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The Family #2
The Hitman
Zahra
What would you do if you found out that your fiancé cheated on you the night before your wedding with a reality tv exotic dancer? What if you found out that they'd had a threesome with your best friend, who was also your maid of honor? What if you discovered all of this on the morning of your wedding with a camera for your own reality tv show pointing at your face?
Let me tell you what I do.
I punch her. I punch him. And then I run away to Italy on what should have been my honeymoon alone, with my ex's stolen credit cards.
I just want to drink all the wine and cry myself to sleep at night, but I can't even do that in peace.
Giulio
I deserve this holiday. I worked hard for it. I killed for it. Literally. But the woman next door won't stop crying and it's keeping me awake at night. When I go to confront her... Well, let's just say things don't go to plan. Not that I'm complaining.
And I know my life is chaotic, but even I can't predict the armed man who shows up to kill me or the fact that I've somehow ended up on the run with the weepy goddess from the penthouse suite. It's a mistake to bring Zahra along, but I want to keep her safe. I want to keep her with me. Also, try as I might, I can't tell her no and mean it.
Besides, I'm beginning to suspect that I might have the guns, but I'm not running this show; she is, and she's damn sexy while doing it.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Mentions of domestic abuse Mentions of child abuse Murder Shooting deaths
What would you do if you found out that your fiancé cheated on you the night before your wedding with a reality tv exotic dancer? What if you found out that they'd had a threesome with your best friend, who was also your maid of honor? What if you discovered all of this on the morning of your wedding with a camera for your own reality tv show pointing at your face?
Let me tell you what I do.
I punch her. I punch him. And then I run away to Italy on what should have been my honeymoon alone, with my ex's stolen credit cards.
I just want to drink all the wine and cry myself to sleep at night, but I can't even do that in peace.
Giulio
I deserve this holiday. I worked hard for it. I killed for it. Literally. But the woman next door won't stop crying and it's keeping me awake at night. When I go to confront her... Well, let's just say things don't go to plan. Not that I'm complaining.
And I know my life is chaotic, but even I can't predict the armed man who shows up to kill me or the fact that I've somehow ended up on the run with the weepy goddess from the penthouse suite. It's a mistake to bring Zahra along, but I want to keep her safe. I want to keep her with me. Also, try as I might, I can't tell her no and mean it.
Besides, I'm beginning to suspect that I might have the guns, but I'm not running this show; she is, and she's damn sexy while doing it.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Mentions of domestic abuse Mentions of child abuse Murder Shooting deaths
280 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2020
138 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Jackson
56 books731 followersKatrina is a seasoned spinster with an active imagination, a love of romcoms and a keenly critical nature. She's a college professor by day who writes romances by...weekend. Right now she also happens to be on summer vacation. She enjoys yogurt, sparkling water and her three cats, who don't appreciate her love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
September 20, 2020
I've decided that Insta love deserves rights actually
June 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
Katrina Jackson has officially become one of my new favorite authors. This book follows Zahra, whose fiancé cheated on her with two people, including her maid of honor, the night before their wedding. Devastated, Zahra heads to Italy with his credit card on her own for the honeymoon. In Italy, Zahra meets Giulio and the two instantly have an attraction, but Zahra doesn't want to start something while she's still recovering from her break up. There's no denying they are interested in each other, though, and they can't stay away. Little does Zahra know, Giulio is a hitman and has some dangerous people after him. Someone tries to come after him while they're together, so Giulio and Zahra end up on the run together.
With how this book looks and sounds, I did expect a bit more suspense and intrigue than what we got. A good amount of the beginning built up the story and their romance and I didn't feel like these two were truly on the run together. They were just traveling together and happened to have to fight off some bad guys a couple of times. I would have loved that side of the plot to be built up more. There's no denying the love and chemistry between the two main characters, though, and I loved the personal growth Zahra went through during this book. And it was definitely a steamy read! I enjoyed how much Giulio didn't want to admit he was falling for Zahra or could see a future between them. The ending was so fun and I loved seeing Salvatore again. I love the characters Katrina Jackson creates and I cannot wait to read more from her!
Katrina Jackson has officially become one of my new favorite authors. This book follows Zahra, whose fiancé cheated on her with two people, including her maid of honor, the night before their wedding. Devastated, Zahra heads to Italy with his credit card on her own for the honeymoon. In Italy, Zahra meets Giulio and the two instantly have an attraction, but Zahra doesn't want to start something while she's still recovering from her break up. There's no denying they are interested in each other, though, and they can't stay away. Little does Zahra know, Giulio is a hitman and has some dangerous people after him. Someone tries to come after him while they're together, so Giulio and Zahra end up on the run together.
With how this book looks and sounds, I did expect a bit more suspense and intrigue than what we got. A good amount of the beginning built up the story and their romance and I didn't feel like these two were truly on the run together. They were just traveling together and happened to have to fight off some bad guys a couple of times. I would have loved that side of the plot to be built up more. There's no denying the love and chemistry between the two main characters, though, and I loved the personal growth Zahra went through during this book. And it was definitely a steamy read! I enjoyed how much Giulio didn't want to admit he was falling for Zahra or could see a future between them. The ending was so fun and I loved seeing Salvatore again. I love the characters Katrina Jackson creates and I cannot wait to read more from her!
June 1, 2022
1 Star
Nope. Gross. And boring.
The cheating thing at the beginning is super dragged out for multiple chapters, which was super unnecessary. The heroine is also an idiot for how she went about everything when she is supposed to be a PR Specialist. I legit hate books sm when heroine is supposed to be like an expert in something yet is terrible at it when put in a situation that requires it or where her skills could have been used to benefit her instead.
Hated the hero too. All of his chapters up to me DNFing were literally only about him complaining and whining about EVERYTHING, and how much sex he's planning on having with literally every woman there he sounded like an immature prick. Then he meets the heroine, finds her super attractive, gets hard, starts masturbating when he gets back to his room, and then has sex with the waitress that comes to his room (he told her to earlier) while imagining it's the heroine, in which we get a very gross and descriptive scene about it. THEN to make matters worse, heroine hears it since her room is next to his, and gets herself off on it. No thanks🙃. I'm out.
Nope. Gross. And boring.
The cheating thing at the beginning is super dragged out for multiple chapters, which was super unnecessary. The heroine is also an idiot for how she went about everything when she is supposed to be a PR Specialist. I legit hate books sm when heroine is supposed to be like an expert in something yet is terrible at it when put in a situation that requires it or where her skills could have been used to benefit her instead.
Hated the hero too. All of his chapters up to me DNFing were literally only about him complaining and whining about EVERYTHING, and how much sex he's planning on having with literally every woman there he sounded like an immature prick. Then he meets the heroine, finds her super attractive, gets hard, starts masturbating when he gets back to his room, and then has sex with the waitress that comes to his room (he told her to earlier) while imagining it's the heroine, in which we get a very gross and descriptive scene about it. THEN to make matters worse, heroine hears it since her room is next to his, and gets herself off on it. No thanks🙃. I'm out.
November 16, 2021
If you’re a fan of mafia romances with lots of steam and doesn’t get too dark, you definitely need to try these ones by Katrina Jackson.
This is technically the first full length book in this mafia romance series but I highly recommend reading the first novella! This is about Shae's cousin and one of Sal’s mafia guys from the novella. Zahra has just been publicly humiliated by her fiancee, who cheated on her and got caught the night before their wedding, so she runs away to Italy where she was supposed to have her honeymoon. There, she meets Guilio, who’s this gorgeous Italian man and there’s so much good push and pull between them.
Zahra soon enough gets unintentionally pulled into Guilio's mafia world and he vows to protect her until he can get her back to the US to safety. They hide away in the middle of nowhere and spend most of the time in bed, knowing she won’t be able to stay. I will say the middle of the book dragged a bit because there really wasn’t anything happening besides the sex. It’s also surprisingly sweet for a mafia romance – yes there’s some violence but Guilio is just so good to Zahra and I loved seeing that.
This is technically the first full length book in this mafia romance series but I highly recommend reading the first novella! This is about Shae's cousin and one of Sal’s mafia guys from the novella. Zahra has just been publicly humiliated by her fiancee, who cheated on her and got caught the night before their wedding, so she runs away to Italy where she was supposed to have her honeymoon. There, she meets Guilio, who’s this gorgeous Italian man and there’s so much good push and pull between them.
Zahra soon enough gets unintentionally pulled into Guilio's mafia world and he vows to protect her until he can get her back to the US to safety. They hide away in the middle of nowhere and spend most of the time in bed, knowing she won’t be able to stay. I will say the middle of the book dragged a bit because there really wasn’t anything happening besides the sex. It’s also surprisingly sweet for a mafia romance – yes there’s some violence but Guilio is just so good to Zahra and I loved seeing that.
August 13, 2020
"Sei il mio tesora" Translation: "You are my treasure."
3PEAT!
OMWORD!
This sistah, Ms. Katrina Jackson can write her tail off! "The Hitman" was descriptive, angsty, funny, suspenseful, and very, very erotically SEXY! Oh did I say Naughty SEXY! Gotta love an author who makes you say, "Hell YELL!" HELL YELL Giulio! Zahra was just so 'sweet nasty' when it came to Giulio! Ryan who????
#TEAMGIUILO!
Thank you Katrina Jackson!
"It’s not a brand-new dress, and it doesn’t erase the past twenty minutes of my life, but I realize that he’s trying to give me something Ryan almost took: a reassurance in myself."
“I was thinking that every time I’ve met you, and every minute I’ve spent with you, you haven’t lied to me. You were a cocky bastard by the pool. You were a whore through the wall. You were a jerk yelling at my door. You were a horny jerk sitting on my couch. And you kept me safe at the vineyard. You want to fuck me and protect me,” she says while looking deep into my eyes. “I can trust a man who wants to protect me so he can fuck me. Your motives are clear.”
#10PlusStars
3PEAT!
OMWORD!
This sistah, Ms. Katrina Jackson can write her tail off! "The Hitman" was descriptive, angsty, funny, suspenseful, and very, very erotically SEXY! Oh did I say Naughty SEXY! Gotta love an author who makes you say, "Hell YELL!" HELL YELL Giulio! Zahra was just so 'sweet nasty' when it came to Giulio! Ryan who????
#TEAMGIUILO!
Thank you Katrina Jackson!
"It’s not a brand-new dress, and it doesn’t erase the past twenty minutes of my life, but I realize that he’s trying to give me something Ryan almost took: a reassurance in myself."
“I was thinking that every time I’ve met you, and every minute I’ve spent with you, you haven’t lied to me. You were a cocky bastard by the pool. You were a whore through the wall. You were a jerk yelling at my door. You were a horny jerk sitting on my couch. And you kept me safe at the vineyard. You want to fuck me and protect me,” she says while looking deep into my eyes. “I can trust a man who wants to protect me so he can fuck me. Your motives are clear.”
#10PlusStars
September 21, 2020
When you find your fiancee in bed with your maid of honor on your actual wedding day, punching them both in the face, taking his credit card, and jumping on the planet to your Italian honeymoon anyway seems to be a great course of action.
Going on the lam with the hitman in the room next door after some torrid sexual congress might be a bit more...extraordinary, but sure why not! Especially if he is as dedicated to your pleasure as Giulio is. He might have killed some men, but hey, he's going to take care of you.
Totally fun and escapist, this was super fun and really hot. I was also pleased to see Sal from Beautiful & Dirty pining away for Shae, who we last saw leaving Naples to go back to her life. I'm really hoping this couple's arc will carry through the series and end in an HEA!
Author has CWs noted in the blurb
Going on the lam with the hitman in the room next door after some torrid sexual congress might be a bit more...extraordinary, but sure why not! Especially if he is as dedicated to your pleasure as Giulio is. He might have killed some men, but hey, he's going to take care of you.
Totally fun and escapist, this was super fun and really hot. I was also pleased to see Sal from Beautiful & Dirty pining away for Shae, who we last saw leaving Naples to go back to her life. I'm really hoping this couple's arc will carry through the series and end in an HEA!
Author has CWs noted in the blurb
December 29, 2020
A romantic comedy with a hitman hero definitely doesn’t follow the norm of mafia romances, which tend to be of the ‘dark romance’ variety. Yet author Katrina Jackson has done a delightful job of combining a lot of humor, sexy scenes, and yes, action too, in The Hitman, the second book in The Family series.
Zahra has just discovered that her husband-to-be, an A-list actor, cheated on her with a stripper and her maid of honor on the night before their wedding, all gleefully exposed via hotel cameras on entertainment reality TV. Furious, embarrassed and hurt, she decides to go to their Italian honeymoon destination solo in order to lick her wounds, courtesy of her now ex’s credit card (stolen by her faithful cousin, Shae.) She’s got a beautiful penthouse suite in a villa in the mountains outside of Milan where she alternately drinks and cries as she tries to pull herself together.
Her junior suite neighbor is Giulio, a hitman for ‘the family’. He’s finally on vacation (though ticked off that the large penthouse suite isn’t available) and hearing his neighbor wailing nightly is getting on his nerves. All he really wants is a warm woman in his bed and some peace and quiet. And the beautiful curvy Black woman he sees lounging outside the pool is a prime target – even if she looks at him with disdain. He’ll have to use his charms if he is to succeed in his mission to fill up on sex before going back to work.
Zahra couldn’t be less interested in the Italian gigolo with the slicked back hair and the tiny speedo and brushes him off. But after a few more encounters, and the realization that they are suite neighbors, Giulio’s lustful appreciation of her turns out to be a balm to her psyche. And yes, a fling with an Italian hottie is just the ticket to get over her ex. But when a date to a local vineyard ends up with a shooting and a murdered man, Zahra realizes she’s getting more than she bargained for. Is it to be a quick return home, or can her romance with Giulio survive the truth?
The ‘jilted bride goes on her honeymoon and meets someone’ trope is one I enjoy, which was why I decided to pick this book up. The addition of a playboy Italian mafia hitman who loves women of all shapes and sizes and wants to help Zahra get over her ex (whom he would gladly ‘take care of’ if Zahra wanted him to) makes for a really fun and enjoyable story, that had me laughing out loud constantly. It’s a very sex positive story, with Zahra getting over her initial first impression of Giulio quickly when he makes it clear that he lusts over her exactly as she is, and there are several steamy scenes that cement their growing friendship. Of course Zahra’s initial plan is to go home at the end of her designated vacation time but then she gets caught up in Giulio’s business when a rival associate tracks Giulio down. And Giulio sums up his job for her thusly:
“I’m a bad man, who works for bad men, and when necessary I kill bad men.”
Giulio wants her to leave Italy immediately, but Zahra believes she’ll be safer if she sticks with Giulio in case someone tracks her down as a witness to the murder. So instead of doing what she should, she ends up on an adventure that takes her across Italy (train sex anyone?) and along the way, she and Giulio deepen their connection. Sharing their life stories bonds them – and that’s how you get an insta-love story between an American public relations expert and a mafia hitman. Giulio wants to be a good man and that means sending Zahra home before she gets any more involved with him but Zahra is ready to choose her own destiny.
There are some other connections between characters, as the first story in the series is a short novella (with an unfinished story) that details an encounter between Zahra’s cousin Shae and Giulio’s boss Salvatore, and I definitely plan to read their eventual HEA. Plus Zahra’s sister Zoe (who had warned Zahra about her ex in the first place) is planning a trip to Italy to find her sister so clearly there is something in the works there. The Hitman is a wholly enjoyable laugh-out-loud romance with two really interesting characters, lots of hot sex, plenty of action, and an Italian setting perfect for an armchair adventure.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
Zahra has just discovered that her husband-to-be, an A-list actor, cheated on her with a stripper and her maid of honor on the night before their wedding, all gleefully exposed via hotel cameras on entertainment reality TV. Furious, embarrassed and hurt, she decides to go to their Italian honeymoon destination solo in order to lick her wounds, courtesy of her now ex’s credit card (stolen by her faithful cousin, Shae.) She’s got a beautiful penthouse suite in a villa in the mountains outside of Milan where she alternately drinks and cries as she tries to pull herself together.
Her junior suite neighbor is Giulio, a hitman for ‘the family’. He’s finally on vacation (though ticked off that the large penthouse suite isn’t available) and hearing his neighbor wailing nightly is getting on his nerves. All he really wants is a warm woman in his bed and some peace and quiet. And the beautiful curvy Black woman he sees lounging outside the pool is a prime target – even if she looks at him with disdain. He’ll have to use his charms if he is to succeed in his mission to fill up on sex before going back to work.
Zahra couldn’t be less interested in the Italian gigolo with the slicked back hair and the tiny speedo and brushes him off. But after a few more encounters, and the realization that they are suite neighbors, Giulio’s lustful appreciation of her turns out to be a balm to her psyche. And yes, a fling with an Italian hottie is just the ticket to get over her ex. But when a date to a local vineyard ends up with a shooting and a murdered man, Zahra realizes she’s getting more than she bargained for. Is it to be a quick return home, or can her romance with Giulio survive the truth?
The ‘jilted bride goes on her honeymoon and meets someone’ trope is one I enjoy, which was why I decided to pick this book up. The addition of a playboy Italian mafia hitman who loves women of all shapes and sizes and wants to help Zahra get over her ex (whom he would gladly ‘take care of’ if Zahra wanted him to) makes for a really fun and enjoyable story, that had me laughing out loud constantly. It’s a very sex positive story, with Zahra getting over her initial first impression of Giulio quickly when he makes it clear that he lusts over her exactly as she is, and there are several steamy scenes that cement their growing friendship. Of course Zahra’s initial plan is to go home at the end of her designated vacation time but then she gets caught up in Giulio’s business when a rival associate tracks Giulio down. And Giulio sums up his job for her thusly:
“I’m a bad man, who works for bad men, and when necessary I kill bad men.”
Giulio wants her to leave Italy immediately, but Zahra believes she’ll be safer if she sticks with Giulio in case someone tracks her down as a witness to the murder. So instead of doing what she should, she ends up on an adventure that takes her across Italy (train sex anyone?) and along the way, she and Giulio deepen their connection. Sharing their life stories bonds them – and that’s how you get an insta-love story between an American public relations expert and a mafia hitman. Giulio wants to be a good man and that means sending Zahra home before she gets any more involved with him but Zahra is ready to choose her own destiny.
There are some other connections between characters, as the first story in the series is a short novella (with an unfinished story) that details an encounter between Zahra’s cousin Shae and Giulio’s boss Salvatore, and I definitely plan to read their eventual HEA. Plus Zahra’s sister Zoe (who had warned Zahra about her ex in the first place) is planning a trip to Italy to find her sister so clearly there is something in the works there. The Hitman is a wholly enjoyable laugh-out-loud romance with two really interesting characters, lots of hot sex, plenty of action, and an Italian setting perfect for an armchair adventure.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
May 1, 2021
3.5
I enjoyed this super steamy fast paced IR romance. Things move quickly between Zahra and Giulio but Katrina Jackson made it work within the story. I enjoy her writing style and these type of romances are just what I enjoy reading during the spring and summer. I'll be picking up more of her backlist soon.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
I enjoyed this super steamy fast paced IR romance. Things move quickly between Zahra and Giulio but Katrina Jackson made it work within the story. I enjoy her writing style and these type of romances are just what I enjoy reading during the spring and summer. I'll be picking up more of her backlist soon.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
November 9, 2021
Light(er) mafia romance. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series. It seems to be all Black American women, who are extended family, falling in love while on vacation in Italy with different members of a crime organization.
August 30, 2020
Why is Katrina Jackson so damn good? Seriously, I cannot get enough of her stories.
Zahra and Giulio were level-headed, sexy, and open. I think that that's what I love most about Jackson's novels. She writes adult romances in that all her characters operate at a medium to high level of emotional maturity.
I always care so deeply about the world Jackson creates and her characters.
Zahra and Giulio were level-headed, sexy, and open. I think that that's what I love most about Jackson's novels. She writes adult romances in that all her characters operate at a medium to high level of emotional maturity.
I always care so deeply about the world Jackson creates and her characters.
September 1, 2020
wow wow wow! I am completely in love with this novel. Like for real. The Hitman made go through so many emotions. I cried, I swooned and I laughed. Katrina Jackson knows what she is doing and she's doing it so very well.
The Hitman is about Zahra and her trip to Italy after being left at the altar when she finds out her fiancé cheated on her with her best friend and a very popular stripper. She takes his credit card and goes to have her honeymoon, alone. But there she meets Giulio, a sexy Italian hitman, who makes her question all the things she knows and awakens a passion inside her.
There is action, steamy moments, sweet moments and so much more. Zahra and Giulio quickly became my favorite, their POVs were so enchanting and I wanted to know more and more about them and their lives with each chapter.
Thank you Katrina Jackson for writing a mutual masturbation scene that made me SCREAM. These two are so hot together but also very romantic. Giulio cannot believe he found his other half on a holiday trip! Tesora... *swoons* I talk more about this book on my reading vlog on my booktube channel.
CW: abuse when Giulio was a child (it is talked about, not on page), gun scenes and blood.
The Hitman is about Zahra and her trip to Italy after being left at the altar when she finds out her fiancé cheated on her with her best friend and a very popular stripper. She takes his credit card and goes to have her honeymoon, alone. But there she meets Giulio, a sexy Italian hitman, who makes her question all the things she knows and awakens a passion inside her.
There is action, steamy moments, sweet moments and so much more. Zahra and Giulio quickly became my favorite, their POVs were so enchanting and I wanted to know more and more about them and their lives with each chapter.
Thank you Katrina Jackson for writing a mutual masturbation scene that made me SCREAM. These two are so hot together but also very romantic. Giulio cannot believe he found his other half on a holiday trip! Tesora... *swoons* I talk more about this book on my reading vlog on my booktube channel.
CW: abuse when Giulio was a child (it is talked about, not on page), gun scenes and blood.
January 5, 2021
Romance/Erotica : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
CW- Cheating, Violence
Hot damn! That was a sexy, dirty good time. Loved both our characters and really enjoyed the flow of the story.
I honestly hope there will be a third book to tie everything in a nice pretty bow.
CW- Cheating, Violence
Hot damn! That was a sexy, dirty good time. Loved both our characters and really enjoyed the flow of the story.
I honestly hope there will be a third book to tie everything in a nice pretty bow.
October 18, 2021
Finding out your fiance is cheating on you? Bad. Finding out your fiance is cheating on you with your best friend and a reality TV star? Worse. Finding all this out on the morning of your wedding via breaking news on TV? The absolute fucking worse.
This was supposed to be the happiest day of PR agent Zahra's life. She was supposed to be marrying film star Ryan Fuller. But as she's getting ready for the wedding, she finds out he's been cheating on her with her best friend and a famous dancer and well, you can't get married after that, can you?
So after punching her former friend in the face and running off with Ryan's credit cards (she didn't technically steal them), Zahra goes on honeymoon to Italy. There she meets a very sexy mysterious Italian man called Giulio and realises maybe Ryan and she weren't meant to be. But just what is Giulio hiding?
I freaking loved this book. The chemistry between Zahra and Giulio was steaming and I loved the sex scenes. Was a little confused with the whole mafia thing and the it felt a little bit like it was a last minute thing at the end. But overall, this was a fucking great book and I can't wait to read more from Katrina!
This was supposed to be the happiest day of PR agent Zahra's life. She was supposed to be marrying film star Ryan Fuller. But as she's getting ready for the wedding, she finds out he's been cheating on her with her best friend and a famous dancer and well, you can't get married after that, can you?
So after punching her former friend in the face and running off with Ryan's credit cards (she didn't technically steal them), Zahra goes on honeymoon to Italy. There she meets a very sexy mysterious Italian man called Giulio and realises maybe Ryan and she weren't meant to be. But just what is Giulio hiding?
I freaking loved this book. The chemistry between Zahra and Giulio was steaming and I loved the sex scenes. Was a little confused with the whole mafia thing and the it felt a little bit like it was a last minute thing at the end. But overall, this was a fucking great book and I can't wait to read more from Katrina!
September 1, 2020
Allow me to introduce you to my new favorite Katrina Jackson novel. I’m smiling just thinking about this ridiculously hot Italian mafia romance. Now normally if a heroine found out her fiance was cheating on her with her best friend and a stripper on her wedding day and come to find out she’s been in a very so-so relationship for 6 years, I’d be rooting for her to go to therapy instead of finding an HEA with someone new. But in this case, I was ready for Giulio to sweep Zahra off her feet from the moment he saw her at the pool. Yes, he’s a hitman and yes, there are a few attempts on their lives. Giulio keeps trying to tell her that he’s a bad man. We don’t get a ton of detail about what the mafia actually does but we do know Giulio works for Sal and keeps people in line. But Zahra figures out pretty quickly that he’s a man who does bad things, not the other way around. And holy hell were they on fire together! Zahra is simply a fantastic heroine and I loved the Italian lessons Giulio gave her. Also, there is a truly A+ shower scene. Not to mention the train scene. Loved it from start to finish! I can’t wait to get Zahra’s sister Zoe’s story next.
Character notes: Zahra is Black American. Giulio is white Italian.
CW: heroine’s fiancé cheated on her, attempted murder, murder, hero's arm is grazed by a bullet, alcohol, hangover, family planning discussion, heroine says she pregnant to prove her connection to the hero to someone else but she's not
Character notes: Zahra is Black American. Giulio is white Italian.
CW: heroine’s fiancé cheated on her, attempted murder, murder, hero's arm is grazed by a bullet, alcohol, hangover, family planning discussion, heroine says she pregnant to prove her connection to the hero to someone else but she's not
August 24, 2020
I honestly wasn't sure if I could get into a book about a hitman but I'm so glad I did because this is such a gorgeously written, super sexy erotic romance. Zahra is horrified to learn that her movie star actor fiancé Ryan has left her just before they're about to get married, her in her wedding dress and him with her best friend and a stripper. She goes on their honeymoon to Italy anyway, intent on drinking away her sorrows. Giulio is at the same secluded, gorgeous hotel, to get what passes for a vacation in between killings. He's interested in her, but she cries herself to sleep, even though she's noticed his form-fitting swim trunks and sexy body. He even has sex with another woman, while she listens through the wall of their adjoining hotel rooms.
When they do connect, the passion between them is immediately explosive, not just because both have been through a lot recently. With Katrina Jackson's writing, their chemistry explodes off the page. I'm not sure how she did it but Katrina created a hitman who's also deeply tender and caring. He respects her boundaries when she tells him at first that they can't have sex; instead they each masturbate for each other in their hotel room. When she confesses to him that she touched herself while he was with the other woman, he tells her, "Don't say it like that." When she asks "Like what?" he says "Like it's something to hide behind flower language. Don't lie." Later, Jackson writes, "He memorized how i like to touch myself even though he only saw it once. Ryan had never. Could never." Their shower sex scene is the hottest of the book. I mean, "Maybe your accent will sound better with my dick in your mouth." !!!
Their sex is off the charts hot, not because Giulio is some random sexy vacation fling and Zahra desperately needs it, but because they are truly connected. They may not know each other beyond first names and the most basic outline of their lives, but they get to know each other in other, deeply intimate ways. With alternating POVs, we see how captivated Giulio is by Zahra, how much he wants her, and wants to protect her.
Giulio is the perfect contrast to Ryan, and over the course of the book, Zahra realized how despite his profession, or perhaps because of it, Giulio is honest with her in a way no other man has been. He is straightforward about their pact not to lie, even straight out telling her when he can't tell her something. This is frustrating for her at times, but she respects it, and him. He, in turn, admires that she doesn't shrink away from him or his dark past and present. She stands up to him when it warrants it and isn't afraid of him, even if she is afraid at times during the book.
Because this is a romance about a hitman, yes, there's violence and murder, and the book has a content warning about that. What I also appreciated is that even though Giulio is a hitman, this novel doesn't glorify or revel in the violence. It's part of his life, and becomes part of Zahra's, but it's not treated as something positive, but more of a fact. This is a super hot read that I highly recommend.
When they do connect, the passion between them is immediately explosive, not just because both have been through a lot recently. With Katrina Jackson's writing, their chemistry explodes off the page. I'm not sure how she did it but Katrina created a hitman who's also deeply tender and caring. He respects her boundaries when she tells him at first that they can't have sex; instead they each masturbate for each other in their hotel room. When she confesses to him that she touched herself while he was with the other woman, he tells her, "Don't say it like that." When she asks "Like what?" he says "Like it's something to hide behind flower language. Don't lie." Later, Jackson writes, "He memorized how i like to touch myself even though he only saw it once. Ryan had never. Could never." Their shower sex scene is the hottest of the book. I mean, "Maybe your accent will sound better with my dick in your mouth." !!!
Their sex is off the charts hot, not because Giulio is some random sexy vacation fling and Zahra desperately needs it, but because they are truly connected. They may not know each other beyond first names and the most basic outline of their lives, but they get to know each other in other, deeply intimate ways. With alternating POVs, we see how captivated Giulio is by Zahra, how much he wants her, and wants to protect her.
Giulio is the perfect contrast to Ryan, and over the course of the book, Zahra realized how despite his profession, or perhaps because of it, Giulio is honest with her in a way no other man has been. He is straightforward about their pact not to lie, even straight out telling her when he can't tell her something. This is frustrating for her at times, but she respects it, and him. He, in turn, admires that she doesn't shrink away from him or his dark past and present. She stands up to him when it warrants it and isn't afraid of him, even if she is afraid at times during the book.
Because this is a romance about a hitman, yes, there's violence and murder, and the book has a content warning about that. What I also appreciated is that even though Giulio is a hitman, this novel doesn't glorify or revel in the violence. It's part of his life, and becomes part of Zahra's, but it's not treated as something positive, but more of a fact. This is a super hot read that I highly recommend.
February 28, 2024
February 2024 review: oh god seeing my reviews from years ago IS SO CRINGE
I still loved this book, though.
original review: This. Had. Everything. lol
Ok, it had everything I personally enjoy in a mafia romance - scorned lover heads to Italy to forget the cheating ex-fiancé while drinking her problems away, hot bad boy in tiny swim trunks, steamy love scenes. Shae and Sal make appearances, too!
I still loved this book, though.
original review: This. Had. Everything. lol
Ok, it had everything I personally enjoy in a mafia romance - scorned lover heads to Italy to forget the cheating ex-fiancé while drinking her problems away, hot bad boy in tiny swim trunks, steamy love scenes. Shae and Sal make appearances, too!
August 12, 2020
Great Read
I truly enjoyed Giulio and Zahra’s story. They were so naughty! They had a great connection and major chemistry. Although, they had just met, it was easy to feel the love between them. This book was very well written and flowed smoothly. I already know that Zahra’s sister Zoe is a mess. I can’t wait to read her and Alfonso’s story. I also look forward to reading more about Salvo and Shae. Great job, Katrina Jackson.
I truly enjoyed Giulio and Zahra’s story. They were so naughty! They had a great connection and major chemistry. Although, they had just met, it was easy to feel the love between them. This book was very well written and flowed smoothly. I already know that Zahra’s sister Zoe is a mess. I can’t wait to read her and Alfonso’s story. I also look forward to reading more about Salvo and Shae. Great job, Katrina Jackson.
February 6, 2021
All hail Katrina Jackson
Giulio acting like a peacock to get Zahra’s attention at the pool convinced me I was going to love the two of them.
They were so freaking cute together and spicy! Giulio teaching Zahra Italian will forever be one of my favorite things. Getting a Sal POV with the pining has me itching for his and Shae’s conclusion. And I can’t wait for Zoe and Alfonsos book!
This was so good!
Giulio acting like a peacock to get Zahra’s attention at the pool convinced me I was going to love the two of them.
They were so freaking cute together and spicy! Giulio teaching Zahra Italian will forever be one of my favorite things. Getting a Sal POV with the pining has me itching for his and Shae’s conclusion. And I can’t wait for Zoe and Alfonsos book!
This was so good!
September 30, 2020
This was so good! Steamy, atmospheric, and involving a feisty heroine and dangerous hero, this book had me hooked. I’m thoroughly invested in this world and series, and can hardly wait for the couple teased to star in the next book!
July 3, 2022
I wanted to love this one. I really did. Maybe it was my headspace at the time but I just didn't love this one as much as I wanted to. It started out really good but then it fell flat for me. I felt like there was too much internal monologues and not enough dialogue between the characters. Also, I feel like it ended abruptly, like nothing was resolved. Maybe I blacked it out but I just felt unsatisfied with the ending and I am bummed that I feel that way.
August 10, 2020
Annoying
I gave up about 50% through the book. Zahra was just too pathetic. I understand that being publicly humiliated is awful, however she’s supposed to be a PR wunderkid. If someone is in need of great PR at that moment it’s her. Why did she feel the need to lower herself and go and confront Ryan and Trisha? It would have made more sense for her to take a deep breath, kick the cameras out and spin this situation for all it was worth. If she couldn’t think, I’m sure she knew which professional could help. Instead of running of to Italy with his credit cards, why not call her lawyers and sue him for a small fortune. For someone so self centered, this and being humiliated in the court of public opinion would matter more to him than a few thousand dollars on a hotel bill. Zahra’s nonsense was compounded when she wallowed in self pity and alcoholic haze for days, not realizing that her behavior was being monitored by the hotel staff. The constant whining about her sister was also too much. The last straw was when she decided to have public sex on a train and instead of being in the moment, she was again mourning her tepid sex life with Ryan. At that point I gave up.
I gave up about 50% through the book. Zahra was just too pathetic. I understand that being publicly humiliated is awful, however she’s supposed to be a PR wunderkid. If someone is in need of great PR at that moment it’s her. Why did she feel the need to lower herself and go and confront Ryan and Trisha? It would have made more sense for her to take a deep breath, kick the cameras out and spin this situation for all it was worth. If she couldn’t think, I’m sure she knew which professional could help. Instead of running of to Italy with his credit cards, why not call her lawyers and sue him for a small fortune. For someone so self centered, this and being humiliated in the court of public opinion would matter more to him than a few thousand dollars on a hotel bill. Zahra’s nonsense was compounded when she wallowed in self pity and alcoholic haze for days, not realizing that her behavior was being monitored by the hotel staff. The constant whining about her sister was also too much. The last straw was when she decided to have public sex on a train and instead of being in the moment, she was again mourning her tepid sex life with Ryan. At that point I gave up.
October 25, 2020
As I started this one out I was a bit confused, it didn't have the people I remembered from the last book, but man...it was interesting so I kept reading. After Zahra ended up in Italy, I took the time to go back and read my review of the first book and I found the connection thus far, Zahra was Shae's cousin and Shae was instrumental in getting Zahra away from the mess her life suddenly became.
At first Zahra was a bit lost in Italy, but who wouldn't be after what she went through. I wasn't sure about Giulio, he seemed like he wanted only one thing, wanted a lot of it and a lot of variety, which was the last thing that Zahra needed in her life. Yet when these two met you could see the sparks fly off of them. I was glad Zahra reached out to Giulio to spend more time with him. Little did I know that would bring Giulio's life to them and have them running. Things got a bit crazy for them, with small quiet moments they used to their advantage. When pushed to a wall, I liked the safety net that Giulio gave Zahra, loved it more when Zahra used it after all was safe, that she wasn't going to let this man who was good to her go.
The restaurant scene had me laughing when Zahra did what she needed to find Giulio. I think the time that she and Salvator spent together was good, but I wished she could have said something about Shae somehow, we will have to wait for that.
I look forward to reading more in this series. I want to see Giulio and Zahra take a chance, want to see Shae and her secret and what Salavtor does. I'm intrigued to bring Zoe in, who we haven't seem much of, but seems a spitfire.
At first Zahra was a bit lost in Italy, but who wouldn't be after what she went through. I wasn't sure about Giulio, he seemed like he wanted only one thing, wanted a lot of it and a lot of variety, which was the last thing that Zahra needed in her life. Yet when these two met you could see the sparks fly off of them. I was glad Zahra reached out to Giulio to spend more time with him. Little did I know that would bring Giulio's life to them and have them running. Things got a bit crazy for them, with small quiet moments they used to their advantage. When pushed to a wall, I liked the safety net that Giulio gave Zahra, loved it more when Zahra used it after all was safe, that she wasn't going to let this man who was good to her go.
The restaurant scene had me laughing when Zahra did what she needed to find Giulio. I think the time that she and Salvator spent together was good, but I wished she could have said something about Shae somehow, we will have to wait for that.
I look forward to reading more in this series. I want to see Giulio and Zahra take a chance, want to see Shae and her secret and what Salavtor does. I'm intrigued to bring Zoe in, who we haven't seem much of, but seems a spitfire.
February 21, 2021
Okay, so I started this book a little sad because it wasn't about the couple I wanted to it be about, but I was able to shake it off quickly because this couple is great. Their interactions were realistic and their date is cute. Actually, even writing this review has me wanting to re-read the book. This series is the type of mafia books I like reading.
November 16, 2020
Of course I fell in love with a strange Italian man who murders people for a living. Katrina girl...you know my type huh?
June 27, 2021
This is maybe a perfect book??? I just loved everything about it😍 Its funny, its ridiculously sexy, and the pacing is fantastic, I felt like i was at the edge of my seat the whole time! I loved Zahra and Giulio, the tension was immaculate
Content/Trigger Warnings: Cheating (heroine's ex cheats on her in the first chapter) murder & attempted murder since Giulio is a hitman (he's also injured on page, bullet grazes his arm) alcohol & a hangover, and there's also discussion of pregnancy, bc the heroine lies about being pregnant in order to find Giulio
Content notes: Along with the trope tags, Giulio is a white Italian hitman, and Zahra is a Black American who works in PR. The sex has some power play, and there's a really great moment where Zahra is all, "You're in control today, I'm in control tomorrow" power exchange I really loved. Also there was some great ass play that Giulio was on the receiving end of👀
Content/Trigger Warnings: Cheating (heroine's ex cheats on her in the first chapter) murder & attempted murder since Giulio is a hitman (he's also injured on page, bullet grazes his arm) alcohol & a hangover, and there's also discussion of pregnancy, bc the heroine lies about being pregnant in order to find Giulio
Content notes: Along with the trope tags, Giulio is a white Italian hitman, and Zahra is a Black American who works in PR. The sex has some power play, and there's a really great moment where Zahra is all, "You're in control today, I'm in control tomorrow" power exchange I really loved. Also there was some great ass play that Giulio was on the receiving end of👀
November 10, 2020
4 out of 5 wine glasses.
This took me way longer to read than it should've, but I think that was due to my own personal turmoil and not the story because I enjoyed the hell out of Zahra and Giullio. I'm quickly becoming a huge Katrina Jackson fan and can't wait for Zoe's story (and Shae and Salvatore's HEA) and I'm pretty sure I see a deep dive into her back catalogue coming soon. This had action, drama, and so much sexiness! There was a point where I (briefly) questioned the character's attraction towards each other given the circumstances, but immediately abandoned my skepticism when confronted with the magnitude of their chemistry - it was so well written it practically leapt off the page. I'm truly excited for the next books in this series and look forward to reading more from the author.
This took me way longer to read than it should've, but I think that was due to my own personal turmoil and not the story because I enjoyed the hell out of Zahra and Giullio. I'm quickly becoming a huge Katrina Jackson fan and can't wait for Zoe's story (and Shae and Salvatore's HEA) and I'm pretty sure I see a deep dive into her back catalogue coming soon. This had action, drama, and so much sexiness! There was a point where I (briefly) questioned the character's attraction towards each other given the circumstances, but immediately abandoned my skepticism when confronted with the magnitude of their chemistry - it was so well written it practically leapt off the page. I'm truly excited for the next books in this series and look forward to reading more from the author.
February 18, 2021
I had no idea what I was getting into with this book and it was a wild ride from page one - and I mean that in the best way. Zahra is hilarious and relatable and a toughie! Guilio has no idea what is happening but as long as he is near Zahra - that seems to be all that matters. I laughed, I cried - I sweated! I am also now diving into an entire backlist to read everything by Katrina Jackson. I wanted more of his angst but otherwise just an absolute knockout!
I highly recommend this for people who love a romantic suspense movie or book!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Tropes: left at the altar, hitman, mafia, low key enemies to lovers, just sex, accidental feelings
Subgenre: contemporary romance - suspense/ action or mafia
CW/ TW: some violence and bloodshed
I highly recommend this for people who love a romantic suspense movie or book!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Tropes: left at the altar, hitman, mafia, low key enemies to lovers, just sex, accidental feelings
Subgenre: contemporary romance - suspense/ action or mafia
CW/ TW: some violence and bloodshed
August 13, 2021
I am so happy we are getting more in this series cause I want it. Badly.
This is another case of instant attraction between our main characters but Jackson just knows how to write that. Neither Zahra nor Giulio are stupidly in love and forget to use their brains; they both actively decide to pursue this relationship. While I can't say I found it 100% believable that Zahra overlooked Rian's flaws for so long and is immediately ready for something new, their banter and chemistry was top-notch.
For being a mafia story, this is low in drama and angst; the focus is more on the romance. But that's not too say there aren't some tense moments that I enjoyed greatly.
This is another case of instant attraction between our main characters but Jackson just knows how to write that. Neither Zahra nor Giulio are stupidly in love and forget to use their brains; they both actively decide to pursue this relationship. While I can't say I found it 100% believable that Zahra overlooked Rian's flaws for so long and is immediately ready for something new, their banter and chemistry was top-notch.
For being a mafia story, this is low in drama and angst; the focus is more on the romance. But that's not too say there aren't some tense moments that I enjoyed greatly.
September 22, 2020
This was GREAT. I'm not a huge mafia romance fan, mostly because I think the hero is almost always a real alpha hole, but Giulio here isn't at all that, and Zahra has her own agency as well rather than being the damsel in constant distress. It's 365 Dni without the abusive and manipulative bullshit. The voice is spectacular, and it's an incredibly enjoyable read. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
June 1, 2021
The first two chapters seemed very dragged and unnecessary to me. Even her reaction to everything was unbelievable to say the least but the rest was pretty good. Really liked both the characters, even though I really don't think that they compliment each other as a couple.
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