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yazzy101's review against another edition
3.0
I really did quite enjoy this book. However it got quite slow during part two of the book. Part one was fantastic, it was paced well, had me engaged and I loved reading about Dominic and Alannah as kids, becoming unlikely friends and eventually falling in love. I also like that we sore quite a bit of Dominic's side of the story (mainly in part two) and learned a lot about their 'Family'.
The problem for me was that it focused too heavily on the wrong details, a little repetitive almost, it felt like they would say the same thing in a different way 5 times before they moved on, then I was five seconds before you'd hear too much about the next thing. Like I wanted to know more about the transition of things happening, the planning I suppose. It felt like the build up was minimal for a climatic event. Then when the event arrived you just wanted to move on.
I also didn't like that Alannah focused so much on what everyone else would think of her relationship with Dominic, especially when no one but her was mentioned in the book. I'm pretty sure she didn't even talk to anyone in the book besides Dominic (and her parents at the start, before the relationship began). It was like, who is judging you? You literally don't know anyone. And you haven't told anyone about your relationship yet so shut up.
I did like the story though. I liked the plot and if it had had a little more time and effort put into it, it could've been so much better.
Either way I did enjoy this book, but I'm glad I've finished it.
The problem for me was that it focused too heavily on the wrong details, a little repetitive almost, it felt like they would say the same thing in a different way 5 times before they moved on, then I was five seconds before you'd hear too much about the next thing. Like I wanted to know more about the transition of things happening, the planning I suppose. It felt like the build up was minimal for a climatic event. Then when the event arrived you just wanted to move on.
I also didn't like that Alannah focused so much on what everyone else would think of her relationship with Dominic, especially when no one but her was mentioned in the book. I'm pretty sure she didn't even talk to anyone in the book besides Dominic (and her parents at the start, before the relationship began). It was like, who is judging you? You literally don't know anyone. And you haven't told anyone about your relationship yet so shut up.
I did like the story though. I liked the plot and if it had had a little more time and effort put into it, it could've been so much better.
Either way I did enjoy this book, but I'm glad I've finished it.
bookkraves's review
4.0
I’m the kingpin, and you’re my queen
Damn book ended on a cliffhanger, but it's oh so good
Damn book ended on a cliffhanger, but it's oh so good
samnicholls12's review
4.0
Good start
Great mafia book, I've not read many but love the premise of first love reconnecting with the mafia background. Looking forward to reading the next one
Great mafia book, I've not read many but love the premise of first love reconnecting with the mafia background. Looking forward to reading the next one
_annreads's review
5.0
This was my first romantic, mafia novel written by a man where there was pretty good smut as well, like actual details and all. I loved it!
ezichinny's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book even though it lacked the usual angst that I love in these kinds of Mafioso romance.
Dominic Giovanni Collazo was shunned by his classmates and they tormented him by calling him “ugly Dominic”. When Alannah Sullivan arrived at his school, Dominic felt protective of her especially since the same kids were making fun of her as the new girl. It’s a new school half way into her fifth grade year, but Alannah was no stranger to starting over. After all, she has moved around a bit due to her father’s station in the military.
Dominic and Alannah struck up a friendship and were able to be safe place for each other. I love the time the author spend laying a foundation for young love. At the same time, we got to see the events that shaped Dominic’s life, which allowed us to understand his need for respect and dominance.
Alannah’s father gets transferred again, and the high school students get separated.
It’s been ten years since Dominic and Alannah last saw each other and now the 25 year olds are reunited. They have to learn each other again but the pace of the story moves much faster and it is also darker. It went from high school bullying to outright mob violence. Alannah has grown up with a certain value system as her father was an Air Force officer and Dominic’s new role in the Mob doesn’t quite fit into those beliefs and ethics. So it is a hard adjustment for them as they clearly love each other. The problem is now figuring out whether what they feel for each other is strong enough to withstand Dominic’s lifestyle.
I though the author did a really good job telling this story using a dual POV style. The writing was more suspenseful and less anguish in the second half. But there was definitely passion and emotion but the actual mob part of the story was as central as the romance. The balance of both made this story even more powerful and genuine. I felt like I understood where both characters were coming from. I liked Alannah because she wasn’t weak and pathetic. She just had so much love for the boy and man who had been her everything from age 10. Dominic was also likable because his youth shaped his need for respect and strength. His father was such an instrumental part of his life that it’s clear to see how he arrived to this point in his life. This was a solid beginning to really interesting story. I look forward to seeing where the author takes us on phase two of Alannah and Dominic’s journey.
*Special Thanks to Enticing Journey for the book given in exchange for an honest review*
Dominic Giovanni Collazo was shunned by his classmates and they tormented him by calling him “ugly Dominic”. When Alannah Sullivan arrived at his school, Dominic felt protective of her especially since the same kids were making fun of her as the new girl. It’s a new school half way into her fifth grade year, but Alannah was no stranger to starting over. After all, she has moved around a bit due to her father’s station in the military.
Dominic and Alannah struck up a friendship and were able to be safe place for each other. I love the time the author spend laying a foundation for young love. At the same time, we got to see the events that shaped Dominic’s life, which allowed us to understand his need for respect and dominance.
Alannah’s father gets transferred again, and the high school students get separated.
It’s been ten years since Dominic and Alannah last saw each other and now the 25 year olds are reunited. They have to learn each other again but the pace of the story moves much faster and it is also darker. It went from high school bullying to outright mob violence. Alannah has grown up with a certain value system as her father was an Air Force officer and Dominic’s new role in the Mob doesn’t quite fit into those beliefs and ethics. So it is a hard adjustment for them as they clearly love each other. The problem is now figuring out whether what they feel for each other is strong enough to withstand Dominic’s lifestyle.
I though the author did a really good job telling this story using a dual POV style. The writing was more suspenseful and less anguish in the second half. But there was definitely passion and emotion but the actual mob part of the story was as central as the romance. The balance of both made this story even more powerful and genuine. I felt like I understood where both characters were coming from. I liked Alannah because she wasn’t weak and pathetic. She just had so much love for the boy and man who had been her everything from age 10. Dominic was also likable because his youth shaped his need for respect and strength. His father was such an instrumental part of his life that it’s clear to see how he arrived to this point in his life. This was a solid beginning to really interesting story. I look forward to seeing where the author takes us on phase two of Alannah and Dominic’s journey.
*Special Thanks to Enticing Journey for the book given in exchange for an honest review*
angelastl's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad book. Starts off a little slow. But it helps build the relationship between Dominic and Alannah. Good story line. Wish the chemistry between the characters was a little stronger. But overall pretty good book.
somanybooksineedmoretime's review against another edition
3.0
Method: ebook
Rating: 3/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Dominic
h rating: 3/5 - Alannah
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: First from author - I need more heat though!
nbiblioholic's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first book I've read from this author and it was a good introduction to his work.
What I liked:
~ the history of Alannah and Dominic's friendship and later relationship
~ the little points of suspense
~ Dominic. I loved this boy from the start. Nothing like an underdog, the bullied, to grow up not only beautiful but successful
~ Dominic's relationship with his father. Boy did he idolize that man
~ the way that Alannah and Dominic seemed to re-connect instantly
There were other little things that I liked, but these were the important ones.
I did want more information about what happened in their lives during their time apart, such as what happened to Dominic's mom. It felt like things were left a little unfinished with some parts of the storyline. However, overall, it was an enjoyable read.
XO
What I liked:
~ the history of Alannah and Dominic's friendship and later relationship
~ the little points of suspense
~ Dominic. I loved this boy from the start. Nothing like an underdog, the bullied, to grow up not only beautiful but successful
~ Dominic's relationship with his father. Boy did he idolize that man
~ the way that Alannah and Dominic seemed to re-connect instantly
There were other little things that I liked, but these were the important ones.
I did want more information about what happened in their lives during their time apart, such as what happened to Dominic's mom. It felt like things were left a little unfinished with some parts of the storyline. However, overall, it was an enjoyable read.
XO
isalavinia's review against another edition
1.0
Great premise, very poor execution.
The dialogue read like something written by a 12 year old attempting fanfic for the first time, there was no character development, and the relationship was so superficial... no deep feelings anywhere, no romance, the sex was just like 'and then they fucked', honestly how is this even advertised as romance?
The dialogue read like something written by a 12 year old attempting fanfic for the first time, there was no character development, and the relationship was so superficial... no deep feelings anywhere, no romance, the sex was just like 'and then they fucked', honestly how is this even advertised as romance?
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