Melissa Ellen

Mafia at its Finest

If I ever had to choose a sub-genre in romance that was my favorite it would be mafia. There is just something about the dark undertones knowing that the characters are teetering on the precipice of being good and bad. Nothing is black and white in Mafia. They are considered criminal and yet live by a sense of loyalty that is not often felt to the same degree in other cultures. Loyalty is demanded and I love to watch the characters vacillate how to stay loyal while also show more being loyal to love.

This author took these elements and ran with them. The prologue sucked me in and had me on the edge of my seat. She made my heart soar with how well this was done. I am very picky about mafia BECAUSE it is my favorite and she did not disappoint. I kept trying to figure out how this was going to have a happy ending considering loyalty was being tested and how the prologue had ended so it was nice to read a book that kept me guessing. The storyline was plausible, the characters were great (even the secondary ones) and I was thoroughly invested in seeing how this story was going to pan out. Mario and Lena were perfect together. The flashback scenes were great and one in particular really book-ended the story in the conclusion.

I hope there are plans to continue this story and talk about other characters. My interest is really piqued by Agent Rhodes and wants to see more of her. I also really need Gia's story.

This is a new to me author but I can say now that i am a fan and will be looking for future releases from her. show less

Lottie is back in her home town of Billingsley 12 years after she left to sort out the family farm her mother left her after she passed. She needs help doing up the house in order to sell it and unfortunately Tucker is the guy to help her and that means dealing with her past and what caused her to leave 12 years ago. The characters are great and there is plenty of laughter, sadness and everything in between as we see both Lottie and Tucker navigate their feelings from the past and now. This show more is a great start to the series and getting to know the characters that make up Billingsley which leaves you wanting to know more about everyone and seeing who gets the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less

It is finally Wes's turn and I really enjoyed finally getting to know him better as well as getting to know Devin although I did feel sorry for her as there was the cloud of her cousin hanging over her, but that also made it more intriguing with what would happen between her and Wes. There are plenty of ups and downs as well as frustrating times mainly with Wes but Devin could test you at times too which I loved as you connected with the characters so much more. This was a fantastic addition show more to the series and was great to also catch up with everyone from the other books in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less

A delightful second-chance romance. Hannah and Billy were absolutely made for each other a number of events and miscommunications really required them to work for it.
I often get annoyed with stories when the entire conflict could be completely resolved with a simple conversation. This story, however, was not like that. Yes there were miscommunications but also some very real and horribly unfortunate situations. I liked the way their conflict was finally resolved and not drawn out forever. show more
Narration by Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross was fantastic. Sarah is becoming one of my favorites. show less