Rocco Da Bonno and Vanessa Goodwin were both born to less than ideal parents. While Rocco was born at the top of the food chain with all the privileges that mob life had to offer, Vanessa was born at the bottom, daughter of a prostitute. What the two had in common, though, was the desire to have a new life. The first time Rocco sees Vanessa, she is performing a flamenco dance. He is captivated. When he finally meets her, she wants nothing to do with him, but he’s persistent and wears her down till she agrees to a date. The spark is immediate, and love is instant. Rocco’s father is dying, and he’s set to inherit the mantle of power, but that makes him a target. Vanessa loves Rocco which makes her a target. Rocco has a plan to get them to safety, but if it doesn’t work, they could lose each other and their lives.
This is such an enjoyable book. The characters are stand-outs, strongly written and well-defined. I love that Rocco is a mobster but has such a soft side. Vanessa has been burned by life so many times that she’s a bit skittish about becoming part of Rocco’s world, but she maintains an inner strength. The supporting characters are great. I especially enjoy bodyguards James and Jason aka Bond and Bourne. The story is well-plotted and fast-paced. If you like a mafia story with a bit of spice, then this one’s for you!
Vanilla Flame is part of the Sweet Temptations series, but can be read as a standalone. Please read and be let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!