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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
3 stars
Another cute mafia read. The only reason I didn't give it 2 stars is because of how genuinely their relationship built up; no insta-love but a cute fling-to-more progression.
Another cute mafia read. The only reason I didn't give it 2 stars is because of how genuinely their relationship built up; no insta-love but a cute fling-to-more progression.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Firstly, I am confused by the changing titles and numbering of this series. I thought this was the first book in the series but seems like I got that wrong and I am sure the author has a reason behind it, but it def makes it confusing. Thankfully there was enough shared from the actual first book that I didn't feel too confused on the whole drama, but I do feel like I would have understood and maybe even liked this book more had I read the first one beforehand.
Overall, as with many mafia romances, this was a rollercoaster of emotions. James and Carrigan are not only head over heels for each other but outside of the intense attraction and desire they have, it's clear they both accept the other for the true person they are. I enjoyed reading how they both evolved a bit by being with one another and ultimately supporting one another.
The ending was rushed in my opinion and maybe because this is a series their story continues but there was a lot that happened there in the end that could certainly have been expanded on further.
Overall, as with many mafia romances, this was a rollercoaster of emotions. James and Carrigan are not only head over heels for each other but outside of the intense attraction and desire they have, it's clear they both accept the other for the true person they are. I enjoyed reading how they both evolved a bit by being with one another and ultimately supporting one another.
The ending was rushed in my opinion and maybe because this is a series their story continues but there was a lot that happened there in the end that could certainly have been expanded on further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Alcohol
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Holy drama. So worth a read.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the second book in the reissued O’Malley Series and is Carrigan O’Malley and James Hallorans’ story. We met both of them in the first book when they hooked up at a bar not knowing who each other was. Which I got to say looking back is quite surprising since they are part of 2 of the 3 mafia families in Boston. But to be honest, I didn’t care too much because I loved their chemistry and was pumped that the second book was about them.
There are so many reasons why these two would not be a good match for each other…kidnapping, murder, and her father wants to marry her off to a Russian mobster from NYC. Yet they are drawn to each other again and again. No matter how hard Carrigan fights it, she just can’t stay away from him.
Read this if you enjoy:
There are so many reasons why these two would not be a good match for each other…kidnapping, murder, and her father wants to marry her off to a Russian mobster from NYC. Yet they are drawn to each other again and again. No matter how hard Carrigan fights it, she just can’t stay away from him.
Read this if you enjoy:
Please don't take this as a negative at all, but this series is bonkers ridiculous and I absolutely LOVE every word of it. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books and hope that it only gets more and more loony. I am here for it.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
O how I started with so much hope and excitement! Book #2 had no chance of standing up to book #1. It tried but shot itself in the foot in the first book by
Spoiler
James kidnapping CarriganSpoiler
keep his picture album????
Anyways, the characters were really cool individually but together they made NO SENSE! The chemistry was there for sure and there were hot scenes, but without the love story making sense, it felt unorganized and unbelievable.
Certainly there are worse reads out there, but my love for the first book is the reason I was able to get through book #2.
After 6 O'Malley books, I have finished the series and will be adding this to ALL of my book reviews for the series: Book 1,5 and 6 are top tier. Book 2 and 3 are good books. Book 4 took everything out of my to finish.
The series overall is a dark romance mob story that follows the 6 O'Malley siblings. Each character is truly their own character and is done right by having their storyline and character delved out by [a:Katee Robert|5398028|Katee Robert|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1351360784p2/5398028.jpg]. I did not feel like any character got a cheaper storyline, but some characters had more character growth than others. The partners to each sibling were treated equally important with the same respect to the O'Malley's. While some of the tropes were the same, the story lines were never the same, if not just for the fact that the characters were so different from each other.
Callista (Callie) is a bad ass mob boss that leads her family with a strong set of morals. Teague is her love interest and they have an insta-love. He is in touch with his emotions, and loves his family above all else. Their love story was cute and was a great start to the series, giving much hope to the readers. This installment was one of the spicier and darker books.
Next, we have Carrigan and James's love story. Carrigan is the scariest of the O'Malley's and is always shown as a force to be reckoned with. Carrigan WILL kill for her family, and will break the trauma within her family. I love Carrigan with my whole heart. James is finding his footing with his family dynamic changing. James is a HIMBO and is just happy that Carrigan chose him. He will protect her at all costs, but also understands that he needs her protection more than she needs his. In the whole series, he stands back and lets Carrigan lead which is so refreshing. This installment was not very dark, but had lots of spice!
SPOILERS BELOW:
Spoiler
Cillian and Olivia take a step back from the mob mentality and their love story is built from admiration, annoyance, and respect. They don't grow very much as characters, but are a cute little love story. Cillian has no hunger for power, and is able to be a sweet provider without being overly macho. Olivia is a single mom that is wise and knows when to ask for help. They were cute. This book had very very very little spice and was not dark.
Now, I hated book 4 because Jude and Sloan were just insufferable characters. There was some character growth here but I did not enjoy their story. Sloan is a scared little princess that is trying to escape her mob life. Jude is a calculated killer trying to take down the Sheridan's. But they can't resist each other... This book lacked darkness and the 'spice' was diet virgin spice.
Book 5 was Aiden and Charlies story. The trope is a bit overdone, but the characters were done so well that it didn't matter! The cop went too deep into undercover, and Aiden's love for her was stronger than his craving for revenge. There was a lot of character growth here with Aiden, but less so with Charlie. This book was one of the more spicy one of the series! It also was a little dark.
And finally: Book 6 was the darkest AND the spiciest! Dmitri is evil but treats Kiera as an equal and softens towards her, while Kiera hardens into a whole person learning to live again. Kiera became an addict after Devlin's death, and has felt beat down by being a pawn in the mob life. When Dmitri offers power, she finally picks herself up and chooses her life. Dmitri is focused on having all of the power but finds himself willingly giving it to Kiera, and they build up their own empire.
