The Firstborn Son

by Paula Minydzak

Becoming a ruthless mob boss like his father is the last thing Frankie Renzi wants, but when Sofia Ciambetti’s father is gunned down, Frankie must become the very thing he loathes in order to protect the woman he loves.
Sofia was devoted to Frankie, until he stood her up and she questioned his fidelity. Now that she’s alone and an heiress, Mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope.
They try to rekindle their love amidst a mob war. But can their love survive what the Mafia has in store?

Genres: Romance, Mystery

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2023

About the author

As a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I am a product of a marriage between an Italian woman and a Slovak man who lived across the street from each other. I base many of my characters upon colorful relatives and friends.

My background is in legal and technical writing, including training manuals and legal documents. As an author, I self-published one novel and wrote a children’s poetry book upon the birth of my first nephew. I am an excellent tailor and patternmaker. My IMDb page lists my work on two full-length films.

I became a finalist for Best First Book at NJ Romance Writers in 2023. I'm now writing suspense.

Reviews

[Christy Kozar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Kaia Misk is a great, fast-paced read that was even better since it was set in my hometown of Pittsburgh! I was so drawn to the main character in the book as I have dealt with many of the same personal struggles. The beginning scene is raw and real and can resonate with many women. I was rooting for her from the first page of the book to take back her power and I was not disappointed. She shows her strength even as shit is hitting the fan with for her mobster boyfriend. I will definitely recommend this book to all my friends!

[Lisa Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many love stories, but this was my first time delving into a romance novel with a mafioso twist. Since both protagonists belong to notorious mob families, there’s never a dull moment in this novel. The Firstborn Son offers an enticing—and unique— escape from reality, with strong Sopranos vibes woven into each page.

Frankie, who’s next in line to run the Renzi family, has fallen for Sofia, who happens to be the daughter of the Ciambetti boss. These two lovebirds are drawn together by chemistry and mutual desire. However, their family dynamics make a potential marriage equal parts alluring and calamitous. Is Frankie on a power trip, or does he truly love Sofia? That’s a question Sofia wrestles with as she tries to determine her best course of action.

It was easy to get lost in this suspenseful tale. The romance was compelling, with enough spice to keep me captivated from start to finish. For Frankie and Sofia, love is a complicated journey rife with danger. That made this book an edge-of-your-seat thriller that was difficult to put down.

On a lighter note, I was amused by the Italian-American accents and lingo throughout the book. Frankie’s uncle made me chuckle with his exaggerated mannerisms and oblivious comments. The Firstborn Son also contained lots of tender moments, which was comforting. Each sentimental scene evoked memories of my grandparents, first-generation Americans who were proud of their Italian heritage and traditions.

I also enjoyed the honest dialogue among Sofia’s family. Sofia’s cousins chose vulnerability and candor over meaningless euphemisms. Their tough-love approach was refreshing and validating, especially in the wake of a terrible family loss.

Sofia was instantly likable, a clever woman who refused to settle for loveless relationships or a marriage of convenience. I admired her determination to stay true to her heart, no matter the consequences.

The Firstborn Son is a tale of the brilliant love that can emerge even amid shocking acts of violence. Sofia and Frankie faced major threats, yet their attraction could not be stifled by the hateful worlds in which they were both immersed. If you’re looking for a heart-pounding suspense novel that speaks to the power of love, this is the book for you.

[J.E. Rowney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book from the start for a number of reasons. The characters are not only quite stereotypical and flat but omg Sofia is also so deeply irritating and unlikeable that I had zero I engagement with her. I felt like the characters and plot had been done so many times before - and better. I realise this genre probably has tropes that have to be included (and it’s not something I would usually read) but there was nothing fresh that made me interested in the story.

The book could also have benefited from a good editor as the dialogue felt unrealistic, the characters and plot needed development and the sentence structure was very choppy and clunky which I didn’t find enjoyable to read.

I received a review copy and this is my voluntary review. I can’t recommend this book, I’m afraid.

[AxelB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia war + hot romance + non stop action!

Let me start by saying the pacing of this book is great. As are the dual POVs! The story develops quickly pulls you in for a fast, fun ride. Sofia is spunky, a little spoiled, okay, quite spoiled, but hey, with a rich dad and only child what do you expect? I found the characters to be engaging. Some, like 'Nutsy' are plain hilarious! The author has also done a few 'Nutsy' voice overs on her social media that made me LOL! The action is thrilling and I loved the easy writing style that kept the romance and action in the forefront. Like Sofia, Frankie is just complex enough to give depth to his character, which, as the son of a mafia boss is full of danger and grudges, when all he wants to do is live a totally different life where he and his love, Sofia, can have their happily ever after (when they're not warring with words, that is). But with a mafia war brewing Frankie is pulled into the very life he wants to escape, but he's prepared to do so, for Sofia. I liked that the romance is clean(ish) don't get me wrong, there are some seriously hot scenes in this book! All in all, I really enjoyed the the book, particularly the humor. If you love wise-cracking old Italians and dangerous alliances this is a great book for you.
This is the first in a series and I'm already looking forward to the next installment! (I didn't receive a free copy and the review is my own.)

[whatssophiareading · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you're into Mafia Romances, and/or Second Chance Romances, definitely check out The Firstborn Son. This is a fun, action-packed romance by a Pittsburgh author -- and if you're familiar with the city of Pittsburgh like I am, you'll absolutely love being able to imagine with such clarity so many events in the book that happen in the 'burgh! Thank you Kaia Misk for providing me with a free ARC! <3





For 2023, I’ll be using this rating scale:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I mourned the ending of this journey 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really enjoyed and would recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was fine
⭐️⭐️ I didn’t enjoy this journey
⭐️ I dnf’d or wish I’d dnf’d

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ this is smutty smutty erotica 🥵
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ medium burn / heat @ 50% or later
🌶️🌶️🌶️ slow burn / heat @ 75% or later
🌶️🌶️ romantic b plot / closed door / YA romance
🌶️ no romance

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduction
I was given a copy to review for by Henry Roi. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #TheFirstBornSon #KaiaMisk #HenryRoiPR #BlackCoffee #Thriller #BookReview #gifted #ad #MafiaFiction

Review
This was my first step into mafia fiction and definitely my first into mafia fiction with romance at the centre of it. The Firstborn Son follows Frankie Renzi who doesn’t want to become a ruthless mafia boss like his father, but when Sofia Ciambetti’s father is gunned down, he has no choice but to become the very thing he loathes in order to protect the woman he loves. Sofia was devoted to Frankie until he let her down and she began to question his fidelity. Now, alone and an heiress, Mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope. They try to rekindle the love amidst a mob war but can it survive what the other families have in store.

Firstly I have to be honest I adored parts of this book but some of it just wasn’t fully for me. As a fan of Shakespeare I couldn’t help seeing likeness to Romeo and Juliette and like that play a big percentage of problems could be solved if Frankie and Sofia actually took two minutes to talk to each other honestly. It made me incredibly frustrated at some points, particularly Sofia, who while going through several traumatic experiences, decides to follow rather terrible advice from her cousin and not try to talk things out or get answers first. It became a little too dramatic for me at times as well which lead to me getting more frustrated with both Frankie but especially Sofia (and Maria).

That said the action parts of the novel made up for this as did some of the side characters. I adored Joey, Tiny and Nutsy. I enjoyed learning about the Mafia families and how they worked. When it was dealing with ‘proper’ mafia issues I was hooked and enjoying it. I must confess it may be a little to do with romance not being a favoured genre of me, at least not when it is the driving force or one of them in the novel.

I have still rounded this up to four stars from 3.5. It was enjoyable, had action and moments that kept me gripped. If you enjoy Mafia novels with action and romance storylines you will enjoy this one.

Hashtags
#TheFirstBornSon #KaiaMisk #HenryRoiPR #BlackCoffee #Thriller #BookReview #gifted #ad #MafiaFiction #BookReviewer #BookBlogger #BookHoader #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book

[E.M. Swift-Hook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Gangland Romance

Frankie Renzie has no wish to follow in his father’s footsteps. Apart from anything else he’s not sure he even matters to his father as a person, more only as the heir to his mafia empire. But just as he is considering making a break with that family tradition, Frankie finds himself sucked into the heart of it. The father of Sophie, the woman he loves who happens to be the heiress of another crime family, is gunned down and the only way he can be sure to protect her is to embrace the world of violence he detests.
The story has plenty of action as one would expect, but also humour and even pathos. Sophie is anything but a cypher or a helpless victim. She shows her strength and determination from the first. As well as the gangland plot there is also the parallel romantic one, which shifts through levels of uncertainty and trust as the story progresses. At the end of it all, Frankie learns just how much he really does mean to his father, which adds an extra poignance to the romantic finale.
It is very much of its genre, the characters are the trope ones you would expect and not much developed beyond that, and the writing in places is a little trite but it's going to appeal to those who enjoy mafia romance stories.

[Rachel M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great Mafia, Mob romance. Frankie Renzi son of Mafia boss, destined to follow in his fathers footsteps, however that is the last thing he wants. But when he needs to protect the woman he loves that’s exactly what he has to do. This one is fast paced with plenty of action, I was expecting more on the romance side, but that’s just me.

[Anne-Marie Goyette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could easily be a movie. Written well, you as the reader picture exactly what was going on in your mind

[FangtasticBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dual POV in this book helped keep the fast pace to the story, instantly pulling you in. The main protagonists, Sofia Ciambetti & Frankie Renzi, are complex characters in a tough situation - both of them are children of different mafia bosses at the time when a war is brewing, and Sofia needs Frankie more than ever - the added factor of a stormy past between the two makes for an engrossing read. 'Nutsy', Frankie's uncle, is such a funny character, he made me laugh in pretty much every scene he was in. I was so happy when I realised this is the first in a series, I can't wait for the second book to come out!

For anyone who's a fan of action packed Mafia romances / second chance romance books, I'd definitely recommend checking this book out!

Thanks to Henry Roi PR for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Randy Overbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mob Story with Heart and Heat
I need to admit I’m not usually one for mob stories, though I’ve read and enjoyed Puzo’s The Godfather. Beyond that tale, I didn’t think reading about mob gangs fighting over territory would prove interesting. Kaia Misk’s debut novel, The Firstborn Son, proved me wrong.
Her tale, told mainly through the eyes of two strong protagonists, Frankie Renzi and Sophia Ciambetti, is suspenseful, intriguing and laced with a few nice surprises. But what I found most engaging is that the author has created two characters which go beyond the stereotypes and caricatures of mobsters and mob girls. I found myself caring about these two, who, despite their flaws and blind spots, are trying to find their way through conflict and tragedy, searching for the elusive happy-ever-after in the gray world of the “families.”
Like with other mob stories, Misk uses the narrative to look differently at “right and wrong,” sometimes playing fast and loose with society’s morals. At the heart of this novel, the author uses this frame of reference to address the essential question—how far will you go to protect someone you love? The author uses the story to address other important questions about the role of women, the place of love and the issue of commitment and marriage, all played out against the world of mobsters in modern day Pittsburgh.
By the way, the violence is largely “off-stage” which was a nice contrast to the steamy bedroom scenes—these I found appropriate and worth savoring. The characters of Frankie and Sophia appear “oversized” in appearance, emotions and personality, but still credible. We expect our mobsters to be over the top to survive in that world.
If you’re on the lookout for a quick read that sizzles with suspense and sex, The Firstborn Son will not leave you disappointed.

[Kimberly Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t read a mafia story since The Godfather, and this book made me wonder why I waited so long. It’s so good! Kaia Misk is a talented storyteller with a natural ear for dialogue. Her writing is crisp and spare, a fitting style for the story she’s created.

An uneasy balance exists among three disparate organized crime families in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Then a family patriarch is murdered, and tensions mount as members of the other two families vie for the hand of his grieving daughter, heiress to a mob empire. Three men want her. Who will win—and at what cost?

Ms. Misk has skillfully braided together elements of romantic love, family loyalty, and the brutal realities of mob life. The characters are nicely fleshed out, from the sympathetic heroine to a couple of guys you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Sexy scenes add spice to the story while underscoring the tenderness between two people who truly love each other. The final two paragraphs make up one of the most satisfying story conclusions I’ve ever read.

“The only way to leave organized crime was in a casket.” That’s just one of the zingers you’ll find in this compelling novel. I recommend The Firstborn Son.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖💖💖💖💖 This is my first Mafia romance, and I found it fast-paced and well-written. The uneasy truce among the three organized crime families and the romance between Frankie and Sofia put me in mind of the TV series The Company You Keep. The three-way tension in that show is among the Irish mob, a family of con artists, and the CIA, with a forbidden romance between a con artist and a CIA operative. Like Frankie, the con man would like to get out of the family business, or at least take it legit. But there’s always somebody itching for a fight, upsetting the delicate balance in a bid for power or revenge or simply offended masculine pride. And there’s always somebody else who can be bought to do the dirty work.
In this case, when Sofia’s father is gunned down by persons unknown, her crime family is in disarray without its boss. She’s suddenly top prize among the factions looking to take over. Her cousin tells her to claim her power, but the old school macho men won’t allow it. As various rivals use charm and threats to try to win her hand, she makes a desperate alliance with her ex, Frankie. Good thing he’s “connected” because the next few days get very messy for downtown Pittsburgh. A good read, and most of the violence takes place off stage.

[Faithe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firstborn Son by Paula Minydzak is a Mafia second-chance romance between the next generation of two notorious mob families.
Frankie Ranzie is an enforcer for his father Angelo and ths family business. Frankie was helping to round up a councilman who owed his dad, and due to this he missed a important dinner with his girlfriend Sofia and her father. Frankie had planed to ask Sofia's dad for her hand in marriage that night. Sofia isn't just any girl though, she is Sofia Ciambettu, daughter of a famous crime boss. Although Sofia's dad understands that especially in their line of work, sometimes work comes first, Sofia does not accept this and breaks up with Frankie instead.
The rest of the book is in dual points of view from Frankie and Sofia as they navigate love and second chances in a world of crime and violence.
I did feel that the exaggerated italian-american accents sometimes took away from the mood as I was laughing out loud at them. Some of the characters seem a bit too rediculous but they make for fun reading. Can't wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Paula for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Thomas Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frankie Rienzi and Sofia Ciambetti are the children of mob bosses. Frankie is slated to become the boss of his family when his father dies. Sophia has no brother, so she’ll become chattel when her father dies. Unless she marries Frankie, that is.

To complicate matters, the boss of a third family, the Ofertis, has told Sophia’s father that he’ll destroy the Ciambettis one by one unless Sophia marries his son.

Sophia is a strong modern businesswoman who hates being the pawn of men. She has feelings for Frankie, but hates the thought of marrying him under such conditions. What are ya gonna do?

The story has many twists and turns, and the main characters are well-developed to make it interesting. Their relationship is sufficiently complicated. to keep the reader guessing about how it will finally work out. However, there is a problem with the pacing, and sometimes action irrelevant to the main plot line takes over, causing some frustration. However, the novel does come to a satisfying conclusion, eventually.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie Renzi’s reluctance to step up to the position of Mafia Boss at the request of his father is reminiscent of Michael Corleone (The Godfather). He loathes the distasteful deeds, especially killing, necessary for a Pittsburgh crime family to survive. Most of all, his main interest revolves around Sophia Ciambetti, the daughter of the head of another crime family.

However, when Sophia’s father is murdered and two distasteful suitors vie for her hand in marriage and especially her father’s wealth and dominance, Frankie must step in to protect her. However, the independent, strong-willed restaurant owner, Sophia, rails against his protection or the protection of any male. Besides, she’s not sure Frankie truly loves her or just wants the power of the Ciambetti family.

The battle between families is skillfully and authentically portrayed by author, Kaia Misk. The dialogue is crisp and the storyline, compelling making The First Born an entertaining, page-turning read.

Recommended by this reader!

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia marriage—may the best wiseguy win

About the Book: Becoming a ruthless mob boss like his father is the last thing Frankie Renzi wants, but when Sofia Ciambetti’s father is gunned down, Frankie must become the very thing he loathes to protect the woman he loves. Sofia was devoted to Frankie, until he stood her up and she questioned his fidelity. Now that she’s alone and an heiress, mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope.

Our Review: this high-intensity love story, fueled by non-stop action and generational feuds, will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Anyone familiar with the close-knit neighborhoods of cities will relate to the way this debut author has crafted the setting and action. Characters, both lead and supporting, jump off the page. Dialogue is spot on for its realism. We’re looking forward to the next Renzi Affair.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Firstborn Son merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Ashley Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite parts of this story was that Kaia Misk plops us down right in the middle of an already established relationship. Our MCs already know each other, maybe love each other, and we get to see them unravel and try to find their way back to each other. Then you get to overlay a mob war, hit men, and explosions on time creating a fiery adventure, and not just in the bedroom.

While there are a few times where the plot could be a bit more clear and the jealousy might have been a bit much, it was overall a very pleasant read.

I received an early copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for this honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romantic mob stories are not my usual read, but I was given a courtesy copy by Author Kaia Misk in exchange for an honest review. The Firstborn Son fits all of the movie and book stereotyping of mob life. Frankie Renzi is firstborn of the family, reluctantly prepared to take over as the Renzi boss and hoping to change the brutal ways of doing business. Sofia is the daughter of a rival mob, and if Sofia and Frankie marry, together their families will rule. Lots of shameless flirting, playing hard to get, pretending the other does not matter to them, yet jealous as heck of anyone else who may be involved with the other. I wanted to relate with any of the characters in The Firstborn Son, but I could not connect with any of them. Perhaps mob life is beyond my comprehension and those living in mob families act naive, shallow, unable to express proper emotions or feelings. Regardless, decent read, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read outside my normal.

[Gene Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Firstborn Son is the mob equivalent of Twilight, in a way. And, because of that, the sometimes spicy descriptions feel uncomfortable juxtaposed against the otherwise clean prose. Frankie Renzi is posed to inherit his father's underworld empire, but isn't attracted to the mob life. He finds he must embrace it, however, to protect his new love, the spoiled mob princess Sofia, which is a solid starting place for a story. The tropes of a mob story are here, and some of the Italians outright talk like Super Mario, so if you're looking for something that is shamelessly what is and doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, this could be for you.

[Kara O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firstborn Son is a mafia romance with a lot of kick! It immediately starts out with wonderful conflict and tension and doesn't stop until the last page. I finished this book in one day. I couldn't stop reading and had to know how Frankie and Sophia were going to save themselves. Frankie is absolutely swoon-worthy! He loves Sophia so much. And Sophia is a firecracker! She is unafraid and takes on difficult situations with amazing bravery. Being a part of a mafia family is like getting through a landmine, and Sophia is determined to have a normal and legitimate life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this romance. Frankie and Sophia are hot, hot, hot!

[Kim Ligon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in the middle of a mob war

Sofia a mafia princess and Frankie is the first born son and future boss of the Renzi family. Frankie has big plans about eliminating the violence he's seen in the family under his father, but becoming boss isn't something you have total control over. Sofia becomes a pawn between rival families who want to marry her, a role she detests. She and Frankie have to find their way through danger to be together. The characters are compelling and the story complex and interesting. There is a fair amount of explicit sex. I recommend this book as an action packed, steamy story you won't want to put down.

[T.P. Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mafia stories and this one was excellent. The suspense/action and romance were blended beautifully. The hero and heroine, Frankie and Sofia, were admirable and well-developed. I was drawn into the dangerous and exciting world of the mafia and enjoyed watching it all play out. I've never been to Pittsburgh, but the setting seemed very authentic. Great job by this debut author and I look forward to reading more from her.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia and Frankie is one fast-paced story that's overflowing with danger and drama. No shortage of fast action in this mafia themed romance. A page turner that you won't be able to put down. A great start to the series. I read a free arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Liz Ellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

She isn't a Maffia princess and he isn't your typical shoot-em-up gangster. Together they bring all the feels: heat, heart, jealousy, desire, need, and fear. For a romance junkie, like myself, it's a fun read.

It's a battle for love amid a power war between families that keeps you turning the pages.

[Emily Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firstborn Son was my first foray into mafioso romance. I loved the depth of the MCs and so many of the supporting characters. The action is gripping and I loved the easy writing style that kept the romance and action going. There is a lot of humor that keeps the story flowing. For anyone who's a fan of action packed Mafia romances / second chance romance books, I'd definitely recommend checking this book out!

Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy of this book.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent read. It felt like a typical mafia romance. It had a lot going on. There was both internal and external conflict which made the plot fast paced and interesting.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good mafia romance! I liked the tropes!
The pacing was nice!
I appreciated that it wasn’t all about the two married characters and the side characters actually had good roles.
I feel like their story isn’t over, so I will continue looking for more from this author!

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia 2nd chance romance. I enjoyed this book it was an easy read I could grab when wanting just to relax and read.
Frankie doesn't want to be in the family business but Sofie needs protection and to do that he may be who he hates.

[book_hangover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book, mainly because it’s a quick read. It’s something you can read in between your busy schedule.

Full Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CttuPvbS7...