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A review by ggbookrecclub
His Tesoro: An Arranged Marriage Age Gap Mafia Romance by Emilia Rossi
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is by far, without a doubt, the single best mafia romance book I’ve ever read. I want to tell everyone I know(and a few internet strangers) about this book.
Emilia’s ability to write fully formed and flawed characters will always amaze me. She dazzles us again with a FMC experiencing a chronic illness/disability. I can’t imagine the time and research it must have taken to make this character's experience appear so normalized. There was acknowledgement of her experience and hardships, but also celebration of her strengths and good days. His Tesoro also explored the pressing nature of securing a diagnosis and finding ways to manage symptoms all while mindfully planning for the future.
Sofiya, of FMC is the sunshine to Mateo’s doom and gloom. As a mafia don, there’s no surprise that he’s morally gray. The only emotion he dares show is aggression. In his business dealings, territory, and personal affairs. He agrees to marry Sofiya as a business alliance-how romantic. He plans for them to exist as roommates. No need to get to know one another or get attached.
When she first made her way to Mateo’s home my heart broke. Her childhood and past homelife shaded her understanding of interpersonal relationships, especially those with dangerous and powerful men. By wanting to aggravate her captor, she hides herself away. And I mean what kind of romance story would this be if he didn’t absolutely fall in love with her? What first comes off a callus, we learn is him showing concern. While it would be easy to hate Mateo, it’s just as hard not to love him. He is nothing short of dotting when it comes to paying his sweet Sofiya attention and ensuring that she has what she needs. We’re talking about everything from accessibility/mobility aids to a service dog named Noodle. Noodle is the goodest boy. After all, he’s not your baby, he’s an employee.
Writing this review has been incredibly challenging. When a book is this good, emotionally demanding, and so action packed it’s hard to think of anything else. Which is precisely why I haven’t. This book just keeps running through my mind. Sofiya and Mateo have had me in a chokehold for days.
This would have been a wonderful read as a straightforward mafia romance. But what we got was so much better. Easily, His Tesoro will be a top read of 2024. I feel so incredibly lucky that it’s the first of what I hope is a very lengthy series with many installments.
Emilia’s ability to write fully formed and flawed characters will always amaze me. She dazzles us again with a FMC experiencing a chronic illness/disability. I can’t imagine the time and research it must have taken to make this character's experience appear so normalized. There was acknowledgement of her experience and hardships, but also celebration of her strengths and good days. His Tesoro also explored the pressing nature of securing a diagnosis and finding ways to manage symptoms all while mindfully planning for the future.
Sofiya, of FMC is the sunshine to Mateo’s doom and gloom. As a mafia don, there’s no surprise that he’s morally gray. The only emotion he dares show is aggression. In his business dealings, territory, and personal affairs. He agrees to marry Sofiya as a business alliance-how romantic. He plans for them to exist as roommates. No need to get to know one another or get attached.
When she first made her way to Mateo’s home my heart broke. Her childhood and past homelife shaded her understanding of interpersonal relationships, especially those with dangerous and powerful men. By wanting to aggravate her captor, she hides herself away. And I mean what kind of romance story would this be if he didn’t absolutely fall in love with her? What first comes off a callus, we learn is him showing concern. While it would be easy to hate Mateo, it’s just as hard not to love him. He is nothing short of dotting when it comes to paying his sweet Sofiya attention and ensuring that she has what she needs. We’re talking about everything from accessibility/mobility aids to a service dog named Noodle. Noodle is the goodest boy. After all, he’s not your baby, he’s an employee.
Writing this review has been incredibly challenging. When a book is this good, emotionally demanding, and so action packed it’s hard to think of anything else. Which is precisely why I haven’t. This book just keeps running through my mind. Sofiya and Mateo have had me in a chokehold for days.
This would have been a wonderful read as a straightforward mafia romance. But what we got was so much better. Easily, His Tesoro will be a top read of 2024. I feel so incredibly lucky that it’s the first of what I hope is a very lengthy series with many installments.