Twisted Pride by Cora Reilly

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Cora Reilly doesn’t just write books. She spins literary gold in mafia form and this was no exception.

If you’re familiar with Cora’s other masterpieces you’ll know that Remo Falcone is the most warped, psychotic, and intriguing character that has been mentioned throughout her series. Prior to reading this book I was curious to see how she’d be able to twist this monster of a man into someone you’d want to see happy. And what female character she would possibly craft that could take on such a villain. Worry not my book buddies! Cora has everything beautifully and masterfully under control.

What can I say about Remo that I haven’t already hinted at? He’s more monster than man. Feels little-to-no pain and does not fear death. He’s obsessively, fiercly protective and loyal to his brothers and nothing else. As capo he rules the mafia underworld with barbaric violence and shows no mercy. In an attempt to retaliate against the Cavallaros in Chicago (they breached his territory) he abducts the capo’s niece (Dante is capo of Chicago) on her wedding day.

I won’t give away too much more but the bride-to-be isn’t a fainting wallflower that Remo can use and throw away once his game is won.

Brilliant story, twisted characters, and so much fun! Enjoy book friends!



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Ghost by A. Zavarelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love a solid ‘mobster lobster” love story? I had to deduct a star for the sheer horrific damage and torture that Talia endured. It was so horrific it made any type of growth/healing unrealistic. Wow-wow-wow! Prepare yourselves folks because her story is brutal.

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Crow by A. Zavarelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good Lord. I didn’t anticipate enjoying this story as much as I did. I’d classify this book as grade A, sink-your-teeth-into, delicious mobster lobster awesomeness! Deception, gunfights, strippers, tequila shots and hot Irishmen. What more could you ask for? Also- kuddos to the author for having the best music references that enhanced certain scenes. The “Burning Desire” song by Lana Del Ray was a brilliant music choice by Mackenzie.

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Crow’s Row by Julie Hockley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can you believe I’ve neglected this fantastic book for months? The poor little darling has sat on my “Want to Read” list since February 5th!!! Finally on November 27th I finally dove in head-first and within 2 days devoured every last sentence!

FAIR WARNING-
I’m going to highly recommend that you read this book but you should know going into the series that it’s INCOMPLETE! That’s right. The second installment came out back in 2014 and the 3rd book is still listed as “Untitled”. You’ve been warned.

Cameron is the top, top boss of THE underground crime ring in the US with influence in other countries. He’s cunning and every decision he makes is calculated and controlled. Cameron is described as handsome with an edge. Oh, and he’s also filthy rich from the dirty money he generates through is various illegal ventures. Emily Sheppherd…not sure how to describe her. According to the character herself she has shockingly bright red hair (natural), skinny to the point of being unattractive and lacking curves. She’s got ruddy skin that’s pale and speckled with freckles. Born into wealth she’s abandoned that life and lives in dingy group housing for college students while attending school on a merit-based scholarship. Throughout the book other characters describe Emily as strikingly gorgeous and eye-catching. Emily is a self-imposed loner and a virgin who abandons relationships the moment things get serious.

Without Cameron and the other supporting characters this book would have been a bust for me. Emily’s personality did not resonate with me and she retreats within herself whenever things get difficult.

The plot explores both the grotesque opulence of the wealthy and the desolate circumstances of the poor. Rivety tale of two individuals born into opposite worlds who find solice in each other.

Highly recommend. Dive in and enjoy this book!

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Devotion by Fiona Davenport
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The last book of the Mafia Ties series. I’ve overlooked the rushed nature of the first 2 books- assuming that the author was intentionally omitting scenes in an effort to keep the books brief. However this latest installment felt uncomfortably rushed. Both Nic DeLuca and Anna Martin are in their early 20’s and their reasons (mostly Nic’s insistence) for such a harried romance was beyond reasonable understanding.

Anna Martin is the poster child for a weak and passive woman. She’s sacrificed any say in her own life, body and future in exchange for a pretty face. Several times throughout the story I shook my head at her character. Just once I wanted her grow a backbone and stand up for herself. What a cliche that the girl that just wants to be married and have babies is such a puppet. Enrich the story by developing a symbiotic relationship whereas Nic can be dominate for his mobster by feeding off Anna’s strength at home!!!

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Danger by Fiona Davenport
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second installment of Fiona Davenport‘s Mafia Ties series. I’ll make my review short and sweet (just like the book).

This story is a tad light on the gritty mafia life but it’s still enjoyable. If for no other reason- you should read this book for the amazing oral sex scene! Nic DeLuca has clearly discovered the best wake-up call… EVER. I’m not a morning person but I assure you that I’d wake up happy if I was Nic’s lady!

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Deception by Fiona Davenport
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deception is the first of a 3 book series. In this story our lovely lady is Anna Martin a soft spoken, docile nanny. Our alpha male role is played by Nic DeLuca, mob boss.

This story is short, sweet and to the point. Nic interviews Anna for a nanny position and instead decides to make her his wife. Anna is young, innocent and still living with her parents. I’ve got to pass judgement on her parents at their (lack of) reaction to the swift turn of events in their daughter’s situation. Within 2 days she’s swept from their home to live with an unknown man. WTF- Nic performed a background check on Anna but no research is done into this enigmatic character who changes the job posting after seeing their daughter’s cleavage? PARENTING FAIL

Alas, I’ve decided to forgive the holes in the plot and assume the author omitted things in an effort to keep the story brief.

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The Missing Link by J.M. Sevilla
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This review will be brief. The characters didn’t excite me nor were they endearing. Perhaps it’s because Lily came across as too juvenile. Example- I really didn’t enjoy the fact that she lives with her mother. Yes, she just broke up with an abusive ex but perhaps the author could have written Lily’s character move in with a friend? Also, her character seemed to be a bit of an oxymoron. She’s a gun-toting sharp shooter which (in my experience) gives an individual a certain level of confidence and self esteem. This didn’t compute with her meek and abused girlfriend persona. She’s frightened for her safety yet she has this awesome talent that -if used correctly- would protect her from harm. Curious…

Jay’s character was larger than life and skated the fine line between awesomely talented and such a skilled assassin that it wasn’t believable.

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