Running: Caruso Mafia Book One

by Nova Mason

Luca
She wasn’t the bride I thought I was getting when I signed the marriage contract, but she’s the one I want and the one I’ll get.

She was the Don’s unknown daughter until she broke into our compound, kicked me in the balls, and shot her uncle.

Rising tensions and a need for vengeance have my hellcat running from me and the life she was born for. I don’t care how far she runs or how long of a trail of blood we need to leave. Eventually I will get her to stop running and shackle her to me with those two sweet word.

I do.

Elena
I’ve been on the run all my life. Fighting defense. Why not switch to offense, cause a little chaos? Right a few wrongs.

I came to Chicago to get a Kidney to save my mother’s life.

Now, I’m thinking I can check a few other items off my to-do list while I’m here. My father won’t know what hit him. I’ll get my vengeance and be on my way. No distractions.


"Running" is the first book in the Caruso Mafia Series. It is a standalone Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance, complete with HEA and no cliffhangers. Series continues with "Hunting" then Fighting".

Please This book is a mafia romance that contains mature content, graphic violence, and may contain triggers. If such material offends you, please do not read.

Genres: Mafia Romance

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2022

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this book 3 stars mainly because this was the author’s debut novel and there were quite a few spelling and grammatical errors. However, I like that the author made a badass female character and the storyline was good. For once, it wasn’t some meek girl being forced into a marriage. I also don’t hate those books because I’m a huge fan of mafia romances, but it’s sometimes overdone.

Elena, the female protagonist has spent years on the run with her mother. However, she also has spent years preparing so she can take on new threats. Luca who is the male protagonist is set to become future Don. I don’t want to add any spoilers so I’ll keep it brief. Their lives become entangled in more ways than one and quite a few plot twists are added.

This is a standalone novel and does include a HEA.

To the author, the first step is writing the book in the first place. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication and I’m sure it didn’t come easy. Many readers, including myself, would be happy to get early copies to read and review before you publish which might be helpful with offering suggestions or fixing grammatical mistakes.

For those new here and checking the reviews before reading this book, give it a chance. The storyline is good and a the characters are likeable.

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I had to really suspend belief with this book but honestly the h was so bad@ss. The scene at the beginning when she makes herself known at the Don's house was one of my favorite ever! It was written perfectly. The h choreographed that attack flawlessly. The book had plenty of action but you really had to suspend belief that a 19 year old girl and her one hacker friend could do all that they did. I also thought the Don was portrayed as pretty weak. In fact all the mafia men were made to look pretty stupid by her. And the Don never really explained himself for not looking for Violet or seeking vengeance for those who supposedly killed her. Huge plot hole. Actually there were a lot of plot holes. With all that being said I still really enjoyed it and I will never forget the scene I mentioned.

[Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the beginning.

There are a number of typos which I normally have an issue with because that’s just who I am as a person. But, I knew that they were there going in from another review I read, and I can overlook it if the story is right. Plus, it’s a debut novel so not completely unexpected.

This book reminded me a lot of Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy. But there were subtle differences that made it just as good.

Elena is a badass, and I love that. I’m so tired of wish-washy, doormat female leads. She was as much of a powerhouse as Luca.

Luca was the perfect complement to Elena. He didn’t try to cage her or force her into a mold. He let her be her and stood beside/behind her as a support system.

[Jodie Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elena needs to protect her mum! Having been on the run, avoiding hitman, she is no stranger to the evils of the world. When she breaks into the dons home, they are shocked, even more so when he finds out she’s his daughter and her mother, his first love, is alive.
She reveals more truths regarding his operation and not all of it Pretty!

The next in-line to be Don, Luca is impressed as hell with the surprise of Elena. He has worked with the Don for years, and will always do what is best for the family, even if that means marrying Elena and not Milan. In fact he’s more excited about the prospect of Elena but that doesn’t mean it will be easy as she’s a bit of a lone wolf

Xx

[Crista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was so good the first thing I did when I finished it was read it again!!

The FC is kick ass! Her mum was run out of town when she was in utero and they have been on the run since. She is now sick and so decides enough is enough and confronts her mafia Don dad who knows nothing of her. She helps bring down their enemies and ends up betrothed to the next Don due to being the heir, the MC who at the start is ok but turns around to be great. I’m glad that her sister had a good development through the book. Side characters are great and have just enough development to be interesting. I am left wondering what Ronan got out of the deal, and was the dr dirty? A great read!

[Jamie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a kick a$$ FMC. I devoured this book in hours. I could not put it down. Luca and Elena banter back and forth had me laughing out loud so many time. I love how strong and bada$$ Elena is. I love how Luca doesn’t want to change her but to help her. I will most definitely read the next book Hunting.

“I’m not giving you a choice. I started to fall for you the moment you kicked my ass in this very room. I’m not letting you get away.”

✅dual POV
✅ vengeance
✅🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn mixed with secrets

Running is an amazing and intriguing start to Caruso Family Mafia series. Loved how the story evolved, layers of layers getting pealed away revealing secrets, betrayal, love, devotion, loyalty, attraction, raw emotions, violence, revenge and so much more. Luca and Elena made an interesting couple, but as individuals they were dark, disciplined, focused and deadly characters. Enjoy

[Terry Copeland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak

It sounds like a great storyline,great characters but the writer turns them weaker as it goes. The writer messes with the timeline. The writer comes across as very young themselves so maybe with age they will improve. Maybe get a better proof reader i.e. she called him dad 1st day,then the story claimed she just called him dad days later they couldn't keep days straight. Very distracting.

[M.A.Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

I loved this book the characters were marvellous. The story was good there was humour, which is sometimes lacking in Mafia books, the females were so well written and interesting. I have bought all 3 books and look forward to more books by what is going to become one of my favourite authours. Looking forward to your future works

[JenMcJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off really strong and then ended on an instalove whimper while turning a badass girl into a naïve, virginal, ingénue that overcame generational trauma as soon as she got some of that good vitamin D.

I was here for this book until the end and then it was just too syrupy with devotional love monologues that I just rolled my eyes through.

[Ilene G> · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story.

I like Elena. She is strong and determined to get those who ordered a hit on her mother and her. She runs rings around the Mafias and Cartels. Luca is attracted to Elena's strength and resourcefulness. There is a lot of action, and there are steamy scenes. I will be reading more if this series.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the biggest lady boner for this FMC. She's a total badass but not in a brat way. She is so relatable and such a girl boss. It's giving Mr. and Mrs. Smith AND IM HERE FOR IT. Would have been a 5 star, but I almost got whiplash with how hard than soft Bosco became 60% into it.

BTW, I totally understand how Elena felt. I still fucking hate Bosco and her mother. I felt betrayed FOR her.

[MCrawDRKRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated a strong female lead in a mafia world. I’ve only found one other book that was similar and I’ve been craving a badass girl character. However, I was disappointed with the insta-love aspect. The whole book went downhill after that came into play.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read..

This was surprisingly one of the best Mafia books that I read recently. It had humor, actions, chemistry, and hot sexy times that flowed together seamlessly. The heroine was strong and badass. Definitely recommend.

[Rebecca Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a kickass female heroine, and Elena didn’t disappoint. She’s sassy, strong, lethal and so much more. But underneath it all she’s broken from living a life on the run.
I’m looking forward to reading book two from this author.

[Margaret Dianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written with a brilliant plot

Can't recommend this book highly enough. Really enjoyed this author so much so I read all three books in one day and they are all absorbing. Hey your copy as soon as you can

[Tanya Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

it has promise

This is a difficult one as I enjoyed the storyline as different to the norm but it was rushed and not fleshed out enough. She goes from revenge to marrying Mmc within 4 weeks.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Great story, with a strong FMC which is always good! Looking forward to book 2. Loved the MMC and the relationship with other characters was entertaining! Want a story about Luna!

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a book with a story not just smut. Thank you for that. I like the characters and their interactions. Would have been a 5 for me if the story had a bit more context. Some mysteries just stayed a mystery

[paula filby · Rating 4 out of 5]

short but sweet

Thought it could have gone into a little more depth but overall a good read
Strong main characters nice plot and ending but need just a little more to the story I think

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Running had promise, but quickly became implausible. The Mafia family is portrayed as clueless, especially with the Don’s wife and daughter (Elena)reappearing after 19 years. Elena feels more like a superhero than a believable character—defeating a cartel, killing a traitor, and having intel on everyone. Just too over the top. Won’t be reading the next one.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start...

This was a really good start to a series.. strong female and male main characters plenty of laughs and some good old Mafia violence..

I really hope luna gets a book at some point even if its not in this series...

[Kim Bunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running: Mafia Book One

First time reading this author. The storyline was very enjoyable. Love when there is a alpha woman fighter. One that can hold her own. To keep herself and her mother alive she'll take them all on. She's got a list.

[Jean Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Heroine

I love Elena, she is a fighter and a good one. Luna, her friend was interesting and I hope I’ll learn/see more of her in another book. Luca was also a good character. Very enjoyable read!

[Pedro Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long time waiting for a good mafia book

I can stop reading Is was like I'm always wanted a killer woman a queen ...I just want more I want to know who is Luna

[Claire Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely brilliant

I've absolutely loved this story from start to finish I've just downloaded the second installment I can't wait to finish the series 5* from me

[Flora Saldivar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing like strong bad ass woman!! Loved it! Couldn't put this one down!!!!

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

This was a fantastic read I loved these two together her strength match any made man around and what she was will to do to help her mama melted my heart

[Holly Parreira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story, but needs to be proof read.

Quite a few grammar and punctuation errors. I liked the story, but it needs to be reviewed for these errors.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read

Very captivating story, loved the dynamic between Elena and Luca. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series to follow.