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From My Past
Being the Second-in-Command of the Irish Clan Mafia in Boston meant my life was not my own. It wasn’t until I met her, Talia, that I truly wanted to care for another person. But I couldn’t be with her. Not as I wanted to, anyway. There weren’t any rules against me keeping her safe. So, I put a guard on her to make sure. Only he didn’t do his job.When a stroke of luck brings us together again, I vow to protect her in each and every way I can.Kieron was like trying to hold onto a tornado; dangerous and chaotic. A whirlwind that left me breathless. He liked me for me and that was something I’ve not had a lot of in my life.When he left me that morning without a way to contact him, I moved on to someone else. Someone I thought would keep me safe. I couldn’t have been more wrong.I should have known that no one would have kept me safer than my Irish Knight.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
173 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 23, 2022
Not your typical Mafia book
Ok this is a new to me author and when I saw an tik tok about this book I was sucked in. I rate this a solid 4 ⭐️. The plot is solid and the spice is a 3 outta 5. There are definitely some triggers and I’m not sure if I saw any warnings, however I don’t have any other than cheating so be aware this book has DV and talks of past SA, along with emotional and verbal abuse. Not from our amazing MMC, but from an Ex.
This book is about 2 people that are soulmates but just met at the wrong time. They do get their second chance though and they definitely make the most of it. he falls first and hard. He actually fell for her 5 years ago but was unable to claim her. This is a mafia book however, I’m gonna be honest, it was unlike the hundreds of other mafia books I’ve read. Like it literally broke all the mafia rules.
The MMC father is the head of the Irish Mafia in Boston and they call him Skipper for his title. I have never ever heard of that term used in reference to any mafia let alone the Irish mafia. And they freely discuss the mafia business with out FMC and actively involved her, even when it was part of the set up plan. That is like the biggest mafia no no. But I’ll say I found it utterly refreshing! I am so tired of weak FMC’s. Seriously our amazing MMC wants her to have ALL the choices and even encourages her to have her dream job. That is what’s up! Also, there was no talk of arranged marriages and the Mafia father was just like yeah son marry your girl asap. They also started a war over a girl our man only spent 1 night with 5 years ago? Really?!
Now, the icks …. I felt the end was rushed and unfinished like. I wanted and needed more of their future in the epilogue as well. I was waiting for the Skipper to beam with pride that his DIL not only came up with the plan to foil the Italians but also that she fought for her life and ended the entire situation with her abuser. He commented on her being strong. Umm dear sir…you should have been blown away by her loyalty, strength and courage! She was a warrior. She didn’t want you to lose anyone. She did her part without a second thought, in fact she insisted! But he did welcome her with open arms so we give credit for that!
Definitely, a good read and I’m definitely going back to read the other book Alina wrote.
Ok this is a new to me author and when I saw an tik tok about this book I was sucked in. I rate this a solid 4 ⭐️. The plot is solid and the spice is a 3 outta 5. There are definitely some triggers and I’m not sure if I saw any warnings, however I don’t have any other than cheating so be aware this book has DV and talks of past SA, along with emotional and verbal abuse. Not from our amazing MMC, but from an Ex.
This book is about 2 people that are soulmates but just met at the wrong time. They do get their second chance though and they definitely make the most of it. he falls first and hard. He actually fell for her 5 years ago but was unable to claim her. This is a mafia book however, I’m gonna be honest, it was unlike the hundreds of other mafia books I’ve read. Like it literally broke all the mafia rules.
The MMC father is the head of the Irish Mafia in Boston and they call him Skipper for his title. I have never ever heard of that term used in reference to any mafia let alone the Irish mafia. And they freely discuss the mafia business with out FMC and actively involved her, even when it was part of the set up plan. That is like the biggest mafia no no. But I’ll say I found it utterly refreshing! I am so tired of weak FMC’s. Seriously our amazing MMC wants her to have ALL the choices and even encourages her to have her dream job. That is what’s up! Also, there was no talk of arranged marriages and the Mafia father was just like yeah son marry your girl asap. They also started a war over a girl our man only spent 1 night with 5 years ago? Really?!
Now, the icks …. I felt the end was rushed and unfinished like. I wanted and needed more of their future in the epilogue as well. I was waiting for the Skipper to beam with pride that his DIL not only came up with the plan to foil the Italians but also that she fought for her life and ended the entire situation with her abuser. He commented on her being strong. Umm dear sir…you should have been blown away by her loyalty, strength and courage! She was a warrior. She didn’t want you to lose anyone. She did her part without a second thought, in fact she insisted! But he did welcome her with open arms so we give credit for that!
Definitely, a good read and I’m definitely going back to read the other book Alina wrote.
January 1, 2023
From My Past, a Mafia novel by @alina.martyn1 that is beyond amazing.
This novel is a mafia novel that for once is not revolving around the Italian Mafia. I mean the Italian Mafia is there but it is not the main thing.
Plot, the plot of this novel literally keeps you at your toes the entire time, from chapter one till the epilogue, you are drawn into the novel through every word.
Cliffhangers, THE WHOLE BOOK IS FILLED WITH CLIFFHANGERS. One moment you think someone is getting kidnapped the next were in a sky high building. Literally, there is so much going on that makes you want to keep reading to know the real truth.
Spice, here is the thing, there are scenes where the seggsy seggsy is up the roof, while the other scenes could be a small hand hold that makes you want to cry from how wholesome it is. I loved also how is was so realistic and not just oh hey were having an ocean coming out of your ho0ha.
Details, EVERYTHING IS DETAILS, THE BOOK IS DETAILS. *whispers* I'm loving manbuns because of this novel.
The book had so many details that I could easily forget that I am actually reading on my couch and that I'm not in Boston.
Emotions, I cried, I laughed, I teared up, I chocked up, I pouted. So many emotions were going on as I was reading.
I could relate a lot to the FMC. Not every writer could manage to write characters that could make you relate with the characters. But Alina, did an amazing job doing so. She also did an amazing job handling DV and did not prologue certain scenes to an extent where you would feel uncomfortable reading it.
I loved how this novel wasn't focused on the Mafia did this and the Mafia did that. The way the book was more focused on being a badass and being a strong person, healing, putting someone ahead of yourself. That is what this novel has.
I really would love you guys giving this book a read and a chance, because it is so freaking worth it.
Not part of a review, but do become friends with this author, because she is the sweetest heart you could ever meet.
Thank you Alina for giving me the chance to be a part of your team and becoming a sister to me <3
This novel is a mafia novel that for once is not revolving around the Italian Mafia. I mean the Italian Mafia is there but it is not the main thing.
Plot, the plot of this novel literally keeps you at your toes the entire time, from chapter one till the epilogue, you are drawn into the novel through every word.
Cliffhangers, THE WHOLE BOOK IS FILLED WITH CLIFFHANGERS. One moment you think someone is getting kidnapped the next were in a sky high building. Literally, there is so much going on that makes you want to keep reading to know the real truth.
Spice, here is the thing, there are scenes where the seggsy seggsy is up the roof, while the other scenes could be a small hand hold that makes you want to cry from how wholesome it is. I loved also how is was so realistic and not just oh hey were having an ocean coming out of your ho0ha.
Details, EVERYTHING IS DETAILS, THE BOOK IS DETAILS. *whispers* I'm loving manbuns because of this novel.
The book had so many details that I could easily forget that I am actually reading on my couch and that I'm not in Boston.
Emotions, I cried, I laughed, I teared up, I chocked up, I pouted. So many emotions were going on as I was reading.
I could relate a lot to the FMC. Not every writer could manage to write characters that could make you relate with the characters. But Alina, did an amazing job doing so. She also did an amazing job handling DV and did not prologue certain scenes to an extent where you would feel uncomfortable reading it.
I loved how this novel wasn't focused on the Mafia did this and the Mafia did that. The way the book was more focused on being a badass and being a strong person, healing, putting someone ahead of yourself. That is what this novel has.
I really would love you guys giving this book a read and a chance, because it is so freaking worth it.
Not part of a review, but do become friends with this author, because she is the sweetest heart you could ever meet.
Thank you Alina for giving me the chance to be a part of your team and becoming a sister to me <3
December 23, 2022
From My Past by Alina Martyn was my first, proper mafia, dark romance. I've read villainous historical romances, and some bikers/gang contemporary novels, but none had this level of physical, verbal, and domestic abuse.
I was hesitant to read at first, but Talia and Kieran's story made it all worthwhile. And that is thanks to the way Alina wrote Talia's journey.
From her initial relationship with the truly horrific Luca to her eventual return to Kieran, her savior but also partner, the way Alina illustrated how much Luca had changed Talia's way of life and self-image was heartbreaking because she made you understand that Talia truly thought she had no other way to survive.
Kieran rescues her and offers to keep her safe and protected, and for a moment you think she's traded one mafioso for another. But Kieran celebrates the things that made Talia Talia and helps her understand that he truly loves her with no strings attached—the choice to stay or leave will always be up to her.
I really loved this love story, from Talia's love for all things STEM, to how she discovers who she really is and embraces herself 100% to Kieran's adorable way of taking care of her, while at the same time showing no mercy to the man who made her life a living hell. And I hope his friend Trent has a book coming up next—that man NEEDS his own story!
I would definitely recommend From My Past to others, but please heed the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I was hesitant to read at first, but Talia and Kieran's story made it all worthwhile. And that is thanks to the way Alina wrote Talia's journey.
From her initial relationship with the truly horrific Luca to her eventual return to Kieran, her savior but also partner, the way Alina illustrated how much Luca had changed Talia's way of life and self-image was heartbreaking because she made you understand that Talia truly thought she had no other way to survive.
Kieran rescues her and offers to keep her safe and protected, and for a moment you think she's traded one mafioso for another. But Kieran celebrates the things that made Talia Talia and helps her understand that he truly loves her with no strings attached—the choice to stay or leave will always be up to her.
I really loved this love story, from Talia's love for all things STEM, to how she discovers who she really is and embraces herself 100% to Kieran's adorable way of taking care of her, while at the same time showing no mercy to the man who made her life a living hell. And I hope his friend Trent has a book coming up next—that man NEEDS his own story!
I would definitely recommend From My Past to others, but please heed the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 22, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mafia Romance // Second Chance // Stanalone
From My Past is Alina’s newest release and tells the story of Kieron and Talia.
As always, please check your trigger warnings before diving in.
I really enjoyed this story and loved Talia and Kieron’s chemistry from the get go. One unforgettable night together is all it was ever supposed to be but fate had another plan.
When Talia and Kieron finally find each other again, their chemistry is still burning bright and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even if that means starting a war with the Italian Mafia.
I love everything about Kieron. He is a tall, muscley tattooed babe, a badass with the softest heart. He is loving and affectionate and takes his time with Talia, which is nice to read about after everything she had been through.
Talia really went through it all and my heart broke for her. It was nice to see her find herself again and to have someone love her like she deserved.
If you’re after a quick Mafia read, I’d definitely check this out!
~ TRIGGER WARNINGS ~
Graphic scenes // Violence // Mention of SA // Mentions of Human Trafficking
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mafia Romance // Second Chance // Stanalone
From My Past is Alina’s newest release and tells the story of Kieron and Talia.
As always, please check your trigger warnings before diving in.
I really enjoyed this story and loved Talia and Kieron’s chemistry from the get go. One unforgettable night together is all it was ever supposed to be but fate had another plan.
When Talia and Kieron finally find each other again, their chemistry is still burning bright and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even if that means starting a war with the Italian Mafia.
I love everything about Kieron. He is a tall, muscley tattooed babe, a badass with the softest heart. He is loving and affectionate and takes his time with Talia, which is nice to read about after everything she had been through.
Talia really went through it all and my heart broke for her. It was nice to see her find herself again and to have someone love her like she deserved.
If you’re after a quick Mafia read, I’d definitely check this out!
~ TRIGGER WARNINGS ~
Graphic scenes // Violence // Mention of SA // Mentions of Human Trafficking
April 20, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5★ | Spice: 3.5/5
Mafia Romance
I truly enjoyed Talia and Kieron's love story. From when they first met to when they found each other again. It was love at first sight. Fate separated them but then brought them back together. In that time that was lost, there were so much heartache and pain.
Talia is a SURVIVOR, a WARRIOR, and although she has moments of weaknesses.. she ultimately fought for what she deserved. Even when times she couldn’t, Kieron fought for her. Kieron is a bad mafia alpha but the complete opposite with Talia. He loves, dotes, and truly cares for everything Talia needs and wants. I totally SWOONED over him.
Their love story was heartbreaking but also beautiful. They found and fixed each other. Kieron ensure of that and he never wavered. Totally melted my heart.
**This story is a relatable story. To truly appreciate it, try to place yourself in the FMC position and feel her story through there as oppose to just reading over it. I promise you, it makes the story more understandable.
Mafia Romance
I truly enjoyed Talia and Kieron's love story. From when they first met to when they found each other again. It was love at first sight. Fate separated them but then brought them back together. In that time that was lost, there were so much heartache and pain.
Talia is a SURVIVOR, a WARRIOR, and although she has moments of weaknesses.. she ultimately fought for what she deserved. Even when times she couldn’t, Kieron fought for her. Kieron is a bad mafia alpha but the complete opposite with Talia. He loves, dotes, and truly cares for everything Talia needs and wants. I totally SWOONED over him.
Their love story was heartbreaking but also beautiful. They found and fixed each other. Kieron ensure of that and he never wavered. Totally melted my heart.
**This story is a relatable story. To truly appreciate it, try to place yourself in the FMC position and feel her story through there as oppose to just reading over it. I promise you, it makes the story more understandable.
July 6, 2023
The author was kind of enough to send me and arc copy to read. This was a mafia romance that I couldn’t put down. The connection that main characters shared had me hooked. I don’t normally have triggers however I found out I actually do now and it’s DV. It was mainly in the beginning but I felt myself wanting to defend the FMC and found myself getting angry. There are some triggers within this book so be aware of that however is was written so well that truthfully I found it mild. Alina did a phenomenal job writing the love story bc I immediately fell in love with the connection the FMC and MMC shared. It was strong, supportive and absolutely beautiful. Overall I gave this book a solid 4 ⭐️ definitly worth the read!
September 22, 2023
Id pass on this one. I dnf at 70%. There were several missing words and spelling mistakes. The placement of the people never made sense. One moment they write that he wasnt anywhere near her ear but then whispering in her ear in the next sentence. Checking for bombs under the car but the very next sentence they're flying down the interstate. Details drove me crazy, like having hair close to her butt, but only needing one box of hair dye. Or dying her hair within 3 min. Or the fact that her ex wanted her unalived but his lacky snuck into her appt and planted a cell and chose to not unalive her while shes sleeping? Unfortunately i was laughing about the ridiculousness of some of this and just decided to be done. I dont think mafia was the right direction with this author.
March 24, 2023
I wanted to like this book. There was a lot of potential with the plot. The MCs seemed like they were great for the “not the right time” option.
BUT
There were enough issues with grammar, punctuation, spelling, words missing, and switching between past & present that it became distracting. I think a few more passes with editing and it could be bumped up. But as it stands, I found myself flipping to another book I was reading more often as I got deeper into the book.
This is a mafia romance book and comes with all the things that make a mafia romance. Brutality between rivals. Explicit sëx. DV/SA are plot points and necessary for the story so beware of those before you pick this up.
BUT
There were enough issues with grammar, punctuation, spelling, words missing, and switching between past & present that it became distracting. I think a few more passes with editing and it could be bumped up. But as it stands, I found myself flipping to another book I was reading more often as I got deeper into the book.
This is a mafia romance book and comes with all the things that make a mafia romance. Brutality between rivals. Explicit sëx. DV/SA are plot points and necessary for the story so beware of those before you pick this up.
December 28, 2022
I was pulled into this second chance mafia romance. I read a lot of series and needed a good standalone to read and this was perfect for that. The male main character may be the morally grey second to the Irish mafia, but he is nothing but sweet and caring to Talia. If you like the caring/protective/supportive type that helps the female main character work through a painful past, this is the book for you.
April 9, 2023
Soooo thrilled to have read this! Full of suspense, drama, action, Oye! The steam…🥵 it had it all. And I don’t like mafia books. This one though made it so light that tbh you’d never know you were reading a mafia book. It’s not the center point of the plot and I loved that! I also loved how Kieron is not that stereotypical alpha male. Yes, he was strong and protective, but he wasn’t overly aggressive and alpha. It was refreshing to see a tough guy who had heart! I’m excited for book 2.
December 19, 2023
Italian mafia vs Irish mafia.
Talia never liked being the blonde barbie, she preferred being different. And loved working on machinery. A chance meeting at a college party with Kieron was magical but he was no where to be scene again.
Talia then fell for Mr Wrong in Luca. It all seemed sweet in the beginning. But after a tragic night that left her needing Lucas help, it all began to change.
Second chance meeting or planned meeting from Kieron’s end gives Talia the out and help she needs. But will this lead to an all out Mafia War.
Absolutely loved In my Past. Trigger warnings so please read first.
Talia never liked being the blonde barbie, she preferred being different. And loved working on machinery. A chance meeting at a college party with Kieron was magical but he was no where to be scene again.
Talia then fell for Mr Wrong in Luca. It all seemed sweet in the beginning. But after a tragic night that left her needing Lucas help, it all began to change.
Second chance meeting or planned meeting from Kieron’s end gives Talia the out and help she needs. But will this lead to an all out Mafia War.
Absolutely loved In my Past. Trigger warnings so please read first.
February 23, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I was engrossed enough to finish the entire book. However, there were so many writing errors. There were errors in punctuation, bad word placement in sentences, words that were clearly not meant to be used, and so on. It was kind of annoying. I don’t know if a book editor proofreads but this author should most definitely find a new editor and have a few people proofread before publishing.
June 26, 2024
a good read
This was a good read. I love Kieron and Talia’s story. From the night they had in college to when he saved her from her abusive ex boyfriend to when they end up happily married, this story made me so happy. Talia stood up for herself and made sure that she would never have to deal with Luca again. There were some minor spelling and writing issues but overall good book.
This was a good read. I love Kieron and Talia’s story. From the night they had in college to when he saved her from her abusive ex boyfriend to when they end up happily married, this story made me so happy. Talia stood up for herself and made sure that she would never have to deal with Luca again. There were some minor spelling and writing issues but overall good book.
October 15, 2023
1/5
I hate when authors write books that keep going in circles or repeat the same stuff over and over multiple times. 75% of the book I literally skipped through because they were repeating the same junk. Please come up with better storyline or just make these books a short story. Complete waste of my time.
I hate when authors write books that keep going in circles or repeat the same stuff over and over multiple times. 75% of the book I literally skipped through because they were repeating the same junk. Please come up with better storyline or just make these books a short story. Complete waste of my time.
March 21, 2024
The story line was good, and the spice was definitely there. However…. For the love of god, hire an editor. Misspelled words, switching mid-sentence from 1st to 3rd person, parts of sentences that seem like they were reworded but the originally wording also left in, etc. A few mistakes, sure - but every few pages for the entire book? Made it annoying and nearly DNF.
December 28, 2022
it switches between past a present tense constantly
The story is pretty good but the sheer number of times the characters roll their eyes and the grammar and tense errors are distracting.
The story is pretty good but the sheer number of times the characters roll their eyes and the grammar and tense errors are distracting.
October 17, 2023
it’s okay
Storyline is decent. However, the way it’s written the timeline is confusing. Also, I’m usually not one to pick on grammatical errors but this is full of them. Words out of order, past and present tense used in the same sentence, not just punctuation stuff.
Storyline is decent. However, the way it’s written the timeline is confusing. Also, I’m usually not one to pick on grammatical errors but this is full of them. Words out of order, past and present tense used in the same sentence, not just punctuation stuff.
October 22, 2023
good story
There’s typos on nearly every page I gave up fixing them. Some holes in the story that didn’t go anywhere or get resolved. But otherwise if you don’t mind a lot of typos it’s a good story.
There’s typos on nearly every page I gave up fixing them. Some holes in the story that didn’t go anywhere or get resolved. But otherwise if you don’t mind a lot of typos it’s a good story.
December 21, 2024
Started great and fell flat. I was bored. Struggled to finish. The characters were not developed and the story was not executed well. The grammar and spelling went out the window about 1/2 way though.
May 9, 2025
Should have DNF. Skipping pages just trying to finish it. Another TikTok fail. Nothing horribly wrong with the book. Just not very good / extremely predictable and won’t remember anything about it in a week.
Read
July 22, 2023DNF at 33%
October 11, 2023
I’m sorry but this book was just not it for me.
December 16, 2023
i don’t care what ANYONE says. if you mark this book anything under 5 ⭐️ we have problems
January 14, 2024
The writing was meh, the plot was meh. Everything was too slow or too fast. For a mafia it was beyond unrealistic.
February 19, 2024
I really liked this book and loved how Kieron was head over heals for Talia.🖤
February 28, 2024
I want more of the Irish!! Lol
September 15, 2024
Just the right amount of spice and protection.
April 10, 2025
This book was amazing! So much story, plot. Could not put the book down once I started it, looking forward to the rest of the series!
May 23, 2025
amazing
I absolutely love this story and can’t wait to read the next! I hope it’s just as good if not better!
I absolutely love this story and can’t wait to read the next! I hope it’s just as good if not better!
May 24, 2025
I couldn’t finish it after 37%.
DNF.
DNF.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews