when they finally come together, not only is it HOT it is one of the most beautiful scenes in the last several books I've read. They are amazing together, absolutely stunning and head turning. This is not romantic sexiness most of the time, it is hate sex that melts down into genuine lovemaking later.
Jessica Gadziala has taught us this year that she can write everything from Vampires and Witches, to Motorcycle Clubs, and back to the Grassi and Costa Mafia Families without losing her place, or giving up any of the authenticity we've come to expect from her. I cannot WAIT to see what she gives us in 2022!!
When I say I was not prepared for Primo, I WAS NOT PREPARED!! Holy mother of sheep, if you are into jealous/possessive then Primo is THE GUY for you. I really thought after he forced the situation he was going to proceed to ignore Isabella, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Not only is Primo VERY INTO his wife, but he also made a vow at the very beginning to be committed only to her.
None of the above should convince you that Primo is a staid, boring kind of Don, he has a LOT going on in his Family, and unfortunately most of it he does not know about.
Isabella is the quintessential Mafia Queen. She may have been forced into this situation, but she gives as good as she gets. She holds Primo accountable for his jerkish behavior, spending massive amounts of his money, and cooking breakfast for no one for herself ~ apparently difficult to do if your Italian Mama taught you to cook for everyone else first.
Isabella's sexiness with Primo is not to be ignored. From the beginning it builds like a crescendo in a symphony, and when they finally come together, not only is it HOT it is one of the most beautiful scenes in the last several books I've read. They are amazing together, absolutely stunning and head turning. This is not romantic sexiness most of the time, it is hate sex that melts down into genuine lovemaking later.
Jessica Gadziala has taught us this year that she can write everything from Vampires and Witches, to Motorcycle Clubs, and back to the Grassi and Costa Mafia Families without losing her place, or giving up any of the authenticity we've come to expect from her. I cannot WAIT to see what she gives us in 2022!!
November 18, 2023
This series is so good!
—
When I finish reading the woman in the back room I immediately jumped to this book bc I was so curious about Primo.
Isabella(fc: Veronica Pagano? I tried to but I really don’t have a fc for her):
- She is so strong and doesn’t take Primo’s BS
- She did kinda annoy me in the beginning but I kinda start to get used to her.
- She’s very caring once you get to know her
Primo(fc: Francisco Melero):
- This man let me tell you-
- I love how he provokes Isabella by making cocky comments and just annoying her.
- His past really makes you feel like you want to hug him and throughout the you get to sorta know more of him.
—
The hate to love trope was definitely there. I do sometimes like the one sided hate where the fmc does not like the mmc but the mmc does like the fmc and annoys her…you get what I’m saying?
The chemistry between was barely visible in the beginning of the story but the tension between them was definitely there.
The slow burn is always my favorite and this one did it and I love how they slowly get to be civilized.
I love the how the author mentions Brio as the psychopath which is true but when he makes an appearance he’s all funny and caring. Interested to read his book.
—
Overall 3.75/5 stars. This could’ve been a 4 stars but something was missing I don’t know what but my heart can’t give it a 4 stars.
This series is slowly making me go back to my dark romance era maybe I’m preparing myself for By Frenzy I Ruin but I really am enjoying this series!
—
When I finish reading the woman in the back room I immediately jumped to this book bc I was so curious about Primo.
Isabella(fc: Veronica Pagano? I tried to but I really don’t have a fc for her):
- She is so strong and doesn’t take Primo’s BS
- She did kinda annoy me in the beginning but I kinda start to get used to her.
- She’s very caring once you get to know her
Primo(fc: Francisco Melero):
- This man let me tell you-
- I love how he provokes Isabella by making cocky comments and just annoying her.
- His past really makes you feel like you want to hug him and throughout the you get to sorta know more of him.
—
The hate to love trope was definitely there. I do sometimes like the one sided hate where the fmc does not like the mmc but the mmc does like the fmc and annoys her…you get what I’m saying?
The chemistry between was barely visible in the beginning of the story but the tension between them was definitely there.
The slow burn is always my favorite and this one did it and I love how they slowly get to be civilized.
I love the how the author mentions Brio as the psychopath which is true but when he makes an appearance he’s all funny and caring. Interested to read his book.
—
Overall 3.75/5 stars. This could’ve been a 4 stars but something was missing I don’t know what but my heart can’t give it a 4 stars.
This series is slowly making me go back to my dark romance era maybe I’m preparing myself for By Frenzy I Ruin but I really am enjoying this series!
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