“A Russo wanted what he wanted, and once he did it was practically his. You do stupid s**t, you get killed. That’s how the world works.” And Nic’s not stupid …
I’m really late to the party on this series and author Lori Danielle, but owe it all to a GR friend who insisted I read all 3 books ASAP. For that, I’m eternally grateful and would never have found my way here otherwise. Words can hardly express how deeply the romance enveloped and breathed into me. Maybe this review will inspire the same in you.
“There was always some vice that eventually killed a Russo. I was beginning to think mine was Elena Abelli.”
Mafia romances are my killer weakness. The more conflicts and the darker, the better. It needs to get down, dirty and messy, before it cleans up. Ruthless Nic Russo (29) heads one of New York’s Italian crime families, and always gets what he wants. It looks like that might be the luscious “Sweet Abelli” – eldest daughter of a rival mobster -- after they keep crossing paths. Quiet and demure Elena Abelli (21) always does what’s expected of her, never questions orders, dates her father’s choice in men, and never rocks the boat. She’s never had a chance to explore who she is and what she really wants, so maybe – just maybe – she’s not the “Sweet Abelli” after all, and her desires are of a darker and more untamed nature. That’s a lot of “nevers” for a curious and restless young woman.
“Don’t follow men into dark corners. Next time, you might not get out alive.”
Nic is mob-contracted to marry Elena’s sister, but it’s a terrible match. S**t happens. It doesn’t work out, and Nic settles for the other Abelli daughter -- Elena -- in a twist of fate with far-reaching implications and complications. Very soon, Elena assumes that tatted Nic’s gentleman act is all smoke and mirrors. He’s the youngest sitting don and unnerves her in every way with a lucky Ace of Spades tattoo on his arm. There’s still a vatful of bad blood between the families, despite this marital truce, but the couple has chemistry with a capital “K” for kryptonite. “Assuming” is what the MCs do best to each other throughout the book. It may be set in the sadistically savage mob world, but it’s ALL about the romance.
“You make me f____ crazy.” ~~ “Don’t blame me for your psychosis.” ~~ “You are my psychosis.”
This stubborn pair frustrated the jack right out of me. All she thought about was her lust for Nic, but once promised to him and married, the little brat finds her spark and voice and RESISTS. Their contentious dynamic was unrelenting and so intense – the whole build-up, seduction, tease and first sex scene – I almost couldn’t take it. It was sublime perfection. I loved Elena’s funny, slogan t-shirts, Nic’s OTT possessiveness and jealousy, and how they changed each other. Theirs was a sensual and sexy dance that had my head spinning like a top and thoroughly bewitched.
“If I find out that you’ve touched another man, there is nothing in this world that could save him.” … you best listen up Elena.
“I was a convenience. His second choice.” … the lies we tell ourselves. No you’re not.
“I’d let him inside. And now I’d never get him out.” … the power and seduction of being at another’s mercy with one’s feelings.
“For the first time in my life, I felt free to be me … to fall in love.”
“I wanted to make him burn as much as he made me. I wanted him to want only me with a raw ache.”
“I would make this girl want me, need me, love me.”
I wanted to weep when it was over … so I immediately dove into the next book in the series. Go! Read this book. It was everything. [Side note: “gaze sparked” – a phrase used too often to express emotion]
“Whisky and flame. Sleepless nights. Tattooed skin, white t-shirts, and rough hands. Love and lust and happiness. He was everything.”
The Sweetest Oblivion (Made Book 1)
4.5 | 52,499 ratings
Price: 3.99
Last update: 09-06-2024
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Top reviews from the United States
Cynema
LOVE IN GANGSTER’S PARADISE … HER MOTH TO HIS FLAME
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2021
Kay
was good ????
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
Peggy M
OMG!! I loved it! I’m so happy that I finally decided to give this book a try!
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020