To have a second chance at love, they’ll have to stop a killer.
For Evie O’Brian, making a living stealing things from the rich and powerful has lost its shine. After a decade spent circling the globe and building her reputation as one of the best, she finds herself mere hours from everything she ran away from. But being this close to what she left behind does nothing to ease the restlessness that’s plagued her for months.
Declan Callahan is the king of organized crime in Philadelphia. Heir to a criminal empire that has ruled the city for over a century, his life has been laid out for him since birth. Ruthless in his pursuit of money and power, there’s only ever been one thing he couldn’t have. The woman who left him at the altar ten years ago.
When Evie’s parents are murdered by a killer hell-bent on revenge, she’s yanked out of her solitary life and into the arms of her ex-fiancé. Evie will do whatever it takes to catch the person who murdered her parents and not lose her heart. But Declan is determined to claim the only thing he’s ever wanted: her.
Evie had disappeared for 10 years and that no one could find her was unbelievable. She became a very good thief but it wasn’t established in any way, just by telling. She left her fiance at the altar and I had to reach the last chapters as to find the reason behind her leaving him.
Declan and Evie’s love didn’t convince me, there were plotholes, the DiMarco’s case just vanished and there was no follow up, and last but not least it was told in 3rd person.
This was a pretty good read. It was my first from this author but I'm already planning on reading more from her in the future. The story was intriguing and kept the suspense going throughout the book while still adding in a good amount of romance. I think where it slightly downhill for me was the fact that Evie and Declan's past wasn't talked about much. It was mentioned a lot that Evie had left right before her wedding and no one had heard from her since. But the motives behind that weren't revealed until very late in the book and a lot of times it was like the main characters just forgot that such a big dramatic thing happened. Also I was slightly disappointed after reading the blurb and expecting some kick ass thief heroine and instead we got a pretty normal heroine that we're told is some great thief but it's not seen very much.
When I see the word mafia attached to a book, I have expectations. For example, I expect the story to be dark, gritty, brutal and frankly, a little bit bloody and a whole lot sexy.
Before I go further into my review, I want to make it clear that this story is quite good. It’s engaging and captivating with a well thought out plot. I was sucked into the world the author created from the very beginning and read it in one sitting. Props to the author on her debut novel! That having been said, I have thoughts … (which have to wait for later because, work *shrug*)
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted in exchange for my honest review. *
Oh, I love a good plot twist! It isn't very often that a book can pull one over on me, but I didn't see that coming! I don't know if it was because I was so entranced by the story or if the narration from J.F. Harding and Stella Hunter was that good but props to Meaghan Pierce for making me go "I'M SORRY, WHAT???" in the middle of work!!
Evie O’Brian was the type of heroine I live for. She was strong and captivating without having the "I hate men" attitude I have been seeing a lot lately. Wanting to stop a killer before they strike again while also avenging her parents’ death was not something Evie was planning after she decided to make her first trip home in over a decade. More than that though, she never expected to come face to face with Declan Callahan the man she was supposed to marry all those years ago.
Declan Callahan knew the minute he walked into Evie's parents’ house that she was still very much the girl he loved all those years ago but that was not the priority. Finding out who killed her parents and stopping them before they get to Evie first was his top priority.
As two old flames fight their way through the Philadelphia underground of mob bosses and hired hitmen, they will be faced with struggles neither one of them was prepared for. One of those being those pesky feelings that still won't go away for either of them.
Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding brough these characters to life in such a way that if they don't narrate the next books in the series, I will be heartbroken! Stella Hunter's fierce passion behind every voice she does really bring Evie's sass to the forefront and J.F. Harding could read me his grocery list and I would be forever captivated by that voice.
This was my first Meaghan Pierce novel, and I can't wait to see what else is coming for the other Callahan's because Declan's brothers are an entity all their own and I can't wait to get their happily ever afters.
If you're a dark Mafia, second-chance fan this one is for you! Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding were absolutely fabulous! I look forward to hearing more from Meaghan Pierce.
(audiobook) I’m not totally convinced. There are a lot of good ideas in this book, but it lacks good characters, in my opinion.
Evie is supposed to be this super good thief, and yet she doesn’t look that bright most of the book, making mistakes and missing clues, sometimes even putting herself in danger. Declan keeps repeating that the Syndicate is the most important thing in his life, but he forgets everything once Evie is back in town. As for the side characters, they’re nothing but pawns around the main characters and don’t have much agenda of their own.
As for the plot, it wasn’t bad at all. Between the second chance that creates sparks between Evie and Declan, and the threats on Evie’s life, it keeps the reader interested from beginning to end. It’s gruesome at times, but with the fact that it’s mafia, and that Evie is in danger, it fits, but content warning. The plot twist was well done, never saw it coming. All in all, it was a good story.
The heat was okay. They fall into bed quite fast, but it’s understandable with their past. The little touches of jealousy were nice, though ten years have passed and they’ve had a life away from each other, not knowing if they’d ever be in the same place again, so it’s a bit out of place.
I suppose it’s the narration that makes the book a little better. Both narrators did great, even though third person isn’t easy. They give some life to those characters, and emotions when needed. Great job.
Quickie
- Series: Callahan syndicate #1 (can be read as a standalone) - Hashtags: #mafia romance #second chance #thief - Triggers: violence, murder, gruesome deaths - Main couple: Evie O’Brian & Declan Callahan - Hotness: 3/5 - Romance: 4/5 - + I swooned hard for Declan’s devotion to Evie - – really, Evie, that’s why you left him?
"He wanted to take his time with her in a way he couldn't earlier, to remind himself why no one else had ever mattered, to make her sob his name and beg for release."
Evie ran off ten years ago, dodging marrying the love of her life, Declan. But now that her parents have been brutally murdered, she has no choice but to ask for his help. As long as the feelings don't return, they will be fine. ___________________________________
This is more of a 2.5 for me, maybe a 3. I didn't hate this but I definitely didn't love it. The concept is really good. The story wasn't what I usually read and it did have depth. I thought the twist at the end was mind blowing. I never saw that coming.
But I really love character development and this was lacking that. Evie and Declan just weren't fleshed out enough for me. I wanted much deeper interactions between them. Plus, I read this whole book wanting to know why Evie would run away when she was so deeply in love with Declan. She just kept saying he wasn't the man she needed him to be. So when I found out, in the last like 50 pages, what happened between them, I was severely disappointed. It wasn't something you run away from your home for TEN years.
I still want to read the next one. For some reason, I just have hope it could be good. If the author had just spent a little more time giving their relationship more spice and substance, I would have probably loved it. I did like the brothers and the next one is about one of them. So maybe it'll be better.
“Syndicate”. I don’t think that I have ever hated a word more than that. “Syndicate” this and “syndicate” that. It even said "syndicate wedding" and "syndicate gossip" at some point! Like WTF. I kept forgetting that the MMC was a mob boss, but he and his mobsters were so lousy at their job that it is insulting to call them mafia!!! Like this man could seriously not protect the FMC from a crazy stalker, and that stalker managed to even break into his house and held the FMC at gunpoint! Like man, you really sucked…
”Maybe I want people to look at me like I’m a tyrant”. What tyrant? The author made the MMC look more fragile than a kitten and more incompetent than a donkey. I actually laughed at that line, cause it was not accurate at all!
And then there was such a build up around the FMCs departion ten years ago, and the reason behind it; she didn't like that the MMC said to his sexist father and uncle that he would "handle" her. I thought that there would be something awful, not that the MMC didn't stand up to her...
I don't know. This story was just disappointing as hell. And I grew tired of all the people around the main characters. Felt like I couldn't even connect with them.
And you are seriously telling me that the FMCs jealous sister was behind the parents murders and the friends. Like what.... And that no one could figure it out. That her petty little sister managed to fool an entire SYNDICATE!!!!!
So, 1/5 stars 🌟
And I better not find the word "syndicate" in a another book, or I will seriously vomit!
What a fun read! I enjoyed this for so many reasons: hot, morally gray characters; a mystery/suspense plot that has enough twists to keep you on your toes; a good amount of spice; a hefty amount of violence and blood (what? I'm weird); and especially an emphasis on female friendships and relationships and the importance of them. Also: Irish mafia. Coming from a huge, Irish family, any time there is a book with Irish characters and families I am always here for it - especially when they get the Irish family dynamics right. I'm excited for the next book and to see what is in store for the rest of the clan!
**Audio Review** Sweet Revenge by Meaghan Pierce was a second-chance mafia romance that took my heart on a wild, dangerous ride. This was my first book from Meaghan Pierce. Not only did Evie and Declan make a great team, but they also had that steamy, tension-filled chemistry that had you wishing and willing for them to finally find their very own HEA.
Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding narrate this audiobook in dual POV. This book was written in the third person which is not always my favorite, but both narrators did a great job embodying their characters in their performances. Stella conveyed Evie's pain, longing, and determination perfectly, and J.F. captured Declan's broody, protective persona in a swoony performance.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a second-chance mafia romance with danger, secrets, suspense, steam, and swoon, then you will love Declan and Evie's story. I'm looking forward to more from Meaghan Pierce.
Sweet Revenge by Meaghan Pierce is a mafia romantic suspense that I listened to on audio narrated by Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding. This is the first book in the Callahan Syndicate series.
This is the first book of Meaghan's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I loved the suspense throughout the book. But I did feel like a lot of questions weren't answered so I look forward to continuing the series to see how everything plays out. I liked the relationship between Evie and Declan. It's messy but you couldn't help but root for them.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Bitter Betrayal to be released on audio so I can get Brogen and Libby's story.
Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like second chance romances, mafia romances, or romantic suspense.
Great start to a new series for me. Both mmc and fmc were enjoyable characters. Not 100% on why the fmc left for so long due to the reason we were given and leaving everyone behind with no contact tho. I liked the world building but the actual storyline for this one wasn’t overly impressive, could have been quite a bit better if certain points made more sense. I will continue the series tho, still a 3.5 star listen.
Narration done in dual style and both narrators suit this storyline and work well together.
What a ride this book was. Stella Hunter and J. F. Harding did a fantastic job of bringing Evie and Declan’s story to life. This was a suspenseful romance with a second chance for these two.
It’s been 10 years since Evie’s been back home in Philadelphia. She broke off her relationship with Declan and he never understood why. But when Evie gets a strange message from her mother, she rushes home. Only to discover they have been murdered. Now Evie suddenly finds herself trying to figure out who would do this while she tries to not get swept up in Declan’s orbit again.
Declan went over to Evie’s parents house because he hasn’t heard from her father lately. He discovers Evie and then he sees her parents. Declan has never gotten over Evie and the way she left. But their connection is just as strong as it was 10 years ago. Together they can work through just about anything, especially once the danger is gone.
This story was full of twists and turns that I did not see coming and I loved it. Stella and J. F. were amazing and I’m definitely going to need more J. F. in my ears.
Sweet Revenge was a thrilling suspenseful ride. Evie returns to her hometown that she left behind ten years ago after her parents are murdered. Declan was her fiancé and is determined not to lose her this time. These two are still drawn to each other after all this time and go through an emotional journey as they find out what happened to her parents. I was not expecting he twist ending.
Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding narrate this in dual POV and they both brought these characters to life. They were able to capture the emotions, chemistry and vulnerabilities of these characters. I enjoyed their performances.
This is yet another book that I don't hate but definitely don't like enough to force myself to finish. To be considered a mafia book it lacked and fell short in different areas. While the story itself isn't bad there is a lot that happens that doesn't' make sense, a lot of plotholes.
Evie our main female lead leaves her fiance, Declan, at the altar and disappears for 10 years. In those 10 years Evie supposedly becomes this successful thief and you'd think that for someone that has to go undercover or be secretive and have her nerves under control she'd be a bit more badass. She isn't. There are times in the book she comes close to seeing or being in proximity to the villian, Peter, and she trembles with fear or suddenly the day has been too much and she's exhausted when n o t h i n g really happens. BUT she is supposed to be this badass woman who took jobs that required her to be under control....
And wait she comes back 10 years later and you'd expect Declan to want answers, reasons why he was left at the altar. Nope. They hook up, which isn't that bad, but it was just dragged out too long for no real reason, her response was "complicated". I think that is what personally bothered me the most out of everything.
Anyway, there were good moments in the book that save this from being a one star review but not enough to be more than two. Second DNF of 2024.
I love this series. I read book 2 first, so this book was slightly spoiled, but I can totally see where the twists were and would have been amazing if I had read this series in order but it was still great. I really like that Meaghan Pierce is writing a mafia series without the cliches of arranged marriages with instant love and rough spice scenes. So far, she has written spice that is realistic to the characters (and relatable and normal). It gets really old with mafia stories where every guy just "can't control himself," and she is always ok with it. This one was lost love and re grouping after 10 years of childhood sweethearts, and it was done well. I really like that this series focuses on plot over smut. There is some spice, but it is written into the story, not just there, for editors' choice, and it didn't drag on for pages. I think it was tastefully done just the right amount 😊 Highly recommend this series. The only criticism for this one I had was I wished that Evie grieved more she lost major people in her life but didn't show much emotion about it.
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the audio version of this book which tells Declan and Evie's story. Their story was not what I was expecting, don't get me wrong, I loved it even though at times the story, perhaps, concentrated a little too much on the side characters I was engaged for every minute and very invested in the outcome. My review may seem a little vague because I DO NOT GIVE SPOILERS.
Evie and Declan shared a bond during their childhood, growing up as children of a mafia syndicate that Declan would rule one day and over time their bond deepened into love. They got engaged but shortly before their wedding, Evie turned her back on him, calling off their wedding for reasons no one but she knew.
Evie moved on and made a very successful life for herself as a professional thief whilst Declan following the death of his father threw himself into ruling the Syndicate. When ten years later Evie receives a text that doesn't feel right to her she returns home to Philly and finds herself right back in Declan’s world. Even though she doesn’t want to be near him he is the only person who can help her and she has to accept his offer of protection.
They are both still drawn to each other despite their long separation, their chemistry is palpable, and the passion, love, and mutual respect for each other can't be denied over time they resume their relationship, but are the reasons she left still there? Declan and Evie are a strong couple who complement each other in every way something that can easily be felt. The sex between them is hot and satisfying and although it's not as spicy as other Mafia romances in that they are equal partners the scenes between them do not disappoint.
The supporting characters are all well-drawn, interesting and intriguing and added much to my enjoyment of the overall story. The storyline is well thought out and kept me guessing as to why did Evie leave? Who is the baddie? Will Evie and Declan find a way to be together? The suspense lasted until the end when all my questions were answered and I have to say I never for one moment guessed who the baddie was and I’m definitely eager and excited to see where this series goes next.
The narration of this book is by two of my favourite voice actors, Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding who work wonderfully well together, every single character was perfectly brought to life and I was able to experience every emotion.
Sweet Revenge (Callahan Syndicate #1) by Meaghan Pierce Narration by Stella Hunter and JF Harding
Sweet enough for a second listen through!
I love second chance romances especially when there’s an element of suspense to keep me fully engaged with the story.
Evie O’Brien is a competent global thief and ran away from what was supposed to be her ideal future a decade ago. She calls her mom secretly a few times but the last call has her running home to check on her. Only she definitely didn’t expect to come home to the scene that takes her breath away and leaves her devastated. Then to come face to face with the one man see ran away from so long ago.
Declan Callahan can’t believe she’s back and coming in on the scene at Evie’s parents house leads his protective alpha side to step in to protect her.
Someone’s out to get her, but why now and why her parents. There’s her past that may be the reason for her parents brutal murders and Declan’s mafia syndicate maybe needed for her to find out who’s out to get her.
There’s a surprise for all involved after they all think that the culprit is caught, and now the race is on for both Evie and Declan to figure out before anyone else gets hurt.
Stella Hunter brought out the fierce yet sweet Evie. The woman who has become successful in her life over the decade she has been gone, yet also has the compassion and hopefulness that Evie shows to her girlfriends and yes her continued yearning for that future with the only man she’s ever truly loved. JF Harding has the perfect voice for Declan’s professionalism as the Dom of his mafia syndicate. His love for Evie is still strong and he’s determined to keep his Evie here when he helps get her safe from whoever is out to kill her.
The emotions in this first book of what is sure to be action filled series is just what I love in this genre and I’m excited to hear more.
Sweet Revenge Callahan Syndicate Book 1 By Meaghan Pierce Narrated by Stella Hunter and J. F. Harding
Production by Audibly Addicted
The perfect mix of romance and suspense without too much angst. That is what I love. Don't get me wrong, I love a book that makes me worry, but this is what I truly love and Meaghan Pierce brought it to me! Coming home was not something Evie ever thought of doing. After leaving Declan at the alter, she began her new life as a thief and there was no looking back. Now her parents have been murdered and she has to go home. Little did she know, Declan would be there, kidnapping her to keep her safe. Declan never could understand why Evie left him. Despite his role in the syndicate, his hard heart was for just that, business. When it comes to Evie, he is a teddy bear, even ten years later. He will do what it takes to keep her safe. And this is just what he has to do! Action packed scenes, rekindled passion, truths revealed and pure excitement came through my earbuds, keeping me captivated and entertained! I cannot wait to hear the next in this series, as I am sure it will be a treat!
Stella Hunter and JF Harding make this listen one you will not want to miss! Hunter plays Evie, the strong willed, passionate woman. Creating her persona, she gives all her feelings from the past to the present and helps to aid in understanding her. Harding is the alpha male, brave, protective and in love with Evie. He keeps his emotions in check except when it comes to her and Harding has the voice to make the his feelings come alive. This romantic suspense is performed to perfection.
This is a very promising start to a series about a Mafia family which is not overwhemingly dark. I'd say its more Dark-Lite as you have all the elements there, Declan - the young effective ruler of a large Mafia syndicate who is dedicated to his work and Evie the beautiful headstrong and globetrotting thief who left him at the alter 10 years ago. The one who got away and he's never gotten over her. Add in dashes of heist style jobs, contract hits and a sinister lurking threat trying to hunt Evie down and you got yourself one gripping story.
I adore a second chance romance so I enjoyed the journey Declan and Evie go on throughout this one. The initial tension when they meet each other again and the mystery of what actually happened all those years ago which the author leaves you hanging to find out till the end. Despite all that there is an undeniable connection between them and when Evie needs someone to keep her safe they crash together in an inferno just how we like it.
The audiobook of these does a lot to elevate the story as you have two amazing narrators in Stella Hunter and J.F Harding who bring the right level of intrigue, suspense, drama and passion to make this a riveting listen and at the same time expertly channeling the emotional growth that both Evie and Declan undergo in this story.
There is a whole Callahan family so I expect more family members get their turn at stories and I would definitely want to find out what happens next.
If you want a romantic suspense with a hint of danger and a lot of spice then this is for you.
Evie O'Brien has spent the last ten years wandering the globe making living stealing things from the rich and power. After building up a reputation and becoming one of the best, the lifestyle she's leaving is beginning to lose it's appeal. But when her parents are murdered for revenge, she is pulled her life of solitude and thrown back into the world of the Callahan Syndicate and the arms of her ex-fiancé Declan Callahan.
Declan is the leader of the Callahan Syndicate and the crime world of Philadelphia. His family has ruled this criminal empire for more than a century and the path of his life has been set in stone since birth. He has everything; money, power, and is ruthless down to his core. But there is one thing missing in his life... the one woman who left him at the altar, Evie.
Sweet Revenge is the first book in the new "Callahan Syndicate" series by author Meaghan Pierce. This was my first exposure to her work and this story really intrigued me. Overall the story was great, there just a slight disconnect for me. For me, there needed to be more backstory to really set up the story. It felt like you were just dropped into the middle of story. That being said, this audiobook is narrated by J.F. Harding and Stella Hunter. I couldn't have picked better narrators for this second chance, mafia romance. The way these actors brought the characters to life kept me engaged in their romance.
This second chance romance follows Evie, a notorious thief, who finds herself pulled home by tragedy. Very quickly she is wrapped up in the world she escaped 10 years earlier when she left her fiancée Declan at the alter. Did I happen to mention said fiancée is now the head of organized crime in the city, and still carries a flame for her?
I have a hard time with 3rd person POV in a romance book so that threw me a bit from the beginning. I did eventually get used to it but it took longer than usual to connect with the characters. Evie and Declan's story is interesting and sets up a lot of questions to be answered through the series. They do get their HEA but I never really felt the reasoning for Evie's departure was well explored, or why it was now okay for her to stay. The story was much lower on the suspense scale than I was expecting going in. I never really felt the risk or fear for the characters, and the denouement didn't hit for me. There were some great side characters I hope get their own stories in the series. I really need to know what happens with James.
The narration was great. Stella and JF are a great team for audiobooks and that certainly helped me keep involved in the story. Overall this was a 3.5/5 for me. The characters were interesting and the audio was good, but I just didn't feel like it all came together. I would still try the next book in the series to see where the story goes, but I'm not sure at this point if I'd read the entire series.
This was a decent, very mild, mafia romance. I think the plot was more intriguing than the romance. But it kept me entertained.
We have a couple with a past, he is a part of the Irish mafia, ten years ago she ran away from their engagement for unknown reasons. She becomes a thief for rich people. Something is off with her parents so she goes home only to find them murdered. Now her ex fiancé must help her figure out what happened.
The characters are decent. It's a really short book, so I feel like we didn't get a ton of character development. And I kinda found the reason she left, it was valid but I feel like it could have warranted a little conversation first before just assuming the worst and bailing. And in the end I don't feel like the MMC righted the wrong. He said some words but didn't make any actions in the book to back up what he said. That was irritating. I wanted to see him do right by the FMC and I feel like we didn't get that.
The plot is what kept me interested. It was basically a murder mystery, and it kept be guessing. And right when I thought it was ending too nicely and quickly, bam there was a surprise twist I didn't see coming. There is a death in the end I didn't expect and honestly hated. I don't feel like it added to the plot and was pretty pointless and unnecessary.
We get some spice, it's a slow burn so not til halfway thru. But there is some.
All in all. It was a decent book. I was entertained and I'm curious where the series could go.
I love a good mafia storyline in love stories, and this one delivers.
Evie is a bit of a grifter traveling the world making her living. She's made so much money, she doesn't ever have to work again. But she's got a restless spirit and can't stay in one place for too long. When her parents are murdered, she's forced to return to Philadelphia, the place she ran from years prior. There, Declan Callahan, the man she left behind all those years ago is now head of the Callahan syndicate. Evie plans to stay in town long enough to solve her parents' murder, then head back to her home in New York. Declan doesn't want her to leave again, and is determined to find out why she left in the first place.
This was a pretty good story. Lots of action. Evie and Declan are both forced to relive a painful past, while trying to keep everyone safe while working to figure out who the killer is. As they investigate, and Evie settles back in her hometown, she and Declan begin to get closer. Their relationship is pretty complicated, and they have to sort through quite a few things if they have any chance at a reconciliation. Evie is fighting to leave, and Declan is fighting to keep her home. Needless to say, there's plenty of heat between these two, and their love for one another doesn't seem to be totally over.
This was my first book by Meghan Pierce, and I'm anxious to continue this series.
Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding were great narrating this story.
Meaghan Pierce is a new-to-me author. Sweet Revenge is a rollercoaster mafia, second-chance romance. It took me a minute to adjust to getting thrown right into the high-intensity mafia life. But once I did, I found her storytelling style fascinating. I found her characters witty and engaging. While some of the characters’ turmoil resolution fell flat for me, the chemistry between Declan and Evie was sweet. I liked the side characters a lot, I’m interested to see where the series goes! On a suspense/freak out factor it was a 2.5-3 intensity. It was intriguing, but not pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat tense. I’m hoping now that world-building is established, other elements of the stories will be amplified in the next book. I enjoyed Meaghan’s storytelling style, even when she ripped my heart out.
J.F. Harding and Stella Hunter are so dreamy to listen to together! J.F. gives an impassioned performance as Declan Callahan. Heartbroken, work-obsessed, and growly protector, J.F. brings Declan to life with an amazing narration. Stella is lovely as Evie, the alluring thief and runaway bride. Stella’s performance was emotional, beguiling and delightful. J.F. and Stella are two of my favorite narrators, I jump on any chance to listen to this fantastic duo. Sweet Revenge is a great audiobook for lovers of mafia romance.
It was a very OK book ! The reason why she left is ridiculous (not for the reason itself but cause they were in love for each other for entire life ) cause at 20 years old they would have at least fought about that reason before she throw everything and everyone to sky and simply disappear… When she comes back he has no questions for her ? They didn’t convince me at all.
The mafia family must be the weakest I ever saw … no guards with the women, no protections ? I don’t know … didn’t convince me
They had a thing going on with the DiMarco mobster that simple disappeared??? Even if that will appear in the following books should have at least be left as a cliffhanger or something …
Her sister craziness made zero sense to me to blow off after all this time like that … maybe she should have been the reason that Evie left Declan in the altar then would be making more sense that she went nuts after her return.
I really didn’t like it very much and the fact that is 3rd person didn’t help …
I read a lot of people talking about the second book but I don’t think I will get there
Declan & Evie have a bond that started during their childhood growing up and falling in love with each other. However, Declan being the head of The Syndicate makes Evie turn her back from him and calling off their wedding 10 years prior because he couldn’t give her what she needed. Evie moved on and made a life of being a professional thief but when she is forced home to Philly under horrible circumstances she is thrown right back into Declan’s world. Even though she doesn’t want to be near home he is the only person who can help her! Their passion, love, & respect for each other is hard to deny even after all those years apart. They are a strong and sexy couple together. They complement each other and that shows on every page. Not as spicy as other Marian romances but the scenes that are do not disappoint. The supporting characters are intriguing and add to the overall story. I’m definitely excited to see where this series takes me next. Happy Reading!
This second-chance mafia romance was full of mystery and adventure. After receiving a cryptic text from her estranged mother, Evie returns home to find her parents murdered. Before she’s had time to make sense of the scene, in walks the man she’d left behind, now the leader of the Callahan Syndicate. Declan takes Evie under his protection since the killer has also targeted Evie and her sister. As they work to solve her parents’ murders, old feelings that never went away surface. Will Declan and Evie eliminate the threat to her and resolve the issue that drove them apart ten years ago before it’s too late?
Stella Hunter and J. F. Harding did a great job on this dual narration. Stella performed Evie’s strength and independence while J. F. perfectly balanced Declan’s strong yet caring demeanor.
If you love dark mafia romance with second chances this is a good choice. It’s my first book by this Author, but I plan to listen to more. Evie disappeared 10 years ago and now she’s back after the murder of her parents. Declan is now the king of organized crime and he has never gotten over Evie. When they are thrust together by tragic circumstance the sparks fly and it gets steamy! There is enough plot twisting to keep you on your toes, enough steam to keep you warm, and we are all in for the HEA after some tough lessons learned.
JF Harding is absolutely perfect as Declan. Excellent casting for this complex character with so many facets to his personality. Stella is once again amazing with her flawless execution of a woman on the edge of something, finding herself, finding her place in the world. I love-love these 2 narrators together!!