Dirty Deals

Micheli Mafia #5

by Zoe Beth Geller

: a dark mafia romance: (micheli mafia book 5) (dirty: a dark mafia romance series)

ebook

Published July 22, 2022

About the author

Zoe Beth Geller, a captivator of hearts and a master of suspense, has a penchant for crafting mafia romances laden with unexpected plot twists and thrilling surprises. Her literary journey doesn't stop there; she also delves into the vibrant world of sports, creating enthralling hockey and football romances that never fail to score a touchdown or shoot a hat trick with her readers. A proud resident of Southwest Florida, Zoe cherishes the sun-kissed life alongside her loving family. When she isn't weaving romantic tales, Zoe revels in family get-togethers, enjoying the playful company of her two cherished labs, and indulging in the rich allure of a well-brewed espresso. Each story she writes is a passport to adventure, with a hearty serving of love and excitement that ensures her readers are always coming back for more.
Each story she writes is a passport to adventure. She is the author of over 24 books. Join her on social media or sign up for my newsletters with excerpts and behind-the-scenes of the author.
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Reviews

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fast becoming Zoe Beth Gellar’s #1 fan! Her latest novel called Dirty Deals (with my favorite flowers on the cover beautifully illustrated) is a stand-alone Mafia age-gap story about Riccardo, the right-hand man and second in command of the Italian Micheli Mafia organization that has been plagued by Ignazio, a lone female assassin who has taken out loved ones and wreaked havoc in their lives for quite some time, and no one is safe from her rage (see Books 1-4 of the Micheli Mafia Book Series - Dirty: A Dark Mafia Romance Series for the scoop on the rest of the story). Riccardo was appointed the guardian of his friend’s daughter, Liat, an Israeli ballerina who long-dreamed of training in Russia. Riccardo placed Liat with his sister for many years, but Liat grew up and became obsessed with all things Russian ballet! So, against Riccardo’s better judgment, Liat joined a Russian ballet dance troupe in St. Petersburg and quickly earned top billing as their prima ballerina for performances due to her dedication and talents. At the opening night of her latest performance, Riccardo plans to attend and surprise Liat, then convince her to leave Russia because he has learned that Ignazio is now living in St. Petersburg and is still hunting for Riccardo. But Liat is a head-strong and very independent woman who knows what she wants and what she likes, and she is tired of hiding the feelings she has developed for Riccardo, and has absolutely no plans to leave Russia, particularly now that she knows he is there to carry out an assignment. The assignment is to find Ignazio, draw her out, and eliminate her, and Riccardo is anxiously awaiting the time when he can settle his own score with her. He is worried about Liat and although he is fiercely attracted to her, he does not want to act on his feelings for her, afraid that will make her much more vulnerable should Ignazio ever find out. Okay, no more story giveaways, let me just wet your appetite by saying the rest of the story is filled with twists and turns I did not see coming, really hot, scorching chemistry between Liat and Riccardo, and basically non-stop action that I could not put down, particularly toward the end when Liat takes matters into her own hands, so to speak! I loved it!!The supporting characters (that you can meet in depth in Books 1-4 of this series) are wonderful and satisfy the readers need for Riccardo and Liat to operate within an insular well-filled world of people and circumstances that occupy all the spaces around their story. This is another memorable tale from an author who knows how to thoroughly entertain her readers. You need to read this book!

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Ricardo and Liat's story had a solid storyline and the characters were done well. For me as a reader, it boils down to "writer content and how that writer writes). It's been a while since I have read Ms. Geller's books, and found parts of this story felt "underwhelming" with unnecessary dialogue amongst the characters to extend the length of the novel. The dialogue felt choppy in spots and the flow of the story felt off.

Ricardo's character as the enforcer for the Micheli crime family was well done and well executed but, when it came to Liat; seemed conflicted and forced. One minute he is her guardian and one minute he's lusting after her. It's not a bad story for an age gap trope with a slow-burn lust/love story between the two main characters vs., an insta-love scenario. I've noted with this author that she really plays up the alpha-MMC and has a tendency to dumb-down her MFC which seems 1980's vs., 2023. I tend to like authors who write about female characters in this genre, who are strong and know how to establish their character's relevance. I am done with overly submissive h's. I don't find it noteworthy to read about a woman that completely turns herself into what the H wants vs., fighting for her independence and desires. When a female character must become a "ghost" of who she is in order to be in a submissive relationship with the H, you lose my interest. If I want to read a "gothic" story or book that takes place several decades or centuries ago whereas women were seen, but not heard, then I will. This is 2023. Isn't it time to make women characters as relevant as the men in these books?

Liat is young, a bit selfish and immature, but comes around by books' end. She is forced to grow up fast and decide if the life with a man imbedded in a crime family is for her. Her character evolves as does Ricardo's giving this couple a solid future together.

The sub-characters from earlier books round out this story, nicely. I loved Francesca's character that had gained the respect of the men in this series as an assassin but maintains her self-worth as a woman.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! Riccardo is part of the Italian mafia in addition to being Liat’s guardian. Liat’s father placed Liat in Riccardo’s care should anything happen to him. Liat is also a ballerina in Russia and works hard at her talent.
Riccardo now sees Liat as a woman and that bothers him because he is older that her. Liat has had feelings for Riccardo for quite some time now. Riccardo feels that Liat is in danger and wants her to return to Italy with him.
What will become of this unusual couple? Will Liat be able to continue to dance?
I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in the series and can be read as a standalone but I think it would make it easier to understand all the players though. This one is about Ricardo and his ward Liat. Without giving anything away, it was a nice mix of mafia type suspense and romance and I would certainly recommend. I had received an ARC and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debra Webb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t read the series you can’t get the last book

I have read books 1 through four have tried repeatedly to get to book 5 even paid for it and can’t get to it I can’t recommend anybody reading this series at all

[Bonnie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I loved this series - Micheli Mafia. Each book was different but bought the strong, handsome Mafia brothers together. Lots of twists and turns and steamy romance with strong, beautiful women.