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35 reviews for:

Off the Record

Kristen Proby

4.0 AVERAGE

mdlynprsrpn_'s profile picture

mdlynprsrpn_'s review

4.25
dark hopeful tense

My most anticipated couple finally got their story. And dare I say, it’s my favorite of the entire series. This one's delivered and was hands-down the perfect way to wrap things up.

Rafe and Annika’s story was the perfect way to close out the Martinelli trilogy. It was slow burn, high stakes, and packed with emotional payoff. Their shared past added depth to every moment, and the chemistry od decade-long tension that finally exploded into steam was so very worth the wait. Despite coming from rival crime families, their love never faded, and now with danger circling, they’re done holding back especially when both families are now united and are in a good term.

Kristen Proby wrapped this series with no loose ends, giving us a satisfying blend of suspense, romance, and found family warmth. The whole crew—brothers, partners, and all—came together in a way that felt both epic and intimate. The twists kept me guessing, the ending surprised me, and the epilogue gave just enough closure while leaving room to dream. I’ll miss these characters more than I expected. 🖤

The one particular scene that had me sobbing and smiling and burst out of joy and happiness is when Rafe is go down to one knee in front of Annika and he explain that the diamond on the ring of itself come from the combination of their mothers, her aunt, his grandma, and her best friend's mother jewelry, which mean their now became a unity one family. It makes the found family was truly pronounce and meaningful. On top of that, major appreciation to Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon for narrating this book. Their narration was the glue that held this story together. It was nuanced, expressive, and quietly powerful. They made every scene hit harder, and I couldn’t have asked for a better pair to voice these characters.

Overall, this series was a fun ride. It’s refreshing to dive into a mafia romance that’s not too dark but still packs suspense, tension, and broody but still have soft spot when it came to their family and women men. Unique, intense, and full of smoldering banter, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re craving for a light dark-mafia romance without slow burning banter between each couple. ❤️‍🔥💥 

aishareadsbooks's review

2.75
medium-paced

janfromnj's review

4.0

Rafe and Anika’s story was a long time coming an enjoyable read.

The Martinelli brothers are the focus of all 3 books and this tale of Rafe and Anika ties everything together. They were teenage loves but forbidden to be together due to their sparing mafia families Years later, things have changed and the 3 Martinelli brothers are making their own way in the world of the mafia. Kristen sets most of this story in Seattle and brings in a couple of characters from previous stories of course. It’s an enjoyable read for sure.
romanceschmomance's profile picture

romanceschmomance's review

4.0

I've definitely enjoyed listening to this series, the narrators were fantastic with bringing Annike and Rafe's story to life. I've loved how quickly the story goes and being immersed the entire time. With their long history they share and having no choice, but to be apart, I couldn't wait for them to get their happy ever after.

Annika is essentially torn away from the love of her life, but her and Rafe's family have been enemies. And during their time apart, Annika was thrown into a marriage with a man who flipped the switch as soon as they said 'I Dos' ... and not in the best way. Now it's years later and Annika and Rafe may have their second chance.

The chemistry is undeniable between them and I was loving every single of their moments together.

Out of the three, we get up and personal with the mafia side of it. That's why I hope Proby will write more mafia and keep it going. Hands down my favorite of the series.

romschmo's review

4.0

I've definitely enjoyed listening to this series, the narrators were fantastic with bringing Annike and Rafe's story to life. I've loved how quickly the story goes and being immersed the entire time. With their long history they share and having no choice, but to be apart, I couldn't wait for them to get their happy ever after.

Annika is essentially torn away from the love of her life, but her and Rafe's family have been enemies. And during their time apart, Annika was thrown into a marriage with a man who flipped the switch as soon as they said 'I Dos' ... and not in the best way. Now it's years later and Annika and Rafe may have their second chance.

The chemistry is undeniable between them and I was loving every single of their moments together.

Out of the three, we get up and personal with the mafia side of it. That's why I hope Proby will write more mafia and keep it going. Hands down my favorite of the series.
pizzamia's profile picture

pizzamia's review

4.0

I have been waiting on this book ever since Nadia and Carmine's story. Throughout the past two books, we get a hint at a relationship between Rafe and Annika but do not know all of the history behind them.
In this book, we learn that Rafe and Annika were in a relationship as kids but it was forbidden because their families were enemies. Annika's husband is dead leaving Annika a widow and Rafe sees this as his opportunity to get a second chance with his true love. Annika is being blackmailed by someone and Rafe and his brothers will do anything to protect her.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know the back story of these two but, it felt a bit rushed it me

crystal1010's review

5.0

I’ve seen Rafe and Annika dancing around each other in the other books, and I knew their book would be amazing. My heart broke for Annika, and what she had to go through. And it broke for both of them after how they were torn apart years ago. I’m so happy they got their second chance! A great book!
jonesie_gurl2010's profile picture

jonesie_gurl2010's review

5.0

What a perfect ending to this series. It was all wrapped up so nicely even with the added surprises! I love that Rafe and Annika got their happily ever after.

Rafe is so romantic and sweet with Annika, but still super rough and full of mafia bravado... He's definitely yummy! Annika is strong, like all the women Kristen creates, she love her family fiercely and knows what she wants. I loved their love.
snarky_librarian's profile picture

snarky_librarian's review

2.25
dark mysterious medium-paced
evathedreamer's profile picture

evathedreamer's review

4.75
mysterious tense fast-paced