A review by ljamison01
Wicked Rivals by Kelliann Nelson

emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I truly enjoy the mafia trope, because I love the possessive men. I love the self confidence, the swagger, knowing that this man will save and protect me. Well this mafia story was a little different from the usual arranged marriages. Valerie and Stefano knew each other when he was in college they met while she was working in a cafe. He was the spare child and therefore thought he would never be the mob boss. He dreamed of living the American dream of being a college professor with a wife and children. So he lied to Valerie about who he was and they became involved. Unfortunately his father and brother were both eliminated and he had no choice but to become the head of the family. Valerie was disgusted when she found out and the two ended their relationship. Now tens years later Stefano is about to be the biggest mafia group on the east coast after he gets married. But, someone doesn’t want that marriage to occur because Stefano finds out that Valerie has a son and he’s the father. Most mafia books don’t have a lot of angst because there is some much other stuff going on. But, these two have spent ten years pining for each other. It was so good. Great story with action, mystery, suspense, some spice and a cliffhanger. The book will be concluded in the next book Savage Enemy.