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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Eva Winners' writing at its best! Cassio continues the gift that keeps on giving which is the Belles & Mobsters series, a must-read series for all!
Thank you to the wonderful Eva Winners for this ARC of Cassio for me to read and review. It's a pleasure to be on your ARC team and to support your work!
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I first started the Belles & Mobsters series adventure with book one, Luciano--I've got to catch up with Nico--, and I'm thrilled to continue it here with book three, the infamous and long-awaited not-to-be-messed with mafia mobster, Cassio King.
Oh how I wish I can spill all the juicy, spicy, steamy tea for you all but alas, this is a spoiler-free review. But I can tell you this, grab all your bookish essentials, your tea/coffee, pick a comfy spot and settle in for a read that has everything that you simply won't be able to--no-- simply cannot put down! I was on a bit of a time crunch to read it before release day, otherwise I would have spent time savouring this delectable man. I mean read! Read. Delectable read. Cassio only proved just how much I would love this series on my bookcase, I simply must have to look and pick him up again and again!
Cassio--the book, not the man--takes us deeper and deeper into the world of Belles and Mobsters, showcasing the darker, more emotionally gritty and badass sides of its characters and what drives them to do what they need to do both in their line of work, and for themselves. Scales of deception know no bounds in this book, and it was entertaining to read when the penny dropped with a loud and echoey clang.
Though this book much like the series is a romantic suspense/mafia romantic suspense, this book is definitely heavier on the latter part of those tropes. Surprisingly to my own bookish taste (which usually diverts towards more steam/romance), I was here for it! Mafia romance is still a genre I'm fairly new to, and I only read from certain authors who give me exactly what I'm loving about this genre and its tropes, and Eva is one of those select few who just get it right and tick all the boxes. Cassio was dark, daring, and has one hell of an independent, badass, strong-as-hell female character. No wallflowers here. Overall, I'm falling more and more in love with mafia men, and I certainly did with Cassio Hunter King.
Suffice to say, I feel like I'm part of the Belles and Mobsters gang at this point. Luciano completely floored me and I have to hold my hand up and say I'm still floored by my favourite mobster of the group, but Cassio was get-up-out-of-your-seet-and-clap amazing! Of course like all fictional men, there were times where I just wanted to slap him upside the head and tell him to do this and that, or say this and that, but overall Eva has once more given us a leading man that is a fair contender to be someone's next favourite man and book boyfriend.
I just have one question...when are we getting the next book?! Please!? I cannot get enough!
Five stars for Cassio and for Eva!
Thank you to the wonderful Eva Winners for this ARC of Cassio for me to read and review. It's a pleasure to be on your ARC team and to support your work!
-----------------------------------------------
I first started the Belles & Mobsters series adventure with book one, Luciano--I've got to catch up with Nico--, and I'm thrilled to continue it here with book three, the infamous and long-awaited not-to-be-messed with mafia mobster, Cassio King.
Oh how I wish I can spill all the juicy, spicy, steamy tea for you all but alas, this is a spoiler-free review. But I can tell you this, grab all your bookish essentials, your tea/coffee, pick a comfy spot and settle in for a read that has everything that you simply won't be able to--no-- simply cannot put down! I was on a bit of a time crunch to read it before release day, otherwise I would have spent time savouring this delectable man. I mean read! Read. Delectable read. Cassio only proved just how much I would love this series on my bookcase, I simply must have to look and pick him up again and again!
Cassio--the book, not the man--takes us deeper and deeper into the world of Belles and Mobsters, showcasing the darker, more emotionally gritty and badass sides of its characters and what drives them to do what they need to do both in their line of work, and for themselves. Scales of deception know no bounds in this book, and it was entertaining to read when the penny dropped with a loud and echoey clang.
Though this book much like the series is a romantic suspense/mafia romantic suspense, this book is definitely heavier on the latter part of those tropes. Surprisingly to my own bookish taste (which usually diverts towards more steam/romance), I was here for it! Mafia romance is still a genre I'm fairly new to, and I only read from certain authors who give me exactly what I'm loving about this genre and its tropes, and Eva is one of those select few who just get it right and tick all the boxes. Cassio was dark, daring, and has one hell of an independent, badass, strong-as-hell female character. No wallflowers here. Overall, I'm falling more and more in love with mafia men, and I certainly did with Cassio Hunter King.
Suffice to say, I feel like I'm part of the Belles and Mobsters gang at this point. Luciano completely floored me and I have to hold my hand up and say I'm still floored by my favourite mobster of the group, but Cassio was get-up-out-of-your-seet-and-clap amazing! Of course like all fictional men, there were times where I just wanted to slap him upside the head and tell him to do this and that, or say this and that, but overall Eva has once more given us a leading man that is a fair contender to be someone's next favourite man and book boyfriend.
I just have one question...when are we getting the next book?! Please!? I cannot get enough!
Five stars for Cassio and for Eva!
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't enjoy this one as much, it read much slower than the previous stories. Cassio's scheming is on par for the previous ones though but the last part was super rushed.
I do love Cassio but a lot of stuff he did was just glossed over by Áine when she should have been more pissed/pissed for longer.
The author continued with the annoying heart sounds and this time added clock sounds... Like 'ba dum, ba dum, ba dum. It took an agonising three heart beats for her to take my hand' or like 'tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. It took three seconds for her to decided' or whatever the line is... The beating heart is unnecessary and sounds stupid when written out... Why not just say my heart pounded or it three heart pounding seconds, which would be better writing.
Although I can admit I'm not reading these for the writing but these little things really take me out of the reading zone and bug me.
They are feeling super repetitive as well which is disheartening.
I do love Cassio but a lot of stuff he did was just glossed over by Áine when she should have been more pissed/pissed for longer.
The author continued with the annoying heart sounds and this time added clock sounds... Like 'ba dum, ba dum, ba dum. It took an agonising three heart beats for her to take my hand' or like 'tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. It took three seconds for her to decided' or whatever the line is... The beating heart is unnecessary and sounds stupid when written out... Why not just say my heart pounded or it three heart pounding seconds, which would be better writing.
Although I can admit I'm not reading these for the writing but these little things really take me out of the reading zone and bug me.
They are feeling super repetitive as well which is disheartening.
POV: Dual / First Person
Genre: Mafia / Age Gap / Arranged Marriage
When she was fourteen, Cassio and his brother rescued Áine Evans from his half-brother's human trafficking ring. Áine's undeniable strength spoke to Cassio and helped give his life focus and reset his course.
Eight years later Cassio and Áine meet in a serendipitous moment, immediately Cassio feels an overwhelming connection to Áine, who seemingly can't remember him, but herself feels an incredible pull to him. They have a passionate moment until interrupted by the arrival of her stepfather, the head of the Irish Mafia.
Cassio knows that he wants Áine, but when her stepfather refuses her hand in marriage, Cassio spends the next two years plotting a way to make 'his butterfly' his wife.
Genre: Mafia / Age Gap / Arranged Marriage
When she was fourteen, Cassio and his brother rescued Áine Evans from his half-brother's human trafficking ring. Áine's undeniable strength spoke to Cassio and helped give his life focus and reset his course.
Eight years later Cassio and Áine meet in a serendipitous moment, immediately Cassio feels an overwhelming connection to Áine, who seemingly can't remember him, but herself feels an incredible pull to him. They have a passionate moment until interrupted by the arrival of her stepfather, the head of the Irish Mafia.
Cassio knows that he wants Áine, but when her stepfather refuses her hand in marriage, Cassio spends the next two years plotting a way to make 'his butterfly' his wife.
Actually enjoyed this one more than Nicos story.
Loved how strong aine was after everything and how much she and cassio got on until the big reveal eeekkk.
I have a feeling I know who the baby daddy is to Margarets lil one and I can't wait for that story eeekkkk.
Loving these stand alones and how they all connect to each other
Loved how strong aine was after everything and how much she and cassio got on until the big reveal eeekkk.
I have a feeling I know who the baby daddy is to Margarets lil one and I can't wait for that story eeekkkk.
Loving these stand alones and how they all connect to each other
Actually enjoyed this one more than Nicos story.
Loved how strong aine was after everything and how much she and cassio got on until the big reveal eeekkk.
I have a feeling I know who the baby daddy is to Margarets lil one and I can't wait for that story eeekkkk.
Loving these stand alones and how they all connect to each other
Loved how strong aine was after everything and how much she and cassio got on until the big reveal eeekkk.
I have a feeling I know who the baby daddy is to Margarets lil one and I can't wait for that story eeekkkk.
Loving these stand alones and how they all connect to each other
I don’t even know what to say! I love these two so much! I think Cassio an Aime have to be my favorite couple so far. Aime brings out the softer side of Cassio and for as ruthless as he is he hangs the moon on Aime. These two were completely made for one another. I loved how strong, feisty and independent Aime is and how both of them have a goal but when they come together they are completely unstoppable. This book has everything and will give you all the feels. This author has quickly became one of my go to 1-click authors and I am soooo lookin forward to Alesso’s book next!!! I am way to excited!
Cassio may be ruthless and feared for his ability to take out enemies in the underworld, there is something about him that captured my heart. Cassio is determined to end the Belles and Mobsters agreement and those responsible. We find out that eleven years ago, he made a promise to a young girl to take every last one out. When he sees her again he is captivated by the beautiful woman she has become and he is determined to make her his.
"
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adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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
This book honestly redeemed itself a lot with the final few chapters. I am glad the ending wasnt the typical guy-saves-girl-from-her-demons type of thing and that Aine was not portrayed as someone that needs a man to come save her. I am not one for Mafia books, the power dynamics really trip me up, especially when the female protagonist is portrayed as a complete damsel in distress at the mercy of the strong mafia boss with a bazillion freaking scars and tattoos. But this one was different. It had the setup of the girl needing saving and honestly, the author could've exploited the shit out of it but she didn't and I am grateful for that because we don't get strong female protagonists a lot in these type of books. It was refreshing to see the female protagonist be portrayed as ruthless and savage instead of meek and timid. Also, butterfly is my most favourite imagery so this book really struck a chord in my heart from the very start.
The age gap was kind of a hard pill to swallow and I had half a mind to pretend Cassio wasnt 40.
The age gap was kind of a hard pill to swallow and I had half a mind to pretend Cassio wasnt 40.