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Costa Family #4
The Woman on the Exam Table
Whitney had enough going on. She didn’t need any more drama in her life.
But when a terrifying encounter leaves her inexplicably entwined with the New York City mafia, and a man known as Salvatore “the Surgeon” Costa, in particular, it was clear that her life was never going to be the same…
But when a terrifying encounter leaves her inexplicably entwined with the New York City mafia, and a man known as Salvatore “the Surgeon” Costa, in particular, it was clear that her life was never going to be the same…
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2022
192 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
163 books5,395 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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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 113 reviews
February 24, 2023
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,4 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
This is Salvatore "The Surgeon" story.
He's went to prison for fifteen years and never open his mouth about Costa's business, that made him became a living legend.
When the mafia's valour were forgotten, Salvatore appeared as a reminder.
He meets Whitney when she's caught in crossed fire and gets shot.
Salvatore is a strange man, but not as strange as Brio.
Anthony, poor guy...
Emilio has something going on, and Cesare...
Well, I'm curious about them, too.
Still waiting for Vissi Esposito story, and these guys.
I guess, if I get my way, Jessica still has to write four books about The Costa family...
December 17, 2022
Whitney has been taking care of her baby sister for as long as she can remember, and somehow she finds herself in the middle of crossfire between some very bad people and to make matters worse she wakes up on his Exam Table….
She is a teacher and also waitress in the summer months. Plus, she works nights and weekends to make ends meet.
Between her two jobs. Whitney always thought that her life was too busy for a man. And a man would only slow her down………. Well, that was until she met Salvatore
Salvatore recently was released from prison, he did 15 years stretch for the Familia. He’s been out for about a year or two. …… I believe one of the things that I enjoyed the most about this character is that he’s slightly older man that Still kicking ass
Lorenzo sends Salvatore and Cesare on mission to set a example to some low-level Crew, and Whitney gets caught in the crossfire.
Before you know it she finds out why they call him the surgeon.
Jessica has been slipping in a bit of
comic relief in her mafia reads lately, so by the time you get to these guys books you are already half way in love with them! So, in this installment we find Cesare -I most definitely would enjoy Reading his back story, I feel like Emilio, seems bit more darker now. Brio……… Lord, have mercy, Brio is nothing to sneeze over. The man can be so intense. … What can I say other than -poor Anthony……… I truly can’t wait to see what Jessica comes up with for Any one of these guys story’s ….. Happy Reading Everyone, I’ll see you on the other side
June 7, 2023
When she shows up with bruises and he goes all bloodthirsty? I’m going to devour those scenes EVERY TIME.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Whitney (37) | Salvatore “the Surgeon” Costa (?)
FEATURES
∘ mafia romance
∘ hurt / comfort
∘ noncommittal mmc falling hard for fmc
∘ “who did this [to you]?”
REVIEW
The build-up in this was everything. It was still instalove-y, but Whitney and Salvatore took a minute to take the next step.
The older main characters and plot of this one was a refreshing deviation from the series. The giddiness I felt while reading The Woman at the Docks was back with this one.
I can’t help but to care about side characters, no matter how recently they’re introduced. I’ve been wholly invested in Anthony and Emilio’s future books, and now I can’t wait for Silvano’s (who was in maybe three pages total).
These books are perfect for a reading slump. They’re fun reads with the perfect amount of seriousness and dark subject matter. It’s a balance I’ve not encountered often, but Jessica Gadziala manages it perfectly.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Whitney (37) | Salvatore “the Surgeon” Costa (?)
FEATURES
∘ mafia romance
∘ hurt / comfort
∘ noncommittal mmc falling hard for fmc
∘ “who did this [to you]?”
REVIEW
The build-up in this was everything. It was still instalove-y, but Whitney and Salvatore took a minute to take the next step.
The older main characters and plot of this one was a refreshing deviation from the series. The giddiness I felt while reading The Woman at the Docks was back with this one.
I can’t help but to care about side characters, no matter how recently they’re introduced. I’ve been wholly invested in Anthony and Emilio’s future books, and now I can’t wait for Silvano’s (who was in maybe three pages total).
These books are perfect for a reading slump. They’re fun reads with the perfect amount of seriousness and dark subject matter. It’s a balance I’ve not encountered often, but Jessica Gadziala manages it perfectly.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
October 17, 2022
I am a HUGE Jessica Gadziala fan. I love that her stories are rich in brotherhood, amazing banter and intense chemistry across all of her series and tropes. I've read the Costa series in its entirety and had no idea I needed Salvador's book until I actually received it. But let me tell you: the Surgeon is AMAZING! You will not look up from the story once until you finish. I loved his lovestory with Whitney. She was his perfect match! 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 23, 2024
3.5 mafia stars. Liked it more than I expected. Read in one sitting and kept me reading all night.
Also these book covers and titles drew me in.
Also these book covers and titles drew me in.
September 13, 2022
Salvatore “Surgeon” Costa is one very sexy man…
Salvatore is the doctor for the mob family. He also does other jobs as needed. During one of the other jobs, there is a shootout. And unfortunately, Whitney, a down on her Luck school teacher is caught in the crossfire…
This was a fabulous addition to the Mafia family books. The Woman in the trunk is a definite page-Turner. It is sexy, funny, and enough suspense to keep you wanting more. I loved the characters in this story. Salvatore is pretty straight forward, and Whitney is a little softer and even worn down from life. The two together, plus the very well written story line made a fantastic read. Jessica Gadziala never disappoints!
Salvatore is the doctor for the mob family. He also does other jobs as needed. During one of the other jobs, there is a shootout. And unfortunately, Whitney, a down on her Luck school teacher is caught in the crossfire…
This was a fabulous addition to the Mafia family books. The Woman in the trunk is a definite page-Turner. It is sexy, funny, and enough suspense to keep you wanting more. I loved the characters in this story. Salvatore is pretty straight forward, and Whitney is a little softer and even worn down from life. The two together, plus the very well written story line made a fantastic read. Jessica Gadziala never disappoints!
February 12, 2025
Meh. I thought the beginning started off great, however I doubt you’d fantasize over someone being sexy while being in tremendous pain from gunshot wounds and blood loss? Whitney was definitely a martyr for her sister. What was her sister contributing? Never heard of financial aid or having a job while in college? Sheesh!
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September 17, 2022I've liked this series but I was disappointed with this one.
It starts off good.
The heroine just melts when he touches her.
Just not for me.
It starts off good.
The heroine just melts when he touches her.
Just not for me.
September 22, 2022
It's finally the surgeons time to shine.. and lord does he do just that.
Salvatore is one of the older working members of the family and fresh out of jail a short time ago it's safe to say a permanent woman and family were absolutely not on his agenda. Infact he'd set his sights on the highroad living the bachelors life, permanently.
So was it an inconvenience when a perfect stranger in a hideous waitress outfit gets caught in a crossfire and shot, absolutely. However, he also wasn't about to leave her bleeding in the street either. So of course, the next best option was to cuff her to his table and fix what was broken.
Salvatore is freaking fabulous in all his brooding moody unsociable and unwilling to bend glory. I adore his blunt mouth, unapologetic truths and need to protect, even when his mind tells him it's probably not the best thing. The man just can't help but get up in things he should definitely not.
I really wasn't ready for him, but I welcomed it, nonetheless.
Whiteny was minding her own just trying to get through life with what felt like the weight of the world on her shoulders, when she was inconveniently shot, twice. When you think it doesn't get much worse, she wakes cuffed to a medical table with the mafia around her and no clue what the hell just happened.
Whitney is everything. Everything Sal didn't know he needed or thought he wanted. She was soft and sweet and honestly a personality that is hard not to love. She worked harder than most, sacrificed her own dreams and basically existed to work, kind of eat and survive off very little sleep to push her baby sister through collage. All the while remaining humble and kind. She had that quiet strength that you don't see straight off but hits you unexpectedly. The kind that holds so much in and yet still manages to get up and go on with their day. I truly admired her.
Sal and Whitney together are peanut butter and Jam. The salty and the sweet that mix into this perfect balance of just right. At first, I wondered how this would work, how they would gel. Then I caught her sass and his soft spot for her, and I was a believer. Then you factor in the crazy slow burn tension that pulsed around them like a live wire fueling that already palpable chemisty... it was EVERYTHING. Neither one was looking or wanting a sweet someone but like they say, it happens when you least expect it and whilst perhaps extreme it still applies.
As per with Jessica's stories, not only do we get great main characters with depth, but we also get fantastic side characters that leave us forever wanting more. Poor Anthony was not living his best life in this book, but I so badly want to know what woman changes his luck.
Also, Silvano..... excuse me sir... YES PLEASE.
So, to wrap this up. I freaking loved this one. Another great addition to the mafia brood and a crazy journey to keep you entertained. I laughed hard, swooned like crazy, ranted and raved like a looney and whilst I didn't cry, my heart did break for Whitney in parts.
Also, that ending!!.
I do so love me a good epilogue and Jessica does them epically.
SIDENOTE.... Brio!. There will NEVER be a day that I don't love that man and his crazy gifts.
Now I just wish I had someone to come give me plants and animals.
Salvatore is one of the older working members of the family and fresh out of jail a short time ago it's safe to say a permanent woman and family were absolutely not on his agenda. Infact he'd set his sights on the highroad living the bachelors life, permanently.
So was it an inconvenience when a perfect stranger in a hideous waitress outfit gets caught in a crossfire and shot, absolutely. However, he also wasn't about to leave her bleeding in the street either. So of course, the next best option was to cuff her to his table and fix what was broken.
Salvatore is freaking fabulous in all his brooding moody unsociable and unwilling to bend glory. I adore his blunt mouth, unapologetic truths and need to protect, even when his mind tells him it's probably not the best thing. The man just can't help but get up in things he should definitely not.
I really wasn't ready for him, but I welcomed it, nonetheless.
Whiteny was minding her own just trying to get through life with what felt like the weight of the world on her shoulders, when she was inconveniently shot, twice. When you think it doesn't get much worse, she wakes cuffed to a medical table with the mafia around her and no clue what the hell just happened.
Whitney is everything. Everything Sal didn't know he needed or thought he wanted. She was soft and sweet and honestly a personality that is hard not to love. She worked harder than most, sacrificed her own dreams and basically existed to work, kind of eat and survive off very little sleep to push her baby sister through collage. All the while remaining humble and kind. She had that quiet strength that you don't see straight off but hits you unexpectedly. The kind that holds so much in and yet still manages to get up and go on with their day. I truly admired her.
Sal and Whitney together are peanut butter and Jam. The salty and the sweet that mix into this perfect balance of just right. At first, I wondered how this would work, how they would gel. Then I caught her sass and his soft spot for her, and I was a believer. Then you factor in the crazy slow burn tension that pulsed around them like a live wire fueling that already palpable chemisty... it was EVERYTHING. Neither one was looking or wanting a sweet someone but like they say, it happens when you least expect it and whilst perhaps extreme it still applies.
As per with Jessica's stories, not only do we get great main characters with depth, but we also get fantastic side characters that leave us forever wanting more. Poor Anthony was not living his best life in this book, but I so badly want to know what woman changes his luck.
Also, Silvano..... excuse me sir... YES PLEASE.
So, to wrap this up. I freaking loved this one. Another great addition to the mafia brood and a crazy journey to keep you entertained. I laughed hard, swooned like crazy, ranted and raved like a looney and whilst I didn't cry, my heart did break for Whitney in parts.
Also, that ending!!.
I do so love me a good epilogue and Jessica does them epically.
SIDENOTE.... Brio!. There will NEVER be a day that I don't love that man and his crazy gifts.
Now I just wish I had someone to come give me plants and animals.
November 4, 2022
✨3.5⭐️✨
April 1, 2023
2.5 stars
One of the less interesting ones in the series. It just didn’t have anything to pull me in. Not the plot (except the beginning- it sounded pretty high stakes) her being in mortal danger and in a strange place with practically strangers imprisoning her but still taking the time to mention how hot the hero is when she first opens her eyes - that was too unbelievable) and not the MCs individually as people.
It was blah
One of the less interesting ones in the series. It just didn’t have anything to pull me in. Not the plot (except the beginning- it sounded pretty high stakes) her being in mortal danger and in a strange place with practically strangers imprisoning her but still taking the time to mention how hot the hero is when she first opens her eyes - that was too unbelievable) and not the MCs individually as people.
It was blah
September 25, 2022
Sweet & Sexy Salvatore Costa!!
The Costa Family is back with Salvatore perhaps finding true love, and mayhem (?) with Whitney!!
Salvatore has long been a favorite of mine, after doing 15 years on the inside, he's been set up on the outside to go straight back into the Family business. Not that Salvatore minds, some people have apparently forgotten that the Mafia is a thing and they need to stop trying to take business from the Costas. Salvatore approaches it like any other task, but with Cesare by his side all is not copacetic, maybe he really should have brought Anthony?
Whitney is like any other teacher, just trying to make the ends meet in the middle, but something's really not adding up. She's working at Dolin's diner on the side for a true creep of a guy - why, oh WHY couldn't Brio have taken care of him is really one of the very few questions I have to ask?!? When she leaves one night and promptly gets caught in the crossfire of Salvatore trying to do his job, and Cesare maybe not watching carefully enough?
After Salvatore tries his best to tidy Whitney up, and Whitney tries her best at being a real pain in the a$$, which for the record is exactly what I'd do if I didn't know whether or not the Mafia Enforcer was getting ready to unalive me 🤷🏽♀️ - they make an agreement and he takes her home.
All seems well at first, until it suddenly shakes out why Whitney needs all this cake, and exactly what she's been hiding. Can Whitney and Salvatore continue this really sweet budding romance when his Capo specifically told him no, and she thinks he's the one who originally shot her?
I loved the sweetness of Whitney and Salvatore's relationship. Even with all the chaos, and bloodshed going on around them, they're pretty much as normal as any couple could be in this situation. Salvatore's protectiveness, combined with Whitney's desire to make a home for him, no matter where that home is is just so achingly tender, and I could just see them being retired with a million plants and dogs - as long as they could boot Anthony off their couch, and get permission from the Capo to see if it will work, if only that niggling little situation from Whitney's past hadn't exploded into their world!
Things that I'd love to know soon from Ms. Gadziala... who exactly is trying to kill Anthony because being shot, stabbed, shot, and involved in a hit-and-run doesn't scream accident to me, and where has she been hiding Silvano and how do I get MORE of his grumpy, curmudgeonly self? Because I'm in LOVE!!
A five out of five with an amazingly sweet and sexy couple, and an epilogue that made my heart squeeze even tighter!!
5/5 ⭐'s
5/5 🌶's
CW: Some incidence of DV off the page and on the page
The Costa Family is back with Salvatore perhaps finding true love, and mayhem (?) with Whitney!!
Salvatore has long been a favorite of mine, after doing 15 years on the inside, he's been set up on the outside to go straight back into the Family business. Not that Salvatore minds, some people have apparently forgotten that the Mafia is a thing and they need to stop trying to take business from the Costas. Salvatore approaches it like any other task, but with Cesare by his side all is not copacetic, maybe he really should have brought Anthony?
Whitney is like any other teacher, just trying to make the ends meet in the middle, but something's really not adding up. She's working at Dolin's diner on the side for a true creep of a guy - why, oh WHY couldn't Brio have taken care of him is really one of the very few questions I have to ask?!? When she leaves one night and promptly gets caught in the crossfire of Salvatore trying to do his job, and Cesare maybe not watching carefully enough?
After Salvatore tries his best to tidy Whitney up, and Whitney tries her best at being a real pain in the a$$, which for the record is exactly what I'd do if I didn't know whether or not the Mafia Enforcer was getting ready to unalive me 🤷🏽♀️ - they make an agreement and he takes her home.
All seems well at first, until it suddenly shakes out why Whitney needs all this cake, and exactly what she's been hiding. Can Whitney and Salvatore continue this really sweet budding romance when his Capo specifically told him no, and she thinks he's the one who originally shot her?
I loved the sweetness of Whitney and Salvatore's relationship. Even with all the chaos, and bloodshed going on around them, they're pretty much as normal as any couple could be in this situation. Salvatore's protectiveness, combined with Whitney's desire to make a home for him, no matter where that home is is just so achingly tender, and I could just see them being retired with a million plants and dogs - as long as they could boot Anthony off their couch, and get permission from the Capo to see if it will work, if only that niggling little situation from Whitney's past hadn't exploded into their world!
Things that I'd love to know soon from Ms. Gadziala... who exactly is trying to kill Anthony because being shot, stabbed, shot, and involved in a hit-and-run doesn't scream accident to me, and where has she been hiding Silvano and how do I get MORE of his grumpy, curmudgeonly self? Because I'm in LOVE!!
A five out of five with an amazingly sweet and sexy couple, and an epilogue that made my heart squeeze even tighter!!
5/5 ⭐'s
5/5 🌶's
CW: Some incidence of DV off the page and on the page
September 26, 2022
Getting hit on at work, then getting hit (by 3 bullets) on the way home. Way to have a great day Whitney! At least her nurse maid was sal the surgeon. He has to leave her alone because he doesn’t like his feelings that lasts a few pages then he is on constant guard around her...protective as any alpha. And Whitney? Protective of her sister and a little bit on sal too I guess.
I like how the first thing he is told as a soldier is not to have sex with her. He tries a couple of work around but ends up having to confess. This Mafia group is hilarious in their romantic lives. I mean here is a don losing sleep because of a new baby!
This was just a light hearted easy to read story. 🙃
I like how the first thing he is told as a soldier is not to have sex with her. He tries a couple of work around but ends up having to confess. This Mafia group is hilarious in their romantic lives. I mean here is a don losing sleep because of a new baby!
This was just a light hearted easy to read story. 🙃
October 9, 2022
Actual grown ups!! I adored this couple!! I love this series so much!
Perfect bossy men falling head over heels for women in unexpected situations!!
Perfect bossy men falling head over heels for women in unexpected situations!!
September 16, 2022
"I mean never in a million years did I think that would even be a thought that could run through my head. Not literally. When fantasizing about a dark romance book? Sure. But no one ever actually hooked up with a mafia capo, y’know? That was all fiction. Except, of course, it wasn’t fiction for me..."
WOW! This book is incredibly exciting. It's not just a mafia romance, it's so much more.
I've been waiting for Salvatore "surgeon" Costa's story for a long time.
I was curious which woman he would choose or which one will choose him.
Whitney is just perfect for him.
She is sweet, soft and modest, but only if you don't provoke her or threaten her family.
If you do that, this calm woman turns into a lioness.
Salvatore is older than most active "family members". He has long given up the idea of having a family of his own. Which makes him a good capo, but also a notorious bachelor.
It all changes one night, when a woman is in the wrong place at the wrong time accidentally gets involved in the mafia business.
I love this exciting, action-packed, a little dark page-turner.
And let me put it this way, older men definitely seem to know what to do in bed and how 😉🥵😂
This is a must-read for all mafia romances fans.
WOW! This book is incredibly exciting. It's not just a mafia romance, it's so much more.
I've been waiting for Salvatore "surgeon" Costa's story for a long time.
I was curious which woman he would choose or which one will choose him.
Whitney is just perfect for him.
She is sweet, soft and modest, but only if you don't provoke her or threaten her family.
If you do that, this calm woman turns into a lioness.
Salvatore is older than most active "family members". He has long given up the idea of having a family of his own. Which makes him a good capo, but also a notorious bachelor.
It all changes one night, when a woman is in the wrong place at the wrong time accidentally gets involved in the mafia business.
I love this exciting, action-packed, a little dark page-turner.
And let me put it this way, older men definitely seem to know what to do in bed and how 😉🥵😂
This is a must-read for all mafia romances fans.
September 15, 2022
Not your usual Mafia story (spoiler: it’s BETTER!)
It’s late, and you’re walking home from the late shift on your own, clutching your eye-gouger and mace because your neighbourhood is pretty dodgy when this weird muffled pop-pop sound catches you off guard. By then, it’s too late – you’ve been shot.
But that’s not the big surprise. The BIG surprise is that you wake up cuffed to a medical exam table, clearly post-op because it freaking HURTS. And the guys who put you there are the same ones who grabbed you just after you got shot. So what’s a girl to do?
This is the fantastic story of Whitney and Salvatore. Released after 15 years behind bars, Salvatore slides right back into the thick of things with the Costa Family. Things are going smoothly until that night when Whitney literally gets caught in the cross-fire of some Family business. That’s when everything gets turned upside-down in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Another fantastic addition to the Costa Family series!
It’s late, and you’re walking home from the late shift on your own, clutching your eye-gouger and mace because your neighbourhood is pretty dodgy when this weird muffled pop-pop sound catches you off guard. By then, it’s too late – you’ve been shot.
But that’s not the big surprise. The BIG surprise is that you wake up cuffed to a medical exam table, clearly post-op because it freaking HURTS. And the guys who put you there are the same ones who grabbed you just after you got shot. So what’s a girl to do?
This is the fantastic story of Whitney and Salvatore. Released after 15 years behind bars, Salvatore slides right back into the thick of things with the Costa Family. Things are going smoothly until that night when Whitney literally gets caught in the cross-fire of some Family business. That’s when everything gets turned upside-down in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Another fantastic addition to the Costa Family series!
March 13, 2023
Quality..
The quality from book to book seems to be deteriorating.
Salvatore was interesting in the previous books.. but seemed a little bland in this one. Which sucks, because this is HIS book.
It seemed that the focus of this book was only on Whitney.
It's also REALLY lame that there is all this bonding with the Family and each other OFF page. And we never get to see the already established couples interact.
There were also errors where a character is asking a question and then mistakenly answers it instead of who was intended to answer, and wrong words used.
I will read the next book but only because I feel committed to complete the series.. not any actual desire to do so.
The quality from book to book seems to be deteriorating.
Salvatore was interesting in the previous books.. but seemed a little bland in this one. Which sucks, because this is HIS book.
It seemed that the focus of this book was only on Whitney.
It's also REALLY lame that there is all this bonding with the Family and each other OFF page. And we never get to see the already established couples interact.
There were also errors where a character is asking a question and then mistakenly answers it instead of who was intended to answer, and wrong words used.
I will read the next book but only because I feel committed to complete the series.. not any actual desire to do so.
June 6, 2025
Rated
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
November 10, 2024
Still really enjoying these books, but Ngl the characters all seem the same once their POV book comes up :/ I was hoping for more quirks from Salvatore and Brio.
December 16, 2024
The Woman on the Exam Table
These two main characters are older, which I always enjoy. They have life experience and a certain steadfast committedness that I appreciated.
Best one sided phone conversation,
“Ma. Give me Lorenzo’s number now. Ma, I don’t have time for this. I know you want more grandchildren. Jesus fucking… no, I know. I won’t take his name in vain. Ma, I mean it. Family emergency shit. I need Lorenzo’s number.”
These two main characters are older, which I always enjoy. They have life experience and a certain steadfast committedness that I appreciated.
Best one sided phone conversation,
“Ma. Give me Lorenzo’s number now. Ma, I don’t have time for this. I know you want more grandchildren. Jesus fucking… no, I know. I won’t take his name in vain. Ma, I mean it. Family emergency shit. I need Lorenzo’s number.”
July 8, 2024
say it with me, palate cleanser
November 19, 2022
I loved this for Salvatore! His character stood out in the last books and I'm thrilled he got an HEA with someone perfect for him. I adore that it was an age appropriate match for him too and not the typical age gap you commonly find in mafia romances.
Whitney made a great heroine, hard working, loyal and unexpecting of others. Selfless but with a backbone. I loved the fact she was older was emphasized and appreciated. We need more romances like this. Silver fox going for someone "older", why is that nearly unheard of in romance?
It might have been somewhat predictable but I love how it all came together.
A big part of me was hoping there would be some kind of spark between Silvano and Wren... or that Wren would get her own book too. But I suppose this wrapped things up well.
I DO however think Anthony deserves his own book.. if not a trilogy. We have been teased with his misfortunes enough. I want to know more!
Whitney made a great heroine, hard working, loyal and unexpecting of others. Selfless but with a backbone. I loved the fact she was older was emphasized and appreciated. We need more romances like this. Silver fox going for someone "older", why is that nearly unheard of in romance?
It might have been somewhat predictable but I love how it all came together.
A big part of me was hoping there would be some kind of spark between Silvano and Wren... or that Wren would get her own book too. But I suppose this wrapped things up well.
I DO however think Anthony deserves his own book.. if not a trilogy. We have been teased with his misfortunes enough. I want to know more!
November 19, 2022
Great read
Loved Salvator and Whitney's story. It starts with a bang and ends in fireworks of the best kind. Great chemistry and another awesome addition to the Costa series
Whitney is a strong woman and has tasked herself with looking after her sister from her abusive Ex.
Salvatore isn't the settling down type and after spendingb15 years behind bars he isn't planning on it. Being the family's go to Doctor he spends a lot of his time patching people up.
Whitney and Salvatore meet when sh#t hits the fan and Whitney takes a couple of bullets that weren't meant for her. Salvatore patches her up and is tasked with keeping her in line and her mouth shut in the form of hush money. But things don't always go to plan. Especially when he falls head over hills for the waitress.
Loved Salvator and Whitney's story. It starts with a bang and ends in fireworks of the best kind. Great chemistry and another awesome addition to the Costa series
Whitney is a strong woman and has tasked herself with looking after her sister from her abusive Ex.
Salvatore isn't the settling down type and after spendingb15 years behind bars he isn't planning on it. Being the family's go to Doctor he spends a lot of his time patching people up.
Whitney and Salvatore meet when sh#t hits the fan and Whitney takes a couple of bullets that weren't meant for her. Salvatore patches her up and is tasked with keeping her in line and her mouth shut in the form of hush money. But things don't always go to plan. Especially when he falls head over hills for the waitress.
April 27, 2024
DNF @70% so i'm rating it! At approx 30% I knew this book was just utterly ridiculous. How stupid that the FL's working this shitty waitress job, putting her young sister through private university w/boarding as well, because she felt guilty that her apparently even stupider younger sister (who was abused by her ex over & over and went back to him so many times that she's even put the FL in danger from him) was so young when their parents died and she was the older one and took care of her. So now between the FL not wanting to have her sister struggle and feeling she had to take care of her, and also felt bad for her because she was abused by her ex, is working her fingers to the bone for little money & trying to go to school (I think, because that was just thrown in there) to become a teacher & living in an absolute shit hole. And all along her sister who is now approximately 25 yo, never questions why her sister lives in a slum and always looks like she's running on empty. The clueless selfishness of this is mind-boggling.
The story then has the ML giving the FL $5000/month for her to keep quiet about an event that in reality would never happen, but she still stays in the crappy apartment cause what if the money stops… money you never were getting if something didn't happen involving the ML? just idiotic! ... that is exactly what the FL sounded like, an idiot! The whole story just didn't make any sense and don't let me get into the FL's skinny, older waitress friend holding a knife on the ML, like he wouldn't easily disarm her and probably backhand her at the same time.
I know you have to suspend reality in these books, but this was too stupid for words and quite frankly the description of the FL made me think of a sweaty unkempt mess. And of course in the ML's mind he's thinking how he likes "real" women, complete with jiggly belly & stretch marks - really isn't that what every handsome, well-built man wants? And a slender, firm body isn't a real woman? Stop trying to appease your out-of-shape readers by insulting readers who aren't "jiggly" and "thick" with this nonsense!
I've read other the books by this author that were pretty good, but this mess was a disappointment to say the least.
The story then has the ML giving the FL $5000/month for her to keep quiet about an event that in reality would never happen, but she still stays in the crappy apartment cause what if the money stops… money you never were getting if something didn't happen involving the ML? just idiotic! ... that is exactly what the FL sounded like, an idiot! The whole story just didn't make any sense and don't let me get into the FL's skinny, older waitress friend holding a knife on the ML, like he wouldn't easily disarm her and probably backhand her at the same time.
I know you have to suspend reality in these books, but this was too stupid for words and quite frankly the description of the FL made me think of a sweaty unkempt mess. And of course in the ML's mind he's thinking how he likes "real" women, complete with jiggly belly & stretch marks - really isn't that what every handsome, well-built man wants? And a slender, firm body isn't a real woman? Stop trying to appease your out-of-shape readers by insulting readers who aren't "jiggly" and "thick" with this nonsense!
I've read other the books by this author that were pretty good, but this mess was a disappointment to say the least.
March 19, 2024
The Surgeon and the woman who heals him.
So we meet Sal in Jessica's previous mafia book. We know he's been in prison for a long time and is the 'surgeon' for the Costa family.
When he unexpectedly ends up with a woman on his table he can't understand the pull he feels.
She has had the weight of the world on her shoulders, struggling financially and working to the bone. She gets wrapped up in a mafia shooting and to save her, ends up on Sal's table.
As with all of Jessica's books we see a strong woman and a man who lifts her when she's down.
The gray morality that some 'rabid dogs' just have to be put down may put some off, but that's mafia romance for you. The protection and love of the Costas can be felt throughout the book.
The supporting cast of the family are all around and we meet a new character or two along the way.
Loved reading this book, catching up with the old favourites in passing.
I am now eagerly awating Anthony's book - surely with his luck he must end up with a paramedic!
Thanks for another great escape from real life.
So we meet Sal in Jessica's previous mafia book. We know he's been in prison for a long time and is the 'surgeon' for the Costa family.
When he unexpectedly ends up with a woman on his table he can't understand the pull he feels.
She has had the weight of the world on her shoulders, struggling financially and working to the bone. She gets wrapped up in a mafia shooting and to save her, ends up on Sal's table.
As with all of Jessica's books we see a strong woman and a man who lifts her when she's down.
The gray morality that some 'rabid dogs' just have to be put down may put some off, but that's mafia romance for you. The protection and love of the Costas can be felt throughout the book.
The supporting cast of the family are all around and we meet a new character or two along the way.
Loved reading this book, catching up with the old favourites in passing.
I am now eagerly awating Anthony's book - surely with his luck he must end up with a paramedic!
Thanks for another great escape from real life.
September 28, 2022
5 Surgeon Stars
The Woman on the Exam Table is the fourth book in the Costa Family series by Jessica Gadziala. Salvatore is the go-to man if you need something sown up. After spending 15 years in prison, he is older and well... maybe not wiser but knows a few things. He has long given up on love, marriage, or family.
So, when one-night changes all that, a woman in the wrong place happens to get hurt because of mafia business he can’t help but get involved.
"I mean never in a million years did I think that would even be a thought that could run through my head. Not literally. When fantasizing about a dark romance book? Sure. But no one ever actually hooked up with a mafia capo, y’know? That was all fiction. Except, of course, it wasn’t fiction for me..."
I loved book it was exciting, action-packed, and I couldn’t put it down. All the secondary characters also make this book great which is something Jessica is very good at doing!
I can’t wait for more in this series!
The Woman on the Exam Table is the fourth book in the Costa Family series by Jessica Gadziala. Salvatore is the go-to man if you need something sown up. After spending 15 years in prison, he is older and well... maybe not wiser but knows a few things. He has long given up on love, marriage, or family.
So, when one-night changes all that, a woman in the wrong place happens to get hurt because of mafia business he can’t help but get involved.
"I mean never in a million years did I think that would even be a thought that could run through my head. Not literally. When fantasizing about a dark romance book? Sure. But no one ever actually hooked up with a mafia capo, y’know? That was all fiction. Except, of course, it wasn’t fiction for me..."
I loved book it was exciting, action-packed, and I couldn’t put it down. All the secondary characters also make this book great which is something Jessica is very good at doing!
I can’t wait for more in this series!
September 16, 2022
Bullets and bad guys
I feel like this story was more …subdued, maybe, and less traumatic than some of the others in the author’s cannon. Not a problem for me (don’t need the intense drama all the time) but I guess it seemed like less was at risk in this story than the previous ones.
Would be nice to have a FMC that wasn’t abused but I guess it’s just part of the formula that works for these books. This one wasn’t so overwhelmingly trauma-loaded, but let’s see a decently-adjusted heroine for once.
I liked Salvatore well enough, but seemed kind of personality-less. I would’ve expected some habits (other than back against the wall) or pleasures (other than sex) after 15 years in prison.
Was a bit annoying to relive the same event that one POV just shared when we switch to the other POV. But the plot moved on quickly enough once the new POV gave their account.
I feel like this story was more …subdued, maybe, and less traumatic than some of the others in the author’s cannon. Not a problem for me (don’t need the intense drama all the time) but I guess it seemed like less was at risk in this story than the previous ones.
Would be nice to have a FMC that wasn’t abused but I guess it’s just part of the formula that works for these books. This one wasn’t so overwhelmingly trauma-loaded, but let’s see a decently-adjusted heroine for once.
I liked Salvatore well enough, but seemed kind of personality-less. I would’ve expected some habits (other than back against the wall) or pleasures (other than sex) after 15 years in prison.
Was a bit annoying to relive the same event that one POV just shared when we switch to the other POV. But the plot moved on quickly enough once the new POV gave their account.
September 27, 2022
Mafia
Violence
Murder
Domestic abuse
JG has a way of letting the story flow so beautifully that I read her books in one sitting everytime I pick one up.
Salvatore "Surgeon" Costa is the go to for all injuries for the Costa Familia. After 15 years in prison he is back to being the Familias doc. When a job goes sideways he ends up with a woman on his table. A woman who isn't in their world...an innocent caught in the crossfire.
Whitney is drowning in bills. Keeping her head above water gets harder everyday. What she really doesnt need is to get shot in her way home form work...but of course with her luck.
These two are adorable. There isnt much back and forth once they decide to say "fuck it" and get together. Their relationship just falls into place so beautifully. Outside forces are the only obstacle.
Violence
Murder
Domestic abuse
JG has a way of letting the story flow so beautifully that I read her books in one sitting everytime I pick one up.
Salvatore "Surgeon" Costa is the go to for all injuries for the Costa Familia. After 15 years in prison he is back to being the Familias doc. When a job goes sideways he ends up with a woman on his table. A woman who isn't in their world...an innocent caught in the crossfire.
Whitney is drowning in bills. Keeping her head above water gets harder everyday. What she really doesnt need is to get shot in her way home form work...but of course with her luck.
These two are adorable. There isnt much back and forth once they decide to say "fuck it" and get together. Their relationship just falls into place so beautifully. Outside forces are the only obstacle.
September 17, 2022
I freaking LOVE this mafia series by Jessica Gadziala!! I want a book for every. single. character. that has been introduced in each of the New York families 🤣 we met Salvatore back in book 2 (I think it was book 2 lol) when he was released from prison and I have been dying to learn more about him ever since! And he definitely didn’t disappoint!! I love that the FMC was in her thirties…I love a good age gap, but sometimes it’s nice to have a FMC closer to your own age lol Whitney is a teacher having to also work as a waitress just to make ends meet that gets caught up in the middle of a shootout between the Costa family and a rival gang. Salvatore is “the doctor” for The Family that treats her wounds and nurses her back to health!! 🖤 Talk about a meet cute!! 🤣🤣
September 21, 2022
Steamy, fun and lots of action.
I was looking forward to Salvatore’s story and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved that it was age gap but with a slightly older heroine than we are used to from Jessica Gadziala. I very much enjoyed reading it- I loved that it’s mafia but not super complex or complicated. You get a lot of time with both Salvatore and Whitney together, which is something I really enjoy. In the beginning there is a small bit overlap in the POVs, which is not my favorite thing, but it didn’t last long. I absolutely loved the little bits of all the other characters that make an appearance in this one and am already desperately wanting some of their stories. This was steamy, fun with lots of action!
I was looking forward to Salvatore’s story and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved that it was age gap but with a slightly older heroine than we are used to from Jessica Gadziala. I very much enjoyed reading it- I loved that it’s mafia but not super complex or complicated. You get a lot of time with both Salvatore and Whitney together, which is something I really enjoy. In the beginning there is a small bit overlap in the POVs, which is not my favorite thing, but it didn’t last long. I absolutely loved the little bits of all the other characters that make an appearance in this one and am already desperately wanting some of their stories. This was steamy, fun with lots of action!
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