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Costa Family #3
The Woman with the Scar
He was not the kind of man meant to fall in love. He was the proud enforcer of the Costa Family who perhaps enjoyed the violent, bloody parts of his job a bit too much. All that changed, though, when he was put on a job that had him crossing paths with a woman who changed everything. She was not the kind of woman to have hope. The life she found herself trapped in had very little to look forward to. Until a dark figure turned up and showed her a way out.
299 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2022
347 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
165 books5,404 followersJessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
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xx
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...
xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
February 20, 2023
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,4 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
This is Brio's story, and I was anxious for this one.
But I was expecting so much more from the Costa psycho killer.
The plot is good, is well written, but insta love?
That works for Brio?!?...
Lorenzo gives Brio a different assignment, and from the moment Brio looks at Ezmeray's legs, he's in love.
I've loved the love declaration he left to Ezmeray.
The hands of her dead husband 😂 🤣
How can a girl doesn't love that?
How can she be shocked?!?
This is Brio, and his twisted brain.
To be honest, I was expecting a lot of gore and madness in this book.
Gadziala came on soft.
June 1, 2022
So, I’m really enjoying making my way through Jessica Gadziala’s new mafia series… JG’s is stepping out of Navesink Bank for now, we are visiting New York City and the Costa family
There are 5 mafia families and the Costa family was the top family amongst them ……..Costa, Gassi, D’onofrio, Lombardi , and the Esposito Family …… I am going to love reading each and everyone’s family drama
welcome to the Costa family drama in New York City with its 3rd book The Woman in the Scar- Brio & Ezmeray’s story
Some might think that Brio was a brutal psychopath who enjoyed his work too much as the Costa Family enforcer, and also might just think he could be the bad guy, or even the villain …… Yeah, he most definitely Was a psychopath in his own demented way, and yeah, he had issues, a Yeah, he was the guy you called in when you wanted the walls painted a nice, bright new shade of Arterial Spray Red.
but then there are rare people that had got lucky enough to see the other side of him, you know the man that had heart of gold, who had a teddy bear hidden on the inside in the place of his heart. So, you know I was positively drooling for Brio's story for like a hot second ….
Spoiler alert. This book did not disappoint at all, and neither did Brio
Lorenzo, oddly assign Brio with task no one seem to want to do, and was somewhat out of character for his job description.
Brio was doing some surveillance work on a wannabe Turkish mobster. ( Eren Polat)
Ezmeray was stuck in a loveless marriage that was forced upon her to an immoral man that restricted her movements and also constantly beat on her for no apparent reason, but to control her
Imagine how surprised Ezmeray was. When she realized that she was being stalked by a dark and scary man ….. and that same scary and sexy man left her, 2 bloody hands on her kitchen counter,
Now Imagine how surprised Ezmeray was later on when she realizes that she felt safer with that blood-thirsty serial killer than anyone else. So then imagine how she felt when she realized that she enjoyed his touch. Or how she enjoyed being in his arms.
As always, I enjoy JG’S epilogues, but somehow this one touched my heart more than any of my more recent reads from JG
We got another player in the Costa family (Cesare) and looking forward to possibly reading his book.
Thanks again Jessica for another amazing book, I hope you never stop writing!
Read
May 26, 2022i feel like such a fake bitch. like, was i not out here ranting and raving about how much i wanted brio's book?
and now look at me 😭😭
to make a long story short …
and now look at me 😭😭
to make a long story short …
my bby Brio deserved better than shallow insta-love and playing white knight to a boring fucking heroine who’s sole personality trait is being pretty.
— ellie
𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 - @𝟰𝟱%
June 2, 2023
The discussion of the logistics of different torture methods is never something I expect from reading, but from Brio, I expected nothing less.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Ezmeray Polat (24–25) | Brio Costa (?)
FEATURES
∘ mafia romance
∘ bloodthirsty mmc
∘ mmc who kills for fmc
∘ kissing of scars
REVIEW
Even before his book, I was excited to get to Brio’s story. His character is so different from the other men in the Family. While he was different enough that I’ll remember his character, I will not remember this story.
The romance progressed kind of abruptly, but I was grateful we didn’t have to deal with Ezmeray’s abusive husband for that long.
Every time a new character is introduced, I sigh and then I get giddy. I sigh because I so badly want books for established characters (e.g. Emilio), and I get giddy because we’ve gotten appealing characters (like Salvatore and Cesare) who have been introduced this way getting their own stories.
The best part of the novel were the flash forwards in the epilogue. We got to see small snippets of their life through multiple years, and while I don’t mind when this is missing from romance novels, I love it when it’s there.
OW/OM DRAMA minor OM — Ezmeray was forcibly wed to an abusive husband
CHEATING none — Ezmeray’s husband is dealt with before the main couple gets together
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Ezmeray Polat (24–25) | Brio Costa (?)
FEATURES
∘ mafia romance
∘ bloodthirsty mmc
∘ mmc who kills for fmc
∘ kissing of scars
REVIEW
Even before his book, I was excited to get to Brio’s story. His character is so different from the other men in the Family. While he was different enough that I’ll remember his character, I will not remember this story.
The romance progressed kind of abruptly, but I was grateful we didn’t have to deal with Ezmeray’s abusive husband for that long.
Every time a new character is introduced, I sigh and then I get giddy. I sigh because I so badly want books for established characters (e.g. Emilio), and I get giddy because we’ve gotten appealing characters (like Salvatore and Cesare) who have been introduced this way getting their own stories.
The best part of the novel were the flash forwards in the epilogue. We got to see small snippets of their life through multiple years, and while I don’t mind when this is missing from romance novels, I love it when it’s there.
OW/OM DRAMA minor OM — Ezmeray was forcibly wed to an abusive husband
CHEATING none — Ezmeray’s husband is dealt with before the main couple gets together
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
June 16, 2022
2 stars
You know when you read a series and you’re introduced to a lot of characters which will get their own books but there is that one particular character which everyone is obsessed with, and wants to see more of and read their story? That’s Brio the hero in this book.
And what a disappointment his story turned out to be. And no, this is not just a case of me hyping his story up in my head and resulting in feeling let down with the actual results - it was genuinely upsetting to have all that set up and so much promise - only to get a watered down version of every amateurish mafia book with a plot line done a thousand times over, a case of honestly extreme instalove - no growth of relationship, no love that blossomed, no individual growth either.
The heroine was the absolute blandest. Not every heroine needs to be a a badass, or a feisty character- but having g no personality except for being abused by her husband - how does she have anything in common with the hero? I honestly liked her sister more and she barely had any page time.
So, all in all this one gets a no for me.
You know when you read a series and you’re introduced to a lot of characters which will get their own books but there is that one particular character which everyone is obsessed with, and wants to see more of and read their story? That’s Brio the hero in this book.
And what a disappointment his story turned out to be. And no, this is not just a case of me hyping his story up in my head and resulting in feeling let down with the actual results - it was genuinely upsetting to have all that set up and so much promise - only to get a watered down version of every amateurish mafia book with a plot line done a thousand times over, a case of honestly extreme instalove - no growth of relationship, no love that blossomed, no individual growth either.
The heroine was the absolute blandest. Not every heroine needs to be a a badass, or a feisty character- but having g no personality except for being abused by her husband - how does she have anything in common with the hero? I honestly liked her sister more and she barely had any page time.
So, all in all this one gets a no for me.
March 26, 2022
I think all fans of the series have been waiting for Brio's story.
He was the enigma in the background.
A merciless killer with a soft heart for women and animals.
Someone everyone feared but couldn't not love once they got to know him better.
His dry sarcastic humor and brutal honesty made him irresistible.
This book made Brio my new favorite mafia enforcer crazy psycho boyfriend.
His job or better now hobby for the mafia makes him to a crazy maniac, but he does it with so much love, it's hilarious 🤣
He's a mad killer one moment and a loving uncle who gives away puppies a little later.
You've to love him ❤
"I’d miscalculated. The hands. It was the hands. That had been too much. I thought it would be sort of poetic. But the average woman didn’t want a gift of dismembered body parts on the same surface where they cook their meals and write their grocery lists. Well, lesson learned." 🤣🤣🤣
I've been trying to imagine what the woman who will endure the madness could be like, but Ezzy was a total surprise.
She is gentle and defenseless when it comes to her safety, but transforms into a tigress when it comes to her loved ones.
She's a badass heroine that sacrifices her life and happiness for her family.
She's perfect for Brion's brocken soul 🥰 and he's perfect for her brocken self-esteem.
The chemistry is from the first page unbelievable and scorching hot 🔥
If you like mafia romances, this book is a must-read for you .
He was the enigma in the background.
A merciless killer with a soft heart for women and animals.
Someone everyone feared but couldn't not love once they got to know him better.
His dry sarcastic humor and brutal honesty made him irresistible.
This book made Brio my new favorite mafia enforcer crazy psycho boyfriend.
His job or better now hobby for the mafia makes him to a crazy maniac, but he does it with so much love, it's hilarious 🤣
He's a mad killer one moment and a loving uncle who gives away puppies a little later.
You've to love him ❤
"I’d miscalculated. The hands. It was the hands. That had been too much. I thought it would be sort of poetic. But the average woman didn’t want a gift of dismembered body parts on the same surface where they cook their meals and write their grocery lists. Well, lesson learned." 🤣🤣🤣
I've been trying to imagine what the woman who will endure the madness could be like, but Ezzy was a total surprise.
She is gentle and defenseless when it comes to her safety, but transforms into a tigress when it comes to her loved ones.
She's a badass heroine that sacrifices her life and happiness for her family.
She's perfect for Brion's brocken soul 🥰 and he's perfect for her brocken self-esteem.
The chemistry is from the first page unbelievable and scorching hot 🔥
If you like mafia romances, this book is a must-read for you .
March 25, 2022
Be still my heart....
My favourite Psycho has arrived
I was positively drooling for Brio's story. I wanted a first class ticket into the inner workings of this puppy giving, women saving, happy torturers mind. Oh it didn't disappoint. It surpassed any and all expectations. That man is just positively delicious in all his crazy glory.
Brio is such a unique character. He's twisted and lacks moral compass and yet he is kind and he is thoughtful. He's a contradiction if ever I've read one. There is so many layers that make this man. So much depth you could dig for a lifetime and yet still not have it all.
Ezmeray was a unexpected much welcomed surprise. She is fragile but so strong. She despite life giving her hardship continued to survive and later thrive. She was the sweet light and gentle touch in Brio dark deprived world.
Brio and Ezzy gave me the home comforts feel. They had undeniable chemistry that pulsed through the pages but under that tension was this unspoken connection. One made instantly because of their hardship and pain. The kind only they could understand. That they could relate to eachother with. But do not mistake what I am saying, neither character was a victim. They not only survived, they thrived. Together.
Ah. I swear I have to stop my rambling ass before I spill things.
Just like any Jessie book, she has given us great characters, an unpredictable story and a journey that will consume you. I felt everything. I laughed, ranted, raved and swooned.
It has so much dark humour, I died... laughing.
I'm twisted I know.
But there is a trigger warning for anyone who can't read abuse. This book does have that so if you're sensitive to it, maybe ask someone before diving in.
I just know everyone will love Brio and Ezzy.
Jessie you never fail us my darling, I am in awe of your crazy talents.
My favourite Psycho has arrived
I was positively drooling for Brio's story. I wanted a first class ticket into the inner workings of this puppy giving, women saving, happy torturers mind. Oh it didn't disappoint. It surpassed any and all expectations. That man is just positively delicious in all his crazy glory.
Brio is such a unique character. He's twisted and lacks moral compass and yet he is kind and he is thoughtful. He's a contradiction if ever I've read one. There is so many layers that make this man. So much depth you could dig for a lifetime and yet still not have it all.
Ezmeray was a unexpected much welcomed surprise. She is fragile but so strong. She despite life giving her hardship continued to survive and later thrive. She was the sweet light and gentle touch in Brio dark deprived world.
Brio and Ezzy gave me the home comforts feel. They had undeniable chemistry that pulsed through the pages but under that tension was this unspoken connection. One made instantly because of their hardship and pain. The kind only they could understand. That they could relate to eachother with. But do not mistake what I am saying, neither character was a victim. They not only survived, they thrived. Together.
Ah. I swear I have to stop my rambling ass before I spill things.
Just like any Jessie book, she has given us great characters, an unpredictable story and a journey that will consume you. I felt everything. I laughed, ranted, raved and swooned.
It has so much dark humour, I died... laughing.
I'm twisted I know.
But there is a trigger warning for anyone who can't read abuse. This book does have that so if you're sensitive to it, maybe ask someone before diving in.
I just know everyone will love Brio and Ezzy.
Jessie you never fail us my darling, I am in awe of your crazy talents.
March 24, 2022
Calling Brio a "rabid dog" was both appropriate and unfair in equal measure. OK, sure, Brio is known for thoroughly enjoying his enforcement work for the Mafia, but there is way more to him than meets the eye.
When tasked with watching (and only watching) a scumbag Turkish mobster that Brio's family suspects of cheating them, he sees that guy abusing a woman with a massive scar running all the way across her neck. Furious and intrigued, Brio takes a very personal interest in his task, which is how he meets Ezmeray.
Jessica Gadziala's New York Mafia family series just keeps getting better and better. DO NOT MISS A SINGLE ONE, if you know what's good for you.
When tasked with watching (and only watching) a scumbag Turkish mobster that Brio's family suspects of cheating them, he sees that guy abusing a woman with a massive scar running all the way across her neck. Furious and intrigued, Brio takes a very personal interest in his task, which is how he meets Ezmeray.
Jessica Gadziala's New York Mafia family series just keeps getting better and better. DO NOT MISS A SINGLE ONE, if you know what's good for you.
March 1, 2025
I had high hopes for this one, but I just didn't feel the connection between the H and h. Way too insta-lovey for my taste and I just didn't get why they were together in the first place. I didn't really like the heroine much either to be honest. Her sister though... She was one bad ass little lady. Don't know if she has a story/book, but I would definitely read it.
On to the next
On to the next
March 27, 2022
Good story.
Heroine is married to an abusive man when we first meet her in the book. No details of any of the abuse other than her fear of being beaten but all events are in the past and no details.
Regards the Hero it's just said he has previously had brief encounters with women.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Quite violent.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Epilogue for several years ahead.
Heroine is married to an abusive man when we first meet her in the book. No details of any of the abuse other than her fear of being beaten but all events are in the past and no details.
Regards the Hero it's just said he has previously had brief encounters with women.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Quite violent.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Epilogue for several years ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2022
Brio, our favorite psychopath, gets him a woman!
I've always loved Brio and didn't have a clue of what kind of woman the author would pick for him cause who could deal with his kind of crazy. I was so happy with the woman chosen for him. I devoured the book as usual!!
I've always loved Brio and didn't have a clue of what kind of woman the author would pick for him cause who could deal with his kind of crazy. I was so happy with the woman chosen for him. I devoured the book as usual!!
March 24, 2022
Brio, basically my favorite psycho. Seriously, I love how he loves Ezzy. I love how even though Ezzy was beaten down she fought her way to good. Alara cracks me up and I would love to see what happens with her.
September 14, 2025
These are just so good and creative that I wish I had all the time in the world to read them.
Another super good one. Enough drama, mafia and romance.
And on to the next one.
Another super good one. Enough drama, mafia and romance.
And on to the next one.
April 5, 2022
The hero (Brio) enjoys torturing and killing bad guys and he is an enforcer for the Costa mafia. He sees the heroine's husband abusing her so he...helps her. They fall in love.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
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Hero kidnaps the husband, tortures him, and cuts off his hands while he is still alive. He then leaves the husband's hands in the heroine's apartment's kitchen. The message being, your husband will never put his hands on you again.
Heroine is horrified. She's glad he's dead though. I think it's also important to know that Brio did that on his own. She never asked him to kill her husband.
Hero then has some thoughts where he decides leaving the hands as a gift was a bit much and now maybe she won't like him back. But it all works out in the end. Heroine ends up beating the husband's brother to death after he kidnaps her and her little sister. So hero is excited by the heroine's ability to defend herself.
In the earlier books the hero was always bringing everyone rescue dogs to keep as pets. Everyone was too afraid of him to turn him down. So he and the heroine end up with a lot of pets, 3 daughters, and a son. They live happily ever after.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
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Hero kidnaps the husband, tortures him, and cuts off his hands while he is still alive. He then leaves the husband's hands in the heroine's apartment's kitchen. The message being, your husband will never put his hands on you again.
Heroine is horrified. She's glad he's dead though. I think it's also important to know that Brio did that on his own. She never asked him to kill her husband.
Hero then has some thoughts where he decides leaving the hands as a gift was a bit much and now maybe she won't like him back. But it all works out in the end. Heroine ends up beating the husband's brother to death after he kidnaps her and her little sister. So hero is excited by the heroine's ability to defend herself.
In the earlier books the hero was always bringing everyone rescue dogs to keep as pets. Everyone was too afraid of him to turn him down. So he and the heroine end up with a lot of pets, 3 daughters, and a son. They live happily ever after.
March 27, 2022
The minute I saw Brio's book was live I could not jump on this book fast enough! Brio and Ezmeray were just delicious. I enjoyed this fast-paced story and how in tune they both were. Brio was everything I wanted from seeing him in previous books. Ezmeray was his perfect match. She enjoyed the darkness in him. I just wish this book would've been longer as things were quickly explained/brushed over vs having them discussed/shown in-depth. 4 stars! ~Ratula
March 26, 2022
While I am happy you are reading my review, you can stop and just go purchase the book. It is amazing and you will not be disappointed. Ok maybe a little disappointed when it ends but that is because you just want more. So grab you copy of this amazing book.
It’s Brio’s story what else do I have to say. Go read it!!
It’s Brio’s story what else do I have to say. Go read it!!
April 10, 2022
3.5 ⭐Brio❣️
March 30, 2022
Brio & Ezmeray are beyond AMAZING!
Well!! We've all been waiting for Brio, and his lady love for a couple of years now, and Ms. Gadziala definitely did NOT disappoint!!
I was worried that Brio would come across as someone free of emotions, simply sent over to do a job, but that was not the case. Even at the very beginning when he could hear Emilio talking about him, he wasn't hurt, but he did have feelings about it.
I loved his reactions to Ezmeray's reaction's, some overwhelmingly sexy, some surprised - who knew a woman would not respond well to a gift like that??
Ezmeray is amazing! Even as beaten down as she had become, as soon as the opportunity was there to move on from Eray she was ready. She had no intention of staying to be beaten down by the rest of his family, and she wasn't so hurt that she couldn't have a normal sexual response to Brio.
I love the side characters! Sal, and Cesare have to be my favorite. Even though Brio was offended, I was grateful for Salvatore sticking around to ensure that Brio did the right thing. I love, LOVE Cesare's playfulness, and his hotness rivals Brios, so even though Brio has found his one and only we can spend our time thinking about Cesare now, and trying to figure out who he most closely resembles!!
The epilogue is brilliant, especially that last bit, it brought me to tears. Brio and Ezmeray deserved all the happiness. 5 stars for a brilliant, bloody, mafia laden story that just hits right with the perfect amount of spice!!
Merged review:
Well!! We've all been waiting for Brio, and his lady love for a couple of years now, and Ms. Gadziala definitely did NOT disappoint!!
I was worried that Brio would come across as someone free of emotions, simply sent over to do a job, but that was not the case. Even at the very beginning when he could hear Emilio talking about him, he wasn't hurt, but he did have feelings about it.
I loved his reactions to Ezmeray's reaction's, some overwhelmingly sexy, some surprised - who knew a woman would not respond well to a gift like that??
Ezmeray is amazing! Even as beaten down as she had become, as soon as the opportunity was there to move on from Eray she was ready. She had no intention of staying to be beaten down by the rest of his family, and she wasn't so hurt that she couldn't have a normal sexual response to Brio.
I love the side characters! Sal, and Cesare have to be my favorite. Even though Brio was offended, I was grateful for Salvatore sticking around to ensure that Brio did the right thing. I love, LOVE Cesare's playfulness, and his hotness rivals Brios, so even though Brio has found his one and only we can spend our time thinking about Cesare now, and trying to figure out who he most closely resembles!!
The epilogue is brilliant, especially that last bit, it brought me to tears. Brio and Ezmeray deserved all the happiness. 5 stars for a brilliant, bloody, mafia laden story that just hits right with the perfect amount of spice!!
Well!! We've all been waiting for Brio, and his lady love for a couple of years now, and Ms. Gadziala definitely did NOT disappoint!!
I was worried that Brio would come across as someone free of emotions, simply sent over to do a job, but that was not the case. Even at the very beginning when he could hear Emilio talking about him, he wasn't hurt, but he did have feelings about it.
I loved his reactions to Ezmeray's reaction's, some overwhelmingly sexy, some surprised - who knew a woman would not respond well to a gift like that??
Ezmeray is amazing! Even as beaten down as she had become, as soon as the opportunity was there to move on from Eray she was ready. She had no intention of staying to be beaten down by the rest of his family, and she wasn't so hurt that she couldn't have a normal sexual response to Brio.
I love the side characters! Sal, and Cesare have to be my favorite. Even though Brio was offended, I was grateful for Salvatore sticking around to ensure that Brio did the right thing. I love, LOVE Cesare's playfulness, and his hotness rivals Brios, so even though Brio has found his one and only we can spend our time thinking about Cesare now, and trying to figure out who he most closely resembles!!
The epilogue is brilliant, especially that last bit, it brought me to tears. Brio and Ezmeray deserved all the happiness. 5 stars for a brilliant, bloody, mafia laden story that just hits right with the perfect amount of spice!!
Merged review:
Well!! We've all been waiting for Brio, and his lady love for a couple of years now, and Ms. Gadziala definitely did NOT disappoint!!
I was worried that Brio would come across as someone free of emotions, simply sent over to do a job, but that was not the case. Even at the very beginning when he could hear Emilio talking about him, he wasn't hurt, but he did have feelings about it.
I loved his reactions to Ezmeray's reaction's, some overwhelmingly sexy, some surprised - who knew a woman would not respond well to a gift like that??
Ezmeray is amazing! Even as beaten down as she had become, as soon as the opportunity was there to move on from Eray she was ready. She had no intention of staying to be beaten down by the rest of his family, and she wasn't so hurt that she couldn't have a normal sexual response to Brio.
I love the side characters! Sal, and Cesare have to be my favorite. Even though Brio was offended, I was grateful for Salvatore sticking around to ensure that Brio did the right thing. I love, LOVE Cesare's playfulness, and his hotness rivals Brios, so even though Brio has found his one and only we can spend our time thinking about Cesare now, and trying to figure out who he most closely resembles!!
The epilogue is brilliant, especially that last bit, it brought me to tears. Brio and Ezmeray deserved all the happiness. 5 stars for a brilliant, bloody, mafia laden story that just hits right with the perfect amount of spice!!
May 4, 2022
I enjoy Gadziala’s writing style a great deal. I enjoyed the character development and dark humor. Brio was a very likable serial killer. I liked Ezmeray’s resilience. I couldn’t put it down.
There were some unrealistic aspects of the story that bothered me, however what I REALLY disliked was the sex scene next to Berat’s body. His head was bashed in and Ezzy was covered in his blood and brain matter, yet she gives Brio a BJ right there and does him? Ewwww.
Loved the extended epilogues!
There were some unrealistic aspects of the story that bothered me, however what I REALLY disliked was the sex scene next to Berat’s body. His head was bashed in and Ezzy was covered in his blood and brain matter, yet she gives Brio a BJ right there and does him? Ewwww.
Loved the extended epilogues!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
Wow. While this book is not for the feint of heart, I loved it a lot. Brio is an enforcer for the Costa Family and takes on a lot of the messier jobs because he enjoys it, and when a job puts in the path of Ezzy - a young woman married to a man who regularly beats her - he makes it his job to see her free. We've met Brio in previous books in the series and it was great to finally see him get his HEA; there's a morality chain, with a strong heroine and plenty of adopted animals.
Content warnings: violence, brutality, mafia/mob business, kidnapping/abduction, extortion, torture, blood
Content warnings: violence, brutality, mafia/mob business, kidnapping/abduction, extortion, torture, blood
April 7, 2022
it was more of a romantic story with an abusive relation rather then Mafia ..
the reactions were a bit mild .. the thing is the only bad guys that were true to themselves were the Polat's..the rest of the guys were featured as the good kind guys with extremes side and that is it .
I like Alara and her bad strong attitude although not sure were did it come from (i mean yes she had a rough year and a half yet doesn't really explain why did she develop a gang girl attitude . looking forward to her story (if she has one ) and of course Mira and Vissi
I like Brio , and his love for animals , but again he was more of a romantic guy then a mafia one.
the 3.5 stars was because I was interested in the story but not 4 because of the above lacking
the reactions were a bit mild .. the thing is the only bad guys that were true to themselves were the Polat's..the rest of the guys were featured as the good kind guys with extremes side and that is it .
I like Alara and her bad strong attitude although not sure were did it come from (i mean yes she had a rough year and a half yet doesn't really explain why did she develop a gang girl attitude . looking forward to her story (if she has one ) and of course Mira and Vissi
I like Brio , and his love for animals , but again he was more of a romantic guy then a mafia one.
the 3.5 stars was because I was interested in the story but not 4 because of the above lacking
April 5, 2022
LOVED IT!
Knew I would to be honest because Brio has been a favourite of mine from the start but for those of you who know me- I read it in 1 sitting. Which never happens anymore so this is how much I enjoyed it.
I want to read it all over again and I’m definitely getting the paperback. In fact I’m starting the whole series again. Love this world, love this book and will probably cringe and this gushy review when I come down abit later lol
Knew I would to be honest because Brio has been a favourite of mine from the start but for those of you who know me- I read it in 1 sitting. Which never happens anymore so this is how much I enjoyed it.
I want to read it all over again and I’m definitely getting the paperback. In fact I’m starting the whole series again. Love this world, love this book and will probably cringe and this gushy review when I come down abit later lol
April 12, 2022
Been looking forward to Brio’s story, the story really wasn’t out of ordinary but I have always loved Brio’s character so I’m giving it a 5
May 21, 2022
Not me being bored during my man Brio’s book?!?
Don’t get me wrong, the book isn’t bad. But half way through I was bored which is upsetting because I was so interested when Brio was introduced in book 1.
Not a bad book, just didn’t keep my attention.
Don’t get me wrong, the book isn’t bad. But half way through I was bored which is upsetting because I was so interested when Brio was introduced in book 1.
Not a bad book, just didn’t keep my attention.
December 10, 2024
The Woman with the Scar
This author has written so many books but only a couple have vigilante serial killers in them, and those who really would bathe in the blood of their enemies (I'm looking at you Luce. And Crow. And Wolf. And Ferrin…). All people who actually have a very select moral compass. All people who have been forged and twisted by the structures and systems of patriarchy, and who have chosen to direct their trauma reaction behaviors in ways that protect those with less power than themselves. The world is complicated.
I always love the internal thought processes that lead to transformation - usually of the way the character thinks of themselves. It starts with questions,
“What the hell did I even have to offer Ezmeray? Aside from hands that wouldn’t beat her, that is.”
It's the beginning of making space for another human being in one's life. With this question, he starts to become more than just his job, he becomes a more complete human being. Good character development.
My favorite line:
“What did men do wrong this time?” Vissi asked, looking around at us.
“Stood upright,” Alara declared. “Which eventually made childbirth painful. Which only a male monkey would do. So, yeah, I think it is high time that your kind start carrying the babies and letting them claw their way out of your junk for a change.”
This author has written so many books but only a couple have vigilante serial killers in them, and those who really would bathe in the blood of their enemies (I'm looking at you Luce. And Crow. And Wolf. And Ferrin…). All people who actually have a very select moral compass. All people who have been forged and twisted by the structures and systems of patriarchy, and who have chosen to direct their trauma reaction behaviors in ways that protect those with less power than themselves. The world is complicated.
I always love the internal thought processes that lead to transformation - usually of the way the character thinks of themselves. It starts with questions,
“What the hell did I even have to offer Ezmeray? Aside from hands that wouldn’t beat her, that is.”
It's the beginning of making space for another human being in one's life. With this question, he starts to become more than just his job, he becomes a more complete human being. Good character development.
My favorite line:
“What did men do wrong this time?” Vissi asked, looking around at us.
“Stood upright,” Alara declared. “Which eventually made childbirth painful. Which only a male monkey would do. So, yeah, I think it is high time that your kind start carrying the babies and letting them claw their way out of your junk for a change.”
November 5, 2022
Yessssss. I've been waiting for Brio's story since being introduced to him, and I was not disappointed at all. Messed-up psychos, my favourite type of men to read about!
I also really liked Ezmeray, she was the perfect mix of soft but with hints of her own craziness and meshed well with Brio; their relationship felt genuine.
I also really liked Ezmeray, she was the perfect mix of soft but with hints of her own craziness and meshed well with Brio; their relationship felt genuine.
October 23, 2024
Another good one. New-to-me author that has me hooked the last couple days. I really like these characters. The good guys who are violent hit me in the feels. Strong women who do what needs to be done are also a favorite of mine.
The epilogues in these books are stellar and my favorite kind. Really wraps up the story.
The epilogues in these books are stellar and my favorite kind. Really wraps up the story.
July 29, 2022
CW domestic abuse, extortion, the usual murder and violence. The abuse was not on page but was a huge part of the story. Brio delivered everything I was hoping to get from him. And I loved her sister.
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